The Billingsley

The only plan I had for myself was my career. My career as a buyer for one of the largest high-end department stores was the only commitment for which I had time. The only one I was willing to make. Now, being left with no choice but to return to my hometown, I'm finding it hard to remember why I left in the first place. Because all that's on my mind is Tucker. He is just as sexy. Just as charming. Just as dangerous as he used to be....

I gave everything to my job. Untiring hard work. Dedication unmatched by anything else. My entire life revolved around my career. Despite all that, I didn’t get the promotion I was hoping for. I got the boot. They say the best revenge is a life well-lived, and I’m determined to show them by landing on my feet.

I have one rule: I don't do relationships. The last thing I need in my life is a woman trying to tie me down. There was only one woman I’d ever considered breaking my rule for. That was, until I received her wedding invitation in the mail. I learned my lesson after that, and I don’t make the same mistake twice. I reinforced my walls and never considered letting them down again. Not even for the mysterious, gorgeous new woman in town. Friends, I can do. Friends with benefits, even better. But that’s where I draw the line. Problem is, Devin is standing on the other side of it.

I never wanted the limelight. The only thing I wanted was Conley Logan. When words failed to express my feelings for Conley, I relied on music instead. But our love song ended before it even began - before I’d even told her how I truly felt. As a result, I watched Conley leave hand-in-hand with my bandmate instead of me. Not wanting the fight that would break up the band, I made a choice. I lived with it every day, knowing it was nobody’s fault but my own. I’ve moved on. I’m content with my small-town life, running a bar. But now Conley is back, forcing me to face the music.

I didn’t have a lot, but what I had I was proud of. I was raised to keep my head down and work hard. I followed the rules, rarely straying off the straight and narrow path. That’s why, when the opportunity to get wild and have a little fun presented itself, I jumped on it - or more like, on him. The handsome cowboy from the bar. It was one night in Vegas. I never expected to see him again. I definitely never imagined he’d show up in my small hometown seven years later, only to discover the daughter he never knew about.