G'day, ,

I have been dying to share this with you!

You asked for him and he's finally coming ...

Save the date and gird your loins because this man will melt your panties right off your body.

Allow me to introduce you to Shane Sutton, bodyguard extraordinaire and setter alight of women’s panties (Vi's words, not mine)!

Shane

The army took more from me than I’d like to admit—even to myself.

I’m still trying to navigate my new normal while taking care of the people I feel indebted to …

Because while I came home, one of my best friends didn’t.

And I can’t help but feel responsible.

My life has been passing me by in still frames and black and white …

Until the moment I see her.

I’m captivated.

I don’t deserve her when all I do is fail the people around me.

But life keeps throwing me in her path …

That has to mean something, right?

Violet

My life isn’t going the way I planned.

I thought I was getting my happily ever after but the man I thought was my forever turned out to be nothing more than a waste of my time.

The only silver lining in that mistake?

I got my sweet daughter, my world, out of it.

When I meet Shane, I’m not looking for anything …

But the way he makes me feel with just one glance—it’s impossible to ignore.

The cherry on top?

He and my daughter have an instant connection that makes me believe better things are on the horizon.

Everlasting love is hard to come by …

Especially when we both have demons in our pasts that threaten to ruin our future.

Grab this emotional, steam-filled contemporary romance about a damaged cinnamon roll veteran who believes he’s undeserving of the sexy single mom with a sweet daughter even though they may be exactly what he needs.

What you can expect ...

✔️she falls first, he falls harder

✔️former military man turned bodyguard

✔️single mom

✔️friends to lovers⁣

✔️close proximity

✔️a scarred cinnamon roll Hero

✔️a heroine who wears her heart on her sleeve

✔️aversion to touch

✔️secrets unveiled

✔️self-forgiveness

✔️no third-act breakup

✔️🌶️🌶️🌶️

✔️HEA

Plus plenty of Toby, Cassia, Poppy, and their new addition, Daisy as well as glimpses of Kate and Oliver!

I recommend you have tissues on hand for this one because Shane's journey is truly heartbreaking, but I promise to make it all better by the end.

What better way to celebrate my 55th birthday than to release Shane, Violet, and Jasmine into the world?

Coming January 7, 2024!

PREORDER your copy today at the special preorder price of $1.99!

Here's a little taste ...

Chapter 1 Shane

I laughed today. It wasn’t forced, and it wasn’t for show to make my friends and family feel better. It burst from deep within and across my lips unbidden.

It was genuine and felt … completely foreign.

And I immediately drowned in guilt so deep I thought I’d stop breathing.

Chapter 2 Shane

With the warm sun at my back, I take the two steps up to the brown-painted double doors of the tan brick building. This place—or rather some of the people inside—has saved my life on more than one occasion, and now that I’m somewhat back on my feet, I like to visit regularly so I can give back where I can. The nondescript exterior of the building gives nothing away as to what’s inside, but every single person who enters knows how important this place is and is grateful for its very existence.

A simple brass sign to the left of the large doors is engraved with two words: The Bunker.

The name is more than fitting. Just as a bunker is a safe place during turmoil, so is this place. However, the turmoil that leads men and women to these doors isn’t from outside forces but from within. Battles that were once fought on a bloody battleground have now taken up residence in the minds and souls of the survivors, and it’s not so easy to leave it all behind. What happened to each of us, and the experiences we were subjected to, have left us fundamentally changed. Scarred in ways we don’t know how to assimilate, how to accept, or how to move forward from. But through it all, we know we can come here at any time of the day or night and find someone to talk with, or if we don’t feel like talking, we can sit or spend time here knowing we’re not alone.

As I breach the doorway, a sense of calm washes over me and my façade falls away. I don’t have to pretend that everything’s great here. I don’t have to pretend that my skin doesn’t feel too tight when I’m walking down the street, and I don’t need to fake smiles to make the people around me think that I’m not fundamentally different from how I was before.

