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

“No.” Darren rested his elbows on the table, locking his gaze on Rob’s face. “Here.”


“Here like ‘here’?” Rob swept his arm around.


“Yes. I’ve got a spare bedroom. The house has damned good security. You’d be comfortable and safe here.”


“Why the hell would you want some homeless guy living in your house, screwing up your life?”


“Because he’s a friend who needs to get hislife together. It won’t happen if he…if you run into those punks again and they decide to take another stab at beating you up, or worse yet kill you, just for yucks and grins.”


“I can take care of myself if they show up. I’ll get another knife,” Rob muttered. “I was in Iraq, and survived.”


“Where you were armed to the teeth. Before you decide to get a knife, or worse yet a gun…don’t. You’re not twenty anymore and for damned sure you’re not in peak form.” Darren sighed. “Look, I’m not trying to put you down. I want to help and I can’t when you’re God only knows where. Make sense?”


Chapter 14