The Townsends and Friends of Williamsport Series by Tiffany Patterson

Aaron. She was supposed to remain in the past. A past I worked long and hard to forget. I run a multi-billion dollar company. I am at the top of my game. I didn’t have time for petty memories and silly indulgences like love. Making deals and taking names in the boardroom were what fueled me. But one night everything came flooding back. There she was, just like she was waiting for me... moreAaron. She was supposed to remain in the past. A past I worked long and hard to forget. I run a multi-billion dollar company. I am at the top of my game. I didn’t have time for petty memories and silly indulgences like love. Making deals and taking names in the boardroom were what fueled me. But one night everything came flooding back. There she was, just like she was waiting for me. Oh, she was pissed, upon seeing me, but that wouldn’t keep me from touching her, or taking what has always belonged to me. When our worlds collided again, soon after, I discovered another secret she’d been keeping from me. Now, I’m not willing to let her walk away. Patience. I didn’t walk away. I was pushed away by his secrets. I wasn’t sticking around to find out his reasons either. I left the city I grew up in to keep my distance from him after his final act of betrayal. I fought every day not to think of him. It was hard, but I managed to make a life for myself. But one trip for a work conference and I was putty in his arms again. Whatever, it was just one night. I could go on with my life as I had been. That is, until a call came that beckoned me back home. Another run in with Aaron, this time leading him to discover my secret, and now I’m forced to make an impossible decision. Be his, or else. less

Aaron. She was supposed to remain in the past. A past I worked long and hard to forget. I run a multi-billion dollar company. I am at the top of my game. I didn’t have time for petty memories and silly indulgences like love. Making deals and taking names in the boardroom were what fueled me. But one night everything came flooding back. There she was, just like she was waiting for me... moreAaron. She was supposed to remain in the past. A past I worked long and hard to forget. I run a multi-billion dollar company. I am at the top of my game. I didn’t have time for petty memories and silly indulgences like love. Making deals and taking names in the boardroom were what fueled me. But one night everything came flooding back. There she was, just like she was waiting for me. Oh, she was pissed, upon seeing me, but that wouldn’t keep me from touching her, or taking what has always belonged to me. When our worlds collided again, soon after, I discovered another secret she’d been keeping from me. Now, I’m not willing to let her walk away. Patience. I didn’t walk away. I was pushed away by his secrets. I wasn’t sticking around to find out his reasons either. I left the city I grew up in to keep my distance from him after his final act of betrayal. I fought every day not to think of him. It was hard, but I managed to make a life for myself. But one trip for a work conference and I was putty in his arms again. Whatever, it was just one night. I could go on with my life as I had been. That is, until a call came that beckoned me back home. Another run in with Aaron, this time leading him to discover my secret, and now I’m forced to make an impossible decision. Be his, or else. less

Kayla. Seven years ago I left Williamsport, carrying with me the grief of losing my best friend and the shame of the feelings I’d developed for the man she left behind. I spent time running from those feelings and the guilt that tried to suffocate me. But something much worse is forcing me to pick up and relocate again. This time back home. To the city I’ve always loved and missed, and surprisingly back to the man I tried to forget. But it could never be... moreKayla. Seven years ago I left Williamsport, carrying with me the grief of losing my best friend and the shame of the feelings I’d developed for the man she left behind. I spent time running from those feelings and the guilt that tried to suffocate me. But something much worse is forcing me to pick up and relocate again. This time back home. To the city I’ve always loved and missed, and surprisingly back to the man I tried to forget. But it could never be. The stark, anger-filled expression in Joshua’s emerald eyes when he first lays eyes on me, warns of his unforgiveness. At least, that’s what I thought it was, until he invites me to stay in his home. Once there, the friendship that was always between us, changes into something more. .. something different. Joshua. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed her until I saw her for the first time in seven years. She was different. Hell, we both were but the confident, outgoing woman I remembered wasn’t the same Kayla Reyes that come back from the West Coast. No matter how much I wanted to forget about it, to give her the cold shoulder for leaving the way she did, I couldn’t. And when she moves into my home, things get worse. Not only is there trouble brewing at my multi-million dollar real-estate company, but Kay’s got her own secrets. Secrets that sent her scurrying back to the city she left behind. I resolve to get to the bottom of both these issues and get rid of them, root and stem. What I hadn’t banked on was breaking the vow I’d made years earlier; to never lose my heart to a woman again. And this time, it’s deeper than ever before. This time it’s starting to feel as if it were meant to be. less

