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

“Wait,” Ray said, having a sudden inspiration. “I’d like to see Stonewall before we go.”


They walked the few blocks to the historic bar. Ray’s first view of the building left him a bit underwhelmed. He wasn’t sure what he had expected, but the Stonewall Inn was pretty much like any other of the modest buildings along quiet, tree-lined Christopher Street. There was a large rainbow flag flanked by two tall windows on the second story. Under them were wrought iron flower pot holders to which were affixed dozens of small rainbow flags, seemingly representing many countries of the world.


The first floor was a red brick fa?ade with two arched doorways on either side of a large plate glass window. In its center was a modest red neon sign that read: The Stonewall Inn.


The flags were the only indication of what the building represented.


“Want to go in and have a drink?” Br’er asked. “I think we have time.”


“Yeah,” Ray replied. “Let’s do that.”


Chapter 31