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

Rex laughed. “Now that’s what I want to hear. Think we could dare the hot tub?”


Jude’s green eyes widened, then he licked his glossy lips. “How private is this balcony?”


Rex tugged his hand and they went to the sliding glass door. He slid it open and they stepped outside. The inn was nestled in amongst a cluster of trees. They glanced to their left and then to their right. Leafy branches obstructed their view of any other rooms. Since their room was on the top floor, there were no rooms above for people to spy on them.


“Oh, God, I couldn’t,” Jude exclaimed. “Could I?”


Jude actually blushed. “Well, um, coming in their tub?”


He burst out laughing. “We wouldn’t be the first, I’m sure, and I’m sure it’s highly chlorinated, but if it will put your mind at ease, we can both wear condoms.”


Still blushing, Jude nodded. “All right.”


Rex brought him back inside. “It’s a little chilly in here, so why don’t I start the fireplace and then we can go outside and get in the tub?”


Chapter 30