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

“Nice,” Br’er whispered, “Very nice.”


Br’er’s hands slowly roamed around to Ray’s back and squeezed his ass, then pulled him close, pressing their bodies together. All the while Br’er murmured words of appreciation for Ray’s physique.


Ray became aware he was getting hard. He could also feel Br’er’s erection pressing against him. His breathing deepened. Br’er tightened his embrace and lightly bit Ray’s shoulder. Ray responded by pulling Br’er closer and pressing harder against him.


Br’er leaned back and looked up into Ray’s eyes. He raised one eyebrow and said in a quiet, sensual voice, “Where we go from here is up to you.”


When Ray didn’t appear to be able to respond, Br’er stepped back, pulled his green polo off over his head, and let it fall to the floor behind him. Ray let his eyes roam over the man’s lightly muscled chest with its covering of short reddish hair. He stifled a shudder of excited anticipation.


Chapter 8