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

“So, how are you?” she asked, her expression falling into serious. “I hear you haven’t been at the stables for a few days. I mean, I know when you left the party you said you were hurting, but I kind of figured you were just deking out on us.”


“Meh, it’s all good.” He followed her into the living room and sat across from her when she settled on the couch. “And I wasjust running out on you.”


She nodded and sipped her wine. “Can I do anything?”


He shook his head. “Nah. It’s the same old, same old. Too much standing in one place, followed by too much walking, followed by me daring to think I should have a life.”


“Oh, I see. We’re wallowing in a bit of self-pity, hmm?”


Chapter 26