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

Paul raised both hands and violently shook his head. “I’m not the singer in the family.”


Paul rolled his eyes and feigned an insulted look.


“I see you have a couple of new faces with you. Hi, guys. You are?”


“Br’er and Ray,” Br’er called out.


Thankfully, Michael didn’t ask for an explanation of Br’er’s name.


“Where from, Br’er and Ray?” Michael asked.


Br’er looked at Ray, not sure what Ray wanted disclosed.


“Well, welcome to NYC.” Michael played another glissando.


Michael went immediately into a song, “NYC,” which Br’er recognized was from a movie version of Annie, which he, Ray, and Mazie had watched just prior to their trip.


Michael continued seamlessly into another tune. When he was finished, he asked, “Anyone know that song?”


“‘They Call the Wind Maria’,” someone called out.


Michael kept playing the tune softly. “And who knows what show it’s from?”


Chapter 27