hometown, he finds it not long after he arrives. The independent and defensive Harper Presley was just the woman to break through Garrek’s determined exterior. I love this couple because they both believed they knew what was best for their lives and their future, without even considering that the answer might actually mean they should be together.
The citizens of Temptation are also back and nosier than ever as they wait to see if yet another Taylor finds love in their tight-knit town. I am so in love with this series and these families. I cannot wait for you to visit with them and fall in love one more time.
Happy reading,
A.C.
Contents
“We have another bid! Going once. Going twice. Going...three times, and it’s gone! Sir, you’re our lucky winner!”
Garrek heard the applause behind him and turned to see what was going on. The room wasn’t large—it included a dance floor in the center and a homemade bar setup in the corner, where he’d quickly found a seat. But Garrek was not comfortable at this moment, as he noticed the gaze of every person in the room was now on him.
“Come on up here and claim your prize!” a short man with his hair parted and gelled down to the side announced into the microphone he was holding.
The crowd clapped and cheered, stepping aside until a walkway had been formed, starting where Garrek sat at the bar and ending at the two steps that led to the stage.
“Come on. Don’t be shy. Your prize is waiting!” the man continued.
Garrek had no idea what he’d won, because he hadn’t entered any contest. All he’d done was follow the crowd that had been heading into this old building because they’d looked excited about coming in here. And when he’d seen the sign on the door that read Cash Bar, Garrek had felt a wave of relief. He’d needed a drink. He didn’t want one, because each time he swallowed his favorite rum, he remembered the night that he knew would haunt him for the rest of his life. But he needed it. That was a simple fact.
It had been a long week, one he was still wondering how he’d survived. His career was on the line, and after two Cuba libres, his mouth was still dry. He’d just held up his hand to signal the bartender when the man on the stage began to speak.
“He’s a handsome one, too,” a woman said. She had pushed through the crowd and stopped right in front of him. “Nice body and everything.”
The last was said as she lifted small hands and pressed them firmly, front and center, on his chest.
“Harper, you let me know if you need any help with this one.” The woman spoke over her shoulder, as her hands squeezed his pectorals.
Garrek was wearing a white T-shirt that fit him snugly, a fact that the woman who looked to be in her midsixties seemed to enjoy.
“I’m Connie, and I’d be happy to escort your fine self up to the stage.”
Before Garrek could decline her offer, Connie, with her cap of silver hair and no more than five-foot stature, was right beside him, lacing her arm through his and holding on tight. She wore a pale-green-and-white polka-dot dress, and a huge white flower was pinned close to her left shoulder. Her grin was wide as she looked up at Garrek, and when he continued to stare down
