Friendsâ¦with benefits?
For Sadie Nixon, life is one big adventure with something new around the corner. And anytime she needs a break, she can always rely on James Montesanoâthe best guy she knows. This time when she arrives in Shady Grove, however, something is different. Thereâs a little extra between her and James that has them crossing the line of friendship into one steamy, no-holds-barred night.
Afterward, no matter how hard she tries, Sadie canât erase the memories of James that way. Heâs so hot, so tempting.⦠But his life is here and hers isnât. She needs his friendship, but she doesnât do commitment. So where does that leave them? Suddenly what happens between friends is more complicated than ever!
âYou canât hide it from me, Jamie.â
Sadieâs voice was low and husky. Intimate. Too close for his comfort and peace of mind. His willpower. âI know you too well. And I know somethingâs bothering you.â
âWhat if I want to try something else, be somewhere else?â
âYou? Youâre steady. Reliable. Dependable. Likeâ¦likeâ¦â
âA lapdog?â he asked quietly.
âMore like the sun,â she said as if on a burst of inspiration. âAlways up in the east, down in the west, burning bright no matter how many clouds are hiding it from view.â
âPoetic,â he said, his fingers twitching with the need to touch her, really touch her the way a man touched a woman.
Why couldnât he have one thing, go after one thing heâd wanted, craved for as long as he could remember?
âAnd yet, as steady, reliable and dependable as I am, maybe I still want a change.â And he finally touched her, just his finger trailing down the softness of her cheek. âMaybe itâs time I made a change.â
Dear Reader,
First times and last times. Life is filled with them, and this year my family will have its share. First time driving for my younger daughter, first time living away from home for my older daughter when she attends college this fall. Last summer my son will spend at home before graduating college and finding his own path.
Yes, our lives are filled with beginnings and endings. Some, like a childâs first step and last day of high school, are expected, but what happens when an opportunity arises that pushes us in a new direction, one weâre not sure we want to go?
Thatâs what happens when James Montesano and Sadie Nixonâbest friends since they were ten years oldâgo from being just friends to so much more. Their new relationship is exciting and ripe with potential, filled with caring, respect and passion.
Itâs also terrifying. Change often is. James and Sadie realize that if they donât work as a couple, their entire friendship will likely be lost forever. Itâs a huge risk and while going from friends to lovers is relatively easy, going from friends to in love takes courage, compromise and a whole lot of faith. But then, happy ever after rarely comes easily!
I had so much fun returning to Shady Grove for this story. I loved revisiting some of my favorite characters from Talk of the Town, book one of the In Shady Grove series, but it was also great to meet some new characters who inhabit the town. Be on the lookout for Eddieâs book later this year!
Please visit my website, www.BethAndrews.net, or drop me a line at [email protected]. Iâd love to hear from you.
Happy reading!
Beth Andrews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Romance Writers of America RITA® Award winner Beth Andrews set her latest series, In Shady Grove, in a fictional town based on her own small hometown in northwestern Pennsylvania. A few of her favorite friends-to-lovers characters are Harry and Sally (When Harry Met Sally), Monica and Chandler (Friends) and Keith and Watts (Some Kind of Wonderful). Beth firmly believes love conquers all and Elvis is a great name for a dog. Learn more about Beth and her books by visiting her website, www.BethAndrews.net.
CHAPTER ONE
NO, NO, NO.
Lightning flashed, a dazzling display that crackled the air with energy, made the hair on Sadie Nixonâs arms stand up. Ten seconds later, thunder boomed, vibrating through her moving Jeep.
She leaned forward to look through the windshield at the rapidly darkening sky. Clouds rolled, merged together. A strong gust of wind buffeted the Jeep, had her fighting to keep it on the road. She pressed down on the gas, strangled the steering wheel. Please, donât do this to her. Not this time.
She passed the road leading to Knappâs Creek. Glanced out the driverâs-side window. She wasnât going to make it. She could turn around, she thought frantically. She was barely in Shady Grove, had just passed the city limits. Sheâd head west, maybe spend the night in Pittsburgh then come back tomorrow.