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

The cab pulled up to the curb at the edge of Washington Square Park. “There ya are, guys, have a good day.”


Both Br’er and Ray thanked him. Ray handed him the fare which included a generous tip.


They walked through the Washington Arch and into the park. The trees had lost a majority of their leaves, and the fountain was turned off for the season, but the little color that remained caught the mid-morning sunshine and made for a beautiful scene.


“Anywhere special you want to go?” Br’er asked.


“No—I just want to walk around The Village.”


They strolled through the winding pathways of the park which was surrounded by New York University. There were many students hurrying to class, or sitting on benches studying. Here and there, street performers were staking their claims and setting up for a day of entertaining. A few were already beginning their performances.


Chapter 29