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

“Sorry, cat. No human food. It’s not good for you, or so Mrs. Smythe said.”


Rob would have sworn the cat pouted at Darren’s words.


After lunch, the men spent most of the afternoon playing fetch with Smokey.


“He’s insatiable,” Darren grumbled at one point.


Rob laughed. “Wait until he finds a mouse in the basement and brings it to you.”


“There hadn’t better be any down there, but just in case…” He went to close the basement door, which he habitually left open. Smokey followed, looking miffed when the door shut. He sat there for a few minutes before coming back to the living room. By then the men were watching TV. The cat jumped onto the sofa, lying between them, his head on Darren’s thigh.


Wish that was me. Rob was shocked at that thought. Still, it was the truth, he realized. It won’t ever happen, though. I’m sure I’m not his type. Even if I was, I’ll be gone soon enough, so I’ll never find out.


Chapter 28