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

Snow drifted down from the dark heavens on the windy and narrow way. Large, bright-white flakes fell in speedy motion, collecting on the windshield. Wipers flicked them to and fro. The heater blew on my face, keeping me alert, although part of me wanted to take a nap behind the wheel. No go. Stay alert. Get home safe.


At the end of Walnut Pass, I made the right to my aunt’s cottage and, to my surprise, Jack followed me, passing the driveway to his A-frame on the left. As I parked in front the cottage, I watched Jack park his beast of a truck behind me. In the rearview mirror, his headlights blinding me, causing me to squint, I asked, “What’s going on?” My heart fluttered and my mind buzzed in a state of confusion. “He’s up to something.”


Chapter 28