Mark Winston is mostly content with his life. He has a home, a job he loves, and a sister who always has his back. So what if the one thing he’s missing is a person to share that life with? Experience has proved he can’t get what he wants and needs out of a relationship. Yet he can’t stop wanting his next door neighbor and wishing there could be more between them.<br><br>Dylan Pomeroy might be young, but knows what he wants: Mark. He continually inserts himself into the older man’s life, determined to show Mark that he’s exactly what Mark needs. But Mark worries that the difference in their ages, and his need to be cared for, are hurdles too big to overcome.<br><br>But Dylan won’t be deterred, and Mark begins to realize his worries are unfounded. Dylan shows Mark he’s the perfect man for him. But years of being rejected for his wants makes it difficult for Mark to hope that things between them will work out. Can Mark let go of his insecurities and let himself fall in love with Dylan?

Love with the Next Door Neighbor

“She’ll call,” Dylan said, his usual confidence back in his voice.


And then a beep had me looking at my phone, and I sucked in a breath. “Or she could be calling now.”


Dylan gave a whoop, then shouted, “Good luck. Love you!” before he hung up.


I was stunned for a moment, then realized I didn’t have time to think about him saying those words when he probably didn’t mean them the way I thought he did, and answered Elise Deveraux’s call.


“This is Mark Winston.” I was proud the nerves didn’t come through in my voice.


“Hello, Mr. Winston. This is Elise Deveraux. I got your number from one of the bakers at Sweet Treats. Do you have a few minutes to talk?” She was polite and professional, and I prayed my tone sounded the same.


“Excellent.” She sounded pleased. “I’d be happy to do this over the phone, but it might be better if you came here. When are you available?”


Chapter 24