Blurb

Sonja Milton escapes an abusive relationship and leaves all she knows behind for a new job as the personal assistant to best-selling author, Trent Logan. She’s determined to keep her heart under lock and key. But when she sees his softer side, his love of children, not to mention the way his sexy body fills out a pair of jeans, she can’t help but wonder if she should risk her heart again for the promise of forever.

Excerpt

His attempt to console her had tears seeping out of her eyes. She thought she'd cried all the tears she could over the loss of her child, but evidently, she hadn't. Even Devin hadn't taken the time out to comfort her afterward. He had the nerve to pretend that nothing was wrong, even when she'd lain in bed for days after. But this man, a man she'd only met a month ago, offered her what she'd wanted, someone to weep with her, feel sad for her because of the loss. One ounce of soothing from him, and when she least expected it her armor cracked and revealed her vulnerability, leaving her with nothing but a feeling of helplessness.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, and she sank into his warmth. She rested her cheek over his heart and counted the strong, steady beats. Tears overflowed as she cried and soaked the front of his shirt. He moved his hand over her back in swirling, comforting motions. "Everything will be all right."

Trent pressed a kiss to her temple. He wiped a tear away, and then pressed his lips against her cheek, over the bridge of her nose, and finally, a soft kiss to her lips. She had no idea how this man felt about her, but in one month, he'd offered her more comfort and happiness than Devin had in two entire years.

It was all so confusing.

Live for today. Let tomorrow worry about itself.

Debra's long time mantra echoed in her head, and right now, here with Trent in this beautiful hotel room, he offered her everything she needed. She wanted to focus on right now instead of agonizing over what may or may not be happening between them.

Leaning forward, Sonja pressed her mouth to his, kissing, lingering, and savoring his taste, the touch of his warm mouth. He kissed her back in a series of slow, light kisses that set her nerves on edge.

Their mouths joined. Trent tightened his hold on her. What had begun as a friendly attempt at comfort segued into a hungry, burning desire. A spark had been lit and was now stoked to a feverish pitch. Her nipples tightened and ached; her breasts began to swell and feel heavy against the fabric of her shirt.

He pulled back and cradled her head between his large hands. "You know what's going to happen if we don't stop, don't you?"

"Yes," she murmured.

"I want you, Sonja. More than I've ever wanted a woman in my entire life. You're good for me. You remind me that life isn't all about words. It's about feeling."

He released her and pulled her up to stand in front of him. "I know I'm your boss, but I also want to be your friend. I want to protect you and be there for you. I've been alone for a long time, and until I met you, I had no idea how lonely I was."

Strange and disquieting thoughts swirled through Sonja at his words. What did this really mean? What was he really trying to say to her? "What do you want from me, Trent?"

"I want you to live with me, work for me, and be with me. I promise you that I'll never hurt you. I'll never hit you. I will worship you and treasure every moment I have with you."

He still wasn't promising her anything, but since they'd only known each other a short while, how could she expect that? Did she have it in her to be his live-in companion?

Right now?

Yes. Yes, she did.

She would let tomorrow or next week, or next month even, worry about itself. If she were truly honest, she wanted this just as much as he did.

Sonja closed her eyes tight and opened them again. "I want you, Trent."

He swept her off her feet. His long, determined strides took them across the living area, down the hall and into the bedroom he'd chosen to sleep in. He walked to the bed and lowered her to the mattress. The light from the full moon shimmered between the curtains and cast a soft glow in the room.

Only the sound of their uneven breathing echoed through the air. He stood over her as she gazed up at him. A combination of longing, need and want filled her. He tugged his fingers through the strands of her hair, then grazed the back of his hand across her cheek.
"I think I've wanted to make love to you from the first moment I saw you."

How was it so easy for her to fall into another relationship so quickly? She'd planned to erect a wall around herself that was so tall, no man could climb it. But Trent did. He scaled it and then some, with his tender looks, his love of children, and his gentlemanly ways. She lowered her head and smiled. "When I saw you for the first time, I thought you were the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen."

Trent leaned over and kissed her with a passion so tender it threatened to overwhelm her. She reached up and began to unbutton his shirt. When she was done, she grabbed the collar and gently smoothed it over his shoulders, down his arms, until it hit the floor. She wanted this to happen slow and easy, so she'd remember each and every millisecond of their first time together.