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

Jack shook my hand. “Come over to my place for a drink tonight, Kemp. I’ll give you a whiskey or two as a thank you for helping me this afternoon. What do you say?”


“Can’t do that. Chapter ten is pushing me over the edge of sanity and I have to press through it. Writing sometimes demands my attention. This is one of those occasions.”


“Maybe you just need a break from all the words. A short space of time to clear your head.”


“Maybe I just need to write this evening. I’m going to pass on the whiskey.”


Over his shoulder, while walking away from me to his F150’s driver’s door, he said, “If you change your mind, it’s an open invitation, guy. Don’t be a stranger.”


Chapter 15