Three times burned, Br’er Harris swears off efforts to find love. He still has needs, though, which he satisfies by becoming a paid escort. Widower Ray Cunningham wants to explore the feelings of attraction to men he’s had most of his life but has kept hidden for fear of rejection from his ultra-conservative family. Ray doesn’t want a relationship with a man; he just wants to satisfy his urges with no-strings hook-ups. And the easiest way to achieve this is to hire an escort. Ray’s first encounter is with Br’er, and they’re instantly and powerfully drawn to each other. The attraction is so powerful and disturbing, each privately vows to never see the other again. However, their feelings will not be denied. Br’er accepts a second meeting, which leads to a third, then a fourth. Despite his previous history with relationships, Br’er knows Ray is the one for him. Unfortunately, Ray’s fear of being outed to his family keeps him from being able to offer more than clandestine meetings in out of town hotel rooms. Br’er says it’s enough, but Ray knows he deserves better. Ray is faced with a decision. Can he let Br’er go to find the love he deserves, or will he be able to throw open the closet door and live openly with the man he’s hardwired to love?

Hardwired for Love

“Uh…Because, um…Il…cliente è..ah…sempre corretto,” Br’er said, hoping he got the Italian right.


“Bravo, bravo!” Antonio patted Br’er on the back.


“There will be times when upon meeting your client you find that their physical attributes are less than desirable. Tell me, how would you handle this?”


Br’er sat and thought for a moment. “Well, since the motto at Antonio’s is the customer gets his money’s worth, I would put my personal preferences aside and do my best to make the client feel they were the epitome of attractiveness.”


“Very good,” Antonio said. “Easier said than done at times, but that is the attitude upon which Antonio’s is based.


Now, consider that many of our clients are lonely, needy people. They have been deprived of affection for various reasons. Here they are with a very attractive young man…”


“…who is, for all intents, making love to them. They indicate that they are developing feelings for you. What would you do?”


Chapter 6