Everything I Need - Grace Lucia

Copyright © 2016 Lucia Grace All Rights Reserved Published by: Lucia Grace

Cover Design by: ACE Designs Edited by: Wild Rose Editing Formatted by: Champagne Formats

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form without written permission except for use of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Dedication Epigraph Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven Chapter Twenty-Eight Chapter Twenty-Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-One Chapter Thirty-Two Chapter Thirty-Three Chapter Thirty-Four Epilogue Playlist Acknowledgements Other Books About the Author

To Mimi and Grampy. For showing me what true love looks like. At any age. You are my sunshine. And to second chances. At love and in life. Because none of us are perfect and we all deserve to find our light during the dark times.

And I loved her, all of her, for how I watched her crawl beneath my skin and into my soul. And I loved her, all of her, for how she would glide over my dark fields and leave trails of roses left to grow. And I loved her, all of her, for how she devoured me whole and made sense of all my bones. But most of all, I loved her, all of her, for healing my pieces and guiding them all back home. —R.M. Drake



“HIGHER, DADDY. PUSH ME HIGHER!” Lila’s angelic voice shrills through the air. Her sweet giggle following. A smile stretches across my stubbled face as I push her higher on the swing set in our backyard. Her small shoulders bounce with the force of her joy. Black curls bouncing in pigtails on top of her head. I hear a laugh behind me and look over my shoulder to see my wife, Stacy, walking toward us. Broad smile across her beautiful face. Blue eyes shining and black hair pulled up off her shoulders to help ward off the humid heat of the Maryland summer. “Not too high, sweetie. We don’t want you falling,” she says as she walks up next to us. Setting a pitcher of lemonade and glasses onto the patio table. “Don’t be silly, Mama. Daddy would never let me fall. Would you, Daddy?” Lila looks over her shoulder as she swings back and forth. Blinding smile brighter than the sun searing me on the spot. “That’s right, baby.” I smile to reassure her. I’d rather rip my flesh from my bones than allow anything to happen to her or her mother. My girls are everything to me. Absolutely everything. Stacy shakes her head through a laugh before placing a hand to my back. Leaning up on tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “Be careful with her, Agent Hughes,” she whispers before dropping to flat feet. Despite her smile, I can sense the worry in her voice. Nodding, I let Lila swing without pushing her. It takes her a second to notice, and when she turns to look over her shoulder at me again, I snatch her up from the swing. A giggled squeal rips through the air as I toss her up once before catching her and bringing her to my chest. Her little arms around my neck. “Daddy!” She continues to giggle as I use one hand to tickle her sides. She starts squirming from my attack. A laugh bubbles up from my chest at her infectious laughter. Placing a kiss to her head, I set her on her feet and she skips right over to her mother. “Mama, Mama! The tickle monster is loose,” she yells. Wrapping her arms around Stacy’s legs and hiding behind them. Peeking her cute as hell five-year-old face around to stick her tongue out at me. “Not the tickle monster,” Stacy gasps mockingly as she plays along. A hand to her chest. A laugh lilting from her lips, too. Walking up to the two reasons I am the man I am today, I bend to kiss my wife’s lips and place a large hand to my daughter’s head. Contentment filling my chest. “I love you,” I murmur, “so fucking much.” “Language,” she scolds through a smile. “We love you too, baby. So much.” I smile for the millionth time that day. Wondering how the fuck I got so lucky.

“Now, who wants lemonade?” she asks as I step away and we walk to the patio table. Lila and I both raise a hand with smiles on our faces. Then all of a sudden a spray of bullets explode around us. Wood splinters and rains down through the air. The swing set next to us shattering before my eyes. We all freeze for a split second too long. Lila’s giggle turns into a shriek of terror and Stacy’s beautiful face turns ashen with fear and panic. Her wide blue eyes locking on mine before her body jolts. A loud gasp escapes her mouth as she drops to the ground. I snap into action, pulling a hysterical Lila to my chest and hitting the ground. Her tears and screams and sobs tearing through me. Shielding her as I crawl the few steps to Stacy, as low to the ground as I can. I cover her body with Lila’s and mine. Keeping my back visible, my arms caged around my wife and daughter. My breathing is erratic and frantic, then turns labored as pain explodes through my back, shoulder, and abdomen. A heated flush covers my skin before shivers rack my body. “Lila… Stacy…” My muttered words falling on deaf ears as they barely pass my lips. Then as quickly as it happened, silence surrounds us. The only thing I can hear is the dull beating of my heart. No cries of terror. No gasps of pain. Nothing. Just silence. Then darkness.



MY EYES FLASH OPEN. SWEAT soaking through to the sheets below me. My heart pounding against my chest. Goose bumps erupting across my heated skin. Chills of the past rack my body. I relive the same nightmare every night. It never fails. My daughter ’s giggle. My wife’s smiling face. Then carnage and blood and death. My life ripped out from under me. My girls taken in the most brutal way. When I woke up in the hospital almost forty-eight hours later, alone and riddled with bullet holes, I didn’t think things could get worse. Until my brain registered what had happened and I was informed I was the sole survivor. I exploded in a fit of rage and heartbreak. My heart and entire fucking world crumbling around me. It took two doctors and four nurses to hold me down for another doctor to inject me with a sedative. That was the day my life changed forever. Gone was the clean-cut, top-ranking FBI agent with a loving family. In his place was a shell of a man, scorned so savagely that he’d stop at nothing to seek revenge. Shaking my head and fighting off tears, my mind starts to run in circles with thoughts of my past. But I beat them back. It’s no use. They’re lost forever. I’ll never get them back—never have them back. As much as I miss them, remembering the memories, the good times, is too painful. I’d rather remember that day because all it breeds is anger. And anger I can do. I feed from anger, live and breathe it. Looking over at the clock on the microwave, I see it reads four a.m. I know I won’t be able to sleep now. So I spin and set my feet to the floor of the studio apartment I started renting last week and look around the sparse space. A lone couch separates what would be the small living room that holds a tiny box set TV and a kitchenette with a small table for two. My duffle bag is near the side table by the couch, the one lamp I forgot to turn off last night still lit. Cracking my neck side to side, plans start forming in my head, and thoughts of how close I am to finally taking them all out bleeds victory through my veins. I just need to be patient. I’ve waited almost three years already. I can wait a few more months to bring these motherfuckers down. After over a year of recovery and mourning, I spent six months trying to nail down who was behind the hit. Being in the FBI, and a top agent at such a young age, I made many enemies in my short two years with the agency. After some extensive research, I discovered the recently imprisoned Mario Corsetti had his men carry it out. The piece of shit mob boss, for the low-ranking Palombo crime family, held a fucking grudge for us busting his ass on racketeering charges. And it cost me everything.

Now, I’ve spent the last year and a half of my life tracking their every move. I’ve followed his men around the country. From Nevada to Mississippi and now to a small coastal town in New Hampshire. Their front for a plumbing company being just that, a front, made to get them just close enough to run numbers and hits in Boston. But it keeps them at a far enough distance to make an easy getaway if needed. But their time is up. New Hampshire will be their last stop. And Mario and his men will be fucking obliterated.



“T HANKS SO MUCH, MRS. BRIMFIELD.” I smile wide from behind the counter. “Come again,” I add on when she waves over her shoulder before walking out. Her canvas bag of purchases slung over her shoulder. Tossing her credit card receipt into the register, I shut the drawer and go back to unboxing the latest shipment of paperbacks we got in this morning. “Toni, can you come help me?” I call out to my one and only employee. I’ve owned my bookstore, Between the Pages, for a little over two years now. I’ve been an avid reader and lover of fairytales and happily ever afters since I was a little girl. And when this space opened up at a time when I needed it most, I decided to use the money my late grandparents left me so I could follow my dreams. The layout is perfect. A wide-open space, with built-in bookshelves along the back wall. Large windows give off a ton of natural light. And my favorite part of the whole place, a little nook created by a boxed-in bay window at the side of the store. It’s perfect for getting lost between the pages. A smile lifts my lips when I look over at my favorite reading spot. Shaken from my thoughts, I hear, “Sure thing, Boss Lady,” hollered from the back of the store and just shake my head and laugh. Good thing the store’s empty. Toni is a sixty-eight-year-old retired postal worker. She delivered the mail in our small town for thirty-five years before she retired a few years back. So she knows everyone and anyone around here. Then, sadly, when her husband died early last year she found she needed something to fill the quiet. So when I put a help wanted sign in the window when things started picking up around here, she jumped at the chance. She’s worked for me ever since. And she adds the right amount of spunk and sass this store needs. Coming from between the bookshelves, Toni emerges with her snow-white hair streaked with pink, floral peasant top, and bell-bottom jeans. “What can I help you with?” Her smile is warm and friendly. “Mind bringing these few stacks of children’s books to the children’s section for me? I already cleared some space on a shelf.” “You got it, Boss Lady,” she replies with enthusiasm and the nickname she gave me the day I hired her. Despite her being forty-four years my senior. She has me shaking my head again and smiling wide. As I bend down to retrieve another box, I hear the door open before a flurry of footsteps scamper into the store. “Auntie KeeKee, Auntie KeeKee. Look what I made!” My smile turns megawatt when I hear the

sweet voice of my six-year-old niece, Lena, shout out. “Shh, Lena. What have I told you about your inside voice?” my older sister, Campbell, scolds. Turning around, I see my beautiful sister walking through the door and shaking her head at her daughter. Campbell and I are four years apart and if you didn’t know we were sisters, then you may not be able to tell at all. We’re both on the shorter side. Her at five four and me at five two. But whereas she has blonde hair and fair skin, my hair is a dark brown and my skin holds a golden hue all year long. She’s lean and trim, with sleek curves, whereas I have a roadmap of deep curves with my hourglass figure. We do share one feature though. Our eyes. We have the same deep shade of green with gold flecks. The same as our gramma’s. “Oh pish posh, lighten up, sis.” She shakes her head and mock glares at me. “What’s my LeeLee have to show me?” My voice matching her excitement. And volume. When she makes it to the counter she doesn’t even bother coming behind, she just shoves what she has to show me on top. Looking down, I see a macaroni necklace made with different colored noodles. “Whoa, this is the coolest thing ever!” Her little blonde head nods excitedly. “I know,” she exclaims. “Mommy and I have one, too.” She steps back so I can see the necklace around her neck. “See? We match.” Her smile is so big and blinding it melts my heart right there on the spot. Picking up the necklace, I slip it over my head and pull my long, dark hair from beneath it before touching it at my neck. “I see. It’s perfect.” She beams up at me. So proud. “It’s like we’re triplets,” Campbell speaks up, and I see she has a necklace around her neck, too. She ruffles the hair on her daughter ’s head, making Lena squeal and laugh. “Sweetie, why don’t you go pick out a book while Auntie KeeKee and I talk?” “Toni’s putting up a new one on the shelves now. I think you’ll love it,” I add on while I look at my sister in question. “Awesome,” she rushes out before dumping her backpack on the floor and rushing off. “Whew, that girl is a full-on hurricane when she wants to be.” Campbell smiles after her daughter before looking at me. Medium length blonde hair swishing around her shoulders. “How’s today, sister?” “Today is good. New shipments. Some sales. But why’d you send Lena off? What’s up?” She knew I’d catch on by the look that crosses her face. “Mason has someone he wants you to meet.” I roll my eyes and groan out loud. My forehead hitting my folded arms on the counter. Campbell’s loving and faithful husband of seven years is truly an amazing guy. But he has it stuck in his head that he needs to set me up with someone, that I’d be happier and not so lonely. He means well, and is just trying to ease my aching heart since I lost Trevor, but it has barely even been two years yet. I’m still finding my ground after losing my high school sweetheart. Lifting my head, I look at my fidgeting sister and stare at her. “What? You know how persistent he is,” she tries to explain in way of an apology for putting me through this conversation again. “Listen, I love Mason as if he were my own brother. You know this. He’s a great husband to you and an amazing father to LeeLee. But no way in all that is holy am I allowing him to set me up with anyone. So, just like the last four times, my answer is a resounding no.” “You know, it may not be such a bad idea,” she whispers. Normally, my sister agrees with me, but apparently she’s drinking the Kool-Aid where this one’s concerned. “No one would blame you for

wanting to start dating. We just want you to be happy, KeeKee.” Her face full of nothing but love and support. Ah. This is what it’s all about. Not the guy, but the situation. “Campbell, I love you and Mason. And I appreciate you both. So much. You both, along with LeeLee, made it possible to survive these last couple of years. But I’m not ready yet, and when I am I won’t be asking my brother-in-law to set me up. Okay?” I understand she’s worried, but when I’m ready I’ll know it. Trevor and I started dating when I was a sophomore and he was a senior. He was one of the hottest and most popular guys in school. He played sports. His smile was contagious. His rumpled dirty blond hair and blue eyes gave him that boy next door look. And he had a heart of gold. From day one we were inseparable and he never once let the flack he took from his buddies bother him. I just want to be with you. Always. He’d say through a smile, melt my heart, then kiss me on the cheek. He helped me get through the loss of both of my grandparents not long after we became a couple. The back-to-back losses destroying the little family Campbell and I had. And from the night of my gramma’s funeral, I knew I was in love with him something fierce. He never left me. Not once. He held me through all of my tears. He helped Campbell move back home. He helped me heal. Then before I knew it, a little more than six amazing years had gone by. They weren’t always easy, but they were ours, and I cherished them fiercely. Until the day he was taken from me much too soon in a car accident just one month after my twenty-second birthday. And the night he finally proposed. Lena’s voice breaks through the tension and my thoughts as she comes barreling between the bookcases. Campbell looking over at me in understanding. As if she knows where my thoughts just were. Her hand reaches across the counter and gives mine a squeeze before we look down to our little spitfire. I make sure to smile to hide my sudden sadness. “Auntie KeeKee, you were right. This book is awesome!” She holds up the children’s book with a picture of a puppy carrying a backpack on it. Coming around the counter, I offer my beautiful niece a high five and bend to kiss her cheek. “Nailed it,” I reply as I squeeze her tight. She giggles and my soul feels whole again. With another kiss to her cheek, I stand and look to Campbell. “You and LeeLee want to join me for some lunch at the diner? Toni already took her break, but I haven’t had time yet.” I ask. “Oh can we, Mommy? Pleeeeeeease?” LeeLee asks with her tiny hands clasped together under her chin. Blue eyes, just like her dad’s, pleading. “With a face like that, how can I say no?” she replies while smooshing her daughter ’s cheeks together. “Yes!” Lena fist pumps the air then takes my hand in one of hers and her mother ’s in the other. I holler out to Toni to let her know I’m leaving for a bit. “Got it, Boss Lady,” is hollered from the back. “I’ll hold down the fort.” I smile wide. “Then let’s hit it.”



OOMPH. Taking a step back from the impact, a small body follows and lands on my chest. My hands instinctively release the few grocery bags I was holding to grab hold of lush hips, steadying whoever just knocked into me. “Oh crap. I’m so sorry!” A sweet, melodic voice floats through the air. Stepping back, I see the top of a dark head as she bends down to retrieve whatever she dropped on the sidewalk. “Gosh, I am such a darned klutz,” she mutters. Her voice causing my chest to do funny shit. I’m rubbing a hand across it, hoping to alleviate whatever the feeling is, when she stands to her full height. Which is short as shit compared to my six foot three frame. And she’s got curves for fucking days. My hands burn from the memory of what her hips felt like beneath them, even just for a second. She sees me rubbing my chest and her deep green eyes widen beneath thick black lashes. “Oh my goodness, did I hurt you?” She actually looks worried. The natural tan skin of her face pinched in worry. I almost smirk, almost, but opt for just shaking my head and grunting a “no” while my eyes scan her from head to toe and back again. “Oh, phew.” She actually wipes her hand across her forehead. “I know I’m small, but I’m mighty. So I was worried there for a sec.” A smile stretches wide across her pink lips. I just look at her unamused. “Oookay then. Well, I’m sorry for bumping into you like that. I wasn’t paying attention, obviously.” She chuckles. Then before I can say a damn thing, she’s back to bending and picking shit up off the ground. I look down to see a couple of apples rolled out of one bag and milk pouring from the busted jug. I squat down and grab the bags after she gathers the apples. “Don’t worry about it,” I reply as we both stand. And it takes all my willpower to keep my eyes on hers and not peer down the open neck of her top. Looking to my left to divert my eyes, I see a trash can a couple of feet away, so I toss the jug. “I’m sorry about your milk.” She rummages through the bag across her chest and comes up with a five-dollar bill. “Let me replace it, it’s the least I can do.” She smiles again. She smiles a lot if the lines around her eyes are anything to go by. I look at her and shake my head again. “Not gonna happen.” “Huh? I just want to replace your milk. It’s my fault it’s ruined.” Her smile dims and for some reason it bothers me. Someone as gorgeous as her should be smiling as often as possible.

“Look, I obviously wasn’t paying attention either or we wouldn’t have bumped into each other. So don’t worry about it. I don’t need your money.” “Fine,” she huffs as she jams the money back into her purse haphazardly. “But if you’re ever in need of a good book, come by Between the Pages, it’ll be on me.” Her full smile is back in place. I can’t help but stare at her as she smiles. She looks around for a second before her green eyes come back to mine. “You new around here? I don’t remember seeing you before.” I nod. And continue to look at her. I probably look creepy as fuck, but this woman has me looking twice for the first time since my world was ripped apart, and now I can’t seem to look away. “You don’t say much, do you?” she asks. I shrug. “Not unless there’s something that has to be said.” The deep timber of my voice has her smile stretching wider if that’s even possible. “Well, I’m Keelynn. Keelynn Masters. I own Between the Pages. It’s the bookstore in town.” She sticks her hand out for me to shake. I shift bags from my right hand to the left before extending it out to hers. My large, rough hand engulfs her tiny, soft one. “Merrick.” I shake her petite hand in mine. Her grip surprisingly strong for such a little thing. “Merrick?” she asks. “Merrick,” I reply. Not giving her my last name. Not taking the chance. When I decided to take things into my own hands where Corsetti and the Palombo family were concerned, I didn’t bother taking on an alias. I’m not a fucking coward. I want those motherfuckers to know who it is that’s taking them down. But I’m still cautious with how much of myself I reveal so I don’t blow what I’ve got going on. “Okay then. Well, Merrick, welcome to town.” A light blush covers her cheeks, and it’s then I notice I’m still shaking her hand. I release it quickly then step back. She clears her throat again. “I meant what I said, come by the bookstore and any book is on me. We’ve got a wide selection of thriller and suspense novels. The new Stephen King, too!” Her eyes light with excitement, enhancing the green to an emerald color. Vibrant and bright. “Ya know, because I don’t think YA would be your thing.” She giggles lightly. A hand covering her mouth. I still just look at her while I wonder what the fuck YA is. “Well, I better get back so Toni doesn’t send the cavalry looking for me. I’ve been longer than I planned.” My chest tightens with an unexpected and inexplicable pull that feels a lot like jealousy. How the fuck that’s even possible when I literally just met her is beyond me. But it’s there nonetheless. And all she did was mention some guy’s name. Fuck, I’m losing my mind. “Well, it was nice meeting you.” Keelynn smiles wide. Showing all of her sparkling white teeth and one dimple. In her right cheek. Damn, that’s cute. “Yeah,” I grunt. Focusing on that lone dimple denting her cheek. Thinking about how fucking screwed I am already. “Don’t forget, Between the Pages,” she reminds me before she turns and walks down the sidewalk. I watch the curve of her ass and the sway of her hips as she walks away and turns the corner before I turn around to head back into the store for another half-gallon of milk. All the while thinking about how I could get lost in a sea of green and that her smile makes everything hurt a little less.



I TURN AWAY AND TAKE a deep breath. Holy cow, that is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen! Rich, dark brown hair that’s rumpled and just makes your hands itch to run through it. Deep brown eyes the color of melted dark chocolate; so dark they seem black beneath the darkest and longest lashes. A square jaw spattered with dark stubble and chiseled cheekbones. His face is a work of art. And he’s tall. So tall. I’d say at least a whole foot taller than my five foot two. Long, lean yet strong legs. And big. Like big, big. Wide, strong shoulders, bulging biceps beneath his dark waffle knit Henley, and what I can tell must be a six-pack. Or maybe even eight going by the ripples beneath the cotton. But he’s also the grumpiest I’ve ever seen too, I think. Such a shame. Such a stunning man should smile more. Before I round the corner to make it back to the bookstore, I look over my shoulder to see his black eyes still on me, tracking my every move. Hard glare still in place. Broad shoulders tense and large hands clenching at his sides. I can’t help but wonder what has him so on edge and angry. Walking through the door of the shop, I give a holler to Toni and she comes rushing over. “Oh dear goodness, goodness, me,” she rushes out. Hand to her chest. “I thought something happened to you!” Toni has always been eccentric. She was best friends with my gramma so I’ve known her my whole life. But since her husband, Earl, died, she’s gone a little more off her rocker and tends to worry even more. “Nope. All’s good.” I smile to reassure her. “I bumped into this guy when I was leaving the diner. So I stopped to help him pick up his few groceries, since it was my fault,” I explain. “A guy, hmm?” Her eyes light with mischief. “Tell me more. Who was it?” She claps her hands for added effect. All worry about earlier forgotten. Laughing, I wave her off. “Don’t go getting any ideas. I actually don’t know who he is. He’s new in town.” And with a face and body like that, no way will I be forgetting him anytime soon. I shake my head of my last thought and smile wide, trying to hide the flush of heat I can feel creeping into my cheeks. Toni gasps. “A newbie? And one that has you blushing brighter than fireworks on the Fourth of July? Do tell. Come on, let me have it.” Said blush grows hotter and I turn from her. Hiding. Because I don’t have this reaction to men. I never have, except once. And that once lasted six amazing years before it was ripped from me. And in

the almost two years since Trevor ’s been gone, not one man has piqued my interest in the slightest. Until Merrick. “There’s nothing to tell. I bumped into him because stupid me wasn’t paying attention. I offered to buy him a new half-gallon of milk since I made him spill the one he bought. We introduced ourselves. And then I was outta there.” “What’s his name?” “Merrick.” His name comes out in almost a dreamy sigh. I snap my mouth shut quickly before rounding the counter to shove my purse underneath. Getting back to work. “Hot diggity dog, that’s a sinful name if I ever heard it.” My thoughts exactly. “I wonder if he’s the hunk Betsy Sue saw in the hardware store the other day…she said she almost had a coronary right there in the paint aisle he was so yummy looking.” Betsy Sue is an eighty-year-old woman, married for sixty-two years, with eleven cats. So you can imagine why I’m staring wide-eyed at Toni like she has snakes coming out of her head like Medusa. “What?” she asks with an innocent shrug of her shoulders. Shaking my head, I can’t help but let out a belly laugh at the mental picture she painted of Betsy Sue drooling over Merrick. Toni’s wide smile softens. “Ya know? You never lost your smile for very long, but that laugh of yours has been few and far between the last couple of years. It’s real good to hear.” She places a motherly hand to my arm before continuing as tears fill her eyes. A look crossing her face. “And you know your grampy and gramma would be so proud of you,” she whispers. I’m not sure what has her bringing up my grandparents, but I smile nonetheless. I miss them so much every day, despite them being gone for so many years. That ache just never goes away. And it’s the same for the hole in my heart that Trevor ’s unexpected passing left. Two years later and some days it feels like yesterday. I loved that boy so much, thought we’d spend a lifetime together, but God had other plans. I can’t help but believe that. Because if that’s not the case, then it’s all for not, and I refuse to believe that. I lean in and squeeze her tight. “Life hasn’t always been easy, but there’s still a whole lot to be happy about,” I whisper on a final squeeze. “And I sure do hope I’m making them proud.” Stepping back, I fight the sudden surge of tears filling my eyes. “Now”—I clap once—”let’s get back to work.” “Right-o, Boss Lady.”



W ALKING INTO THE DINER EARLY Sunday morning, I see the place is packed. Which I guess is to be expected on a rainy morning. I find a stool at the very end of the bar that overlooks the kitchen. When I sit down, a waitress scurries by, flipping my mug over. Her eyes lift to mine in question, I nod, then she starts filling it with coffee. As the person next to me stands up, I see from the corner of my eye a familiar face sitting in the next spot over. Smiling at me. Since we literally bumped into each other earlier in the week, I hadn’t seen her again. Until now. “Morning.” Keelynn beams as I look over at her. Her fresh face makeup free, her dark hair piled high on her head. A loose sweater hangs from one tan shoulder. So simple, but so fucking pretty. Damn it. “We gotta stop meeting like this,” she jokes through her smile. I look at her for a beat before turning and going back to drinking my coffee. Trying to ignore the way just looking at her has my chest feeling funny shit. “I see you’re not a morning person either,” she mumbles over the rim of her coffee mug. “What’ll it be for ya, hon?” An older, different waitress walks over to me. Her nametag reading Sandra. I look down at the menu before ordering two eggs over easy, bacon, and a side of wheat toast. “Anything else, hon?” she asks. I shake my head in reply. “That’ll be right up.” Then she walks away, checking on customers down the row. From the corner of my eye I can see that Keelynn is still trying to discreetly look over at me. But failing. “Did you need something?” My voice rumbles between us before I look over at her. I spin on my stool and put my back to the wall, coffee mug in hand. Taking a sip while she turns to face me, she crosses her legs before talking. “You’ve got me curious, Merrick.” Her voice holding a hint of softness and her eyes flashing something that looks a lot like unease. I feel my brows dip low in confusion. I look at her, waiting for her to elaborate. But she doesn’t. She just smiles again, the look disappearing as her plump, pink lips stretch wide and she changes the subject. “So…enjoying what our little town has to offer?” She sips her coffee, expectant eyes on me. Waiting on a reply.

I wouldn’t exactly say enjoying is the right word. If I’m not working with Jenson and his brothers for their repair company, I’m doing surveillance on Mario’s men. They rent a shop on main street where they run their “business.” They also rent a huge, old beach house down by the water on Hampton Beach and that’s where they’re staying. From what I’ve gathered so far, Mario isn’t in town yet, but they’re planning his arrival. And so am I. I shrug as I take another sip of my strong, black coffee before I reply. “You could say that.” “Been to the beach yet?” My eyes hold hers. Mine unamused, because I’m not the going to the beach type. And hers full of mirth, because she damn well knows it. I shake my head and spin back on my stool to face the kitchen, but I see in my periphery that she hasn’t moved. Neither has her smile. Her shoulders shake with a silent giggle. No doubt revealing that sexy as hell dimple in her cheek. Who would have known expressive green eyes, a big dimpled smile, and deep, winding curves would have me feeling things I never thought I’d feel again toward a woman. Things like lust and want—a physical attraction that has me wanting to kiss that bright smile clean off her gorgeous face. When I don’t respond she changes the subject. “Alrighty then. Well, what has you coming into town?” Before she even finishes her question, I’m wishing that I just entertained her beach question. Because why I’m in town is something I can’t, and won’t, talk about. “Just needed a change of scenery.” My short answer doesn’t seem to surprise her, since I’ve been nothing but short and clipped with her since I met her the other day. “You chose a great town then. And I’m not saying that because I’m biased. We really do have a great town here. Small town feel, but not too small,” she says through her signature smile. “Good to know.” As soon as I reply Sandra walks by, placing my breakfast in front of me. Along with refilling my coffee. Seeing my food arrive, and sensing our conversation being over, Keelynn tosses some money by her plate before addressing the waitress. “Thanks, Sandy. Tell Marv it was delicious as always.” She smiles at the older waitress as she stands and slides on her raincoat. Sandra replies through a smile of her own. “You betcha, honey. He’ll be tickled as always.” Keelynn turns to me before she leaves, her eyes assessing. She doesn’t say something for a few beats, which has me wondering what she’s thinking about in her pretty little head. Something crosses behind her eyes. A brief flash and then it’s gone. Then she speaks. “Next time you come you should try the French toast. It’s delish.” Another smile. I just look at her, again, unblinking. I’ve never been much of a talker, but it seems around her I speak even less. It’s her happiness and cheer and smiles. They catch me off guard and hold me captive while they shine around me. Bright like fucking sunshine. The way she looks at me throws me offkilter, too. Like she can see something below the surface, which unnerves me even more. “Well, always a pleasure, Merrick. Stay dry, and I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” Her lone dimple flashes deep in her cheek she’s smiling so wide. Then she winks and walks away. And I can’t help but watch as she goes. Watching her curves roll and sway as she moves. My cock twitches in my jeans so I shift to ease the tightness all while thinking how she’s the first woman to affect me this way in over three years. I swallow hard. Three seats down an older gentleman looks over at me, grabbing my attention from Keelynn’s round ass. “She’s right.” His graveled voice stretches across the distance between us. It sounds as if he’s smoked a pack a day for a hundred years. “The French toast is delish.”

“We’ve really gotta stop meeting like this.” The familiar, cheerful voice has me swinging my head to the left, forgetting all about the cereal selection in front of me. You’ve got to be kidding me. It’s late August and I’ve been in town for about three weeks. The height of the summer heat is coming to a close soon, but the humidity is still thick in the air. So I can’t help but notice Keelynn standing in the middle of the cereal aisle wearing a pair of jean shorts that reveal her shapely legs and a loose tank top that gives a generous look at her ample cleavage. The dark shade of purple highlights the green in her eyes, causing them to shine brighter than her smile, if that’s even possible. My heart starts to ache when I realize I’m comparing her to Stacy. How she’s much shorter than Stacy’s five foot seven and much curvier than her sleek and slim curves were. Causing my mood to take a sudden nosedive. I grunt a “Hey” then turn my head to look back at the cereals in front of me. Trying to control my rising anger and sadness. Along with my growing arousal. What the fuck? “Breakfast of champions,” she exclaims as she pushes her cart closer, nudging the basket I have in my hand. “Oops, sorry.” She smiles. I can see it from the corner of my eye as I scan the selection in front of me, all while trying not to see it. Shifting the basket from my left hand to my right, I reach forward and grab a box of Honey Nut Cheerios. Lila used to love these. “Looks like we have more in common than we thought, tough guy.” A small, tan arm reaches out for a box of the same cereal, grazing my bicep in the process. The light touch causing that funny shit to happen to my chest again. Making my already shit mood turn shittier. Because I have no idea how, in such a short amount of time and with such little conversation, this petite, gorgeous woman has infiltrated my thoughts so quickly. She has me feeling shit I haven’t felt in years. And if I’m being honest, have never felt before. Which makes it all the worse. I turn my head to look at her—not taking in how good she looks or how radiant her smile is— then turn the other way down the aisle. Ignoring her the best I can. It may be an asshole move, but I’m so fucking confused I couldn’t speak even if I wanted to. And I don’t. So I keep walking while my heart pounds a steady beat and my mind runs in circles trying to figure out what the hell is going on. I’m here for a reason. A reason that doesn’t include a beautiful brunette with a killer body, bright green eyes, and a smile that could bring any grown man to his knees. “It was good seeing you,” she shouts down the aisle. I can hear the smile in her voice at my back. “But next time, try not to talk so much.” Her giggle immediately follows. Smart-ass.

The smile stays on my face as I watch him walk down the aisle and take the corner. But I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness. Because whenever I’ve run into Merrick, which has been a couple of times

since that first day a few weeks ago, I can see the hardness in his eyes. The mix of anger and anguish. I can feel the chill of the steel wall he has erected around him. Keeping him hidden. Trying to keep him safe. But from what? And why? All I know is that he’s new in town. He hasn’t spoken more than a dozen sentences in total to me with each run in. It’s like pulling teeth to get him to talk, reply, react. And he hasn’t cracked a smile once. I’m making it my mission to get him to do just that. Even if that’s all I can get out of him, I’ll take it. Knowing that if he does, it will most likely be the most rare and most beautiful sight I will have ever seen. Shaking my head, I push my cart down the remainder of the aisle, following where Merrick left. When I take the left, heading for the dairy section at the end of the store to finish up my grocery list, I see him strolling in the same direction. The sight of him has me stopping in my tracks right there in the middle of the store. My eyes roam over his tall, muscular form as he walks with purpose and long strides. Heat flares all over my body, and I shift on my feet as heat starts to thrum between my legs as I watch the way his dark wash jeans fit just right around his perfectly shaped behind and strong thighs. The way his black T-shirt barely contains the lean but powerful muscles of his arms and back. I pick up a slow pace, pushing my cart, as my eyes keep traveling over him. The heat radiating from my cheeks is so hot you could probably fry an egg on my face. He doesn’t spare a glance to anyone around him, his head staying straight ahead as he walks. But that doesn’t stop those around him from gawking. Heads turn as he passes people by. He’s completely unaware of the effect he has on them—men and women alike. But mostly the women, which has a suspiciously odd feeling that must be jealousy igniting in my belly. Making it churn with unease. I watch as woman after woman, girl after girl, stop and stare at him. Primping their hair. Straightening out their clothes. Checking their faces in the reflection of their phones. As if they’d even have a chance with a man as alluring and mysterious as him. I’ve never been a jealous person. Sure, girls used to look at and flirt with Trevor when we were together, but it never caused jealousy to burn through me and singe me from the inside out. I knew I could trust him, and I was confident in our relationship. It’s just something I’ve never experienced before. Until now. And for the life of me, I can’t figure out why in the world that both frightens and excites me all at once.



EVERYWHERE I TURN IT SEEMS I’m running into Keelynn. From the diner to the grocery store to anywhere in town. It doesn’t matter where I am; for the last month and a half it seems her smiling face is there, too. And even when she isn’t around, I can’t fucking escape her. Now my nightmares consist of everything I lost…and her. Her smile, her laugh, her peppy and cheerful attitude. She’s seeping into every aspect of my life, and I’ve barely spoken a dozen words to her. So it doesn’t fucking surprise me that as I’m walking toward the coffee shop one morning, I see her petite self hanging an open sign outside of what must be her bookstore. Looking up, I see I’m right. Between the Pages. “Well, good morning there, tough guy,” she says, and smiles when she catches sight of me. Brightening up the overcast day. For a split second I think about walking by, but decide against it. “Morning.” My short reply has that smile widening and that dimple denting deeper. I’m fucking mesmerized. “Off to work?” “Day off.” Is my reply when I finally pull it together and take my eyes off of her beautiful face. “Oh, goodie then.” She claps her hands excitedly as she replies, “You’ll have time to stop in and pick up that book I owe you.” My hard look doesn’t deter her. Nor does it dim her joy. She keeps smiling, then turns to walk back inside. I look down the sidewalk toward the café that was my original destination. Where there are no smiles, green eyes, or pretty faces. But again, I decide against leaving and follow her inside. Stepping through the door, I’m greeted with the feeling of comfort. Large windows are on every wall letting in an abundance of natural light, even on this cloudy day. All white bookshelves line the walls between each and stand in rows, creating aisles throughout the space. The one bare wall behind the counter is painted a pale yellow with the quote I’ve lived a thousand lives scrawled in large, scripted letters. With different books hanging in shadow boxes in any free space around the quote. I notice two photos sit on a shelf behind the counter. An unlit candle sits between the two frames, and as I squint to get a better look, I notice a plastic card is tucked into a bottom corner of each frame. One is of an older couple who must be in their mid to late sixties and the other has a younger guy I’d peg to be in his early twenties with his arms wrapped around a smiling Keelynn. That ache hits my chest again at seeing that smile of hers no doubt caused by him. I wonder if it’s that Tony guy she mentioned that first day I met her. I rumble a grunt at that thought. “The suspense and thriller section is right over here.” She points to her left from her spot next to me. Dragging me from my thoughts. “End of the row.” Her smile still in place.

