For Cindy, Cheryl, Kendra and Linda—my writing BFFs. How did we ever survive before the Lair?

And for all the readers who’ve written to say they LOVE the idea of a romance series featuring the same couple in every book, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I knew you were out there!

Contents

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Chapter 1

As Sam raised her right hand to take the oath that would make her a lieutenant, every cell phone and pager in the room began to vibrate.

Tearing her eyes off the city clerk, she ventured a glance at her partner, Detective Freddie Cruz, and noted the grim expression on his handsome face as he checked his pager.

The moment Sam said the final words of the oath, several of the other officers in the room bolted for the doors, calling out that they’d see her later at the party. She heard one of them say, “DD, mass cas.”

Ugh, Sam thought, domestic disturbance, multiple casualties—the worst kind of hell for cops.

“…I have tremendous confidence that she’ll continue to serve with honor and distinction in her new role,” concluded Chief Farnsworth, a man she’d called Uncle Joe when she was a child. “It’s my great personal and professional honor to introduce for the first time, Lieutenant Sam Holland.”

Contending with a huge lump in her throat, Sam received the thundering applause from the colleagues who remained in the room. Her sisters, Tracy and Angela, stepped forward, followed by their father in his motorized wheelchair.

As her sisters pinned on the gold bars, Sam marveled at the surreal sensation. Thanks to the dyslexia she’d battled all her life, she hadn’t allowed herself to imagine this moment. Tears wet her father’s cheeks as he watched from his chair. He loved his three girls passionately, but the special bond he shared with Sam was obvious to everyone who knew them.

Once the bars were in place Tracy and Angela stepped back.

Sam leaned forward to rest her head on her father’s shoulder, which was a poor substitute for the hug she’d have given anything to receive from him right then. Two long years had passed since he’d last been able to hug her.

“Congratulations, Lieutenant,” he said in a gruff tone.

“Thank you, Chief.”

He kissed her cheek.

She turned to shake hands with Chief Farnsworth.

Watching the remaining cops leave the room, Sam had to hold herself back.

“It’s okay if you want to go with them,” Nick said from behind her.

“No way,” she said as she turned to him. “I’m off today.”

“Sam.”

“Nick.”