DeVore lost the love of his life ten years ago, left his seven-figure career with a huge financial firm, and became a recluse. He now indulges a hobby of photography which has become his new vocation. At one of the few social functions he attends, he meets an amazing young man. Can he find new life and new love? The game of hearts is always risky, but what if a part of your first love now lives in another body?<br><br>Tim was a preemie and always frail. Later, an organ transplant was the only thing that could save him. Now grown, he still struggles to break restrictive family ties and find a purpose. It’s a thrill to meet the charismatic DeVore, an idol whose powerful photographs move many. But is this attraction his own, or coming from the stranger’s heart now beating in his chest?

A Game of Hearts

“Yes, I’m gay. I’ve known it since before I had the surgery at sixteen and I came out to family and friends as soon as I was back on my feet. No one had a huge fit, although my folks were not pleased. I’ve tried to keep a low profile to be sure it doesn’t cause them any problems. In some circles, Texas is still pretty conservative.”


While they’d talked, DeVore had edged closer. Now he sat near enough that he only had to stretch his arms to reach Tim, touch him, then grasp both arms after he took the near-empty mug from fingers gone almost nerveless and set it aside.


Tim could no more resist that gravel-voiced command than he could have flown to the moon in his current state of undress. He shoved down the sheet and spread, heedless of showing the scar in the center of his chest that he made a habit of keeping covered. It wasn’t pretty, but DeVore didn’t bat an eye as his gaze slid right past it to all that lay below.


Chapter 12