I wonder if she’s ever not smiling. But when I try to envision it, it feels all off, and I decide right then that a day when she isn’t smiling would be a bitterly cold day. I look at her and shake my head at her assessment, but head that way nonetheless. She’s right, if I read it would be something of the likes of Stephen King. “Hope you find something you like,” she exclaims to my back. I can hear that smile in her voice. It’s as if it has a life of its own. Every single time I’ve seen her, she’s been smiling. She’s been cheerful and happy and talkative. I’ve noticed she’s like that with everyone, too. After running into her at the grocery store last week, I saw her talking with an elderly man just before I left. He was enthralled. I know the feeling. When she’s talking to you, she offers you her full attention. Her entire smile. Pink lips stretched across perfect white teeth. Blinding and beaming and so damn bright it’s captivating. Like sunshine. It wraps you up in its warmth. Shaking my head, I try to focus on the collection of books in front of me when I hear her sweet voice break across the room. “Hey, Toni, mind helping me with this box of paperbacks?” My chest starts to tighten with something that feels an awful lot like jealousy again; just like the first day she mentioned this guy and not five minutes ago when I saw that photo. The feeling threatens to consume me until I hear the voice hollering back. “Sure thing, Boss Lady.” A woman’s voice. An older woman’s voice if I’m not mistaken. I shake my head again and crack a smile at my stupidity as the unease drains from my body. “Well, my, my, my, what do we have here?” I hear that same voice ask right next to me. My smile drops as I look over my shoulder to see an older woman, probably in her mid to late sixties, with short, white hair streaked with blue. She’s wearing a tie-dyed top with beads around her neck. It isn’t the same woman from the photo, that much I can tell. The woman standing in front of me is short but lean. While the woman in the photo was short and pleasantly plump. When I turn and she sees my face, hers splits into a knowing grin. “You must be Merrick.” I’m taken aback by the fact she knows my name. My confusion must register because she continues on after a beat. “Keelynn told me about you.” She’s been talking about me? For some reason, that has a smirk lifting the side of my mouth. A gasp sounds from next to me, and I shift quickly to see Keelynn standing next to who I assume is Toni. “He does smile,” she utters in disbelief. And it actually seems genuine. Her eyes are wide and her mouth is slightly agape. “And what a smile it is,” the older woman says in a dreamy tone. Hands clasped together against her cheek. “Toni.” I was right. “Are you swooning right now?” “What?” Toni asks, incredulous. “Did you not see that smirk on his gorgeous face? So sue me,” she huffs and starts walking down the aisle to the front of the store. “You take your time. I’ll take care of these boxes. Good meeting you, Merrick.” She waves her fingers in the air as she walks away. “You, too,” I reply. Even though we weren’t officially introduced. Keelynn smiles over her shoulder then looks up at me. “She’s a crazy one, but you gotta love her.” I nod in understanding. She does seem to be a little out there. “So, find anything you like?” she then asks. Excitement lighting her features. Then before I can answer that I haven’t even had much time to look, a little voice pierces the air.

“Auntie KeeKee!” Is exclaimed before a whirlwind of blonde hair and pink shoes comes barreling toward us. “My LeeLee,” she exclaims back and drops to a squat to catch the little girl. Big smile even bigger and brighter if that’s even possible. What is it about this woman and her smile? It’s like I can’t even function when it’s shining within a hundred feet of me. My chest constricts painfully at the little voice that starts to speak again. It sounds so much like my Lila’s did. “Look what I got at the book fair yesterday at school!” The girl’s excited little voice infiltrates the air. “Lena, how many times do I have to tell you about your inside voice?” Another woman, who must be her mother, asks in a huff as she follows close behind. “Oh…” she breathes out when she sees me behind Keelynn. Standing, Keelynn introduces us. “Merrick, this is my sister, Campbell. Campbell, this is Merrick. He’s new in town.” Her normally bright smile is no less bright, but it’s smaller. Shy. A light shade of pink hits the apples of her cheeks. I shake Campbell’s offered hand and look down at the little girl staring up at me when she introduces her. “And this is my daughter, Lena. Say hi, Lena.” The little girl turns into her mother ’s leg and waves shyly. A barely there look from blue eyes under blonde pigtails. Another pang of something deep and painful hits my chest at the familiar set of bright blues. I start to smile at her, then freeze when I see what’s tucked under her arm. The pain sweeps me under. “Daddy, it’s time for our bedtime story.” Lila sits with her legs folded under her, bopping up and down on her twin-sized bed. Sweet smile on her sweet face. Black pigtails bouncing with her joy. I pick her up and she squeals before I tuck her under the covers, kiss her forehead, then sit next to her. Opening the book, I read the first lines of her favorite bedtime story. Goodnight Moon. Coming out of my past, I shake my head and try to breathe. “I have to go,” I murmur quickly. My chest tight and heaving for air. “Merrick, are you all right?” Keelynn’s voice is strained with worry. Her bright smile nowhere in sight. A hand gently placed on my bicep. “Fine. Just have to go,” I clip out. Then shake off her soothing touch and move past the small group of women to get out into the fresh air. I catch Toni’s worried gaze as I stumble through the front door. Once I make it outside I heave a much-needed deep breath, but it doesn’t matter. The memory still haunts me. The pain still consumes me. And the jagged pieces left of my heart still ache with their loss as if it just happened yesterday.



I WATCH HIM PLOW THROUGH the front door. Then see him stand stock-still outside of the window. His larger than life presence taking up the entire sidewalk as people give him a wide berth as they pass by. His chest heaves as he shakes his head and stalks back in the direction he came from earlier. My face drops into a deep frown as I watch him go. One minute he was fine. The almost smile on his face completely holding me captive. Then Campbell and LeeLee came in and it’s as if he shut down. A dazed look taking over his rugged, handsome face. He spaced out and then snapped. But it wasn’t anger that radiated off of him. It was pain. Loss. Heartache. Which in turn is causing my chest to constrict and ache. I know that feeling all too well. “What’s wrong with that man, Mommy?” LeeLee’s little voice has me looking down at her. Her pretty, innocent face is pinched in worry as she looks up at my sister. Campbell runs a soothing hand over her daughter ’s blonde hair, running the ponytail through her fingers. “I don’t know, baby.” Her eyes cut to mine. Questions flashing through the same green color as mine. I squat back down to get to Lena’s eye level and grab her hands. Rubbing my thumbs in soothing circles in the palms of each. “It’s okay, sweetie. Mr. Merrick just forgot he had something to do. Everything’s fine.” Gosh, I hope everything is fine. Toni’s worried gaze comes into view behind Campbell and Lena. I know it must match mine. “Hey, little Lena,” she speaks up, causing LeeLee to drop my hands when she turns around. “I brought in some of my famous chocolate chip cookies today. Why don’t we break into those puppies now? Sneak a few before anyone else?” She waggles her eyebrows as she bites her bottom lip. A mischievous glint taking over the worry in her eyes. LeeLee’s little face lights up as any six-year-old’s would at the mention of having chocolate chip cookies in the morning. Campbell laughs lightly as she nods her consent. “Just a couple though, little lady. You just had breakfast and it’s still too early for cookies.” Toni gives her a horrified look. Eyes comically wide, her mouth matching. “It is never too early for my chocolate chip oatmeal cookies,” she admonishes. Causing me to chuckle. “There is oatmeal in them, which could technically make them a breakfast food.” Not caring that an impressionable sixyear-old is standing next to her, witnessing the entire exchange. Toni proceeds to stick her tongue out at my sister in a so-there gesture. Lena’s small shoulders bounce as a giggle trickles out from behind her hand clasped over her

mouth. Campbell rolls her eyes playfully and shoos them along. We watch the woman who was a second grandmother to us growing up walk hand-in-hand with our most favorite little person in the world until they turn out of view. While Toni distracts Lena, Campbell grabs my arm and pulls my attention to her. “What the hell, KeeKee? That’s the guy you’ve been going on about?” I run a hand over my face before I answer her. “I haven’t been going on about him. But yes, that’s him, and I have no idea what happened. The times I’ve seen him he’s always been quiet and aloof. Brooding even. But he’s never reacted like that.” “Could it have been something we did? Lena and me? I mean, I know we didn’t do anything wrong. But when he saw us it looked like he saw a ghost he got so pale.” I know. He looked ashen and clammy. Lost and so pained. My heart lurches again at the reminder. I shake my head, not having one clue. “I really don’t know. But I did recognize that look on his face.” I worry my bottom lip between my thumb and forefinger, staring off into space. Getting lost in painful memories. The knock on the door. The police standing there, sad looks on solemn faces. The absolute anguish and despair that ripped through my body with the words spoken: I’m so sorry, Ms. Masters. Campbell frowns then reaches out to grab my hand, bringing me back to the present. Saving me from the past. “You think he’s here because he lost someone?” she asks quietly. “Maybe? Like I said, he barely speaks to me when I see him. He’s always short. The few questions I’ve been able to ask him are no different. He gives as little information as possible. But it isn’t like we’ve ever had a chance to really talk either. We always just seem to run into each other long enough to say ‘hello,’ exchange a few pleasantries—on my end anyway—before moving on to whatever it was we were doing.” “Odd.” Campbell points out, a finger to her lips as she thinks. “Well, I hope whatever it is that he’s all right.” Her eyes stare pointedly at me before she speaks again. “Now you, sister, have some explaining to do.” Accusation heavily laced in her tone. “What are you talking about?” I ask, confused. “You said he was good-looking, Keelynn. That man there? He isn’t just good-looking. He is setyou-on-fire-with-a-single-glance, hot-damn, oh-em-gee fine!” I blink at her enthusiasm as Toni yells from the front of the store, “That’s exactly what I told her!” Campbell nods her head as if to say uh huh, I told you so, while I just shake my head. “You remember you’re married, right? To a very good-looking”—I pointedly look at her—“man who adores you and the ground you walk on.” “Pfft, of course I do. Mason knows he’s the only man that gets my pages turning.” She exaggeratedly winks at me to make sure I got her reference to books before continuing. “But that does not mean I can’t look nor does it mean that I’m blind. And that man is a tall, dark, and handsome drink of water. And you look thirsty. I mean, the tension had my panties melting.” She waves a hand in front of her face. “Whatever.” I roll my eyes as I feel a blush overtake my cheeks because she is so right. I am thirsty. For him. “Ah-ha! I knew it. You like him,” she accuses with a smile on her face. But it quickly slips when she sees the panic and worry take over mine. “I think you’re right,” I whisper. My eyes filling with tears. “I think I do like him, and that terrifies me because it’s too soon, isn’t it? He’s too different from Trevor. From me. I don’t even know him, Cam. A few run ins shouldn’t warrant how I feel whenever I see him. Or have me thinking about him all the time. But I can’t help it and it terrifies me. Am I crazy?” “Hey, hey, it’s okay.” She pulls me into her arms, speaking into my ear. “Trevor would’ve wanted

you to be happy. And to move on.” Her sad eyes plead with me to hear her as she leans back from our embrace. “It’s been almost two years, honey. I know I could never truly know what you’ve been going through, but trust me when I say it’s not too soon. Your feelings aren’t crazy. And it’s also okay to be scared. Just follow your heart, it won’t guide you wrong.” I lean in and hug my sister tight. Thanking her without words. Thinking over what she said and wondering if it’s the fact that Merrick makes me feel things I’ve never felt before—not even with Trevor—that has me so scared. Or if it’s just the moving on part in general. Whatever it is though, I do know for certain that he has the ability to obliterate whatever remaining pieces of my heart are intact. Which has fear rolling over me all over again. We pull apart and Campbell wipes the tears from my cheeks. “Now, let’s get to my daughter before she eats herself into a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie coma. You know Toni won’t tell her no.”

A swift breeze picks up the ends of my dark hair. Fluttering them around me. I gather the mass and drag it over my left shoulder where I do up a quick braid to keep it out of my face. My heart heavy. My eyes filling with tears. My soul aching from loss. Just like every other time I’ve visited him. It never gets easier. It’s been three days since Merrick walked out of Between the Pages in a flurry of anger and pain. I haven’t seen him at all, and I’ve been worried ever since he all but ran out the door. Because of that, and what today means, I needed to get out. As I walk down the row, grass crinkling below the black flats on my feet. The suddenly cool and crisp autumn weather turning the green leaves into a colorful array of reds and yellows, purples and oranges. They fall around me as I walk. Almost there. I heave a deep breath when I see it. His headstone. Black and gleaming in the autumn sun. The tears fall and wet my cheeks. A chill running through my body as the breeze stirs across my face. I stop at his grave, shimmying around to the side to stand near the stone, not wanting to step on where he rests. But needing to be nearer, closer to him. Trevor was the love of my life. The boy I fell in love with. The man I thought I’d spend forever with. He knew me inside and out. My many flaws. My greatest triumphs. My biggest fears. So when I’m feeling extra low, or confused, or need to share my joys or sadness, I come to see him. To talk to him. Just like I would have done if he were still here. Still breathing. Still loving and laughing. Living. “I felt you today.” My soft whisper carries along the breeze when I finally speak. Fluttering along with the leaves. I tighten my sweater around me to help ward off the September chill. “I smiled at something Toni said, and the sun broke through the clouds and I felt you. I could smell a faint scent of your familiar cologne. I could feel your warm embrace.” My tears keep falling. My heart keeps pounding. My soul keeps aching. “For a split second it was like you were there with me. Right there. Alive and well. Holding me in your arms.” I sniffle back a sob as it bubbles in my throat. No one knows I come out here as often as I do. They don’t know how hard I truly struggle every day without him. My happy face and big smiles hide the hurt and pain. Even though I really do believe everything happens for a reason, and believe in being optimistic, it doesn’t make it hurt any less.

As silent tears continue to fall, I stand there, taking in what remains of the only man I’ve ever loved. All while thinking of the mysterious man I can’t keep from my thoughts. “I don’t know if you sent him to me,” I tell Trevor. Speaking aloud and praying he can still hear me. “But I’d like to believe you did. I’d like to believe you’d want me to be happy. To move on. To feel what I’m feeling right now, how you made me feel every single day, to feel that way about someone else.” I bring a closed fist up to my chest. Rubbing the ache that’s settled deep. “Because I feel it, Trevor. After such a short amount of time, I feel it.” My head hangs heavy between my shoulders. Tears falling to the ground below me. “And that terrifies me. Because I have no idea what it means and how it could happen so fast. Or if it’s even right. I don’t even know this man, but it feels like I do. It feels like I’ve known him my entire life. Like we share a deeper connection than what’s on the surface. But that’s crazy, right? Because I’ve only had a handful of conversations with him. He’s barely spoken to me. And he can’t even freaking smile, Trevor.” I shake my head at my ranting to my deceased fiancé. Sounding even crazier than I am for just talking to him. Because I can’t have any type of feelings for a man so closed off, so pained, so unhappy. Can I? “I just don’t know what to do. I miss you so much. Gramma and Gramps, too. Some days it still feels like yesterday. While other days it feels like it’s been a million years since I’ve heard their laughs or seen your smiling face.” A fresh round of tears start rolling down my cheeks. I sigh when I realize my heart hurts a little less from talking with Trevor. Just like it always does when I visit him. But I’m no less scared than I was when I got here. Because for some reason it feels like I’m losing him all over again. That allowing my thoughts of Merrick will somehow erase Trevor from my life. I smile softly as I stand there, staring at what’s left of the best boy, friend, and man I’ve ever known. While thoughts of dark eyes and a brooding stare make my heart ache for a whole new reason. “I’ll always love you,” I declare on a whisper. Because it’s true. No matter where I am. No matter what I’m doing. No matter who else fills my heart, Trevor will always hold his very own piece of it. Kissing my fingers, I place them atop the cold marble, soaking up the feel, before whispering, “Happy birthday, Trev.”



T HE SHRILL SOUND OF A phone ringing pierces through the fog of my mind. Pulling me from the terrors of my past that now mix with Keelynn’s beautiful, smiling face. My heart pounds as confusion settles like a heavy blanket over me. One minute it was Stacy’s terrified face staring up at me. Then as she hit the ground, blue eyes turned to deep green and black hair to chestnut brown. What the fuck? My mind is even more fucked-up than usual. My eyes pull open, the early morning light surrounding me doing nothing to take away the chill that courses through my bones. A few heaving breaths pass through my aching throat when I realize the sound is still going. My phone. Reaching blindly to the table next to me, my hand lands on the offending object as it vibrates and continues to ring. Squinting, a name from my past flashes across the screen. Making me flinch as it always does because of the memories that name brings with him. We haven’t spoken in months. Not since he tracked me down the last time. “It’s been a while,” I answer in way of greeting. Not even bothering to ask how he got my new number. Working for the FBI has its perks, since my shit is on lockdown to keep my cover. “Too fucking long, brother.” That one statement loaded down with so much bullshit there isn’t enough time in a day to sift through it. Tanner clears his throat at my silence before continuing. “Sorry it’s early, but I’m on my way into the office. Figured you didn’t want Leslie knowing I was calling you. You know how she is.” His light chuckle has a barely there smirk lifting my lips at the reminder of the spitfire Tanner ’s wife is. She’d haul my ass back to Maryland if she knew he had any contact with me. She had been great friends with Stacy. And had the same personality. The barely there smile diminishes in an instant at that thought. “How’ve you been, Merrick?” The overly casual tone of his voice doing nothing to hide the worry of a friend who was more like a brother to me for ten years. Tanner Hall and I met our junior year in college, right after my father passed. Becoming fast friends when we realized we both wanted to become agents. We graduated together and went on to joining the bureau together. He was the best man at my wedding, and I at his. We started families at the same time. The only difference is I lost mine. His is still living and breathing. “Fine,” I grunt. Uneasy with the history that talking to him brings up. “Things with you?” “They’re good, man. Leslie is great and Trina, she’s growing up so fa—” He stops abruptly when he realizes he brought up his eight- almost nine-year-old daughter, who used to be best friends with

mine who would have been the same age. He clears his throat as if he’s going to apologize. Or even worse, continue. “Were you calling for a reason, Tanner?” My gruff tone hiding nothing. A deep breath comes through the receiver before he speaks. “I really did just want to check in, Merrick. It’s been months since I was able to track you down. Needed to make sure you were all right.” He pauses a few beats. Then he’s talking and my heart is jackhammering in my chest. “You really think she’d want you doing this, man? Putting yourself at risk like this? In danger? I get it, man, but this isn’t the right way to go about things. And you’re not moving on. Stacy, she’d want—” A growl rips through my chest. Audible through the receiver. And even as the pain of losing my wife and daughter crashes over me in a fresh wave, deep green eyes flash through my mind at his mention of moving on. “Don’t speak their fucking names. You hear me? You think you know what this feels like, but you have no fucking clue. In the blink of an eye I lost everything, Tanner. Everything. The two most important aspects of my life—of me—gone. And if it takes me the rest of my fucking life to seek retribution for them, then you can fucking bet I’ll gladly spend every waking minute making it happen.” “Merrick, brother—” “No,” I force through clenched teeth. My hand gripping my phone so tightly I swear I hear the casing crack. “This conversation is over. As you can hear, I’m alive and fucking well.” “You may be alive, brother, but are you really living?” And with that final comment I hang up and smash my phone against the wall.

I’m standing outside of Between the Pages, wondering what in the hell I’m doing here. All I know is that after I got off the phone with Tanner this morning, I’ve been unable to think of anything but my past and what moving on with the likes of Keelynn Masters would be like. Then I thought of how I left her a few days ago and the urge—no, need—to apologize for my actions ripped right through me. So here I am, standing here like a goddamn idiot, getting ready to apologize when that’s something I never fucking do. But I need to be with her. She’s different. She’s good. A bright ray of sunshine through my dark clouds of gray. As I’m getting ready to step to the door, it opens and out steps all five foot of dark hair, flawless skin, and deep curves. Her loose sweater and leggings doing nothing to hide what has to be the sexiest body from my sight. She turns after locking the door from the outside and lets out a scream. “Damn it, Merrick. You ‘bout damn near gave me a heart attack. You make it a habit of sneaking up on unsuspecting women at night?” My cock swells at the curse coming from those lips. I’ve never heard her swear before. I’d like to hear it again. When she’s moaning into my ear as I’m taking her deep. Jesus Christ, what am I thinking? You’re here to apologize, asshole. “Didn’t mean to scare you,” I rumble. Not making my case any better since I sound like a damn bear. I clear my throat and offer an apology. “I’m sorry.” She looks down for a moment before looking back up at me. And like a blow to the chest I realize she hasn’t smiled once since she turned around. I need her to smile. It’s vital. Like the air I breathe. When the fuck did this woman become to mean so goddamn much? A dozen run ins and as many words

shouldn’t add up to how I feel. But fuck all if it matters. She’s got me tied up and so damn confused. “It’s fine,” she mumbles before walking around me. Heading down the sidewalk to walk to a side lot where I’m assuming her car is parked. I follow immediately. One, to apologize. And two, because I don’t like the idea of her walking to her car at night. Not one fucking bit. I don’t care how safe this town seems or how well lit the street and parking lot are. I know what can happen when you least expect it. “Is there a reason you’re following me now, too?” She doesn’t even glance my way. Her bubbly personality and jovial tone nowhere in sight. Gone, just like her smile. I rub the back of my neck as I continue walking with her. “Uh, yeah. I wanted to apologize for the other day. It was rude of me, how I ran out of there like that. I, uh, your niece just reminded me of someone and I had to get out of there.” It’s the best I can do, but it’s the truth. Most of it. She stops just shy of what I presume is her car and turns to me. “Don’t worry about it. There was nothing to apologize for, but consider it accepted. I’ll see you around, Merrick.” Something’s off…wrong. No smiles. No laughter. No happy-go-lucky, sunshine attitude. “What’s going on, Keelynn?” “Nothing. Today has just been a—son of a bitch!” I follow where her eyes are looking to see a flat tire. All the air completely gone. Tears well then roll down her cheeks and she breaks. Sobs rack her body. I don’t even think, I just wrap her up in my arms and hold her close. Her lush curves fitting perfectly with my hard body. I don’t talk. I don’t try to ease her with words. I just hold her and let her cry it out. When she settles down, her tears drying and her breaths calming, I reluctantly let go and step back. “You good?” She nods then wipes the wetness from her cheeks. “This is just great,” she mutters. “You got a spare?” “Oh.” She sounds surprised that I’d ask. Which pisses me off. “I can call Triple A, don’t worry about it.” “I won’t ask again, Sunshine. You got a spare?” Her eyes bulge at the endearment that slips past my lips. My heart rate picks up because I have no idea where that came from. But I ignore it, because it’s true. She is sunshine. And when it comes to her, I’m fucked. “I do,” she whispers as she pops the trunk from the key fob in her hand. Walking to the trunk, I see the jack and grab it out before lifting the felt to grab the spare that’s stowed underneath. She stands next to me while I get to work changing out her tire for the spare. Quiet and staring off into space. Her mind a million miles away. When I get the last lug nut secured and lower the jack, I stand and put away the tools as she sinks to the hard tar below and leans against the new tire. A defeated sigh leaving her lips. A hand running through her dark locks. Slamming the trunk, I squat down in front of her, eyes scanning her sad face. “You all right?” She looks at me. Green eyes even sadder. “I was worried about you,” she whispers. I sit my ass down next to her and blow out a breath. “Look, I’m sorry for how I left the other day —” Her left hand lifts between us, waving side to side. “I said it’s fine and I meant it. But I wanted you to know I was worried. You were fine, that smirk on your face, then it vanished right before you did.” I stay quiet because all I have to offer is my apology. But she doesn’t want to hear it. So I look away from her out into the empty lot before us. Letting the silence fester and grow between us. Letting my mind run wild with memories of my past. Of pigtails and blue eyes.

Until Keelynn breaks the silence. Along with another piece of my already broken heart. “You said LeeLee reminded you of someone?” I swallow hard at the question then give a rough nod. My throat too thick to talk. More memories of Lila flashing through my mind. After a few beats I clear my mind before my throat. “She did. Déjà vu. It doesn’t excuse how I left, but that’s why.” She nods her understanding and thankfully doesn’t continue her line of questioning. As if she knows I’d fall off the deep end if she did. She’s probably right. “No family?” she asks carefully. With good fucking reason, because that one word has me breathing like a fucking bull. Family. “No,” I grunt. Hoping she gets the hint that the subject is fucking closed. “My grandparents raised me, but they died when I was in high school. My Grampy from a stroke and my Gramma of a broken heart.” Her normally cheerful and peppy disposition nowhere in sight, just like the rest of the night. “I wasn’t yet eighteen, so my older sister, Campbell, who’s four years older than me, left the out-of-state college she attended and gave up scholarship money to come back home. She enrolled in the local university so I didn’t have to be affected any more than I already was. I was sixteen.” It looks as if she’s in physical pain as she lifts a hand to her chest. Her eyes taking on a faraway look. I’m about to ask her if she’s all right when she clears her throat and continues on. “It was just the three of us then. Campbell, me, and…Trevor. He was my high school sweetheart. Got me through one of the most painful times of my life.” She swallows hard. Green eyes filling with tears. “I spent six years of my life with him. We grew up together. Made plans together. Lived good and loved even better.” Her pain-filled voice turns into a whisper. She takes a deep breath then turns to look into my eyes. I can see the anguish fill her eyes before a few tears fall down her cheeks. My hand itches to wipe the wetness from her face, but I keep still. Just taking her in. Wishing I could comfort her like she needs. Knowing exactly how she’s feeling. Because I feel it every day. “He would have been twenty-seven today.” I finally find my voice and ask, “Would have been?” A small sob passes her pink lips. But she fights her tears with a vengeance. Steeling her spine and keeping herself in check. “He died two years ago in a car accident. He was on his way home from work. Less than a mile from home when an eighteen-wheeler lost its brakes. The driver couldn’t stop and went right through the red light.” Her voice wobbles with agony but she fights to continue on. “Trevor never saw it coming and, thankfully, they say he passed quickly, painlessly.” Finally giving up the fight, Keelynn’s shoulders begin to shake with silent sobs of pain and loneliness. I know the feelings all too well. As if on instinct, I wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her into my chest. One hand running a soothing trail down her arm. The other weaving into the hair at the back of her head and pulling her face into my chest. Letting her grieve and mourn and miss. Loss. Heartache. That’s what binds us. That’s what’s been calling me to her, besides the physical. We share the same devastation. Her tears seep through my shirt as her shoulders continue to shake. “Shh. It’s okay, Sunshine.” She seems to melt right there, as soon as the endearment passes my lips. I drop my lips to the top of her head, offering as much comfort as I can to this woman who has bulldozed her way into my life at a moment when I didn’t want it. But I desperately needed it, even though I didn’t know it.

Moments later. Seconds, minutes, hours. I have no clue. Time seemed to suspend as I held her there on the cold ground under the streetlights in the dark. Her tears and our breathing the only noises to fill the quiet night. She lifts her head from my chest, but doesn’t move her body from mine. “I am so sorry about that. I didn’t mean to break down.” A hint of embarrassment lifts her voice. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” I cut her a look so she knows I’m serious. “Still. I must look a mess,” she replies as she frantically swipes at her cheeks and runs her fingers through her hair. I still her movements and stare deeply into pools of green. “You look beautiful, as always.” The air shifts around us. Then it happens. Her eyes crinkle. Her cheeks lift. Then her lips are stretching wide and the air is punched from my lungs. Her first smile of the night does not disappoint. I thought I missed it. I had no idea how much I truly did. Pink fills her cheeks as she ducks her head a touch. “Thanks,” she whispers. “I lost my dad when I was in college.” Her head snaps back up, her smile gone, when she hears my voice and the abrupt admission of my past. “It was quick and unexpected. Since it was just the two of us, it left me alone. No grandparents either. But college kept me busy.” She nods her head and a small smile is back, but it’s full of sympathetic understanding. “I’m sorry for your loss and that you had to go through that alone.” Her honest tone almost has me wanting to spill it all. Almost. But I don’t. I can’t. Three years isn’t long enough to heal the gaping wounds inflicted from that day. I don’t know if time will ever be enough. Her small, cool palm lands on my cheek before it’s gone and she’s moving in. Then her wet, warm lips are against my stubbled cheek. “Thank you, Merrick.” Her whispered words drift over my ear, causing goose bumps to rise under the sleeves of my shirt. “For helping me and for listening.” A blush stains her cheeks before she continues. “And for opening up to me.” I breathe deep, trying to stave off the growing emotion brewing through my chest. A curt nod is all I offer. But she gets it. Somehow she understands that’s all I can offer right now. Because she smiles a little wider before pressing those soft lips against my rough cheek once again. Silence descends around us again as minutes pass. Both of us sitting on the hard ground. Lost in our thoughts. Pondering our pasts. Thinking about all we’ve lost. She just doesn’t know how deep my loss really runs. She stands after a few silent moments, and I follow suit. My hand finding the small of her back while the other opens her driver ’s side door. Turning, Keelynn looks up at me, causing our physical connection to sever. Until she lifts both palms to my chest, rubbing her hands up to my shoulders and back down again before taking a step back. Her hands falling away. The silence still surrounding us. I keep her caged in, one hand to the open door and the other leaning against the roof of her small sedan. My eyes taking her in as hers do the same to me. Our eyes conveying more than our words are ready to say. With one final small smile, she slides into her front seat. I shut the door behind her. She starts the engine, waves from behind the window, then drives away. I watch her taillights drift down the road before they disappear over the knoll. My head and my heart a clusterfuck of emotions. She laid out her hurts, her losses. Had me opening up about mine. I may not have been ready to move on, but it appears fate has a different plan.



LONG BEFORE I WENT TO college then became an agent with the FBI, I was a small town kid from the Midwest. It was just me and my dad growing up, my mom left us when I was only a baby, deciding this wasn’t the life she wanted. I never felt the loss though, my late father more than making up for it. I always felt it was her loss anyway. My dad had owned his own contracting company for all of my life, right up until he passed of a sudden heart attack when I was a junior in college. At the time, losing him had been the hardest thing I’d ever gone through. He, of course, left the business to me, but even though I spent as many years as I can remember working for him, I had dreams of becoming an agent. And that’s what I did. He would have wanted me to follow my dreams as planned anyway. So when I came into town, and knew I’d be here for awhile, I put the skills I learned all those years to use and got myself a job with the local handyman, Jenson Michaels. He and his three brothers own Michaels Bros. Repairs. They hired me on the spot, and I’ve been working with them on small projects and call outs for the last couple of weeks. Just like the one they got this morning about a leak in a roof that I’m on my way to now. Pulling up to the small Cape Cod-styled home, I see the siding is a bit weathered, the shutters washed out, but besides that the home looks to be maintained well. I step out and slam the door, retrieving my toolbox from the bed of my truck. “Are you stalking me?” I hear from the front porch and my body freezes. Of course it has to be her. Looking up as I walk up the pathway, I see Keelynn standing there, big smile in place, arms folded across her chest. She’s wearing a navy blue summer dress that skims her knees. The Indian summer in full force as we near the beginning of October. “So, you’re a handyman, huh?” she asks as I make it up the stairs and stand in front of her. Her green eyes squinting in the bright morning sun. Lifting my toolbox, I reply, “Looks that way.” She remains quiet after that, just looking at me. Then she smiles. “Right then.” But she doesn’t move. She stays standing in the same spot, in the same position, with that same stunning smile gracing her gorgeous face. Fuck. I heave a deep breath, trying to compose my growing irritation. Not at the situation, but mainly at

myself. “Since you called, you know I work for Michaels Bros. Now, do you want to show me to that leak you need repaired or should we just stand here all day?” My tone is harsher than I meant, but damn it, she’s unnerving. The way she just looks at me without speaking. The way she smiles. How she’s too damn beautiful for her own damn good. Knowing her past holds wounds and scars so deep, just like mine, that the loss is embedded in our hearts and souls, tethers us on a level I never knew existed. “Sure thing,” is her reply. Two words and she’s turning to the front door, and I’m fighting against looking down at her round ass in the blue dress. Fucking hell.

