Craig and Mitchell have been friends for years, but each of them reached a point where that camaraderie became ... more. Mitchell’s kept his feelings close to his chest. So has Craig, but now that they’ve graduated from UMKC, he knows it’s his last chance to show Mitchell they’re meant to be before their careers take them to opposite sides of the country.<br><br>He insists they can’t leave Missouri behind without one last adventure. Mitchell agrees to a road trip to visit all the touristy spots and say goodbye to their home state.<br><br>As they spend their days and nights together, buried feelings rise to the surface and hope blossoms. When their journey ends with a dance beneath the Branson stars, will they find love and a future together at the end of the road?

Gateway to Love

“I’m sorry if I went to too far,” he said, his voice gruff. Their eyes met and Craig’s lips curved down. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you or make you feel awkward. I was just…goofing around.” He sighed and reached, placing his hand on top of Mitch’s joined hands. Mitch untangled his fingers and let Craig twine theirs together. Craig absently stroked his thumb across Mitch’s skin.


Mitch smiled at the touch and squeezed his hand. “It was fun being your pretend boyfriend.”


“And fiancé,” Craig reminded him, his lips curving up.


Mitch laughed. “That was my first proposal. I doubt any will ever top it, either.”


“You shouldcome to California with me,” Craig urged. “I meant that, Mitchell. You could write.”


Chapter 18