Neil Logan, recently graduated equine veterinarian, always felt he’d know when he found the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Unfortunately, though Neil cares deeply for him, his college roommate Jordan is not that man. Neil takes a summer position far from home, foolishly thinking time and distance will cool Jordan’s feelings for him, and they can both move on.<br><br>Neil’s job is on an island attractive to tourists. There, horses are the sole mode of transportation, and Rolf Gundersen is the head farrier. Neil is immediately attracted to the handsome, mature man, and starts to believe Rolf might be the one for him. Frustratingly, despite Neil’s best efforts, Rolf seems determined to avoid him.<br><br>When Neil discovers the reason for Rolf’s aloofness, he’s able to forge a relationship with the farrier. Can Rolf and Neil find happiness in their newfound love, or will Jordan continue to be a factor in Neil’s life, possibly undermining Neil’s efforts to win Rolf over?

Once Upon an Island

Rolf had stopped a short way from the dorm in a grove of trees. Neil’s pulse quickened. Why had they stopped here in this secluded place where they would be hidden from view?


“I had a snazzy time tonight,” Rolf said with a shy grin.


“Snazzy time? I use the word right?”


Rolf’s manner, coupled with his pronouncing wordwith a V caused a surge of warm affection to swell within Neil.


“Yes, we had a snazzy time,” Neil said affectionately.


Rolf smiled. He appeared to be contemplating something. It seemed to Neil the man was torn between saying good night and some other course of action. Neil was about to suggest they go up to his room where they could have more privacy, when Rolf suddenly engulfed him in an embrace and kissed him.


The kiss was deep and full of passion. It was as if Rolf were releasing repressed needs and pent up emotions. He moaned. It was almost a whimper.


Chapter 26