When they were teenagers, Quinn MacGregor and Aaron Larsen fell in love over the course of one magical summer. It ended in bloodshed and tragedy. Now, ten years later, Quinn is back in Spruce Creek, Nevada, to inherit his family’s criminal cartel. His cousin Jimmy has been making friends -- and enemies -- in dangerous places, but that doesn’t mean he’s happy to hand over leadership to Quinn. And Jimmy might not be the only one who wants Quinn out of the way for good, especially if Quinn’s secret comes out. Aaron Larsen is back in Spruce Creek to sell his former family home. Aaron lost a leg in Afghanistan, and he’s drinking too much and battling depression and PTSD. The last thing he needs is for Quinn MacGregor to drop back into his miserable life. But when Quinn is shaken by the news that he left more behind in Spruce Creek than his bad memories, he turns to Aaron like it’s old times, and Aaron doesn’t know how to say no. The events of ten years ago cast a long shadow, and in a town where they can’t trust anyone else, Quinn and Aaron just might have to learn to trust each other again.

A Desperate Man

“Side lot,” Quinn called after them and stuffed a few fries into his mouth as he got out of the booth. He left money—including a big tip—on the table, then followed Charlie and her son out.


She was lingering, waiting for him, and as soon as he caught up, she asked, “You carrying?”


“Well, once we’re in your car, you’ll put it into the glove box.” Her tone didn’t leave room for argument.


In short order, they were in his car and he put his weapon away.


“Nice Glock,” Lennox quipped from the backseat.


Quinn didn’t dare to thank Lennox, but the boy was right; it was a nice gun.


Quinn slowed at one of the entrances to the combined Spruce Creek Schools compound. Everyone from kindergarteners to high schoolers went to school here. There were several buildings, but if you grew up in this town, this was the place you were stuck at for your childhood.


Chapter 17