She’s there to plan the veterans military ball – not to fall for the Marine in charge.

Michael Maddox thinks he has his life under control. No attachments, no relationships–he’s too busy transforming his knack for military intelligence into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. But when headstrong event planner Kate Adams comes barreling into his life, everything changes.

From the moment she arrives in Charlotte, Kate is tongue-tied by Michael. She’s never fallen for a client before, but then she’s never had a client like him–sleek, hard, and impenetrable as steel.

While Kate struggles to keep her distance, a stalker sends her tumbling more deeply into Michael’s world. The former Marine is equipped and willing to protect her, and yet Kate finds herself growing more terrified than ever in his care. For as they grow closer, she realizes that Michael has his own secret past. And while he might save her life, he will surely break her heart.

A standalone romantic mystery.

★★★

“Will you let me inside and tell me what’s really going on?” he asked once they reached her room.

“I’m fine.” She turned to open the door but shuddered when his hand touched her back.

“I may be a bit cold-hearted when it comes to women, but I’m always there for a friend.” His voice was low and raspy.

“Are we friends?” she asked, her back still to him.

“I think so.”

“Then I’d better say goodnight now.”