Ever since the other night when he helped repair my tire, I’ve been able to think of nothing else but him. Three days have gone by. Each minute filled with thoughts wondering about him, worrying about him, thinking about him. Nothing—but—him. And the way he called me sunshine had me thinking I was going to implode right there on the spot. His deep voice rumbling that sweet endearment. Poof. Now here he is, and I’m as shocked as he is because I had no idea calling Michaels Bros. Repairs would result in this grumpy, beautiful piece of man meat coming to my house. He’s as grumpy and brooding as usual. Deep frown marring that gorgeous face of his. Almost as if the other night didn’t happen. That I didn’t break down right there in front of him. That he didn’t open up and offer a small piece of himself to me. And that he didn’t hold me in his perfectly defined arms, against his hard yet comforting chest, and protect me from the pains of my past. I can feel his dark eyes trailing down my back as I lead him into my house. A chill shivers its way down my spine at his attention. A white-hot blaze from his stone cold gaze. I hear the door click before his heavy booted footsteps follow. Making it into the kitchen, I spin around at the counter. He saunters through the room, walking by me where I lean against the counter, his strong, manly scent trailing him. My tummy flip-flops then takes a fierce nosedive when my eyes that were tracking him trail down to his firm ass and thighs encased in dark jeans. Swallowing forcefully, I take a deep breath then trail my eyes back up just as he turns around to face me. The clank of his toolbox hitting the granite the only sound besides my rapidly beating heart. Standing before me, Merrick wears a buttoned-up dark blue, white, and gray flannel. The top couple buttons undone to reveal golden skin and a light spattering of chest hair. The definition of his collarbone and tops of his chest muscles seemed to have been cut from stone. He has to be the best looking thing I have ever seen. With his olive skin tone, dark mussed hair, almost black eyes, full lips, and his lean, yet very muscular, tall body. He’s the perfect bad boy looking package. Complete with the hard glares and curt attitude. He’s tempting. Alluring. And gets my heart racing in ways I never knew it could. Snapping out of my Merrick-induced stupor I quickly get my wits about me, enough to point out the damage I called about. “When I came home last night, after the thunderstorm that rolled through, I walked in here and

noticed this,” I say as I point to the ceiling and the wall that separates the kitchen from the living room. The leak and water damage very apparent. “I just hope it didn’t get through the drywall into the framing. I don’t want it to rot.” Surprise flickers behind his eyes. It appears he didn’t think I’d have any clue about this stuff. My Grampy made sure Campbell and I had a clue about everything. From cars to house repairs to paying bills and everything between. He was a good man with an even better heart. “You shouldn’t have to worry about rot since you called so quickly.” His response has me coming back from thoughts of the man that raised me. “That’s good,” I offer in reply while he gets to work inspecting the damage. He’s quiet as he works. Intently concentrating on the task at hand. His dark eyes assessing what will need to be repaired on the interior before stepping outside to assess the roof itself. I fidget in my spot where he left me in the kitchen. Contemplating going outside just to be near him again. To watch him work—even if it’s just him looking around on the roof I will never climb on top of since I’m scared of heights. I just barely refrain. When he comes back inside he makes his way back into the kitchen. Eyes still as intense as before. The piercing darkest brown sweeps over me quickly, but I don’t miss his slight reaction. The flaring of his nose and the clench of his jaw; muscles working hard in his cheeks. My heart starts thumping in overtime, then skips a beat when his body heat penetrates my personal space as he walks by me back to his toolbox. Completely unaware of his effect on me, he turns to me, where I stand next to the kitchen island. “Looks to me like the whole roof should have been replaced years ago.” “Yeah, well, that hasn’t really been my focus in the last couple of years due to circumstances. Like Between the Pages.” And the fact that I lost my high school sweetheart. I don’t say it, but I know he gets it. He just can’t help himself and has to interject his own two cents anyway. “Well it should have been.” “Noted.” My dismissive and quick reply has him pursing his lips in disapproval. “But…” He draws out the word before continuing. “You’d be fine to have this one section patched up. I think a few new shingles outside will have you as good as new—for now.” He makes sure to eye me to convey his meaning. “And the inside just needs to be patched with a new panel of sheetrock and a new lick of paint then you’ll be good as new.” “All right then. I’ll make sure to put a call into Jenson to set something up.” “Probably a good idea,” he grunts. I’m dying for the man of a few days ago to come back. To take the place of this grunting and grumpy Merrick. Now that I’ve seen another side of him, I’m craving it. Needing it, really. Silence surrounds us now, as it often does. My eyes on him. His eyes on me. His chest heaving. My heart beating. Neither of us daring to speak, not wanting to break the connection firing off around us. His almost black eyes stare intently into mine. Searching for something while mine beg him for the kiss I’ve been longing for since he walked through the door. As if he can read my mind, he suddenly pins me against the counter at my back and takes my mouth in a searing kiss. His full lips are thick and soft. His tongue wet and perfect. His kiss all-consuming and utterly delicious.

I moan against the invasion. While pushing as close to his body as I can. Feeling every inch of hard, packed muscle against my soft, plush curves. We step back on a gasp. His hands on my butt and mine fisting his now open flannel. I have no clue when that happened, I was so lost in his lips and tongue and mouth. That kiss. He takes a couple steps back and away from me. I use the distance as a reprieve. Taking deep breaths. Trying to get myself under control. He’s wild and untamed as he stands there in front of me. Lust prickles my skin at his dark look full of hunger and want. Unbridled passion lights fire in his eyes. His bare chest, with a light spattering of chest hair that’s made visible from his opened flannel shirt, glistens with sweat and need. Beckoning me. Stepping toward him, I get on tiptoes to run my hands up his heaving chest, across his pecs, then over his shoulders. His skin is hot to the touch and so soft pulled tight over strong muscle. Sliding my hands beneath the material, I slide the shirt from his body. Baring the complete, wide expanse of his chest. And what a sight it is. I drop to the flats of my feet then take a step back against the counter, marveling in the perfection of the male specimen standing in front of me. Deeply tanned skin stretches across ripples and valleys of the packed muscles of his abs, chest, and arms. A trail of dark hair starts at his navel and descends below the low-slung jeans on his tapered hips. The corded muscles of his forearms and biceps strain under the tension his clenched fists create. I can still feel his lips on mine. The taste of his kiss on my tongue. I’ve never been kissed that way. Not ever. A sharp ache hits my heart at that thought. But kissing Trevor had never felt that out of control and so right all at once. My thoughts go back to Merrick and my gaze shifts downward to see a large, thick erection through the denim of his work jeans. I’m riveted. A growl rips through the air, causing my gaze to snap up. “Keep looking at me like that and I won’t be able to control myself.” “Maybe that’s what I want,” I breathe out. And he snaps.



FISTING MY HANDS IN KEELYNN ’s hair, I tilt her head then devour her mouth. Tasting and taking everything I can. Her tongue duels with mine. Sharing the same passion and intense need. Ripping my mouth from hers, I feel her rapid breaths hit my chest before her small tongue licks across one pec. Setting my skin on fucking fire. With my hands still in her hair, I pull her head back then drop them to the hem of her dress. Stripping the material up and over her head in one quick move. She gasps. Then I take in an eyeful of tits and flat stomach and lush thighs. Dropping my hands to her hips, I spin her around so her back is to my chest. Quickly undoing her bra and letting it fall to the floor. “Hold on,” I rasp as I grab her hands to lift them to the counter in front of her. Dying to fucking see her bare tits, but dying to be inside of her even more. When her hands are braced out in front of her, I rip the small cotton panties from her body and immediately slide my fingers through her wet folds. “Fuck, you’re soaked.” She moans, making my dick jump behind the denim of my jeans. Not being able to take it another second I begin finger-fucking her with my right hand, while I unsnap my jeans and pull them and my boxers down under my ass with the other. Without much thought I remove my fingers, flick her clit, then slide into her snug heat in one deep thrust. She gasps through a moan, and I get lost in the velvety smooth feel of her pussy. Warm. Wet. Fucking bare. Goddamn, I’m an idiot. “Fuck, no condom—” “It’s fine,” she cuts me off through a husky whisper. “Just don’t stop.” Not needing to be told twice, I pull out almost all the way before driving back in. Not rough. But not gentle either. I take her like I’ve been dying to since that first day I laid eyes on her. Deep. Raw. Real. “Merrick.” Her heated gasp sears the skin of my neck as she turns her face into me. Her back to my chest, both slick with sweat. Her hands braced on the counter in front of her. My arms banded around her shoulders and under her bouncing tits. Securing her to me. My knees bent, hips pounding her from behind. Brutal.

Forceful. Fucking relentless. Taking advantage of her turned head, I nudge her forehead with my chin then drop my mouth to her lips. My tongue seeking entrance immediately. Owning every part of her body. From mouth to pussy. Our size difference has my entire body blanketing hers completely, caging her in and causing her feet to dangle off the floor with my force. But I never stop my rhythm. Not once. And she never asks me to. She takes every punishing thrust as I piston into her. She rips her lips from mine. Her ragged breaths and moans turn heavier and deeper. Husky with her arousal. “Oh my God, I’m close. So close…” Her words trail off on a whisper. Looking down over her shoulder, I see her fingers dig deeper into the granite counters she holds onto for dear life. “I know. I can feel your cunt wrapping tighter and tighter around my dick like a vice. It’s driving me fucking wild,” I growl through clenched teeth. Coasting my hand down her stomach, goose bumps erupt across her skin at my light touch. I slip my fingers over her bare mound then slide two over her clit. The sensitive tiny bundle of nerves causing her to scream out when I start rubbing tight circles over it. “Merrick. Fuck, Merrick.” The curse slipping past her lips has me pounding her even harder. Since I met her almost two months ago I’ve only heard her swear a handful of times. And each time she does it sends my dick into a fucking frenzy. There’s just something about that pretty little mouth of hers uttering such bad words that does me in. “Take it, baby. Fucking take it and let go,” I bend my head and whisper at her ear then lean further to bite into the sensitive spot where her shoulder meets her neck. As soon as I bite down, I tap her clit and she detonates. Fucking shatters into a million pieces right there in my arms. Her body quaking with desire. Her pussy convulsing around my dick so hard she takes me over with her. I come harder than I ever have before. And I’ve never felt so fucking right in all my life with my dick buried deep and her in my arms. The thought is sobering and has me pulling out sooner than I’d like. Dropping her feet to the floor, I hold her hips to steady her before letting go and taking a step back. My mind runs in circles. Thinking of the life I used to have to now and all I lost in-between. I squeeze my eyes shut and shake my head to ward off the memories that haunt me daily. Stacy’s smile. Lila’s giggle. The perfect little family we had for four perfect years. Until those motherfuckers took it all. Rage fills my veins, jackhammering my heart against my chest. My breathing turns from heavy with lust to feral with anger in a snap. “Are you okay?” Small hands touch my abs and my eyes snap open. Labored breaths hitting my bare skin have me looking down to see Keelynn’s deep green eyes heavy with passion and confusion. “Fine,” I grit out and take another step back, pulling my jeans up from around my calves in the process. “Did I do something wrong?” Her timid, sweet voice hits my ears. Piercing my cold heart. Since I met her, not once has she ever sounded so unsure, and I don’t fucking like it. I finish snapping the button of my jeans before looking at her. She’s bending down, picking up her dress before slipping it over her bare form. I pull her into my arms when she stands upright. Trying to offer some comfort. My hands riding low on her back, fingertips just on the curve of her ass. “You’re not going to say this was a mistake are you?” her still timid voice asks, as she squeezes are arms tighter around my waist. Shielding herself from what I could say. Fuck, I wish I could say it was a mistake. But nothing about her in my arms and me buried deep

inside of her was wrong. Not one fucking thing. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly before opening them and dropping my lips to the top of her head. Whispering there, “Not a fucking chance, Sunshine.” She relaxes at that. Melts right into my arms while wrapping hers even tighter around me. “Good. Because I think it was anything but,” her soft voice murmurs against my bare chest. Her words settle deep. In my heart. In my soul. Taking root and spreading wide. Owning me. I breathe deep and band my arms tighter around her in response. Fusing us. Chest to chest. Heartbeat to heartbeat. She tips her head up, chin to my chest, green eyes staring into mine. “It’s important that you know this is something I don’t normally do. Ever.” “What’s that?” I ask as I skim my fingertips along the back of her neck, moving her hair from her back so I can run my hands over the exposed skin above her dress. “This. Having…ya know with someone so quickly and like…that.” I barely contain my chuckle at the fact that she can’t say sex, but she was just moaning and writhing and swearing. Unashamed. Uninhibited. Sexy as fuck. “Even with Trevor. This isn’t something we did. In the kitchen…” She shoves her head further in my chest as her arms wrap tighter around my waist. “And since Trevor…it’s only been Trevor…” She lets her statement trail off. I drop another kiss to her hair before sliding my hands down her arms to unclasp her hands from around me. I need to see her face. “Sunshine, look at me, baby.” Deep green eyes peer up at me. Blinking and shy and cuter than hell. “I never would have thought this was a regular occurrence for you. Before or after Trevor.” I pointedly look at her. Making sure she gets me. “But it’s real good knowing I’m the only other man.” I smirk, trying to lighten the moment, and because I’m smug as fuck right now. I can admit it. Knowing there’s been no one else between her late boyfriend and me. That shit has me wanting to pound my fucking chest. Because this girl, this gorgeous fucking girl with the greenest eyes and brightest damn smile is slowly starting to own me. She breathes fire into my heart and soul. Reigniting a passion and want and need I thought died three years ago.



W ALKING DOWN THE SIDEWALK, I can’t contain the pep in my step or the smile stretching across my face. Yesterday was…amazing. Unexpected. Raw. So intense. But oh so amazing. The way he looked at me, kissed me, touched me. The way he held me in his arms and took my body and completely owned it leaves me breathless just thinking about it. Merrick made me feel things I haven’t felt in years. And if I’m being honest, he made me feel things I’ve never felt before. It was as if we were connected, tethered, but not just our bodies and minds. But our hearts and souls, too. As confusing and somewhat heartbreaking as it is to admit, I can honestly say yesterday was the most exhilarating and life-altering moment of my life. When he held me, took me, I could feel the ground shake and the world as I know it shatter—because I know that one act of passion has changed my life. Forever. It hurts my heart in a way that’s hard to explain, too, because I feel like I’m betraying Trevor and his memory with the way I feel about Merrick. And how quickly I feel this way. But then I think about how I know he’d want me to be happy, and if that meant moving on, then that’s what he’d want me to do. I also know that he would want me to move on. It’s been two years of heartache and loneliness. Of never thinking I’d ever find a love that comes close to how I felt about Trevor. And then walks Merrick into my life, completely obliterating every notion I’d ever had. About how deeply I could feel, how passionate I could be. Leaving me flabbergasted and weary, yet so dang excited. Because even though it may be completely insane, I know without a shadow of a doubt that my heart has started that beautifully terrifying free fall. Yesterday just confirmed it. I’m not foolish enough to think this could lead anywhere more than where it’s gone though. My heart may not feel that way, but my head knows, and it’s keeping my heart on a tight leash for now. Because I recognize that Merrick carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Though I haven’t a clue what could be so heavy. I just hope one day he’ll really open up to me and share some of the load. Even if it is just as friends. I see Toni outside of the bookstore as I keep walking, and my face scrunches up in confusion. The fact that she’s here before me isn’t odd. She opens most mornings since I am definitely not a morning person. What’s weird is that she’s scrubbing away at the storefront windows, shaking her head and muttering loudly. Not loud enough to make out what she’s saying, but loud enough to hear that she isn’t happy.

“Morning, Toni the Tiger. What’s going on?” As I come up next to her, she swings her head to me, her face pinched in aggravation. “I’ll tell you what in all that is holy is going on. These damn hooligans running around this town. That’s what’s going on.” On a huff she tosses the sponge down into the bucket of soapy water. It splashes out onto the sidewalk. I look to the windows and don’t notice anything right away. Getting ready to ask what she means since I know the window washer was by last week to clean them. But before I can ask, a glob of black catches my sight on the ground. I gasp. “Is that paint?” “Yup.” She pops the p, not at all impressed. “I came to open, and when I walked up I saw the windows covered in this mess.” Her hands outstretched, gesturing wildly to the spray paint splattered on the window and sidewalk. What in the world? “What did it say?” Toni’s eyes turn sympathetic for a minute, before going downright enraged. “Nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about, Keelynn.” Although we live in a small town, it isn’t so small that things like this don’t happen on occasion around town. But I’ve never been victim to graffiti and this sort of vandalism before. I know most everyone in town; I can’t imagine who would want to do this. “Toni,” I say again to get her attention. “Tell me.” She hesitates. Clearly agitated and uneasy about what happened and what was tagged on my storefront. After blowing out a heavy breath, she shakes her freshly cropped white pixie cut streaked in purple and stands from her crouched position. “Thankfully, they used a brand of spray paint that washes right off of windows. So I was able to get it off with some elbow grease.” She’s stalling, but I give her a look. One that tells her to spill it. Now. “Oh, fine,” she huffs. “Watch it, whore,” the last word nothing but a whisper. Her eyes wide with ire and worry. “That’s what it said. I have no idea what it means or why, but I tell you what, if I ever find out about the hooligans who did this—put that word on your property and called you that—I’ll give them a what for like they’ve never seen before.” She’s actually shaking her fist at this point. Her face flushed in anger. “Damn hoodlums,” she curses. I don’t know why, but I can feel my cheeks flush in embarrassment. That word. Whore. And knowing that Toni saw it. It makes me feel ashamed and dirty and it isn’t even true. I don’t even know why anyone would call me that, let alone spray-paint it for the world to see. Everyone around here knows I’d only ever been with Trevor. But knowing it marred my store, my pride and joy, has a sense of disgust rushing through me. The connotation leaving a sour taste in my mouth. “I got here pretty early this morning, thinking I could get a head start on sorting shipments.” Her words break me from my wayward thoughts. “The sun had barely risen by the time I arrived, so I don’t think anyone saw,” she finishes in a delicately soft voice. Delivering each word in comfort for the turmoil raging through my mind. I swallow thickly. Then shake my head to right my thoughts. “Well then.” I don’t know what else to say so the words hang there between us for a moment. “I’m sure it was just kids being kids.” “Rats are what they are. Thinking they can get away with such a derogatory name and vandalizing your storefront.” “It’s fine, Toni.” It really isn’t, but I’m sure it really was just some kids wreaking havoc through town. “It’s far from fine, Keelynn,” she admonishes, shaking her head. I just shake it off and pull myself together. “Thank you so much for taking care of it and cleaning

it up.” I place a gentle hand to her arm. “Of course, sweetie.” Her voice softens again. “Why don’t I finish up here?” Even though I posed it as a question, I bend to pick up the sponge to finish cleaning off the little bit of paint that’s left before Toni can reply. “Oh, it’s fine, honey. I can—” “No, really. Let me finish.” I keep scrubbing as I talk, evading her eyes. “Thank you for taking care of what you did. I appreciate it.” She smiles a small smile at me, gives a quick nod, then turns to the front door. “I’ll get us opened while you finish up then.”

“Someone’s awfully happy today considering they called me in a tizzy about something to do with spray paint.” Campbell’s voice breaks through my thoughts. One’s filled with dark, dark eyes and a strong, yet gentle touch. I turn to see her walking in, coffees in hand, big smile on her confused face. My smile can’t be contained despite what I walked in on this morning. After the terrible feeling of shame and confusion washed over me, the graffiti and what it said was no match for Merrick and how he makes me feel. That man has magical powers, I swear. Mind trickery with those good looks and that powerful body and what he can do with both. Once I stepped through the door, and inhaled the wonderful smell of books, my frazzled nerves calmed and my thoughts turned right back to where they had been before I saw Toni scrubbing away at the windows. “You just walked in, how would you know?” I try to act nonchalant, as if all is the same in my little world. When in reality, it’s been thoroughly rocked by one beastly, sexy man. My smile grows wider. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s that huge freaking smile that takes up your entire face!” she exclaims. “Plus, that extra spring in your step and swing in your hips can’t be missed. I saw it from outside. Down the damn sidewalk. Spill it, sister.” My cheeks heat, I can feel the flush start at my cheeks and descend down my neck. My thoughts derail to yesterday. Merrick’s strong hands. His powerful thrusts. His soft, full lips trailing down my ne— “Earth to Keelynn.” Campbell snaps her fingers in front of my face. The coffees sitting on the counter separating us. Thank goodness they’re iced. I take a sip to cool down. And to buy some more time. Campbell sets me with a look, drops a hand to her hip as she cocks it, and then I can hear her heeled boot tapping on the refurbished hardwood floor below. “Let’s start with what has you smiling even wider and blushing like a preteen at a Justin Bieber concert. Then you can fill me in on this morning.” I shrug once then look up into the same green eyes as mine. “I saw Merrick yesterday.” “Okay…aaaaand?” She draws out the word in question. Eyes a little wider than before. I look away, over her shoulder, as I continue. “Apparently, he’s a handyman for the Michaels brothers. I had called for an estimate for the roof. You know how it’s got that leak that damaged part of the wall separating the kitchen…” I trail off when I bring my eyes back to hers. Seeing her less impressed at my detailed explanation. She knows I’m holding off.

She’d be right. I can already hear the squeal she’ll unleash when I tell her what happened. Thank goodness the store is empty still. My ears are already ringing. “Well, when he came over, after he took a look around.” I hesitate a second. “Something may have happened.” “May have?” She raises a brow as she asks. I shrug again. “We may have kissed—” “I’m pretty sure you’d know if that beast of a man was kissing you, Keelynn.” She scoffs at the end and crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m two seconds away from beating the words out of you. Spill!” “We definitely kissed…and then had kitchen sex.” I rush the last bit out in one harshly whispered breath. My face flaming, I can feel the heat firing off my face. I must be as red as a tomato. “Eeeeeek!” And there it is. She didn’t let me down. I wince at her shrill cry of excitement. “Oh em gee, Keelynn Masters! You tell me every little detail right now!” Her last two words are screamed for emphasis. She’s literally bouncing on her toes, hands clasped together under her chin, huge silly grin on her face. “You had sex with Merrick!” I gasp at her loudly spoken words. “Will you please keep it down?” I ask as I walk around the counter separating us to get closer to her. I don’t care if the store is empty. I don’t need someone to walk in and see her acting a fool and talking about my personal life. Especially that aspect of it. “God, Keelynn! Okay, I’m sorry.” She takes a deep breath, composing herself. “You’re right. But tell—me—everything!” Her face is so serious that if we weren’t discussing this, I’d want to laugh. I grasp her hand, check to make sure Toni is milling around, before pulling her toward the backroom so we can have a little more privacy for the rest of this conversation. As soon as we step through the threshold, she’s spinning on me and peppering me with questions. “What happened? How did it happen? Did you do it all? Was it amazing? Was he as big as I bet he is?” She waggles her eyebrows dramatically at the last question, smile taking up her whole face. My head is spinning from the rapid-fire questions. “Whoa, will you slow down? Sheesh. And I will not be telling you how big he is,” I whisper the last few words harshly. As if reprimanding her. “Oh, pfft. I’m your damn sister for crying out loud. I’m entitled to ask. It’s my right.” I roll my eyes at that. “Now, start from the beginning. Tell me.” Heaving a deep breath, I recount the events of yesterday—minus the size of his…member. I tell her Merrick showing up was a complete surprise. His assessment of the roof and damage. How the tension between us was stifling and consuming. Then how one second we were standing there, staring at one another, and the next we were kissing a kiss so passionate it made my knees buckle and my heart melt to goo. She oohed and ahhed at all the right times. And when I got to us practically mauling each other, then to how he took me right there, she gasped and her eyes widened to saucers. “Right there in the kitchen?” I nod my head, my cheeks heating. “Gosh, CamCam. He just…he owned me. Ya know? Every touch, every kiss. His hands and lips, his body. All of him owned every single part of me and for the first time in forever I felt…I felt so free and real.” She sighs and gets a dreamy look on her face. “Oh, Keelynn.” Then her soft voice chokes up as her dreamy look turns even softer and tears well in her eyes. “These last two years I’ve seen you fall apart, pick yourself back up, and move on with life as best you can. But despite that smile you wield as armor against the world, I’ve seen the hurt and pain and loss behind it.” My breath hitches at her words. Tears of my own welling and falling as she continues.

“But these last couple of months I’ve seen you blossom and flourish and find pieces of the Keelynn from before you lost Trevor. And I know without a shadow of a doubt it’s because of that man. Merrick…he’s brought you back to life. He’s made your smile brighter, your laugh lighter. I have my sister back, and now I can breathe easy for the first time in two years knowing that you’re back and that you’ll really be okay.” I break down as Campbell wraps her arms around me. Murmuring against my head how happy she is for me, to have the real me back, and that no matter what happens with Merrick that she’ll forever be thankful to him for bringing me back. I don’t think I’ve cried so much since that night I lost Trevor. It’s as if I’m finally purging every hurt I still harbored since then. Everything I thought I hid from the world, but Campbell could still see. All the pain I thought I let go of, but was really holding onto like a shield. A few moments pass before we pull apart. Tears wetting both our cheeks. “It’s so good to have you back, sister.” I can only offer a nod in agreement and understanding. My words lodged somewhere between my heart and my throat. Campbell is the greatest sister to ever be and I’m so, so lucky to call her mine. She’s always been my protector. Since we were children, discarded by our parents. To when Grampy and Gramma both passed and gave me my first real dose of heartbreak. She dropped everything, stepped out of the world she was creating away from home to come back and make sure mine didn’t change any more than it already had. To the loss of Trevor and the final fracture that splintered my heart in two. Making me wonder if it would ever be possible for me to be whole again. She’s always been there, right by my side. Cheering me on, drying my tears, mending as best she could. That’s why, when I have so much to tell her, to say, all I can come up with is, “Thank you.” My hoarse voice choking over the words full of such reverence and gratitude. But it’s enough. Because she knows I don’t just mean for today. I mean for every minute of every thing she’s ever done for me and continues to do. Campbell wipes the tears from under her eyes as she nods in understanding before asking, “Okay, now that we got that out of the way. What happened this morning?” My shoulders stiffen a touch when my thoughts switch gears and go back to this morning and what I walked up to. Taking another deep breath, I then begin telling her about what happened. The graffiti, Toni scrubbing it off, but I leave out what it said. “Damn kids,” she curses. “I’m sorry that happened, KeeKee. But I’m glad that’s all they did. I just hope they don’t try anything again.” Her face and voice fierce with protectiveness and anger. I nod in agreement. “Do you think you should report it?” Funny how that never crossed my mind until she asks. I’m shaking my head before I utter a word. “No, I don’t know who it could be and all they did was spray-paint my windows.” “Maybe that’s why you should. In case something else happens.” Worry edges its way in her tone now. I wave away her thoughts. “If they wanted to do something else they would have when they were here. It was just kids being kids, causing mayhem. Plus, all the station will do is file a report, noting it happened.” She doesn’t look so sure. Unease causing her to wring her hands together. A telltale sign of her worry. “Campbell,” I say to get her attention. When she looks up I continue. “I swear. It’s fine, all is good.” I smile reassuringly. She releases her hands and nods once. Then a knowing smile creeps along her face. “Of course

‘all is good,’” she replies while tossing up air quotes, quoting me. “After yesterday I’d be hardpressed to think anything could be wrong ever again.” She winks. I gape. Then she laughs, causing me to giggle, before we’re losing it together. I press my hands to my heated cheeks with a shake of my head. “Gosh, Campbell…” “Keelynn!” Toni calling my name has us both looking to the doorway. With me praying she hasn’t heard one ounce of our conversation from earlier. Because if she did, she’d be worse than my sister. “Oh,” she gasps when she enters the room, almost bumping into Campbell and me standing right in the doorway. “There you are.” Her smile is warm and welcoming as always. She looks to Campbell briefly, offering a hello, before looking back at me. “There’s someone out front asking for you.” Confusion settles over me. Until I see Toni’s knowing smirk and watch her blatantly eye Campbell, trying to convey something without speaking. You know the look—wide eyes, head tilted, nodding toward the door. She’s even waggling her dang eyebrows. Subtlety is not her forte. Anxiousness and excitement wash away my confusion, leaving my heart to beat and thump in a crazy rhythm. I know exactly who’s out there. Walking out of the backroom without saying a word to either of them, I take a handful of deep breaths. Trying to calm my racing heart. Pulling myself together enough to have a conversation. Until I walk around one tall, white bookshelf and my breath leaves me on a whoosh. Standing before a shelf of books toward the back of the store, with a book in hand, is the man who completely rocked my world yesterday. The one I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. The one starring in all of my daydreams since last night. Like the highlight reel running through my mind right now. Merrick looks up when I stop a couple of feet from him. His eyes light with a familiar hint of lust that has me clenching my thighs where I stand. He smirks when he sees me fidget then shelves the book and crosses the few steps that separate us. “Hey,” he almost whispers. His voice deep and gruff and delicious as always despite the quiet tone. “Hi,” I whisper back. Breathless. Because, hello, this man and all that he is. Nothing else is spoken for a minute or two. We both just stand there, less than a foot apart, and look at one another. Both of us content in the silence that surrounds us for the time being. I don’t know what he’s thinking about, but I’m lost in thoughts of yesterday and how amazing it felt to be wanted again. Until he finally speaks. “Was at the diner grabbing some breakfast and overheard what happened this morning.” His eyebrows are furrowed as they hang heavily over his dark eyes. Worry etched on his face. “You okay?” Sheesh, word travels fast around here. I mean, I knew it did, I grew up here after all. But it’s barely been a couple of hours, and Toni and I haven’t left once, yet somehow people already know what happened. “I’m fine. It was just a little paint. Nothing some soap and wa—” “Someone tagged your business?” he cuts me off, asking harshly. Apparently, he hadn’t heard exactly what happened. I fidget for a whole new reason now as he stares at me, expectantly waiting on my reply, any trace of lust from earlier gone. “Uh…yeah.” I clear my throat. “When I came in this morning I walked up to see Toni scrubbing the windows. She got here before me and was able to clean it up.”

“Jesus Christ.” His angered growl has my eyes flying back up to see him running his large, rough hands over his face and back up through his hair before settling on the back of his neck. I erase the only space between us and place a gentle hand to his strong bicep. He tenses slightly before relaxing. “Merrick,” I whisper gently. Trying to coax his eyes to mine. When he finally looks down at me I continue. “It’s fine. I’m fine, the store is fine, everything is fine. It was just some spraypainted words.” “What did it say?” I inhale a sharp breath. If he’s upset now, I really don’t think he’ll appreciate what it said. When I pause a moment longer, he gently grasps my upper arm and pulls us behind the bookshelf I walked around to offer us more privacy. “Keelynn, what did it say?” His words as severe as his face. I gulp. Not because I’m afraid of him, but because I’m worried about how he could react. “Merrick, please. It was just some kids trying to act like men, putting mean words somewhere they had no business being.” My eyes are pleading for him to drop this. He doesn’t. He growls, low and fierce. “So help me, Keelynn. At least tell me you reported it. Made the police aware so they can be on the lookout for these punks?” Afraid to use my words, I shake my head. His eyes wind tightly shut as he breathes deeply though his nose. Trying to find a sliver of calm through the ire rippling around him. His eyes open and he speaks, “If you aren’t going to report it, tell me what it said and I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for any talk around town. This cannot go unpunished, Keelynn.” “What, are you gonna do the punishing if you hear anything?” His eyes widen a fraction at my sass. But settle into slits. “You bet your sweet little ass I fucking will. No one is going to cause you any harm—” “But I’m fine,” I stress. “Nothing happened.” He growls again, not too keen on being interrupted. “Physical or otherwise,” he spits between clenched teeth. “And not pay the repercussions. They fuck with you, they fuck with me.” I swallow harshly at the possessiveness in his tone. While my girlie parts start to tingle and my heart starts to skip to its own beat that’s all him. From the corner of my eye I see Campbell strolling toward us. Smile wide across her face. Eyes knowing and almost smug. Like she knows something I don’t. I turn slightly to eye her, questions in my eyes. But she just ignores me, going right to Merrick. I’m weary about her look, but thankful for the interruption of where our conversation was going. “Hey there, Merrick. Fancy seeing you here.” He clears his throat and takes a step back from me. Tension still thick in the set of his broad shoulders. He seems to shake it off as he nods a greeting. “How are you?” “I’m doing just fine.” I see her smile brighten and her eyes sparkle. “You?” “Doing well.” “Oh, I just bet you are.” Her tone anything but innocent. I toss her a look of what the heck before turning back to Merrick, apology in my eyes. My face no doubt bright pink from embarrassment. A deep chuckle fills the silence around us, causing my eyes to go wide. That sound never ceasing to amaze me, it happens so rarely. Feeling as if her work here is done, Campbell offers her good-byes, saying she has her errands to run. Being a stay-at-home mom, when LeeLee’s in school, her days are filled with running errands

and cleaning bathrooms and doing laundry. A mother ’s duty is never done. Before she gets two steps away though, she spins around, addressing Merrick. “Oh, Merrick. You should join us for dinner this weekend. We do family dinners once a month, at least, and this weekend is it. We’d love to have you.” This time her smile is genuine and sweet. You could hear a pin drop while Merrick shuffles on his feet. I go to speak, but can’t even find the words to scold Campbell when I notice a slight flush rise on his face. I’m shocked. He no doubt seems uneasy, but is that…is he blushing at being invited to family dinner? No way. Clearing his throat, he looks to me then back to Campbell before he nods. Slightly. Hesitant. Weary. My heart reluctantly soars because he agreed. “Great, see you then.” She twiddles her fingers in a wave then spins. We watch her walk away. “I am so sorry about her.” “Don’t worry about it. She means well,” he replies with a shrug. Hands shoved deep into his pockets. I’m lucky he understands that. But still, how embarrassing. “You’re sure you’re okay?” The worried tone of his voice melts my heart even more. Another sliver breaking off and attaching itself to this harshly dark and brooding man. “I’m fine, honest. No need to worry.” His lips flatten as he nods curtly. Thankfully, letting it go. He looks as though he wants to say something else, but he doesn’t. Instead, he leans in, lifts a large hand to my soft hip, squeezes and pulls me closer. “Can’t stop thinking about yesterday.” I lose all my breath while my heart stalls. When it restarts it’s beating triple-time because soft, full, delicious lips are trailing up my cheek toward my ear. Shivers run through me. Wreaking havoc and mayhem and destruction. “Been a long damn time since anything has affected me like this. Like you.” His voice almost sounds pained, so raw in its honesty. There goes my heart again. Melting and soaring and piecing back together again at his words, his touch, his presence. Oh, this man. Placing a light kiss to my cheek, then my forehead, he leans farther down again to brush a featherlight, all-too-brief kiss to my parted lips. Then he squeezes me once more before turning and walking away. I admire his backside as he goes. Taking my thoughts and breath and a piece of my heart with him. I am in big trouble.



