Student of letters, Micah Yardley wants one thing: to meet the poet Jefferson Dering. After hearing his idol speak at Harvard, Micah travels to Jefferson’s home in nearby Wroxham, entertaining visions of discussing poetry over dinner and drinks. What he experiences exceeds anything he ever anticipated.<br><br>Jefferson finds Micah mesmerizing and passionate, everything he has ever wanted. But after getting caught in a compromising position with another young man a decade earlier, he exiled himself from Boston and from affairs of the heart. Jefferson represses his longing for Micah, but his tumultuous emotions cannot be contained.<br><br>Micah denies the truth of his desire for Jefferson. Jefferson refuses to act on his passion for Micah. But all it takes is a single kiss in Wroxham's haunted church to change the course of their lives ... and ignite the flame that could fulfill a generations-old promise.

A Hidden Beauty

Jefferson released his hand to light the lamp, allowing Micah’s gaze to drift to the bed. “I suppose commissioning a larger bedstead as well as the desk would appear odd to others,” Micah said.


“Yes, it would. But we can get a second bed and push them together, I suppose.” The golden light caught on Jefferson’s skin and was reflected by the drops of water still clinging to his legs. Jefferson set the lamp on the table then reached for Micah’s hand again. “How would you be comfortable? I could be on my knees, or lying beside you, or even on my back…”


There were too many choices; Micah’s head whirled. “Tell me which will please you as much as it does me.”


Jefferson led him to the bed and sat on the edge. “I want to lay down on my back, and you straddle me. That way, you can control the situation.”


Chapter 69