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It's Only You
Sheryl Lister
From their first kiss… The gorgeous music mogul who saves ER nurse Simona Andrews from a hallway collision belongs firmly in her "do not date" category. He's in the media spotlight–just like her ex, an actor who trashed her publicly after their split. Since she became guardian to her baby niece, Simona has even more reason to avoid high-profile affairs. Yet still her body is on fire from Donovan's lightest touch.Record label VP Donovan Wright tells himself it's exhaustion, adrenaline…but nothing has ever matched the feeling of having Simona in his arms. Sexy and compassionate by turns, she immediately pulls him in, even as his own trust issues surface. Before she walks away for good, he has just one more chance to prove that his promise to love and care for her will never be broken…
From their first kiss...
The gorgeous music mogul who saves ER nurse Simona Andrews from a hallway collision belongs firmly in her “do not date” category. He’s in the media spotlight—just like her ex, an actor who trashed her publicly after their split. Since she became guardian to her baby niece, Simona has even more reason to avoid high-profile affairs. Yet still her body is on fire from Donovan’s lightest touch.
Record label VP Donovan Wright tells himself it’s exhaustion, adrenaline...but nothing has ever matched the feeling of having Simona in his arms. Sexy and compassionate by turns, she immediately pulls him in, even as his own trust issues surface. Before she walks away for good, he has just one more chance to prove that his promise to love and care for her will never be broken...
“I’m not stalking you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” he said, coming toward her with that charming smile.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, that’s a good thing because—” He cut her off before she could finish her sentence and her thought.
“I just wanted to make sure you got home safely, and...”
“And what?” she asked as he trailed off.
He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. “And I wanted to kiss you good-night.”
Simona’s pulse spiked. Without waiting for a response, he bent and covered her lips with his. The moment their mouths met, heat flared out in every part of her body. He tangled his tongue with hers unhurriedly, as if he had all night. Her body trembled, and she moaned softly. At length, he lifted his head.
He pressed his lips to hers once more and then whispered, “Good night, Simona.” Releasing her, he turned and sauntered back down the driveway.
Simona slumped against her car, heart pounding and legs shaking. She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. When she opened them, he was leaning against his car. “Donovan?”
“I’m just waiting for you to go inside.”
Such a gentleman. This man was breaking down her resolve.
Dear Reader (#u6ad6aa0c-97c8-53dd-9915-200104c0a1b0),
You met Donovan Wright in my first novel, Just to Be with You. He had a plethora of advice on love for his best friend. Now that it’s his turn, he’s finding that the answers aren’t so black-and-white and the hurt he’s buried is not so easy to dismiss. Simona Andrews is just the woman he needs to help him move past the pain. He’ll provide the unconditional love Simona has always craved. In return, she can give Donovan the one thing he wants—a family—even if he doesn’t know it yet. Throw in a sweet baby girl, and poor Donovan doesn’t stand a chance!
It was an absolute joy to watch Donovan fall in love. I hope you enjoy the ride, and catching up on the lives of his friends, as much as I did.
Coming up, I’m excited to bring you a new family series—the Grays. Stay tuned for details.
I love hearing from readers. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Much love,
Sheryl
Website: SherylLister.com (http://www.SherylLister.com)
Email: sheryllister@gmail.com
Facebook: Author Sheryl Lister (https://www.facebook.com/sheryllisterauthor)
It’s Only You
Sheryl Lister
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
SHERYL LISTER has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-size desserts. She holds a BS in occupational therapy and post-professional MS in occupational therapy from San Jose State University. She resides in California and is a wife, mother of three and pediatric occupational therapist.
To my amazing husband, Lance, for your unconditional love and your unwavering support. It’s only you who sets my soul on fire.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (#u6ad6aa0c-97c8-53dd-9915-200104c0a1b0)
My Heavenly Father, I am nothing without You.
Thank you to my children, family and friends for your continued support. I appreciate and love you!
A special thank-you to LaShaunda Hoffman for your expertise and encouragement. You’ve helped me more than you know.
Thank you to my editor, Rachel Burkot, and the Harlequin Kimani team for your editorial guidance and support.
A very special thank-you to my agent, Sarah E. Younger. I appreciate you more than words can say.
