Hutton Family

On the same day I lose my job, my house, and all hope for the future, I also lose my journal. And the worst part . . . the most awful, can't bring myself to say it out loud part is . . . He found it. He read it. And . . . he commented. At the end of his message is an email address and a plea: Contact me. Please. I know better than to trust strangers with candy, but, after a tequila-fueled night, I create a new email address and do just that . . . and the man I discover is overflowing with kindness and humor and depth. Meanwhile, I meet Lucas Hutton-a Marine with scars covering his body, heart, and soul. The chemistry between us is a force of nature. His intensity leaves me reeling. I can't have them both. I have to choose between them before things go too far. I just don't know how I can.

The first time Wyatt Hutton's pale blue eyes meet mine, they steal my breath-even if I only see them for a second before he refuses to look at me again. He's older than me, by way too much, and if he had his way, our paths never would have crossed in the first place. But our fate was written in the stars and while the truth of our families should keep us apart, life keeps bringing us together again. Over and over, he's the only one I turn to when things fall to pieces. And when he's in need, my embrace is the only cure. We fight our feelings. We fight our families. We fight fate. Maybe it's time we fight for each other instead . . .

I was six the first time I proposed. Twenty years later, will she say I do? In Kindergarten, I fell in love with Maisie Brown. In seventh grade, she moved out of state. Now, she's back . . . . . . but only for a week. When fate brings Maisie back to me, it's clear life has been good to her. My childhood best friend, that shy little girl who never had enough to eat, she grew into a gorgeous woman wearing confidence like a designer dress. And the connection between us? It grew, too . . . into chemistry so explosive the world might catch fire. Six-year-old me was a genius. Maisie and I were made for each other, even if she does like to 'go, go, go,' while I prefer to 'go with the flow.' But my roots-my family, my business, my history-are firmly planted in Key West and her shiny new life sparkles in Los Angeles. When this week ends, so does whatever this is between us . . . along with my chance to make good on my childhood promise.

Two roommates. One pact. A kiss that changes everything. Moving in with Eli Hutton was supposed to keep my heart safe. After both our relationships crashed and burned, cohabitation seemed like a no-brainer. A reset from chaos back to stability. A chance to protect one another from Cupid and his stupid little arrows. Sure, he's adorable . . . Hilarious... Gorgeous . . . And so charming he makes me feel like the brightest star in the sky . . . Alright, fine. The man is a sinfully sexy angel sent to tempt me each and every day. (Don't judge. No one can resist him. You'll see.) All that aside, Eli's like a brother to me. And for him, I'm just one of the guys. But somewhere along the line, I did the one thing I swore I wouldn't. I fell in love. With him. It was only a little-at first. Then one accidental kiss sent my traitorous heart into overdrive. I swear, it's just a phase. I'm sure it'll pass with time. I just need to keep my feelings secret until things go back to normal. Then again, the heart wants what the heart wants . . . and mine wants him.

You know that feeling when the famous musician you're totally crushing on shows up at your brother's wedding dressed as Elvis? Really? Huh. Guess it's just me, then . . . Collin West isn't just hot. And he's not just "the next big thing," either. He's the biggest thing to happen to music since . . . music. He's got heart. And soul. And the most adorable ginger hair that's somehow always a little mussed. Add in his bangin' body and bedroom eyes and it's easy to see why the whole world loves him. And he wants me. Harlow Hutton. Not-so-secret lover of all things Collin West. Dreamer of big dreams. Thinker of deep thoughts. He falls into my life like a fairy tale, whisking me away on a champagne and glitter adventure around the world. London. Paris. Rome. It's a dream come true. But every princess has a villain. When ours raises its ugly head, I roll up my shirtsleeves, kiss my biceps, and put up my dukes. Throw in some demons from Collin's past and our dream might actually be a nightmare. One thing's for sure, hiding in the swirl of music and passion, is the glimmer of a happily-ever-after bigger than I ever imagined possible. I only hope we don't get burned in the process . . .