I PULL UP OUTSIDE OF the warehouse. Out of view, through a cluster of trees separating the main road from the driveway. The massive cement and brick building sits on the outskirts of Hampton Beach, near the port. It’s abandoned and run-down, isolated. Making it the perfect location for their setup. Vans and trucks line the front and side of the building. While miscellaneous cars are parked in the lot. A few guys mill around, smoking cigarettes and shooting the shit, but besides that it’s relatively quiet. Which is how it usually is every time I make it out here to keep an eye out and watch for Corsetti himself. Plotting and waiting to make my move and take every last one of the fuckers out who had a hand in taking everything away from me. He hasn’t arrived yet. His fancy ass Benz nowhere in sight. His underboss, along with an army of soldiers, are here though. And as soon as Corsetti himself steps foot into this state, I’ll know and I’ll be ready to strike. I was able to get a couple of cameras inside the warehouse one early morning when a group of young fuckers were too engrossed in some porn on one’s phone to pay attention to me breaking in. They were supposed to be watching the building. Lucky for me, the horny fuckers weren’t. I planted one wire and two cameras in minutes. My training from the FBI proving effective. Now I’m sitting here, laptop open on the console separating me from the empty passenger seat, scanning the footage to see what’s going on inside. Bodies mill around. Some counting stacks of cash. Others bagging blow by the bucketful. Corsetti’s created one intense operation out here in New Hampshire. No one would suspect one of the most notorious, yet little known about, crime bosses of our time to be running something like this here. But he is. And that’s what he’s wanted all along. To fly under the radar. He was always able to until I nailed the fucker years ago. Disrupting the gig he had going on in Maryland. Supplying drugs and running books for Baltimore and DC and the surrounding areas. We busted his ass and finally got him locked up. But the biggest bust of my career ended up costing me everything. Shaking off the rage and the pain that starts to bubble whenever I think of that fucker and what he set in motion, I bring my attention back to the laptop in front of me. Taking in the movement and chatter going on inside. When the footage proves to be useless, my mind starts to wander. My teeth clench when this morning runs through my mind. Minding my own damn business at the diner, going about my own way, when I catch word about something going down at Between the Pages. I didn’t need to hear another word. I abandoned my half-eaten meal, tossed too much cash onto the

counter, and took off down the sidewalk. One destination in mind. When I strolled up, nothing looked amiss. The store was empty, but it was midweek and early, I don’t think that should be surprising. Toni greeted me, smile stretched wide, all-knowing and shit, before she turned and said she’d go and get Keelynn for me. I was browsing the shelves when movement caught my eye. I looked up and caught sight of the deepest, greenest eyes. Wide with a hint of shock and a whole lot of memories of yesterday. I could see her thoughts running wild, turning hot. Then when she fidgeted on the spot, I couldn’t help but smirk and close the distance between us. Drawn. It didn’t take long for the haze of lust to lift though. Not when she opened that pretty mouth of hers and told me her store had been vandalized, tagged by some punk ass kids—or so she says. Fucking hell that woman, not telling me what it said. Not wanting to report it. It took every ounce of self-control I could muster not to force her hand and make demands. But that’s just it, I don’t have a leg to stand on with her. Not yet anyway. I may have been inside of her, she may have turned my world on its axis, but it was just one time. One life-changing, mind-fucking-blowing time. But that’s all it was…for now. Until I get my mind on right and arrange my thoughts so I can make a rational decision with the head on my shoulders. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing when it comes to her. I can’t get tangled up with anyone. I don’t even want to. Or I didn’t. Not until I saw her smile and felt her light. And now that I’ve been inside of her, I know there’s no going back. Not when it felt so right. So good. So goddamn perfect she blew my fucking mind and my carefully constructed measly existence to dust. Yeah. She has me feeling shit I haven’t felt in years. If ever. Strong. Sure. Real. Fucking real. I can’t get her off my mind. Especially after yesterday. Her moans of ecstasy. Whispered breaths of passion. Lips that give as good as they get. Her wicked tongue. Tight as hell pussy. Tan, perfect skin. And that—fucking—smile. This perfect, petite package that has the ability to bring me to my knees. Every supple curve. Every beautiful inch. Goddamn, but it’s more than that. More than just her looks and that curvy body and that motherfucking smile. It’s the way she makes me feel. Like I’m not the broken piece of shit, the failure, I’ve felt like the last three years. Like maybe I have a chance in this life. A second chance. One I wasn’t looking for, didn’t want, but can’t help hoping I can get. While my thoughts get lost in lush curves, bare skin, and green eyes, movement from the front door catches my eye. Bringing me back to the present and why I’m here in the first place. Under the streetlight in the parking lot, I see Corsetti’s nephew and underboss, Marcello Selano, step out and light a cigarette. Smoke billowing around his tall and wiry frame encased in an expensive Italian suit. My fists clench impossibly tight around the steering wheel of my truck. Anger and sadness swirling through my veins, pulsing a deep-seated hatred for this man down to the depths of my soul. It takes every ounce of self-control my years of training and work for the FBI taught me to not get out

now and light this son of a bitch up. This motherfucker, with the direction of Corsetti, is the reason I’m even here in the first place. The scumbag that pulled the trigger. The one who took it all from me. It took me almost a year to find out which of Corsetti’s henchmen was behind the gun who stole my reasons to live. And when I found out, I vowed there and then he’d be delivered to hell in the most agonizing way possible. I don’t care what I have to do, how I have to do it, but I will avenge their deaths. I will exact the revenge they deserve, that burns through my blood, and blow every last one of them away. It may not make me any better than them. The things I have planned, the fact that I want blood for blood. But I’m beyond caring. It’s only right. An eye for an eye. Deep, controlled breathing has the lava in my veins cooling down to a simmer. I see Selano’s eyes scanning the area surrounding him. From ocean to land. His eyes skim over my truck in the darkness. But he finds nothing, as I knew he would, and heads back inside after flicking the butt of his cigarette to the ground. Deciding to give up for the night as nothing looks out of the ordinary, and nothing has changed, my heart starts to triple beat. Because despite all the reasons I should stay away from her…there’s no fucking way I can.



N OT ABLE TO SLEEP, I stretch then pad out from my bedroom to get a glass of warm milk. Hoping the soothing drink will help me sleep. A hard knock sounds at my front door just as I get ready to turn into the kitchen. I look at the clock and see it’s just after midnight. Crossing my arms over my chest, I rub my arms as I walk to see who could possibly be here so late. Worry pricking my skin and churning in my belly. A knock at night has never meant good news for me… Peeking through the curtained window next to the door, I see a dark figure on the other side. Dark jeans. Black hoodie and boots. Head hanging down, hand poised to knock again. Merrick. I breathe a sigh of relief before quickly opening the door, my eyes greedily taking him in. Twinkling stars and a full moon hang overhead, casting a glow around him. My dark angel. “Hey,” I whisper into the night as dark as his eyes. A small smile playing across my lips. “Hi,” he replies just as softly. Eyes scanning my bare arms and legs exposed from my tank and sleep shorts before settling on my mouth. Kicking my smile up a notch just for him. “You okay?” I ask as I lean my head against the open door. Hand to the grain, my heart pounding and wanting. “Just wanted to check in on you about what happened earlier today.” Dark brows lay low, furrowed over his eyes. “At midnight?” I try to joke. He just keeps glowering. He mutters a curse before rubbing the back of his neck. “Shit, yeah, this wasn’t a good idea,” he replies before turning around as if he’s going to leave. Panic starts to skitter through my veins. “No. Wait.” He stills on the porch, back to me, but doesn’t move to turn back around. “I’m fine, Merrick. It was just some kids being kids.” He spins at my flippant comment. “Spray-painting ‘whore’ on a storefront isn’t just kids being kids, Keelynn.” I flinch at his harshly spoken words. From their impact and at the shock that he knows what was graffitied. He sees it and steps toward me. Large hand settling on the groove where my neck meets my shoulder. Fingers sifting through my long hair. Thumb stroking along my jaw. He shakes his head. “I’m sorry,” he huffs. “I was just worried. Talked to Toni when I ran into her this afternoon. Wanted to check in, and I couldn’t sleep.” Guess that explains that. “Me either. I’m glad you stopped by. Even at this ungodly hour,” I try to

joke again with a smile. “Come in?” I ask. Eyes peering into his, hoping he will. His eyes scan my face before he relents. “Yeah,” he says through a sigh. My heart takes off on a gallop when his big hand moves from my neck, down my arm, to my hip where he squeezes lightly. I step back and open the door wider to let him in. When he passes me his rugged scent infiltrates my senses, bringing me back to bare skin, heated moans, and passionate kisses. Closing the door behind me, I lean against the wood. Eyes closed, getting lost in memories of what it felt like to have him inside of me. Reliving the memory as if I was living it then, a small moan leaves my lips. My eyes flash open when a low growl rips through the air. Letting me know he heard me and knows where my mind is. Before I can even react, he’s caging me in and kissing me deep. It’s raw and needy and so damn perfect. “I can’t stay away,” he admits through a rough whisper when he finally pulls his lips from mine. “I should, but I can’t.” Rough fingers gently glide across the skin of my back exposed by his hands. “Don’t,” I reply. Almost frantic. “I don’t want you to stay away.” “Thank fuck, because I don’t think I can. You’re under my skin, Sunshine. Ripping me apart and mending me back together again. I haven’t felt this whole in a long time.” Tears prick my eyes at the desperation and hint of agony I hear in his tone. While my heart beats double-time and a swarm of butterflies take flight in my tummy. Because everything he’s feeling, I’m feeling, too. This man makes me feel and want and need things I haven’t in so long. Sometimes I wonder…if ever. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I drag his mouth back down to mine to hopefully convey that I feel the same way. Our tongues dueling. Hands shedding clothes right there at the front door, stripping the barriers between our heated skin. As soon as our tops are gone and we’re kicking off our bottoms, he pulls me in. Skin to skin. We groan in unison as our hearts beat as one. His large hands skim down my back, over my butt, before landing on the backs of my thighs. He lifts and I oblige, wrapping my legs around his waist. Turning, he blindly walks toward my bedroom. Lips glued to mine. “I need to be inside of you, Sunshine. Haven’t been able to think of anything else since,” he says against my lips. His words have my arousal kicking up a million degrees. Liquid heat between my thighs. I shamelessly grind against his lower stomach as my lips trail down his jaw to his neck where I lightly nip and suck his pulse point that’s beating harder than a kick drum. When his knees knock into the foot of my mattress, he places me down in the middle of the cool comforter haphazardly strewn atop my bed. Warm, full lips trail down my cheek to my chin where he nips playfully. A dark smirk takes up residence on his face before he disappears to greedily suck a peaked nipple into his mouth. A large hand grasps my other breast where he plucks and plays with my other nipple, not leaving it unattended. “Making sure to taste every inch I wasn’t able to the other day, Sunshine,” he growls after releasing my tight bud with a light pop. He moves to the other to give it the same attention. Nibbling and biting before soothing with his tongue. I’m a writhing mess as he leans over me. Switching between sucking and nipping and licking my nipples and breasts. I swear I’m about to come just from this alone. Just as an orgasm starts to crest to its peak, he pulls back. “Not yet, Sunshine.” That dark smirk is back. Wicked and sinful and so, so sexy. I groan as I pout, and he chuckles. Deep and low. Graveled with arousal. “I said I needed to taste all of you, baby.” A full blown, rare, and oh so gorgeous smile spreads

across his lips before he says, “That was only the appetizer. Now it’s time for the main course.” Before I can say another word he’s descending down my soft tummy. Dropping openmouthed kisses as he goes. When he reaches my navel, his tongue sneaks out to lave my skin. Goose bumps erupt when he pulls back and blows on the wet flesh. “So responsive,” he whispers in awe. “Merrick,” I gasp as he drops to his knees and wrenches my legs apart. Large hands sliding up my legs, from calf to thigh, fingers spread wide. “Shh, baby. I’ve got you.” His breathing is ragged. Eyes trained on the juncture between my thighs. “So pretty and so wet.” He unleashes a groan from deep in his chest. Heat engulfs me; I can feel the flush working down my cheeks to my chest. Then before I know it, my head is slamming back and I’m fisting the blanket below me. “Oh…fuck.” I hate cursing, but right now, with Merrick’s tongue twisting and licking and feasting on my most intimate part, I feel it’s justified. Because holy hell can this man use his tongue. “Merrick, oh God, yes!” I plead and beg. He growls against me, the sensation vibrating through my folds. His fingers are clasped tightly around my thighs, keeping me spread wide. I can guarantee bruises will be there tomorrow, but I can’t bring myself to care. Not when his tongue is making me feel like a damn queen. “Give it to me, Sunshine.” A hand disappears from my leg before two fingers slide into me. Bringing me right on the cusp of orgasm. That is until he curls his fingers, pumps wildly, then sucks my clit into his mouth. Teeth nipping. I go off like a rocket launcher. Screaming and crying and oh my God. A moaned sob tears up my throat at the pleasure. When I open my eyes I didn’t realize I closed, it’s to see deep dark ones looking into mine. “You are the sweetest fucking thing I’ve ever tasted, Sunshine.” Then his lips are on mine. My arousal mixing with his unique flavor. He pulls back from the kiss. Our ragged breathing the only thing between us. “So, maybe I’m more like dessert then?” I ask, cheeky smirk on my face. He breathes through a laugh as he shakes his head. White teeth raking along his bottom lip while my hands skim up his back to his hair. Threading through the soft, dark strands. “Yeah, baby… dessert,” he replies, grabbing my hands and lacing our fingers. Then with my much smaller hands clasped in his much larger ones, he slides into me. Slow and intimate and just what I needed. “Fuck,” he bites on a clipped curse. “The feel of your bare pussy taking me raw. Nothing like it.” He grunts and groans. He almost slides out completely before he thrusts back into me. Hard. Deep. But nowhere near rough. Repeating the movement at the same pace again and again. Pull out. Thrust back in. Dragging out our pleasure. Making me feel so much more than his cock buried deep and my pussy quivering with each thrust. My heart beats a frantic rhythm, calling out to him. He drops his forehead to mine. His elbows now down by my head, bracing himself above me while he holds tightly to my hands. Our bodies are heated and slick with sweat. His harsh breaths fan my face as mine puff out against his lips. No words are spoken. They aren’t needed. We let our bodies do the talking, the feeling, the needing. Our collective moans of want filling the space around us. My eyes start to well with emotion right as he picks up the pace and drops my hands. His thrusts still deep. Still precise. Still perfect. As a tear breaks free and slides down into my hair, he gently cups my face in his hands. Thumbs brushing away the tear. Mine frantically roam the wide expanse of his back and grip the back of his neck. His eyes intense and knowing. Because he can feel it, too. His pace keeps rocking harder and deeper and faster until he has to drop my cheeks to brace his

hands on the mattress below me. “Fuck, Sunshine. I can feel your pussy rippling and convulsing around my dick.” He changes his angle then. Gripping my hips to lift them slightly off the mattress. Hitting my Gspot repeatedly. “Oh, Merrick. Oh, Merrick. Merr—” My words are cut off on a scream of pleasure and complete ecstasy. “That’s right, baby. Scream my fucking name. Let me fucking hear it.” He pistons into me now, chasing his release. Prolonging mine. Then on a roar of my name he’s emptying into me. His hot release searing me from the inside out. Marking me as his. I think I always have been. Nothing but panting breaths, beating hearts, and tethered souls remain of our limp bodies as he collapses on top of me before rolling over. Taking me with him. Not pulling out, not breaking our connection. He pulls me up and onto his chest, my bare breasts against his bare skin eliciting another moan as my sensitive nipples make contact with the light spattering of hair on his chest. His hand glides down my back and up again in a few sweeping motions before settling on the swell of one cheek where he squeezes. Then doesn’t let go. His fingers gripping tight, indented into my supple flesh. As my breathing evens out, I place kisses along his chest. No words. Just us. While he lies there, eyes closed, soaking in the moment. “You okay?” I ask softly when the silence becomes too much. Gets too heavy. Deep, dark eyes open and look right at me. Focused and clear. “I don’t think I’ve ever been better,” he replies in all seriousness. Tone soft and true. I smile at that. Not letting myself worry about my past when I think I’m staring right into my future. “Me, too,” I whisper.



SINCE LEAVING KEELYNN’S BED a couple of nights ago, I’ve been unable to think of anything else but her. And her body. And what getting lost in every deep curve her luscious body has to offer feels like. When I stopped by her bookstore the day I heard her storefront was vandalized, her sister had invited me to a dinner she was having. Now I’m sitting outside of a fairly new, large Cape Cod-styled home with an attached three-car garage, wondering what in the hell I’m doing here. But I know why I’m here. For a pair of deep green eyes and a smile so bright it shines on all of the darkness that consumes me. Heaving a deep breath, I step out of the cab of my truck just as the front door to the house swings open. After slamming the driver ’s side door, I look up and all the breath from my lungs leaves on a whoosh. While my blood rushes hot and wild and fierce through my veins, my heart, straight to my dick. Jesus Christ almighty. Standing there, the light of the house a backdrop to her beauty, is Keelynn. The house doesn’t sit far off the road and the sun hasn’t yet fully set, so I can see her as clear as day as she makes her way to me. Fitted, long-sleeved dress hitting to her knees. Feet bare. Beauty paralyzing. Every dream I never knew I had. Willing my dick to calm the fuck down, I take the couple steps up onto the walkway, meeting her halfway. I look at her. She smiles. And it’s like a punch to the gut every fucking time, she’s so stunning. Long dark hair. Deep green eyes. Golden skin. And a dazzling fucking smile that nearly brings me to my knees. No one has ever affected me like Keelynn does. No one. Not even…I can’t even think her name without a tidal wave of guilt crashing over me. But it’s the truth, no matter how painful it is to admit. She’s a ray of sunshine standing there staring up at me. Huge smile across her beautifully plump lips. Green eyes bright and wide and holding me fucking captive in her beauty. Her goodness. Fuck. Shy eyes turn down to look at the sidewalk below our feet as a blush covers her cheeks. Her small hands fidget with the hem at her knees. I’m staring, I know, but I can’t help it. The green dress she’s wearing highlights her golden skin and brightens her eyes to an impossibly alluring color. The soft cotton hugs every luscious curve, cinching at her waist to give her the hourglass figure I can still feel beneath my hands. I breathe a deep breath to rein in my growing arousal and fucking need before lifting my hand.

Making a fist, I gently bring it below her delicate chin to tip her head up. I want her eyes. I need that smile back on her face, shining around me. “You look fucking gorgeous, Sunshine.” And there it is. Bright. Beautiful. Fucking blinding perfection on her perfect face. “You don’t look so bad yourself, tough guy.” Her blush cascades down her chest as she flattens her palms to the material on her dress and smooths out nonexistent wrinkles on her hips. The only tell that she’s nervous. I smirk at her then. So damn cute standing there barefoot and nervous and robbing me of any coherent thought. Bright and blinding and perfect. So perfect. Her chest heaves, my eyes drawn to the hint of cleavage, before her words snap my eyes back to hers. “I’ll never get tired of seeing those full lips lifting, even in the smallest of smiles.” Her tone is almost breathless. In awe. “Wish I saw it more. But I’ll take what I can get.” I clear my throat. Unease wrapping around me like a vine, because somehow she pulls at the parts of my heart and soul I thought were long dead. She doesn’t know my smiles used to be often and full. But she sees me enough to know they’re rare now. “Should we head in?” My question completely ignoring her comments. She just keeps looking up at me before nodding her head in understanding. In surrender. “Sure thing, tough guy.” Spinning around, she makes to move back into the house, but my hand on her arm halts her steps. “I think you forgot something.” My voice rumbles between us. But confusion just settles over her features. “Wha—” She doesn’t even get one word out before I’m reeling her in like the catch of my life and pulling her to my chest. A gasp floats out between her perfectly plump, pink lips, and I snatch it right up. My lips descending to hers. Tasting. Taking. Claiming. Right there in front of her sister ’s house. Not giving one fucking damn if anyone can see us. I couldn’t let her walk away without getting my fill and erasing that look on her face. The one that had so many questions, but settled with defeat because she knows I won’t open up to her like she so freely has with me. Her light moans have me pulling back. Reluctantly. Tracing my tongue along her bottom lip as I go. I don’t want to stop. Never want to stop. But I was about three seconds away from becoming indecent in public. Wanting to rip that soft dress from her lush body and take her right here. “Wow,” she breathes. The one word chock-full of so much. “Didn’t really think you’d get away without kissing me. Did you, Sunshine?” I run my hands along her sides. Skimming the bottom of her tits down to her flared hips. “Couldn’t go all night without a taste.”

Her flush from the kiss blushes deeper. Goddamn. Fucking perfection. “Let’s get inside before I steal you away. Don’t think your sister would appreciate that.” She giggles at that. “It’d break poor LeeLee’s heart, too.” Green eyes peer up at me through dark lashes. “She’s been talking nonstop about her Auntie KeeKee’s friend, Mr. Merrick, coming to dinner. She loves to entertain.” There’s that unease again. Wrapping and suffocating. I curtly nod then she releases herself from my hold, turns, and walks up the walkway to the front door. Following behind, I can’t even enjoy the swing of her hips and that ass, because my heart is pounding at seeing Lena again. Knowing she could bring back thoughts and memories and a life I try so hard to forget. “Look who I found,” she exclaims as she pushes the door open. An excited giggle filters through the air as I hear Campbell and a male voice make their way to the entryway. “‘Bout damn time, sister. He showed up ten minutes ago. You get lost from the road to the house? You know, those fifty feet are quite a stretch.” Campbell’s blonde hair swishes as she laughs. Knowing smile on her face. Keelynn chokes out an embarrassed laugh. “Just talking before we came inside to the crazy.” She tries to play it off. But that blush hides nothing. Neither does the smile. “Uh huh.” Her sister not picking up one ounce of what Keelynn’s putting down. Behind Campbell and her wide grin steps a man with a little girl attached to his hip. Seeing Lena hits me like a punch to the gut. She’s younger than Lila would be now, and they look nothing alike, except for those blue eyes. But she has the same infectious personality that bubbles out and overflows. Taking over everyone around her. I breathe deeply through my nose to steady myself. Reminding myself that I can do this. That Lena isn’t Lila. Keelynn places a small hand to my arm before addressing her family in front of us. A little round face with big blue eyes looks up at me. Damn, she’s cute. Keelynn addresses her niece first. “You remember Merrick, don’t you, LeeLee?” Blonde curled pigtails bob as she nods her head. “Yep!” She waves from her spot next to who I assume is her father. “And this is my brother-in-law.” “Hey, man. I’m Mason. This nut’s husband.” He hikes a thumb over his shoulder at Campbell before extending his hand to shake mine. A small barely there laugh escapes me at his comment while I return the gesture. “Merrick Hughes. Nice to meet you.” My full name slips off my tongue like second nature. I hear a light gasp come from Keelynn next to me. Her shock rippling through me. Because I hadn’t shared my last name with her yet. She doesn’t make a comment about it though. Just gives me a tentative smile when I look at her before bringing her eyes to her family before us. An oomph comes from Mason as his wife backhands his stomach before walking over to me. “Ignore him. He thinks he’s such a jokester,” she says as she rolls her eyes. “Glad you could make it, Merrick.” Leaning in, she surprises the hell out of me when she hugs me. I clear my throat. “Thanks for having me.” She smiles as she pulls back. Then looks around at all of us in the foyer. “Okay then! Now that

we’re all here. Who’s hungry?” “Meeeeeeee! I’m so hungry.” Lena pats her six-year-old tummy while looking up at her mother as if she’s famished. “I haven’t eaten in like…forever!” We all laugh at Lena’s excitement and dramatics. Mine coming out strained. Her little voice bringing back memories from a different time…a different life.



I LOOK AROUND THE TABLE. Staring at the faces of the people that mean the most to me in this world. Then my eyes settle on Merrick and my heart flutters a two-step around my chest. I sigh out loud. I know I do because Campbell looks over to me from her seat next to me, eyes and smile knowing. She shakes her head lightly as her smile grows a touch, then goes back to listening to her daughter across the table. She’s sitting right next to Merrick. Her small, cute self next to all his big and tough and brooding. Chattering away as he listens intently to what she’s saying. Her days at school. The new book I just gave her. How she wants to grow up to be a real life princess. With a castle, knight in shining armor, and all. My heart is so full right now I can barely contain it. A giggle bursts from LeeLee’s wide smile. Her shoulders bounce with the force of her laugh. It garners all our attention. Her happy and bright shining all around us, capturing us in her joy. Merrick stares intently at her. As if he’s lost in thought and soaking up all that little girl’s goodness all at once. Then, as if it spread right through him, a gorgeous smile overtakes his beautifully rugged face. It’s small, but it’s there, and it looks so right. “Can you believe it, Mr. Merrick? Daddy was wearing a tiara and a necklace!” “Hey now!” Mason interjects Lena’s fit of giggles. “That was supposed to be our little secret, princess. Remember?” His voice is stern but his face is stretched in a big goofy grin. All that mock anger nothing but a front. He’s a big pile of goo when it comes to his little girl. “Daddy!” Lena squeals. “But it was so funny! Oh, oh, I think next time we should do your makeup, too!” Her exuberance and laughter fill the entire room. Mason gasps in shock. Still playing along with his baby girl. “I draw the line at makeup, little LeeLee. You may be able to get me into a necklace and wear a tiara. But no way are you rubbing that stuff on my face.” More giggles and laughter fill the room. Lena’s tinkling laughter ringing out the loudest. She gets up then and moves around the table to get to her daddy. Tiny arms wrap around his neck as she presses a loud kiss to his cheek. My heart warms at the sight. I see my sister melt right in her spot at the affection between her husband and daughter. Then I see Merrick and my heart gets heavy. Because the pain etched across his face can’t be masked. He looks troubled and lost. Lonely. Like he’s missing a whole lot right about now. He must sense my eyes on him because his gaze swings to me and his face goes blank. I know my face holds a whole lot of questions right about now. But he just ignores it, shuffling the last bit of

food around on his plate. When Campbell stands a minute later to start cleaning off the table, he stands, too. Clearing his throat. “Let me help you.” “Oh no, Merrick. You’re a guest. Please. Sit.” “You cooked this amazing meal. Let me help.” Foolish sister. She should know a man like Merrick can’t be told what to do. She nods her head and agrees. “All right then. Can’t argue with that.” When Merrick turns and leaves to go to the kitchen, Mason following with the plates his wife had, Campbell turns to me and starts the inquisition I knew would be coming as soon as we were alone. “I thought nothing was going on, sister.” “I told you I didn’t know what was—” “Well,” she interrupts me, “I think more’s going on than you want to admit. Because I saw that kiss outside before you came in, KeeKee. That man kissed you like he’d damn near die without you.” “Momma, you said a naughty word,” Lena interjects. Reminding us she’s still here. “You’re right, LeeLee. She did say a naughty word.” I eye my sister. Agreeing with Lena. She rolls her eyes at me before addressing her daughter. “Sorry, princess. I’ll be more careful next time.” Then her eyes hit me again. “I mean, after what you told me happened the other day, I dang well know something more has to be going on than you think. No way would it be that passionate and not be something special. But what I witnessed tonight seems to be much more than even I expected.” I haven’t told her about what happened the next night. When Merrick showed up so late and ravaged my body like he owned every inch. And I’m inclined to believe he does. It isn’t that I don’t want to tell Campbell, it’s that I know she’ll start filling my head with happily ever afters and white picket fences. Things I’m already thinking about. If this were anyone else then I wouldn’t hesitate. But it isn’t anyone else. It’s Merrick, as it should be, and although he holds me tight and loves my body so right, outside of that we aren’t anything more. We barely talk outside of running into each other. Those two nights are the most I’ve ever felt, ever, but we don’t even call or text. We haven’t gone on a date. Although he did come here tonight. But that was because Campbell invited him. Nothing more. I haven’t even seen him since he left early Thursday morning, after the night we had of passion and fire and heat so wicked he scorched my heart and soul. So even though I want to let my heart run wild and free when it comes to Merrick Hughes, I’m smart enough to know he’s holding back. Which means I have to as well. I can’t let my heart fall any more than it already has until I know where he stands. And since I hadn’t known his last name until tonight, when he let it slip, I’d say he’s standing further away than I’d hoped. Campbell watches me expectantly. I shrug. Before I can say anything, we’re interrupted by deep male voices. “Thought I’d bring in the coffee along with the cookies you made for dessert since I was coming back in,” Mason says, walking back into the dining room. Placing the coffee pot and platter down on the table. Merrick places mugs down next. Dark, dark eyes piercing into mine. “Thanks, sweetie.” Campbell tips her head back as her husband walks by her. He kisses the smile on her face. “No problem, baby. Gotta help my woman when I can.” He winks. Cheeky as all hell.

I roll my eyes as she giggles. LeeLee joining her momma before she starts waving her hands about. “Oh, oh, oh! Hurry up and eat dessert! I’ve got a surprise after!” Her little face beams and brightens. “A surprise?” I gasp. I have no doubts that our Frozen talk from earlier has her head spinning with ideas on how to entertain our guest. Merrick has no clue what he’s in for. “And hurry through dessert? Who are you and what have you done with my most favorite niece ever? She would never”—I stress the word, sounding anguished and exasperated—”rush through dessert when she knows it’s her Auntie KeeKee’s favorite part of dinner.” Giggles ring out again and she shakes her head. “I’m just way excited to show you!” We all tuck into a cup of coffee—milk for LeeLee—and a couple cookies each. Chattering away again about how our weeks were and just catching up. Mason brings up what happened at the bookstore. I see Merrick tense, his hand fisting tightly on the table next to his coffee mug, so I quickly divert the conversation by changing the subject. They all can tell what I’m doing, but no one calls me out on it. I just don’t want to get into anything because I know Campbell and Mason agree with Merrick. That I should report what happened in case something else happens. But I just want to move on. I’m okay, the shop’s okay, and nothing has been amiss since that day. Once conversations start to die down, and coffees and desserts have been finished, Lena jumps up from her seat and scurries from the room. Telling us all to go into the living room and take a seat. “The show’s about to go on,” she sings. Mason settles into the oversized recliner he’s deemed the ‘man throne’ and pulls Campbell onto his lap. While Merrick and I sit side by side on the love seat. Thigh to thigh, shoulder to shoulder. Oh how I’d love for him to bring his strong arm around me and hold me tight. Then in walks LeeLee. Microphone in hand. Dressed to the nines. Little radio playing a familiar song. Here we go. She stands there in her princess dress. Tiara gleaming on top of her curly, blonde head. Microphone to her lips as she belts out “Let It Go” from memory. No shame or embarrassment. Just free and innocent and all little girl. Mason and Campbell chuckle and smile as their daughter serenades us. Oohing and ahhing at her diva ways. Those two all too used to Lena and her antics. The little ham that she is. Merrick sits next to me on the couch. Seeming to be lost in thought with a barely there smile gracing his rugged, handsome face. Watching my little niece sing and prance and sway to the beat of her own drum. As the final notes ring out, we all stand in applause. Cheering and whistling. “Bravo! Bravo!” Campbell shouts as LeeLee bows and curtsies. “My little princess,” Mason exclaims. Wrapping his little girl up in his arms, lifting her high, and spinning around in a circle. More giggles and laughs fill the air. “Wow, LeeLee! What a performance. It was like I was in the ice castle!” Round cheeks smile wide at my praise. Her tiny arms wound tight around her daddy’s neck. “What’d you think, Mr. Merrick?” Lena’s small voice asks. Looking right at him. Full of all the wonder and curiosity and hope only a six-year-old little girl can possess. A deep voice rumbles before he clears his throat to answer. Two words. Two words full of so much my heart weeps.

“Beautiful, LeeLee.” Her nickname falling past his lips for the first time. I melt. Right there. Catching myself before I fall a single inch farther. Because this man. He has me falling all over myself. Tripping and tumbling head over heels. I just remind myself of what I did earlier. I have to guard my heart until I know where he stands. “Yaaaaaay!” Lena cheers and bounces in Mason’s arms. Causing him to sway a step and wrap her up even tighter. “That was perfect practice for your play in a couple of months,” Campbell exclaims. Clapping her hands twice. “Oh yes, definitely!” I agree, nodding my head enthusiastically. Matching LeeLee’s excitement. “Play?” Merrick asks. Causing the four of us to look at him. Surprise hits me at the interest in his tone. “Oh, yes. Our little diva has a school play before the holiday break. The kindergarten class puts it on every year,” Campbell explains while she rubs a soft hand along her daughter ’s back. “They put on a winter wonderland act of Christmas carols and holiday songs. It’s adorable.” LeeLee wiggles to get out of Mason’s arms. He sets her down after kissing her forehead. “I can’t wait to dress up all pretty,” she says as she spins in a small circle, fanning out her princess dress. “And sing all the songs. I love to sing.” Merrick chuckles deep and rough. “Seems so.” “Oh, say you’ll come, Mr. Merrick? Please! It’ll be so, so, so much fun!” She looks up at him. Tugging on his hand. More comfortable in his presence now. Brave to walk up to the big, brooding man. I look at him, my eyes as expectant as LeeLee’s. Hoping he’ll go. Commit to something in the future. Give me a little hope that he’s planning on sticking around. With me. “Wouldn’t miss it,” his deep voice promises. LeeLee jumps for joy. Matching my heart.



