Laurie Parkinson, who’s lived in Laurel Hills all his life, is a gay sheet metal worker who’d rather be a gay hairdresser. Wheat Dupuis, who’s also gay, is the scion of one of Laurel Hill’s wealthiest families. He’d rather grow grapes than become CFO of Dupuis International. Laurie wakes one morning to discover his family gone and his town decimated by a bacteria that has lain dormant for millennia, incased in ice. With the melting of the ice caps, the bacteria is released, and mankind faces a pandemic that could surpass the Black Plague. Wheat and his family are on their way to safety when the unthinkable happens and he’s left behind. Laurie knows of a bunker in the woods outside Laurel Hill, where he intends to take refuge. On the way there, Laurie finds and rescues Wheat. Can two such dissimilar men work together through a pandemic to find their families ... and possibly find love, as well?

Pandemic

Lucas met Wheat’s gaze, but instead of smiling and blushing, his expression turned cold. What was that about?


Wheat’s current dance partner—Cable’s sneezing had morphed into a wracking cough that drew irritated looks as people distanced themselves from him, and he’d surrendered to the discomfort and gone home—must have realized Wheat’s thoughts were wandering. He poked Wheat to get his attention and nodded toward the stage.


“Come on.” His partner grabbed Wheat’s arm and tugged Wheat along as he made his way closer to where Lucas stood. Had Wheat missed something important? He tuned in to what Lucas was saying.


“…assure you there’s no cause for alarm. The government has announced the epidemic that’s cropped up in New York has been contained, and there’s no immediate danger. However, it would be in your best interests if you all returned to your homes now. We’d like you to leave the ballroom in an orderly fashion.”


Chapter 13