Love’s sweet refrain?
Appointed to head Atlanta’s first-ever jazz festival, go-to marketing guru Michael “MJ” Jane sets out to create an annual event to rival New Orleans. Even if that means hiring her irresistible crush Jamal Carver to run security... The former marine with the killer smile and amazing abs also happens to be her best friend’s husband’s confidant. But despite their sizzling attraction, she refuses to become the playboy’s latest conquest.
The driven, desirable bachelorette makes the decorated marine long to hang up his own bachelor status. It’s getting harder for Jamal to keep things strictly business between them—can’t MJ see they’re creating a passionate tune of their own? Just as Jamal starts to earn MJ’s trust, their relationship is threatened by a relentless, still-in-the-picture ex-girlfriend. Will a downbeat melody end their romance before it truly begins? Or can love keep Jamal and MJ in harmony...forever?
“Ready to be surprised?”
She rolled her eyes. “I guess I have to be.”
“You’re going to love it,” he said. He kissed her on the cheek, then led her into the backyard. Michael was all smiles when she saw the fire pit glowing and the food on the table. But it was the telescope that caught her eye.
“What’s this?”
“Some people call it dinner.” Jamal’s arms went around her waist. “Shrimp, grilled peppers and hush puppies. Because I know you love them.”
“Really? I can’t lie—they are pretty awesome. And I have dessert. Shoot, I left it in the car.”
“We can have it for breakfast.”
“Breakfast? You assume I’m spending the night?”
“Not assuming, just stating a fact. I plan to keep you up all night.”
Michael blinked and her mouth fell open. Images of her body pressed against Jamal’s naked one flashed in her head. “I didn’t come here to sleep with you, and if...”
“Whoa, little red Corvette, slow down. While I would never kick you out of bed, tonight isn’t the night.” Jamal pointed to the telescope. “Tonight I’m going to give you the universe.”
Sometimes you never know what you need until she or he smiles in your face. Jamal Carver didn’t know he needed one woman to love until Michael “MJ” Jane came into his life. Convincing her that he’s willing to give up his playboy ways will take some effort, because MJ will not be played, no matter how much she finds herself falling for this sexy former marine.
Writing about two people who were looking for anything but love was a fun journey, and I hope you will enjoy the heat.
Always,
Cheris Hodges
The Heat Between Us
Cheris Hodges
CHERIS HODGES was bit by the writing bug early. The 1999 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University is a freelance journalist and always looks for love stories in the most unusual places. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she is trying and failing to develop a green thumb.
This book is dedicated to my readers. Without your support, I’d probably be wondering what to do with all of these stories floating around in my head. Thank you for allowing me to share them with you!
Contents
Michael Jane, also known as MJ, yawned as she leaned back in her office chair while reading over the latest edition of the local newspaper. It wasn’t that the story was boring—she just hated Monday mornings,