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KND Freebies: Captivating DANBY SERIES romance boxed set is featured in today’s Free Kindle Nation Shorts excerpt

“Highly recommended for those with a hopelessly romantic heart…”

Escape into these passionate, sweet tales of the triumph of love…

4.9 stars – 7 Reviews
Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled
Here’s the set-up:

Adopted from scattered families into one, five boys became brothers. Together, they learned to leave their pasts behind and focus on their lives ahead. Now men, they are passionate about their jobs, concerned about their fellow man, and looking toward the future. What none of them expect is to have their hearts stolen. But that’s exactly what happens in this five stories.

Note: Each story stands alone, but may be more enjoyable to read in sequence.

5-star praise from Amazon readers:

Loved it!
“I loved the Danby brothers. Each has their own heartwarming story, and you can’t help but fall in love with them–Highly recommended for those with a hopelessly romantic heart.”

Emotional, feel-good stories

“The Danby brothers, although not related by blood, are closer than most siblings. Each story in this set is an emotional, beautifully written tale of love and family and ties than are closer than blood. These stories will move you…”

an excerpt from

Danby Series

by Tess St. John 

 

Copyright © 2014 by Tess St. John and published here with her permission

TYLER

Chapter One

After a lively couple of knocks, Tyler Danby’s back door opened and Faith Whitmore stepped inside the kitchen. Dressed in pink scrubs, she dropped her keys into her purse, set the bag on his white-tiled countertop, and faced him. With her brunette hair pulled back in a ponytail, she looked like a young school girl. “Wanna have sex?”

Tyler choked on his orange juice, the citrus burning his throat. He coughed, tore a paper towel from the roll, and wiped his mouth. “And a good morning to you too.”

“It can be.” Her brown brows lifted flirtatiously.

What was she up to? He scowled at his best friend. “What good would it do for us to have sex?”

“Release a lot of pent up anxiety we both have.”

“Speak for yourself, Faith. I’m fine.” A lie, they both knew it. He hadn’t dated anyone seriously in three years. Pouring out the little juice left, he rinsed the glass, filled it with cold water, and took a sip to help soothe his burning throat.

She propped her hip on his dinette table and continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “And we’re good friends. Who else can someone be intimate with if not their best friend?”

“It’d be awkward.” If there were some way to make yourself attracted to another person, he’d do it for Faith. Although she gave him a hard time about everything, nagged him endlessly, and bossed him around, she was still the sweetest person he’d ever met. Maybe it was because she’d been his partner’s girlfriend before his death, but Tyler couldn’t find any attraction to her.

“How do you know?” she asked. “We’ve never even kissed. Maybe there’s some undiscovered hotness between us.”

“What’s wrong, Faith?” Then he remembered she’d had a date over the weekend. “Something happen on your date?”

“No. Andy was nice, cute, attentive, except I felt no spark. I don’t get the least excited about dates anymore.” In a rare show of emotion, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m sick of missing Sam.”

Guilt assailed Tyler, making his insides cramp. The same guilt he’d suffered and fought since Sam’s shooting.

“Everyone says it’ll get better with time. And it’s true, I don’t miss him every minute anymore, but…” Her voice cracked. She usually kept herself busy between her job, social life, and family. In fact, he’d never seen her break down. But he—better than anyone—knew sometimes nothing eased the loneliness of loss.

He set down his glass and unhurriedly approached where she stood by his dinette. When he got close enough, he swept her into his arms and pulled her close.

At first surprised, her expression quickly changed to an eager smile.

Before his lips dropped to hers, he whispered, “This is a test.”

Her lips were cool, soft, and accepting—not hot, alluring, and tempting as they should have been. He lifted his head. Their eyes met.

She dropped her gaze to his lips. “Deeper, Tyler, let’s make sure.” Neither had felt a thing and doing it again would render the same results, but she’d nag him until he did it. He deepened the kiss, trying to find some flicker of a flame. A faint taste of mint from her mouth clashed with the orange juice he’d been drinking.

She ran her fingers through his hair, and her body pressed fully to his. He didn’t recoil from her touch, but neither did he ignite into heights of pleasure.

He ended the kiss and made a straight line with his lips.

“Thanks, anyway.” She sounded disappointed.

“My pleasure, honey.”

She stilled, and her light brown eyes rounded like another idea popped into that quick brain of hers. “Maybe we should have sex without kissing.”

At his scowl, she laughed. “Just kidding.” She moseyed farther into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of juice from the carton in the fridge and took a sip. “Ugh, pulp. Why did you buy juice with pulp?”

“Because I like it.”

“Blah.”

“You don’t like it, don’t drink it. And for your information, pulp is better for you.”

“Eat an orange. It’s like doing that with all this pulp anyway.”

“Hey, my house, my pulp.” The Roman numerals on his huge kitchen clock read eight o’clock. He needed to be at the office in thirty minutes and her at the hospital in an hour. She usually stopped by two or three mornings a week on her way to work. And since they were key buddies, she always let herself in.

She passed his sink and peeked inside. Her nose scrunched. “Tyler, we need to break you of your caffeine addiction.”

“Here we go. Another lecture.”

“You wake early every morning just to drink coffee. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to stay in bed late?”

With whom? he wanted to ask, but kept his mouth shut. He’d broken up with his last girlfriend shortly after Sam’s death, hadn’t been able to give her everything she needed with his conscience eating a hole through him. “I’m down to two cups a day.”

“Good, now you need to start mixing in caffeine-free.”

“Why?”

“That’s the next step. Mix one-third free with two-thirds laced and the next week, half and half, you get the picture. By the fourth week you’ll be caffeine-free.”

“And walk around like a zombie.”

“Am I a zombie?” The little spitfire tilted her chin up, challenging him.

“You must be the exception to the rule.”

“No, I’m not. I eat tons of sugar to keep me going.”