Before everything turned to shit.

To be fair, I think I’ve turned a corner. Life doesn’t always feel so damn heavy, and it doesn’t feel like a mammoth task to climb out of bed each day. I’m beginning to see color again, and some days I feel like maybe I can fit back in with society. Some days.

“Sutton,” Nix calls as I step into the large café area immediately to the right when I enter. While everyone here has experienced some horrific shit, he’s the only man here who knows exactly what I’ve been through because he was there the afternoon everything fell apart and my life changed forever. He’s my former Sergeant and has been integral in my progress. I’ll be forever grateful for his support and compassion.

I weave around several tables in the open space to reach him. When I do, I place the box of spray paint on the table and hold out my hand so I can pull him into my body and slap him on the back. “Steele. Good to see you.”

“You too. It’s been a while.” Our schedules haven’t lined up for quite some time; he’s been busy with his security business, and I’ve been busy working for my long-time friend and now famous musician, Toby Summer. He gestures toward the chair opposite. “Join me?”

“Sure, I’ll grab a coffee.” I place my order at the counter and take my coffee back to Nix’s table, then take a seat moving the box of paint to the floor. “How’s business?”

“Busy.” He fidgets with his spoon. “I’ll need to bring on one or two more guys.”

“That’s great. I’m happy for you.” I take a sip of the steamy goodness in my cup. “You deserve all the success, man.” He’s worked damn hard to get his business off the ground. Sometimes I wonder where he finds the time with a family at home.

“Thanks.” He smirks. “How are things with the rock star?” He wanted me to work for him, but I couldn’t refuse my childhood best friend when he asked me to be his bodyguard after a mentally unstable woman inserted herself into his life.

I huff out a laugh. “Living the high life. He’s doing a Labor Day concert tonight with a seven-year-old who conned him into giving her guitar lessons.”

Nix’s eyes widen. “How the fuck did that happen?” He takes a sip of his coffee.

I shake my head as I snicker. “I have no clue, but she’s a sweet kid and working with her has been great for him.” I spin my spoon between my fingers. “He met her when he volunteered at Music for my Heart, the music and dance school for deaf and hard of hearing kids.” He nods. Most people around here know of the new center run by the husband and wife team, Louis and Xanthe. “She’s profoundly deaf but determined to learn how to play the guitar. He’s been impressed by her commitment and dedication.” If I’m honest, getting to know her has been pretty great for me, too. Poppy has a way about her that draws you into her orbit, and it’s an awesome place to be. “The concert will be something to see.”

“Sounds like it’ll be a great night.” He shifts in his seat and takes another sip of his coffee.

I nod. I’m surprised I’m actually looking forward to it. “Do you know if the bikes are ready for delivery?”

“No idea. I haven’t been here long myself.” He glances away, then returns his focus to me. “Have you seen Hope and Evan lately?”

My chest tightens at the mention of their names, and I have to consciously take a breath. I nod slowly. “Yeah. I see them regularly. I’ve been helping to coach Evan’s soccer team every second week when their regular coach can’t make it, and I do what I can to help Hope when she needs something done around the house.” My stomach clenches when I think about everything they’ve lost. The moments they’ll never have with Wyatt, our army buddy.

He studies my face closely. “I’d be happy to help, too.”

I shrug. “I know. But you have your own family and a business to look after. I don’t have anyone.” I swallow the lump that always forms in my throat at the reminder.

Turning to lighter topics, we catch up while we drink our coffee, then make our way out to the workshop. When we walk inside, one of the guys is busy working on a bike. I unlock the caged shelving and add my paint to the rest of the cans. I always bring a few cans with me to bolster the collection of paint for the bikes we restore for underprivileged kids.

“Hey, Michaels,” I call.

He tips his chin toward me and Nix. “Hey.”

“How are things?” Nix asks.

