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 put Mickey down and joined the hug. “Ah—but this time I introduced him as my boyfriend.” Ray turned to Br’er and kissed him.


“Hallelujah! Thank ya, Jesus,” Mazie declared at the top of her voice, raising both hands to the ceiling.


Later, they sat around the kitchen table with their celebratory ice cream sundaes and Christmas cookies.


“So, guys,” Mazie said between bites. “How’s this gonna work, this declaration of freedom thing.”


“Adrienne and I will meet with the family without Alex or Br’er being there,” Ray began.


“That probably would be too much of a shock for them and make it harder to take it in with all four of us sitting there,” Br’er added.


“And you might get yourselves shot if your crazy in-laws are there,” Mazie quipped.


“We’ll start with my mom and dad,” Ray continued. “I’ll have my brother, Andy, there. He’s the most level-headed and will be able to help my parents through it if there’s a problem.”


Chapter 50