“I was walking out here trying to figure out what I’d write for Salon,” she said. “I saw them sitting here, and it started to click. They’re…” She didn’t have the words, so she waved the phone uselessly.

Vivian took the phone,, her lips pursed in thought. After a moment, she said, “Yes. I get it.”

If Vivian said she got it, she got it, but Jules kept talking anyway. “They seemed so happy, just sitting there holding hands. They really got me thinking about my topic, about…”

Vivian looked at her, clearly waiting.

“About you,” Jules admitted. Even now, confession was embarrassing. “I was thinking about what it would be like to be here with you. And here we are.”

“Don’t get sentimental on me, Julia.”

But then she took Jules’s hand. Her thumb rubbed over the knuckles. The morning light softened her eyes.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Jules whispered. The sudden warmth in her chest was enough to banish the cold, no matter what she wore. Together, their hands came to rest against the curve of Vivian’s belly.

“Good.” Vivian squeezed Jules’s hand. “That’s the last thing I need.”

“I think we’ve already got what we need.”

“Do we? This isn’t going to be easy.” Vivian’s tone left no room for argument. “This is going to be the furthest thing from easy.”

“I know,” Jules said. “I’m ready if you are.”

Though upon reflection, that might not be totally true. As she leaned forward, Jules wondered if she’d ever be ready for Vivian Carlisle.

I sure hope not. She pressed her lips gently to Vivian’s in the full glow of sunrise.

* * *

END BOOK ONE

The Story Continues In:

ABOVE ALL THINGS

Other Books from Ylva Publishing

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The X Ingredient

Roslyn Sinclair

ISBN: 978-3-96324-272-4 (mobi), 978-3-96324-273-1 (epub)

Length: 103,000 words (285 pages)

Laurie Holcombe is out of a job, out of luck, and out of time. When a prestigious law firm hires her as an assistant to one of its senior partners, it feels like she might finally get back on her feet. All she has to do is put up with the whims of her infuriatingly icy boss, Diana. How hard could that be?

Diana Parker is Atlanta’s top lawyer and isn’t afraid to let everyone know it. She’s driven, ruthless, demanding, and stuck in a failing marriage. Too bad she can’t run her personal life as well as she runs her ordered office.

When a young assistant shows up with bright blue eyes, a cute Southern accent, and a streak of pink hair, Diana’s sure she’s all wrong for the job. And yet something seems to be pulling her and Laurie Holcombe together, drawing them into a secret, thrilling dance that’s far too dangerous for a boss and employee.