Chapter One

Julian

I didn't arrive in Savannah on a wing and a prayer. It was more like a Prius and a song. I had my windows down, my radio cranked up, and Kelly Clarkson and I belted out "Since U Been Gone." Queen Kelly was perfectly on pitch, of course, while I sounded more like a cat in heat as I rolled to a stop at an intersection. The latter didn't matter because the song resonated deeply with me. I knew all too well what it felt like to rediscover yourself after a breakup, so whatever I lacked in musical talent, I more than made up for with feeling.

A cute brunette in cut-off shorts and a pale pink tank top clapped her hands. "Yeah, baby! Sing it!" she yelled. And I knew my decision to move to Savannah had definitely been the right call. It wasn't like I'd thrown a dart at a map and moved to wherever it landed. I'd spent my summers as a kid in Savannah at my great-aunt Tallulah's house. Lulu had taught me the most important life lessons, and though she'd sold her house years ago to move in with my parents in Atlanta, Savannah still felt like the perfect haven for my bruised heart and battered reputation. The grand dame of the South didn't just tolerate eclectic people; she drew us in and cradled us against her bosom, whispering, "You're safe here."

The gorgeous brunette danced around and sang the following lines with me until the driver behind me honked their horn in annoyance. I blew the pretty lady a kiss, which she caught and held to her chest as I drove away. The impromptu duet put a smile on my face, which lingered until I took an unplanned detour down Seiler Avenue. Lulu's white craftsman bungalow looked the same yet different. The current owner hadn't made many changes, but it looked like an entirely different house. No wind chimes hung from the porch nor birdfeeders from the trees. The flowerbeds were overgrown with weeds, and the grass was a good three weeks past due for a mow. The little house had always felt alive to me, buzzing with vitality, but it now seemed hollowed out and stunted.

Tears flooded my eyes when I drove past Lulu's house, which was probably why I didn't see the stop sign at the next intersection. However, I didn't miss the flashing lights in my rearview mirror or the cop with thighs as thick as tree trunks sauntering up to my car once I pulled over. I just knew the view would be as good going as it was coming until the officer stopped at my window, putting his crotch at eye level. Oh yeah, that view would be hard to beat. Lord almighty, it was a crime to frame something that fine in polyester pants. Then the cop leaned down and peered into my vehicle, and I forgot to breathe. He had hair the color of a tawny lion and golden amber eyes rimmed with ridiculously long eyelashes. I expected someone as beautiful and built as him to radiate cockiness, but there was something different about this guy, though I couldn't put a finger on it. Of course, I would've happily put all ten digits on him if he'd let me.

"You ran the stop sign back there," the officer said. He narrowed his eyes and studied my face. "Are you okay?"

"Okay?" I asked, then became aware of my wet face. I quickly wiped away the tears. "Yeah, I'm fine."

The officer leaned over to look into my back seat before meeting my gaze. "Did you get into an argument with someone?"

"Nah, I dumped his dumb ass a few months ago."

I didn't see a flicker of reaction in his golden gaze, but his mouth curved into a wry smile. "Ouch," he said. "Pretty sure more than a few of my girlfriends have said the same about me."

I clasped my imaginary pearls. "Say it ain't so."

The officer chuckled and crossed his heart. "What upset you so much that you ran the stop sign?"

"Oh, I just drove by my aunt's old place and was sad to see the new owners don't love it as much as she did. It's no excuse, and I'm sorry."

Officer Hottie nodded and said, "I'll need to see your license, registration, and proof of insurance."

"You don't want to frisk me for weapons?" One of these days, my mouth would get me into a lot of trouble.

The cop blinked a few times, and then a slow smile spread across his face until twin dimples peeked out from his cheeks. "Pretty sure you've shown me your weapons already."

I knew he was talking about my sharp tongue and quick wit, but I couldn't let him off the hook. "Oh, darling," I cooed, "there'd be no doubt if I had."

