The Unexpected Affair. Monica Richardson

      

      Love doesn’t fit any preconceived guidelines

      Determined to avoid relationships that will only end in painful breakups, Whitney Talbot makes a checklist of everything she wants in a life partner. Construction worker Lane Martin possesses a few of these traits—especially the tall, dark and devastatingly attractive part. But Lane has unavoidable baggage... He’s divorced, with a teenage son. So why is Whitney still fantasizing about taking their mutual infatuation to the next level?

      It takes an accidental encounter at a new condo development to open Lane’s eyes to the possibility of second chances. On a trip to Whitney’s family’s B and B in the Bahamas, their friendship transforms into something richer and much deeper. If only the beautiful kindergarten teacher and aspiring songwriter didn’t have such firm ideas about what makes the perfect husband. Now Lane could lose her to another man...unless Whitney opens her heart to the one thing she left off her list—love.

      “So what are you having?” he asked.

      “I don’t know. You seem to know what I like.”

      “What do you like?”

      “I’d like for my date to be on time. And in the future, if he’s going to be late, I’d like for him to call or text to let me know.”

      “So you’re saying there will be another date. Or should I say, future dates?”

      “Let’s get through this one first.” She smiled at him.

      It was easy to be with him, she noted. Some dates were so strained, uncomfortable.

      “Fair enough,” he said.

      “I’ll have the fire hot wings,” she said.

      “Can you handle the fire hot wings?” he asked with a huge grin.

      She peeked over the top of the menu. Took note of how handsome he was—dark face, silky, smooth skin. Perfectly trimmed hair and mustache with just a hint of gray. His arms were strong, and his hands were huge. She wondered what it would feel like to be hugged by those arms, but not more than she wondered what the story was behind his sad eyes.

      “I can handle a lot.” She smiled back at him.

      Dear Reader,

      Lane Martin is a complicated fellow, sort of like that India Arie song “Complicated Melody”—a melody so complex, it can’t be sung on key. That’s Lane. Being hurt in love has made him that way. But he’s charismatic and easy to fall in love with, despite everything else. He’s a truck driver and blue-collar—the total opposite of anything Whitney Talbot is accustomed to. So, she prejudges him, as we often do when we’re not accustomed to something.

      Sometimes, we only see black and white, and not the gray areas in between. She doesn’t quite see or understand the whole of him. And because he has very few qualities on her Man Menu, she almost misses out on the love that could change her life. Not to mention she’s dealing with her own fears of love and commitment, which is why these two are made for each other. The chemistry and love between them are undeniable, even though they both spend way too much time denying it.

      I hope you fall in love with Lane, and enjoy his and Whitney’s story. Writing this book was somewhat effortless, yet intricate all at the same time.

      I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing the Talbots’ story. Because my family is from the Eleuthera Islands, it’s like sitting with them and having a great Bahamian meal while researching the beautiful island they call home...and I call my homeland. I hope you continue to love the Talbots and make them your favorite family.

      Visit my website at monica-richardson.com or email me at [email protected].

      Happy reading!

      Monica Richardson

      The Unexpected Affair

      Monica Richardson

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MONICA RICHARDSON writes adult romances set in Florida and the Caribbean. Under the name Monica McKayhan, she wrote the Indigo Summer young adult series. Indigo Summer hit the Essence and Black Issues Book Review bestseller lists, and the series also received a film option. Monica’s YA books have garnered accolades and industry recognition, including several American Library Association (ALA) placements on the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults annual lists. She penned her first romance novel, Tropical Fantasy, in 2013.

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      For my granny, Rosa A. Heggie

      (November 1927–2008)

      She was special in so many ways and the strongest woman I knew.

      My life is rich because of her.

       Acknowledgments

      To my family and friends—you are my support system.

      To my readers—you give me the energy to continue to write. I’m sure you will enjoy the Talbot family and get to know them well. This is for you!

      To my family in the Bahamas—visiting with you and talking to you about my history has made the research and writing of this Talbot series a complete joy.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       Dear Reader

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

       Acknowledgments