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

Although Jack acted blue because of his challenge loss, he agreed to have lunch with Chess and me. We had one hour to kill before Jack had to be present for his second competition, the Standing Chop. Almost every restaurant was packed because of the attendees and supporters of the Lumberjack Challenge. The Chowder Brothers’ Bistro, Fillets & Fish, Henderson Hamburgers, and The Dill Pickle Shack were all crammed with hungry patrons. After walking around the grounds for ten minutes, passing on beef burritos, foot long hot dogs, and giant turkey legs for nine dollars each, we found a table for three at Mercione’s Philly Subs. Each of us ordered the Mericone Handful meal: a Philly cheesesteak hoagie with the works, twice batter-dipped fries, and a beer. The fries alone were worth the twelve bucks; a gift from the Philly gods.


Huddled together, the three of us started eating and drinking.


Chapter 25