Roane Wellman only intends to work one summer on railroad maintenance to pay for his next semester of college after his party-guy ways made his grandfather to stop supporting his schooling. In a summer of hard work, adventure, and danger, he matures and finds a new course for his life. Before the season ends, he knows he’s meant to be workin’ on the railroad as he fights to build a career and a partnership that just might last for the rest of his life.<br><br>Alden Prescott is a loner, content to operate his big crane and shrug off the added responsibilities of being a gang foreman. His current foreman, however, is a drunkard and so close to worthless that Alden ends up doing a lot of the functions he has tried to avoid. Although Alden’s strongly drawn to the handsome new summer hire, memories of a past tragedy make him afraid to pursue the relationship.<br><br>What will it take to convince Alden that Roane is not going to let him repeat past mistakes? Is their budding relationship heading for a train wreck, or is it the perfect connection to take them down life’s track together?

Workin' on the Railroad

Roane lifted one hand in a wave as Alden drove past and got a short nod in response. That hurt. What had he done to turn the other man off so suddenly and so totally? He still held a powerful admiration for Prescott and the tug of attraction continually drew him, but he got no vibe to pick up where they’d left off that night after the near accident


Is it me or him or what? Damned if I know but—oh, shit, there’s no use trying to beat down a brick wall with my head! I just have to let it go, I guess.


Only the soft crunch on the loose gravel as Mike Hale approached saved Roane from another start. He turned to face the other man as he stopped at the rear of Roane’s truck.


“Well?” Roane asked. “What’s this about?”


“I know you’ve been suspicious of me. It’s written all over you every time we cross paths. The other guys may wonder, but they really don’t care. You do. I think it’ll be best if I tell you a little about what I’m here for, but I’d appreciate if you keep it to yourself.”


Chapter 14