Five years ago, British transplant, Jude, left San Francisco after the tragic murder of his lover, Martin. Heartbroken, he settled in Sutter's Bay and opened a small flower shop, hoping that surrounding himself with bright colors and pretty things -- living things -- would somehow lessen the anguish he felt over his loss.<br><br>Jude never expects to find a love like he shared with Martin ever again. Certainly a love like theirs won't come along twice in a lifetime. But then Jude meets sexy Rex Warner, the new veterinarian in Sutter's Bay, and he can't help but wonder if his luck has changed.<br><br>Will Rex be able to stop Jude from dwelling on the painful past and look toward a promising future instead?

Twice in a Lifetime

“I’m sorry,” Jude whispered, after his tears finally ceased.


“Don’t be. I’m sorry the cat got out. I should learn to be more careful.” Rex leaned his forehead against Jude’s. The man was so damn beautiful with those sorrowful sea green eyes, the tears lingering on his lashes, looking like diamonds glistening. He hadn’t seen a man this beautiful in a long time…if he ever had. Rex realized from just the short time he’d known Jude that he could fall hard.


“I should have warned you,” Jude whispered.


Rex had to concentrate for a second to remember what Jude meant. He pulled back just a little, just enough to angle his face so his lips could cover the other man’s. Jude’s plump lips softened under his. They still tasted vaguely of apple cider and of tears. They were also the sweetest damn lips. Rex pushed his tongue past, slipping into the moist heat of Jude’s mouth.


Chapter 13