“Why do you believe caffeine is worse than sugar? Sugar leads to many health prob—”

“Fine, fine, fine.” She held up her hands as if speaking to the ceiling. “Live with a headache the rest of your life if you don’t drink a cup of coffee before the godforsaken hour of six. I’m through nagging you.”

Until the next morning she stopped by and the coffee pot still sat in the sink, they’d more than likely get into a similar discussion, and he’d more than likely lose. “That means I won this one.” He smirked.

“Don’t get smug.”

“I’m sorry, I rarely win with you. I’m thrilled when I do.”

“Don’t get used to it.” She put her glass in the sink. “What are you wearing Friday night?”

“A tux, of course.”

“What color?”

“Is there another color besides black?”

She leaned against the countertop. “I hoped you’d chosen something a bit more stylish. A white coat maybe.”

The only way for her to be pleased with whatever he wore was if she’d gone along and picked his tux out herself. “Black tux, white shirt.”

“Boring.”

He pointed to himself with both thumbs. “I’m never boring.”

“Good Lord, yes you are. You go to bed by ten. You’re up by six—”

“I have to go to bed by ten…” He spoke over her. “To wake up by six.”

She stopped talking and appeared to be considering his words, then shrugged. “I guess you have a point. But your life is too predictable, Tyler. You need some excitement.”

“Like what?”

“The sex I offered you.”

“That was a bust. What else you got?”

She bit her lip. “I’ll need time to come up with something.” Faith waved a hand as if dismissing the thought. “I’m so excited about the benefit. Lots of my friends bought tickets and will be there.”

He nodded. “The fundraising committee called and asked me to give a speech. They want me to explain how I started Men-in-Blue Survivors and give information on the ways Houston families benefit. I’m not sure many people are aware of the scholarships we give out.”

“Sam would be proud his death had a small part in helping so many people.”

His chest tightened. “Yeah, he would.”

“You were such an amazing friend to him. And to me.” She walked over to him, sadness in her eyes. “I’d be lost without you.”

Hugging her tight, he wanted to tell her she’d helped him after Sam’s death as much as he’d helped her, but decided to keep it light instead. “You’re a wildcat in the sack, aren’t you?”

With a final squeeze, she pulled away from him, her eyes now playful. “Want to find out?”

“Hell, yes.”

She hustled toward the back door, snatching her purse off the counter. “I propose it be hot, no fans, no clothes.” She turned the knob, opened the door, and glanced back at him. “And no kissing.”

“Tease.”

“I love you too.” She walked out and shut the door behind her.

He went into his bedroom and grabbed his phone off the nightstand where he’d put it next to his gun. As he checked his phone, the date registered. This Wednesday would be three years since Sam had been killed. No wonder Faith was battling her emotions; she must be dreading the day.

His phone vibrated. “Morning, Jean,” he said after reading his office number.

“Mr. Henchel called. He got your message last night, but is out of town. Which is one reason his wife is cheating on him. How can the man not realize the more he’s out of town, the easier it is for her to stray?” his secretary asked.

An old memory flashed through Tyler’s mind. “His being in or out of town wouldn’t matter. If a spouse wants to cheat, they’ll find a way.” He blinked away the image in his mind. “I’m on my way to the office. Do you want me to pick you up anything?”

Jean hesitated.

“What kind of donuts do you want?” They were bad for the older woman, but she loved them.

“A lemon filled. Only one. Last time you bought half a dozen and I wasn’t able to button my pants the next day.”

“You didn’t have to eat so many.” He chuckled to himself. The woman was a glutton with sweets.

“My generation doesn’t waste food. Only one, Tyler.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Chapter Two

Eleven-thirty Wednesday morning, Faith strode from the radiation room and into the happy yellow hallway with her patient. Recently painted, the corridor seemed luminous now. The man’s daughter rushed toward them as Faith patted Mr. Weber’s shoulder and said, “Don’t dance too much this weekend.”

The eighty-year-old man was a wonder. In treatment for thyroid cancer, he insisted on never missing his senior dances. “You should come Friday night. A pretty young thing like you’d never sit down. There are lots of single rich men who attend.”

All senior citizens. She wasn’t that desperate. Yet.

“She’s taken Friday night.”

She spun toward Tyler’s deep voice, surprised and delighted to see him. She imagined every woman on the planet found him attractive. She certainly did.

Dressed in black slacks and a lavender button down shirt, which couldn’t hide his muscular physique, he looked every bit the handsome private investigator. His short, dark brown hair had a cowlick at the top of his hairline, making a few unruly strands drop over his forehead, even with the gel he used to try to keep it in place.

“You lucky boy,” Mr. Weber said.

“Yes, I am.” He grasped Mr. Weber’s hand. “Tyler Danby.”

“Bill Weber. You’ve got a special girl there, Tyler. I hope you treat her right.”

“I try, sir.”

Mr. Weber waved as he and his daughter walked down the hospital hallway.

“I expected you to stop by my house this morning,” Tyler said softly.

She swallowed hard. “I found myself running late.” A cloud seemed to follow her around this morning. Monday, when she’d explained to Tyler that she didn’t miss Sam every minute anymore, she’d been telling the truth. She was healing, getting stronger, and tried to face each day like the gift it was. However, today, on the anniversary of his death, she’d woken in a melancholy mood, the weight of loss heavy on her heart.

Spying Tyler, she wondered how much he was mourning today. He didn’t appear upset or out of sorts, of course, he never did.

“I finished working a case nearby and figured I’d let you take me to lunch,” he said.

More like he didn’t want her to be alone and reflect too much about Sam—and he probably needed the company too. “I’d love to. I’m expecting one more patient before lunchtime. Can you wait about thirty minutes?”

A high-pitched squeal of laughter pealed down the hallway.

Faith turned to see Randy, a young orderly, pushing Heather in a wheelchair, making it pop a wheelie. “And here she is now.”

Heather, a precious four-year-old, giggled as her wheelchair sped down the corridor. Her head now bald, prior to her treatments for leukemia, beautiful blonde curls framed her tiny pale face and big blue eyes. Faith’s heart gave a thump. Cancer was so unfair—especially when it attacked an innocent child.