A series of beeps emitted from the radio hooked to his vest, followed by a tinny voice calling out codes and unit numbers. The sexy officer stood up straight and turned toward his patrol car. I glanced up in the rearview mirror and saw his partner, a super sexy Hispanic man, signaling for my new fantasy boyfriend to hurry up.

"You're in luck," the tawny cop said, startling me.

I clutched my nonexistent pearls again and said, "You sure move quickly and quietly for such a big guy," I said.

"Like a lion," he replied with a wink. "You won't see me coming until I'm on you."

"Promises, promises."

Another flash of those dimples. "I have to answer another call, so I'm letting you off with a verbal warning."

"Oh, good," I purred. "Oral is my favorite."

He shook his head and straightened to his full height, putting me at eye level with his big dick again. "Drive safely," he called out as he retreated to his cruiser.

I shamefully stared at his ass in the side mirror and wiggled my fingers at them as they drove by with their lights flashing and sirens blaring a few seconds later. I released a sigh, relegated the handsome man to my fantasies, and drove to the store to grab a few staples before heading to my new apartment. My belongings wouldn't arrive until the following day, so I'd brought a sleeping bag and a pillow to tide me over. All I needed to survive was something quick to eat for dinner and breakfast.

Afterward, I tucked my sleeping bag and pillow under one arm and carried the meager groceries I'd purchased in the other. I'd feel more motivated to fill the cabinets and refrigerator once I had my familiar things around me, but this would do for a night. I shifted a few things in my hand to open the lobby door.

"Wait!" a lady called out. "I got you."

I turned and stared in disbelief as my pretty brunette duet partner walked up with a broad smile on her face. I felt an inexplicable draw to the woman as if she were the missing puzzle piece I'd been searching for. She eased the groceries out of my hand and opened the door for us.

"Where have you been all my life?" I asked.

She looped her arm around my shoulders and leaned her head against mine. "Right here, waiting for you."

I didn't spend my first night back in Savannah on my apartment floor; I spent it getting to know the greatest gift I'd ever received—Harper Frances Carnegie. We cuddled on her couch and ordered takeout, then talked and laughed until the sun rose. She helped me set up my apartment, which happened to be directly across the hall from hers, and took me home for Sunday family dinner. I'd been hesitant to intrude, but she simply said, "Nonsense. You're my family now."

I was still nervous when we pulled up in front of the two-story home, but Harper hooked her arm through mine and led me into her parents' house. I met her two older sisters, Emma and Shelby, first. They were every bit as gorgeous as Harper, and I wasn't surprised to learn they were also former beauty queens. Their parents, Denver and Audrey, were warm, welcoming, and eager to learn more about me.

"Is Topher going to make it tonight?" Harper asked.

"He said he would, but police officers don't exactly keep office hours," Audrey replied. "He's hoping to make detective soon, so he's volunteering for overtime and extra duties." She set down a charcuterie board on the table. It was overflowing with deli meats, cheeses, veggies, fruits, and other yummies to nosh on before dinner. The sisters all reached for the board, but Audrey cleared her throat. "Guests first."

"He's no guest," Harper replied. "He's family."

Denver chuckled and said, "Well, let's dig in."

The mention of a police officer momentarily derailed my thoughts. I pictured tawny good looks, thick thighs, a tight ass, and a big dick stuffed into snug, unyielding fabric. I blinked and brought the room into focus just as the patio door opened and closed behind me. I blinked again because the Carnegie girls and their dad had already cleared half the board. How long had I been daydreaming about the cop?

I helped myself to some crisp veggies and cheese while the Carnegies launched into a spirited debate over the song lineup for an upcoming show. Harper had told me about their band and described how they performed at local festivals and events. Every Carnegie played an instrument and provided their vocal talents, though Denver and Shelby were the ones who usually sang lead. It was plain to see how much this family loved one another because each of them suggested a song that would highlight someone else's talents. Shelby wanted a song where Emma could have a violin solo. Harper suggested one that would let Christopher's drumming skills shine. Emma wanted a song to showcase Harper on bass guitar. Audrey wanted to do an acoustic version of one of their favorites so Denver's vocal would be the main focal point. And Denver suggested "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac because it was the song Audrey had sung when they first met.

