Magnolia Falls

Demi Crawford was Magnolia Falls royalty. I was the boxer from the wrong side of the tracks. She was the epitome of everything good, while I was broody and rebellious. We couldn’t be more different. Her family was enemy number one which made her guilty by association. I despised her before I even knew her. It was easier that way. But now she’d moved in next door to me, and she was everywhere I turned. I couldn’t avoid her no matter how hard I tried. She was beautiful and honest and sweet. Everything I knew I shouldn’t want. Shouldn’t need.

Ruby Rose declared me the enemy before I had a chance to defend myself. I may be an attorney, but this girl had appointed herself judge and jury. And I’d never minded a good verbal sparring. There was a comfort in going to battle against the evil queen. Maybe it was just the recognition of one damaged soul to another. But the more we fought—the more I craved her. Until our arguing turned into a bit of a wager. One I was determined to win. One time. Sixty seconds. A secret only we would share. I’d work my magic and she’d declare me the winner.

Saylor Woodson is the one girl I can’t have, and the only girl I want. She’s my best friend’s little sister, and completely off limits. We have a history, a connection—one that no one else knows about. One that I’ve tried hard to forget. I've kept my distance for years, which was easy because she’d been away at school. But now she’s home, and she’s everywhere I turn. And the way that I want her is unexplainable.

From the moment my son came into the world—my life changed in the best way. I’d found my purpose. My reason. My heart beats for this kid every damn day. My company is thriving, and life is good. But then Emerson Chadwick happened. It must be the universe’s way of messing with me when I least expect it. Our town’s new pediatrician is gorgeous and brilliant and—complicated. I’m not looking for complications. To make matters worse, my little boy is crazy about her, and now she’s moved in next door. She’s everywhere I turn.

Sometimes relationships come along that define you. Someone who brings out sides of you that no one else sees. The reason that you try to be the best version of yourself. Savannah Abbott was my North Star growing up. She was my best friend, my neighbor, and the person who knew me best. But without warning, she was gone in the blink of an eye.