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

Mazie came over, retrieved Mickey, and gave Ray a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for helping Br’er pick out my earrings and Mickey’s collar.” She shook her head to show Ray she was wearing them.


She took his coat, handed it to Br’er, and then stood back. She lifted Ray’s arm—pushing back the sleeve of his sweater as she did. She raised both hands to her cheeks and in a phony southern belle accent, said, “Oh my, I do declare, what a beautiful silver bracelet, Mr. Cunningham. I do think Br’er has one just like it. Whatever can that mean?” She fluttered her eyelashes demurely


“Subtle, Maze, real subtle,” Br’er said, coming forward and giving Ray a kiss.


Ray laughed and put an arm around Br’er’s waist. “Yes, Miss Mazie,” he said, picking up on the charade, “Mr. Harris has declared his love for me by giving me this token of his affection.”


“So, when’s the big day?” Mazie asked, dropping the accent. “Will your family be there?”


Chapter 35