Heart of Hope

by Shanna Hatfield

  Women of Tenacity Series, Book 2

  by

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  SHANNA HATFIELD

  Heart of Hope

  Women of Tenacity, Book 2

  (Originally titled Country Boy vs. City Girl)

  Copyright © 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, transmitted, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, now known or hereafter invented, without the written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Please purchase only authorized editions.

  For permission requests, please contact the author, with a subject line of “permission request” at the email address below or through her website.

  Shanna Hatfield

  shanna@shannahatfield.com

  µshannahatfield.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Cover Design: Shanna Hatfield

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  Thank you for downloading this ebook. Although this is an ebook, it remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  To those who learn

  the fine art

  of meeting in the middle.

  Prologue

  Josh Carver glanced around the spacious living room of his hosts’ apartment and inwardly groaned.

  Phil and Amelia Granger were good friends and clients, but he detested their parties. The guest list generally included haughty socialites, snide women in full man-hunting gear, pretentious executives, and conceited ladder-climbers.

  So far, the group milling around the room proved even worse than his already low expectations.

  Josh silently observed Byron Jenkins, a particularly obnoxious investment banker who handled the Granger’s accounts, as he attempted to palm a young woman. Unlike most of the women in attendance, this one was dressed in a surprisingly tasteful dark blue gown.

  The girl skillfully sidestepped Byron’s groping hands as she worked her way toward the kitchen, no doubt seeking a means of escape.

  From his position next to the buffet table, Josh couldn’t see her face. As he studied her, he contemplated if she was someone new to the usual crowd. Distracted by the woman, he absently picked up an appetizer and popped it in his mouth.

  Josh nearly choked on the nasty tidbit when she turned around. Soft, inviting lips and appealing curves made him want to meet her.

  Quickly swallowing the appetizer that held all the flavor of sawdust, he popped a mint into his mouth, hoping to dislodge the bad taste Amelia’s hors d'oeuvres left behind.

  When Byron draped his arm around the woman’s shoulders, Josh felt an inexplicable need to rescue her. He’d been clawed, petted, and pawed at enough of these parties to know what a nightmare it could be.

  She shrugged off Byron’s arm and spun around, bumping into Josh’s chest as he approached them. He gazed down at her, drawn to the honest, natural appearance of her face, framed by shoulder-length brown hair.

  Refusing to look at the detestable banker, he smiled at the woman. “My apologies, Mr. Jenkins, but I’m in dire need of this lady’s immediate assistance.”

  Byron glared at him, but took a step back.

  Josh held out his arm to the woman and inclined his head toward the kitchen. “Shall we?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Without any hesitation, she took his proffered arm and walked with him inside the kitchen.

  She pointed to a small patio door, so he escorted her outside into the fading evening light, away from the noise and annoyances of the party. Quietly closing the door behind them, he leaned against the balcony railing, appreciating the view of the Portland skyline from the high-rise terrace.

  Pleased to escape the party with such a lovely companion, Josh stuck out his hand and offered a friendly smile. “I’m Josh Carver.”

  She grasped his large hand in her small one, sending currents zinging up his arm, and gazed at him with the warmest brown eyes he’d ever seen. It was like dipping into a pool of molten chocolate. And Josh was quite partial to all things chocolate.

  “Thank you, Mr. Carver, for coming to my rescue. I’m Jenna Keaton.”

  Josh liked the strength and confidence in her voice. She sounded and acted like a no-nonsense kind of person.

  “I’m glad to be of service, Miss Keaton. I’m not in the habit of stretching the truth, but I did sincerely hope you’d help me escape the party, at least for a moment or two. What brings you to Phil and Amelia’s this evening?” he asked, genuinely interested in knowing more about the lovely girl.

  She took a step away from him and appeared to gather her thoughts before she spoke. “Phil and Amelia are my aunt and uncle. I just moved here a few days ago to start a new job on Monday and they insisted I join them for the party this evening. Aunt Amelia said it would be a great opportunity to meet people. However, if Mr. Jenkins is any indication, I don’t think I’m in a hurry to make too many acquaintances. That man has the mind of a guttersnipe and the hands of an octopus.”

  Jenna’s smile, full of humor and warmth, did funny things to Josh’s ability to concentrate on anything but her when she looked at him.

  “Phil and Amelia mean well,” Josh hurried to offer his reassurance. At more than one of their parties, he’d been unwillingly paired with women he had no interest in dating and could only imagine who Amelia would try to set Jenna up with. “I think they miss having their kids around now that they’ve all flown the coop. I’m sure they’ll enjoy having you here in town.”

