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 cupped his cheek. “Baby, you are amazing. Your grandparents would be so proud of you.”


Jacob smiled and leaned in to give him a quick kiss. It was no wonder he was so nuts over this man. Luka truly understood Jacob’s need to make this shelter a success.


“Thank you,” he whispered and pressed his lips to Luka’s again before settling his head on his shoulder.


“Thank you for sharing with me, baby. Do you want to catch me up on the threatening text now?”


Jacob sighed. “It started recently. Texts. Emails. Calls.” He sat up and stared directly into Luka’s eyes. “I’m being blackmailed. About my grandfather.”


Jacob filled him in on the video, the demand for money, and the threatening messages. He even brought down his laptop to share the video with Luka. By the time he was done, he was wiped out. Completely drained. He held on to Luka for strength, almost afraid he would slide to the floor.


Chapter 21