There’s nothing wrong with a harmless little crush, right?

And who better to crush on than the gorgeous man next door?

The one who would never look twice in my direction.

Except he does.

The first time he pins me in place with his dark gaze, I’m rendered speechless.  The first time he lays his hands on me, I melt.  And the first time he takes me, well…I fall to pieces, wondering if I’ll ever be the same again.

Everything about him screams danger.

And yet I’d be lying through my teeth if I didn’t admit that was part of the attraction.

Chicago is supposed to be a new beginning for me.  A chance to find my bearings and live again.  The man next door is the last person I should be getting involved with.

And yet, here I am.

A moth dancing too close to the flickering flame, hoping I don’t get torched.

Protecting What's Mine was created by Jennifer Sucevic, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author. 

Protecting What's Mine

Instead of blushing and feeling embarrassed, I simply smile.  "I like your flowers."


She gives me another sassy wink.  "You let me know when you're ready to get up close and personal, honey."


Grabbing our drinks, we turn away from the bar, each of us taking a big sip before surveying the crowd on the dance floor.  The friends Chloe showed up with tonight have already disappeared into the throng.


Once we've finished our cocktails, Chloe grabs my hand and pulls me through a mass of gyrating bodies until we locate her friends.  And then, just like before, I happily give myself over to the pulsing beat of the music.  The DJ continues spinning records, one upbeat song bleeding into the next.  I have no idea how long we stay out there.  After a while, one of Chloe's guy friends gets between us, and the three of us dance together.  His hands are on my hips.  Chloe is behind him.


Chapter 16: Grace