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

“Then you found out about Beau and that changed right away, Bryson. You looked at me like I was the worst kind of person you’d ever known.”


Duke snorted a laugh. “I do. I know it very well. But that good look, it came back. And I likeit. I feel good when I see myself through your eyes. It’s like, I can become the best version of myself because I know that’s how you see me. And I knew, when I saw you in the stable with Beau, and that look came back on your face, that I never wanted to see the other one again.”


As Duke spoke, he played with his fingers. Winding them tight, unwinding them and stretching them as far as they could go. Repeating it over and over. “I thought I was saving myself from seeing that disappointment again, and at the same time I was protecting you from learning how terrible of a person I can be.”


“I don’t think you’re terrible for doing that.”


“I couldn’t know you would think like that.”


Chapter 54