Justin Anderson is determined to overcome Diane Wallace's aversion to younger men. An attempt on his life brings the two together and sparks fly.
This story follows an older heroine who is determined not to become involved in love again. She moves far from the big city to a small town in rural Virginia where she spots a younger man who isn't hard to view. However, she won't get involved with anybody let alone a man younger than she is.
Justin Anderson has survived a brutal divorce, barely, and is only concerned about one thing in life -- his daughter, Briana. His ex-wife has custody most of the time but is trying to find a way to obtain as many of Justin's assets as she can and her weapon of choice is his daughter.
When he comes home from work one day, he is panicked to find a letter bomb among his mail. A call to his best friend, and the town's sheriff, Corey Williams takes him from his home. It is suggested he find another place to stay for a while.
Diane's friend and the local bartender, Mark, gets a call from the sheriff asking if he has an extra room for Justin to occupy. Mark takes matters into his hands and calls Diane asking her to meet him at the bar. When she arrives, the deal is set.
Justin will stay with Diane until the police finish investigating at his home.
Excerpt
Justin turned his glass of beer around with his fingertips. He'd been coming into this place for about seven years and hadn't been attracted to most of the ladies who frequented The Bar. Diane's confidence first grabbed his attention. Her poise and overall demeanor spoke to the fact she was probably older than most of the bar's regular clientele.
Justin smiled. 'I think confidence is as sexy as a great figure.' He peered into his beer as though it were a crystal ball. the amber liquid was slightly cloudy and he couldn't tell anything except he was getting close to needing another beer.
Diane slipped off her barstool and marched toward him. 'This is ridiculous.' She shook her head slightly. 'He is no different than any other man.' The dive-bombing butterflies in her stomach threatened to destroy her bravado.
As she drew closer, she realized he was younger than she has assumed. 'Make that young man. He puts his jeans on one muscular, tan leg at a time. The closer I get, though, the more I can see I was right about his incredible physique. His plain cotton shirt strained over well-formed chest and arm muscles developed by hard physical work, not hours in the gym with weights. The spicy scent he wore sent Diane's hormones stampeding. 'God, this isn't fair. He smells yummy!' Diane took a deep breath. 'I'd better do this before I lose my nerve.'
Justin jumped when the five-dollar bill slapped down on the bar beside him. He snapped his head around to face flashing, fiery brown eyes.
"I believe this is yours. I pay for my own drinks. You'll need this later when the young ladies begin to arrive. I understand they require lots of these," she picked the five off the bar and waved it in the air, "to keep them interested."
Justin opened his mouth to reply but Diane had turned on her heel and marched away, leaving him with his mouth gaping. He snapped his mouth shut and watched the rhythmic sway of her hips as she moved away from him.
'Whew. What a spitfire!' Justin leaned back in his chair. 'She's going to be a challenge. I love challenges.'
Professional Reviews
Lynda LaPorte, Author
Celia Cooper's first foray into romantic story telling has a wonderful mix of different locales, ages and employments that represent the real world today. Ready to settle down, Diane Wallace seeks a quiet friendly town and even though she is Old Enough To Know Better, finds a younger hunk, Justin Anderson, embroiled with a greedy ex-wife who dumps more than bombs on their budding relationship. A good ready for any day.
Marie-Nicole Ryan, Author
Celia Cooper delivers a heart-stopping story of romantic suspense. In a town outside Washington, DC, it's a toss up for Justin Anderson. Who hates him enough to kill him? Is it his witch of an ex-wife or is it someone he never suspects?
Figure into this perilous situation Justin's attraction to an 'older' woman, Diane Wallace, and the reader will have more than enough action to keep turning those pages.
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