Jacob Baumgardner is struggling to get his nonprofit shelter for gay teens off the ground because the building needs a lot of help before it can pass inspection. Raised by his grandparents for part of his life, Jacob feels that the shelter is his chance to honor them, but someone is making things difficult. An anonymous extortionist seems determined to ruin Jacob’s late grandfather’s good name and keep the shelter from opening.<br><br>Luka Smith is struggling to find his place in the world after a traumatic event in his teen years pushed him to run. When Jacob hires him to help with repairs at the shelter, Luka falls for his new boss hard. Luka wants nothing more than to help Jacob realize his dream.<br><br>As they work together to ensure The Promise of Hope Shelter gets off the ground, their feelings for each other only grow. But will a calculating blackmailer close the shelter before it even has a chance?

The Promise of Hope Shelter

“Hi, honey! I took an early lunch from work,” a voice sung out from the hallway as the door swung open. Luka walked over to Jacob, who stood staring open-mouthed. “Looks like I surprised you, baby,” he said with a laugh and planted a kiss on Jacob’s cheek. “I missed you so much, I had to come see you,” he whispered loudly as he snaked his arm around Jacob’s neck and pulled him close.


Reverend Anderson stood frozen, his lips pressed tightly together in disbelief and his eyes wide with disgust.


“Hi, I’m Luka, Jacob’s better half.” Luka reached to shake the reverend’s hand. When it wasn’t reciprocated, he walked around the desk and clapped him on the shoulder.


The older man nearly jumped out of his skin, and his eyes darted between Luka and Jacob. “I’m leaving,” he said tersely. “Mark my words, Jacob. You won’t be open very long.”


Chapter 6