Passion in Bloom by Lexy Timms

Heather
The longer I stay, the more life seems to settle. After all the hardships and headaches this small town gave me, I want to linger past the end of the year.
New friendships at work help. Having my privacy and solitude heals me.
When my ex shows up, proving that I can run but not hide, all the careful peace I’m letting into my life is shattered.
I won’t be able to move on with him watching me.
I can’t even breathe with him near.
If my landlord didn’t stand up for me, I would be halfway back to the city, dragged back to that horrible man by now.
I’m grateful Roarke intervened, but asking him to butt out of my life doesn’t seem to stick.
Because it’s becoming a lie.
I want him right here, with me.
If only I could convince myself that it will last.

Roarke
I know when to back down. I’m not aggressive by nature.
Yet, the second I see her scared and locked in panic, nothing will stop me from defending her. No one will talk me out of facing the arrogant stranger who insists that she is his.
I want Heather to be mine. To fit with me.
I thought I was done with women, with their drama, but it’s not so easy walking away from this sexy, troubled woman with too many secrets.
I won’t push. I’ll be patient and approach at her pace.
It’s bliss when we cave. Our surrender is too raw and real to consider that we couldn’t belong together.
But her past isn’t staying behind her. When something new, something different threatens her, I’m at a loss for what to believe.
How can she seem so right for me when fate is determined to yank us apart?