Heather’s giggles echoed off the walls. Today she wasn’t hooked up to an IV, and Randy was taking full advantage of her freedom. The orderly carefully brought the wheelchair to a stop in front of Faith and Tyler. “I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”

“Thank you, Randy.” Faith should probably reprimand him for doing wheelies, but she couldn’t. Not with the light shining in the little girl’s eyes. “Heather, I’d like you to meet my friend Tyler.”

Heather smiled at him. “Hi.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Tyler hunched down next to the wheelchair. “Heather is a beautiful name.”

The little girl grinned. “It’s my grandmom’s name.”

“Well, we have something in common. Tyler was my grandfather’s name. Do you realize what that means?”

Heather shook her head.

“We were named after someone special. Which makes us extraordinary.”

Faith watched Heather melt under Tyler’s charms. He’d just met the little girl and already found a way to make her feel special.

“We better get going.” Faith sidled around the wheelchair.

“Delightful to meet you, Heather.” Tyler stood and said to Faith, “I’ll return in thirty minutes.”

Faith smiled, waved, and pushed precious little Heather into the radiation room, realizing the heaviness on her heart had lifted.

Chapter Three

Thursday afternoon, Tyler swiftly entered his office, hurrying out of the rain. “Mr. Henchel’s here,” Jean said softly. She lowered her voice even more when he walked up to her desk. “You know how he looks like he’s pissed all the time?”

With his squinty eyes, Mr. Henchel did appear to always have a headache.

“Well, he seemed even madder than usual when he arrived.”

Tyler dreaded having to give his client bad news. Hated these cases where nine times out of ten when a spouse suspected their partner of cheating, they were.

He yanked off his wet jacket, draping it on the coat rack. His tiny reception area, only big enough for four people, seemed larger since Jean worked a miracle and had gotten eight chairs to fit. This office space was in a prime location in downtown Houston, and since he’d quit the police force and opened this business two years ago, he’d never been without work.

His PI firm did many different investigative jobs, but a lot of cases involved spousal affairs. And he hated them. They reminded him of the day…the day he…the memory flashed again.

The memory, and everything that happened because of it, existed in his past. He’d been a child. And afterward, he’d thankfully been sent to live with Pops, Mimi, and his brothers.

He rubbed his eyes. Time to get this over with.

Opening the door to his office, Tyler found Mr. Henchel standing behind his desk, staring out the window. “My wife confessed last night.” Mr. Henchel’s words sounded cold and distant, yet Tyler sensed his pain. “She’s been having an affair for four years.”

Surprised, Tyler assumed the liaison had recently started when Mr. Henchel hired him a couple of weeks ago.

“She loves him. Says she loves us both.”

Tyler snatched two bottles of water from the tiny fridge behind his oak desk and handed one to Mr. Henchel.

“Thanks.” After a sip, the older man continued, “You married, Danby?”

“No, sir. Never found the right woman.”

“Your life will be simpler if you don’t.”

That’s a no-brainer. Tyler kept his smartass opinion to himself. He let the man talk, sometimes clients needed to vent.

“She wants to try to work it out. Can you believe she even suggested such a thing?”

“What did you say?”

Henchel helplessly shrugged. “I was too much in shock to answer her.”

Tyler sat in one of the visitor chairs facing his desk and Henchel. “First you need to give yourself time to process this news.”

“Then what?”

“Counseling, perhaps.”

“Counseling for three?” Henchel asked sarcastically.

“Every situation is different. First, you need to decide if you want to still be married.”

Henchel closed his eyes.

“Maybe a professional can help,” Tyler said without blurting out the obvious fact that he wasn’t a psychiatrist.

His client glared out the window again. “You were going to give me the same news?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You have photos?”

“I do.”

Henchel faced Tyler. “I don’t want them. If you could keep them on file in case…” The man seemed at a loss for words.

“I will.”

Henchel walked over and offered his hand. Tyler stood and shook it.

“Thank you.” The man left Tyler’s office as if lost in a daze.

A few minutes later, Tyler found himself in the same spot Henchel had been, staring at the fields behind his office. The rain had slowed to a slight drizzle, while the afternoon sun peeked through the clouds. If Mimi were still alive, she’d say, There must be a rainbow somewhere.

At a knock, he turned, surprised when Faith came into his office.

“Hope I’m not interrupting,” she said.

“You’re not.”

She reached into her purse and pulled out a square pink piece of fabric. “Wear this in the pocket of your tux, it matches my dress. I’m working until six tomorrow night, so I’ll meet you at the benefit at seven sharp.”

“Thanks for dropping it by.” He reached out to take the fabric from her.

She clutched his hand. “What’s wrong?”

His first instinct was to say nothing’s wrong, but Faith would know he was lying and badger him until he confessed. He sighed. “No one likes every aspect of their job.”

“No truer words were ever spoken.” She frowned and put the fabric in his hand. “You working another infidelity case?”

He nodded. He’d never told her why he hated these cases.

“Faithful people exist in the world, Tyler.”

“I want to believe you.” But he’d worked on too many cases where one or both spouses were cheating.

“You can. I would never lie to you.”

“Not on purpose, but you must admit JC’s problems don’t bode well for the argument of happily ever after.” His brother, JC, and his wife, Brandy, had been together since they were teenagers. Months ago Brandy left JC a text saying she needed time away and he hadn’t seen her since. Tyler tried to find Brandy, but turned up nothing on her.

“Brandy’s disappearance was bizarre, at best,” she said.

“Yes, and you can’t deny how it’s affected JC.” And not only JC. The whole family had been upset by her leaving. Her abandonment felt like someone in the family had died. His chest gave a twinge. Where was Brandy? Why had she put JC through so much pain? It was uncharacteristic of her to treat JC that way.

“No, I won’t deny JC’s been lost since she left. Even as he gets more and more popular on the music scene, he can’t seem to recover,” Faith agreed.

