Does a police interview count as a meet cute? Asking for a friend...

FOSTER: It’s not quite protocol to start flirting right after you’ve flashed your badge at a guy. But I can’t resist Craig, the pet resort owner I’ve come to interview. I mean, look at him in his wet jeans and…is that dog hair all over his chest?

I’m dying to ask him out, but first I have to do a favor for my great aunt—okay, she bribed me—and go on a blind date with the grandson of her frenemy.

But guess who shows up to rescue me with an outrageous cover story and a rhinestone dog collar?

CRAIG: My last excuse for a relationship ended badly. Like, I-needed-two-years-of-therapy badly. But I can’t stop thinking about the hot cop who told me to call him if I had any questions.

Trust me, he meant those italics.

When I see an opportunity to save Foster in his hour of need, I decide to go hard or go home. And it pays off — big time.

But even if I’m ready to risk dating again, is Foster ready for the reputation my little stunt has given him? And when our lives (and bodies) start to get tangled, are either of us ready to let our hearts get involved?

One thing I know is neither of us are ready for the guy with a gun in my house...

Heart Me Up is a low-angst MM romance filled with meddling friends, hurt/comfort, game nights, one very uncomfortable couch, and the creative use of dog accessories...

Heart Me Up takes place before the events in the rest of the Bent Oak, Texas series and can be listened to as a standalone.