Robert stops attaching the pedal of the bike he’s working on. “Not bad. We’re running a little behind schedule with the bikes for the Mission Community Center.” He tips his chin toward a couple of tubs of parts that look as though they’ve already been painted.

I was worried that would be the case. “I have a couple of spare hours today. Tell me what needs to be done.” I rub my hands together, ready to get them dirty.

Robert points back to the tubs behind him. “Those bikes are ready to be reassembled.”

Nodding, I step closer to the tubs. “No problem. Steele, you wanna get started on that one, and I’ll do this one.”

We get to work assembling the bikes while we listen to classic rock, and before I know it, the two bikes are completed and added to the collection. Looking at our handiwork, I take note of the range of colors, sizes, and styles of bikes that families no longer wanted or needed. Each one has been rescued from the landfill and lovingly restored to its former glory—ready for a new owner who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to own a bike. These bikes may make a child happy or they may provide transportation for someone to get to and from work. We don’t discriminate against whom we gift these restored bikes. If they need a bike, they get one. It’s as simple as that.

“Thanks, guys. Akerman will load them onto the trailer when he gets here, and we’ll take them to the community center tomorrow.”

“No problem.” We shake hands and say our goodbyes.

I walk out of the building with a pep in my step. I always walk away from here feeling better than I did when I walked in. It’s amazing how a couple of hours doing manual work that will help someone else can clear the mind and cleanse the soul.

***

Toby and Poppy walk off stage together with matching grins, and I can tell from here that my best friend is floating among the clouds. I’ve watched him play in packed stadiums to tens of thousands of fans, and not once have I seen him so at peace and full of pride. Toby’s parents, his twin sister, Kate and her husband, Oliver, step out of the auditorium and walk toward us. Hugs are given freely to Toby and Poppy as their excitement bubbles over.

I do my best to stay on the periphery to watch over everyone, but Toby’s mom wraps her arms around me and pulls me in tight. When she steps back, she cups my cheek and her eyes soften, making the muscle in my chest miss a beat. She always makes it a point to check in with me, especially since I came home. “How are you?”

“I’m good, Mrs. S.” It’s my standard response.

Creases form between her brows while her blue eyes, exactly like her son’s, scan my face. I work to keep my features relaxed and neutral—I don’t want to worry her. She doesn’t need to know I’m on high alert and my adrenaline’s swirling through my system like a tornado as more and more people crowd into the foyer. I’m itching to step back from the family so I can keep my view clear and observe from the sidelines. Toby would say that I can relax at an event like this but I can never be too careful with my best friend and his family’s safety. Time away taught me to expect the unexpected. Eventually, she must see what she needs to see and nods as she releases me from her motherly hold.

Toby’s parents have always welcomed me into their home and family as if I were one of their own kids. I remember being astounded by their openness toward me—particularly Mr. Summer, because from the time my father returned from service, he was never what I would call a loving father. Their warmth and love were always given freely even though I wasn’t theirs. The lines often became blurred for me, and there were times when I considered them parents; more so than my own. Their love for me has always been unconditional, which was something I didn’t have at home—well, not from my father anyway. It was such a foreign concept for me, but the more time I spent with the Summer family, the more accustomed I grew to the way their family worked. I would find any excuse to spend time at their home to escape mine because I felt more comfortable with them. They accepted me. It was as simple and as complicated as that.

Poppy takes off across the foyer, and I snap my head around to keep her in my sight. It’s easy enough to do when you’re a full head taller than the majority of people in the room. That little girl has stolen my best friend’s heart, and as a result of how important she is to him, I’ve now included her under my protection. I watch her fling herself at a woman, and confusion swamps me for a moment until my mind catches up to what I’m seeing. Cassia, my best friend’s high school crush, stands with Poppy in her arms, her face full of happiness and pride.

Shit!