“He says he’s stuck in limbo until he finds her.”

“Relationships don’t have to be that way.” Her gaze held his for a heartbeat. “Trust me. There are women and men who never cheat on their significant other. Or leave them.”

She was right, of course. Mimi and Pops were prime examples, although in his estimation the kind of love his adopted parents shared was rare. “If it will pacify you, I’ll say I believe you.”

“Good. And that means I win this conversation. I’d like to stay and gloat, but I gotta go. Sabrina is waiting for me in the car. We’re on our way to Zumba class.”

“Thanks for dropping this by.” He tossed the fabric on his desk and followed her to the outer office.

“Great seeing you again, Jean,” Faith said as she passed the other woman’s desk.

“You, too.”

Once outside, the muggy scent, sweet and earthy, assailed Tyler. At least the rain had stopped. He walked Faith to Sabrina’s Honda Civic and opened the passenger door, before leaning inside. “Hey, Sabrina.”

“Hi, Tyler. Ivan and I are looking forward to the benefit tomorrow night.”

“Appreciate you guys coming.”

“We wouldn’t miss it.”

He straightened.

Faith hugged him, her voice stern. “Don’t be late tomorrow.”

“Yes, boss,” he said as he closed the door and they drove off.

Chapter Four

Tyler entered the fiftieth floor ballroom. Huge walls of windows overlooked Houston’s skyline. Tables, set with fine china and crystal, were positioned around a parquet dance floor. Many people had already arrived, most with a glass of bubbly in their hands.

Paul Stewart and his wife Meg were standing near the entrance. Paul, one of the most powerful men in Houston, owned Stewart Oil and Gas. He and Faith had been childhood friends and Tyler was sure she’d asked him to attend.

Tyler shook his hand. “Nice of you to come, Paul. Meg.”

Meg’s perfectly styled hair looked elegant and classy. She smiled. “Anything for Faith.”

Paul spoke to his wife. “If you’ll excuse us, I need to talk shop with Tyler for a second.”

“Of course, dear.”

Paul motioned Tyler to the side of the room. “How’s your PI firm doing?”

“Good. I never want for work. Why do you ask? You need a PI?”

His golden brown hair brushed his collar as Paul shook his head. “No. The head of my security division is retiring in a few months. I wondered if that kind of work might interest you.”

To run security for a major oil company would be a dream job. “That’s quite an opportunity.”

“Well, your cop background and PI experience speaks for itself. I know you’re a stand-up guy. The team is in place, but no one in my employ has your expertise. Why don’t you send me your resume and come in for an interview. You can learn what the job entails and decide if it’s something you’re interested in.”

How could he not be interested? “Thanks for considering me.”

“I’d rather put someone I trust in the position, so this will hopefully help us both.” He held out his hand to Tyler. “I better get back to my wife. By the way, do you know where Faith is?”

A spark of unease ran through Tyler. “She should be here.”

“I haven’t seen her.”

Eager to find Faith, Tyler said, “Excuse me,” and moved on, greeting people as he made his way to where Sabrina and Ivan were standing together holding hands.

“Where’s Faith?” he asked.

A sad expression came to Sabrina’s face. “I don’t believe she’ll make it. One of her patients died today.”

A hammering started in his head. “One she’s had a while?” She got so attached to her patients, especially ones she treated often.

“Three years.”

Christ.

“She left work after she found out. We covered for her.”

“I’m going to check on her.”

Sabrina clasped his arm. “Tyler, she said she wanted to be alone.”

“Being alone is the last thing she needs.” She’d had too much death and tragedy surrounding her. Sam, her patients.

No, she didn’t need to be alone.

He rushed from the ballroom and punched the button for the elevator. He considered taking the stairs, but dismissed the idea since he was on the fiftieth floor.

Speeding through the night, one question plagued him. What would he say to Faith when he saw her? He’d never been good at consoling people, reassuring them everything would be all right.

Once at her apartment door, he knocked.

No answer.

He knocked again.

Still nothing.

He put his ear against the door and heard the drone of the TV. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his keys. Using his key buddy privileges for the first time, he unlocked the door, twisted the knob, and called, “Faith?”

The cozy living room was empty. And she wasn’t in her tiny green kitchen either. He stepped down the hallway toward her bedroom.

“Faith?” Once at the door, his heart hit the floor.

Faith lay on the bed in the fetal position. She was still in scrubs and most of her hair had fallen from the ponytail she wore to work every day. Her eyes were closed, her body shaking.

He approached the black wrought iron bed. “Honey, talk to me.”

“Tyler?” Her voice sounded weak.

“Yes, I’m here.”

She turned her head and stared up at him. Her entire face red, wet.

Why hadn’t he heard her crying?

Jesus. How often did she suffer alone and in silence over the grief surrounding her?

Covering her mouth with a hand, more tears rushed down her face. “I can’t stop bawling.”

He gingerly placed a hand on her back and stroked her spine, not knowing what to say or how to comfort her any other way than his touch.

“One of my patients died today. A thirty-year-old mother of two.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Her parents came with her to her treatments. I can’t imagine what they’re going through.” She sat up and put her back against the headboard. “No one should have to bury their child.”

Tyler moved to sit beside her, and she dropped her head on his shoulder. He picked up her hand and intertwined their fingers, trying in any way to offer consolation.

It didn’t seem to be working, she continued to silently cry. He let go of her hand, slipped his arm around her back, and scooted her crossways onto his lap—cradling her. Once he placed both of his arms around her, she wilted. Seconds later, her sobs filled the room as she cried.

Trying to make her understand that whatever she needed he’d be there, he simply held her. Hearing her cry was a relief to her soundless weeping.

“Do you think God is punishing me?” she asked.

His chest ached. “No, honey.”

“I do.” She buried her face in his neck.

~

Faith couldn’t catch her breath. Sadness consumed her. She felt so alone.

Except she wasn’t.

Tyler was here.

Tyler was here?

She quickly sat up. He was sitting on her bed in a tux. “Shouldn’t you be at the benefit?”

