Years of relocating without putting down roots have left Daniel Houseworth filled with anxiety, as change piled on change. Finally buying a home, he wants a settled life, one he can count on. The tall, broad, and strong man across the street catches his eye. But to Daniel, Stanley is the epitome of intimidating—just what he doesn’t need, regardless of how scorching hot he may be.
Nonprofit economic development specialist Stanley Jackson knows he can be unapproachable, with his wide build, tattooed arms, close-cropped hair, and dark eyes. He’s noticed his intriguingly endearing new neighbor, Daniel, and the way he avoids him. But when Daniel brings home a lost kid goat, Stanley cautiously approaches him and offers help to find Delia a proper home.
Daniel quickly comes to care for his charge and does his best to put his anxiousness aside for her sake. As Daniel gets to know Stanley’s heart, the once intimidating qualities shift to intense attraction. But just as Daniel begins to let his guard down and trust that hunky Stanley could feel the same about him, Stanley is presented with a job offer that could stop their budding relationship in its tracks.