Dearly Beloved

Life isn't about the journey; it's about who said they were "there" for you. And proved it.

When you're damaged, people tend to handle you with kid gloves. Excuse, normally inexcusable, behavior. That, coupled with complex PTSD and panic disorder, and life isn't a highway. It's a rollercoaster. Renée Sutton wants off the ride. She's ready to conquer her past. Become a healthier version of herself. Move on. Literally. Like, road trip-style. If only her friends and adoptive brother would allow her, her self-discovery. Alone.

Christopher Clark wants his best friend's sister. He's wanted Renée for years. When Drew suggests they accompany her on an impromptu road trip, of course, he's on board. Even if he isn't exactly invited. Her birth family could be anybody capable of anything. He won't allow any more distance between them. She doesn't know it yet, but she's his. To irritate. To protect. And his to love. He'll fight his friends. Her friends. Even Renée herself, to claim what's his.

Renée wants nothing to do with Chris. He's conceited. A playboy. The town bicycle. She's not riding that ride. Her childhood crush is another thing she's leaving in the past-if he'd just leave her alone. But, there he is. At every turn. With intensity she's never experienced before. Is this a ploy to get her into bed? Or can she trust him? Take him at face value before a long-lost relative demonstrates the literal meaning of, "Blood is thicker than water."