Contents
Cover (#uffacd769-9947-5ac9-995a-bbd118c95094)
Back Cover Text (#u76075b68-f678-58f1-8761-9379690e5278)
Introduction (#u75fba22e-0365-5355-9c36-60f4876b7304)
Dear Reader
Title Page (#u24dfd77f-07b5-56db-b848-c26460dab377)
About the Author (#u41aa8116-766b-55b4-bf7c-9430a2a4affe)
Dedication (#u5030e2f5-43b7-5bc3-91ff-1acbe00e6024)
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 (#ulink_bcef736c-4daa-5405-9d4f-d482091f5276)
Chapter 2 (#ulink_e902b8df-97a1-592e-8627-bc7f33522510)
Chapter 3 (#ulink_b75e8523-0dc7-5d67-94ec-3f97131c6aab)
Chapter 4 (#ulink_7768abec-7ea3-588f-808b-8926c46ce175)
Chapter 5 (#ulink_30bd9748-5f65-532e-9821-3015d86d24b1)
Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 20 (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 1 (#ulink_cbdbf0a9-f07f-58fe-a10e-a68b0bb16ff8)
“Simona, Dr. Harris has been looking for you.”
Simona Andrews barely held back an eye roll. She had been on her feet for ten hours in the hospital’s emergency room and was too tired to deal with Dr. Harris’s antics tonight. “Why? There are several other nurses on duty.”
“True, but you’re the only one on tonight with pediatric experience,” the other nurse answered.
“Where is he?”
“Exam room four.”
“Thanks,” Simona called over her shoulder, increasing her pace. She hoped the good doctor really had a patient this time. Then she heard the crying—well, screaming, actually—from two doors away.
“Thank God,” Dr. Harris muttered when he looked up and saw her enter. “Ms. Andrews, Thomas here is a victim of little brother syndrome.”
He placed a subtle hand on her back, and she immediately moved out of his reach. “Hi, Thomas.”
The doctor quickly explained that the child’s mother had brought the two-year-old into the hospital’s emergency room when he wouldn’t stop crying and couldn’t move his right arm. Further questioning revealed that the woman’s teenage son had been swinging Thomas around in circles by his wrists, resulting in Thomas’s right shoulder dislocating.
Simona moved closer to the table where Thomas sat crying, shaking his head and clinging to his mother. She knew the doctor could easily maneuver the joint back into place, but not without some pain to the child. She produced a small stuffed tiger from her pocket and extended it to him. He stared at it for a lengthy moment, then reached out to touch it. Gradually, his tears stopped.
“Does your arm hurt?” she asked softly.
He nodded, and his lip began quivering again.
She pointed to the tiger. “That’s why I brought you my special friend. I think his name is the same as yours—Thomas the Tiger—and he helps little boys be brave when they get hurt. Would you like to hold him?”
He looked down at the tiger and back up at her, as if trying to decide whether Simona was telling the truth. Finally he nodded again and took it from her outstretched hand.
Simona smiled. “Now, Dr. Harris is going to fix your arm, but it might hurt a little, so Thomas the Tiger is going to stay right in your arms to help you be brave. Is that okay?”
He glanced at the doctor, back to Simona and then laid his head against his mother.
She caught the doctor’s eye, and he maneuvered closer to the little boy’s injured shoulder. While she told Thomas stories of the tiger’s adventures with other little children, Dr. Harris worked quickly. Thomas winced and let out a small whimper, but by then the doctor had finished and stepped back.
“Wow, Thomas. You did a great job,” Simona praised. “You didn’t even cry.”
He gave her a shy smile.
“You’re such a big boy,” his mother said, kissing his forehead. “Thank you, doctor.”
“No problem, Mrs. Peters.” He gave her some precautions and patted Thomas on the knee.
“And thank you, Ms. Andrews. I don’t think my baby would’ve let the doctor touch him if you hadn’t been here. You even calmed me down,” Mrs. Peters added with a chuckle.
Simona smiled and gently stroked Thomas’s back. “You’re welcome. Take care, Thomas, and no more human airplanes.” He reached for Simona, catching her off guard, and she hugged the toddler.
His mother stared. “I can’t believe it. He never goes to strangers. You must be a baby whisperer, Ms. Andrews.”
“I’ve said the same thing,” Dr. Harris murmured.
Ignoring the doctor, she laughed. “I don’t know about that, Mrs. Peters, but I love children.”
“Do you have any children of your own?”
“No. But I’m a proud aunt.”
“Well, you’re going to make a terrific mother someday.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” the doctor chimed in with a gleam in his eyes that went well beyond professional.
She sent a warning look his way, then turned back. “Thank you, Mrs. Peters. Let me show you to the discharge area.”
Dr. Harris chuckled. “Have a good evening, Mrs. Peters, and take care, Thomas.”
