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

Jesse joined them, hugging Darren and then asking if they wanted wine or coffee before dinner


“Coffee, please,” Rob said quietly as he looked around. Darren asked for wine, and moments later Jesse handed him a glass. Leah suggested that Rob come into the kitchen with her so he could doctor his coffee. He agreed, even though Darren knew he took it black. One step at a time, one person at a time, until he relaxes and realizes they aren’t going to make him feel…less, because of who he is.


At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Jesse went to answer, coming back with Malcom in tow. Darren resisted sighing, even though he’d sort of suspected the man would be there. What he didn’t expect was Rob’s reaction when he and Leah returned to the living room.


“What the hellare you doing here?” Rob said tightly, looking at Malcom.


“I could ask the same,” Malcom replied, seeming none too happy himself.


“You know each other?” Jesse asked in surprise.


Chapter 23