“If that’s what you want, then I think it’s exactly what you should do. And not just because it means I’ll get more of you.” He pulls me in closer, lips moving across my cheek and toward my mouth.
“I could always use more doses of my personal Valium,” I mumble against his lips.
He chuckles at one of my many nicknames I have for him and the almost sedative-like effect he has on me at times.
“And I can’t get enough of your chaos, so I think this arrangement is going to work well for both of us.”
And I don’t doubt for a second that it will.
He’s the calm to my storm.
My still lake at dawn.
My king.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Hubs and kidlet, you are forever a source of inspiration and support. Thank you for always being my cheerleaders. I love you both endlessly. Mom, Dad, and Mel, thank you for being my family and for always supporting me.
Every book takes a team effort, and this one was no different. I’ve been so fortunate to have such a wonderful, supportive team of people to help bring this series into the book world. Kimberly, as always, I’m lucky to have you in my corner, always pushing me (gently) to do better and dig deeper.
To my Montlake team: you’ve been amazing cheerleaders and partners. Thank you for making this such a wonderful journey.
Debra, after more than a decade and a combined thirty-plus releases between us, you are forever the pepper to my salt. Thanks for putting up with me.
Tijan, you are such an incredible human being and genuine friend. Your kindness is unparalleled.
Leigh, thank you for being such a solid friend, for your insight, your positive words, and, of course, the magic that is the insult “boner killer.”
Sarah Pie, thank you for being so much more than a PA; you’re my friend, my sounding board, my organizer, and the leader of my teams. I could not do this without you. Hustlers, the same goes for you; I’m honored to have you with me every single time I release a book, holding my hand when I’m freaking out.
Beaver Den members, I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful group of readers. You’re always there to share in the excitement, try new things, and fall in love with new characters. You’re amazing, and I’m eternally grateful for you.
Sarah F., you, ma’am, are a rock star, and I adore you. I’m so glad we can be TMI with each other without even a second thought, or any kind of postshare regrets. My team at SPBR, you’re amazing, and you make every release that much easier to handle.
Gel, Sarah S., and Angy—thank you for your amazing graphic talent. You bring these books to life, and I’m so grateful for your incredible imaginative skills.
Bloggers, bookstagrammers, and readers: your love of words, of stories, of romance and happily ever afters is the reason I get to do this thing I love so much. Thank you for your continued support.
Deb, Tijan, Leigh, Kellie, Ruth, Erika, Teeny, Kim, Kelly, Marty, Karen, Kat, Angela, Jo, Julie, Marnie, Krystin, Laurie, and Lou, thank you for your unfailing friendship. I’m a lucky person to have so many amazing, talented, caring people in my life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2018 Sebastian Lohnghorn
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic comedy.
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