“When you didn’t show, I came to find you.”

“Why?”

“Sabrina told me about your patient. I didn’t want you to be alone.”

She sniffed, her tears seeming to have finally reached an end. She doubted she had any left. “Thank you for checking on me, but you better get back.”

“Not without you.”

Scraggly strands of her hair hung in her face. “I can’t go.”

“Okay, we’ll stay here.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “You have to go.”

“I’m not going without you.”

“It will take me too long to get ready. I’m a mess.”

He kissed her nose, slid out from under her, and stood. Popping the hem of his coat down, he removed the wrinkles. “You can throw any old thing on, honey. I’ll make you look great. Have you gotten a good peek at me?”

With a keen glare, her gaze started at his uncharacteristically well-behaved gelled down cowlick to the tips of his polished shoes. “You are damn fine in that tux.”

~

An hour later, Faith held on to Tyler’s arm as they entered the ballroom. He escorted her over to where Sabrina and Ivan stood. She didn’t miss all the women checking Tyler out.

Ceiling to floor windows on two sides of the room gave a breathtaking view of Houston’s illuminated skyline. Hundreds of people milled about, dressed in formal attire. Most of the women wore cocktail dresses like hers, accessorizing with glittering bling for jewelry. The men were decked-out in tuxes, making each of them dashing and handsome. None more than Tyler.

Along with being undeniably gorgeous in the tux, he was also the total package—kind, attentive, funny. He’d make some woman a great husband if he ever got over his trust issues and decided to date again.

She certainly couldn’t ask for a better friend. If it weren’t for him, she’d still be wallowing over Emily’s death, which would make her think of other patients she’d lost over the years. And Sam. She bowed her head, the loss closing in around her.

Tyler put his arm around her and pulled her close. “You okay?” he whispered.

The pain scurried away. Since arriving at her apartment, he seemed to have a way of soothing her loss. Did he realize how much his presence kept the sadness at bay? She smiled. “Yes, thanks to you.”

A teasing tilt to his lips, he said, “You being here makes this twice in one week that I won a discussion with you. You’re losing your touch.”

“Don’t count on it. Now, what’s a girl got to do to get a drink around here?”

He gave her waist a slight squeeze. “Coming up.” He and Ivan headed toward the bar.

“I didn’t expect you to come.” Sabrina’s lovely emerald green gown matched the color of her eyes. “You were so broken up earlier.”

“Tyler wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Sabrina’s brows rose.

“Don’t go getting the wrong idea. He’s my best friend.”

“You’ve said that many times.”

“Then why the brow hitch?”

Sabrina shrugged. “It’s like you two are perfect for each other. He’s had a lot of loss in his life and so have you.”

“Doesn’t make us good candidates for a relationship.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sabrina, what are you trying to say?”

She waved her hand. “I’ve never had a guy best friend. I don’t understand why you two don’t at least explore the possibility of getting together.”

Not wanting to explain that they’d tried kissing and it didn’t work, she said, “I don’t want to risk our friendship over some affair. I’d be lost without Tyler. He means too much to me.”

Sabrina put her arm through Faith’s. “You’re right. Friendship’s more important.”

Tyler and Ivan came back, drinks in hand, with some members of Tyler’s adopted family following them. It was a sweet story of how Pops and Mimi Danby were foster parents and eventually adopted five boys who were all in the same grade and graduated the same year.

Pops shook hands with every man and complimented every woman. Tyler’s brothers Levi and Brock were with Pops. Absent were JC, who was on a world tour, and Aiden, who lived in Austin.

Faith smiled when she noticed Pops in a white tux coat and black pants. “Now, Pops is a man with style,” she whispered to Tyler as she took her drink from him.

Tyler grinned.

“It’s a shame that style didn’t rub off on you,” she teased.

“He needs style,” Tyler said softly. “I don’t. I’ve got the looks.” His mischievous expression made her laugh.

“Faith, how beautiful you are tonight,” Pops said as he neared. He was tall, with gray hair and handsome blue eyes.

She hugged him. “Thanks.” She greeted the two other brothers and kissed them each on the cheek. “Thank you for coming.”

“We wouldn’t miss it.” Pops clapped Tyler’s shoulder.

A beautiful blonde woman tapped on the microphone positioned on the dance floor. “If I can have your attention.”

“I’ll be back,” Tyler said as he rushed off.

Everyone found seats at the round tables, Faith with Tyler’s family. White and gold decorations gave the room a regal glow, and the chandeliers lighting the room made the crystal vases and glasses sparkle.

Pops had taken the seat to Faith’s left and she left a chair to her right for Tyler. People turned their chairs to face the stage.

After welcoming everyone to the benefit, the woman gestured toward Tyler standing close. “Please join me in welcoming the founder of Men-in-Blue Survivors, Tyler Danby.”

Tyler approached the microphone. “First off, I’d like to thank each of you for being here tonight. I devoted a lot of my time and effort to the Men-in-Blue Survivors and am proud of what the organization has been able to accomplish.” He went on to talk about when Sam and he were Houston police officers and partners. He told of Sam’s shooting, then detailed different programs in place for families of fallen police officers, before he spoke about the scholarships they gave out. Toward the end of his speech, he took a deep breath and looked straight at Faith. “A friend and I were talking about Men-in-Blue Survivors the other day and both of us agreed how happy Sam would be that something positive came from his tragedy.”

She smiled back at him, her heart squeezing in agreement.

“Oh my,” Pops whispered. “Maybe he’s finally getting over Sam’s death. I hope so. Sam would not want him to grieve forever.” He turned to Faith. “He wouldn’t want you to either, dear.”

“No,” Faith reached over and patted Pops’ hand. “No, he wouldn’t.”

Pops was right. She’d mourned Sam, but he wouldn’t want her to grieve forever. A peacefulness spread inside Faith. From her heart to her every cell. Not exactly warmth, something cooler, more refreshing. The only way to describe it was that she felt brightness inside her. Her head, her body, her heart…they were all brighter. Happier. Uplifted.

