The third, and perhaps the most pertinent time, he spoke to me. He told me he liked my pink overalls that I begged my mother not to make me wear. He gave me a grin, baring all his teeth and I almost melted. My heart slammed against my little ribcage and I couldn’t help but feel like I was floating.

The beautiful man noticed me.

Maybe he’d love me one day.

Maybe he’d kiss me like they do at the end of the movies.

But I was wrong.

So, fucking wrong.

Because although I saw him first and told myself at the young age of ten that I was madly in love with this beautiful man, said beautiful man fell in love with someone else.

My mother.

I was ten years old when I fell in love.

Two years later, I fell in hate.

Get Love Unexpected here

Acknowledgments

This book wouldn’t… couldn’t have happened without some pretty fabulous people. Your input, your love, your support is invaluable to me. As I, (and Carrie Bradshaw) have said probably a million times—sometimes family is the one you’re born into, and sometimes it’s the one you make for yourself.

First and foremost, to the readers: it’s been a minute since I released a book. (I know!) Thank you for sticking with me through it all. For constantly posting and sharing and sliding in my DMs. For sharing your love for my books and giving me the inspiration and at times the kick in the ass I need. I love you guys and Q.B. would be nothing without you and your support. Thanks for being on this ride with me, let’s never get off, k?

Carmel Rhodes, Erica Marselas, Kelsey Cheyenne and Harlow Layne: thank you for being my sounding board, my safe space, my cheerleaders and sprinting buddies (even when we’re not really sprinting.) I love you ladies and I can’t wait until we’re all together again!

Danielle James and Emily Witting: Thank you for the gorgeous covers you designed for this book! Your talent never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for making my pretties!

Stacy Blake & Kristen Portillo: Thank you for always making my books sparkle and shine and putting up with me being last minute (and slightly disorganized) for everything!

Ariadna Basulto: I love you! You changed my life in the blink of an eye. Thank you for getting me together, I’d be so lost without you.

To Q.B.’s Hive: It’s crazy to think that some of you guys have been with me for like seven years now? Thank you for being my ride or dies! I love you!