Bryson Merritt may have started life as a broken baby in a basket, but he got lucky with an extraordinary set of circumstances that brought him his adoptive parents. Rich, supportive, and kind, they've given Bryson everything he's ever needed in order to deal with his ongoing recovery issues. If only they could give him some luck when it comes to picking out the right kind of guy.<br><br>When Bryson meets Duke at a horse auction, all he can think about is getting Duke's sweaty hands all over his body. Until he meets Beau -- the beautiful dark horse in Duke's care, who shares Bryson's mobility and pain issues -- and realises exactly where Beau's final destination is. Enraged by what he sees as an unfair, undeserving, and cruel punishment, Bryson decides to buy Beau, problems or not, experience or no, and walks away without looking back.<br><br>However, once again forces have gathered to help Bryson out, and Bryson finds himself working alongside Duke for the sake of Beau. Bryson's attraction is rekindled, but now Duke isn't interested at all. Worse still, it looks like a possible relationship with Duke isn't the only thing that is going to end in tragedy.

Still Standing

“You boys sit down right here,” the man said when they got close enough to hear. “Best table in the place. You’ll see. We’re all riding lucky streaks tonight.”


“And young blood always helps everything,” the woman said, cackling in a way that made Bryson want to join in.


The man beside her blew a long sound that reminded Bryson of Beau. “You wouldn’t know what to do with young blood if it fell on you.”


“Damn right, I wouldn’t. All I’ve had falling on me is your old bones.” She winked at Bryson. “I doubt it’s like riding a bicycle. Some things the brain has to forget so you don’t end up missing it too much.”


Bryson laughed and sat down. “Ah, I don’t know about that. I’ll take an older man over a young one any day.”


Chapter 23