This winter finds Kemp Trumble in a pickle along Lake Erie as he attempts to seek out some quiet time to finish writing his next best-selling thriller. Not only does he think the lumberjack next door is loud and annoying, but he also believes the stud alluring, a heavy distraction, and sexy.<br><br>Kemp purposely tries to keep his distance from Jack Manwood, knowing they rub each other the wrong way. To no avail, Kemp seems to constantly run into Jack. No matter how much Kemp steers clear of the hot neighbor, Jack is always around, here and there, everywhere.<br><br>Unpredictably, these two different men, one from the back woods and one from the city, find common ground: drinks at Timbers, manly hugs, and the annual Lumberjack Competition, which they both attend. But are Kemp and Jack's similarities strong enough to escalate their friendly relationship into boyfriendhood? Or will they remain separated by miles of lumber and broken hearts?

Lumberjack

Something uncertain clicked within me, though, immediately. A turn of the screw, perhaps. A switch that had gone from off to on. Unthinkable recognition of my bad behavior. A realization of how awful I had been to him. Mean. Cruel. Uncaring. Disdainful. A terror.


More truth told: it was someone I didn’t want to be. I was someone who people liked to be around and found enjoyable. I was kind and sweet and charming and always shared compliments with people. Where had that person floated off and away? How could I have allowed bad behavior to happen with the lumberjack? What wrong turn had I strayed upon, changing?


“Can you help me?” Jack asked, pleading, sharing those adorable puppy dog eyes, a half-smile, and semi-opened mouth. Such a handsome man. Steel-like, but softer in the looks area. Giving. Kind-hearted. Gentlemanly. Not the horrible creature and monster I had made him out to be.


Chapter 13