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the branch manager at Torey Hope First Financial? How did you get into banking?” Sawyer felt at ease with Hayden and found himself relaxing into a comfortable conversation.
    “I had always planned on following in my father’s footsteps and taking over his position as bank president in my hometown of Chicago.” Mentioning his father’s lofty position didn’t come across as bragging, just passing along information; Hayden seemed like a very down-to-earth guy. “But, when I graduated from college and started working for my dad in order to one day take over his position, I made the mistake of dating one of my coworkers - a male coworker.” Hayden’s eyes met Sawyer’s with a mixture of regret and humor.
    “Oh, wow; I take it dear old dad didn’t realize you were gay? I bet that went over well.” Sawyer pitied his new friend as he wondered about his own family’s reaction; would they deny him his position at The Center+?
    “That’s putting it mildly. Dad flipped out, fired me, threw me out of the apartment he’d been paying for, and forbid my mother to contact me. He cut me off financially and severed all ties between me and my younger siblings.” The deep sigh in Hayden’s voice was the only clue that he was still affected by the events he was describing. “So, I stayed with a friend for a bit. Not the guy I’d been dating; he dumped me as soon as he got fired by my dad. I started applying anywhere and everywhere I could find banking positions. Within three months, I landed the job here in Torey Hope, and I’ve been here about six months now.”
    Sawyer nodded his head as Hayden finished his explanation. “So, how do you like our little Torey Hope? I’m sure it doesn’t exactly stack up to the big metropolis of Chicago.” Sawyer didn’t mind visiting larger cities, but he’d never had an urge to live in one; he enjoyed the quieter small town life that he’d grown up with.
    “Actually, I worried I’d be bored out of my mind, but it’s not really that bad. I’ve made some friends. The restaurants are quaint and delicious. The town is gorgeous. There’s shopping here and in nearby towns; overall, I think it’s a great place.” Hayden’s words held a “but.”
    “I hear a ‘but’ that you’re not speaking.” Sawyer smiled. “Let me guess, the gay scene in Torey Hope isn’t really as hoppin’ as you’re used to?”
    “Bingo, we have a winner, give this man a prize.” Hayden laughed and they stopped at the shelter house. Hayden sat down on the top of a picnic table and Sawyer mirrored his position on a table opposite him.
    “I know exactly what you mean; I haven’t done an official census, but I think the total number of gay men in Torey Hope is probably…um, two?” Hayden threw his head back and laughed at Sawyer’s words.
    “Tell me about it, man. I was so happy when Katie told me she had a gay friend; I thought ‘even if he’s butt-ugly, at least he could be a friend’.” Hayden stood from the table and walked into the space between Sawyer’s legs. “Imagine my delight when I found out that you aren’t butt-ugly; in fact, you’re one of the most attractive men I’ve ever seen.”
    Sawyer had to lean back on his hands to look up into Hayden’s face. He didn’t feel a spark or a heat with Hayden, but his body reacted nonetheless; it had been a long time since he’d felt a man so close to him. “Good to know I’m not butt-ugly, thanks for that.” Sawyer spoke sarcastically and pushed up off of his hands to bring his face closer to Hayden’s.
    Hayden’s groin intruded farther into his space and Sawyer felt the evidence of his interest pressing up against his own. Putting his feet down on the ground to allow his height to equal Hayden’s, Sawyer let Hayden’s hands pull his hips forward as soft, smooth lips came down on his mouth.
    As his lips and tongue enjoyed the physical contact, his heart fought down the disappointment that he felt no real heat or desire with