PULLING UP OUTSIDE OF KEELYNN ’s house, I cut the engine and silence surrounds us. Our breathing the only sounds filling the cab. I look over to see her head leaned back on the headrest, face turned toward me, deep green eyes taking me in. A thoughtful look blanketing her features. “Thanks for coming tonight.” Her bright smile is small—content—but no less blinding. Doesn’t matter which smile I get from her. Small, wide, toothy grin, or full of tease. Each and every one has my heart beating wildly and my blood rushing hot. Brings me to my goddamn knees this woman and her smiles. Just her. “Had a good time,” I finally reply. And I really did. Once the awkwardness on my part wore off of course. Seeing Lena felt like a hot blade tearing through my skin at first. But as the evening went on, she did nothing but put me at ease with her blonde curls and blue eyes and angelic giggles. Then listening to her sing, watching her perform, you’d have to be a fucking dead man not to melt at all her innocence. All diva and princess singing slightly off-key in her little girl voice. She reminds me so much of Lila. From the eyes to the attitude to their sweet, gentle way. Infectious. Heartwarming. Just pure little girl wrapped up in butterflies and goodness. I’ve no doubt that if they had the chance to meet, they would have been best friends. Lena may bring on painful reminders of a life and a love I’ve lost forever. But she also conjures up those beautiful memories I try to keep under lock and key. The ones that shouldn’t be hidden away. Because Lila deserves to be cherished, even if only in memory. “LeeLee loves you. I can tell.” Keelynn interrupts my thoughts as if she knows exactly where my head’s at. Wouldn’t doubt if she did. “She’s a diva for sure, but she doesn’t sing just for anyone.” I smile at that. “Feel damn special then.” “You should,” she says through a small laugh. Then she breathes deep. Like she wants to say something else. Something more. And unease starts to blanket my skin at what she could possibly be thinking. But she thinks better of it before shifting and putting her hand to the door handle. Before she can even get the latch unlocked, I’m unbuckling. “Let me get that for you.” My heart constricts at the thought of leaving her alone tonight. At not holding that lush body close after getting lost in her deep curves. Stepping down from my truck, I round the hood then open the passenger door. Putting my hand out to help her down. “Thank you,” she replies softly. I place a hand to the small of her back and follow her up to the front door when she starts walking. She turns when we get there, leaning against the wood. Reminding me of how she looked the other

night when I showed up late and unexpected. That night turned into one of the hottest of my life. Right along with our first time in her kitchen. Seems like whenever I get my hands on Keelynn Masters she lights right up. Like fireworks. Explosions of vibrant colors and blinding light. “Did you want to come in?” Her soft voice pulls my thoughts back to the here and now. But at her question they take a nosedive right back to soft curves beneath my hands and fevered moans piercing the air. I nod once. Firm. Because fuck, yes, do I ever want to come in. “Thought you’d never ask.” She giggles before turning and unlocking the door. “Well all right then.” Her soft laughter cuts off just as she walks through the doorway. Looking over her head, I see why. The entryway leading into her living space is a mess. Papers strewn throughout the hallway. The small lamp and table just inside the door toppled over. Broken glass from the light bulb and a few trinkets covering the floor. Instinct has me grabbing her quickly and gently forcing her back outside, out of harm’s way. “Merrick? What are you doing? What’s going on?” Her voice is full of confusion and traces of fear. Slight panic. Which has my blood boiling like hot fucking lava. If someone’s still in here, I’ll find them and fucking kill them. Grabbing hold of her hand, I practically drag her back to my truck. “I need you to stay here. Inside. Call 9-1-1 and report a break-in.” I open the door when we reach it, grasp her hips, then lift her in. After I get her tucked away safely in the cab she spins so her feet dangle out the side. Making like she wants to jump out and stay with me. “No, Merrick, wait—” “Keelynn, I’m serious. Stay here. Don’t move. Call the police.” I set her with a hard look to match my hard tone while my hand reaches out to the glove box. Opening it, I retrieve what I’m looking for and grab it. “And no matter what you see, or what you hear, do not leave this truck unless I or an officer are at this door.” “Oh my gosh, Merrick!” She gasps and pales. “Why do you have a gun?” Her tone is hurried and thick with emotion. Ignoring her, I ask, “Do you hear me? I need you to stay right here. Don’t leave this truck. And keep the doors locked.” Blankly, she stares at me. Eyes wide and full of tears and fear and what looks a lot like worry…for me. Her house, her personal belongings were violated. But here she is worried about me. Goddamn this woman. “Do you hear me, Keelynn?” I repeat. Keeping my anger at bay long enough to get her agreement. Not wanting to scare her any more than she already is. She nods. “Be careful.” Her voice barely a whisper. I gently squeeze her knee to offer a small level of comfort before swinging her legs back inside and slamming the door. Keeping her safe. Then I’m taking determined steps back to her front door, throwing it open, and aiming my gun. Safety off. Finger to the trigger. Ready to take anyone out that poses a threat to Keelynn. Prepared to not let what happened before happen again. Not ever. I won’t lose someone else because I wasn’t able to protect them. That isn’t an option. Scanning the small hallway that leads into the open floor plan, I quickly move across the space. Back to the walls. Arms extended, shifting my gun side to side as I go.

Making quick work of the downstairs, I bound up the stairs to the sparsely furnished second level. Confident it’s empty, but not taking any chances. I clear the two small bedrooms and the half bath upstairs, just as I did Keelynn’s bedroom, the living space, kitchen, and bathroom downstairs. Whoever was here before, isn’t here now. Lucky motherfuckers. As I hurry down the stairs, sirens start to wail from a distance. Getting closer and closer. Throwing the front door open, I look to my truck and start toward it. Seeing that Keelynn listened and stayed inside like I told her. Thank fuck, because if she didn’t I would have lost my shit. Once I’m within a couple feet of her, she pushes the passenger door open and jumps down. Launching into my chest just as I make it to her. Causing me to falter back a step as I wrap her up in my arms. “Oh God, Merrick! You were only gone a few minutes but it felt like forever,” she cries into my neck. Her arms wound tight around my neck, holding me just as tightly as I’m holding her. I drag my hands down her back and then up again along her sides to her arms. Gently grabbing hold to gain a sliver of space between us to see her face. Fucking hating the two inches that separates us now. “House is pretty trashed, but it was empty,” I tell her. “You’re safe, baby.” She nods her head, letting out a small sigh of relief, just as the sound of tires squealing sound off next to us. Two cop cars slamming to a stop. Blue lights flashing. Three officers climb out of the two cars and walk right over. The oldest of the three addresses Keelynn first. “Ma’am. We got a call of a break-in. Everyone all right?” “Yeah,” she breathes out. Stepping closer into my side so I can wrap an arm around her. “Just shaken up a bit,” she admits. They nod in understanding before the youngest of the three looks to me. Before he even asks, I speak. Repeating what I just told Keelynn. “The house is tossed, but it appears to be empty. Got her to the truck to keep her safe and took a look inside and didn’t see anything.” Another round of understanding nods as the middle cop takes some notes. “I’ll need statements from each of you while they investigate inside. We’ll stay out here until we get the all clear and then can move inside if you’d prefer, Miss Masters.” After Keelynn gives her account of walking in and then being rushed out by me, I give mine. Again letting him know I went inside to make sure she was safe and that the house was clear. Telling him what I saw and how long we were here before they showed up. Filling him in on the hours we were away from the house. They check the house over to be sure but confirm what I already knew. It’s ransacked and empty. But they fill me in on a little tidbit that has my once calming anger igniting all over again. “No forced entry, ma’am,” he addresses Keelynn. “Keelynn, please.” “Do you remember if you locked your door, Keelynn?” Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, green eyes dart up to me before looking back at the three uniformed officers in front of her. “Well…no.” “What?” I explode. How can she be so damn careless? “Sir.” One officer tries to calm me. “I’m sorry,” she whispers. “But I never do. Never thought I needed to.” I heave a breath at that. Trying with all of my goddamn might to rein in the fury I feel right now. “That’s gonna fucking change, Sunshine.” She blinks once, nodding. After finishing up and thanking the officers, I see them out before pointedly looking at Keelynn as

I lock her front door behind them. “This stays locked. When you’re home. When you’re gone. At all times. You hear me?” Her head nods once in understanding. “Yes, sir,” she mocks. “Don’t get smart, Sunshine. This is fucking serious.” “I’m not,” she huffs. “But don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit? I mean, you want it locked when I’m home, too. What’s the point? I’m home.” She emphasizes the last word, as if it will matter. “You think I’m overreacting? Keelynn, your goddamn house was broken into. Hell, you invited the perps right in because the door wasn’t locked. If anything, I’m damn calm right now. If I wasn’t so pissed and was thinking clearly, I’d have half a mind to toss you over my shoulder and carry your sweet ass out of here.” She crosses her arms over her ample chest. Just looking at me before her arms collapse against her thighs as she releases a heavy breath. Eyes turning worried and sad, brimming with tears. I take the two steps to get to her and wrap her up tight into my chest. My lips going to the top of her head where I kiss her softly and murmur my reassurances to her. “I just don’t understand who would want to do this. I’ve lived here my whole life, know practically everyone in town, and I can’t imagine who could do this.” She sniffles slightly. The impact of what happened tonight finally hitting her. “I don’t know, baby. But if I ever find out…I’ll fucking kill them.” “Oh, Merrick. Stop it.” She hits at my back where her arms are wrapped around me. “Mean it, Sunshine. No one scares you like this and gets away with it.” As I release her from my arms and step back, a slip of crisp white paper tucked under a pile of paperwork on the now unorganized entryway table catches my attention. Any other day it would have been nothing. Any other day it would have slipped past my notice. Any other day it would have just remained as any old receipt. But today isn’t any other day. Today’s the day that irrevocably changes my life forever. Because today I have to make a choice. Either walk away for good or claim her as my own. And after being inside of her, and seeing that smile light up her face whenever she sees me, there’s no fucking way I’m leaving my second chance behind. “What’s this, Keelynn?” I snap as I rip the receipt out from under the pile of papers. Confusion clouds her face as she looks from me, to the receipt, then back to me again. “A receipt?” Her reply more a question than an answer. “Where’d you get it?” My patience all but shattered. My tone giving everything away. “From the plumber who made the repair.” Her brows furrow as my face tightens further. “Why does that matter?” I see the flimsy paper shake in my grip. Revealing the tremble of anger and worry rolling through me. Looking down I catch the name of the plumbing company again. Corsetti’s Plumbing. Motherfuckers. I don’t know how they found out about her. Fuck, I don’t know how they found out about me. But the last few months are starting to make a whole lot more fucking sense. Her unexplained flat tires. The graffiti on her storefront. But this has gone too fucking far. I make a fist, crumbling it in my hand as I look back up to see Keelynn’s eyes intent on my every move. Confusion, unease, and worry flirting across her face. I take a deep breath, trying to buy some time, to calm down. Because I can’t reveal why I’m reacting this way. Not the truth anyway. Because she has no fucking clue why I’m really in town. She has no clue I’ve been watching these guys’ every move.

Not close enough clearly. “Merrick, what’s going on?” I blow a deep breath. Reining it in. Trying to think. To cover my sudden reaction. “Have you used them before? For repairs?” “No.” She shakes her head. “This was the first time. I hadn’t heard of them until I was looking for someone to call and luck would have it their flyer ended up on my car windshield outside of the bookstore. Saw they were local and gave them a shot.” “And when did you have them come in?” “Right after the Michaels brothers finished repairing the roof and kitchen a couple of days after you had inspected the damage. So earlier in the week. The sink started leaking—Merrick, why does this matter? Why the twenty questions?” I stop to think again. Figure out how much to say. If anything. Goddamn it. “So it’s been a few days. The guys give you any trouble? Seem odd or act weird?” “Not at all. Why? You think they had something to do with this?” “It’s a possibility.” “Why would you think that? React that way to the receipt?” I pull her back into me then. Relishing in the feel of her body against mine. All her soft to all my hard. Buying some time to process all I just figured out in the matter of seconds. They’re onto me—know I’m here. They have to. Because no way is Corsetti’s Plumbing leaving a flyer on her car a fucking coincidence. These fuckers somehow know I’m here and they’re playing it low for a reason. One I plan to fucking find out before ending them all.



SCREAMS RIP THROUGH THE AIR as bullets explode around me. I’m frozen in place. Panic. Confusion. Fear. They all consume me as I watch on in horror. My wife riddled with bullets. My daughter screaming for her life. Then as quickly as my shock and fear held me in place, I snap out of it. Sprinting to their sides. Throwing myself on top of them. Praying I can save them. Gasping awake, my body feels as if it’s on a block of ice doused in flames. Hot and cold all at once. Eyes wide. Heart pounding. Chills rack my body so hard I’m almost convulsing. Then I hear her. Sweet voice piercing the haze of my dream. Then I feel her. Small hands running up my chest. Then I see her. Green eyes full of unease and panic. It’s then I realize I’m pinning Keelynn to the bed below me. My arms cocooning her head. My whole body flush with hers, covering her completely. Her arms are pinned between us; the only movement she’s able to make is with her hands as she rubs them along my bare chest. Trying to soothe me. To tame me. “Merrick,” she whispers. Voice strained. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” Her voice hitches as tears well then pour from her wide eyes. “Motherfucker,” I bite out harshly as I roll off and away from the body I crave. Running my hands over my face, scraping across the stubble that lines my jaw. My nightmares have been few and far between lately. Still haunting me. Still reminding me of everything I’ve lost and why I’m here. But ever since I’ve met Keelynn they haven’t been as frequent. Not nearly as bad. And the two other nights I spent wrapped up around her, they weren’t there at all. Now, lying in bed with another woman who’s been put in danger because of me, they chase me down. Threaten to tear me apart. It’s like my guilt and conscience are teaming up to take me down. Strip me of the one good thing I’ve got going. Remind me of whom I couldn’t save and what I’m

keeping from her. Bile starts to rise from my gut, but I swallow it back. Taking deep breaths to calm the churning in my stomach and the heavy beating of my heart. Rustling sheets sound off next to me before the mattress shifts and a small, cool hand smoothes along my arm. “Honey,” she breathes out, and I sigh. Her soft, sweet voice comforting me when I don’t fucking deserve it. “Yeah,” I grunt. Reverting back to the beast I was when I first met her. “What happened? Bad dream?” Ignoring her questions, I ask one of my own. “Did I hurt you?” From the glow of the moonlight seeping through the slit in the curtains, I see the sheet shift down Keelynn’s body when she moves toward me. Exposing her naked torso and hip to my sight. Flawless olive skin practically glowing. She leans into me, no smile gracing her perfect face and lips. Eyes bright with fresh tears. “No,” she whispers. Conviction heavy in her tone, imploring me to believe her. I roll to my side to face her, running a hand along the length of her body. Eyes assessing her skin to make sure she isn’t hiding anything. Lifting a hand, I trace a finger along her cheek to move her hair out of her face. “Will you tell me what happened?” she asks as I continue to look her over. I may have been imitating my dream, but I was gripping her tightly in my haste to protect her from the nightmare that ravages my mind. I need to make sure I didn’t hurt her. A soft hand rakes through my disheveled hair, causing me to bring my eyes to hers. “Please,” she breathes out. Clenching my jaw, I tightly squeeze my eyes shut. Trying to think of something to tell her. “What are you hiding, honey? What aren’t you telling me?” Guilt rips through my flesh, piercing my heart and soul. But I can’t tell her. I can give her a lot of things, but revealing my past and risking her finding out the truth of why I’m here can’t happen. Despite how I feel about her. Despite the fact that I’m slowly setting down roots in a town that I’ll eventually have to flee. Leaving her behind. Despite it all, I still can’t tell her the truth. “The break-in,” I croak out. I clear my throat to rid it of the lump before continuing. “Had me thinking of what could have happened if they were still inside when you got home and if I wasn’t here with you.” It isn’t a complete lie. That has to be what triggered it. That and seeing Corsetti’s name again. But it’s nowhere near the truth either. It’ll have to do though. Because I can’t tell her yet. If ever. “Oh, Merrick. I’m so sorry.” Nothing but honesty filling her features, while nothing but lies weigh me down. “I didn’t even think of how it must have affected you tonight.” So damned sweet. Bright sunshine. Fucking perfection. “Just don’t want anything happening to you, Sunshine. Couldn’t fathom it. Live with it. Not you.” Now that. That’s all truth. One hundred percent fucking honesty.



LYING AMONGST THE SHEETS OF my queen-sized bed, I watch the muscles of Merrick’s bare back bunch and pull as he slides on a flannel. The dark jeans he’s wearing riding low on his lean hips. The band of his Calvin Klein boxer briefs peeking out overtop. If he were facing me, I know I’d get an eyeful of the deep V muscles that drive me wild. Once it’s on, he turns to me as he begins buttoning the front. Yep. There’s the V. Along with a hint of those deliciously ridged abs that also drive me wild. Heck. The man does that. All of him. A flirty smirk lifts his impossibly full lips when he’s caught me ogling every inch of his muscular frame. I don’t care though. He’s a work of art. Strong, chiseled muscles encased in satin soft bronze skin. He’s big yet lean. Not too bulky. The perfect balance. Perfect for me. Because along with all that brawn comes brains and a fierce heart. One he doesn’t share easily, but once he does you know you’ve been given the greatest gift there ever was. One I intend to cherish forever even if we don’t. “Do you have to go?” I ask as he finishes up the last button and makes his way over to me. His long legs eating up the carpet of my bedroom floor in three quick strides. I’ve gotten used to him being around these last few days. He hasn’t left since the break-in. Spending every night here with me, wrapped up in each other. During the days, if I haven’t been at Between the Pages, he somehow made it possible to be here with me. It’s been amazing. And I don’t want it to end. Not ever. “‘Fraid so, Sunshine.” Deep, dark voice sliding over my skin like rich, bold coffee. I pout then. Not wanting him to leave. Especially when I’m lying here, naked from another round of lovemaking, nothing but pale yellow sheets keeping me from him. A rough hand gently tugs said sheet as if he’s read my mind. Pulling the cotton down my torso to settle at my hips, baring my breasts and soft tummy to his dark midnight eyes. “Don’t want to, baby. But I’ve got to.” A lone finger trails down my neck, over my shoulder, down to my hip before climbing back up my tummy to a heavy breast. He breathes deep when my nipple pebbles. Blowing the air through his nose. “Work called?” My voice husky and full of want. He nods at my question. One I’ve asked a handful of times already. “When you were asleep.” Apparently, I dozed off after he wrung my body of every pleasure I’ve ever known. I nod back right before a small moan breaches my lips at his rough palm scraping across my tip.

“Wish I didn’t have to. But I’ll be back soon.” His voice gruff, matching my want. Then as quick as he started working me up, he’s pulling his hand away, dropping a quick kiss to my lips, and getting up to leave. “Don’t move from this spot, Sunshine. Stay as you are. Got plans for that gorgeous body.” I feel myself blush at thinking of what he’s planning. “Hurry back,” I practically purr. Ready to get back between these sheets with him. I don’t know what he’s done to me. But ever since our first time, I haven’t been able to get enough of him. And these last few days have intensified my feelings tenfold. I’m just as insatiable as he is. And it’s as if the other day flipped a switch for him or something. Because even though he’s been overly cautious and worried, making sure I’m never left alone, he’s also been more attentive. Even playful at times. Making me smile and laugh. Stealing my heart even more. “Plan to, Sunshine.” His voice cuts into my train of thought. I smile. “Can’t wait.” Meaning more than just about him coming back. I can’t wait to see where this takes us, too. I grind my teeth as I walk away from a naked and sated Keelynn wrapped up in nothing but bliss and sheets and head out to my truck. Goddamn, I want nothing more than to stay in bed with her. Go another round. Get lost in her luscious body and throaty moans and all that sunshine. Fuck. But it’s been a few days since the break-in and since I’ve been by the warehouse—not wanting to leave Keelynn, fearing it actually. Because I don’t know what they could have planned for when she’s alone. And that’s the worst part of all. Knowing fuck all of what they have planned. Why they’re doing what they’re doing. Why they won’t just come after me. I know their initial plan was to take me out, the fact that my family was collateral damage not fazing them in the least. But now, why not just come after me? Why throw Keelynn into this mess? Because you already have by getting involved with her to begin with. My conscious rearing its ugly head. Because it’s right. Unknowingly, I got her involved just by being around her. And now…now there’s no way I can stay away. Even before the break-in and knowing Corsetti’s men had to be behind it. Having a taste of what she had to offer obliterated any hope I had of staying away and steering clear of her. Plus that smile. Goddamn that smile. And those deep green eyes. And all those curves. Like she was made for me. I hated lying about the phone call—fucking despised it—but it had to be done. Because I need to check things out and try to figure out what the fuck their deal is. I’ve been able to think of nothing else but what this all could mean. There were no signs. Nothing on the footage to give them away. The tapes made no mention either. Their movements like every other day. I’d have taken all the fuckers out sooner if I wasn’t looking to get Corsetti, too. I mean I know I haven’t been keeping my head down, but I wasn’t announcing myself to the world

either. Stayed away from their hangouts and work places and the warehouse. So where the fuck did I go wrong? And most importantly, when will they make their next move? Because they will. I know they will. So I need to be more diligent than ever. Especially since they have to know I’m here, but haven’t made a move except to send warnings. All against Keelynn. And I know what they’re doing. Exacting what they think is power over me by sending reminders that they can get close to another woman in my life. But what has me confused as fuck is why they haven’t done more. Why are they just sending warnings instead of acting out immediately? Like they did with…my eyes slam shut as I start the engine. Pain consuming me for a flash before anger scalds my skin like a branding iron. That’s why I need to get out there, survey the scene, and plot my attack. Figure out when to set plans in motion. To eliminate the ones who caused so much destruction. And to make sure they can’t wreak their havoc again.



“SO…” CAMPBELL DRAWS OUT THE word. Giving me side eye from across the counter she’s leaning on. “You and Merrick have been spending an awful lot of time together lately.” It’s not a question. It’s a statement, because she knows it’s true. I can feel the blush creep into the apples of my cheeks as my mind runs over the last couple of weeks with Merrick. All the laughs. The kissing. The late nights getting lost in one another and early mornings repeating every touch. I roll my lips between my teeth and offer a shrug while keeping my eyes cast down at the packing list of the latest shipment of paperbacks. “Oh, don’t you play coy with me, Keelynn Masters!” She slaps her palms to the surface separating us, causing my head to jerk up. Her pretty face is split into a huge knowing grin. “That man has barely left your side in two weeks,” she exclaims as her hands wave wildly in front of her. “Spending his nights with you. Walking you to and from the shop. Ever since the night of family dinner and he offered to drive you home you’ve been inseparable. Now you tell me what the hell is going on.” “I don’t know what’s going on, Campbell. And please lower your voice. You do remember that inside voice you’re always reminding LeeLee about, right?” I quirk a brow and a smirk. Calling her out. “Oh, please.” She waves a hand between us. “There’s no one in here but Toni and even if there was, my outside voice is still a whisper compared to Lena’s inside one.” I just huff out a giggle at her reasoning and shake my head. “Now quit stalling and tell me! Are you two a couple or what?” She’s practically bouncing on the spot she’s so excited. Her green eyes wide, awaiting my answer. But as her excitement grows and her smile stretches, mine starts to dissipate and falls right from my face, because the truth is I really don’t know what’s going on with us. Since the break-in, the one Campbell does not and will not know about, Merrick hasn’t left my side except to go to work. Which he seems to be doing a good amount of lately at all hours of the day. But besides that, he’s with me. If I’m here at Between the Pages he stops by to check-in or to close up shop with me. And each night we have dinner together before falling into bed wrapped up in each other ’s arms. He hasn’t left and if I’m being honest, I don’t think I ever want him to. I’m getting used to him being around, getting used to sharing space with someone again. Campbell clears her throat while tapping her painted teal nails against the counter. Breaking me from my thoughts as she waits on my response.

Patience was never her virtue. I look over at her. “I meant what I said. I don’t know what’s going on with us. We just sort of… happened, but we haven’t discussed what that means. What we mean.” “Well.” She eyes me again. Obviously not liking my answer. “Whatever ’s going on with you two, it sure looks good on you, sister.” That blush creeps in again and a smile stretches my cheeks, matching hers. “Yeah,” I whisper. “I second that,” is all of a sudden shouted from a few bookshelves over. Breaking the moment. Campbell and I burst into a fit of giggles when Toni pokes her head out from between them and looks right at us. “That boy has made you smile more than I’ve seen in a long time—and that’s saying something.” She pauses for effect. “Sunshine.” Her tone mocking and full of tease as she moves from behind the bookshelf. So sassy. I feel that blush deepen at hearing her use Merrick’s nickname for me. “Yeah…Sunshine,” Campbell adds. Joining in on the mockery and teasing. These two, I tell ya. “In all seriousness though,” Toni cuts into the giggling. “He seems like a good man and if he can make you look this happy. Put that smile on your face.” She points to my lips and the smile I didn’t even realize I was wearing. “Then he’s A-okay in my book.” With a firm nod and a pat to my behind, as if her word’s final, she’s on her way in a flourish of jingle jangles. Her wrist full of bracelets clanging together, white hair streaked teal, and a long purple turtleneck sweater overtop black knitted leggings. Campbell and I just look at each other then watch her go. Well, that’s that then.

Exhaustion weighs down each booted step I make as I walk into the local market. Keelynn texted me about needing a couple of things and asked if I could pick them up on my way home since she was already there. Yeah. Home. As if that’s what we’re making in her ’s because I haven’t fucking left since the break-in two weeks ago. I didn’t correct her because it damn sure feels like it. Home. That’s what she’s becoming to me. So like the pussy I am, I couldn’t say no. So here I am after work, making the stop. But I’m fucking beat. Between working for Michaels Bros., staking out Corsetti’s men, and my late nights and early mornings learning every deep curve and moan of pleasure from Keelynn, I’ve barely been getting any sleep. As I walk from aisle to aisle getting the few things from her text, my eyes scan the people around me. It’s been a couple of weeks since the break-in. But I’m not taking any chances. I know they know

I’m here. And they know that I know now, they have to. It’s a jumbled fucking mess, one I can’t figure out, because I’ve been so fucking precise and careful. But somehow they found me out. And until I find the right time to take them out, I have to be more vigilant than ever. The pitter-patter of little feet hits the linoleum tile behind me, breaking me from my thoughts right before a delighted squeal pierces the air. “Momma, look who it is!” Turning at the familiar little voice, I see Lena hightailing it right toward me. Blonde curls flying around her pretty little face as Campbell trails with a knowing smile on her face. I drop my basket just in time before Lena’s small body launches into mine. An oomph leaves my mouth as I rock back a half step at the impact. For six, she’s a strong little thing. “Hey, Mr. Merrick!” She giggles through her excitement. Little arms wrapping right around my neck. Her joy radiates off of her in waves, crashing over me, causing a small smile to lift my lips. “Hey there, LeeLee.” I give her another squeeze before setting her down on her pink glittered boots. She beams up at me as Campbell places a hand to her head. Fingers running through blonde curls. “Hey, hey,” she greets through a smile that’s similar to Keelynn’s. But doesn’t have the same effect—that punch to the chest that Keelynn’s has. “Campbell,” I greet right back. “How’ve you been, Merrick?” Her tone loaded with a hell of a lot more than that one question. Confusion dips my brow. Wondering what the hell she could be fishing for. “Been good.” “Mhmm, I bet you have.” She smirks now as Lena twirls at her side, her skirt fanning out over her leggings. Never being a man of many words, I don’t say anything else. Just looking at her while she looks at me. Still smirking that knowing smirk while I try to figure out what the hell she knows. “You’ve been seeing an awful lot of my sister lately, haven’t you?” she finally asks. Lena oblivious next to her as she keeps twirling and dancing about next to her mama. I rub the hand not holding the basket behind my neck. Working the tension her question and insinuation creates. “Guess I have,” I answer her. “Care to tell me what you’re doing with my sister?” She raises a brow. Hip cocked. Waiting. Here, in the middle of the bread aisle of the grocery store, she asks that as plain as day. Like we aren’t having this very personal conversation in a very public place. I look around for a second before looking her dead in the eye. Being as honest as I can. “I don’t know.” Because I don’t. We just…are. “You don’t know?” she asks, her tone incredulous. “You sound just like my damn sister.” My body tenses at that. What’s that supposed to mean? She must see the question on my face, because right after she wrangles Lena in back to her side, handing over her cell phone to keep her occupied for a moment, Campbell clarifies. “I saw her this afternoon. Not too long ago actually. I asked her what was going on with you two and her answer was the same. That she didn’t know.” Seems like we’re on the same page then. “I can tell you though, that she lights right up whenever you’re mentioned. And when you’re around her?” I lean forward an inch, anticipating her response. Acting like a fucking chick because I’m dying to

know what others see when I’m around her. Because it’s Keelynn. “It’s like she’s the sun she shines so bright. That pretty smile of hers can’t be contained.” My heart expands and my pride beams. Knowing I do that for her. To her. Stepping up to me, Campbell places her hand to my forearm before looking up into my eyes. Her green orbs holding none of the teasing from just moments ago. “She’s been through enough. From our parents abandoning us. To our Gramps and Gramma passing on. And finally with Trevor dying so tragically.” She steps back, removing her hand. “Her heart’s been hurt enough over her lifetime. Just do all you can to make sure you’re not added to that list of heartbreak.” I swallow hard and give one curt nod of my head. Acknowledging, agreeing, and fucking knowing I can’t keep that promise.



T HINGS HAVE CALMED DOWN IN the few weeks since the “incident” as I’ve taken to calling it. Merrick still gets all defensive and protective and grumpy whenever it’s mentioned. Pissed at the local police force for not having any leads or information. Saying they should know how to do their jobs to keep them. I just ignore his ranting and go about my life like I did before. Not letting what happened slow me down. Or scare me. I’ll admit it jarred me for a few days, had me shaken up. But then I realized that whomever did this would win if I kept on that way. So instead of being scared, I’ve gotten right back into my routines again. With the addition of having Merrick around. Just like those first few days after the incident, he hasn’t left since. He hasn’t moved in. He’s still living out of his duffle bag. But he’s here. Every day and night. Even when I’m not, he is. It’s been nice. More than nice. It’s been…amazing. Cooking dinners together. Waking up to his handsome face. Falling asleep sated and worshiped and wrapped up in his arms. It’s been bliss. Now it’s Halloween and trick-or-treaters should be arriving any minute. My house is decorated with a few pumpkins LeeLee helped me carve last week, and I’m stocked up with candy. I can’t wait to see LeeLee. Mason always brings her by first—Campbell at home handing out candy to her neighborhood—so I can see her all dressed up. Two guesses as to whom she’s going as this year and the first doesn’t count. Her Frozen obsession is really something else. “Need any help with anything?” Merrick asks as I fiddle about with the candy bowl. “Nope, I’m all set,” I say over my shoulder to look at him. “I can’t wait to see LeeLee though.” I beam as I turn around, facing him. I’m always hesitant to bring up LeeLee around Merrick because of how he reacted the first time he met her. And every time after that, whether he’s around her or she’s mentioned, he gets agitated almost. Like she makes him uncomfortable. He gets lost in his head, in thoughts running wild, and his face takes on a sadness that hurts my heart. And I can’t figure out why. He says it’s because she reminds him of someone he used to know. Someone.

He didn’t clarify, never has, and I haven’t asked again. I’ve learned with Merrick that prying or asking too many questions doesn’t get you anywhere or anything but silence and an even grumpier attitude. So I’m left to wonder whom this someone could have been. Or could be. A sister maybe? A friend? I don’t know who it is, but I do know the memories of them cause him such pain at times that he can’t keep it hidden. “You love her a lot.” His deep voice breaks me from thought and has me lifting my head to look at him. It’s a statement that doesn’t require a response. But I answer anyway. “More than life itself.” A warm smile covers my face as memories of Lena’s childhood flash through my mind. From infant to toddler to now and everything in between. “I can tell.” His gruff voice softens a touch along with his face. “She’s the most beautifully amazing little girl that’s ever lived.” I beam. He flinches slightly. Just barely a tic of his jaw. I don’t think anyone else would notice it, but it’s there, and I see it. I feel my mouth dip into a frown, but I don’t comment on his sudden sadness. I just keep the conversation going, trying to change the subject. “I always wanted a little army of kids.” If I thought he was uneasy before, it is nothing compared to the look that crosses his face at my last words. My stomach drops and my heart beats double-time. “Did I say something wrong?” I mean I know I mentioned kids, but it isn’t like I said right now or with him. Even though I think that’s exactly what I mean. A pair of green-eyed, black-haired babies flash through my mind before I shake the thoughts away. What a dream. “No,” he croaks out before clearing his throat and wetting his lips. “You want a lot of kids?” “As many as God will bless me with. Doesn’t matter how many of each, just that they’re healthy and happy with ten little fingers and toes.” I stop for a minute, hesitating on whether I should continue, before deciding to go on. “It was always a dream I had before…” “With Trevor,” he finishes for me. I nod. “Yes, with Trevor. We always talked about having kids. And then he was gone, and I never knew if it would happen for me…” I trail off. Desperately wanting to add that now I really think it could. But I don’t. He nods absentmindedly. Like he’s lost in thought. “Is that…is that something you want? Kids?” I ask. Seeing if it could be a possibility. Because the more I think of it, the more I want it to be. I may be unsure of where we stand, but I’d have to be a fool not to realize that what we have is real. Silence surrounds us for a good minute before he finally answers. Voice tight. “I’ve always wanted kids.” Hope bursts through me at that. Most may find that hard to believe. But not me. Because I know the man underneath all the brooding and hard. He’d be an amazing father. He clears his throat. “From what I’ve seen of you with Lena, you’ll make an amazing mother one

day, Sunshine.” His voice is still gruffer than earlier, but his words bring the smile back to my face. “Thank you, Merrick,” I whisper in reply. “That means more than you know.” The doorbell rings, interrupting our talk. But I can’t help but smile wide and squeal in excitement because the first trick-or-treaters have arrived. I clap and bounce to the door. Merrick’s chuckle following me. Opening the door wide, I’m greeted with yells of “trick or treat” from a zombie and a ninja. “Whoa, cool costumes!” I reply as I hand out a handful of candy each. “Thanks!” they exclaim in unison before running off to the next house. Their parents following close behind with a wave of thanks. Waving in kind through a laugh, I just get the door closed and turn around when I’m met with a hard chest. “Oh,” I gasp. Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me close. Then he leans in. Kissing me good. “So damn sweet.” Interrupted yet again by the doorbell. Merrick grunts his disapproval, and I just giggle before opening the door. “Trick or treat!” Standing tall and prettier than ever is none other than Princess LeeLee. Tiara, wand, and all. “Oh my! Merrick, look! A real life princess. It’s Princess Anna!” I say over my shoulder. Him right at my back. Before looking right back to Lena. Giggles burst through her beaming face. “Nooooo. It’s me, Auntie KeeKee. It’s LeeLee!” “Well, I’ll be. It is my LeeLee! You had me fooled, baby girl.” “That’s because Momma did my makeup all pretty like.” “That she did, LeeLee. That she did,” I say through a smile. “Yeah, and Daddy isn’t happy about it,” she replies through a giggle. Looking behind her I see Mason toss out a wink before stalking up next to his daughter and feigning anger. “No, I’m not! My baby girl shouldn’t be wearing that stuff. She’s too young.” I burst out laughing. Not because of what Mason says but because he’s wearing an adult-sized Olaf costume. Picture a six foot one inch tall man. With blond hair and blue eyes and a tan, lean build. A real life Ken doll practically. Dressed as the goofy snowman. I dare anyone not to laugh at that visual. “My gosh, Mase,” I say through my laughter. “You look great.” I try to smash my lips between my teeth. But it’s no use, a giggle escapes. I hear Merrick let out a deep chuckle behind me and the sound travels through my body straight to my heart. I can picture his perfectly full lips stretching into that smirk of his. My tummy flutters at the thought. “Laugh it up, sister,” Mason replies, teasingly. “But you know I look great.” “You’re a brave man for wearing that out in public,” Merrick surprises us all by saying. Mason chuckles. “It’s for my daughter, man. Gotta do it.” I catch sight of Merrick’s nod and the brief flash of understanding covering his face. I wonder what that’s about. As soon LeeLee speaks, I forget the thought as soon as it comes. “Hi, Mr. Merrick.” Her sweet little voice made even cuter with the littler princess wave she gives him. Hand cupped by her head, twisting side to side. “Your momma taught you that, didn’t she?” I ask her. Shaking my head. Only Campbell. “Yep!” she replies happily, popping the P.

