A car wreck leaves Ryan with a facial scar he believes people find unsightly. But not Sean, a smiling tattoo artist who doesn't judge a book by its cover.<br><br>Sean manages to find the beauty in everyone, including gruff and defensive Ryan. He refuses to be put off by the hard mask behind which Ryan hides. But convincing Ryan to open his heart is proving to be quite a challenge.<br><br>When someone from Ryan's past offers him what he wants most in the world, Ryan has a decision to make. Which voice will he listen to --?? his heart or his head?

His Scar

“I was just teasing you,” he murmurs against my lips, rubbing his nose on mine as he stares at me. I expect to feel the familiar embarrassment that always forces me to hide my face in his neck, but it doesn’t come. So I allow him to stare. “To be honest, I didn’t think I would ever hear you say those words.”


I grunt and wrinkle my nose. “Do you realize you’re totally destroying my courage?”


“Actually, I want to tell you how proud I am of you. I know how much effort you made for me and it makes me so happy. Unfortunately, sometimes words aren’t enough…and it isn’t only with words that you made an effort. You made love with me. You gave yourself to me and you’re letting me lookat you. All of you. Inside and out. It’s like suddenly something’s given you the strength to come out of your shell. It’s like you’re no longer afraid of…love. I’m sorry, but it still seems strange to me, you know?”


Chapter 38