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

The two men often wandered different areas of the island or spent evenings at tour headquarters just being together. Rolf made certain they had time to express their growing relationship physically. They spent stolen moments in out-of-the-way places where they were able to hold each other, kiss, and explore each other’s bodies. Always these times stopped short of fully expressing how the men felt for each other. Although he longed to, Neil avoided inviting Rolf to his room where they would be free to complete their union. Neil felt confident that when Rolf was ready, he would make the suggestion.


One afternoon Neil was in the farrier barn consulting on a horse with one of the assistant farriers.


Rolf walked up and asked, “When is your next day off?”


Neil laughed. “I’m from Texas, remember? Kids there ride before they walk.”


“Good. Then we go for a ride together—if that is all right with you?”


Chapter 35