“Again, thank you for buying the pricey tickets for tonight and for your contributions to a very worthy charity.” Tyler raised his glass of champagne. “Now let’s have a good time.”

Applause broke out.

~

When Tyler returned to Faith and his family, Pops met him first, hugging him tight. The rest of his family and friends rushed him, slapping his shoulder and back, shaking his hand, embracing him.

“Can I have a word?” Pops motioned to the balcony.

“Sure.” Tyler turned toward Faith. “I’ll return shortly.”

“Go,” she said. “I need to talk to Paul and Meg anyway.”

He nodded to her and followed Pops outside. The cool night air was invigorating. From this angle, he spotted the Downtown Aquarium’s Ferris wheel, making the Houston skyline resemble a lit-up carnival.

“I am proud of you, Tyler. Sam would appreciate what you’ve done to help other fallen police officers’ families.”

“I hope so.” Tyler inhaled a deep breath. The air seemed somehow more crisp this high up.

“By your speech tonight, seems you’ve finally put Sam to rest.”

He rubbed his forehead. “It was time.”

Pops nodded. “Past time.” The older man kept staring at Tyler. “If you’ve forgiven yourself for Sam’s death, what’s bothering you, son?”

No sense trying to fool Pops, he’d always been able to tell when any of the boys had something on their minds. “Old memories I can’t shake. They go back to before I came to live with you. Probably the reason I came to live with you.”

“Are you talking about your mother? She couldn’t support you, and I’m sure your life was hell for many years, but she loved you. She still does.”

His chest constricted. “Yes, sir. I never doubted her love.” Tyler turned and gazed out at the lights on the skyscraper to the left. The night that always flashed in his memory did so again. “Mom and I walked in on my dad and another woman.”

Stunned, Pops stilled. “How old were you?”

“Eight. Mom threw our clothes into a garbage bag, and we took off in her car. I never saw my father again. So many bad things happened after we left. We lived in our car, with friends, with men Mom called my uncles. When Mom got arrested for neglect for the fourth time, that’s when I was thankfully sent to you and Mimi. The first night I slept at your house, I went to bed without being hungry for the first time since I could remember.”

Pops put his hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “I wish you’d have told us, son.”

“I couldn’t.” He closed his eyes.

“Well, this sheds new light on why you hate infidelity cases.”

Tyler nodded as Pops squeezed his shoulder and let go.

“I can’t erase your memories, but you’re not your father. Just because you have his genes does not mean you’re anything like him. Any woman would be damned lucky to call you her husband.”

“Thanks, Pops. If I’m a good man, it’s because of you and Mimi and how you raised me.”

“It was a joy, son.” The older man’s blue eyes glistened as Tyler knew his did too. “You should call your mother. She’d love to hear from you.”

“We’re supposed to have lunch next week.” He saw his mother a couple of times a month. She’d never tried to get custody of him after her last arrest for neglect, but Pops and Mimi had invited her to everything important in Tyler’s life. She’d even showed up at the adoption hearing and signed over custody of Tyler, telling him she loved him so much she wanted the very best parents for him, and she believed that to be the Danbys. Years later, she told him she wished they would have adopted her too.

Pops smiled. “Good. Now let’s get back in there or every man in the place will steal a dance with your date.”

“Faith does look great tonight.”

“If only I were a few years younger,” Pops said with a lilt of his brows.

“A few?” Tyler countered.

“Okay, thirty.” Pops started for the doors.

Tyler laughed. “I’ll be in shortly.” He stepped back to the railing. Relief—like a rain—drenched him. After years of holding in the secret, he needed a minute to catch his breath.

Seeing his dad screwing another woman wasn’t what confused Tyler as a child. The horrible things he and his mother survived afterward had. His father sleeping with whomever he chose couldn’t have been worse than living on the streets, in cars, with creepy men. At eight years old, Tyler wanted to move back home where he’d been safe, fed well, and had a comfortable place to sleep.

His mother must have been terrified upending her entire life, and Tyler did suffer scars from the whole incident. More his father’s fault, of course, but a young boy didn’t understand such things.

He tilted his head and glanced heavenward. Again giving thanks Child Protective Services sent him to Mimi and Pops twenty years ago.

Heart lighter—his mind was finally restful, unburdened.

He reentered the ballroom and spotted Faith standing at the side of the room talking to Paul and Meg. Faith noticed him and waved toward the dance floor.

He took inventory of her as he walked toward the others dancing. She’d pinned her hair up with a few curly strands falling to her neck. The pink dress hugged her petite body and stopped well short enough to enjoy her shapely legs. Simply beautiful.

The DJ played a slow song as they met on the dance floor. He held out a hand to her, tugged her close, and began dancing.

“Sam would have loved your speech.”

Tyler hoped so. “He deserves to be remembered. And I know it’s hard to remember and not mourn.”

“It’s getting easier.” She smiled.

He leaned closer, wanting Faith to understand he sympathized with what she was dealing with. “And I’m sorry for your loss today.”

“Me too.” They settled into an easy sway of their bodies. “And you were right.”

“About what?” he asked. “I’ve been right so much lately.”

“You are hot in that tux.”

He whispered in her ear, “I’ll let you in on a little secret.”

“What?”

“As good as I look, I can’t compare to you. You are smoking in that dress.”

She dramatically winked. “I try.”

Chapter Five

Faith entered through Tyler’s kitchen door. Since it was Saturday, he hadn’t expected her to drop by this morning. In jeans and a Betty Boop T-shirt, her brown hair softly curled on her shoulders. She didn’t need makeup, her skin always appeared fresh and flawless, but she’d applied a subtle layer, and her lips were glossy.

“Coffee smells good,” she said.

First time he’d ever heard those words from her lips. She usually went on and on about how he needed to quit. “You want a cup?”

“We both know I can’t touch the stuff. I already ping off the walls. I don’t want to add hitting the ceiling because of caffeine.”

