Orr Loveless is exactly where he knows he belongs, rescuing and training mules. Despite their reputation, which he feels is undeserved, he knows they are smart, sure footed, and great mounts for trail riding and outdoor adventures. The only thing he lacks is a human partner to share the work and the fun, but he knows his lifestyle is not likely to attract one.<br><br>Jase Keller has returned to New Mexico, where his forgotten roots remain. With his high finance job destroying him, he desperately needs a big change for this vacation. Only Orr Loveless doesn’t seem to want to take him on a wilderness trip. When they go, it’s the opposite of the farm boy seeing the city for the first time. Jase discovers another life and it’s the one he wants to live ... with Orr by his side.<br><br>Can Jase persuade a stubborn mule man like Orr that he doesn’t need to be “loveless” any longer?

The Mule Man

Afraid to cause even more harm, Jase made Katie wait until Orr had reached the relative safety beyond the slide zone. At last he could slack the reins. Katie began to inch forward. It felt like she tested each foot before she settled her weight on it. Behind her, Penny shivered as she crept along, her nose nestled against the older mule’s flank. Although once or twice a few rocks rolled, the whole mass did not begin to move again. Jase thanked every power he could name as the safety of stable ground grew closer. Ten steps, five, and then they were there.


Orr had crawled off to one side of the trail near where the other four mules huddled together, still snorting and fidgeting from their fright. As soon as Jase was sure his mount and Penny stood on solid ground, he dropped the reins to “ground tie” his mule as Orr had done with Maude and scrambled off. Then he ran to the other man’s side.


“Oh my God, are you okay? Hurt? Can I help?”


Chapter 16