Dane Westerfield left Vermont a decade ago without a desire to return. California was home now. Or rather, his partner of six years, made it home. But when the unexpected death of his lover leads to the revelation of long kept secrets, Dame returns to the Vermont town he grew up in to help deal with his grief.<br><br>On the way to his sister’s home, he runs into Theo Mason, his first love. Theo had been one of the reasons Dane had been eager to leave Vermont and Dane’s not eager to see him again. Yet the rugged police officer makes it clear he wants another chance. Theo’s patience and understanding catch Dane off guard, and Dane finds himself wanting to give into Theo and his familiar heat. But Dane can’t shake the feeling that it’s too soon to try one more time.

One More Time

“Thank you, Theo.” I had the feeling I should ask him about his life. His family. He probably had a wife and a bunch of kids by now. The words seemed to stick in my throat, though.


“Emily says you’re going to be staying in Northfield with them for a while,” Theo said into the awkward silence.


“Yeah, just about a month. I should get back out to my family.” I stepped around him, intending to make my way to the restroom door.


“Dane.” Theo wrapped his hand around my wrist.


My pulse raced at the simple touch. Strange, the effect he’d always had on me. He brushed his thumb over the sensitive skin there. My gaze rose to meet his, and my breath caught in my throat at the hint of desire I read in his eyes.


He smiled crookedly. “Maybe we can get together one night while you’re still here. Talk about old times. It’s been years.”


“Yes, ten.” He pulled out his wallet and retrieved a card, which he handed to me. “Give me a call when you get settled.”


Chapter 10