Blurb:
Caroline Fleming had a perfect life--a loving husband, 2 great kids, a beautiful mansion to live in--or so she thought. When her husband of 20-plus years announces he wants a divorce, Caroline's perfect world crumbles in an instant. She retreats to the beach house to clear her head. She swears off men, that is, until she meets a sexy stranger running on the beach.
Matt Sylvan was left at the altar 5 years ago and has no intention to marry. He's satisfied with his life as a photographer and saves all his love and attention for his two dogs, Jake and Cooper. While running on the beach one evening, Jake jumps on a beautiful woman and Matt begins to rethink his aversion to dating.
Can these two souls find a second chance at love and heal their broken hearts?
Caroline Fleming had a perfect life--a loving husband, 2 great kids, a beautiful mansion to live in--or so she thought. When her husband of 20-plus years announces he wants a divorce, Caroline's perfect world crumbles in an instant. She retreats to the beach house to clear her head. She swears off men, that is, until she meets a sexy stranger running on the beach.
Matt Sylvan was left at the altar 5 years ago and has no intention to marry. He's satisfied with his life as a photographer and saves all his love and attention for his two dogs, Jake and Cooper. While running on the beach one evening, Jake jumps on a beautiful woman and Matt begins to rethink his aversion to dating.
Can these two souls find a second chance at love and heal their broken hearts?
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Excerpt:
“Umm…would
you care for a glass of wine before you head home,” she asked tentatively. “Of
course, if you’re busy, I totally understand. We can do it another time.”
Matt
gave her an appreciative stare. “Actually, I’m not busy,” he said, offering up
a dazzling smile. “I’d love a glass of wine.”
Caroline
hesitated a moment, doubting her own actions. Her inner dialogue was running
rampant.
Really?
What are you doing asking a total
stranger into your home? Of course, he does love dogs so he can’t be all bad,
can he?
“Great.
I live just up the beach.”
Matt
put Jake down and the little dog started running down the beach. “I guess we’re
running to your house,” he said, over his shoulder chasing after him.
“I
guess we are,” Caroline said with a chuckle, and started running after them. It
didn’t take long to reach her house. “It’s the white one with blue shutters up
ahead!” she shouted.
Matt
caught up to Jake and scooped the little dog up in his arms. “Come on you
little rascal. Enough running for one night.”
He
waited for Caroline to catch up, before walking up the stairs to the expansive
deck. She closed the gate at the top of the stairs. “He won’t try to get off
the deck, will he?” she asked?
“No.
He’ll stay with Cooper now. They’ve had a good run.”
Cooper
lay down at Matt’s command. He put Jake down and the little dog curled up next
to Cooper. “Stay,” he said.
“Do
they need some water?”
“Yeah,
that would be great,” he said, following her into the kitchen.
Caroline
ambled over to the counter and got a bowl and two wine glasses out of the
cabinet.
“Here,
you give the dogs water and I’ll pour us some wine. Is white okay?” she asked.
“White
is fine. Be right back.” Matt filled the bowl at the sink and took it outside
to the dogs. “Here you go, guys. Quiet time now.” He gave each dog a pat on the
head before heading back inside.
“It’s
now or never,” Caroline mumbled to herself while pouring the wine.
I’ve got to jump back into the dating
game sometime. Might as well be tonight.
She
handed Matt a glass of wine. “Here you go.”
“Thank
you. I’m glad you asked me back to your house. It saved me the trouble of
trying to accidently run into you another day,” he said with a boyish smile.
Caroline
narrowed her eyes. “Really? You wanted to run into me again?”
“Yeah,
anyone who likes my dogs are okay by me,” he said, reaching for her hand.
His
touch sent another shiver coursing through her. She absently tucked her hair
behind her ear. It was one of her nervous habits. “Um…would you like to go sit
on the couch? I could put some music on.”
“Sure.”
Caroline
walked into the living room and turned on the Bose radio. She turned the dial
until soft strains of romantic music filled the air. She turned around to find
Matt standing right behind her.
“Dance
with me,” he whispered into her ear.
She
inhaled sharply. “Oh my.”
“Is
that a bad oh my or a good one?” he asked.
He
took the wine glass from her hand and put it down on the end table. Without
missing a beat, he pulled her into his arms and started to slowly sway to the
rhythm of the music. His hot breath caressed her neck and a delightful shiver
traveled down her arm. “I’m hoping that was a good oh my,” he said.
“It
was definitely a good one.” She could feel the heat rising from his body and
enveloping her in his warmth. She let herself become lost in the moment and
relaxed in his arms.
“You’re
beautiful,” he said.
“Thank
you, but…” Caroline started.
Matt
put his finger against her lips. “No buts tonight. Just enjoy yourself. “ He
lifted her chin until their lips were a hair’s breath apart.
Caroline
was tempted to step out of his embrace, but Elena’s words echoed in her mind.
Just breathe. Let it happen, be
spontaneous.
She
closed her eyes, anticipation sweet and torturous at the same time. Would he
kiss her or was he a tease? Was she ready to kiss someone else? She’d only
kissed the same man for twenty years. Was she even good at kissing? Before her
mind could race in all directions, their lips met and his kisses were feather light
as he explored the contours of her lips.
Matt
held her close, their bodies touching and melding together as they danced to
the music. Song after song played as he held her tight and continued to kiss
her. When he stopped, she felt adrift. “This is nice, isn’t it?” he asked.
She
enjoyed being in Matt’s strong embrace more than she’d ever thought possible
and didn’t want their dance to end. For the first time in a long time, she felt
a fire starting low in her belly. She hadn’t felt it in so long she almost didn’t
recognize the spark of desire. She leaned in closer and felt Matt’s rock hard
abs. The longer they danced, the more she wanted him, but should she give into
her feelings? It scared her and thrilled her at the same time. She was out of
her element.
“Matt…”
He
gazed into her eyes and ran his finger along her jaw before caressing her cheek.
“Yes.”
“I’m
not sure exactly what we’re doing, but...”
Matt
kissed her again. “We’re dancing and kissing, that’s what we’re doing. Shall I
kiss you again so you understand this time?”
Caroline
chuckled. Matt was not only sexy, but also witty and had a great sense of
humor. Every fiber of her being wanted him to make love to her, but she had a
hard time overcoming her practical nature. She couldn’t let herself say the
words. Not yet, anyway.
“Hmm…kissing
is good.” She closed her eyes and breathed in his manly scent. Thoughts of the
divorce, hurt feelings and everything else that had been bothering her an hour
ago, ceased to exist. She was dancing with a handsome and sexy man and it felt
wonderful.
“Such
sweet lips,” he whispered.
“I’ve
never done this before,” Caroline said, her breath catching in her throat.
“What?
Danced?
She
smiled. “No, not dancing. Inviting a perfect stranger into my home and kissing
him is what I meant.”
“Can
I say that you do it very well then, especially if this is your first time,”
Matt said, with a twinkle in his eye.
That
made her laugh out loud, and she kissed him again, relishing the feel of his
lips. “Thank you. You’ve made me realize a few things tonight.”
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