A passion to believe in
Lexia Daniels canât deny that her caféâs most loyal customer is as tempting as any of the delicious treats she bakes. Burned by a bitter divorce, she tries to keep her desire in check around Khalil Gray, but the gorgeous ex-model is intent on seduction. Then a devastating accident reveals the complicated man behind the perfectly sculpted body... A man she canât seem to resist.
At first, Khalil sees Lexia as a sexy challenge. But after an explosion shatters his world, she becomes the only person he canât seem to push away. And every sign around him is telling him he needs her close. Khalil is happy to explore their erotic chemistry as long as it means resisting real emotion. But playing by his old rules could cost him the love he never thought heâd find...
She stopped at the door and sent him a text. A moment later, it swung open. She did her best to keep her eyes focused on his face and not the corded muscles of his arms and chest visible beneath the sleeveless tee. Then again, with his newly trimmed mustache and beard, long eyelashes, and golden-brown-sugar eyes, his face was just as much a visual treat as the rest of his body.
Khalilâs low chuckle snapped her out of her thoughts. âCome on in.â
He backed up just enough so that when she passed their bodies brushed against each other, the contact sending a jolt of awareness through her. Lexia stifled a moan. Halfway across the room, she turned around and noticed him standing with his back braced against the door, arms folded. She angled her head. âWhat?â He straightened and came toward her with the grace of a panther and she unconsciously took a step back.
Khalil stroked a finger down her cheek. âI didnât get my hello kiss.â
Before Lexia could blink, his mouth came down on hers, hot and demanding.
Dear Reader,
If youâve kept up with the Gray siblings so far, you know that Khalil Gray is the most laid-back of the five, and Iâll admit to being surprised by some of the things he revealed to me. But his easygoing manner is going to be put to the test, as well as his claim that there isnât a woman alive to make him give up his single status. Lexia Daniels isnât eager to lose her heart either, but life and love donât always play by our rules, as theyâll soon find out. I hope you enjoy their journey because I sure did!
As always, I so appreciate all your love and support. Without you, I couldnât do this.
Much love,
Sheryl
Website: www.SherylLister.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/SherylListerAuthor
Twitter: Twitter.com/1Slynne
SHERYL LISTER has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Sheâs been nominated for an Emma Award and an RT Reviewersâ Choice Best Book Award, and named BRABâs 2015 Best New Author and 2016 Breakout Author and Black Pearls Magazineâs 2017 Author of the Year. When sheâs not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-size desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-love, and grandmother to two very special little boys. Visit her website at www.sheryllister.com.
For DeAnna Swope, because youâre amazing!
Acknowledgments
My Heavenly Father, thank you for my life. You never cease to amaze me with Your blessings!
To my husband, Lanceâyou continue to show me why youâll always be my #1 hero!
To my children, family and friendsâthank you for your continued support. I appreciate and love you!
A huge thank you to Thomas Swope, Jr. and DeAnna Swope for providing me with a small glimpse of the Deaf Community. Your help was invaluable! DeAnna currently serves on the Deaf Anti-Violence Board in Georgia, is a case manager at Avita Community Partners, and was recognized as one of the 2016 Rising Stars: Black and Deaf Inspirations as a leader in the community.
To my Club N.E.O. sistersâI love you ladies!
A special thank you to the readers and authors Iâve met on this journey. You continue to enrich my life.
Thank you to my editor, Patience Bloom, for your editorial guidance and support.
A very special thank you to my agent, Sarah E. Younger. I appreciate you more than words can say.
Chapter 1
âWhat the hell do you mean they were charged twice?â Khalil Gray stopped in his tracks. He met the disapproving glare of a grandmotherly woman and offered up a tight smile. Lowering his voice, he repeated the question.
âI have no idea,â Felicia McBride answered. The twenty-six-year-old college student worked as the assistant manager at his fitness center, Maximum Burn. âThereâve been four calls since you left, with members saying their accounts were debited twice this month. Theyâve already been corrected, but I have no idea why it happened in the first place.â