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

“Bentley is such a good kid,” Paul began. “He’s going to Hudson full time during the day and works here at night. He just doesn’t deserve what he’s been through.”


Quinn shook his head as if he were resigned to the inevitable.


“He’s been in love three times, and each of his boyfriends cheated on him. I thought the third time was the charm, but no, it’s happened to him again. He told us about it just last week. He came home to find…” Paul turned to Quinn. “What was the boyfriend’s name again?”


Quinn sighed. “I don’t remember.”


“Doesn’t matter. Bentley came home to find his boyfriend in bed with another guy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave up on love altogether.”


Br’er turned to look at Ray. Ray was giving him a warm smile. “He shouldn’t give up,” Ray said without taking his eye from Br’er. “Sometimes the fourth time is the charm.”


“How are things going for you?” Paul asked the waiter pointedly.


Chapter 26