  “Those cousins of mine couldn’t have scattered any further if they’d tried. With Ben in New York, Jane in Miami, and Cory in Dallas, it keeps Aunt Amelia busy planning trips to visit them.”

  Josh laughed, feeling oddly at ease around Jenna. He fought the urge to reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear as they continued hiding on the balcony, secluded from the party crowd. Instead of giving in to his longing to touch her, he offered her a charming smile.

  “So, Miss Jenna Keaton, you mentioned starting a new job on Monday. If it isn’t too presumptuous, may I ask where?” Josh liked this niece of the Grangers, much more than his common sense told him he should. He had no intention of getting involved with anyone, especially a girl as sweet and appealing as the one playing hooky from the party with him.

&nbs
p; “I’ll be working in the human resources department at the new state building. I enjoy the work and it was a good time for me to get out of Seattle. So here I am, at a boring party with a bunch of stuffy people all bent on impressing each other with their money, credentials, or lies.” Jenna’s eyes took on a teasing twinkle, and she tipped her head to the side, studying Josh. “Which category would you fall into?”

  “I beg your pardon?” Josh wasn’t sure how to respond to this straight-talking girl with an engaging, bright smile.

  “Are you here to impress people with your money, credentials, or fabricated stories?” Jenna repeated, tossing a sassy grin in his direction.

  “None of the above.” Josh gave Jenna a questioning glance. Uncertain what information she hoped to unearth about him, he had no idea what motive spurred her to ask such a thing. “Your uncle will tell you I’m a terrible liar. My only credentials are that I’m good at what I do, and I try to be an honest, upright kind of guy. As for the money I slave away to earn, it would be pocket change for many of the people inside.”

  Jenna laughed and motioned for him to take a seat on one of the patio chairs. They watched inky darkness encompass the evening, talking much longer than they realized.

  They both turned with a start when Amelia finally breezed outside and sighed dramatically, hands thrown into the air.

  “Well, good gracious. Phil and I have looked everywhere for you two, and here you are. I’m so glad you met each other. Jenna, you did meet Josh, didn’t you? Isn’t he just the nicest boy?” Amelia gushed as she waited for Josh and Jenna to return inside the kitchen.

  “Yes, Aunt Amelia, we met. It seems I’ll be working just a few blocks from him, so we planned on meeting for lunch Thursday.”

  “Splendid.” Amelia clapped her hands together gleefully as she waltzed through the kitchen back to the crowd in the living room.

  While Jenna watched her aunt’s theatrics, Josh glanced at her. Although she wasn’t a raving beauty, something about her captured his interest, something he found very appealing and attractive. She looked fresh, unaffected, and altogether alluring.

  Hastily sticking his hand into his coat pocket, Josh pulled out one of his business cards and handed it to her. “If you need anything, please feel free to give me a call. It can be hard getting established in a new place.”

  Jenna took the card and placed it in the small evening bag she retrieved from a kitchen chair along with her sweater. “Thank you. I appreciate your offer and I look forward to having lunch with you next week,” she said as they walked out of the kitchen. “As soon as I tell Amelia and Phil goodbye, I’m going to call it a night. It really was very nice to meet you.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll come with you to find your aunt and uncle and say good night.” Josh looked down at her with a smile that brought the dimple in his cheek out of hiding and had persuaded any number of women to surrender to his charms.

  Phil and Amelia stood at the front door, chatting with a couple ready to leave.

  “Thank you both for this evening, but I’m going back to my apartment,” Jenna said as she gave first Amelia and then Phil a hug.

  “I need to be going as well.” Josh shook Phil’s hand and kissed Amelia’s cheek. “Thank you for inviting me. As always, it’s a pleasure to see you both.”

  “Anytime, Josh.” Amelia walked with them out the door into the hall. “Jenna, dear, why don’t I have someone drive you home? I don’t want you out alone after dark, especially since the city is so new to you.”

  “I’d be happy to take Jenna home.” Josh heard himself volunteer as they arrived at the elevator. He hadn’t planned to see her home, but now that he’d offered, it seemed like a great plan. He liked the idea of spending more time with the engaging woman. “I think her apartment isn’t that far from mine, so it wouldn’t be any trouble.”

  “If you’re sure?” Amelia questioned. When Josh nodded, she turned to Jenna, “Would that be agreeable to you, dear?”

  “Yes, Aunt Amelia, it would be just fine.” Jenna kissed her aunt’s cheek and strode into the elevator. Josh kept step close behind her.

  As they rode down to the lobby, he talked about some of his favorite places in the neighborhood near their apartments. When they sauntered out of the building, Josh held Jenna’s sweater for her while she slipped it on. Gently, he placed his hand on her back and guided her to a shiny black sports car parked across the street. The innocent contact made his fingers burn and tingle.

