Sweetkiss Creek

The realization that you've fallen for your best friend is, for me, pretty scary. It's not that Reid is all the way in the stratosphere out of my league, it's more like I want to get it together so I'm not the one who feels so inadequate. But when I take ten steps forward, I'm shoved twenty steps back and left wondering if we'd be a good match in the end. And I want the best for my friend . . . even if that means it's not me.

I had it all; a loving marriage, an adorable dog, and plans to build the home of our dreams in idyllic Sweetkiss Creek. Moving here meant we focused on us, and starting a family, but those dreams came crashing down when Spencer made the choice to go back to Hollywood and left me flying solo.

I'm pouring all my savings into launching my own catering business, so the last thing I need is distraction. Even if he is six feet five inches tall, plays ice hockey, and is probably one of the most intriguing, and also maddening, people I've met. Ever. People say he's grumpy, but to me, he's funny and kind, too. He's misunderstood and even though he's one of the most famous players coming up in the ranks right now, he doesn't feel seen by those he loves . . . and I get that. But I've got my own fears: that my dreams fail, my mother keeps rejecting me, and the big one—my fear of commitment.