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

Luka bent over to tie his shoe, and Jacob nearly did a spit take. He choked as he tried to keep the water from flying from his mouth. Fuck, the man was hot. He watched Luka stand up and roll his shoulders.


Luka turned, surprise on his face. “No, why?”


Luka chuckled. “No, not pain, really. Just slept funny last night. Actually, I have to knock off a little early. Do you want to take a look at the wiring?”


Jacob shook his head. “I wouldn’t even know what I was looking at.”


“I’ll have to teach you one day,” Luka said, his voice low.


Heat spread through Jacob and he fought the urge to run to Luka. Instead, he blurted, “Why?”


Chapter 12