Calling all readers who love: Protective heroes, Age-gap tension, Forced proximity, Slow-burn romance and One unforgettable kiss. This teaser has all of the above. Tell me: Are you a fan of the gruff, battle-scarred hero who falls hard and never sees it coming? Then enjoy this sneak peek from K-9 TRACKER, my November 24 release from Harlequin Intrigue! Preorder your copy today at https://link.amazon/B0eQZtNcJ.
SNEAK PEEK
Cisco relaxed back into the chair, which creaked from the weight of his body. He turned slightly, faced Nicky, and said, “It’s time we got some rest. Tomorrow is going to be busy.”
With a quick bob of her head, she popped to her feet and glanced toward the living room.
“Are you sure you’re going to be comfortable on the couch. You’re…big,” she said as color exploded across her cheeks.
He fought back a grin and said, “I’ve slept in worse conditions.”
Nicky gestured upward with her index finger. “I could take the couch, and you could sleep in my bed. It would be more comfortable.”
It was his turn to be discomfited as desire rose at the thought of lying in her sheets, surrounded by her scent. He shifted uncomfortably on the chair and, in a husky voice, said, “I’ll be fine. Besides, I want to be the first line of defense from anyone coming through that door.”
The earlier color on her face fled, leaving it a pale, almost sickly green from fear.
Hating that he’d put that worry there, he rose and engulfed her in his arms. “I’m sorry. I can be…tactless at times.”
She snuggled against his chest and murmured, “No, you’re right about taking precautions.”
Pulling away slightly to meet his gaze, she said, “I want to believe no one would really hurt us, but that’s wrong. I need to grow up and accept what’s happening.”
Cradling her cheek, he soothed his thumb across the creamy skin there. It was so soft and smooth, and with his touch, that telltale flush of color crept across her cheeks.
“I imagine you had to grow up fast after your dad disappeared. And it’s okay to believe the best in people.”
“Like you? Should I believe the best in you?” she said, then cupped his jaw, and scraped her thumb across the dimple in his chin and the silvery scar there.
With a rough laugh, he said, “Sometimes people disappoint, but I’ll try my best not to.”
She surprised him then, rising on tiptoes to brush a fleeting kiss across his lips. “Try hard,” she said, and before he could react, she raced to the stairs and bounded up the steps.
He almost couldn’t believe she’d kissed him, but there was the barest hint of cherries on his lips, maybe from the lip gloss she wore.
A young woman’s fun lip gloss. A woman who didn’t need a beat-up, cynical, old thirtysomething warrior like him.
