Back in his arms again
Somewhere deep inside, Jordin DuGrandpre has always been waiting for Ethan Holbrooke to come back to Charleston. He moved away as a teen, breaking all contactâand her young heart. Back then, she had no idea how difficult his family life was. Now she wants to heal the hurt behind his successful, sexy exterior, but Ethan is an expert at keeping people out. Even the one woman he truly wants.
Jordinâs the only part of Ethanâs old life that he hasnât rejected. He left and made a fortune on his own terms, yet still feels that he doesnât deserve her. Hiding his emotions from the gorgeous attorney is impossible once desire gives way to molten kisses. But heâll have to face his past to make room for the healing passion she offers, and the love theyâve both been yearning for...
Without warning, Ethan pulled her closer to him.
He took her mouth as if it was his to do with what he pleased, making it his own in a way that had Jordinâs hands rising of their own volition, her fingers curling into his shirt. Her moan slid free of her mouth and into Ethanâs.
The kiss was explosive, consuming and intense.
All Jordin could think about was the heat of Ethanâs body against her own.
Ethan released her slowly, leaving Jordin breathless, hungry for more of his kisses and drowning in desire.
He drew a slow breath.
She gazed into his chocolate-brown eyes.
âYou are irresistible,â he murmured, as though having reached some internal understanding with himself. Ethan lowered his head down to hers, and pressed a single kiss on her lips.
Their gazes locked. Jordin and Ethan glimpsed the attraction mirrored in the otherâs eyes.
Ethan kissed her again, lingering, savoring every moment.
Jordinâs emotions whirled. Blood pounded in her brain, her heart leaped and her knees trembled.
âI have always been drawn to you, sweetheart,â Ethan whispered. âFrom the moment I laid eyes on you.â
Dear Reader,
Only for You is the second book in the DuGrandpres of Charleston series. Jordin DuGrandpre is thrilled that Ethan Holbrooke is back in Charleston. She intends to seize this opportunity for the two of them to reconnect. However, Jordin finds that she has to knock down the wall around Ethanâs heart.
I was inspired to write this story during a visit to Charleston, South Carolina. While there, I overheard a snippet of a conversation about a young woman who was perplexed by the actions of a friend who recently returned home. There is a saying that âhome is where the heart is,â and for Ethan, this is true.
Best,
Jacquelin
JACQUELIN THOMAS is an award-winning, bestselling author with more than fifty-five books in print. When not writing, she is busy catching up on her reading, attending sporting events and spoiling her grandchildren. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.
Bernard, you are my best friend and the love of my life. My heart is always with you.
Chapter 1
Jordin DuGrandpre stared out her office window, immersed in sights and sounds of the downtown business district. In 1960, her grandfather Marcelle founded the first African Americanâowned law firm in Charleston, South Carolina. DuGrandpre Law Offices was in its new location, four floors above bustling Broad Street. Marcelleâs esteemed legacy had continued with twin sons Etienne and Jacques DuGrandpre and their children.
Etienneâs daughter Jordin loved this city of her birth and could never imagine living anywhere else. She adored everything about Charlestonâthe waterfront park, the food...everything.
âI guess you heard the news about Boot Camp Gym.â
Turning away from her office view of downtown, Jordin faced her twin sister. âJadin, I didnât hear you come in,â she stated.
âI noticed.â She gestured toward the window. âThis view is absolutely stunning.â
Jordin gave a slight nod of agreement. âI did hear about the new gym. I actually went by there a few days ago. Iâm really happy for Ethan.â She felt a warm glow flow through her.
Jadin sat down in one of the visitor chairs. âI am too,â she murmured. âItâs good to see how things worked out for him.â
âEthan had a lot going on back thenâmore than any of us knew.â Jordin and Ethan Holbrooke had been friends since they were in middle school. She still remembered the day he left as if it had been yesterday, although eleven years had passed. She had been sixteen at the time and heartbroken over losing her best friend.
âAre you still infatuated with him?â Jadin inquired, leaning forward in her seat, looking at Jordin as if she were trying to figure out what she was thinking. âYou donât have to say anything because Iâm sure I already know the answer to that question.â