Two men with nothing in common except friendship. One man is Darren Cameron, a cop who patrols the streets nightly. After his divorce -- because he revealed to his wife he was gay -- he gained full custody of his son, Jesse. Jesse is now twenty-one, living with his girlfriend, and trying to play matchmaker between his landlord, Malcom, and Darren. The other is Rob, a homeless war veteran living on the streets, who has adamantly resists all Darren's efforts to help him start his life over. When Rob is attacked, Darren finally has what he needs to help his friend get off the streets. Despite Rob's wariness, he moves into Darren’s home under the guise of protective custody ... much to Jesse's dismay. Can Darren and Rob handle what comes next, including their growing attraction for each other? Or will Rob ultimately reject Darren's help and return to his former life?

Lonesome Men

“Yeah, them,” Malcom grumbled before saying to Jesse, “Perhaps some other time.”


Malcom left, after being thanked again. Darren was tempted to tell Jesse he’d been pushing it—again. He decided why bother. If he ignored it, perhaps Jesse would back off. So he told his son he’d pass on supper, too, and head back to the house, “To soak my aching muscles.”


“Okay…old man,” Jesse said with a grin before hugging him. “Thanks, Dad. I couldn’t have done this without you. Or—” he grinned at Leah, “—more like she and I would still be doing it, late into the night.”


“Very true,” Leah said, also giving Darren a hug. “When I’m finally set up and all, I’m definitely having you over for a celebratory dinner, in payment.”


“Thanks. I’d like that. Okay, I’ll see you if and when you get home, Jesse.”


Chapter 8