A long, hot summer with her secret crush…

What could possibly go wrong?

Nissa Lang knows Desmond Stilling is out of her league. He’s a CEO, she’s a teacher. He’s gorgeous, she’s…not. So when her house-sitting gig falls through and Desmond offers her a place to stay for the summer, she vows not to reveal how she’s felt about him since their first—and only—kiss.

Desmond should’ve known better than to bring temptation into his house. He decided long ago that his best friend’s sister was too sweet, too good, for him. She deserves a guy who can give his heart. For her sake, he’s stayed away. But as her laughter breathes life into his lonely mansion, he’s not sure how long he’ll be able to resist.

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Excerpt

“Stop,” he told her, stepping back to wave her inside. “I’m glad you’ll be here. I’ll enjoy the company and Hilde needs someone to fuss over.”

“Hilde was so nice when we texted.” Nissa leaned close and lowered her voice. “She asked me what kind of cheese I like. No one’s ever asked me that before. I honestly didn’t know what to say. I was afraid I would disappoint her if I didn’t ask for something fancy, but all I could think of was cheddar.”

He thought about the contents of the refrigerator. “She bought more than that. You can try them all and tell her which ones you like best.”

“I can’t wait.” She paused in the foyer and looked up.

He followed her gaze, taking in the two-story entry, the large windows and elegant chandelier. Desmond had lived in the house long enough that he no longer saw any one part of it, but he knew it wouldn’t be the same for Nissa. While she’d been to the house a few times for parties and barbecues, she’d never lived here.

She looked at the wide staircase and the long hallway, then back at him.

“Is there a map?” she asked, her eyes bright with humor.

“It’s an app.”

“I almost believe you.”

Hilde, his housekeeper from the day he’d moved in, appeared. She was in her mid- to late-forties, with short dark hair and a warm smile.

“Miss Nissa,” she said, her hand outstretched. “Welcome to Mr. Desmond’s home. Please let me know if I can do anything to make your stay more pleasant.”

“I’m thinking you’ve already done so much,” Nissa told her. “It’s nice to meet you in person. I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble.”

“No trouble.” Hilde glanced at him. “Did you want to take her on a tour, Mr. Desmond, or should I do it?”

“Go ahead,” he murmured, thinking she knew the house better than he did. But instead of retreating to his office, he joined the two women as Hilde led the way.

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About the Author

No.1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives – family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur.

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