  “Nice wheels.” Jenna appeared impressed as she surveyed his car. He held the door open for her and gave her a hand as she settled onto the leather seat. “What is it you said you did for a living?”

  “I sell cars.” Josh grinned as he slid behind the wheel. “I find this particular machine makes a great mobile business card. People ask me all the time where I got my car. It’s easy to segue into where I work and what I do.”

  “Very smart,” Jenna agreed, surveying their surroundings as Josh started the car and the engine roared to life. “That’s how you know my aunt and uncle, isn’t it? They buy new cars as often as most people buy shoes. You must do well selling cars.”

  “I get by,” Josh said, with his sincere humbleness.

  He worked hard to be the best in his career. He built relationships with his clients, getting to know them not just as people who provided a healthy income, but also on a personal level. Years ago, he learned that caring about his clients resulted in their loyalty and gave him a sense of purpose. That simple work ethic made him the top salesperson for five of the eight years he’d been at a luxury car dealership in Portland.

  Fresh out of college with a degree in business management, Josh charmed his way into a job as a novice car peddler. The combination of his honesty, business savvy, good looks, and friendly personality quickly pushed him to the forefront as a man people trusted, a novelty in the world of car salespeople.

  He had a reputation for only selling people what they wanted or needed and had never talked anyone into something he didn’t think would be a good fit for them. The six-figure income he earned was icing on the cake.

  “Give me directions to your apartment and I’ll take you there.” Josh pulled into traffic. “Unless there’s anywhere else you want to stop.”

  Jenna looked at Josh in her matter-of-fact manner. “Actually, I’m starving. Would you want to join me for dinner? The food Aunt Amelia serves at her parties is absolutely ridiculous.”

  Laughter burst out of Josh and he gave her a conspiring glance. “Just for that, I’m buying. Where would you like to go?”

  “Anywhere, as long as its edible.” Jenna grinned at him as he sped through the evening traffic.

  Ten minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot of his favorite steakhouse.

  As they stepped inside, the hostess greeted Josh by name. “Good evening, Mr. Carver. Nice to see you again. Table for two?”

  “Yes, please,” Josh said as he and Jenna followed the hostess to a booth.

  “Will this be satisfactory?” the hostess asked.

  “This is perfect, thank you.” Josh waited for Jenna to sit down before sliding into the booth.

  “You must either leave quite an impression or come here often.” Jenna picked up a menu and glanced around the restaurant.

  “Maybe both,” Josh teased, as he took a sip of water.

  Enthralled with each other, they lingered long after they’d finished their meal. Finally realizing the lateness of the hour, Josh took Jenna home, walking with her to her apartment door, making sure she arrived safely.

  “Thank you for having dinner with me,” Josh said, as she unlocked the door. “It was a very pleasant surprise to meet you tonight.”

  After opening her door and flipping on the light, Jenna turned to Josh. “Thank you for feeding a starving newcomer to the city and for extending your friendship. I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re most welcome. It’s the least I can do.” Josh began to lose himself in the w
arm chocolate pools staring back at him. Scrambling to think of some reason to keep her talking, he couldn’t come up with a single thing. Briefly, he considered what she’d do if he kissed her, but forced his feet to move back a step.

  She moved inside and started to close the door. Before she did, she looked up at him with a happy smile. “I’m already looking forward to lunch Thursday. Thanks again and good night.”

  After closing the door, Jenna released a long breath and leaned against the wood. Her knees felt as solid as overheated gelatin and she needed a minute to gather her composure.

  When she’d looked up at the party and saw Josh, the description “tall, dark, and incredibly handsome” entered her thoughts. She chided herself for thinking in terms of clichés, even if it was true.

  Josh Carver was a gorgeous man. Despite several attractive males in attendance at the party, it was hard to overlook his broad chest, impeccably covered by an expensive pewter-gray suit jacket, crisp white shirt, and deep blue silk tie. His face was worthy of a magazine cover, highlighted by luminous gray eyes and raven black hair. Generous lips parted in a smile that revealed a deep dimple in his left cheek and rendered her lightheaded.

  The hours they’d spent together hadn’t told her a lot about him, but she’d already discovered him to be mannerly and kind. He was younger than she thought at first. At dinner, she’d learned he was thirty, the same age as her, but he seemed older and wiser than his years.

  And he was breath-stealing handsome, not that looks mattered, but she couldn’t help but admire his. Josh was the kind of guy who could get under her skin and into her carefully guarded heart. Urban, successful, gorgeous, and fun with a charismatic personality were characteristics she assumed she’d never find all in one man. Josh’s unique combination created a temptation she might find hard to resist.