Sterling Brothers

I’m a no-nonsense man. As the head of a business empire, I have to be. I’m logical, cut-throat, and don’t believe in cheesy things like marriage and happy ever afters. But when my best friend asks me to be Best Man, I can't say no. En route to the wedding, I get stuck at the airport when my flight is delayed, and this obnoxious woman sits next to me. Not only does she keep drinking champagne even though she obviously can’t hold her liquor, but she seems determined to push every single one of my buttons.

When I'm not making waffles for my son Jeremy or teaching him how to swim, I’m running a billion-dollar business. My life is scheduled to the minute. So, when the nanny unexpectedly quits, I need a replacement. Riley is not what I expected. She just graduated law school and wants a summer job before starting her legal career. My son Jeremy instantly likes her—she makes him laugh until his cheeks hurt. Hell, she makes me feel carefree too, and I haven’t let my guard down ever since Jeremy’s mom left.

I don’t give a damn what people say about me. I’m successful and confident—one of San Diego’s youngest CEOs. But when my womanizer rep costs me a major business deal, I’ve got a problem. One of my brothers suggests a fake girlfriend. Ridiculous. Then I spot the perfect opportunity. At a bar, I overhear a stunning blonde getting utterly humiliated by her ex—who casually informs her he dumped her to marry someone else. What an idiot. She looks like she needs rescuing. So, I sit at their table and kiss her like I’ve done it a million times.

Hot-headed. Stubborn. Absolutely no impulse control. That's who I am, according to my brothers and business partners. We run one of the top companies in the country, and we're growing fast. When I start interviewing for a key position, my brothers firmly advise me against hiring Kinley. Of course, I hire her anyway, and not just because she's insanely gorgeous.

I‘m Knox Sterling. Self-made billionaire. Playboy. My whole life, I’ve chased women, thrills, and anything that keeps things uncomplicated. Commitment? Not my style. Except for Amy. My best friend is the only woman who’s ever been completely off-limits. She’s the one person who’s kept me grounded since the days when my bank account barely covered rent. The one woman I’ve secretly wanted for years… but never touched. But after a minor car crash reminds me how quickly life can change, waiting suddenly feels like the worst mistake.