Amy Porter has had a thing for her twin brother’s best friend since she was a teenager. After being considered “one of the boys” throughout her childhood, he’s the first guy to look at her and see past the tomboy she used to be. Unfortunately, he’s also completely off-limits. She does her best to move on as the years go by, but it’s not until her life takes a drastic turn that she finally accepts the fact that they aren’t meant to be. However, as her world crumbles around her, Nate always seems to be close by to help her pick up the pieces.
Nate Miller knows that Amy is the one girl he can never have. No matter how badly he wants her, he won’t risk destroying his friendship; especially when her brother goes overseas with the Marines and makes Nate promise to look out for her. As life continues to get in the way and keep them apart, the only logical choice is to give up… but giving up is the last thing he wants to do.
With so many obstacles stacked up against them, can they make it or are they headed for a breakdown?
I stare down at the pitcher of lemonade, stirring it excessively as I gear myself up to ask the one question I really want the answer to. As casually as possible I ask, “Is there anyone… special… in your life?”
Sneaking a sideways glance in her direction, I watch her body tense briefly before she shakes her head slowly. “I don’t have much of a social life these days. Between Sadie and teaching, I barely get a moment to myself.” Her mouth curves into a lackluster smile, but there’s sadness etched in her features. “Besides, most men aren’t interested in dating a single mom with zero free-time.”
I want to kick myself for asking. As relieved as I am to know that she’s not seeing anyone, my chest aches to think of Amy being lonely or unhappy. And does she seriously believe that having a child makes her any less desirable? I’d like to beat the crap out of whoever put that ridiculous idea in her head, because it couldn’t be further from the truth. Child or not, Amy is gorgeous and remarkable, and Sadie only adds to that. Any guy would be lucky to have them. Both of them.
“You just haven’t found the right one.” I lean forward, holding her gaze. “None of that matters to a real man.”
This Time Around and Break Away, companions to Breakdown
This Time Around
Break Away
Ellie Grace is an avid reader, chocolate lover and caffeine addict. When a story popped into her head that she couldn’t seem to shake, she decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a writer. When she’s not writing, she’s usually curled up with a book by one of her many, many favorite authors.