“Hey there, LeeLee.” She beams up at Merrick right before he tosses in the biggest handful of trick or treats ever. Lena squeals. “Oh boy! Look at that, Daddy!” “Great, thanks, man.” He laughs. “Campbell’s gonna love this.” More than half of LeeLee’s princess pail is full. It was empty when she got here. Yeah, my sister is going to flip. Oh well. I just giggle along with LeeLee while Mason mutters and Merrick shrugs. “We better go so we can see how many houses we make,” Mason coaxes his daughter. I hate to see my little niece leave, but I know how excited she was about Halloween. “You’ll have to tell me all about how much candy you get tomorrow, okay?” I ask her. “Okay,” she answers excitedly. “Bye, Auntie LeeLee. Love you!” Her quick hug melts my heart like always. “Bye, Mr. Merrick. Thanks for all the candy,” she says through a giggle. He waves and smirks again while Mason says his good-byes and follows behind his excited little girl as she climbs into the car herself. Ready to get back to their neighborhood to get down to trickor-treating. “She’s cute,” Merrick murmurs as I shut the door behind us. Waiting on the next round of kids. “She is.” I smile. As the evening turns to night, so many kids stop by that we run out of candy. At that point Merrick raids my pantry, trying to find anything that will work. So for the rest of the night we pass out granola bars, snack packs, and sleeves of Ritz crackers. The last kid got a bag of mini chocolate chips. Much to his mother ’s dismay. I just giggled as Merrick smirked and shrugged. It was comical really. After that, it was late enough that I didn’t feel bad for turning off the porch light and locking the door. Especially when I had Merrick there with me. The man my undoing. Cuddling up on the couch, we’re watching the original Halloween, enjoying the quiet and just being together. I hate scary movies, no matter how old they are. But he talked me into it with the promise of his arms around me, keeping me safe. How could I say no? “You really want a lot of kids?” His deep voice breaks the silence. The random question surprising me. A bit random since our conversation on this topic ended hours ago. “I do,” I say through a smile. “At least two.” “That’s not an army.” He laughs. And boy do I love it when he does. I trace his lips with my finger, my eyes on the curve of his smile. Memorizing. He kisses the pad of my fingertip. I melt. “Well I know that, but two is a good start.” I nod. He just looks at me. One large hand to my now bare thigh due to my sleep shorts. The other reaching the back of my head, sifting through my hair. “Two would be a good start.” And then I melt some more. We’ve been nothing but a whirlwind of emotion for the last month. Moving at warp speed. Practically living together. Spending all of our time together.

Me falling in love with him. And from day one he’s stirred a swarm of butterflies in my tummy and a warmth in my heart I’ve never felt. The last few weeks I’ve felt closer to him than I thought possible for such a short amount of time. But tonight, after our discussion earlier today and how he’s looking at me right now, I can’t help but feel like our connection just got a little deeper. Our relationship taken to a whole new level.



T HE MANICURED LAWN GOES ON for acres. The dusting of snow from the night before causing it to shimmer and glitter in the mid-November sun. Granite and marble headstones stand at different heights throughout the cemetery, casting shadows along the ground. “You sure you want to do this?” I ask Keelynn next to me. “If it’s too hard we can come back another time, baby.” Since Halloween the other week, something’s shifted with us. It’s more than all of the time we’ve been spending together. Or all the times I get lost inside of her. It’s as if our talk about kids resulted in us taking our relationship even more seriously than before. And before I was fucking certain. I thought the idea of having kids would scare me. And it did at first. Brought me back to losing that precious love and the fear that possibility holds. But more than that, after the initial shock, I could picture little Keelynns running around. And as the night wore on, and seeing her with each kid that stopped by, that vision became clearer and clearer until I knew I was totally fucked. That’s why I brought up the topic again. Because even though I shouldn’t, I can’t help it, and there’s no turning back where she’s concerned. Been that way for weeks now. Damn near since day one I’d have to say. And as much as I thought Keelynn was serious, too. I know it for certain now as we sit here at the cemetery where her grandparents are buried because she wanted to introduce me. “No.” She shakes her head and bundles her jacket closer across her chest. “It’s okay.” She smiles weakly. “It’s just always hard coming by here. Especially around the holidays.” I nod my head in understanding. And even though I really should get it, I don’t. Because in the three years since they’ve been gone, I haven’t been by to visit Stacy and Lila once since they were laid to rest. Been too busy chasing down the fuckers who put them in the ground to stop and mourn them at their graves. Breathing a deep breath, Keelynn reaches for the handle of her door and as she gets out, so do I. Rounding the hood, I meet her on the passenger side and immediately grab her hand. Wanting to offer my touch. Hoping to comfort her. She looks around for a second, taking in where we’re parked, before starting off to her right. I follow at her side, hands still firmly clasped, as we walk in silence. The crunch of the fresh coating of snow the only sound around us. I feel nervous. Fucking odd, I know. But it doesn’t matter that I’m not meeting physical people. I’m still meeting the people that raised my girl. The people that loved her when her parents wouldn’t. Even though I’m meeting headstones instead of faces, I know this moment is huge for her. And for me.

After a couple of minutes, and dozens of graves later, she stops in front of matching granite headstones. Names, dates, and prayers inscribed on them. I take in Keelynn’s reaction to seeing them. How she inhales quickly, sharply. How she takes the hand not clasped in mine and brings it to her throat. Before dashing a tear from her cheek. I watch her physical reaction to the people she loved most in this world. “Hey you,” she whispers through her tears. “Been missing you like crazy.” Letting go of her hand, I step behind her then settle my hands on her jacket-covered shoulders while she crosses her arms over her chest. Bundling her coat around her. “I brought someone here I’d like you to meet,” she tells the ground before tilting her head to the side to look at me. I drop a kiss to the side of her forehead. Warm lips to cool skin. Then I watch her slender throat work through a swallow before she turns her head once more and speaks. “Gramma. Grampy.” She pauses then and steps out of my hold to stand at my side. “I’d like you to meet Merrick.” Her bright green eyes meet the dark of mine. “Sir. Ma’am,” I greet, just as I would if they were standing in front of me. Taking this seriously because I know she is. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Standing by her side, I listen as Keelynn catches up with her grandparents. Telling them about Between the Pages. How big Lena’s getting and how well Campbell and Mason are doing. She mentions Toni and her crazy antics. Chuckling as she tells them about Toni wanting ‘mermaid’ hair. Whatever the hell that is. Then she tells them about her. Me. Us. How we met and when. What I’m like. Like she’s proud of me. And damn it all to hell if it doesn’t make me proud, too. Because she’s chosen me to spend her time with. We may have fallen into this quickly and abruptly and further than planned, especially so soon because of the break-in. But this—her—has felt nothing but right from day one. Even when it felt so wrong. As she bundles closer into her jacket to ward off the chill, her conversation dwindles and I step up behind her, wrapping her into my arms. Trying to help warm her up. “You good?” I ask against the side of her head. My lips to her hair. “Mmm,” she quietly hums. “I am.” Her voice a soft whisper. I squeeze her tight and softly rock her side to side for a moment. Soaking up the time with her. When I release her, she bends at the knees while kissing the fingers of both hands and placing each to a headstone. “I love you both and miss you so, so much. But I know you’re looking down on us. Keeping us safe. Our guardian angels.” When she stands, we step away from the graves and walk up the pathway that leads to the parking lot. When we get to a crossroads, I look both ways. Then I stop.



He stands there on the pathway, facing the direction of his truck. My hand encased in his. “What’s wrong?” I ask, confused as to why he stopped and as to why he’s looking around. “Is…” He hesitates and trails off before making up his mind. Clearing his throat he continues. “Is Trevor buried here, too?” My heart takes off on a forty-meter dash. My throat suddenly parched. My hands now clammy. I pull my hand from Merrick’s and wipe my palms against my jeans. Swallowing harshly and licking my lips, I look up to see him watching me. “Just thought I could meet him…while we’re here.” “You—you want to meet him?” He looks perplexed now. As if me asking the question and being shocked by his statement is asinine. “Why wouldn’t I?” I stop and think then. Really think. Because why wouldn’t he? He would. “Yeah…he’s buried just down there,” I say and point down the opposite path of my grandparents. “I’d like to meet him if you’d let me.” I release a deep breath, as if I’d been holding it this entire time. My body sags in a relief I didn’t know I’d feel. I didn’t realize how much I wanted him to meet Trevor until this very second. Until he asked as if it were the most natural thing to do. “Of course,” I whisper into the crisp breeze. Bundling deeper into my jacket. Seeking comfort in this moment. Merrick steps close to me, wraps an arm around my shoulders, and brings me into the warmth of his side as we begin walking in the direction I pointed. My heart takes off in a sprint again. No longer nervous. Just…anxious. Because the man I suspect to be the love of my future is about to meet the love of my past. Our steps are measured and slow until we make it to his marble headstone. I stop and Merrick follows. He turns then to face the black stone. Taking in the name, dates of birth and death, and inscription. I sigh deeply, heavily, sadly. It never gets easier coming here. And I feel guilty because I haven’t been here much since I met Merrick. Not once since the break-in a few weeks ago. “You okay?” Merrick asks quietly. Rubbing a hand from my shoulder to my elbow before he settles it against my hip. Squeezing me to him. “Yeah,” I breathe out. “I just haven’t been by lately. And visiting never gets easier.” I shrug, eyes downcast. Stepping from my side, a warm finger tips my chin up before cool hands palm my cheeks. His eyes imploring me to listen. To hear him. “I never want you to feel like you have to choose between us, Sunshine. You want to visit him? You visit him. You want to talk about him? We talk about him. I want to know him, Keelynn. What he was like and how much he loved you. Don’t be afraid to open up and share your past and memories of the love you shared. You don’t choose.” My eyes quickly well with tears and I feel my lips tremble. “Where did you come from, Merrick Hughes?” My voice barely a whisper. He smirks his barely there smirk. “Thinking I’ve been waiting on you, baby.” I melt then. Right into his warm hands and his sweet words. I do that a lot around him, because of him, at the sight of him. Melt. Swoon. Fall. He steps back after a long look. A look that tells me he’d love nothing more than to kiss me right

now. But respecting Trevor ’s memory enough to hold back. He takes another piece of my heart then. Taking a deep breath and turning toward Trevor ’s grave, Merrick looks down at what’s left of the boy I loved for so long. I stand there next to both of them. Taking in this moment. Living it. “I’d like to thank you.” His deep voice trails across the otherwise quiet cemetery. “For loving her right for as long as you had her. For making her happy. For putting her first. For knowing her worth.” Silent sobs shake my body as I watch on. So happy and thankful that I could burst. “I know you loved her as much as she loved you from the way she talks about you. Knew you were a good man worthy of her by the way her face lights up when you cross her mind.” He’s quiet for a minute. Thoughtful. Pensive. “I don’t take her lightly,” he vows. “I know she’s too good and so bright and full of everything sweet. With a dash of sass and a whole lot of sunshine. I know I don’t deserve her, but I want you to know that I know that and plan on making my way to being worthy of her.” Hands shoved deep in the pockets of his jeans, he shifts from foot to foot. Gathering his thoughts. “I’m sorry your time with her was cut too short. I’m damn sorry you won’t live out a life with her. But rest easy knowing I’ll take care of her, make her smile that blinding smile and laugh that perfect laugh. That I’ll be here encouraging her to visit, to talk about you, to remember you. You won’t be forgotten.” He turns to me then. Deep, dark eyes boring right into mine. “And I promise that for as long as she’ll have me around, that she’ll be protected and cherished. Just as you would have done. I’ll make sure of it.” And at that… I completely fall.



H ER LAUGHTER RINGS OUT IN the cab of my truck. Causing a smile to lift across my lips. The sound welcomed after the tears she shed earlier at the cemetery, after the sadness and loss she so freely felt. Today was important, pivotal. The magnitude of her wanting me to meet her grandparents, and then me wanting to meet Trevor, not lost on me. And I took it all to heart. While sharing mine on my sleeve. Talking to a man no longer with us, but promising him I’d take care of the woman he loved. And I meant it. I will take care of her. I will protect her. I will cherish her. Because despite how fucking terrified I am, these past few weeks, hell, the past couple of months we’ve fallen into a relationship I never thought I’d want. But I’m damn glad I’ve got. I look over at her after I pull into the parking spot at my apartment building. I could do nothing but stare at her for the rest of my life, she’s that gorgeous. Her beautiful face is flushed and her smile is radiant. Shining like the sun. Her deep green eyes are locked on my mouth, cataloguing the curve of my lips. “What are you looking at, Sunshine?” The deep timber of my voice has her looking up at me. “Locking the picture away in my mind.” Confusion settles over my face as I turn off the ignition. Still looking at her. Still feeling every ounce of everything good that she shines so bright. “Your smile, Merrick. They’re so rare, even now. That when I catch sight of one, I can’t help but stop and stare and trace it into my memory. Because each one is so perfect.” I shake my head slightly. Because this woman. Fuck, this woman. She’s changed my life in ways she’ll never understand. Not able to find words, I reach out and tag her behind the neck. Pulling her across the bench seat, over the console that separates us, so her elbows rest atop it. Her smile still in place, I taste the radiance as I drop my mouth to hers. Not taking it deeper, just feeling her warmth and love and sunshine and letting it seep into my soul. “You’re too fucking good to me, Sunshine,” I speak against her lips. “Not too good,” she replies the same way. Lips to lips. Heart to heart. “Just right.” Then her smile stretches before she dips her tongue into my mouth and robs the breath from my lungs. Pulling back slightly to catch a breath, she stares into my eyes as she utters, “Thank you.” “For what?” “Today. For coming with me. For wanting to visit Trevor. For all of those amazingly beautiful and sweet things you said…”

She trails off. Almost hesitant. “I meant them, you know? I will take care of you. Will protect you. For as long as you can stand me.” “So…that means there’s an us then? Since you’ll be taking care of me and all?” Shy smile with a hint of sass. I smirk that smirk she loves so much. “Thought I made that clear already?” I ask right before her lips are back on mine. Right where they belong. After a few minutes of making out like teenagers, I reluctantly pull back and take a deep breath to calm down. “Let’s get this shit done so we can get back. Pick up where we left off.” I hit her with another smile. She sighs and traces the movement of my lips with a fingertip before agreeing. “You got it, tough guy.” Jumping down from the cab, I walk around the hood to open the passenger door. Helping Keelynn down, smacking her lush ass when she steps in front of me. She lets out a squealed laugh. Smile wider. Fuck, that smile. Never has anything owned me so completely. Then I see him. Tanner. Leaning against a black SUV. My heart stalls. Reality comes crashing down. Because him being here reminds me of what I’ve lost. What I’ve been keeping from Keelynn, what I can’t tell her, and why I’m never going to deserve what she’s been giving me. A second chance. I stop in my tracks, Keelynn stopping along with me. “Merrick?” she asks. Concern lacing her voice. Tanner ’s eyes track over to her standing beside me. “I see what’s been keeping you busy.” I take a menacing step toward him. He’s my best friend. I know he’s a good man. I know he doesn’t mean it the way it sounds. But fuck him if he thinks I’ll let him speak that way to or around her. She’s fucking perfection. “Watch it, Tanner,” I practically growl. He tosses his hands up in surrender and steps away from the car. “Didn’t mean it like that, man. You know that.” He looks back to Keelynn. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I’m Tanner.” He extends his hand. She looks down at it, looking to me before looking him in the eye and taking his hand. “Keelynn.” There’s confusion on her face. Rightfully so. Since I’ve told her I have no family. Or friends. A smirk tilts on Tanner ’s face. “Beautiful name for a beautiful lady.” Charming motherfucker. At my scowl he chuckles and drops her hand. “What are you doing here?” My tone gruff and to the point. “Thought I’d check in with an old friend.” At the word ‘friend’ Keelynn swings her gaze to me. Questions filtering through behind her eyes. Hurt surfacing, too. Because I’m a fucking dumbass thinking I could keep this—us—up and keep my past hidden from her. I look to Tanner then swing my gaze back to Keelynn to see she’s still looking at me. “Why don’t you hop back into the truck, baby? Let me finish talking with Tanner and then we’ll head out for dinner like we planned.” I try to offer her a smile to save to memory. But I can’t and she sees it. She’s unsure, but concedes with a “pleasure to meet you” to Tanner and spins to walk away. While completely ignoring me. I watch her as she goes.

She’s barely a foot away when Tanner ’s hissing, “What the fuck are you doing, man?” “Me?” I ask as I whip around. “What the fuck are you doing here? Are you trying to draw more attention to me? Blow my fucking cover?” “Cover? What fucking cover? Merrick, you’re here, out in the fucking open,” he spits out harshly. “No alias. No front. Except the lies you tell yourself.” I take a step toward him. Warning clear. But he doesn’t move. Unfazed by my anger. “I’m here for a fucking reason. With you here it could jeopardize it all.” I’m clenching my jaw so tight it actually aches. Obviously he doesn’t know about the break-in, about them already knowing I’m here. Waiting to strike. But goddamn it he has to know him showing up here wouldn’t be a good idea. “Oh, and you traipsing around with this chick won’t do that?” He tosses a hand in the direction of my truck carelessly. As if she’s inconsequential. “Watch what you fucking say about her, Tanner. She isn’t any of your fucking business.” He lifts his hands in surrender between us. “Just saying, if you were so worried you’d be keeping your head down and not getting involved.” I know he’s right. That’s what has my anger ratcheting up to a whole new level. Because he’s pointing out what I already know. But what I’m too chickenshit to actually do. Let her go. I run a hand along the back of my tense neck. Huffing a deep breath. “What are you doing here, Tanner? Really?” “I’m working a case in Boston. Tracked our last call to this small town and found it wasn’t far. Thought I’d check in.” He’s silent a second, assessing me. Debating on whether he should say what he’s thinking next. Clearly, he makes up his mind when he speaks again. “Seems as though you’re doing just fine though.” “I fucking told you, watch it.” My voice nothing but a feral growl. He may be my best friend but I won’t hesitate to throw his ass to the ground if he even thinks of disrespecting Keelynn. “Yeah, man. I get it.” His voice thoughtful before a smile breaks through. “You’re not going to want to hear this, but I’m saying it anyway.” He pauses for effect. “I’m damn glad you took my advice. Moved on. She looks good on you, brother. You look…happy.” He hesitated before finishing. But damn it if he isn’t right. She does make me happy. “Didn’t plan it. Just happened. Couldn’t fucking stop it.” I shake my head curtly. “Never do and never can, brother. Never can.” He’s right. Couldn’t with Stacy and now— “Fuck,” I mutter heatedly. “What?” “You’ve landed me in a bunch of shit, Tanner. You have no fucking idea.” I run an angry hand through my hair. “What do you me—wait! You haven’t told her?” he whispers heatedly. Stepping closer to me. “She doesn’t know about Stacy and Lila?” My eyes slam shut at the mention of their names for a brief moment before my eyes flash open. “She doesn’t even know about you, Tanner,” I grit between clenched teeth. “So no. She doesn’t fucking know about them. I don’t talk about them.” “What the hell, Merrick? You’ve been what? Seeing her for…” He pauses, waiting for me to fill in the blanks. I do. “A couple months.” “Jesus…a couple months and she never asked? She was never curious about your past?” “She asked—” “Right, of course. And you just blew it off. Didn’t think mentioning your deceased wife and daughter would be important. Damn, man.”

“Yeah.” I sigh. Not even calling him out on what he just said. “You know, I didn’t think showing up would—” I cut him off. “I know, doesn’t change anything though.” I blow out a breath and look back at my truck to see Keelynn staring right at us. Sad look on her beautiful face. A heavy weight settles on my chest. Something a lot like fear running through my veins. I can’t help but feel like I’m about to lose her. “I’m sorry, man.” His tone serious. True. “Me, too.” Because I know everything is about to change.



T HE RIDE BACK TO MY house is quiet, suffocating. Filled with questions and lies and pasts. He told me he didn’t have any family. No friends. It was just him ever since his father passed away. I believed him because I had no reason not to. Now I don’t know what to believe. I may have never pressed him for answers to the questions I longed to ask. But after the weeks— the months—we’ve spent together. The nights falling into bed. The days spent learning the other—or so I thought—I would have damn well thought he’d have opened up to me about a best friend. One that knows Merrick well enough to show up out of the blue. When we arrive back at my house, forgoing our planned dinner, we walk just as silently inside, removing our coats, and before the door even has a chance to close, I spin to him. “Who was he, Merrick?” He sighs. Deep and long. “A friend of mine.” “How do you know him?” Pleading eyes cut to me. Silently asking me not to do this. Well, too darn bad. He shakes his head. A large hand gripping the back of his neck. “Sunshine, please. He’s a friend. I just told you.” “Well, from what you told me, you didn’t have any friends. No family. Just you looking for a fresh start. Then comes this guy from a life you won’t open up to me about. So how do you know him?” I don’t want it to be this way, but after these last few months of learning each other, I have a right. Don’t I? Especially when I’ve been an open book to him. “We met in college. Worked together.” “Wow,” I reply. Shocked and even more hurt. “So we’re talking years. From a life you keep hidden.” “Keelynn, that’s not fair.” “No, what’s not fair is that I’ve told you everything about me. My losses, my hurts. I’ve opened up my past to you all while taking the tiny crumbs you offered me. When you told me something, I believed it. But now I’m not so sure what I can believe. Are you married or something?” “Jesus Christ, Keelynn, I’m not married.” He actually scoffs, just barely refraining from rolling his eyes. But I can see something else in those dark, dark eyes. A flash of pain at the mention of marriage. “Well, then why else would you hide—”

“I used to be married, all right?” he yells out. Stopping me mid-sentence. My eyes going wide. It takes me a moment to find my voice. And when I do it’s cracked and full of shock. “Used to?” “Yes,” he answers. Exasperated. “Tanner tracked me down, wanted to check in since it’s been awhile.” “Tracked you down? How could he do that?” Is he a damn spy or something? His eyes slide closed before opening and piercing me on the spot. An apology buried in the deep dark depths. “He’s FBI. That’s where we worked together.” I stumble back a step. Shocked. “FBI?” I feel like a broken record, repeating what he reveals as questions. But really? All these months and he’s been keeping it all from me. He moves toward me, halting after the first step when he sees the hurt in my eyes. “Come on, Sunshine. This is all irrelevant—” “How could any of this be irrelevant, Merrick?” Shock clear in my tone. Because, is he serious? “This was your life. Is your life. You clearly had one before you came here. Before me.” I swallow harshly. “I mean hell, Merrick. I just brought you to meet my grandparents. You said all those things to Trevor. Said all those things to me not even an hour ago. About protecting me and taking care of me. And then this happens?” His breathing turns labored, as if he’s in pain. I see his eyes glaze over in a daze as thoughts run wild through his mind. He shakes his head to clear it before his eyes fall back to mine. Looking down to me, eyes harder now. “You’re right. I’ve been keeping shit from you. But it’s because I can’t fucking talk about it.” “Why not?” Questions shoot off like rapid fire in my brain. Why can’t he talk about it? Is it confidential? Is he hiding something? “Because…” His voice is strained before he clears it and tries again. “Fuck, Keelynn. Why the fuck does this matter? I’m here—” “It matters because it’s you. Because I thought we meant something.” He blows out a deep, angry breath. “They died. Okay? Happy? My wife and…daughter.” Sadness bowls me over like a steamroller. Taking me down and leveling me. “Oh, Merrick,” I breathe out. Eyes filling rapidly. Loss. So much loss. “I never would have thought—” He shakes his head roughly. “They were taken from me, and I’ve been trying to move on ever since. Three years, and I couldn’t fucking breathe. Not until you.” Deep green eyes sadden even further. Turning emerald with emotion. I never wanted to see this look on her face. Never wanted my past to hurt her or cause her to pity me. “I am so sorry, Merrick. I feel like a damn fool now.” “It’s my fault. Should never have thought we could carry on without me telling you. Just something I don’t like talking about.” “Rightfully so,” she breathes out. “I get it.” Blowing out a deep breath, I lean against the nearest wall and look into Keelynn’s eyes. Hers widen then, as if a light bulb just went off. “Lena,” she whispers. Wide eyes closing tightly. Lids squeezed shut. “She reminds you of your daughter. Doesn’t she? That’s why it’s been so hard for

you to be around her.” Green eyes look up at me now. Waiting on my answer. I nod in lieu of words. Because my throat feels raw, like I swallowed a sheet of sandpaper. “I am so sorry, Merrick.” I shake my head at her apology. “Nothing for you to be sorry for.” “Still…” Silence surrounds us as her words trail off. Pain—thick and heavy—settling over us. Blowing out another breath I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans. Then when the silence becomes too much, I start to tell her about Tanner, how we met, going into the bureau together. I don’t say much about Stacy. Just that we met in college and leave it at that. I never mention anything about Lila. But I open up more to her now than I ever thought I would. And it feels good telling her. Sharing with her. Although, I still can’t bring myself to talk about Stacy and Lila. And she doesn’t ask me to. Now that she knows what I had, and what I lost, she’s calmed down and is listening intently on what I do share. And as she sees my memories start to haunt me, she steps up to me, tells me it’s all okay, and then kisses me. Long and deep and full of so much emotion. Wiping away every past memory Tanner ’s appearance brought up and filling my mind with nothing but want for her. I may have lost everything. But it damn sure feels like I’m gaining it all back with Keelynn in my arms.



MY HEART RACES AS I lie beside him, tucked under his arm. The most gorgeous and brooding man I’ve ever known. With his dark hair and even darker eyes. Chiseled jaw and piercing stare. Massive body and protective heart. My fingers glide slowly across his chest while his travels from my breast, down my torso, following the deep curve of my waist. The light spattering of his dark chest hair tickles my fingertips as my thoughts run wild. “Tell me about them,” I whisper against his still heated skin. My lips brushing across the lethal steel wall of muscle that makes up his chest. I’ve wondered about his wife and daughter more than once since I found out a sliver of his past. If his wife was as beautiful as I imagine she would have been. If his daughter was as sweet as LeeLee. Right now may not be the best time to ask. After hours of lovemaking and passionate promises made between heated bodies. But after months of dancing around our feelings, then finally coming together, a small part of me can’t help but feel as if I have a right to know. His roaming hand stops on my hip and grasps tightly as my words register. Fingers denting my flesh. He clears his throat, but it does nothing to lessen the lump that’s lodged there. Not if his tone is anything to go by. “What do you want to know?” he croaks out. His body stiff as his hand falls away from my hip. Shifting onto my stomach, I drop a fist to his chest and prop my chin up as I drape my upper body over his. Skin to skin. Heart to heart. His beating a frantic rhythm against mine. I lift my free hand to run through his tousled dark hair. His eyes close as I ask, “Whatever you want to tell me.” Deep, dark eyes the color of the night sky framed between fringes of even darker lashes stare at me intently. Scanning my face. Looking for what, I don’t know. But I just hold his stare. Letting him see whatever he needs before he continues. “I met Stacy at the beginning of my senior year in college. I was twenty-one, gearing up for my last year, not looking for anything serious because I knew the bureau was my next step.” His eyes take on a faraway look before they glass over. He swallows harshly before going on. “And then there she was.” A small smile lifts my lips at the reverence in his tone. The love. My heart aches for his loss. But jealousy is nowhere to be found. I’ve known that love before him, so I can’t fault him for having felt it before me as well.

“We met at a coffee shop on campus. Her blue eyes drew me in, I got her number, we went on a few dates, and before I knew it we were a couple. Then three months later we found out she was two months along.” A small gasp leaves my mouth before I can stop it. He looks down at me with that beautiful little smirk across his full lips at my shock. “It didn’t matter though. Yeah, it was quick and unexpected, but I loved her and she loved me. So we vowed to make it work. Two months later, we were married in a small ceremony with her family and our few friends by our sides. My father had already passed at that point, so it was just me and my best friend, Tanner.” He clears his throat again and shifts on the bed. The sheets rustling around his legs. His big hands reach out and grab under my arms to pull me up his body. Blanketing himself with me. As if he’s seeking comfort from my touch. I’ll give him whatever he needs. Whenever he needs it. Forever. I turn my head and lay my cheek against his chest, tucked under his chin, as he brings his arms around my body. Bringing me in close before continuing. “Then almost five months later we welcomed Lila Rose Hughes into the world. So perfect wrapped in pink. Dark hair and crystal blue eyes. A replica of her mother, and I was so damn happy I could fucking burst. Life was perfect. Made even more so when I got into the FBI just under two years later. Making me one of the youngest agents the bureau had seen in years.” A smile stretches across my lips. Pride taking over the ache in my heart at imagining him fulfilling his dreams and kicking bad guy ass. But then the ache is back. My smile slowly slips off my face. Because I know what’s coming. And he didn’t just lose them. He lost himself, too. “We lived so fucking happily for five years. And then one day it all ended as if it never existed before. As if Stacy’s beautiful spirit never filled every room she walked into. As if Lila’s sweet giggle didn’t infect joy into every person who heard it. Just…gone.” My heart shatters at the pain lacing his deep voice. “It was an ordinary day. We were outside in our yard. I was pushing Lila on the swing set. I had just taken her down and she ran to Stacy, uninhibited laughter following after her. When out of nowhere a spray of bullets erupted around us.” I still in his arms. His chest heaves with anger. I knew it was bad, that he kept it locked up tight for a reason. And I knew he had been an FBI agent. But I had no idea it was this tragic. This gutwrenching. I can feel his shoulders sag against the pillows at his back before he goes on. “I tried to save them. I really fucking tried. But one split second of shock cost me it all. Stacy was shot and killed immediately. But that didn’t stop me. I grabbed Lila and crawled to her mother. Hoping against hope I could save them. But there were too many bullets. My body wasn’t enough of a shield to protect Lila. Multiple bullets pierced straight through and took my baby from me…” He trails off as his breathing becomes too labored, too riddled with pain. And I can’t take one more second. I shift to straddle him, bringing my arms around his neck and dropping my forehead to his. Squeezing with all my might. Trying to transfer all the love I feel for this man into my embrace. “I am so sorry, Merrick.” I say nothing else as I let my tears fall for all he lost. Mixing with the silent ones he finally lets go. Because there’s nothing else to say. Nothing that will make any of the suffering he went through any less painful. Any less excruciating. We stay there, embraced in each other. Forehead to forehead. Sharing the same air. The same pain. The same loss.

His heaving chest brushes my bare breasts, causing my sensitive nipples to strain against the contact. The air around us shifts as his ragged breathing of pain mixes with breaths of lust. My fingers unwind from the hair at the nape of his neck and trail down around his shoulders to his chest. Skimming down to his sides. Feeling the grooves of scars I’ve seen before but never knew the story behind. Sliding down his strong, long, hard body, I drop open-mouthed kisses along his skin until I reach the marred flesh. “You’re so brave,” I whisper into him with conviction. “You’re so strong,” I add after another kiss to another scar. His body stiffens, and I can feel rather than see him shake his head. Disgust stains his tone. “I’m neither of those things. If I were, I would have saved them. They would be here.” I look up at him, my eyes welling with fresh tears. “But this body saved you,” I say through a dry throat. “I’m so sorry you lost them, honey. I’m so sorry you carry the weight of guilt around with you. But I can’t help but be thankful that this body saved you, because it ultimately led you right here. To me. To this moment.” His eyes soften with understanding. Mixing with the ache etched across his face. “I know I’m not what you hoped for in this life. That you vowed to love Stacy forever. That you thought the life you built together would last a lifetime.” I press my fingers to his lips when he goes to interject. “And I know I could never replace her. Nor do I want to. But if you really give us a chance, I’d be honored to show you that I’m worthy of you giving that love again.” A gentle finger traces the features of my face before he palms my cheek. “You’re fucking perfect. You know that, Sunshine?” I begin to shake my head, but he grips my chin between gentle fingers. Halting my denial. “You are,” he stresses. “I don’t know what I did to have two such amazing women in my life. I know I don’t fucking deserve you. But I’m so damn thankful that I get this second chance. With you.” I melt then. Fall right into his greedy lips and needy hands. Getting lost in everything he is, all he used to be, and every single thing I’ll ever need.



LAST NIGHT PLAYS BACK THROUGH my mind as the coffee maker whirs behind me. If I didn’t know it before, I damn well know it now. Keelynn Masters has singlehandedly taken down every one of my walls and obliterated them. Replacing all my darkness with her light. Making me feel more than anger and pain for the first time in three years. I’m fucking gone for her. Falling hard. Jesus Christ, but I’m pretty sure I’m already there. Fallen. In love. With everything this woman has to offer, and I don’t know what the fuck to do about it. Because this wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to find a second chance. I was supposed to act out my plan, get revenge, and then get gone. But now, fuck… Now it’s all changed. She’s become everything. Everything I fucking need. And after everything that happened yesterday. Tanner showing up. Her hurt about my deceit. The pain over my past that I didn’t tell her. The fight about what I kept hidden. Then spilling my guts about my deceased wife and daughter. What happened. How they were taken from me. That I wasn’t able to save them. She took all of that in stride. She was hurt of course, felt betrayed. But once she knew the truth, or most of it, she understood. She got why I didn’t tell her, why I couldn’t, and then blew me the fuck away when she wanted to talk about them. To know about them. And she didn’t make me feel guilty for them. Not once. Because she got it, she understood. Her losses making her understand me that much more. “Morning.” Her soft, sleepy voice has me turning my head. Dark hair falls around her in a rumpled mess. A small fist rubs one eye as the green of the other peeks out between her lids, squinting against the harsh morning light. My too big T-shirt almost hits her knees and falls off one bare shoulder. She’s never looked more beautiful. “Morning,” I reply as my eyes devour each step she takes toward me. When she reaches my side she wraps her arms around my left one before threading slim fingers through mine. Leaning into me as she rests her forehead against my bicep. I lean down to drop a kiss on the top of her messy head. She groans. “Coffee.” A chuckle bubbles from my chest at her zombie-like tone. “It’s coming, baby.” Any other time of the day, Keelynn is smiling so damn big I can’t help but think her cheeks must need a break. But I’ve found her weakness. Mornings. She is not a morning person at all. Get some caffeine into her though and that smile blossoms wide across her face. Lighting up everything around

her. But before that, she gives me a run for my money in the grumpy department. Something I like to remind her of on a daily basis. “Your grump is showing again.” She lifts her head then. Eyes narrowed. Brows bunched. Stepping back, she lets go of my hand and arm, then lifts a finger to poke at my chest. “Don’t go there, tough guy. It’s too dang early for your pestering.” I chuckle again. Because goddamn is she cute. “Now back away from the coffee so nobody gets hurt.” A tiny fist waves between us before smacking into the palm of her other hand. Indicating she means business. Lifting my hands in surrender, I take a giant step back as she moves to the counter. Playing this game with her. “Yes ma’am,” I drawl out. Smirk in place. Green eyes brighten over our banter. A smile tugs at her lips, dying to let loose. But she curls her lips in, keeping it on lockdown. She hums as she pours two mugs full of the dark brew. Spinning around, she hands me a cup before slowly sipping the steaming coffee between plump lips. She lets a moan loose. And now I’m hard and damn jealous of a coffee mug. Who would have thought? “There,” she sighs. “That’s better.” And then the smile I’ve been waiting to see is full and bright across her face. “There’s my Sunshine,” I say over the rim of my mug. Smirking behind the ceramic. She just smiles some more and continues humming and sipping her coffee. Eyes staying on me. Silence descends around us after a few minutes as we sip our coffees. Keelynn no longer humming. Last night starting to cloud the space around us. Not able to help myself, I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her close after she sets her mug down on the counter next to us. “We okay?” I ask. Voice gruff against the top of her head. She tips her face back, eyebrows bunched. “Of course we are.” Confusion settles along her face. “Why wouldn’t we be?” A deep breath escapes me before I answer. “Well…you learned a lot of shit last night, along with going to the cemetery earlier in the day. Wasn’t easy. Wanna make sure we’re still good and that you know I never meant to hurt you.” Because I didn’t. I knew keeping shit from her was the wrong move, but I still never wanted to hurt her because of it. Still don’t. “Merrick,” she says as she places a soft hand to my stubbled cheek. “Last night came out of left field. Surprised me. Knowing you had this bold and beautiful life before me. I won’t deny that. But…I always knew there had to be more than what you let on because there was always too much playing behind those dark eyes of yours. That pain and hurt doesn’t come from a life of nothing, honey. It comes from a life filled with so much that when you lose it, you lose yourself, too.” I clench my jaw then, to keep my emotions at bay. Because fuck does this woman know how to ruin me with one look, one touch, one simple statement from her lips. Nodding, I can’t say anything without falling apart. Because she’s right. And I’m damn thankful that yet again…she gets it. “I’m more sorry than you’ll ever know for the losses you suffered. Not only of those precious, beautiful loves of your life. But for that life you loved so much, too. It isn’t fair, isn’t right, and I could never condemn you for doing what you felt was right with that pain and anger. Keeping it all from me hurt. But I never pressed because I think part of me was too afraid to hear of a life before me. Despite you already knowing of mine before you.”

