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

Jacob rushed to get ready, taking a quick shower, then checking his phone. He had several texts and was surprised he’d slept through them. One from the pharmacy reminding him that his anxiety meds were ready for pick-up. One from a pizza place announcing a special. The third made him smile. It was from Luka.


God, he felt like a silly teenage girl, but he was positively giddy about that man.


By the time he made it downstairs to the kitchen, he was surprised to see Shelby sitting at the table, a frown on his face. The other boys were working, setting the table, getting out the ingredients for breakfast.


Jacob took a seat across from Shelby and waited for the kid to look at him. Lord, he was stubborn. It might take a while, but Jacob could wait him out. He was stubborn, too.


He heard footsteps on the stairs and turned to find Garrett coming to join them.


Chapter 18