I was so completely charmed by them, that I didn't hear the sliding glass door open behind me until a familiar voice said, "Hey, Mama. Sorry I'm late."

I turned in my chair and smiled up at the tawny lion cop, who somehow looked even sexier in a simple T-shirt and a pair of jeans than in his uniform. "Hello again." They called him Topher, which I learned was short for Christopher.

"Hello again?" Harper asked. "You two know each other?"

"This ought to be good," Shelby said before crunch ing into a carrot.

Christopher took the empty seat next to me and grinned. "Do you want to do the honors or should I?" he asked.

I recounted the tale of our encounter with a few embellishments here and there because the Carnegies were hanging on to my every word. "Christopher let me off with a warning after I ran a stop sign, and I asked him to marry me. I'm still awaiting his response."

Christopher turned his head and met my gaze. "And I told him it was rude to propose without at least buying me a steak dinner first."

I fell so freaking hard for him right then. Forgetting my manners, I plopped my elbow on the table and dropped my chin onto my palm. I peeked at him through my lashes and said, "We can go now."

"I'm sure Hillary might have a thing or two to say about the steak dinner and marriage proposal," Emma said. Of course Christopher had a girlfriend. Dammit.

Harper mumbled something under her breath, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from Christopher. Surprisingly, he held my gaze until Emma knocked into him while reaching for something on the board.

Christopher turned toward his sister and said, "Take it easy there, killer."

"She's started a new diet," Harper said.

"Ahhhh," everyone but me said.

"Where is Hillary?" Audrey asked. "I thought she was joining us."

Christopher shook his head as he snagged a red grape off the board in front of him.

"She's not joining us tonight?" his father asked. "Or ever again?"

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Christopher's mouth. I had no idea what it meant, but his family sure did. They immediately launched into a conversation about why the relationship went south. One of them would say Christopher was trying too hard to settle down, another would claim he wasn't trying hard enough, but Audrey would always smile indulgently and say, "You just haven't met the right person yet. Everything will click into place when you do."

Fast forward three years, and the dynamic was the same. Harper remained the greatest gift I'd ever received, the Carnegies continued to treat me as family, and I passionately loved my adoptive city. My unrequited crush on Christopher persisted, and his family continued the same postmortem discussion after each ensuing breakup. When Audrey would say, "You just haven't met the right person yet," my soul would cry out, "Yes, you have! It's me! I'm right here!"

Wise gay men in love with obviously straight men would keep their mouths shut but not me. I wasn't brave enough to announce I was the one Christopher was looking for, but I eventually added my two cents to their postmortem discussions with, "Or maybe you're just not playing for the right team."

Christopher's reaction to my suggestion varied weekly, monthly, and yearly. Mostly, he'd snortle. Sometimes he'd shake his head.

The last dissection of Christopher's love life occurred a few months back. Abigail had lasted the longest, and they'd even moved in together, so his family was especially perplexed when their relationship fizzled. But me? I was thrilled. Not only had that been a close call, but Christopher moved in with Harper temporarily until he found his own place. He was in my orbit more often since they lived across the hall, and I spent more time in Harper's apartment than I did in my own. Christopher had joined us for takeout and movie or reality television nights on the couch, although he bitched about our chosen content until Harper let him pick what we watched on Sunday evenings. He preferred movies with action and chaos, but I sat there and soaked up every second of just being with him. I was a lovesick fool with no hope of fulfilling my heart's biggest desire. I was a bonified, or boneheaded, glutton for punishment.

"So, Toph," Shelby said, "how was your blind date last night?"

My heart fell. Christopher hadn't mentioned a date to me, but he wouldn't. He was as kind as he was beautiful. Dread built inside me like a noxious gas as I waited for his response. Was this the lady who'd steal my man for good?