He grinned. “I’d like to see that.”

She marched toward him, her steps purposeful, and didn’t stop until she stood scant inches from him. Lifting to her tip-toes, she kissed his cheek. “I need to thank you for last night.”

She smelled of grape something, sweet and tangy.

Was the smell coming from her glossy lips?

Suddenly, he needed to find out.

But this is Faith. My best friend.

His mind swam for a second. What had they been talking about? She’d thanked him for something. “You’re welcome.”

“I didn’t thank you yet.” Her eyes met his, her inner light shining in their depths.

Trying to hide his unexpected, jarring reaction to her nearness, he said, “Well, get on with it. I’ve got dozens of things to do today.”

A curl dropped to cover her eye. Before he realized what he was doing, Tyler brushed the hair back. He’d touched her so much yesterday, it seemed natural now.

With that one touch, unexpectedly his body awakened. Everywhere.

This is new.

He ignored his body and focused on her.

“Thank you for not letting me wallow last night. I had a great time at the benefit.”

“I had a good time too.” But what he’d witnessed at her apartment bothered him. “How often do you, for lack of a better phrase, break down like you did last night?” Please don’t let it happen often. He hated the thought of her silently crying alone.

“Not often anymore. Right after Sam’s death I couldn’t control my emotions well, but eventually I ran out of tears. Only happens every once in a while now.”

“I want you to call me next time. Let me help you.”

“Sometimes I want to be alone.”

“You can be alone with me there with you.”

She smirked. “I wouldn’t be alone.”

“Promise me,” he said sternly. Why hadn’t he noticed her plump and glossy lips before? Why hadn’t he seen their appeal? Was the grape scent coming from them?

Heart racing, he took a step to close the gap between them. “Promise me.”

“I promise.”

How could she look so innocent and sexy at the same time?

Unable to stop himself, he reached out and rubbed her jaw with the back of his hand. Lightning shot through his body. Air left his lungs, thankfully not in a whoosh. He forced himself to inhale normally, barely controlling his breathing. His body had never felt so alive. “This is a test.” He leaned down and kissed her.

Startled, she gripped his shirt.

Keeping the kiss light, he only pressed his lips to hers.

She returned the pressure and looped her arms around his neck.

He took the kiss deeper, hotter, wetter. She tasted of refreshing grape soda.

Whereas less than a week ago he was totally unaffected by her kiss, now he burned. Hot didn’t begin to describe the kiss—more than passion existed between them—a trust they had built over the last five years. Especially the last three since Sam’s death.

She braced her hands on his chest and broke the kiss. “Tyler, wait.”

He tried to control his ragged breathing. “What?”

For an instant, they stared at one another.

~

Desire consumed Faith. She wanted him.

She wanted Tyler.

When did this happen?

“I can’t make love to you,” she said.

“I realize it’s been a long time for you, but I’ll show you what to do.”

She laughed and slapped his chest. “How dare you. I could teach you a few things.”

His brows rose in a playful tease. “Teach me. I’m eager to learn.”

“No. I mean it. We can’t. I refuse to lose you as a friend.”

“You’re not going to lose me, honey.”

“Even if we do this?”

“Even if.” He backed her against the cabinets and kissed her hard. A spark in her stomach spread like wildfire through her. She held on to him, never wanting his mouth to leave hers. His heat overwhelmed her. He gently raised the t-shirt she was wearing, the backs of his hands brushing her skin.

“Shouldn’t we talk about this?” she asked.

“Talk about what?”

“This. What we’re fixing to do.”

“I’m going to strip you naked, and we’ll go from there.”

She giggled. “Tyler.”

He tugged the shirt over her head and let it fall to the floor. For seconds, he stared at her bra and jean clad body. “God, you’re beautiful.”

Thousands of firecrackers popped inside her.

He knelt and kissed her stomach. His hands went to the button on her jeans. He gazed up at her with a sultry grin, as if asking permission. His trusting dark eyes, so familiar, were different—more lively—with the look of hunger she’d never seen in them before.

She expected shyness or at least wariness to overwhelm her, but it didn’t. Her trust in Tyler was absolute, even in this new direction their relationship was taking. She bobbed her head.

With a wink, he unbuttoned her jeans and dragged the zipper down. Slowly, he slipped the denim down her legs, and she kicked them away. Tyler stopped and took in the sight of her body again.

Now only in bra and panties, his gaze scorched her. She ran her hands through his hair and brought his face closer to her body.

He kissed her bellybutton. “Take off the rest,” he said, his voice low, intense.

“Is that anyway to ask a woman to do something?” she reprimanded.

Helplessness in his tone, he said, “Blame it on the lack of blood left in my brain.”

She laughed. “I guess I have to forgive you for that.”

“You better since you’re the reason.”

After unhooking her bra and tossing it aside, she shimmied out of her undies.

Tyler sat back against the cabinet door. Simply staring at her.

“Aren’t you—”

He quickly rose to his feet and covered her mouth with this. The kiss consumed her. “Give me a minute, honey.” His gaze roamed over her, each and every inch.

Her legs weakened. “I’m going to fall.”

He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He didn’t have much furniture, only a four poster bed, one nightstand, and a bookcase filled with books, framed pictures, and a television. She noticed a photo of Tyler and Pops at a Texans football game.

Once he set her on the bed, Tyler ripped his shirt over his head and shucked off his jeans. She forgot about the room and everything in it, except Tyler. Stunning, from his muscular legs to his formed pecs, his body was sculpted like a god’s. Her hands fisted, wanting to touch him.

Stretching out beside her, he gently lifted her chin. Their gazes met. “This is new for us.”

She nodded. “New and wonderful.”

“That’s what I needed to hear.” He kissed her for the longest time. Fitting their lips every which way possible, drawing out her need. Then he began a journey of exploration. His lips and hands traveled her entire body, setting off sparks inside her. She lost herself in the haze of passion. Encouraging and craving his every touch. His every move.

