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

The end result wasn’t the greatest, but it felt marginally better. Anyway, his impromptu doctoring would have to do for now. At least for twenty-four hours or so, he thought, as he contemplated a long night with not much sleep. The damned thing hurt like a toothache and nothing he could do was going to change that. Not a pill person, he’d never thought to put even aspirin in his gear. Pain was an ordinary part of a rough life, one you just dealt with. That had been Grandpa’s philosophy and had become his. For really bad stuff, the old man said you used whiskey. Too bad he didn’t have any.


After Jase put the kit away, he returned to the fire. This time, he sat down beside Orr on the same log bench. Orr could feel the other man’s troubled gaze and, although he could not read Jase’s thoughts, he could tell they were somber.


Chapter 18