Shakespeare-loving teacher Elliot Dunn has been unhappy living in the big city for a long time. He yearns for fresh air, visible stars, and stillness, but his relationship with divorce lawyer Mick Hudson keeps him from moving away. When a dramatic event occurs in Elliot’s class, he’s shaken to his core and suddenly can’t stay anymore. He leaves his partner of two years behind and returns to the tiny town in the mountains where he grew up. Living in a rented cabin in the woods, with only an owl for company, Elliot slowly regains his peace of mind. But being away from Mick is agonizing, and when a ghost from Elliot's past pays him a visit, everything comes to a head. Elliot is faced with a hard decision. Should he stay on the stress-free mountainside alone, or return to the hustle of the city and try to make a life with Mick?

Find His Way Home

The principal’s voice brought Elliot out of his rumination. He turned his attention to the man, who leaned back in his big, leather chair, looking annoyed.


“I am, Mr. Billings.” Elliot’s fingers searched out his beard, wanting to tug and pull. To keep himself from doing it in front of his employer, he folded his arms across his chest. “I quit.”


It hadn’t been pretty after that. The principal had accused Elliot of playing hard to get, of wanting more benefits and a raise. For every accusatory word, his face grew redder, and the words sounded more and more clipped.


Elliot had kept his calm and finally managed to convince the principal he’d been serious. He’d tried to deny Elliot a letter of recommendation, but Elliot had raised one eyebrow and looked at the man. Watching him squirm, saying nothing. It hadn’t been attractive.


In the end, he left with his recommendations and a Good luckhissed from behind clenched teeth.


Chapter 22