The Road Sometimes Taken

My best friend’s brother.

That’s all Manuel Zabana has ever been to me.

And yes, he is also the Co-CEO of Zabana Enterprises and a hot millionaire, but to me—Cara Thompson, special education teacher and sunshine girl—he has always been my best friend’s sweet, kind, funny, and incredibly hot little brother.

It wouldn’t be an issue, but the opportunity arises for me to move back home. I’ve been living a double life for ten years spending my summers in Baker Oaks and my school years elsewhere, but it’s time to go home. The catch? I need to take my girlie pink van with me, and I hate driving on the highway.

One night, over a game of truth and dare, my best friend dares Manuel to drive me back home, and like the gentleman he is, he keeps his promise. Even if it means being stuck on a road trip with me for three weeks. At the beginning, it’s all fun and games, but it quickly turns into heated glances, longing touches, and a few very steamy situations.

Maybe I’d believe him when he tells me I’m worthy of love, but he has to be sweet to me or his sister will come for his head. My heart has been broken before, and I don’t think three weeks is enough to mend it. Even if he looks like a god and acts like one, too… in an alley, in bed, and in a bathroom.

He says he’s loved me for years. He says I deserve it all. But will I ever believe him?