Heavens, the man knew what he was doing. She hovered, ready to combust while he continued to pleasure her.

Suddenly, fireworks exploded inside her. “Oh, Tyler.” Her back arched off the bed and shiver after shiver shook her. The quivering of her body released more and more sensation until she believed she would faint.

“Yes,” Tyler said softly as he crept up her body.

She reached for him, but he grabbed her hands.

“I want to touch you,” she said.

“Another time. I need you too badly.” He kissed her. “Should I get a condom?”

“I’m on the pill.”

Lifting himself over her, he looked down at her with tenderness, love, and was that devotion in his eyes?

She ran a hand to his nape and pulled his head down for a kiss. With trust, confidence, and every bit of her soul, she offered herself to him.

As their bodies became one, he continued to kiss her, setting alight more bursts inside her. He kissed her eyes closed. “My Faith.” He nipped at her ear. “My Faith.” He ran his tongue along her neck. “My Faith.”

“You feel so good,” she whispered.

Her words broke the dam holding back his passion. His body stroked hers quicker, lusciously.

He kissed his way to her ear. “God. You, me, this, us…”

How could he talk, she couldn’t utter anything more than a moan.

He stopped and looked down at her with passion-filled eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she mouthed.

A triumphant gleam in his brown eyes, his body took hers again, starting another erotic storm to rain through her. She tensed, blasts igniting everywhere inside her.

His groan of satisfaction followed hers.

Their heavy breathing mingled. He tried to move off of her, but she held him around the waist—never wanting him to leave. “Not yet.”

He leaned down and kissed her neck, settling atop her. “Fine by me.”

~

Later, they were each on a pillow facing each other.

How had they ended up here? Together. It was crazy insane, but nothing in Tyler’s life ever felt so right, so good. She’d been responsive, passionate—everything he dreamed the love of his life should be. He ran his fingers through her silky hair, still surprised she was here, next to him, in his bed.

Faith traced one of his eyebrows with her finger. “When did this happen between us, Tyler?”

He ran a hand over her hip. “I never considered you and me together before you traipsed in my door this morning. The past week you’ve been on my mind constantly, and when I looked at you today, it was like I truly saw you for the first time…” He leaned over and kissed her. “I realized how gorgeous you are. How damn sexy. I couldn’t think about anything but being with you. I had to feel you. Taste you.”

She scooted closer to him. “Me too. God, I’ve never experienced anything so perfect.”

“Sparks?” he asked, remembering how she had no sparks with the guy she’d gone out with.

“Sparklers, fireworks, rockets.” She smiled. “Why do you think this happened now?”

“We needed time to get over Sam’s death.”

“I guess so.” She sighed. “The other night at the benefit, Pops said Sam wouldn’t want you or me to grieve forever. I had known that for some time, however, someone actually saying the words out loud finally made them real. A calmness overtook me.”

“Yeah, Pops has a way. He said something similar to me.” Tyler exhaled loudly. “For years I’ve not only mourned Sam, I was also eaten with guilt over his death.”

“Guilt?”

“I should’ve been with him.”

She scowled. “You were sick in a hospital bed. You couldn’t have stopped that drug addict from shooting him. Sam’s death wasn’t your fault.”

He gripped her hand and kissed the palm. “It took me a long time to realize that.”

“All you had to do was ask me. I’d have told you.”

“I wouldn’t have believed you. I needed time to work it out on my own.”

“You should’ve told me, Tyler.” She rested her head on his chest.

“I need to explain something else to you.” He told her about how he and his mother caught his father with another woman, and the horrible way they’d lived afterward.

The entire time she held quiet, her fingers rubbing his chest.

“So, it’s not just the infidelity cases I’ve worked that have tainted my belief in a happily ever after.”

“You poor dear,” she said.

He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. “As long as we’re together, I vow never to cheat on you.”

“And I promise to be faithful to you.”

“Paul Stewart more or less offered me a job last night. I’m seriously considering taking it.”

“Oh?” She leaned up on her elbow, her hair spilling around her face. He brushed it back over her shoulder.

“Yeah, I would run the security for Stewart Oil and Gas. Some time away from PI work might be good for me.”

“I think so too.” Her smile beamed all the way to his soul. “I hate to bring this up at a time like this, but I was right.”

“Oh, really?” He squinted at her. “What do you think you were right about this time?”

“The other morning when I said who else can someone be intimate with if not their best friend.”

“You were correct.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “And you were right about something else.”

“Well, I’m right a lot.” She smirked.

“But you don’t know what I’m talking about, do you?”

“You must forgive me. I’ve been ravished by the most handsome, gifted lover. He’s scrambled my brain.”

Tyler grinned. “Gifted lover?”

“And handsome.”

“This is very unlike you. You’re full of compliments.”

She smiled. “I’ve had a really good morning.”

He chuckled. “So have I.”

“You were telling me how right I was about something.”

“Oh, yes.” He tugged her closer, loving the softness of her skin, the sweetness of her scent. “You were right…there was definitely undiscovered hotness between us.”

Epilogue

Tyler opened the passenger side car door and Faith slid inside. It was time for Sunday lunch at Pops’. The air was cool, the sun high, a perfect fall day.

Over the last four months, he and Faith had basically been living together. She still paid rent on her apartment, although most of her furniture and all her clothes were at his house. He loved having her with him. The world seemed brighter with her in his life.

He’d guessed this kind of love existed—witnessed the dedication with Pops and Mimi—but never hoped he’d be lucky enough to find a woman who made him deliriously happy. And Faith did make him happy, when she wasn’t driving him absolutely insane. She was no different than she’d always been, loving, sweet, bossy, and perfect for him.

And she gave him plenty of reasons not to get out of bed at the hour of six to drink his morning cup of coffee.

Dressed in a skirt and sweater, Faith held his hand as he drove. “What a lovely day,” she said.

When he turned a corner going in a different direction from Pops’ house, Faith sat up straight in the passenger seat. “Aren’t we going to Pops’?”

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