Blackwells of Montana

I’ve been in love with Bridger Blackwell for as long as I can remember. He’s a smoke show, kind, and gives the best hugs in the world. But best of all? He’s everything my sorry excuse for a father wasn’t. Now, I’m back in Bitterroot Valley, living across the street from Bridger and his adorable daughter. It doesn’t take long for all those old feelings to come rushing back, and every cell in my body knows that I belong with them. That they’re mine. Bridger’s arms are where I feel safest. They feel like home. I’m growing to depend on him, to truly love him and his daughter.

I’ve seen the gorgeous redhead with the big black dog that never leaves her side around town. She’s impossible to miss with that lush red hair and perfect green eyes. But it’s when she opens her plump lips and the sound of Ireland comes out of her kissable mouth that I know I’m a goner. I know she’s the one for me and I’ll do whatever it takes to make Skyla Gallagher mine. I can be a patient man and all I want in the world is to worship every bit of her, inside and out.

After an explosive night together, I thought I’d never see the gorgeous bookstore owner again. We didn’t exchange names and numbers, and when I left her asleep the following morning, I didn’t intend to pursue her. I don’t have time for relationships or entanglements. I’m the CEO of Gallagher Hotels, and my life is spent traveling around the world, focusing on my business, not a small town in Montana. Even if my thoughts keep returning to the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.

I don’t do relationships, but I’m excellent at casual hookups. That’s not to say I’m a jerk. Not at all. I respect women—all women—and I know the value of love. But I’m married to my job as a physician. In fact, I’m married to the hospital, having a full–time affair with the clinic, and my family is my side piece. I don’t have time for a relationship with a woman. But then the most beautiful human I’ve ever laid eyes on walks onto my plane, and my world tilts. Thanks to a Montana snowstorm, I spend one incredible night with Harper, but wake up alone.

I met Adam and Gabe the old-fashioned way: in a bar. That is, if old-fashioned means that I met a couple of men already in a committed, loving relationship, and they took me home for a night of debauchery and fun, then yeah. That.

Fifteen years ago, I’d planned a romantic proposal, but that was the day Juliet walked out of my life and never looked back. I never wanted to see her again and decided that love wasn’t for me. But now, Juliet has returned to Bitterroot Valley and opened a restaurant. Catching glimpses of her around town makes my heart ache. I want to hate her. I wish she’d do what she does best and go away. Instead, I find myself wanting to be near her. Helping her. Touching her perfect skin. I don’t want to love her. I don’t want to need her.