Swoon

Jackson Stone is hot-like burn-down-buildings kind of hot. He's also my brother's best friend, and the memory of one kiss with him years ago still might get to me. Maybe. But, I am not looking for a second chance. When I return to the small town of Stolen Hearts Valley, my life is a hot mess. I'm a few bucks shy of broke with nowhere else to go. My heart's battered and bruised, and when it comes to romance, the door is nailed shut. But Jackson's the kind of man women ruin panties over. Oh, and he's my roommate. Talk about too close for comfort.

My priorities are my daughter and my job as a first responder. Romance isn't even on the radar. Until one little package changes everything. In a single mind-blowing hour, I end up with a package meant for Valentina Smith, and I find out she's innocent. I won't even mention what's in that package. Next thing I know, my other brain gets the best of me. Valentina deserves the best, so that brain says, running my mouth like it has no business. I don't expect to fall for her. So hard it brings me to my knees. Did I mention she's meant to be worshipped?

My rules: No players. No flirts. No cocky jerks. My exception: Dawson Marsh. Dawson might be every girl's crush in this small town, but not mine. I can appreciate him from a distance, and that suits me fine. Except that one time he kissed me. Up close and personal. Once is a mistake. But the second time? Sublime. The man should come with some kind of a warning sign: Not safe for work! Hot to the touch! But what kind of girl can't handle a little friends with benefits action, right? The one who missed the most important warning: Danger, risk of falling.

Dani Love is the girl who got away. Actually, she dumped me. Not exactly a stroke to my ego. When I move back home, Dani is just as much everything as she was before. Maybe even more. Snappy and smart with an attitude for days. I want her, even if it's stupid. Dani can't decide if it's better to ignore me, or fight with me. I'll fight and win. She just doesn't see it coming yet.