She was sunlight I had no business touching… but I’ve been in the dark too damn long.
The fire that took my best friend’s life left me with scars that will never fade. I keep my head down, my past buried, and my world small; just me and my bar in Ruby Ridge.
It’s safer that way. I met Layla Leblanc through my sister-in-law, when she tossed out a casual offer to help give my bar some exposure.
I never thought she’d show up again, until she walked in with a smile that could wreck a man.
Every visit, every late-night conversation, every look she gives me drags me further into dangerous territory.
She’s young, engaged, and she’s the only thing that’s made me feel alive since my accident. I already lost my mama and one person I couldn’t save.
I won’t make that mistake again, even if it means crossing lines I can’t uncross.
