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

“Don’t be silly. You had me worried, Kemp. What kind of man would I be to let you die out there? We’re friends now, even if you don’t realize it yet.” He climbed off the bed, walked around the bottom, and to my side. Within seconds, he leaned over me and applied a soft and petite kiss to my forehead.


I felt the softness of his beard and warm lips. I felt my heart rock and my temperature rise. And my head stopped hurting, as well as my stomach. I looked up at him, perhaps sharing a puzzled look with him. “Why did you help me? Tell me. I want to know.”


“A man needs some care once in a while. Today’s your lucky day.” He started walking away, paused near the doorframe. “Now, let’s get some soup in you. You need a few calories to make it through the rest of today.”


Chapter 21