Cover model: Alfie Gordillo
Photographer: Reggie Deanching of R + M Photography
Design: Rebel Edit & Design – Margreet Asselbergs

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SYNOPSIS:

More often than not, Clint Mason has his foot firmly wedged in his mouth, which tends to get him in plenty of hot water with the ladies. Although his laid back good ole’ Southern charm does not fly far with the female population of Cedar Tree, the big burly contractor hides his dark side well.

The only one Beth Franklin allows herself to rely on is Beth, and so far that has served her well. Just when her son disappears after dropping his little guy off on her doorstep, her life seems to spiral out of control. For the first time ever, fearing for his safety, the fiercely independent waitress is forced to be on the receiving end of a helping hand.

That’s not easy for her, especially since the shovel-sized hand belongs to a man whose approach has run hot and cold the last year, leaving her feeling off balance. With a steady and commanding force, he exposes her softer side, while doing everything he can to keep her and those close to her safe.

EXCERPT

“What the fuck, Ma? You’re shacking up now? What are you getting out of this? You know he’s just using you, haven’t you learned anything?”

“Dylan! You’re waking the neighborhood, would you simmer down?” Beth tries to keep the little boy in her arms calm while facing off with her son.

“Who is using her?” I turn to Dylan with my eyebrow raised. “From what I can see, you’re the one who calls her at the butt crack of dawn, expecting her to drop everything and come running. And then you have the gall to brow beat her and question her or me about motives?” I’m seething and clenching the handles on the walker tight enough to turn my knuckles white. It’s that or lay that snot nosed, self-righteous punk out on his ass.

“Clint…” Beth puts a moderating hand on my arm, which only pisses me off more.

“You know you shouldn’t let anyone talk to you like that. As if no one can see you for more than a means to an end. I don’t care if he’s your son, he has no right to berate you like that. Come on, let’s take that baby home. Little thing’s about to fall asleep on you.” I point out, watching the little boy fighting to keep his eyes open on his grandma’s shoulder.

“And you,” I turn back to Dylan. “You should grow the hell up. Sounds like you’ve had a rough night and I get that you’re overwhelmed, but you have no fucking right to take it out on the woman who is saving your ass. And from what I can tell, it isn’t the first time either. Am I right?” From the way the kid lowers his eyes and the slump of his shoulders I can tell he’s run out of steam. That boy’s got troubles and I get a sneaky suspicion it’s more than his wife leaving. Watching him wrap his arms around his mom and son, that suspicion is only fueled when I hear him talking in a low voice.

“Sorry Ma. I’m sorry, it’s just all a fucking mess. I’ll sort it—I promise—just look after Max for me will ya? I’ll be in touch.” And with a kiss on his son’s head and only a brief glance in my way, he walks to straight his truck ignoring his mother’s plea, looking like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Yup, he’s got trouble. I make up my mind to put a bug in Gus’s ear, see what he can find out.

I turn to find Beth standing a little forlorn on her front step with a now sleeping baby in her arms, watching her son drive off, and the worry is etched on her face. She knows it too.

“Let’s get the baby home,” I say again and her eyes snap to mine.

“But—“

“Let’s get off the lawn, go back to my place, put the little one down and figure it out over coffee. Okay?”

She simply nods and looks around her at the carseat and bag that were left behind on her steps. She tries to balance Max on her shoulder while making a grab for the car seat.

“Here, give that to me,” I reach for the seat and plop it on top of the walker. Beth follows behind with Max and the bag.

“I’ve got to install his carseat,” Beth points out.

“That’s just gonna wake him up. Give him to me.” I slide in the back seat and hold out my arms. After a brief hesitation Beth leans in to deposit Max in my arms and his little baby body curls up against me easily. For a moment when Beth backs up our eyes meet and a wan smile slips on her lips.

“That baby looks good on you, big guy,” she teases and I growl in response which only makes the smile brighter. Good.

About the Author:

Freya Barker craved reading about ‘real’ people, those who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives – So she decided to write about them.

Always creative, from an early age on she danced and sang, doodled, created, cooked, baked, quilted and crafted. Her latest creative outlets were influenced by an ever-present love for reading. First through blogging, then cover art and design, and finally writing.

Born and raised in the Netherlands, she packed her two toddlers, and eight suitcases filled with toys to move to Canada. No stranger to new beginnings, she thrives on them.

With the kids grown and out in the world, Freya is at the ‘prime’ of her life. The body might be a bit ramshackle, but the spirit is high and as adventurous as ever. Something you may see reflected here and there in some of her heroines…. none of who will likely be wilting flowers.

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Other Books in the Series

All Cedar Tree novels available with KINDLE UNLIMITED!

”CLEAN LINES”
(Cedar Tree #4)

Universal Purchase Links

”AGAINST ME”
(Cedar Tree #3)

Universal Purchase Links

“HUNDRED TO ONE”
(Cedar Tree #2)

Universal Purchase Links

“SLIM TO NONE”
(Cedar Tree #1)

Universal Purchase Links