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

One of his nieces came up to him, hugged him, and asked where Adrienne was. It was Cindy, one of the cousins to whom Adrienne had been especially close while growing up. She was followed by a young man whom Ray had never seen before.


Not sure how he should explain Adrienne’s absence to one of her cousins, he merely said, “She couldn’t make it.”


Cindy pouted and said that she had something exciting to share with her. She grasped the young man’s hand as she did so. Ray took a deep breath.


His sister Megan came up and greeted him with a cheery Merry Christmas, a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Megan was Cindy’s mother. Ray returned her greeting.


“Have Cindy and Charles shared their good news?” she asked, beaming at her daughter and Cindy’s embarrassed beau.


“Not directly,” Ray said, conjuring a smile, “but I kind of figured it out. Congratulations.” He gave Cindy a hug and shook Charles’ hand.


Chapter 45