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

“Wow,” Mazie said. “This is so me.” She stood and dramatically draped the shawl around her shoulders and spun around, modeling it for Br’er. “Thank you,” she said as she sat down again.


The second box contained a pair of very gaudy, orange and blue, dangly, crystal earrings.


“Perfect!” Mazie exclaimed. She took out the pair she was wearing and replaced them with those that Br’er had given her.


“How do I look?” she asked, sweeping a hand to her shoulder so that the brightly-colored shawl hung down, covering her boobs and belly. She shook her head from side to side, making the earrings swing back and forth.


“You look amazing,” Br’er said with a chuckle, emphasizing the ‘maze’ part of the word.


“Thanks.” Mazie leaned in and gave him a hug.


At that point, Mickey jumped back up on the couch and stuck his nose into the bag again.


“Yes, there’s another one for you,” Br’er said. He took out another box, handed it to Mazie, and said, “We’ll let Mommy open it for you.”


Chapter 34