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

Ray shook his head. “New life, new traditions. I can watch football anytime. Christmas is once a year.”


Br’er looked at Mazie. She was smiling.


They finished eating, washed the dishes, and took up positions in the living room as they popped in the first DVD of the day, It’s a Wonderful Life. Mazie sat in the recliner with Mickey on her lap. Ray and Br’er cuddled under an afghan on the couch.


They took a break from movies in the afternoon and went for a walk with Mickey. Mazie made them all wear Santa hats. Mickey was still wearing his antlers and his red and green doggie coat, which drew smiles from the passers-by. Some even stopped them to snap a picture of the little reindog and his Santas.


A few scraggly flurries were falling which, with a little imagination, could pass for a Christmas snow. Mazie broke into singing Christmas carols. After a moment’s embarrassed hesitation, the men joined her.


Chapter 44