Julian Junk was often teased about his last name and his father's occupation as a garbageman. Mackensie Keller grew up privileged and spoiled. As teens, Junk and Mickey make plans for their future, but when Mickey is sent off to boarding school, he tells Junk their parents are probably right -- they just don't belong together.<br><br>Back in town ten years later, Mickey is all grown up. He and Junk reconnect as adults, but so much was said, and so much has changed. Though he asks for forgiveness, which Junk grants, though old romantic feelings are quickly rekindled, Mickey is reluctant to bring a new man into his young daughter's life after his last relationship's failure. He's also harboring a secret, one that threatens to spoil upcoming Thanksgiving plans.<br><br>Once Junk discovers the source of Mickey's dilemma, he devises a crafty plan to make everything right. Will it work out? Will Mickey accept his help, and can the two of them make a go of it with so much stacked against them?

One Man's Junk

“I think about us a lot.” Did I dare reach for him? Fuck, yeah. I took the risk and got another smile for it. “Holding hands with Mickey Keller while horseback riding, there’s a teenage wish come true.” Damn me and my lack of a censor. Mickey took his hand away.


“Not after puberty, when it would have meant something else.”


“What would it have meant?” Mickey asked almost too quietly for me to hear.


I thought back to the one garbage gift I never got to give him. “Maybe it would have meant the rest of our lives.” Then, I thought about him telling me I would never be good enough for him. 4


“You have to want more out of life than picking up other people’s garbage and living in this stupid town, Junk!”


Chapter 18