When the only man she’s ever loved dies, Yvette Pierce makes a promise to herself: she will never fall in love again. Using her grief as a shield, she makes it clear she isn't interested to anyone who approaches her, and keeps to herself as much as possible.
Maximilian ‘Max’ Hawkins — the doctor on duty in the E.R. the night she lost her love — is intrigued by Yvette, someone he has more in common with than anyone is aware of, and tries to bring her out of her grief in whatever way he can. Intending to make a friend of her, a simple kiss changes everything between them.
After someone from Yvette’s childhood shows up seeking reconciliation, she finds herself fighting feelings she’s never dealt with. Will her issues jeopardize her newfound relationship with Max — the one man she now doesn’t want to live without?
Note: not a standalone, spoils the ending for Surrender To You.
Genre: FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
Forty-five minutes later, I’m standing in the fruit section of the grocery store, trying to find a few perfect peaches to take home with me. That is, until I look up and discover Doctor Hawkins lifting his gaze from where he studies the apples a mere few feet from me, and his eyes meet mine.
“You don’t want that one,” he says, nodding at the peach in my hand without looking away. “It’s bruised.”
Taking a glance at it, I realize his observation is correct, but instead of putting it down, I lift a brow and cross my arms, the peach grasped tight in my fingers. “I would’ve noticed if you hadn’t distracted me. I do know how to buy peaches, y'know.”
“I’m sure you do.” He puts down the apple he’s holding and slides his hands into the pockets of his khakis while walking toward me. His lips curve up a little at the corners as if he wants to grin but is keeping it in check. “How’re you?”
“That’s the second time you’ve asked me that question and it’s not even been twenty-four hours. Why?”
He stops a few inches from me, as if he’s making sure not to touch me but wants to stand as close as possible. “Because you seem…” He pauses as if unsure whether or not he should continue, then shrugs as he finishes with, “lonely. And despondent.”
Eyebrows rising in surprise at his words, I scowl at him, uncrossing my arms to put the peach back in the bin, then turn on my heels and walk away. Of course, he follows me seconds later and as I stop to put some yogurts in my basket, he gets some as well.
“It’s none of your business whether I’m lonely or not, Doctor Hawkins.” There’s a bite to my words and they are intentional because I want him to get my point, and get it immediately.
