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

About then Orr stopped thinking entirely and the sore knee seemed about a thousand miles away. It gave one twinge when his whole body went taut, just before he shot off. That didn’t slow him down a bit. The spasms went on for what seemed a quarter of an hour, and Jase stuck with him until the very last one.


Although he could not see the other man’s face, he could almost feel the smug grin when Jase rocked back on his heels at last and swallowed hard. “There, bet you’re feeling way better. Getting all that blood moving around ought to kick the ibuprofen in real good.”


“Yeah, all better,” Orr agreed. “Get your ass into your own bed now and let’s both catch some zees.”


Chapter 19