There’s no way the guy I’m supposed to hate is also the one I can’t live without. Still, I refuse to accept that it means anything. Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today, and 1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of more than twenty novels. The night Troy and I run into each other, and all of our pent-up frustration comes barreling out.

All the while hating myself for fantasizing about a guy who’s all wrong for me. The only consolation is getting to stare at his annoyingly gorgeous face in between our many arguments.Įventually, though, we slowly warm to each other and our outings become something I actually look forward to.Īpparently, I misunderstood the assignment, because it certainly didn’t include thinking about Troy when I close my eyes at night, imagining what it would be like with him-just once.

Four hours a week of having to deal with his insufferable personality and unsolicited advice. He’s now as successful as he is undeniably handsome. When my boss gives me an unwanted assignment and tells me it involves spending time with the grandson of one of our residents-the grandson turns out to be Troy. Number three: He’s my friend’s ex-boyfriend. Number two: He and I were enemies over a decade ago in high school. Reasons why I should not be drawn to Troy Serrano. When she showed up several nights later to meet him, she got the surprise of her life to see me standing there-with an offer I hoped she wouldn’t refuse.From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel. (Ironic, considering the circumstances.)Įventually, she set up a date to meet Gentleman Nine at a hotel. But she considered me off-limits-and she thought I was a manwhore. She opened up to him, confessing, among other things, her physical attraction to her friend-me. Afraid to date and get her heart broken again, she was looking for sex with no strings.Įvery emotion imaginable ran through me: protectiveness, jealousy-curiosity.Īmber had chosen Gentleman Number Nine and sent him a message. She’d hesitantly contacted a male escort company. One night, I opened her computer to find the shock of my life. Still reeling from her breakup, she’d sworn off men. When my job sent me to Boston for a three-month contract position, Amber let me stay in her spare room. Through it all and across the miles, she and I casually stayed in touch. They were together for years-before he broke her heart.

I went off to college, and he got the girl. I kept it inside because Rory and I made a pact that our friend, Amber, was off-limits. Growing up, the three of us were friends.ĭeep down, I only ever wanted her. From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new, sexy standalone novel.

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