An Encounters novella Brian Holmes has been too busy building the fire investigation unit he heads to think of getting involved with anyone. But when he meets rancher Vic Masterson in the middle of an unexpected shootout, he’s drawn to him just the same. Brian doesn’t know what he wants, so he decides to wait it out. Of course, that doesn’t mean they can’t explore a few kisses in the meantime. Vic is willing to go along with the experiment, but he wants Brian for keeps. Let Brian call the shots; Vic will make sure things go his way. Each moment they spend together makes Vic more certain there’s something special growing between them, but for the experiment to be a success, he has to make Brian see they’re a perfect match for the long haul.

To commit or not to commit—it’s not even a question for laid-back cowboy Nate Bailey. Since he doesn’t do relationships and values his peace of mind, his initial reaction to the temptation of his coworker, Kevin Matthews, is a clear no. Then Kevin counteroffers "no-strings sex" and the game changes. Or does it? Kevin Matthews wants to build a new life. Masterson Ranch is a great place for it, and the handsome cowboy who showed him the ropes when he started working on the ranch is just the man he's looking for. The problem is Nate’s fear of commitment. Hoping to entice him, Kevin offers a casual arrangement—but soon Kevin has to admit to himself that he wants all of Nate, not just his body.

When Grayson is unexpectedly drawn to a man who makes him wonder if it’s possible for more, he’ll find himself fighting not only himself but the man who makes him want forever. Can he convince them both it’s worth the risk? Grayson Monroe has his hands full getting used to being a father and doesn’t have time for anything else. Or so he thought until Archer makes him want things he should not. The usually stoic cowboy has a way of getting to him like no one else but…Grayson doesn’t know if they should even risk it. Archer Masterson knows that Grayson is under his skin and he wants him. Yet he is reluctant to open himself fully to that sort of pain again. Grayson tempts him but he’s reluctant to take that risk with his heart again. His head knows what he should do yet his heart wants the man who pushes his buttons and makes him want forever. Archer knows forever is a myth but…for Grayson he’ll take the risk.