I quickly turn toward Toby and check if he’s seeing what I’m seeing. His face says it all. And while I may be able to protect him from a physical threat, I can’t protect his heart from shattering further with this discovery. I can’t believe after the time they spent together recently, that she would keep such a huge secret from him. I watch my long-time friend gather his composure and make his way toward Poppy and her family. He won’t outwardly show any emotion other than that of a professional musician even though I know him well enough to recognize the tightness around his jaw and eyes. The bunching of his shoulders and the rigid way he’s holding his body is a dead giveaway. He’s livid and I don’t blame him. I would be too.

Poppy’s grandmother, Rose, who we met recently at one of Poppy’s lessons, rushes in first, hugging Toby and thanking him. Then she turns and introduces her family to us. My eyes stray to the gorgeous woman who’s standing slightly behind Cassia and Rose. She has a toddler in her arms, who can only be hers, and she scans us with a level of distrust I haven’t seen in a long while. Her smile seems forced, but she’s putting on a good show for her family. Interesting.

“This is my older daughter, Violet, and her daughter, Jasmine.” I reach forward to shake her hand, and I shit you not, as soon as my palm makes contact with hers, tingles erupt. I dart my eyes from her hand to her face to see if she felt anything out of the ordinary and catch her clear cerulean eyes widening slightly as her brows dip a little lower. She obviously felt something, too.

I swallow quickly and lift my chin as I extricate my hand from hers, immediately missing her warmth. “Hi, Violet. Hi, Jasmine. I’m Shane.”

Wearing a shy smile, Jasmine burrows her face into the crook of her mother’s neck while I do my best to be polite and not let my gaze linger on Violet’s tanned complexion, but I’m knocked a little off-kilter by her stunning blue eyes. Her daughter has almost the same coloring as her, and I bet they turn heads wherever they go. Toby told me Cassia had an older sister, but I hadn’t given it much thought until now. I look around their group to see if she has a husband or boyfriend, but it seems they are on their own tonight. Maybe he’s working, or something.

She tilts her head back to maintain eye contact. “Hey, Shane.” She turns her attention toward her daughter and adjusts her position on her hip. “Jasmine, say hello to Shane.” Her voice is like warm honey, smooth and sweet.

Jasmine turns her head slightly, staying burrowed in her mom’s neck, and her smile widens slightly. “Hewwo, Sane.”

My heart skips a beat at her tiny voice, and the tension I always hold across my shoulders eases slightly. I step a little closer and give the tiny angel a smile, stretching muscles I rarely use. “Did you enjoy the concert?”

She pulls further away from her mom, her confidence growing, and nods. Her smile grows and her eyes twinkle. “I sore did. Poppy was ’mazing.”

I chuckle mildly, glancing at her mom, trying my best not to make my perusal obvious. “She sure was. She’s been practicing really hard.”

We’re interrupted when Cassia announces it’s time to go home. Poppy’s not having it though. She’s begging her mom for something. I guess I’d better start paying attention and learning more ASL because I have a feeling we’re going to be spending more time with Poppy outside of her guitar lessons, and I want to know what’s being said. I watch Poppy put her signature move on Toby, and I know we’ll be heading out with Poppy and her mom before he nods his head.

Violet chuckles quietly beside me. “Poppy’s so good at getting exactly what she wants.”

I turn my head and drop my eyes to Violet’s face, doing my best to avoid looking at her sensational cleavage. “She certainly is. I’ve never seen anyone as skilled as her.”

Violet nods, her eyes twinkling in the overhead lights. “I know right? I should get her to teach me her ways.” She readjusts Jasmine, and I want to take the child from her and ease her burden—I don’t know why, because I sense she doesn’t need help but for some reason, I want to help her. “I guess we’ll see you at Brain Freeze.”

“I guess so.” I despise impromptu outings.

The tension that had released from my shoulders moments ago is back, and I blow out a long, frustrated breath. I can’t perform the proper surveillance to ensure Toby’s safety but it’s not like I get to decide these things. We’re going to the most popular ice cream shop in the city. It’ll probably be mayhem. And if it’s not, it will be as soon as word spreads that Toby Summer is in the house.

