Dani Hai was sick to death of the dating scene. She was only 25, but unlike other people her age, she wasn’t interested in the steady and unending stream of meaningless hookups and casual sex. She just wasn’t wired that way. She’d always been a little different, always looking for something real and lasting, not just on the prowl for tonight’s latest conquest. She wasn’t looking to get married, but she at least wanted som...

18 MONTHS AGO… ***** Nate charged the net, sensing Jake’s backhand would be open and stroked the ball into a drop-shot just behind Jake to his left.  Jake, sensing the shot, doubled back into position and was waiting for the ball.  He sliced a shot across Nate’s body past him to his backcourt, and the ball hit well inside the line, then bounced away harmlessly.  “That’s match, bitch!” Jake crowed, dropping his racquet and...

The growing sunlight in Jake’s bedroom woke him gently.  He awoke feeling more contented than he had in months.  As his mind slipped from the embrace of his slumber, he felt a soft, warm, and very feminine body pressed closely against him. At first, he thought, Meredith… but she was gone.  He’d sent her away. Then who… as he came fully awake, he remembered.  This was Darby.  Darby, his precious little girl.  His daughter...

Darby Steele had recently graduated from college.  Now she was back at home, interviewing for jobs, but so far having little luck.  She probably had a job waiting for her at her dad’s company where she could use her shiny new accounting degree and work in H.R. or Accounts Services. Her dad’s status at the company meant she’d almost certainly be hired. But truth be told, she had no desire to work in a cubicle or an office...