Just Deserts - Brenda Jackson [0]
He glanced over at her. “Yes?”
Her gaze immediately latched on to his lips. They were full, nice, inviting. She felt a sudden pull in her stomach. She wondered how they would feel if she were to press hers against them.
“Dani?”
She snatched her gaze from his lips up to his eyes. They were eyes that were studying her intently. “What?”
“You called my name. What did you want?”
Frowning, Danielle compressed her lips, deciding for the moment to keep her mouth closed or else she might say the wrong thing. There was no way she would tell him that for a crazy moment she had been ready to ask if she could sample his lips.
“Dani? What’s wrong?”
If only he knew.
Books by Brenda Jackson
Kimani Romance
Solid Soul
Night Heat
Risky Pleasures
In Bed with Her Boss
Irresistible Forces
Just Deserts
Kimani Arabesque
Tonight &Forever
A Valentine Kiss
“Cupids Bow”
Whispered Promises
Eternally Yours
One Special Moment
Fire and Desire
Something to Celebrate
“Truly Everlasting”
Secret Love
True Love
Surrender
Silhouette Desire
*Delaney’s Desert Sheikh
*A Little Dare
*Thorn’s Challenge
Scandal Between the Sheets
*Stone Cold Surrender
*Riding the Storm
*Jared’s Counterfeit Fiancée
Strictly Confidential Attraction
Taking Care of Business
*The Chase Is On
*The Durango Affair
*Ian’s Ultimate Gamble
*Seduction, Westmoreland Style
**Stranded with the Tempting Stranger
*Spencer’s Forbidden Passion
*Taming Clint Westmoreland
*Cole’s Red-Hot Pursuit
BRENDA JACKSON
is a die “heart” romantic who married her childhood sweetheart and still proudly wears the “going steady” ring he gave her when she was fifteen. Because she’s always believed in the power of love, Brenda’s stories always have happy endings. In her real-life love story, Brenda and her husband of thirty-six years live in Jacksonville, Florida, and have two sons.
A USA TODAY bestselling author of more than fifty romance novels, Brenda is also a recent retiree who worked thirty-seven years in management at a major insurance company. She divides her time between family, writing and traveling. You may write to Brenda at P.O Box 28267, Jacksonville, Florida 32226; e-mail her at WriterBJackson@aol.com or visit her Web site at www.brendajackson.net.
BRENDA JACKSON
JUST DESERTS
Dear Reader,
It was a great pleasure to work on a project with two good author buddies of mine, Carla Fredd and Carmen Green!
From the moment we decided to write this trilogy, I was fascinated with Danielle’s character. I knew she would be a likable person, but she would also be someone who was hurting from the deceit of a man she thought was her husband.
And then there was Tristan, her best friend and, unbeknownst to Danielle, the man who has secretly been in love with her for years. I found myself rooting for Tristan and hoping that Danielle would finally realize what was right before her eyes.
I took the following question to my book club: “Can you fall in love with your best friend?” The responses were great and thought-provoking and started a lot of discussions. Overwhelmingly, we agreed that starting out as best friends makes for the best relationships.
I hope all of you enjoy reading Tristan and Danielle’s story, where you will see if that holds true.
Also, I would love for you to join me for the Madaris Family Reunion Cruise to Canada out of New York in June 2009. Please visit my Web site for more details!
Happy reading!
Brenda Jackson
Contents
Acknowledgment
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Epilogue
Acknowledgment
To the love of my life, Gerald Jackson, Sr. Happy 36th anniversary!
To my author buddies, Carla Fredd and Carmen Green. I had fun working with you ladies on this one.
Let’s do it again!
To everyone who will be joining me on the 2009 Cruise to Canada. This one is for you!
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
—Galatians 6:3
Chapter 1
If it had been left up to Tristan