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

“Figured you’d say that. Okay, what do we want to feed them?”


They discussed various possibilities before Darren had to get ready for work. In the end, after going through a couple of Darren’s recipe books, they decided on something simple, a three-cheese lasagna with sausage, and a salad. It was that or pot roast, which Darren deemed, with a laugh, was too ‘homesteady’.


As he was leaving the house half an hour later, Darren made it a point to give Rob a hug, which Rob returned with his usual, “Stay safe.”


“Planning on it,” Darren replied. “Now, more than ever, because I’ve got a good reason to. You.”


“True, but you’re the added impetus to be verysafe.”


“I know so.” Darren gave him another swift hug then left. Before I get all mushy. 10


Chapter 39