We all head out of the foyer and to our cars. Toby climbs in my SUV, drops his head back on the passenger seat, and blows out a long breath as I study him carefully.

“Well, that was fucking awkward.” I rub my hand over my short hair. “Did you know Cass was Poppy’s mom?” Of course he didn’t know. How would he have known such a thing? We’ve never seen Cassia with Poppy, and I know she never spoke of her daughter—keeping her a secret.

Without lifting his head from the headrest, he turns toward me. “Nope.”

Laughter bursts out of me. Something that’s been happening occasionally since that first time. Each time it happens, the guilt becomes marginally less—marginally. I’m fairly certain it won’t ever completely disappear. “Only you, man. This shit could only happen to you. What are the fucking chances that the only time you decide to teach a kid you don’t even know from a bar of soap how to play the guitar, she’s the daughter of your high school crush?”

He doesn’t answer me. What can he say?

As his silence fills the cab of my vehicle, I pull myself together, start the engine, and we make our way to Brain Freeze to meet everyone for ice cream. “You realize I haven’t had a chance to vet this place or book it out so you’re not bothered by fans?” I don’t even know the fucking layout properly; the entry and exit points or what’s close by.

“Yeah, I know. Sometimes it’s good to be spontaneous. We’ll manage.” Being spontaneous sucks when your job is to plan things down to the tiniest detail.

We all arrive within moments of each other, moving into the shop together. The girls lead the way, with me, Toby, and Oliver following close behind. I survey the area outside of the shop, noting the alleyway to the right and the number of cars parked down the street. With only one door into the building and a wall of glass windows, I should be able to keep an eye on Toby easily enough. When we enter the premises, I take note of the booths along the walls and the tables positioned neatly throughout the space. The jukebox in the corner and the long counter displaying ice cream. There’s one door through to what I assume is the kitchen and probably an office and another door with a sign for the bathrooms. I open the door and check to find two doors leading through to male and female facilities. There are nine people in the building as far as I can see, two serving and seven customers prior to our entry. I think we’ll be okay.

Chapter 3 Violet

My eyes keep straying to the giant of a man with dark hair and even darker eyes. As many times as I drag my gaze away from him, I find myself sneaking glances. I’m not sure if I’m being as covert as I hope, but I can’t stop watching him. He moves with a gracefulness that doesn’t match his size while his eyes constantly dart around the shop, and I’m genuinely surprised he hasn’t cracked a tooth with the way he’s clenching his jaw. I’m certain I’m not crazy, but I felt something ignite inside me when we touched in the foyer; it was weird and unexpected. I can’t stop thinking about how small my hand felt in his and how safe and protected I felt just being close to him. He has this presence about him that screams, you’re safe with me.

“Mommy, taste my ice cweam.” Jasmine raises her ice cream to me, so I bend down and dart my tongue out for a lick.

“Mmm. Your ice cream is delicious.”

Cassia steps toward me, holding two ice creams. “Here ya go. Cookie dough for you.”

I take it from her. “Thanks. I could have bought ours.”

Cass swipes her tongue up the side of her icy treat. “I didn’t pay for it.” She chuckles. “You missed Toby and Oliver arguing over who was going to pay.”

My mouth drops open, and I shoot my gaze across the shop to Toby and Oliver, who still look to be arguing. Being a billionaire, Oliver Stone could afford to buy the actual shop. To be fair, Toby probably could too. “I’m sorry I missed it. I always seem to miss out on the good stuff. Who won?”

Her lips widen. “Toby.”

I wiggle my eyebrows up and down. “Maybe you should go lick your ice cream in front of him and show him your skills.”

Her face drops. “I don’t think he’ll ever speak to me again after the way I’ve treated him and the secret I kept.”

“You didn’t know he was Poppy’s guitar teacher. I mean, what were the chances?”

