A short excerpt:

Hunter stood in line and watched Cam tend to the few lingering post-lunchtime customers. Cam’s smile came a little easier and his stance less guarded.

His body, although still lean, was tighter and a little broader from the yard work at the halfway house. A slight tan colored his skin now, the faint golden tone further accentuating the blue in his eyes and the white of his smile. His hair had a sprinkling of highlights as if the sun had kissed his head. Sunrises gave him hope, but they also seemed to awaken a natural physical beauty that had been hidden for far too long.

“How can I help you? Sir,” Cam said when it was finally Hunter’s turn at the register.

Hunter leaned over the counter. “You know that drives me nuts.”

Cam smiled and grabbed Hunter’s tie to pull him closer. “I know.” After a quick peck, Cam released him.

Hunter reached over and rubbed Cam’s stubble. “Are you letting this grow out?”

Cam shrugged. He looked away and scratched his growing scruff. “It makes me look older.”

“Since when do you want to look older?”

Cam shrugged again and fidgeted with the receipts.

Realization finally hit Hunter. He grabbed Cam’s chin and forced him to make eye contact. “Are you doing that for me?”

Cam’s mouth narrowed and his brows lowered. “There’s not much I can do for you. So if growing some hair on my face will make you feel a little less self-conscious, then I’ll grow a full fucking beard if I have to.”