She swallows hard then. Eyes on my face. Taking me in. “So yeah, Merrick, we’re okay. More than. Because now we have each other and this second chance we never saw coming.” I kiss her then. Crush my mouth to hers and take all she’s giving me. Everything she said and all she’s left unspoken. Pulling back on a harsh groan, her heated breaths hit my wet lips as I press my forehead down to hers. Catching my breath and breathing her in. My eyes open and my arms lock around her waist, causing her to rise up on her toes to reach me. “Don’t know what I did to ever deserve you. Still don’t think I do. But I’m thankful as fuck that you want me anyway.” “You’re a good man, Merrick. Better than you give yourself credit for. One of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.” A sad look flashes through her eyes then. No doubt because her grandfather and Trevor are crossing her mind. Reminding her yet again of her losses. “I don’t think I’ve ever properly told you how damn sorry I am that you lost Trevor the way you did. So soon,” I quietly speak as I pull her closer to my chest and take my forehead from hers to look down at her face. “But I gotta say, I’m feeling even sorrier for him because when you lost him, he lost you. And I’ve no doubt he’s looking down on you, wishing he were still here to soak up all your sunshine and goodness. Because that’s what you are, baby, so damn good. And sweet.” She melts and falls to the flats of her feet. Small hands gripping my biceps like a lifeline. “He felt that loss just as deeply as you did, baby. I know it. As a man on the receiving end of all your smiles and warmth. I know it.” Tears track down her pretty face now. “Gosh, Merrick.” Her small arms wind around my waist and hold on tight as she tucks her face into my chest and her shoulders shake. I rub her back, trying to soothe her as best I can. “Didn’t mean to upset you, Sunshine.” “Oh, you didn’t.” Her words muffled. Lifting her head, I’m met with deep green eyes wet with tears. “That was just so beautiful and sweet, and I’ve never thought about it that way before.” She sniffles and wipes her cheeks. I lift my hands to help dry her tears. Hating the sadness despite the small smile on her face. “Thank you, Merrick. I never thought I could feel this way again. Feel this deeply…ever.” She stresses the word, making sure I understand what she’s saying. And I do, because it’s the same way for me. “But you…you proved me wrong. You’ve given all the pain and loss I’ve ever felt a purpose. Just…thank you.” Before I can utter a word, her full, pink lips are back on mine. Conveying all the feelings we both feel, yet don’t mention. But I know. And I hope to fuck she does, too. Because goddamn, have I fallen.



“LET’S GO, SUNSHINE. WE’RE GONNA be late,” Merrick hollers down the hallway so I can hear him in our bedroom where I’m getting ready. Yeah…ours. Because that’s what everything’s become lately. He hasn’t been back to his apartment except to pick up the odd thing here and there. And he hasn’t slept there since the day of the break-in weeks ago. It’s us now. We’re an us and it feels so dang good being a part of something again. The only thing missing is the three little words I swear I’ve felt from day one, but thought I was too dang crazy to actually feel. I plan on telling him tonight though. Because I can’t hold off anymore. Not with everything we’ve gone through already. Not with everything we’ve already said and admitted to one another. Since I brought him to meet Grampy and Gramma, and then he surprised me by wanting to meet Trevor, a couple of weeks ago, I’ve known without a shadow of a doubt that this is the man I’m going to love forever. That he needs to know how I feel. And tonight, after family bowling night with my sister and her little family, he’ll finally know. “Coming!” I yell back as I swipe the last bit of mascara on my lashes. Taking a step back, I assess my makeup. The light blush, mascara, and shiny lip-gloss simple, yet adding just enough to brighten my features. But what I notice more than anything is the twinkle in my eyes and the unstoppable smile taking over my glossed lips. That has nothing to do with the small amount of makeup I applied. That’s all Merrick. How he makes me feel. And because we’re an us.

She’s standing by the chairs near her sister. Smile wide. Eyes bright. Skin flushed. And then her head kicks back and her laughter floats across the bowling alley. Punching me in the chest.

Stealing my breath and my heart and burrowing deep into my soul. Claiming. Owning. Kicking my ass on the spot where I’m standing with Mason. Not listening to a damn thing he’s saying. Because how could I when she’s in the same room as me. Fuck, the same vicinity. Shining brighter than the fucking sun. She looks gorgeous tonight—same as every night—but tonight there’s something…brighter about her. And that’s saying something since she’s pure fucking sunshine on any given day. I can’t pinpoint what it is, but there’s something about her tonight that’s different. Happier. Lighter. I noticed it as soon as she walked out of the bedroom before we left. She knocked the fucking breath from my lungs, looking like a damn vision. Tight jeans paired with a fitted black sweater. Beautiful face made up; making her green eyes pop and her full lips look damn delectable. But it was more than that. She had an extra sway in her hips, her smile was even brighter. And her eyes, they held a happiness that seemed bone deep. Whatever it is, I fucking love it and hope to Christ I have something to do with it. “You’ve got it bad, man.” Mason’s voice has me breaking from my thoughts. But my eyes stay locked on Keelynn where she stands. I shrug. Acting nonchalant when I’m anything but. He laughs then. “So fucking bad,” he mutters before taking a swig from his beer bottle. “Can’t help it,” I admit. Not wanting to say much more. “Can’t say I blame you. Feel the same way about her sister. Have since we were kids who didn’t know any better. Getting married less than a year after meeting in college, before we even graduated.” He shakes his head and chuckles. “She’s had me wound tight ever since. Best damn decision I’ve ever made loving her and making her mine. Then creating that perfect little life in our daughter.” I nod, getting lost in thought again. I get what he’s saying. Had that once already. The whirlwind romance. The perfect little life. Damn near have it again, too. The loving part anyway. Can even start to think I may be worthy enough to create something from that love again. I meant it when I told Keelynn I was damn lucky to have that chance twice. Because I am. Damn lucky. She must sense my gaze on her because while Campbell continues to talk, she turns her head right toward me. Eyes like lasers on me. Green and vibrant and full of happiness and what looks to be a whole hell of a lot like love. A smile blossoms across her lips then. Her beauty is fucking staggering. That smile has one of my own crossing my face, and I see her eyes drop to my lips. Memorizing and cataloguing. Committing it to memory. A heavy hand lands on my shoulder, breaking our gaze when I look over to Mason. “Just don’t hurt her, man. She’s a good girl with a heart of damn gold. Been through too much hurt already. She deserves the happy she seems to have found with you.” “Never crossed my mind.” And it hasn’t. Despite my past fuck ups and what I still keep hidden, I never want to hurt her. I’d rather gut myself alive. “I’ll do my best to keep her smiling.” “That’s all we can ask for.” I nod and shake his offered hand. When all of a sudden glass explodes and shatters.

Screams erupt. People scatter. Cries of confusion and terror filter through the chaos. I whip around to see the front window busted. Glass littering the ground and sidewalk outside. Looking like a fucking bomb went off. Ten feet from the window ledge sits a cinder block. “Lena!” Mason shouts before the pounding of his feet fade behind me. A high-pitched terrified cry rips through the pounding in my ears. “Momma! Auntie KeeKee!” Spinning fast, I see Lena in Mason’s arms as he stands over Campbell huddled over a prone figure. Keelynn. She’s lying on her side. Knees bent. Arms over her head. Flashbacks tint my vision into a hazy blur. Lila’s screams. Stacy’s ashen face. The bullets. The pain. The loss. Snapping out of it, I take off like a shot and drop to my knees as I get to Keelynn. Not paying any attention to the glass ripping through my jeans into my skin. The pain nothing like the fear rippling through me. Campbell stands. Tears staining her face. Sobs racking her body as she reaches for Mason and Lena. The family embracing threatening another flashback. But I shake my head to clear the vision. I need to focus. “Sunshine.” I run a hand over her hair visible through her hands. Carefully touching her in case of injury. “What’s wrong, baby? What happened?” She’s quiet. My fear spikes. “Keelynn, talk to me!” My voice tinged with frantic worry. She groans lightly and turns her head back to look at me. “I’m fine, Merrick. Just hit my head on the seat when I ducked. I told you I’m a klutz.” She offers a small smile, the sun breaking through the clouds, as chaos still swirls around us. Running a finger delicately over her forehead to move her hair from her face, I see a bump and small cut near her hairline. But a small amount of relief hits me hard as I see that smile split her lips. Leaning back slightly, I gently roll her to her back and see glass embedded in her arm. “Fuck.” “What?” she asks. Confused. “Nothing, Sunshine. Just a little cut from the glass.” I try to stay calm. “Hey,” she whispers. Eyes right on mine as she lifts a shaky hand to my cheek. “It’s okay. I’m okay.” I breathe deep. Keeping it in. Holding it down. “Merrick.” Her sweet voice hitting my ears. I open my eyes I didn’t realize I closed. “I’m okay,” she implores. “It isn’t like then.” I could break down and cry like a fucking baby right here. Because this gorgeous fucking woman gets it. Gets me. Understands that this moment is bringing me back to my past. I nod, unable to speak. She tries to move, but I gently press her down. “Whoa, Sunshine. Easy there, baby. You aren’t moving until the paramedics get here. I need you to stay still for me.” “I meant it, Merrick. I’m fine.” “I’ll believe that when you’re checked out.” My words harsher than I intended. “Let me at least sit up so I can see LeeLee. We’re scaring her.”

Fuck, she’s right. “Okay,” I answer reluctantly. Slowly raising her to sit up and lean against the row of seats she knocked her head into. A jacket is thrust into my face and I look up to see Mason handing me mine that was thrown over the seats with the rest of them. His other arm wrapped tight around his family. “Thanks, man,” I reply then fold up the coat and place it behind Keelynn’s head to rest against the seats behind her. “Hey, my LeeLee,” she immediately calls. She and Campbell snapping their heads down to see Keelynn sitting up and quickly dropping down next to her. All three of them cry and hug. Lena and Campbell careful of Keelynn’s cuts and bumps and bruises. Sirens sound in the distance. Crawling closer until officers run inside. They begin checking things over. The window, the evidence. Walking from person to groupings of people to check on them and assess who needs medical assistance. Two EMTs walk over to us with a medical kit when the officers see Keelynn and how close to the window the girls were. As they look them all over, my mind starts to race. I’ve no fucking doubt Corsetti’s men are responsible for this. These motherfuckers are getting too damn close and going too damn far. Putting Keelynn, and now her family, in danger. I know it’s them trying to draw me out. Making a statement that they know I’m here—just like the break-in at Keelynn’s house. But attacking the establishment we’re at, harming her, and scaring Lena to tears, yeah…they’ve gone too fucking far. I was stupid to think that after these last couple of months of nothing they’d be gone. Damn fucking stupid to let my guard down. But I never thought they’d attack a public place like this. Should have known better.



A FTER THREE HOURS AT THE emergency room having Keelynn checked out for a concussion, and Campbell and Lena checked as a precaution at Mason’s insistence, we’re finally walking through the door. Well, I’m walking. Keelynn’s in my arms, head resting against my shoulder. She tried to fight me, saying she was fine, but I needed her close. In my arms where she belongs. “You can put me down now, ya know? We’re inside,” she huffs. I grunt at her and keep walking. “Not until I get you settled in bed, Sunshine. You heard the doc. Rest and minimal activity for a couple days because of that nasty bump you got.” “He also said I was fine. No concussion,” she sasses. “Yeah, well, I’m taking no chances with you.” She huffs again but keeps quiet while I walk down the hall to her room. Snuggling in closer into my hold. “Rest, Sunshine,” I say as I settle her sweet ass on her bedspread. “My orders,” I stress. Letting her know I don’t give a fuck that the doctor said she didn’t have a concussion. That she’s going to rest anyway. Whether she likes it or not. Reluctantly she nods, looking up at me as she does. Her pretty, deep green eyes tired from what happened tonight. While a concealed rage still pumps furiously through my veins. “You okay?” she asks me while I gently start stripping her of her tattered and slightly bloodied clothes. Goddamn this woman. She was attacked tonight—unbeknownst to her—and she’s worried about me. Asking about how I am when she’s the one cut up and practically has a concussion. I shake my head, my anger rising at seeing her clothes and because I don’t deserve her worry. I think she’d agree if she knew what I was keeping from her. “Let’s just worry about you, baby. Get you showered and cleaned up so you can rest in bed.” Halting my hands that are now wrapped up in the waist of her jeans, I look up to see her eyes right on my face. The green depths squinted in worry and tinged in anger. “I’m worried about you.” Fuck. “I’m fine, Sunshine. Okay? Just worried about you. So please let me get you—” “No,” she states firmly, shoving my hands off of her, and surging to her feet. I reach out to her when she sways slightly, but her hands between us stop me. “Sunshine, come on. At least sit.” “No, Merrick. I’m fine. Yes, my head hurts. Yes, my side hurts. But I’m okay.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I watch her watch me. “But what isn’t okay is how you’re stalking around, that look on your face.” I breathe hard through my nose, looking down at my feet. “It’s killing me not knowing what you’re thinking and how tonight must have made you feel. I love you too much to let you worry in silence when we can talk about it and work through it.” My head snaps up. “Love?” I question her. My heart drumming a hard beat in my chest. Everything else she said completely taken over by that one word. “Yes,” she replies as she stomps her tiny foot. Hands fisted at her sides. Her tone incredulous, like I should have known. “Love, Merrick. The kind that rules over everything. When your heart’s on your sleeve and your soul’s full of fire. It’s all-consuming. Powerful. Blinding. That kind of love. When you can’t see straight or hear clearly or exist properly without it. Without them. Without that one person who makes you complete, whole. Without that love drowning and healing and saving you. Because that’s what you’ve done for me. What you continue to do for me. You consume me, Merrick. You heal me with your touch and save me with your love.” I stand there. Looking at her. No smile on her beautiful face. Just wide eyes pleading with me to understand, to hear her. To get what she’s saying. But what she doesn’t understand is that I’m already there. Drowning with her. Being healed and saved in ways I never thought possible. “When Trevor died—” She shakes her head, eyes to the floor, before they lift to me again. Whenever she mentions his name she always pauses, it’s like a reflex. I don’t know if it’s because it hurts to say his name or if it’s for my sake. Or both. But as I’ve told her before she never has to worry about saying his name around me. Because he may have had her past, but I’m ready to share her future. “When he died, I was so lost. Felt so alone. Months and months went by feeling the same way. I hid behind my smile because it was easier that way. It was easier to be what I had always been, despite the deep ache taking over every inch of my body. Easier than the constant questions. The constant worry from the few people I had left in my life. “And then…then you walked into my world and completely turned it upside down. Made it vivid and bright and real. Whole. You made me whole again without me even realizing it was happening. Until it did. And now I can’t ignore it, Merrick. I can’t. And I don’t want to.” Two steps. One breath. That’s all it takes for me to reach her. Grab hold of her. And slam my mouth down to hers. Claiming her lips. Tasting her tongue. Devouring her love. Letting it own me, complete me. Piece my broken heart and battered soul back together until all it knows is her. Slowly pulling my lips away, I gently drop my forehead to hers, careful of the small bandage on her forehead. Waiting for those eyes that sear my soul. When her lids part, I stare and breathe and live in the deep green eyes of the woman I’ve fallen in love with. “I love you, too, Sunshine.” A sob breaks between us as a huge smile lifts her cheeks. Blinding and brighter than the sun. ”You do?” Then I kiss her again in way of answering. Because I can’t not. Those lips of hers too tempting. Especially after those three words that just passed them. “That’s why, Merrick,” she breathes out when she pulls away. “That’s why I keep asking how you are. Because I love you, and I know tonight had to bring up some painful parts of your past. And I want to make sure you’re okay.” “You’re right, Sunshine. It did bring shit up. But then I focused on you and that’s all I’m worried about. So please let me get you cleaned up and showered so I can get you into bed.” “Only if you’ll join me,” she says through a shy yet sexy smile. “Try and stop me,” I reply. My worry gone for the moment when I think of her wet and naked

under the spray of the shower. I don’t know how she does it. One minute I was ready to explode with rage and the next I’m ready to burst with need. But that’s just the type of woman she is. The perfect one to balance out all my hard. And that’s why I’ll do anything to protect her.



IT’S BEEN TWO DAYS SINCE the night at the bowling alley. Two days since I finally told Merrick I love him. And two days since he said it back. I smile at the thought of how many times we’ve said it since. It felt so good to get those three little words that mean the most out between us. Felt so good letting him know how I really feel. It felt even better hearing them back, knowing how I felt was reciprocated. My smile drops though when I think about how he’s been off since the night of the bowling alley, despite the I love yous. Ever since that night he’s been almost erratic. One minute quiet and brooding, the next playful and loving. But I figure that night just rattled him as much as it did me. Shaking my head, I go about tidying up the bedroom. Trying to do it quickly while Merrick’s out of the room. Along with his erratic behavior, he’s been even bossier the last couple of days. I know it comes from a good place, he’s just trying to make sure I’m really okay after hitting my head, but the man barely lets me lift a finger when I’m fine. My headache’s gone and all that’s left are a few cuts that will heal in no time. So I hurry about trying to pick up the few things of mine lying around. Along with a few of his Tshirts and pants. He’s been living with me for two months now, but he still lives out of his duffle bag. Something I’ve tried to bring up, but didn’t know how to broach because I wasn’t exactly sure where we stood. Now that I know, I plan on asking him to finally hang up his clothes and stay awhile. Picking up the discarded clean shirt on top of his duffle to fold, I notice the edge of a notebook sticking out. I know I shouldn’t, that it’s an invasion of his privacy, but it’s like I can’t control my own body. My mind is screaming no, my heart is racing with nerves, but my hand is reaching into the open duffle bag, grabbing the notebook, and opening it up. My tummy bottoms out along with my heart as my hand flies to my mouth. Catching the gasp that explodes past my lips. Dates and times are scribbled across the pages. Details of whereabouts and actions. Rough sketches of blueprints are folded between pages. The name Corsetti is underlined and repeated often. Plans of how to invade a warehouse on the outskirts of town fill up page after page. The date just two days from now. Bile rises swiftly up my throat, but I manage to swallow it down.

This. This is why he’s been off lately. So secretive. Despite what happened the other day, our shared I love yous had put me at ease. I thought he was just struggling with what happened that night. Especially because of his past and how he lost Stacy and Lila. But this is why. Because of some…vengeful attack he has planned. I’m still standing in the middle of my room, notebook in hand, when Merrick’s voice carries through the open doorway. “Sunshine, you doing okay?” I hear his footsteps, but I can’t answer. Too shocked and hurt to even move. “Sunshine? You—what are you doing?” His tone switching from light to hard in an instant. “What is this?” My voice barely a whisper. Silence greets me. So I ask again. A little bit louder this time. “I asked…what is this, Merrick?” He clears his throat. “It’s none of your business.” He hesitates a second before he says it. Like he doesn’t want to. If I thought I was hurt before when I found this, it’s nothing compared to the blow those words deliver. “None of my—how is it none of my business that the man I love is plotting this…this attack?” “Because it has nothing to do with you!” he yells. Angry. “I may not be why you’re doing this, but it damn well does have to do with me, Merrick. Because you do!” I yell right back. He’s pacing now. A rough hand running through his hair. “Put the fucking book down, Keelynn.” His voice ordering me, but his eyes apologizing. He doesn’t want to be doing this, but feels he has to. I toss the notebook to his feet where he bends to pick it up. Folding it and shoving it into the back pocket of his jeans. “You need to forget you ever saw that.” “How am I supposed to do that, Merrick. Huh? You’re planning on…oh God. You’re actually planning on killing these people, aren’t you?” I ask through a shocked whisper. He stays silent. Eyeing me. Pleading with me not to do this. “Aren’t you?” I yell again. He doesn’t want to answer. But does anyway. “Those motherfuckers need to pay for what they did. What they took from me. They took innocent lives that had absolutely nothing to do with him. Nothing!” His roar is so loud I swear it rattles the windows. “It was a fucking bloodbath. One I shouldn’t have survived. But I fucking did and they didn’t. And it was all my fault. My case that brought him down that caused his fury to plan the ambush. “It was me that should have died that day, not them. But because I lived and they died, I have to make it right. An eye for a fucking eye. His life for theirs. All of their fucking lives for theirs.” Tears stream down my cheeks as I stare up at the man who has become absolutely everything I need over these last few months. But now he’s a complete stranger to me. Someone I barely recognize through the anger and guilt and hatred I thought we conquered. Together. “You don’t need to do this,” I plead with my heart on my sleeve. Harshly, he shakes his head from side to side before pinning me with his deep, dark eyes. “They deserve revenge. Their lives need a purpose. They deserve that.” His words hold so much anguish mixed with love and determination. He truly believes this is the only way. Sadness and anger bleed out of me as I cry. Because of him and for him.

“But don’t you see, you’re their purpose.” His body stills. His eyes wide and mouth tight as he looks down at me in almost…wonder. Like he can’t believe I’d say that or truly believe it. But I do. With my entire being. “Your life, our second chance, that’s the purpose. You’re their purpose,” I cry out. You’re their purpose. Three simple words have never hit me so hard. Not even the three smaller ones whispered by Stacy for six years that filled me up with so much happiness. The same ones I crave to hear from Keelynn’s lips. The ones that make me realize how I would live out the rest of my life trying to make sure I’m worthy of them. Ones I said for the first time in three years just two days ago and meant with every fucking fiber of my being. But this, I need to do this. Finish what I set out to do. What’s been the plan all along. So although those three simple words knock my world off its axis and carry a weight so heavy it’s like a boulder on my chest, I still can’t help the fact that I need to fucking do this. For them. And for me. My eyes take her in as her deep green eyes shine behind a river of tears. Her bright smile nowhere in sight. Chin trembling. Cheeks wet with sadness and pain from the lies and secrets. Arms wrapped tight around her middle. “I have to do this,” I vow. My heart breaking right along with hers. Eyes widen slightly before she says on a sob, “Please, Merrick. No.” Big tears falling down her gorgeous face. And then, with the weight of the world settled yet again on my shoulders, I turn around and walk out. I follow the hallway to her front door. I open it and stalk to my truck. I pull out of the driveway. Her house in my rearview. Leaving her there. My second chance. My forever.



I HAVEN’T BEEN BACK HERE in so long it doesn’t feel like mine anymore. Not that it ever was. Just a place to lay my head at night. To keep my clothes and the few belongings I do have. Lying in the empty bed, sheets covering my legs, I put my hands behind my head and think about how it all went to shit so fast. I can’t blame her. For her not wanting me to do what I’ve planned—and have—to do. For being pissed and upset that I kept so much from her. I can’t blame her for begging me not to go through with it. It’s all on me. Every single fucking thing is on me. The reason Stacy and Lila are dead. The reason I’ve lost my second chance at forever. Everything. But she doesn’t understand why I have to do this. She doesn’t get that Stacy’s and Lila’s lives can’t be for not. That they deserve the retribution I’m seeking. You’re their purpose. Breathing deep, I sit up and spin my legs over the side of the bed. Dropping my feet to the floor. Leaning over I reach into the nightstand drawer next to me and pull out the only evidence I have left of my past. Besides the memories and the nightmares. The evidence I’ve kept hidden in every nightstand in every town I’ve been in since that day. The only tangible piece of them I have left from what seems to be a lifetime ago. Flipping it over, I allow myself to look at their faces for the first time in months. Staring up at me are identical sets of blue eyes. Crystal clear and happier than ever. It was taken at the beach two days before my world ended. Stacy and Lila have their near identical faces smushed together cheek to cheek. Wide smiles covering their faces. I remember staring at them right before this, giggling and talking as they built a sandcastle and wanting to capture the moment forever. Needing to. So I yelled out “say cheese” and this is the result. Smiles bright. Eyes shining. Pure happiness covering their faces. I’m damn glad I did. This is the last happy memory I have of them. What I want to remember

forever. Not my guilt or my hatred and want for revenge. But they’re worth all that. Deserve it. Because I should have saved them that day. You’re their purpose. I drop my head between my shoulders. Heavy and guilt ridden. Even more so than before. Because as I’m staring at my past, Keelynn’s words penetrate my mind. Her terrified and sad green eyes following right behind. Now I carry the weight of disappointing her on top of the guilt of losing Stacy and Lila. I breathe out another heavy breath, my finger tracing along their faces. “You’d like her,” I say to the framed photo as if Stacy’s really here with me. “If it were a different time, a different life, I think you would have been friends.” I think about Keelynn like I have been since I left her standing in the middle of her bedroom. “She’s kind and gentle. Sweet. But feisty. She can stand up for herself when she needs to. She’s a lot like you, but…she’s not you, Stace. And as the months have gone by I’ve come to realize that’s okay. And that it’s okay to move on.” I stop. Trying to catch my breath and my thoughts and wondering what the fuck I’m doing talking to a photo of my dead wife and daughter. But realizing I can’t stop. “And as much as she gets me, as much as she gets the pain and the loss from everything she’s suffered, she doesn’t understand it’s why I’m here. What I’ve been planning needs to happen. Because although I’ve found my second chance, my first deserves to rest in peace knowing I’ve finally made it right.”

I lie here in my bed without him. His husky, manly scent and cologne all over the sheets. I can’t help wondering and worrying where he is. Hoping and praying that he’s all right, that he’s safe; that he’ll rethink everything he’s planned. After he left, I hit my knees and broke. I shattered into a million pieces, a billion tears. I cried because of him. I cried for him. Then when I realized he wasn’t coming back, I picked myself up and crawled into bed. Crying another billion tears. My heart breaking again and again. Because he left me and took my love along with him. I haven’t felt this alone in months. Not since the day before he crashed into my world. Literally. I was so lost before Merrick came into my life. I was lonely and going about my day to day without actually living. I was merely existing. Just thinking about the life that I lost the day Trevor died. Until deep, dark eyes that held the same amount of pain as my heart held me captive. Then I was lost to him. To his broodiness, his devilish smirk, his fierce character. And the way he made me feel was unlike anything I’d ever known. The passion, the chemistry, the connection. I thought it was all real. As the days turned to weeks and the weeks turned to months I thought we were building something true. Even if sometimes it felt as if it was going too fast. Because even at warp speed it felt so right.

But today showed me I was wrong. So wrong. He wasn’t here for a change of scenery. He wasn’t a man with nothing or no one. He was a man running from his pain, straight into his past, seeking revenge for the love he lost. I could never compete with that. Not with Stacy herself, but with her memory. Because he hasn’t let go and he never will. Not if he holds onto what was done to her and their precious little girl. Still letting the anger fuel his pain. The worst part of it all is that I can’t blame him for how he feels. I can’t judge him for that, because although I know his loss, it isn’t the same. How I lost Trevor is nowhere near how he lost Stacy. I don’t know that kind of pain. And how can I ask him to choose me over the woman he fathered a daughter with? One that he lost. That’s why when he said he had to do this, and I saw the look in his eyes and heard the conviction in his tone, that I watched him walk out without much of a fight. Because he’s here for them. He’s always been here for them. What I do know though is that I’d give anything for him to be by my side right now. To have his protective arms wrapped around me. Loving me like only he can. It’s ironic really. That after everything I learned today, all I want is to take this second chance with him and love him forever. When all he wants to do is avenge his first.



I’M DRIVING LIKE A BAT out of hell. Pushing my truck to the limit. I woke up from an hour of sleep early this morning feeling worse than I did all night. Missing her. Wanting her. Fucking needing her. My damn pride getting in the way. I just pushed on with my morning. Worked out. Showered. Ate. Then paced my shitty studio apartment for hours. Weighing everything out. The pros. The cons. Why I should and why I shouldn’t go through with why I’m here. Thinking about how fucking lost I was until she found me. And then it all became clear. What the fuck I’m doing and what I’m ruining, throwing away, if I go through with my plan. What I had already lost in my hunt for revenge. I lost years of properly mourning Stacy and Lila. Of giving them the respect they both so greatly deserved by cherishing memories of our lives together. Instead I pushed them all away, focusing on my need for revenge and retribution and letting it control my entire life. Something Stacy never would have wanted from me. And then I found my second chance, my need for life again, and still, like a selfish bastard, I let my past control it all. She didn’t even leave me after what she found. She didn’t kick me out. Keelynn begged me to stay, but she also begged me not to go through with it. So I lost her by walking out, leaving her there to think these last few months meant nothing and she was just part of my grand plan. When she was anything but. She was unexpected and perfect and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Fuck. I’m a lucky son of a bitch. Before Keelynn, after losing Stacy and Lila, I never would have said I was a lucky man. But now, after having the goodness that is Keelynn Masters, I know I must be the luckiest fucker that ever lived. Because not only was I lucky enough to have a love of my past. I’m even luckier to have the love of my future. And that’s exactly why I checked the time, knew I wouldn’t catch her at her house before the performance, so I jumped into my truck and tore down the street toward Lena’s school. I pull up to the school and don’t see Keelynn’s car. Figuring she must have gotten a ride with her sister. I’m sure she wanted to spend time with Lena before her play. At the first family dinner I was ever invited to little Lena asked me to come to her holiday performance. I had said yes. Because how could I not. I planned to keep that promise even before Keelynn reminded me of it the other day. Even if we

never became an us. We planned on coming together. Until I fucked it all up yesterday. Watching her break and walking out on her. I shake my head, ridding those thoughts from my mind; preparing myself because I’ll get to my knees and beg her if I have to. She’s mine and I plan to make that known. To make her see that I do love her and that I choose her. That I choose to live in the here and now with her and not in the pain of my past. Climbing out of my truck, I start for the entrance to see Campbell, Mason, and Toni all standing outside. Looking around as if they’re waiting for someone. “Oh, Merrick. Thank God,” Campbell breathes. “Is Keelynn still at the truck?” she asks while standing on tiptoes to search around my shoulders behind me. I look at her, concerned. “She isn’t with me.” “She isn’t?” Toni breaks in. “Is she following then?” Mason eyes me. Waiting on my answer. “No.” I swallow. “She isn’t here?” The question dumb as fuck because clearly she isn’t. “I’ve been trying to call her all afternoon. She hasn’t answered once and when I went by her house she wasn’t there. Her car was though so we thought she must have been with you.” Campbell worries her bottom lip between her thumb and forefinger. Her fucking car was still there. But she wasn’t. My blood pressure spikes, my ears start to pound with the fury of blood rushing through them. Something’s wrong. Something is seriously fucking wrong. “I tried calling, too,” Toni says. “Did something happen between you two?” she asks. Curious. Fucking Christ, where could she be? “Ah…yeah. Was hoping to talk with her here.” Anxiety flashes through me now. “You haven’t spoken with her at all?” “I did this morning,” Campbell answers. “But not since then. What’s going on, Merrick? What happened and what has you looking so pale?” Her tone rises in pitch. Like she’s just barely holding off on the hysterics she wants to let loose. As I’m thinking what to say, my phone starts ringing and vibrating in my pocket. Pulling it out, I see an unknown number flash across the screen of my phone. In my panic I answer, hoping that somehow it’s Keelynn. “Hello? Sunshine?” A pause before a voice that is most definitely not Keelynn’s greets me. “Special Agent Hughes.” I freeze. A feeling unlike anything I’ve ever felt washes over me. Anger mixed with fear and panic and blinding pain. Because this is all my fucking fault. Again. “What the fuck did you do to her, Corsetti?” I spit through gritted teeth. Campbell, Toni, and Mason all look at me. Eyes wide and full of worry and fear. Along with a shit-ton of confusion. Because they have no clue of my past. Of who I lost and who I used to be. What I used to do. Keelynn kept it to herself knowing it’s something I wanted to keep private. I’m a selfish fucking bastard. My need to keep my past quiet leaves her family completely in the dark. Unknowing of the danger I’ve put her in. And now caused her. “Oh, Agent Hughes. What makes you think I’ve got your precious little sunshine?” Bile rises steady and fast from my churning gut. I swallow it back. “Listen to me, motherfucker. If you’ve touched a goddamn hair on her—” “A little late to be making demands, don’t you think, Special Agent? I suggest you make your presence known real quick before my boys do any more damage.” Then the line goes dead.

