Bill Hawkins owns a bed-and-breakfast in the small mountain town of Middleton. He loves his life, his family, and his friends. The only thing missing is someone to call his own. A man he can love who will love him in return.<br><br>Erik King takes off when he catches his boyfriend in bed with another man. He's looking for somewhere away from that city. Perhaps a small town where life is less hectic and the people are friendly. What he is not looking for is a new man in his life.<br><br>When a winter snowstorm lands Erik at Bill's B&B, he finds the younger man too interesting, and goes on the run, again. The question becomes, will he realize he can't run from his feelings and return in time to celebrate Thanksgiving—and admit to Bill that he cares for him -- giving them both a reason to be thankful?

Bill and Erik

Bill’s response was a tentative kiss. Erik returned it, somewhat more forcefully than it had been given. When it ended, Bill murmured, “I thought that’s what it would be like. I should have kissed you long before tonight.”


“You needed to know that you trusted me, first, I think,” Erik replied, brushing another kiss over Bill’s lips. “But…why tonight?”


Bill smiled. “Because you didn’t come up with any excuses about why you couldn’t go by Frank’s garage tomorrow, to show him you know what you’re talking about. If that makes sense.”


“Does to me. I doplan on staying here. I doplan on being with you. Don’t ever doubt it.” Erik chortled. “After all, it’s what I told your mother, and I wouldn’t lie to her, now would I?”


“Not if you value your life,” Bill agreed, grinning.


“One more kiss, and then I have to go if I’m going to show up at the garage at seven in the damned A. M. tomorrow morning.”


Chapter 25