Ben Mercer is an ex-cop, lamed, framed, and thrown off the force for a crime his partner committed. Now homeless, he has no expectations for a better life until he's recruited by Durand, head of Vanguard Security, to join a team that deals with problems the police can't or won't touch. All Ben needs is the approval of the team leader, Zach Turner.<br><br>To get it, Ben has to prove to Zach that he still retains his skills as a sniper, and that he can handle any job thrown at him, despite the still painful damage to his knee. He does, and is immediately pulled into a job with the team, rescuing a kidnap victim.<br><br>Ben had one big secret, or did have until Durand drew it out of him. Before his life was drastically changed he had denied, even to himself, that he was gay. Now that he's accepted it, and learned that Zach is as well, can the two men forge a bond beyond that of being teammates and friends? It will take several more jobs before Ben gets his answer.

A Second Chance

“Wasn’t planning on it,” Ben retorted dryly. Then he grinned. “You do know Hayley’s going to figure out what’s going on. She’s smart that way.”


“Nosy is more like it, but yeah, she probably will. Does it bother you?”


“Good. Now shall we finish dinner, which is getting colder as we speak?”


“Probably a good idea,” Ben agreed—and they did.


After cleaning up and doing the dishes, Ben said, “It’s late and time for me to go home.”


“Or you could spend the night. It’s not like we’ve got anywhere we have to be tomorrow.”


Ben shot him a look of surprise but didn’t hesitate to reply, “Sure, as long as you don’t try to stash me in the other bedroom.”


“Ben, that’s the last thing I’d do.”


“Good. I need to get my bag out of the jeep.”


Chapter 49