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

“You did it, man!” I called out over the screaming crowd.


“It was all about your cheering, Kemp,” he said, and kissed me again, applying his lips to my neck, melting me, confusing me, numbing me…something.


Celebration at Timbers occurred after the remaining competitions of the Lumberjack Challenge that afternoon came to a close. Unfortunately, Chess didn’t join us, heading to his gym because of a frozen pipe. The winners sporting their blue ribbons (Jack, Tanya Quill, Sarah Breckner, Cara “Crafty” Lefton, Bill Demsy, Helen Rodd, Cheryl Binkenstein, and two others) all gathered at the bar wearing their blue ribbons. The place became uproarious as the married owners of the bar, Matt and Briggs Daly, provided the exclusive winners with three free drinks, each.


Chapter 27