“Son of a bitch,” I growl. Squeezing my phone in my fist. I look to the three of them looking on at me. Not waiting another second to take action. “Call the police. Tell them to go to the vacant warehouse on the east side of Hampton on Beachside Drive.” He has to have her there. “Merrick—” “I’m sorry, Campbell,” I tell her sincerely. “But there’s no time. Call them and get them there ASAP.” I start to walk away as Mason takes his wife in his arms, trying to console her while getting his phone from his pocket. Running to my truck, Toni’s scared voice stops me in my tracks. “Merrick!” I don’t turn around, just wait for her to finish. “Bring our girl back.” I nod once, because there’s no fucking way I’m not, and then take off to my truck yet again. Dialing up a number as I go. As it rings and then they answer, I don’t let him speak before I’m yelling, “Are you still in Boston?” “Merrick?” Tanner asks. “Yeah, man. Still here. Why? What’s wrong?” His voice rises with worry. “How far out are you?” Slamming to a stop at my door, I pop the door open and jump in. Starting it up. “Tanner! How far out?” I yell when he takes a second too long to answer. “An hour tops. What the fuck’s going on, Merrick?” “They took Keelynn. Corsetti has her.” “Fuck,” he clips out. “Listen to me, Merrick. I’m calling this in and bringing backup. Don’t go in there until—” “The fuck I won’t. That’s my goddamn woman in there. I’m not losing her, Tanner. Not losing it all a-fucking-gain.” “Damn it, Merrick. You’re signing your own death certificate if you walk in there by yourself.” “Then so fucking be it,” I reply before hanging up. Rage pulses a harsh beat through my veins as my heart thrashes in my chest. These fuckers took too much from me already. It’ll be over my dead, cold fucking body before I let them take Keelynn, too.



MY HANDS ARE BOUND IN zip ties behind my back. Causing my shoulders and wrists to ache. My ankles duct taped to the legs of the chair I was shoved in. My head that was still slightly sore from the bump it took three days prior throbs painfully from the blow it took from the balled fist of my attacker. My busted lip dripping blood down my chin. The metallic taste filling my mouth. I’m nauseous and sore and absolutely terrified. But I won’t let it show. Staying strong and putting up a fight. My instincts kicking in. I have no idea who these men are, but I have a good idea that they have to do with what caused Merrick to walk away from me yesterday. Having to do with the notebook and plans I found. If it weren’t for them asking me repeatedly about where he is, I still would have guessed it. The timing too right to be coincidental. Earlier, I had just been stepping out of my house on my way to LeeLee’s school play. Despite my aching heart I couldn’t break hers by not going when she expected me there. I was double-checking that I locked the door when a strong hand landed across my mouth. Silencing my startled scream. Then dragging me, kicking and screaming, down my front steps to a blacked out Escalade. Once shoved inside I was grabbed from behind by multiple sets of hands, bound at the wrists, then punched and gagged when I wouldn’t be quiet. Men from all angles screamed and yelled at me, manhandling me from every direction to hold me down before speeding away from my house. Their rough hands keeping me pinned to the floor of the trunk of the large SUV. “Where the fuck is he?” Is shouted in my face before the flat of his palm crosses my cheek. Tearing me from my thoughts, splitting my just healing wound and rattling my head. Peeking through the curtain of my tangled hair, I turn my head to address the men in front of me. “I don’t know,” I speak through clenched teeth. And I don’t. Since he walked out on me yesterday, I have no idea where he is. But even if I did, I still wouldn’t tell them. Because I love him too much to toss him to the wolves like that. Despite what happened yesterday, I would never do that to him. “You’re lying,” the one in the suit roars. Ready to strike me again. The various men around him leering and snarling at me. I lift my chin higher, ready to take it. Before he can strike me again, a deep booming voice echoes off the cement walls. “Enough!” The small group of men surrounding me instantly quiets and part like the Red Sea. My eyes squint under the harsh, exposed light bulb above me. When I look up I see a short, stout man dressed in a

fancy suit and Italian leather shoes making his way toward me. His gray hair slicked back. Skin tanned and lined with age. Piercing blue eyes trained right on me. “Miss Masters,” he greets me. “I’m sorry to be meeting you under these circumstances.” His sharp tone belying his pleasantries. I stay quiet, glaring at the older man. He chuckles. “I’m sure you know already, but by chance you don’t, I’m Mario Corsetti.” I had no clue what this man’s name was. “What do you want with me?” I ask through a strained shout. My voice raw and sore from my screaming and crying. “She won’t tell us where he is, Boss.” The heavy handed one in the suit growls down at me. “The bitch.” He spits at my bound feet. “Like I’ve told you a hundred times already, I don’t know where he is,” I yell out again. Corsetti lifts his hand to silence everyone yet again. “No need, he’s on his way now.” When he finishes speaking he lifts his other hand to reveal a cell phone in his hand. My cell phone. He chuckles again. No humor in sight. A hard, menacing look crossing his face. “And now.” He pauses. Chilling eyes staring me down. “We wait.”



PULLING UP OUTSIDE OF THE warehouse, my tires come to a screeching halt just before I shove the door open. Jumping out I grab my gun and click off the safety. Not having a second to wait for Tanner, FBI, or local authorities to show up. Fuck backup. I need to get to her. I can’t lose her. I wouldn’t survive it this time. Kicking through the side door, I bound down the hallway until I reach the opening that splits off to multiple sections of the building. Her terrified screams pierce the dank air around me. Kicking my pulse to a fevered pitch. My arm is extended, steady, finger on the trigger. Ready to take out any cocksucker who comes between my girl and me. My back skims along the concrete walls, covering myself while my eyes scan each hall and open doorway. Not bothering to take the time to open the closed ones to check if I’m safe; I just follow her terror and pain-filled screams. When I turn the corner I catch my first glimpse of her. Face black and blue. Blood dripping down her cheek and chin, carving a path down her chest into her lace bra exposed from her ripped top. An inferno blazes under my skin as fear and rage mix into a toxic cocktail ready to erupt. If they violated her, I will rip every motherfucker from limb to limb with my bare hands. Wide green eyes full of panic settle on me when she catches sight of me standing in the doorway. Her head shaking side to side. She tries to be discreet but her sobs turn more frantic and labored, giving her away. Ripping my heart to shreds. “Well, well, well. Nice of you to finally join us, Special Agent Hughes.” From a dark corner a short, stout man fitted in a designer suit emerges. Same ugly mug I remember so well. “If you have any sense, you’ll let her the fuck go and give this shit up,” I spit through clenched teeth. Glock aimed at his chest. Aimed and ready to wipe this fucker out. Splatter his godforsaken blood all over these walls. He laughs, actually laughs, a loud belly laugh. “Agent Hughes, it seems you’re a bit confused on who has the control here.” He tsks. “I’m confused about shit. Let her the fuck go. Your problem is with me. Not her.” My voice strong and steady as is my hand holding the gun and my finger on the trigger. Ready to light this fucker up. “Didn’t stop me before, did it? Or have you forgotten about your precious wife and daughter?” Keelynn screams then. Heaving sobs racking her chest. She’s struggling in her bindings as she

yells, “Don’t listen to him, Merrick.” Her words rough and stuttered through her tears. My teeth gnash together as my jaw clenches tight. The pain and truth and reality of his words hitting me like a sledgehammer. One statement from this lowlife son of a bitch and all my guilt comes rushing back. Because it’s my fault their dead. And because I’ve given my heart to someone else. Someone he’s threatening with the same fate. “Did you, Agent Hughes? Forget that beautiful, dead wife of yours and that sweet little gi—” “Shut the fuck up!” I roar. Spit flying past my lips. “Don’t speak about them. They did nothing, had nothing to do with you, and you allowed them to get slaughtered like fucking cattle, you sick fuck.” He shrugs. My rage and anguish not fazing him in the least. “You fucked me over, Special Agent.” His voice tight and angered; showing he’s not as in control as he’s trying to appear. “You destroyed me. So, I destroyed you.” And destroy me he did. “I will say they weren’t my target. But it worked out in my advantage, I’d say. Because, I think knowing you couldn’t protect and save them is worse than me just killing you.” His words deliver the low blow he intended. My heart, healing from Keelynn’s love, just fucking fractured in two all over again. I swear my teeth snap I’m grinding them so hard. Keelynn screams out. She’s crying and begging for him to stop, to shut up. “And now it looks like I’ll get to do it again.” He grins maniacally. Frantically I look around, my calm and cool flying out the fucking window when I see the once empty room fill with Corsetti’s men. Unsure of how I’m going to get us out of here alive. I’d say there’s about six in total. One at each of the two doorways, two by Corsetti, and one on either side of Keelynn. Including the one man, besides Corsetti, that I want to gut like a fucking fish. The one who pulled the trigger all those years ago. Changing my world forever. Marcello Selano. He’s smirking over at me as if he’s the fucking godfather himself as he stands at Keelynn’s side. Gun aimed at her head while his bottomless eyes stay on me. Taunting and thinking he’s won. Motherfucker. I hope to fuck backup gets here soon to get Keelynn out. I just need to save her. That’s my only concern. She’s my only concern. “You know,” Corsetti starts. “It was meant to be over before now,” he reveals. “But the punk ass kid couldn’t go through with it. Couldn’t shoot up the establishment, fearing he’d take innocent lives.” He scoffs. “So instead, he tossed the block through the window of the bowling alley to scare you,” he mocks. Shaking his head, he continues to pace in front of Keelynn. Between us so I can’t get to her. “Took care of him for that fuck up.” Keelynn lets out a shattered sob she’d been trying to hold back. No doubt getting the meaning behind Corsetti’s words. And not just that he killed the kid who fucked up, but that he meant for us all to die that night. I fucking knew he was behind it. Fucking knew it. And thank fuck that kid fucked up. I never saw that night coming, but this…today I will save her. Even if that means sacrificing myself. “I won’t say it again, Corsetti. Let her the fuck go!” “Or what, Agent Hughes? You’ll shoot me. Go ahead. Try it. You do and you’ll be lit up like a fucking Christmas tree,” he says as he points out all of the men with their guns aimed on me. “Your

little fucking whore, too.” I’m practically vibrating I’m so fucking pissed. Keelynn keeps crying and screaming while Corsetti just stands there. “Or do you think you’ll actually survive and have a chance at locking me up again?” He laughs. “Because we know how that turned out last time. I didn’t even end up serving two years after the trial. My lawyers and good behavior got me out. So what the fuck do you think you’re gonna do to me, huh?” “Let her—the fuck—go,” I repeat as I take a step closer to him. Ignoring his questions and taunting. At my movement Selano shifts his gun to point at me. Keelynn’s sobs get louder. “Nothing, that’s what the fuck you’re gonna do. And I’m going to enjoy watching you as she dies. And then killing you my—” “FBI, freeze!” “You son of a bitch!” Corsetti yells as all his men shift to aim at the authorities infiltrating the room. “Arms up. Show me your hands! Arms up,” is yelled out. Demanded. I start walking along the wall. Small measured steps to get to Keelynn while everyone else is distracted by the backup finally fucking arriving. FBI and the local police department swarm the room. But then Corsetti reaches into his suit coat as Selano makes to move. It all happens so fast. Keelynn screams in terror. Guns go off in a spray of bullets. Corsetti hits the ground. And so does Selano. And I run for her. More bullets flying around me as chaos erupts, but I pay them no attention. Not when my focus is solely on Keelynn. I dive into her chair, taking her down, protecting her as much as I can at the impact with her still bound to the chair. “Shh, baby. Shh,” I try to soothe through the chaos. Her tears falling faster. Even as the explosions quiet. “I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry,” I apologize again and again. She’s crying so hard she’s practically convulsing. “I’ve got you, I’ve got you. I’m going to get you out of here. Hold on, Sunshine.” I rip the duct tape from around her ankles first, noticing the zip ties around her wrists. Unwinding the tape, tearing pieces away, doing anything to get her out and into my arms. Demands and orders are being screamed around us as more authorities and medics arrive. Coming to help apprehend those still standing into handcuffs and to aid those shot. I vaguely register Tanner ’s booming voice through the mayhem, ordering his men and local authorities around, but I don’t catch what he’s saying. My focus solely on my girl and getting her free. “Me-Merrick,” she stutters through chattering teeth. Shock and adrenaline settling in. “O-oh my Go-God, Merrick.” Her shoulders strain against the binds at her wrist due to her shaking. I grit my teeth at hearing her terrified and fearful voice mixed with the relief and love she has for me. “I know. It’s okay. I’m here,” I vow. And I’m not fucking going anywhere.



BLUE LIGHTS FLASH. Officers and agents, EMTs and firefighters hustle about. Nonstop chatter and orders fill the air. My body aches as it trembles. The adrenaline from today’s events wearing off. I sit wrapped in a warmed blanket in the back of an ambulance. The doors open. One medic at my side tending to the cuts and scrapes on my face and arms. I refused to leave while Merrick was still here. Refused treatment unless I was able to get it here, inside an ambulance. Because I don’t want Merrick out of my sight or more than a foot away from me. Even after everything I found out yesterday. Because after today, none of that matters. What matters is that I love him. With my whole heart. My entire body. Down to the depths of my soul. His plot of revenge no longer matters. The secrets and lies he kept and told no longer matter. Just him. He’s all that matters. And the fact that I want to spend the rest of forever with him. After law enforcement swarmed the building and shot Corsetti, Merrick worked at getting my ankles and wrists free from their binds. He was able to free my ankles easily. Ripping and tearing through the duct tape with minimal effort. My wrists though, they were secured with zip ties and as much as he wanted to rip them from my body, he didn’t want to hurt me. So he had Tanner come over with a pocketknife and slice through the heavy plastic. As soon as I was free, Merrick scooped me up and cradled me to his chest. Rushing me from the chaos around us. He made sure to keep my face turned into his neck as he stepped over bodies and puddles of blood. Telling me, “it’s shit you don’t need to see, Sunshine.” I cried even harder, if that’s possible, at the feel of his protective arms around me and his warm chest below me as he ensured to keep me safe. He tried to soothe me and calm me as best as he could. His full lips pressed to the top of my head, deep voice murmuring how sorry he was, how much he loved me, and how thankful he was I was okay. But the tears kept coming. No longer from fear but from relief. Pure relief that we both made it out safely. Alive. Together.

I couldn’t speak to reply. To say I love you, too. But I wanted to. Because I do. Merrick brought me right through the officers and agents demanding statements, straight to an ambulance to have me tended to. He wasn’t waiting one second and barked at anyone within earshot who thought otherwise. They backed off as soon as they heard his tone and saw his face. I didn’t want him to move one inch away from me, but once it was settled that I could stay and be treated onsite, he was pulled away to give statements and speak with whomever he needed to. But not out of my sight though. Both of us not allowing it. I stare off into the busy parking lot, watching Merrick talk with his friend, Tanner. His brows bunched low, face pinched in worry and anger. Wincing, I hiss when the antiseptic soaks into a deeper cut. “Sorry about that, ma’am,” the medic murmurs. Working as quickly and efficiently as he can. “It’s okay,” I reply softly. Drained and exhausted. Once Merrick finishes up speaking with Tanner, he speaks with a couple of other agents and local law enforcement before making his way to me. Strong legs taking determined steps to get to me. The set of his brow and jaw letting everyone know he wasn’t to be stopped again. At the open ambulance doors he jumps right into the back, not waiting for approval, and drops to his knees at the side of the gurney. I pull away from the medic tending to me to lean into his neck. Soaking up all his love and comfort while his strong arms gently wrap around me. “I’m so fucking sorry, Sunshine.” It has to be the millionth time he’s uttered those words. And at the shake in his voice I pull back slightly and look into his face to see his eyes wet with tears. They fall down his stubbled cheeks as he just looks at me. His stare full of so much apology for the last twenty-four hours. For what I found out. For how he left. For what happened to me today. It’s all there in his deep, dark stare. “I love you,” I say in reply. Needing him to know that. His big shoulders sag and a gruff sob of relief passes his full lips before they land on mine. “Thought I fucking lost you, Sunshine,” he says frantically between kisses and swipes of his tongue. “Twice. Thought it yesterday after I walked out. Then today…fuck today. I’ve only ever been that scared one other time.” His words hang between us. Suspended in time and pain and loss. “When you weren’t at the school and Campbell couldn’t reach you I couldn’t understand what the fuck happened. And then…then I got the call from Corsetti and wanted to rip him from limb to limb. I was petrified, Sunshine. Fucking terrified,” he says. Looking right into my eyes—unashamed and without attempting to hide the tears he’s still crying. “But you saved me.” I look at him right back. My eyes just as wet as his. He needs to hear me. Needs to understand. “You saved me, Merrick.” My voice breaks and his eyes slam shut. “You made it to me. You kept him from hurting me any more. You saved me.” He breathes deep. Still kneeling there on the floor of the ambulance. Doors wide open. The medic now having stepped out when our kiss and conversation turned deeper. “Thank you, Merrick,” I tell him sincerely. Meaning it. “Goddamn it, Sunshine. How can you thank me? The only reason you were in this fucking mess to begin with is because of me. It’s because of me they took you, fucking beat you. I mean, look at you,

baby…” He stands now and jumps from the ambulance. Pacing the open doors in front of me. “I kept it all from you. Why I was here and what it all meant. Because I knew that if you knew you’d try to stop me and—” “It doesn’t matter now, Merrick.” I interrupt him. “All that matters is that we’re both safe.” “The hell it doesn’t matter. Of course it does, Keelynn. It matters because it’s my fucking fault. It matters because I left you yesterday, making you feel that you didn’t matter. But I want you to know I was coming to you at the school.” His words breathe hope back into my heart. He stops pacing to look at me again. “I want you to know I was there for you. To tell you that I wasn’t going to go through with it. You need to know that I chose you, Sunshine. I was just too fucking late…” “But you weren’t,” I rush to tell him. Going to stand but he climbs back in beside me. Kneeling next to me yet again. “You weren’t too late. If I need to say it a million times I will, honey. Because it’s true. You saved me. And it doesn’t matter anymore because we’re here, together, right now.” He finally nods and lets the words sink in. “Fuck,” he clips before his lips are on mine again. More gentle this time. Less urgent. But no less passionate and demanding. Pulling away, he delicately cups my cheeks. “And you love me? Still, after everything that’s happened. You can still love me?” His deep, dark eyes hold me captive as they scan my face. Waiting for me to answer. “How could I not?” And then he’s kissing me again. Claiming me. Owning me. Possessing my heart and devouring my soul.

Five Months Later

W ALKING THROUGH THE DOOR, THE only noise filling the house is the faint sound of a sensual beat pulsing through the room from down the hallway. If Keelynn isn’t greeting me at the door after a day shift at the station, then her terribly off-key voice can be heard singing the house down. My girl loves to sing, although she isn’t very good at it. So even though the low beat of a song playing out isn’t unusual, the otherwise quiet house is. After kicking off my shoes I make my way down the hall, following the sound. Dropping my truck keys on the table. Draping my suit jacket on a dining room chair. As I make my way through the kitchen and toward the laundry room, the music gets louder so I can make out the words of “Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande blasting through the laundry room. Turning at the doorway, I stop in my tracks as an almighty groan tears up my chest. The rumble drowned out by the loud bass and steady beat. Leaning over into the washing machine, sorting a load to be washed is Keelynn. Shapely legs standing on tiptoe to reach inside the massive washer. Her blue dress, the same one she wore the very first day I took her body and she took my heart, rides up, just barely giving me a view of the underside of one ass cheek. When she falls to the flats of her feet, fidgeting with knobs and buttons, she starts swaying her hips to the beat. Sultry and sexy as fuck. Then comes her voice. Singing out of tune about how her man makes her want to do things that she shouldn’t. My cock stands at attention behind my slacks. Ready and waiting and more than willing. Stepping up behind her, her back stiffens as she gasps, sensing my presence right before my hands land on her luscious hips. “Somebody feeling dangerous?” I ask in a deep whisper. Lips to her ear. My chest flush to her back. No space between us. Lifting a hand from her hip, I drag a finger over one shoulder to drape her long hair over the other, exposing her neck and back. Then dropping my hand back down, I trace her hip before gliding it forward to grasp her thigh. All while my lips lower down her neck to her shoulder and back. Nips and licks and kisses raining down on her perfect skin. Her breath hitches before she replies with a low moan. Then her breathing turns slightly labored with arousal. A small nod tips her head forward and then I growl. My hands spin her around so I can crash my mouth to hers. My tongue immediately seeking entry.

As we kiss and bite and nibble, I lift her ass to the top of the washing machine. The height has us lining up perfectly. Her hot, snug pussy to my rock hard dick. She lets out a gasp when her ass hits the cold steel and I viciously growl when I see she’s bare underneath the dress I lifted when I picked her up. “God fucking damn it, Sunshine.” My voice is nothing but feral and full of need. “You trying to kill me?” As the song continues to play in the background, Keelynn smirks and wraps her arms around my neck. Kissing me all perfect and wild before asking, “Now why would you think that, Detective?” Ever since I accepted a job as detective for the local PD she’s taken to calling me as such as a nickname. I smirk. Loving her this playful. Full of sass. “Keeping this pretty pussy bare.” I tsk. “You weren’t walking around like this all day, were you, Sunshine? Better not have been.” Demand and warning clear in my tone. “This perfect pussy is mine and mine alone.” “Only for you, honey,” she breathes. “Damn fucking right.” Reaching around behind her, I turn the dial and hit the knob. Causing the machine to come to life. She pulls away. Chest heaving. “What are you doing?” she asks, out of breath. Confusion clear on her face. Now it’s my turn to smirk. “You wanna do things you shouldn’t, right? It’s time to play.” As the washer rocks beneath her, I see her eyes light up. The confusion all cleared up. Reluctantly, I remove my hands from her body to work my belt and the zipper of my slacks. Letting them drop to my ankles so I can kick them off. Leaving me in my black Calvin Kleins she loves so much. With her feet reaching out behind my back, Keelynn drags me forward so my cloth-covered cock rubs against her slick, wet flesh. Her want for me soaking through the material. “Already so wet for me, huh, baby?” “Mmmm,” she moans softly as I rock into her while her hands wander to the buttons on my dress shirt. Once undone her small, soft hands land on my bare chest. I fucking love her hands on me. Not wanting to wait another second, I rip her dress over her head. Seeing that she isn’t wearing a bra either. “That’s it. You’re definitely trying to kill me,” I groan. She giggles lightly and then moans loudly when I palm her heavy tits. Peaked nipples scraping across my rough palms. “Gosh, Merrick. The way you touch me…” “Show me, baby. Show me how you like it.” I step back, dropping my hands to give her the space she needs to get to work. Blushing, she hesitates before her small hands cup herself. Massaging and squeezing. “Like that, Sunshine?” I ask. Getting worked up watching her like this. So worked up I push my boxer briefs down, kick them off, then fist my cock and start pumping. Steady, strong strokes from base to tip. I groan. Keelynn’s eyes are wide and vibrant green as they lock on my hand. Then one of hers leaves one breast and travels down her soft belly, past her bare pubic bone, to her pretty pink flesh right into her slick, wet heat.

I swear to Christ I almost drop to my knees. In the months we’ve been together, and with all of the dirty and thorough ways I’ve worshiped her body, not once have I ever seen her fingers in her pussy. Until now. Goddamn. Now she’s moaning and writhing on her fingers. Rocking along with the washer below her. “Enough,” I growl. Startling her. I can’t take this for another fucking second. Grabbing her hand, I lift it from her pussy to my lips and suck her two fingers clean. I’m groaning again. So loud it drowns out the noise of the washing machine. “Nothing tastes better than you, baby. Nothing.” Silently, she watches me. Panting with want. Her body flushed pink with need. “Merrick,” she breathes. I know that tone. That look. “My girl needs me, huh?” She nods frantically. And without hesitation I line my cock up to her beautiful cunt and slide into heaven. Fucking home. My salvation. “I missed you,” she breathes out while my cock takes her deeper and harder. I slow it down while the washer bounces below her. Looking into her deep green eyes. Getting lost and found all in one glance. “I missed you, too, baby.” I lightly kiss her lips and drop my forehead to hers. I had to pull a double at the station because of a break in a case so I was gone last night and all day today. “I hate sleeping without you,” she reveals. Clinging to me tighter. Her pussy quivering around me. I pull her in tighter against me. My arms banding around her so fiercely a damn tornado couldn’t rip us apart. My hand finds the hair at the back of her head. I grip and tug firmly, but gently, so I can see her face. “Isn’t anything I love more than you in my arms. Skin to skin. Heart to heart.” I pull out then thrust deeply. Bottoming out and making her gasp with the force. “I love you,” she whispers with such emotion her voice shakes. Those three words have me losing control and pounding into her. I’ll never tire of hearing those words leave her perfect lips. The way they make me feel whole. Like a rocket, she goes off. Moaning and writhing on my cock. As her pussy flutters around me, I pump twice more before losing myself inside of her. Our breathing evens and settles and I drop a kiss to her bare shoulder. Dragging my tongue up the curve of her neck. Nipping her ear. “I love you, too, Sunshine,” I vow. Goddamn do I. More than life itself. Never thought I’d get that again. Never thought I’d feel it again. But with Keelynn it was natural, meant to be, fucking fate. Not loving her was never an option. My heart and soul already tethered and bound to her somehow. Making her mine from day one. And thank fuck for that. Because she saved me from myself, from my grief. Her love becoming

absolutely everything I need.

Ten Years Later

GREEN EYES AND A WIDE, beaming smile greet me from across the backyard where I stand reflecting on what this day means for me. Brightening my somber mood. Lightening my heavy heart. The pain and heartbreak this day brings each year never gets any easier. No matter how many years pass. The wounds and scars and memories just as deep and dark and haunting. Thirteen years and they still cross my mind every day. I still honor their memory each year. They still own a special corner of my heart. The one I never thought would beat again. Not until Keelynn shined her loving light and sunshine smile on me. From day one I was a goner. Just didn’t know it until it was too late and she had me wrapped up in everything her. Thirteen years ago today I thought my life as I knew it was over. That I’d never be happy again, never love again. Never be loved again. Never be a father and watch my children grow up. But Keelynn…she changed that all for me. She likes to say I was the one that saved her from the loneliness she suffered after losing Trevor. Still carried from losing her grandparents, her caregivers, at such an important age. But it’s her. She saved me. Resurrected the man I thought died along with Stacy and Lila. “Daddy!” That wide smile squeals. Green eyes squinting and long, dark hair flowing behind her as she runs at me. Little arms flailing about. Pink dress swooshing at her knees. Scooping her up when she launches herself at me, I bring my gorgeous four-year-old daughter close to my chest, closer to my heart, soaking up all her goodness and love. “Angel,” I murmur against the top of her soft hair. The strawberry scent of her shampoo soaking into my senses. Calming me just like her momma does. Ellie—named after Keelynn’s Gramma—is the spitting image of her mother. From her looks to her sweet disposition. I’m a damn lucky man to get double the goodness and love and sunshine they both shine around them. “Momma fought you needed a Ellie hug.” Little arms wrap around my neck and squeeze with all her little girl might. Drowning my heart in nothing but love. “Momma was right,” I answer as I squeeze back. And damn was she. Keelynn always knows what I need before I even say it. Knowing me. Really knowing me. My heart and soul.

Knowing that the love of my little girl—of my family—is the only way I’m able to get through this day. Looking over Ellie’s head that’s now pillowed onto my shoulder, I see my wife walking my way. Our eight-year-old son, Emerick, walking at her side. Where Ellie is all her momma, my son is all me. Dark hair. Dark eyes. Quiet. Intuitive. Protective. Especially of his momma and little sister. Just like I taught him to be. When they reach my side I palm Emerick’s shaggy, dark head, while keeping my other arm wrapped protectively around his sister, and pull him into my side. Needing his rough and tumble just as much as Ellie’s rainbows and butterflies. “Hey, Dad,” he greets me as his arms wind around my waist for a moment. Squeezing tight before letting go. “Son.” Ellie doesn’t really understand what today means, the significance it holds, but my boy does. And just like he thinks over everything else, and feels it deep, I know this is no different. He may be all boy, but he knows when something’s important. And he knows the meaning of family. Next is my gorgeous wife. Pulling up close to Emerick who’s still next to me, sidling up to my side next to him and kissing my cheek. “You doing okay, honey?” Her sweet voice never ceases to hit me like whiskey. A sweet burn with a smooth finish. And her heart. Fuck if it doesn’t make me melt like a goddamn pussy that she understands. She gets it. Even after all these years she gets that they’ll always be a part of my life. And she never once has made me feel guilty for it. Just loving me through it all. Every single day of every year we’ve been together. Even when I fucked up all those years ago and almost lost it all. Again. Almost lost her twice in twenty-four hours. Despite my fuck ups, my deceit, she forgave me. Stood by me. Loved me anyway. I’m a damn lucky man. Not only because she allows my past to be a part of our future, and that she forgave me all those years ago for all I kept from her, but because of the woman she is. That she’s always been. Loving. Kind. Blinding light. Fucking perfection. “Doing all right,” I finally answer. Looking down at my wife, my kids. Because I am. Better than all right actually. My family making sure of that every day. “We got lucky,” she whispers into my shoulder not tucked under our daughter as she turns in to place a kiss there. An arm going around our son who’s now standing in front of me, right next to his mother. Yeah, we did. And I tell her as such. She smiles at that. The smile that captured my lonely existence. The one that warmed my cold heart. The smile that owns me. Shining brighter than the fucking sun. THE END

Whisper – Chase Rice Acquainted – The Weeknd Sometimes I Cry – Chris Stapleton More Than Life – Whitley Waiting Game – Parson James Leave Your Lover (The Voice) – Caity Peters PILLOWTALK – Zayn Can’t Help Falling in Love – Haley Reinhart Holdin’ Her – Chris Janson We’ve Got Tonight (The Voice) – Laith Al-Saadi Came Here to Forget – Blake Shelton You Are My Sunshine (w/Chris Stapleton) – Morgane Stapleton Love Has No Pride (The Voice) – Adam Wakefield Just a Fool (w/Blake Shelton) – Christina Aguilera One and Only (The Voice) – Laith Al-Saadi Unlove You – Jennifer Nettles Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande When a Man Loves a Woman (The Voice) – Meghan Linsey H.O.L.Y. – Florida Georgia Line

It really does take a village to create a book. And without my tribe none of this would be possible. First, to the love of my life. Baby, thank you. Not only for supporting me through this completely unplanned yet amazing dream, especially when I spend more time with my words than you. But for loving me for so many years, for putting up with my crazy, and for choosing me. Even when I make it impossible to do so. Because I’ll always choose you. Always. It may not always be easy, but nothing worth having ever is. I love you, Bunny. The forever kind. Love! To my parents for always putting me first, to my siblings for being the light of my life, and to the rest of my family for being my backbone. I could never be me without you all. Thank you, I love you. Megan, my fabulous editor. Thank you for putting up with me. From my hectic messages to my million VMs, it doesn’t matter, you’re always there. Offering your advice, input, and answering my questions. And the way you make my words shine can’t be matched. Truly, you are so talented. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. XOXO Stacey Ryan Blake, you’re a genius. Simple as that. Thank you for making my words so pretty. You’re stuck with me now ;) Cheers! xo T. BOOK THREE! LOL. From day one you pushed me to do this. You’ve stood beside me, cheered me on, and helped me more than you could ever know. Thank you for being you, for always talking me down, and HELLO your covers rock my socks. I mean, each and every one just gets better and better. I love you biggest, my friend! Babycakes. Thank you for always lifting me up. Your support and belief in me warms my heart and makes me smile so big. And the fact that you make time for me when you have so little to give means more than you could know. But even more than that, your friendship owns my heart. I’m so lucky to have you in my life and on my side. And even luckier that you’re one of my bestest friends ever! Your warm heart and kind soul makes you just as beautiful on the inside as the out, Babycakes. So thank you for just being you. One of the best women I’ve ever known. I love you more than the moon and the stars AND BACK AGAIN. xoxo Trish, the sweetest thing that side of the Mississippi. You, my sweet friend, are one of the greatest women I’ve ever known. So kind and so genuine. Thank you for getting me, for always being there, for cheering me on, and for being my kind of people. I’m so lucky to call you my bestie. Love you!

Buttercup. You’re fierce. You’re unstoppable. So amazingly talented and wildly beautiful. And I get to call you a best friend. Thank you for your time and your support and your friendship. They all mean so much. I love you, babe. Thank you. Sian aka Bernie. I message you and you’re there. No questions asked. Whether it be about my words or just to talk, it doesn’t matter. I can always count on you. Despite our distance, you’re one of my closest friends and biggest supporters. Thank you, honey. Oh, and Merrick loves you ;) XXXOOO Chloe. I don’t think there’s anyone out there that reads my words quite like you do. Your enthusiasm and excitement is infectious. But it’s more than that. It’s the way you support me, the way you encourage me. I’m so thankful and grateful to get to call one of the most talented and loving people I know one of my best friends. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being in my corner. I love the bones of you, girlie. XOX Eshia Baby. Lawd, where do I begin? I need to start by thanking you. Your advice, honesty, and guidance help lead me through when I feel like I should scrap it all. And then there’s your friendship. It’s the fierce kind that’s loyal and loving and always there. Thank you for that. It’s hard to come by, but with you it’s genuine. I love you, lady. More than bacon. GiGi, you always make me feel like a rock star. Thank you!! Your support is amazing, and I am so lucky to have you on my side. Thanks for joining this crazy ride with me. XOXO To the authors and women who inspire me. Crystal, Tillie, and Rachel. Your talents astound me and make me reach for the stars. Thank you all for being a part of this journey with me by being the immensely gifted women you are. But more than that, thank you for being my friends. I cherish you all and love you dearly. To three of my greatest friends and supporters. Cookie, Cali, and Bambi. (Ya know, saying your names together makes you sound like a bunch of strippers HAHA!) Thank you ladies. No matter how much time passes, we always pick up right where we left off. Chatting and laughing away. I’m so thankful that this book world gave me forever friends like you. XO. Love you bunches! To my Lovelies. Thank you all for the support and kindness. You’re always there to like or comment on my posts and to spread the word about my books. It means so much to have a group of readers like y’all behind me. Thank you! xo And finally, to all the readers who took a chance on me. Whether it be for the first time with this story or back with my first, Falling Deeper. Without you none of this would be possible. Thank you all for taking that chance on a little known writer of words like me. I appreciate it more than you know. I truly hope you enjoyed Merrick and Keelynn’s story. xoxo

Falling Deeper (Falling series book 1) Still Falling (Falling series book 2) Everything I Need (standalone)

What to Watch for by Lucia Grace Falling Together (Falling series book 3) Inked Souls (new series) All I See (standalone) CRUSHED (Chaos series book 1)

I am a romantic at heart and love all things love. Being an avid reader, my love for reading is what sparked my determination to put pen to paper and write my debut novel. Becoming an author is something I never planned. Writing is a dream I never knew I had. But now that I’ve started I can’t imagine doing anything else. When I’m not getting lost between the pages of my favorite books, or cheering on my favorite sports teams, I can be found spending time in my coastal New England town with my longtime boyfriend and our furbabies.