Mariella Starr

Holding Tess Mariella Starr

Micah McKenna had spent the last five years becoming the man he was meant to be. He was no longer a pushover, going along, rather than fighting for what he knew inside was right. He'd spent too long denying himself and his values. A past heartbreak had toughened him. Some things were worth fighting for, and those included his reputation, his career, and his dignity. Taking on instant fatherhood, while fighting for his values had made him complete the journey into manhood. He thought he was settled comfortably into his life until a single afternoon shattered his plans for a solitary existence.

Tess Foster lived on adrenaline and trauma. The trauma wasn't hers. It was her job to minimalize the pain and suffering of anyone who came through her ER department. Doctor Foster worked hard to get where she was, and she was proud of her accomplishments. It had taken her a while, but she knew she needed more. She was tired, overworked, and she wasn't satisfied with the status quo. Then one fateful afternoon, her lifelong hero became her lover. Tess had fallen in love with Micah McKenna as a teenager, but she'd hidden those adolescent feelings. He saw her through the eyes of a big brother, and a protector. One afternoon that had stretched into a marathon of sex had changed everything. Could sex be enough, and would he be willing to accept her as she was? Tess was a woman who had to dedicate herself and her skills to others. She also had secrets she hadn't revealed.