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

“Personally, I’m not that religious, but they are. They’ve never expressed any animosity toward gays…well, except for my two brothers-in-law. But they all firmly believe in one man, one woman marriage. The brothers-in-law think that all gays are going to hell.”


“Penny, that was my wife’s name, and her family are religious though. Not like my family but enough. We belonged to her parents’ church. I still do. And here’s where it gets complicated. I work for her dad’s business. It’s called The Wayand it’s a Christian publishing company. I’m the chief editor and supervise the editorial team.”


“I’m slated to be CEO when Penny’s father retires.”


Br’er raised his eyebrows another notch.


“Most of the friends Penny and I had were in our church and many worked for The Way.”


Chapter 18