Burned by love and grieving over his brother’s death, sexy billionaire CEO Carter Anderson wants nothing more than to protect his family. So when beautiful and unassuming physical therapist Gwen Radley shows up at the funeral, pregnant with his brother’s baby, Carter’s certain she wants an interest in the Anderson empire—and both his suspicion and attraction grow when circumstances force Gwen to move into his family’s mansion.
An orphan, Gwen’s never wanted anything more than a family, and she finds in the Andersons a place she and her baby might belong. When Gwen’s therapy expertise leads to long hours of intense, late-night collaboration on a lucrative project, the attraction between her and Carter leads to a night of white-hot passion. But Carter’s distrust remains, leading them both to wonder if he will ever embrace his brother’s baby—or the love that’s blooming between them.
Here's a sneak peek for you:
Here's a sneak peek for you:
“You like it.” Gwen teased with a laugh, her bright green eyes
sparkling. They were beautiful. Though not nearly as beautiful as she. Feeling
his resolve slip a notch, he breathed deep, inhaling her sweet perfume. Perhaps
admitting his attraction, if only to himself, wouldn’t be the end of the world.
In fact, it might make it easier to enact his plan. Even though she was already
proving to be a giant pain in the ass.
Refusing to admit defeat, he shrugged. “It’s okay.”
She huffed. “That falafel sandwich is better than okay and you
know it. I saw your eyes close when you took that bite. It’s a slice of heaven.
You were savoring it.”
He chuckled as he swallowed a long swig of soda. “Okay, you got
me. It’s great. And I was wrong.” He tilted his head.
“Happy now?”
“Yup.” She nodded. “See, that wasn’t so hard, was it? Your first
impression isn’t always correct. Sometimes, it’s exactly the opposite of what
you assume.” She propped her elbow on the back of the bench.
It was obvious she was talking about more than fried chick peas.
As if introducing him to a Middle Eastern sandwich was supposed to allay his
suspicions about her motives for announcing her pregnancy and encamping in
River View. Irritation flickered in his gut, threatening to sour the delicious
food he’d just eaten. They’d been getting along fine. Why did she have to open
that entrancing mouth
of hers and remind him
of his misgivings? Well, two could play at that game. He angled toward her. “I
suppose that’s true. Though my gut has generally served me well.” He took
another bite.
“Not in this case.” Her gaze locked on his for a moment before she
glanced at his half-eaten sandwich. “You love falafel.”
He swallowed. “I do. But I hate other things.” He nudged closer,
silently daring her to ask what it was that he despised. Because if she did, he
might be tempted to forget his plan and show her just how loose he could be,
giving her an earful about how wrong it was to steal a man’s company out from
under him, then force the proxy papers on her right here and now.
A soft breeze blew, carrying her peaches and cream scent past his
nose. Luscious, he wanted to taste it. Reminding himself of his mission and its
importance, he searched her flawless, porcelain skin, then flashed back to when
he’d caught her lithe body in his arms. His hands remembered the feel of her
flesh, soft yet toned, and how beautiful and vulnerable she was in his embrace.
Arousal sprang in his
core.
She was tempting, no doubt, but below that beguiling exterior lay
the heart of a woman like any other. One who couldn’t be trusted because she
would, indisputably, exploit you and rip out your heart. In that instant, he
both loathed and desired her. A perplexing combination, no doubt brought on by
her good looks, proximity, and the challenge she presented. He’d go along,
maybe even allow himself to
enjoy the hunt, but
ultimately, she’d be no match for him.
Taking a deep breath, her eyes flitted to his mouth. “I hate
things, too.” She edged closer.
Was it going to be this easy to kiss her? He’d expected her to
feign at least some token resistance, put up the pretense that Ben had meant
something to her, but obviously she realized where the Anderson bread was
buttered. She wanted him, bad. He might as well help her along.
Bending toward her, he closed his eyes and parted his lips.
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