“You’ll be okay, I’ll make sure you’re both safe,” I say, knowing in my gut that these words mean more than she’ll understand. Right as I reach down to put my arms under Coco, a huge clap of thunder rumbles around us and the now-dark sky lights up like the middle of the day for a split moment.

“Run!” I scream to her as we both take off down the beach.

Click here to continue reading this story.

Also by Karen Deen

Hotel Temptations Series:

The Craving

The Desire

The Passion

The Chicago Boys Series:

Gorgeous Gyno

Private Pilot

Naughty Neuro

Lovable Lawyer

The Chicago Boys Box Set

New Year’s Eve with The Chicago Boys (novella collection)

* * *

That Day

Better Day

Time for Love Series:

Love’s Wall

Love’s Dance

Love’s Hiding

Love’s Fun

Love’s Hot

Time for Love Box Set

* * *

Defining Us

Acknowledgments

Writing can be such a challenge, but when the characters in a story start talking in my head, it becomes the happiest place on earth.

Thank you to Forrest for guiding me into this story. I knew once your story started that it would be deep and beautiful, just like you. And to my gorgeous yet complex Harper who needed to heal, I loved our journey together.

To my amazing team who helps me pull my books together, I can’t thank you enough. Lindsay at Contagious Edits, Sarah at The Book Cover Boutique, and of course, my beta readers, Lee, Lisa, Christine, and Di, all of whom make this world of publishing books a lot easier. I would be lost without them.

My PA Lee, who endures my meltdowns and cheers me on when I get excited about something I write, deserves a medal. She is an angel, and I’m blessed that I get to share this book world with her.

Family are the most important people in the world, and I’m lucky that mine allow me the privilege of doing what I love and are happy to come along for the ride. Thank you for all your love and support and believing in me when I’m not sure I believe in myself.

But most importantly, to my readers who are amazing.

I can’t thank you enough for the joy you bring me, hearing how much you love to read my stories. Your beautiful messages and reviews are what keeps me going. I will be forever grateful for each and every one of you.

Happy reading, and until next time, I’ll see you between the pages.

All my love

Karen xx