Off Trail — J.B. McDonald

Recently widowed, with one dog now crippled and another about to give birth, Keith needs help. Problem is, he doesn't want it. He just wants to put things in order in his neglected mountain cabin and figure things out for himself. When Spencer blows into his life, Keith does his best to shove Spencer back out. Spencer is everything Keith's dead husband wasn't, and with dyed hair, earrings, and an activist political bent, he's a little too close to the wild side for Keith's taste. It doesn't help that the rest of the townspeople aren't shy about expressing their disapproval when Spencer and Keith are seen spending time together. Spencer can see that Keith is drowning in details, just as he can see how a little assistance would go a long way. But Keith keeps refusing help -- for everything except the crippled dog. Spencer's way into Keith's house is through fur on wheels; finding his way into Keith's heart won't be so easy.