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

The roommates were in the kitchen. Mazie was making dinner, and Br’er sat at the table, fooling with his smartphone. Mickey sat at Mazie’s feet, monitoring her every move.


“But you said he’s married. Did he give you the old ‘My wife doesn’t understand me’,” line?” Mazie asked as she stirred the marinara.


“No, he didn’t. In fact, he hasn’t mentioned her at all.”


“So, what do you guys do?” Mazie asked, glancing over her shoulder at Br’er.


Br’er cocked his head and waggled his eyebrows.


“Oh! For God’s sake, I don’t mean that, you pervert. I mean like, do you go to dinner, movies?”


“No, we usually stay in our hotel room. We do carry-out for dinner.”


Mickey gave an impatient yip, and Mazie dropped a bit of spaghetti on the floor for him.


“Is that going to be the extent of your relationship? Holed up in some cheap hotel all the time?”


Chapter 14