Nic
Rossi Brothers Book 2
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Angel Bay looks like the perfect place to hide from an abusive ex. At least, that’s what Anna Thompson hopes when she arrives with her daughter. In the small-town’s only restaurant, she meets a man whose sheer size makes her tremble, but whose capacity for kindness leaves her feeling safe for the first time in years. And the gentle giant is awakening passions she didn’t think possible to feel again. Nic Rossi stopped believing in love the day his ex-wife walked out him, leaving him to care for their little girl alone. But when Anna and her frightened daughter walk into his restaurant, he feels an overwhelming urge to protect them. He’s determined to help them find a place where they feel safe, and to prove to Anna that not all men are like her ex. What he doesn’t anticipate is the intense attraction that draws them together. For a while, Anna believes she’s found her safe haven. That is, until her ex finds her. Now Anna must find the courage to fight for her freedom…and Nic must convince Anna to give her heart—and him—a chance. **Previously published with Crimson Romance** ExcerptShe blew out her held breath, pushed her plate away, and offered him a smile. “Thanks for the meal. I will repay you. I need to get her to bed. What time would you like me to be here tomorrow?”
She scooted out of the booth, but his hand caught her arm before she could turn to pick up Lacey. Blood whooshed in her ears, and breathing became impossible as panic clawed its way through her chest. Tony’s face lodged itself in her mind. Eyes narrowed and staring her down. The way he looked right before his fist came down on her … He’s not Tony. He’s not Tony. She repeated the long-held mantra over and over and drew slow, deep breaths in an effort to put a lid back on the panic. Still the room around her spun as the past closed in on her. “The meal’s on me, remember? You can pay me back by letting me help you.” Nic’s voice jerked her back to the present. She lifted her head to find him watching her, gentle concern in his searching eyes. Was he really this nice? Or was this just a ruse, the way it had been for Tony? She didn’t know, but she had no desire to find out. She didn’t need his help. She just needed a job. She glared at Nic. “What is it with you? Do you have a thing for taking in strays or something, Mr. Rossi?” “My name is Nic, and yes, actually I do. My nonna used to roll her eyes every time I brought home a stray cat or dog.” Amusement laced his tone, his eyes crinkling at the corners. God, did nothing faze the man? His expression sobered. “Let me help. Because I can.” She blew out a defeated breath. “Why do you even care?” “Why do I scare you so much?” Touché. Nic released her arm and folded his hands on the table instead. “You want the God’s honest truth? That’s why I give a damn. Because I terrify the both of you, and I hate it. Every time I look at your daughter, I see my own.” She wrapped her arms around herself. The man left her feeling open and exposed. He offered her something she didn’t know if she could ever repay: human decency. “I can’t ask you to do that for me.” “Then do it for her.” He nodded in Lacey’s direction. |