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

After a few minutes Br’er said, “Now I’m the one who’s starving. Let’s eat.”


After a quick shower and clad only in fluffy, white hotel towels, Ray and Br’er sat at the small table and began their meal. Ray smiled as Br’er prattled happily along, telling Ray about this and that, laughing at some amusing anecdote here and there.


Ray listened and responded appropriately but at the same time felt guilty. He had never shared anything about his life outside the hotel rooms with Br’er in the two months they’d been together, not even his real name. Yet, Br’er never complained or pushed for more.


After they’d eaten and cleared away the leftovers, Br’er popped the microwave popcorn. Ray watched him from the bed, marveling at the turn of events that had brought this wonderful young man into his life. Br’er handed Ray the bag of popcorn.


Chapter 17