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

“Hi. My name is Dirk. What can I get you?” he asked as he placed paper cocktail napkins on the bar in front of Br’er and Ray. “The Townhouse is famous for our signature martinis.”


Br’er smiled. The Townhouse knew what it was doing. Serving mostly forty plus, seemingly wealthy gay men, they had dressed the place with just the right kind of eye candy.


Br’er looked at Ray. “I’ll have a Dark-n-Stormy,” Ray said.


“I’ll try one of your famous martinis,” Br’er added.


When Dirk had gone to fix their drinks, Br’er asked, “How are you doing?”


“Okay,” Ray responded as he looked around. “Not what I expected. Looks pretty normal.”


Br’er laughed. He was about to ask what Ray had expected when Dirk returned with their drinks.


“Will you be staying for a while?” he asked.


“I think so,” Br’er said, looking to Ray, who indicated yes.


“Good,” Dirk said. “May I have a name for your tab?”


Chapter 25