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

She pursed her lips and glared at them. “There are good church people here that won’t put up with this.”


“That’s great!” Luka said. “I’ve been looking for a new church to attend since I moved here. Maybe we’ll try yours this Sunday.”


She paled, while Jacob pressed his lips together to keep the laughter from pouring out.


Ava stayed silent for a moment as she obviously tried to remain composed. Finally, she spoke quietly, her voice strained. “I see my visit was just a waste of time today. Don’t forget, I tried to warn you.”


With that, she turned on her heels and made her way down the walk toward her car. As she climbed into her vehicle, Jacob burst out laughing, bringing a smile to Luka’s face.


“Oh, my God, that was so fun,” Jacob exclaimed just as Luka’s lips claimed his in a soft, tender kiss that spun through him all the way down to his toes.


Chapter 11