Just a Heartbeat Away

Some people change your life
Others change your heart

Newly widowed dad Sebastian Dorner was unraveling at the edges—until his son’s teacher, Via DeRosa, threw him a lifeline. Now, two years later, they reconnect at Matty’s new school, and an inconvenient but unmistakable jolt of attraction crackles between them. But why does the first person to spark with Sebastian in years have to be a millennial? Is twentysomething Via really too young for him or does fortysomething Sebastian just feel too damn old?

A former foster kid, Via’s finally forged the stable life she’s always dreamed of—new job, steady income, no drama. The last thing she needs are rumors about her and a single dad at school. But why does she keep being drawn into his capable, worn-flannel orbit? And why does being around Sebastian, Matty and even their dog, Crabby, seem to spark so much want?

They’re trying to ignore the tension threatening their friendship. But sometimes what’ll heal you is just a touch—and a heartbeat—away...

Praise for Cara Bastone and Just a Heartbeat Away

“An utterly satisfying and delicious read. One for the keeper shelf!”

—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

“Gorgeous, brilliant, with characters so unique and real they leap right off the page. It’s a master class in achy breaky yearning. Don’t start this one late at night unless you don’t need to do anything the next day except for pre-ordering the next one.”

—Sarina Bowen, USA TODAY bestselling author of the True North series

“Emotionally intense and real, Just a Heartbeat Away touches the soft place in your soul. Cara Bastone’s debut novel will warm you from the inside out and stay with you long after you finish the book.”

—Christie Craig, New York Times bestselling author

Also available from Cara Bastone and HQN

Forever Yours

When We First Met (prequel ebook novella)

Just a Heartbeat Away

And coming soon

Can’t Help Falling

Flirting with Forever

Cara Bastone

Just a Heartbeat Away

For Jon

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Excerpt from Can’t Help Falling by Cara Bastone

Acknowledgments

CHAPTER ONE

SEBASTIAN DORNER USED to be the kind of man who knew how to sit across a table from a woman. He used to know when to slant her a slice of white smile. He used to know when to unbutton the top button of one of his tailored suits. He used to know how to signal a waiter with two fingers and a slick nod toward an empty glass. He used to know how to lean across that table and brush soft hair back from softer skin.

But Cora’s tank of an SUV had gotten hit by some drunk college kid’s Camry, and she was gone. And Sebastian Dorner was gone, too. The car accident that had taken his wife’s life had sliced neatly through a tether he hadn’t realized he’d been leaning all his weight against. He was falling.