When he sees entrepreneur Mitch O'Shea whirling around an empty building, contractor Ben Behr is enchanted. Even though his two brothers are gay, Ben always thought he was a ladies' man until he met Mitch. Despite his feelings, Ben knows San Francisco native Mitch is totally out of his league. What could Ben possibly do to get out-and-proud Mitch to notice him? Turns out Mitch is just as attracted to Ben. As they compete in car rallies, camp in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and tour the bars Mitch owns in the city, they realize how stifled they've been their entire lives. Maybe looking over the fence and jumping it to explore what's on the other side are good ideas. When these two seemingly opposites get together, will Ben and Mitch find out they have the world at their feet and might even have love in their hearts?

Waking the Behr

As the week went by, I planned our camping trip. A few of my friends commented that I seemed happier that week, less touchy. I guess I was since I was back to being good old Ben Behr. Nothing bothers him, and he’ll shoot the shit with you whenever and wherever.


My buddy Stone, bartender at Stonewall Saloon, gave me a long, assessing look when I went in there for a beer and poker after a shitass day.


“Glad to see you’re back with us,” he said, sliding me a brew from the tap.


“It’s good to be back,” I answered.


“I like your boyfriend,” he told me, and I didn’t even panic.


“Yeah.” I took a long draw. “He might be a keeper. We’ll see.”


He nodded again and gave me an approving smile.


“Go have some fun,” he said, dismissing me.


After explaining to the guys that Mitch was in the Bay Area working, I played poker at the endless game that seemed to reside at the back corner table. All was right in my world.


Chapter 25