Dario Russo grew up on the road. The son of itinerant workers in California, he had no friends, no stability, and no concept of a normal life. Until the age of sixteen, when he meets Reverend Waters’ son, Billy Ray. The relationship is short lived, but it haunts Dario for the next thirty years. At the age of forty-six, he has the opportunity to return to Crows Landing, California, and the chance to track down the man who had meant so much to him.<br><br>But what he finds in Crows Landing is the last thing he expects. So wrapped up in his hopes for a second chance, he almost misses the very real interest from a local, Shawn Pederson. Shawn might not have the past working in his favor, but he’s willing to offer the future Dario always wanted.

Son of a Preacher Man

They both broke free from their new distractions at the same time. Dario smiled at him. “How long do the Sunday services usually last?”


“Not too much longer.” As he spoke, Reverend Peck’s voice broke through the murmurs filling the church, calling the congregation back to order. Before Dario could turn away, Shawn added, “I’m glad you liked the chili fries, though.”


Dario took his seat once again, thankful that they only had the benediction left. He closed his eyes and bowed his head, and a part of him expected to feel light fingers on the back of his neck. Fingers that would trace the curve of his ear, caress the line along his collar. Billy Ray had never minded that he came in from the fields covered in sweat and dust, and when he’d try to jerk away, Billy would catch him and hold him in place. He’d lean over Dario’s back and whisper in his ear, “Keep your eyes closed.”


Chapter 7