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

“Get in,” Duke demanded. “Put on the heat. I’ll get Beau in the back.”


Duke didn’t come back immediately after securing Beau in the back and Bryson figured that Duke had to be towelling Beau down. He kind of wished that somebody was doing the same for him. He wasn’t cold, so to speak, but the dampness felt like it was sinking right into his bones. By the time Duke did get in the cab, Bryson’s teeth were chattering.


“I told you to put on…” Duke sighed. “Never mind.” He flicked a knob on the dash and dry, hot air began to pour out. “We’re only two minutes from the stable.”


Bryson gritted his teeth to still them. “I didn’t even notice the sky was changing. Did you notice? Why didn’t you try to call if you had my number?”


“I got your number from your mom.” Duke shifted gears and glared through the windshield.


Chapter 30