Beside me, Christopher set his fork down and sighed heavily. I recognized his reaction, and relief flooded through me like a giant antacid tablet. The date had not gone well. His family recognized the signs too and immediately ran through their Goldilocks routine without Christopher uttering a single word. Too little. Too much. Not the right person. I, of course, chimed in with my suggestion that Christopher just wasn't playing for the right team. I got a little bolder this time and rested my hand on his shoulder and batted my eyelashes at him.

Christopher didn't snortle or shake his head. He set his fork down, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, "Maybe." Oh, how that one word packed a wallop.

He looked at me expectantly, as if he anticipated a comeback, but I'd frozen. I was too afraid to hope the glimmer in his golden gaze meant something more profound, and I didn't want to blow my chance with a flippant response. I quickly regained a handle on my riotous emotions. Christopher wasn't into me or any guy. He was just giving me a dose of my own medicine, and I deserved it.

But what if? I still couldn't speak, but luckily, Audrey came to the rescue by changing the subject. I tuned in to hear about Shelby's pregnancy, Emma's promotion, and Harper's nerves over emceeing her first charity event since hanging up her tiara and sash for good. I knew she didn't want to do it, but the proceeds benefited children's cancer research, so I offered to design a custom dress for the occasion.

"Are you excited to teach your first college course, Julian?" Denver asked. "Environmental ethics in fashion design, right?"

Oh shit. It was my turn to speak. My brain was still stuck on Christopher's answer, so I took a quick sip of water before smiling at Denver. "Yes, sir, but excited might be a stretch," I replied. When imagining my future, instructing at an art college had never been on my bucket list.

Christopher nudged me. "You'll do great. I bet you become everyone's favorite instructor in no time."

Warmth spread through my chest and up my neck. Christopher searched my eyes, then dropped his gaze as if captivated by the blush his compliment incited. He shifted his attention upward, lingering on my mouth for several moments. What was happening? "Thank you," I managed to say, breaking the spell. Christopher met my gaze again, and I found it hard to breathe. "So, are you ready for your CrimeStoppers interview on Channel Eleven?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No, but I hope it brings in new tips. Solving all cases is important, but this one hit me here." He thump ed his fist against his chest. "I do have something exciting to share. I found an adorable house to rent." Everyone erupted into congratulations, no one louder than Harper. Three months of cohabitation with Christopher probably felt like an eternity to her, but my heart was breaking in two.

"When do you move out?" Emma asked.

"The house is going through some remodeling, so probably not until the first of October."

Six weeks. That was all I had left with Christopher. Once he moved out, I'd only see him at Sunday dinner, holidays, or when the Carnegies' family band performed at local functions. No more midweek movies, game nights, or shared dinners. There'd be a giant, Christopher-sized hole in my life that no one else could fill.

The conversation continued around me, but I checked out until Audrey offered dessert. I'd lost my appetite and politely declined. Harper and Christopher did too, so Audrey packed an entire pie in the leftovers she sent home with us. We'd ridden together in Christopher's truck, and I sat in contemplative silence during the trip back to our complex and the elevator ride up to our apartments.

"At least we'll have delicious dessert for Jaws ," Harper said.

My nerves were as tangled as a ball of Christmas lights, and the idea of sitting close to Christopher on a couch for a few hours was more than I could handle. "All the talk about my first class made me want to review my lecture notes again. I think I'll take a rain check on the movie and pie."

Harper searched my eyes for several seconds before kissing my cheek. "Try not to overthink it."

"Me? No way," I teased.

Harper unlocked the door and stepped inside, but Christopher remained in the hallway. Our eyes met and held. My skin tingled as something shifted and sparked between us. Christopher's eyes burned with intensity and something else. Curiosity, perhaps?

"See you later," Christopher finally said.

And because I desperately needed to regain the upper hand in our dynamic, I plastered my flirtiest smile on my face and said, "Yes, in my dreams."

I felt his scrutiny as I turned and stuck my key into the lock. I glanced over my shoulder and caught him staring at my ass. Sensing he was busted, Christopher jerked his gaze upward. I winked, and he smiled until his dimples emerged. I entered my apartment, closed the door, and leaned against it.

What was happening?