I married her because she had no one.She was my best friend's sister and when he died I owed it to him to take care of her. For seven years, I kept my distance.I went on every deployment I could andI gave her space.I thought I was doing the right thing. Now, it's time for me to retireAnd I'm going home.She has her own life now.She's happy and She deserves more than being tied to her emotionally wounded husband. I thought I could let her go... but all I can think about is claiming Jane.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Hope Ford brings you a steamy cowboy romance about a single mom that escapes an abusive ex-husband and finds an alpha cowboy who shows her that a real man protects the ones he loves at all costs. Natalie I'm a survivor. I finally got myself and my son away from my abusive ex, and I'm standing on my own two feet. The very last thing I want is another arrogant, controlling man. I don't care how sexy the grumpy hot cowboy is. When I first meet King, I try to thank him for the ranching camp scholarship my son was awarded, but before I can get the words out, he offers me a roll in the hay. Even though I'm a little tempted, I walk away and pull my son from the camp. We do not have room in our lives for a man like that. King I am tired of women only seeing dollar signs when they look at me. So yeah, I come on too strong with the curvy single mom who shows up at my ranch. I don't realize who she is or...

Friends to lovers... she just needs a little liquid courage.I've been best friends with Parker since we were little and he punched a boy in the face for pulling my hair. We tell each other everything. Well, almost everything. I may have left out the fact that I've also been in love with him since forever.But he's Parker. He was the captain of the football team, most popular boy in school and could date any woman he wanted. Now, he's a big, buff military guy that's on leave.Then there's me. Bartender/college student. Voted class nerd in high school – unofficially of course. I went to libraries instead of dances and I have more curves than Parker's last three girlfriends combined.I've always kept my crush on Parker hidden. It's better that way.Until one night, and I do things that are either going to tear us apart... or bind us forever.Yea, I think I'm going to blame it on the Whiskey.