Secrets We Keep

Who Needs A Man When You Have A Dog?

Lyric

Three years ago, my husband almost killed me. Since then, I've gotten a divorce, changed my name, moved halfway across the country, and started over.

I'm the mousy kindergarten teacher the kids love and no one else notices. I'm the recluse neighbor with the ferocious dog. My life may not be perfect, but it's mine to live however I choose.

Which might be why I say yes to an invitation to a friend's birthday celebration. Dinner, then a bar to watch her boyfriend's band, even though it goes against my hermit-lady lifestyle.

Of course, the minute I step out of my comfort zone there's a guy. A hot guy with tattoos and amazing blue eyes that dare me to take a chance. Okay, I'm a little lonely. And really, how much trouble can a little harmless flirtation get me? Turns out, a lot with Zane Brody.

Zane

A year ago, I moved back home to help my sisters care for my mother after her breast cancer returned.

I'm the loyal son and the loving brother. I'm the popular new high school orchestra teacher and the lead singer of the band me and my friends started when we were teens. With all that going on, I don't have time for a romantic relationship. Or so I thought, until one night I meet an angel in the liquor aisle of the grocery store.

Her name is Lyric. I write songs. Talk about fate. Too bad she doesn't see it that way-not that I blame her. A world of pain hides behind her beautiful California smile. Pain I can relate to because I'm a master at hiding my own traumatic past.

Next thing, I'm falling hard for this fragile woman. Helping her move on as much as she's helping me, while we both try to keep the burden of our secrets to ourselves. Then life spins out of control and everything falls apart. The ugly secrets I've tried to hide from Lyric come out. Will she except the imperfect man I am or have I lost my grocery-store angel forever?