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

“Hey, it’s okay, baby. I’m here. We’re a team now. Maybe a different view could help. Tell me, baby.”


Luka stroked his hair and he slowly calmed down. He wiped at his eyes and pulled back to look at Luka. “Before I tell you, I need to explain some things about my past.”


Luka nodded and waited. Jacob swiveled to sit sideways next to him. He wanted to look at Luka while he spilled his secrets.


Chapter 20