One to Love

Is she the only woman for him?

Nothing is going to keep Belinda Toussaint from her goal of starting a horse-riding camp for kids who need a fresh start, which means teaming up with the man who’s been hired to help turn her vision into reality. But soccer legend Jesse Santiago is as arrogant as he is irresistible. Giving in to the passion igniting between them could head Belinda straight for heartbreak.

After a devastating injury ended his pro sports career, Jesse’s ready for a major change. The job as head contractor on this innovative project could be the new beginning he craves. It took courage for Belinda to break away from her family’s media empire and follow her own ambitions. Now Jesse intends to be true to himself, as well. But when his past threatens to sabotage his future with Belinda, will he be able to convince her that they share the same dream of being together forever?

“The kiss...?” Jesse wound the towel in his hand. Worry creased his brow.

“I’d say it was a 9.25.”

“Huh!”

She explained in a lighthearted tone, “Technique was good—”

“Good?” He shook his head. “You were moaning as soon as our lips touched. That’s more than good.”

“Fine. Excellent. Delivery exceptional. Follow-through...didn’t really maximize.”

“Not my fault. You were the hungry one.”

“And no follow-up. No information on what to do for a repeat performance.” Belinda licked her lips. Even though she teased, she did expect him to play to his bad-boy image. Instead, he was the perfect gentleman.

“Well...I’ll take that under advisement.” He paused as if considering the situation. “I didn’t want to have to hope that you wouldn’t kick me off the job.”

She shook her head. Obviously, their tentative approaches dampened the impulse to go after what they both had felt. Well, she didn’t need a do-over. Simply a continuation would suffice.

Dear Reader,

I hope all is well with you and yours. I’ve had a wonderful time digging further into the Meadows family and discovering the strength and pride that infuses this family. Cousins can be as close as blood sisters, maybe even to enjoy better relationships.

One to Love is the continuation of the celebration of family. I believe that we all need a supportive group of individuals as we journey through life. People who will love and counsel us. As we receive those gifts and blessings, we should share those gifts with others.

Think about those positive sisterly bonds that have given you strength and shaped you into the person you are and will continue to become. Now, pick up the phone and give that person(s) a call, jump in your car and go visit, or book a flight and go celebrate. Tomorrow isn’t promised.

Live life to the fullest.

Peace,

Michelle

One to Love

Michelle Monkou

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MICHELLE MONKOU became a world traveler at the age of three, when she left her birthplace of London, England, and moved to Guyana, South America. She then moved to the US as a young teen. Michelle was nominated for the 2003 Emma Award for Favorite New Author, and she continues to write romances with complex characters and intricate plots.

Visit her website for further information at michellemonkou.com, or contact her at [email protected].

To sisters everywhere and to those who may not share the genes, but still share those bonds.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Copyright

Chapter 1

“One more, Jesse. Come on. Concentrate!”

Jesse gritted his teeth, grabbed the handgrips and grunted out five more leg presses. After the last push, he swore into the exhalation. Pain from no single source exploded throughout his legs. His back ached, as if wanting in on the torture. He stayed put in the chair until he trusted his legs to hold him upright. Sweat bathed his face and body like a second skin. With the sweep of his arm, he wiped his face dry. It didn’t really help when his skin sprouted another layer of perspiration.

“Good. You did good.” Olivier, his trainer, clapped his shoulder.

Jesse nodded. He kept his doubt to himself. Recovering from a cracked pelvis and lower back injury felt like scaling a sheer rock face with his legs tied. The last thing he wanted this morning was a chipper lecture about his future. Finally, he stood and extricated himself from the machine. A groan of bitter frustration escaped. “Thanks for coming to my side of the world.”

“Yeah, well, three days with you are more than enough. I’ll be heading back to Madrid tomorrow. Scouts are presenting their reports to management. Otherwise, I’d stick around to make your life miserable. Make sure you’re keeping up with your strength exercises.”

Jesse nodded. “Don’t worry. They work me hard here. Not quite at your kick-butt level, but they don’t mind seeing me walking, instead of crawling, out of the gym.” He hated to see his friend leave. It was good to see a familiar face, even if Olivier didn’t let up one inch on the workout.