By all appearances, Nicki Reading is a star. PR director at a major music label, Nicki is sharp, successful, independent and confidently calls the shots. She dates whom she wants, when she wants, with no strings attached. But beneath that shine, loneliness flickers. Events from her past prove love leads only to pain. Commitment is not an option.
Until Dex Hanover, a classy, principled, and prosperous CPA, enters the picture. Undeterred by his unhappy childhood, he has an amazing capacity to be both caring and generous; giving his free time as a mentor for a child from the projects. Dex wears his paternal yearnings on his sleeve and he is at a point in his life where commitment is the only option.
Despite their opposing views, Nicki and Dex ignite each other. But will events from their pasts ruin their challenging relationship and prevent them from experiencing everlasting love?
Nicki searched the bar for two empty stools, hoping she hadn’t misunderstood the signal. It wouldn’t fare well for her ego to be rejected twice in the same ten minutes.
“What’ll it be?” asked the bartender as he cleared the space in front of her.
“Margarita, rocks, no salt.”
“I’ll have a vodka martini. Straight up.” His deep voice curled around her. “Is this seat taken?” Without waiting for her response, he sat, his knee brushing against her thigh in a sizzling flash.
Whoa. She inched away, feeling the burn straight down to her toes. This guy was on fire.
She held out her hand. “I’m Nicki Reading.”
He took it and brought her fingers to his lips. “Dex Hanover.” Green eyes with a hint of gray hooked hers, the intensity a bit overwhelming. In a good way.
She withdrew her hand, needing some space, some air. And a cold shower. Raising her glass to him, she used her silkiest voice. “Nice to meet you, Dex Hanover.”
He clinked her glass with his, and his crooked smile turned into a full-blown attraction. “Nicki.”
His inflection did funny things to her insides. She sipped her drink trusting the cool liquid would douse the small fire within before it got out of control.
