The rhythm of desire
Former child star Roxanne Deveraux is stepping back into the spotlight. Tired of growing up in front of sitcom cameras, she left Hollywood and her controlling parents to finally follow her true passion, which exists offstage. Still, the offer to appear on Celebrity Dance is hard to resist—as is Nicholas Torres, her dance partner. He’s creative, passionate, and they’re growing more and more in sync—until family interference throws everything off balance.
Nick had a hunch that Roxanne would prove a smash-hit contestant. But he’s taken aback by her beauty, poise and his desire to partner with her off the dance floor. Watching her confidence and skill soar each week is a thrill. But as Roxanne’s chaotic past resurfaces and a secret threatens to tear his own family apart, both must weigh old loyalties against the promise of a brilliant future together.
“I don’t think we should give the neighbors a show,” she said. She held out her hand and led him into the house and straight to her bedroom.
Warmth rose off his skin. He smelled like cool water and man. She bit her bottom lip, realizing she was lost. She let her gaze explore him, from his wide shoulders down to his narrow waist. She wanted him so badly.
Desire rose inside her and should have scared her, but didn’t. He made her feel safe, protected, but mostly wanted. Very wanted. That sensation hadn’t happened to her in a long time. Her stomach somersaulted as he moved closer. She closed her eyes for a second and imagined his hands on her body, his lips on hers. Nick was her every fantasy come to life.
He shrugged. “Roxanne. Tell me you want me.”
She tilted her head. “I do.”
He brushed a strand of hair off her cheek and answered her with a seductive smile. The tip of his finger left a trail of fire on her skin. “Good.”
For Jackie and me, finding a way to work together and make it look effortless takes time and teamwork. It’s not always as easy as it looks. Sometimes Jackie gives me this “what the devil are you talking about” look. And then I say something that confuses her even more. We argue, we shoot arrows of irony at each other, and we shake our heads in confusion. But at the end of the day, we have one goal—to write the best book we can possibly write.
For Nick Torres and Roxanne Deveraux, finding a way to create an effortless dance routine takes cooperation and persistence. Roxanne thinks she’s clumsy, but Nick thinks she’s perfect. After hours and hours of rehearsal, they perform in a way that not only entertains but strengthens the bond that will bring them together as they search for their happy-ever-after.
Much love,
Miriam and Jackie
Love Tango
Jackie and Miriam
JACKIE AND MIRIAM have been writing partners for twenty years, though some days it feels like forever. Jackie is a spontaneous writer and Miriam is the planner. Despite such diverse approaches to writing, they have managed to achieve a balance between their unique styles. Jackie is creative, passionate and dedicated. Miriam is focused, thoughtful and detail-oriented. Jackie loves dogs and thinks she doesn’t have enough of them. Miriam loves cats, though currently, she is catless. Between the two of them, they work hard to bring their stories to life.
To all our loyal readers: thank you for trusting us and allowing us to tell the stories of our hearts.
To the entire Harlequin Kimani Romance team, thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and patience. You make us look good.
Contents
Roxanne Deveraux sat at her dining room table, genealogy charts spread out around her. The front door to her house slammed. No one slammed a door like her sister, Portia.
Portia stormed into the dining room, thumped her purse down on the table and glared at her sister. She dropped a pile of scripts down on the table. “Here’s your weekly pile of scripts from Mom and Dad.”
“What’s wrong?” Roxanne asked in a mild voice designed to calm her sister. For almost the first half of her life, she had been the peacemaker, the problem solver in a family that thrived on chaos.
“I’ll