Josie Sullivan’s been trying to forget Nash Riley since he left her eight years ago. Now he’s back for a second chance. Does she dare trust him with her heart again? For eight years, Josie Sullivan has managed to keep memories of Nash Riley buried in the past. When he moves into the apartment above her bakery, she doesn’t know how the hell she can keep her distance when she runs into him every time she turns around. Especially when she realizes her traitorous heart never let him go. Nash made the mistake of leaving Josie behind, and now she won’t give him the time of day. Buying the building that houses her business seemed like a good plan to win her back, but Josie refuses to believe he’ll stick around. Seeing her every day becomes pure torture as she stubbornly maintains the defensive walls she built when he left. Somehow he must find a way to make her believe this time is forever. EXCERPT: Ignoring the surprise in the older sister’s eyes, he moved around to the side entrance so he could speak more privately with Josie. Tessa moved with him and blocked his way into the booth. “Leave her alone.” Nash spoke around her. “Can we talk?” “No,” Tessa snapped. Josie laughed without facing him. “Oh, now you want to talk?” She picked up a knife and slit a pumpkin pie in half with one sure stroke. Probably wished it was his gut. Or lower. Judging by Tessa’s glare, she wouldn’t stop her, either. Lora had returned her attention to their paying customers after depositing his hundred in the cash box. Tessa crossed her arms over her chest. “You need to leave.” His stubborn streak took a defensive stand. “I’m waiting on my pie.” “I got this,” Josie tossed over her shoulder. “But I thought you were going to—” Tessa broke off when Josie whipped her head around to meet her gaze. With obvious reluctance, the second oldest Sullivan moved back to the counter to help take orders. He stepped inside the booth as Josie’s attention returned to the table in front of her. She spun the pie a quarter turn and sliced again as she accused, “You’re only eight years too late, Nash.” “You’re right.” Her hand wavered, then continued its motion with a swift jerk. He heard the cringe-inducing screech of aluminum on steel as the knife powered straight through the pie tin. “Well, good for me. You’re one hell of a selfish sonofabitch, you know that?” He didn’t deny it. Even though he knew he’d made the right decision back then, he’d screwed up the execution. “I was hoping we could sort this out like adults.” She finished cutting the pie, then turned toward him, knife raised between them. Her smile was cold and nasty as she stepped closer. He took an involuntary step back and felt the side wall of the booth against his shoulder blades. “As opposed to the coward you used to be?” She was right about that, too, but that six inch knife in her hand was making him more nervous than the conversation they needed to have. “I, ah, had my reasons.” “Too bad you couldn’t explain them in person back when it actually mattered. Or even over the phone the one time you bothered to call.” She shortened the distance between them to less than a foot, putting the tip of that knife about three inches from the underside of his chin. Sonofabitch, she’d changed all right. Feisty. Unforgiving. ~~~ To everything there is a season... Love finds a way during the four seasons in the Romancing Wisconsin Series. Starting with Christmas/Winter, then moving on to the rest of the seasons, check out this bestselling, heartwarming series set in small town Wisconsin, where hope springs eternal for each happily ever after. Sexy military heroes, runaway brides, surprise babies, single parents—meet the Rileys, the Walshes, and best of all, Butch...a.k.a. Santa Butch. The mischievous matchmaker makes a cameo in each story—adding a touch of magic to the lives of everyone he loves, and even those he's just met. Romancing Wisconsin Series Mistletoe Mischief Mistletoe Magic Mistletoe Match-Up Mistletoe Rules – short bonus story Autumn Wish Autumn Bliss Autumn Kiss Autumn Glimmer – short bonus story Spring Fling Spring Serendipity Spring Dreams Spring Spark – short bonus story collections romance, back in town a small town series, Loving the CEO, Heartwarming Romance series, small town romance series, steamy romance, sexy millionaire romance, alpha male romance, runaway bride romance, high school sweethearts, second chance romance, Santa matchmaker, Wisconsin author, Wisconsin romance, fans of Hallmark movies, CEO, contemporary romance, books set in Wisconsin
