Dr. Ray Carmichael is a wealthy African-American doctor and political activist running for office on the platform that the brutality and corruption of the local police force is out of control. Nick Sorenson is a white cop who grew up poor and almost lost his life in gangs and crime before turning his life around by joining the police force. When Ray’s brother is beaten by a couple of police officers after a traffic stop, Nick is the Internal Affairs detective put in charge of investigating the incident. Dr. Carmichael's obvious distrust of the police force rubs Nick the wrong way, and the man becomes a pain in his neck. Too bad, because neither of them can deny their attraction to each other. Ray has Nick removed from the case when he decides he’d rather date the man than fight with him. In spite of their differences, they begin an affair and grow closer. Until an explosive incident at a family gathering puts nagging doubts in Nick’s head -- he's not sure if they can overcome the differences that separate them. When Nick is about to lose everything important to him, will he realize his budding relationship with Ray is worth trying to see the other side?

The Other Side

“No, I’m—” Nick started to explain just as the girl went to close the door in his face. He put his foot in the way.


“Mom!” she screamed, trying to push him out with the door. “There’s some psycho at the door trying to get in!”


“What? Caroline, what’s going on?” A woman’s voice came from inside.


“No, wait,” Nick protested. “I’m expected.”


That stopped the girl, Caroline, Nick supposed. She stared at him, the door still poised to close. “By who?”


Just then a pretty ebony skinned woman appeared behind the girl. She frowned at him. “You’re Nick?”


“I’m Ray’s sister, Gina, and this is my daughter, Caroline.” She stepped aside to let him in. “I’m sorry, Ray didn’t mention you were a white man.”


“Nice to meet you,” Nick said, stepping inside, wondering why Ray didn’t think to warn his family the man he was seeing was white. Already he could tell he was way underdressed. Gina wore an elegant ivory pantsuit.


Chapter 21