Before We Kiss. Susan Mallery
New York Times bestselling sensation Susan Mallery returns to Fool’s Gold, California, where it’s true that sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…
Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.
Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.
His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?
Praise for New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery
“This book is a dynamite read filled with humor, compassion and sexy sizzle.”
—RT Book Reviews on Three Little Words, Top Pick!
“Both smile and tear inducing. Mallery is one of a kind.”
—RT Book Reviews on Two of a Kind, Top Pick!
“Mallery delivers another engaging romance in magical Fool’s Gold.”
—Kirkus Reviews on Just One Kiss
“In her second ‘Blackberry Island’ novel, Mallery has again created an engrossing tale of emotional growth and the healing power of friendship as these three ‘sisters’ meet life’s challenges.”
—Library Journal on Three Sisters
“The wildly popular and prolific Mallery can always be counted on to tell an engaging story of modern romance.”
—Booklist on Summer Nights
“Mallery infuses her story with eccentricity, gentle humor, and small-town shenanigans, and readers...will enjoy the connection between Heidi and Rafe.”
—Publishers Weekly on Summer Days
“Romance novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.”
—Booklist
“Susan Mallery is one of my favorites.”
—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
Before We Kiss
Susan Mallery
MILLS & BOON
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To 2013 Fool’s Gold Co-Head Cheerleader Angela. Knowing you is a joy. I admire your strength and your optimism in the face of obstacles. You brighten every life you touch and the world is a better place because you are in it. Thank you for your friendship. This one is for you. Armadillo.
Being the “mom” of an adorable, spoiled little dog, I know the joy that pets can bring to our lives. Animal welfare is a cause I have long supported. For me that means giving to Seattle Humane. At their 2013 Tuxes and Tails fund-raiser, I offered “Your pet in a romance novel.”
In this book you will meet a wonderful little Pomeranian named Caramel. Her owner was one of two auction winners and this is her story.
One of the things that makes writing special is interacting in different ways with people. Some I talk to for research. Some are readers who want to talk characters and story lines, and some are fabulous pet parents. Caramel’s dad is a special guy who loves his little girl so much. When he told me about her, she came alive. I hope I have captured her wonderful spirit in this book.
My thanks to him, to Caramel and to the amazing people at Seattle Humane (www.seattlehumane.org). Because every pet deserves a loving family.
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
“RETURNING TO THE scene of the crime?” Dellina Hopkins asked as she stared at the dark-haired man standing on her porch. She supposed the polite response to his presence was to invite him in. And she would...in a minute. But first she was going to make him work for