Nate No one escapes their reputation in a small town, and I’m the poster child for that. Five years ago I earned the title of Darling Creek’s spoiled brat, aimless flake, and the guy who stood up one of the town’s favorite sweethearts. I’ve changed, put down roots, and now I run a successful downtown business. And I’m ready to settle down. It’s just too bad the one woman I’m meant to be with is attached to someone else … until she’s not. When passions ignite, I soon learn Meredith’s needs run counter to my instinct to be gentle with her. But how can I be anything but as tender with her as she deserves? Meredith As a reporter in a small town, my job is my whole world—until one day my life is turned upside down in a way I’m not prepared for. Unexpectedly, the man who makes me coffee suddenly becomes my support system, my partner, and my passionate protector. He swears he’s never leaving my side, but what he doesn’t understand is I need him to do things to me … a certain way. More importantly, does he understand what it means to take on a girlfriend whose baby isn’t his? What will people say?

AlexNo reporter has ever busted my balls quite like Jessica at the Darling Creek Daily News. As a tech billionaire who takes calls from CNN regularly, that’s saying something. She makes me sweat. I can’t stop thinking about her, and I don’t know how to walk the fine line between professional and personal. so I’m just going to go all in and be clear about what I want. All my money and success mean nothing to me if I can’t share it with her. JessicaA tech titan is taking over my town, and I don’t like it. Perfect angle for a news story, right? There’s just one problem. Despite relishing the idea of holding a powerful man’s feet to the fire, I find myself drawn to by his smile, dreamy eyes and overwhelming presence. I know better than to cross that line. Besides, the entire town is watching every move he makes. If I step over that line, it could be the end of my career. His sneaky generosity is testing my resolve, however. I might just have to kiss the bejeezus out of him, and let people say what they will about me.