Ed Norwood is living in limbo. He has his friends, his job, and his parents, but he's feeling restless. More so now that his ex has found something perfect with another man. Maybe it's time to reevaluate and move on. He wished he knew. Duncan Nichols is the man who could change everything, if he is willing. Ex-Army Veteran trained in canine Search and Rescue, Duncan and Ed's first meeting is fraught with tension and worry after massive storms slice through Silo. Duncan is surprised to find a community that is open and giving in Silo, and is welcomed to return to show off his dog's skills at the annual firehouse fundraiser. Without the stressful distractions of storms and missing people getting between them, lust flares nearly out of control between the two men. Only Ed wants and needs more in life than a friend with benefits, and when he says as much, Duncan is quick to put the kibosh on even dreaming of a happily ever after. Then real life intervenes when Ed's mother falls ill, and Duncan returns to Ed's side in support. Can Ed break through the barriers Duncan has put up to protect himself? There's more to Duncan than the left hand he habitually hides. Ed believes if Duncan cracks even a little, he can prove it. If it just wasn't his heart at stake to make that happen...