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

Off I went, walking home. I felt his heavy stare, devouring my every move, drawn to me in a puzzling but natural way that he maybe couldn’t place or feel comfortable with as of yet. He watched me until he couldn’t see me, and then returned to his working life and solitude.


“Don’t forget the Lumberjack Challenge tomorrow,” Chess reminded me, calling my cell. “The tickets aren’t cheap, and you don’t want to waste the pair you have.”


A heavy snowstorm handicapped Winter Mist Village. Nine inches of snow fell on the lakeside town, and another predicted six inches was to be dumped on the town by dawn. Chess called, checking up on me since the creation of Lost and Beguilingswept me away, and because he hadn’t heard from me in a few days.


“You can still be my plus-one,” I told him. I already asked him once, but he shot me down. No biggie. Life goes on.


Chapter 23