“I know, right?” Cass blows out a breath. “Vi. If I’d known how accepting he would be of Poppy, I would have never shut him out. I’m devastated that I’ve hurt him the way I have.”

I move closer and wrap my free arm around my sister. “So you apologize. Explain your reasons to him.” I glance across at Toby. His face looks like thunder for some reason. “I’m sure he’ll understand. He seems like a decent guy and you already know he thinks the world of Poppy.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Shane move closer to Toby and look at something on Toby’s phone. His face turns hard and the tic in his jaw seems to take on a life of its own. Toby walks over to us and gently touches Cass’s elbow. “Can I talk to you quickly about something that’s just come up?” he asks as he keeps his voice low.

Cass glances around, trying to make sense of Toby wanting to speak with her. I’m not surprised since she thought he’d never want to speak with her again. She pauses her gaze on me for a moment, and I try to convey that him wanting to speak with her is a good sign. I think she picks up on my silent message and moves away from everyone so they can talk. Fingers crossed he’s the upstanding guy he seems to be. Though, I wouldn’t be surprised if it isn’t a front. Some guys seem to be pretty good at faking it until they suck you in. I shake my head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts. Not every man is like Allen or our dad or Cass’s ex and Poppy’s father, Jake, for that matter.

Allen. Just thinking his name sends disappointment sliding through my veins like tar and sours my mood.

Shane moves closer to the booth where Poppy and Jasmine are enjoying their ice creams as they both lick up the side of their cones to collect the melted sweetness. Luckily I brought my wipes; the girls are going to need them. I check that Poppy and Jasmine are okay and step closer to Shane, trying not to notice how good he smells or how his heat seems to radiate from him and wrap around me. I tilt my head back to make eye contact with him. “Is everything okay? Toby seems pissed about something.”

He huffs out a breath, rubs his hand over his short hair, then glances over his shoulder at the girls. His features soften, and he turns his attention back to me. “Someone posted a video and photos of Poppy and Toby’s performance on social media,” he says softly, and my mouth drops open. “They specifically named Poppy, and Toby’s worried about unsavory people having the information.”

“That was quick.”

He nods. “People don’t waste time spreading the word about Toby, and when it hits social media it quickly grows out of control.” That tic in his jaw is back.

I place my hand on his arm in reassurance, feeling the same tingles as before and trying to ignore how right his muscles feel beneath my touch. “Poppy will love the attention. Don’t stress.”

He snaps his attention back to me. “You don’t get it. Poppy is a really cute kid. Some psycho could come after her. She could be at risk now, and so could your daughter by association. They’re both such beautiful girls,” he murmurs the last part. “Toby never wanted any publicity surrounding the concert because he wanted to protect Poppy. You have no idea the sick stuff people can do.”

My heart goes all gooey inside. His concern for the girls’ safety hits me right in the muscle behind my ribs. “Sorry. I didn’t realize. Thank you for being concerned about the girls but I’m sure it’ll all blow over quickly. It’s not like Poppy will be spending much more time with Toby now the concert’s over.” Will she? I don’t know if the lessons have an expiration date.

He glances at Toby and Cass, and I follow his gaze. Cass and Toby are wrapped in each other’s embrace. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” Shane smirks at me.

His entire face changes with a simple tilt of his lips and my heart speeds up. The tingling I felt at a simple touch spreads through my body and makes a direct hit at my core.

For fuck’s sake, Violet. Don’t even think about it.

After the day I’ve had, my core shouldn’t be tingling and my heart shouldn’t be racing for anyone with a dick. They’re all assholes. Allen being the biggest one of them all, closely followed by Jake and my father.

Just thinking about how all of my things were dumped on the guest bed so his whore could hang her clothes in my closet and store her crap in my drawers has anger filling my body from the tips of my toes to the ends of my hair. My heart pounds harder, sending blood rushing through my veins as I think back to this morning ...

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