Eli's Promise — Lissa Matthews

Time and distance have a way of sneaking up on feelings thought long buried.

Five years ago, Eli held the hand of his dying lover and made a promise he never intended to keep. Find someone new to love? Be happy? Fat chance. Eli's happiness died that day. He's doing well to put one foot in front of the other, much less risk his heart again.

The only thorn in his side is Asa, part-time waiter at The Bar Next Door, who can't seem to take a hint.

After years of carrying more responsibility on his broad, cowboy shoulders than most people twice his age, Asa knows what he wants when he sees it. Eli. Shadows haunt the gorgeous older bartender, who also happens to be one of Asa's bosses, but Asa doesn't care about potential complications. He only wants to banish Eli's ghosts -- and bring Eli back to life.

Persistence, a little impatience, and Asa's very wicked mouth go to work on Eli's grumpy, prickly defenses. But Asa may have to block the door to love with his foot -- or his heart -- before Eli slams it in his face.

Warning: Beware of stubborn cowboys, sticky bar floors and hot sexy showers, eavesdropping cooks and well-meaning friends, Irish whiskey, and a young man who doesn't understand the word no.