No Possessions, No Memories, Not Even a Name!
The wounded stranger found on Jessica O’Malley’s property has no idea who he is. And Jessica would be foolish to trust him after being proven so wrong about a former suitor who turned out to be a criminal. But Jessica’s wariness toward the newcomer is soon turning to interest...and hope.
Until he knows his true identity, “Grant” can’t make a life in this quaint Tennessee town. He certainly shouldn’t be thinking so much about the feisty redhead with beautiful, guarded eyes. But even as he fights to keep a distance from Jessica, his feelings for her grow. And he can’t help but wonder if he’ll want to return to his old life when his past is revealed.
Smoky Mountain Matches: Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains
“You and I aren’t friends?” she said.
In the intimate closeness the serene, dark forest imparted, he lifted his head to regard her with eyes that had deepened to a navy hue. “That’s a question only you can answer, Jessica. Friends trust each other. They don’t suspect them of deceit and ill intent.”
There was no condemnation in his tone. He’d spoken frankly, but there was understanding there, too. As if he identified with her misgivings.
“In that case, the answer is yes.”
The slow arrival of gratitude, then relief and finally happiness passing over his clean-shaven features did serious damage to her defenses. Bolting to her feet, she bid him a brief good-night and reentered the house, seeking sanctuary in her room.
She couldn’t allow herself to like Grant Parker. Empathy was acceptable. Concern for his health was natural. But opening herself up to a man, even for something as innocent as friendship, could very well be the first step to disaster.
KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies.
Reclaiming His Past
Karen Kirst
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
—Psalms 32:8
To Kelly Young—who could’ve guessed we’d wind up in the same place? I’m so thankful for you and your family. Looking forward to many more years of friendship.
Contents
October 1885
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
It wasn’t easy staying