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

“I’m here for that whiskey, and to be nice to you.”


He closed the door behind us. “Glad you could come.” He held the towel to his waist by using his right hand. “Let me go upstairs and get dressed. I’ll be down in a few minutes. Make yourself at home.”


That I did. I watched him climb the stairs in hopes the towel around his center accidentally dropped, just so I could obtain a quick glance as his bare bottom. Such a naughty act didn’t happen, though. Instead, he vanished from view: head and shoulders first, bare back, towel-covered bottom, then his legs. I heard boards squeak and groan upstairs as he walked around, in search of jeans, a fresh shirt, socks, and completing his dressing.


Chapter 16