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Category: Romance
Description: Court reporter Renee Rose found out the hard way that hooking up with a cop is like a bikini wax--it starts off hot, turns painful, and ends in tears. But when her best friend receives an e-mail, supposedly from her long-dead fiancé, demanding money, Renee knows they need help. Too bad help comes in the form of Detective Anthony Graciano, an annoying, bossy cop who somehow manages to haul Renee's libido out of dry dock. Police work is more than a career to Anthony, it's an obsession. He specializes in cases involving female victims, which leaves him no time for anything else. Until he meets Renee, a delicious mystery he yearns to explore. As danger closes in, Anthony fights to keep Renee safe despite her tendency to plunge headlong into danger--and her doubts about him. Can she learn to trust his love before it's too late?
eBook Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc./Crimson Rose, 2012
eBookwise Release Date: April 2012

Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [299 KB]
Words: 65777
Reading time: 187-263 min.

"Detective Graciano. From yesterday?" He held out his hand but quickly took it back when Renee ignored it.

She crossed her arms and faced him squarely. "I remember you, Detective. I'm not simple minded."

"Well, you're acting like it."

"I beg your pardon?" she said through clenched teeth.

"I see this kind of thing all the time. That man is a con, and he's taking advantage of you."

"You don't know that," Renee said, dismissing his advice, and him, by turning her back. She struggled to appear cool and in control. Despite being ticked off at his remark about her mental status, the nearness of him made her pulse race, and something was definitely going on with her knees. She handed Eddy the docket sheet and closed her purse with a sharp snap. "Why aren't you out working on Liz's case?" she flung over her shoulder. "Stay out of my business."

"Seeing people get fleeced is my business, Ms. Rose," he said. "I can't stop you from doing this, but if you don't really know Pretty Boy over there, you shouldn't get involved."

Renee barely controlled a shiver when he said her name. What? Are we in high school now? She struggled to bring herself under control, then turned and confronted the detective dead on.

"I didn't ask for a lecture. I have a father for that. I'll run my own life." He started to open his mouth, but she held up her hand. "Again, let me remind you it's none of your business." She kept her voice unfriendly but low, aware that they were a source of amusement to the people around them. "Why don't you concentrate on pulling yourself together?" She waggled her fingers at his crumpled shirt and hideous tie. "And leave me alone."