Destiny. I was doing fine. Just fine. I’d long since left my cheating, two-timing, slime ball of a husband, and was doing well making my way in the world. I had a career that I loved as a financial advisor, great friends, and family. I didn’t need for anything. Especially not love. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t completely soured on the whole falling in love thing... moreDestiny. I was doing fine. Just fine. I’d long since left my cheating, two-timing, slime ball of a husband, and was doing well making my way in the world. I had a career that I loved as a financial advisor, great friends, and family. I didn’t need for anything. Especially not love. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t completely soured on the whole falling in love thing. However, after having my heart crushed once by the man who claimed to love me and only me, I wasn’t exactly itching to take another walk down that aisle. Especially, not with another athlete of all people. Then, in walks Tyler Townsend. Or rather, I walked into his life. And from then on out, it was a struggle to keep my heart tucked behind the armor of self-defense I’d erected to prevent myself from getting hurt again. Tyler. When you know, you know. Or so say, the men in my family. While I was never one to run from love, marriage or commitment, I knew it’d take a strong woman to handle everything that came with being with me. Not only was my family well connected and wealthy, but as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, I had made a success of my life on my own. In my world, women came a dime a dozen … or so I thought. All of the teasing I’d done to my older brothers once they’d fallen in love was coming back to haunt me. I just knew it. Because as soon as Destiny McDonald blew into my world, all the games were over. No other woman would do. And I do anything to ensure that she knew it. And I do mean anything. Because this time I’m playing for keeps. less

You’ve met my sons. But that’s only half of the story that began over four decades ago. I knew before any of them were conceived who they were, and the men they’d grow up to be. More importantly, from the first moment I touched her, I knew Deborah Tate would be the woman I shared my life with, who would bear my children, and stand by my side as we raised them. Along the way, there were many unforeseeable events, and people who attempted to stand in the way of me claiming what was mine... moreYou’ve met my sons. But that’s only half of the story that began over four decades ago. I knew before any of them were conceived who they were, and the men they’d grow up to be. More importantly, from the first moment I touched her, I knew Deborah Tate would be the woman I shared my life with, who would bear my children, and stand by my side as we raised them. Along the way, there were many unforeseeable events, and people who attempted to stand in the way of me claiming what was mine. They’ve all learned their lesson. That I don’t back down. And that what’s mine is never to be toyed with. Now, after decades of silence, I will finally have to share secrets from my past that I’ve never revealed to my sons. But one thing is for certain: I will always protect my family at any cost … Until My Last Breath. less

His job is to protect others, but can I trust him to look after my heart? When I board the flight to Mexico, I can’t wait to leave my old corporate lifestyle behind. After a much-needed sabbatical, I plan to return home and open the coffee shop I’ve always wanted to. Getting to know the strong, handsome stranger sitting next to me on my flight is an unexpected bonus. And so is our whirlwind holiday romance that leaves me breathless... moreHis job is to protect others, but can I trust him to look after my heart? When I board the flight to Mexico, I can’t wait to leave my old corporate lifestyle behind. After a much-needed sabbatical, I plan to return home and open the coffee shop I’ve always wanted to. Getting to know the strong, handsome stranger sitting next to me on my flight is an unexpected bonus. And so is our whirlwind holiday romance that leaves me breathless. Brutus says he wants to continue things back in the real world, but I’m not sure he has room in his life for me, and I’m tired of settling for second best. I recognize a workaholic when I see one because that used to be me. Brutus is the head of security for one of the country’s richest families, and I’m scared to fall hard for someone who may not be able to put me first. But just when I’m beginning to trust my feelings, danger from my past comes looking for me. When Brutus steps in to protect me, I know I’m in trouble. Because now my heart is going to need protection as well…. less

Resha. He came out of nowhere. One moment I was sitting at a bar alone, sipping on my drink, and the next instant there he was. We shared a powerful night together. Months later, that night continues to invade my dreams. Then, just like in New York, he appears out of the blue. Looking as delectable as he was that night. Yet, I keep my distance. I’ve been burned one too many times. That is, until I need his help. Connor. I don’t believe in coincidences. Not when it comes to Resha... moreResha. He came out of nowhere. One moment I was sitting at a bar alone, sipping on my drink, and the next instant there he was. We shared a powerful night together. Months later, that night continues to invade my dreams. Then, just like in New York, he appears out of the blue. Looking as delectable as he was that night. Yet, I keep my distance. I’ve been burned one too many times. That is, until I need his help. Connor. I don’t believe in coincidences. Not when it comes to Resha. She’s been on my mind ever since the night we shared. Now, she needs my help and I will use every resource available to me to keep her safe. Because in such a short period of time, she’s become my entire world. less

I’m broken. I’m well aware of this singular fact of my life. Even as I stitch up patients, correcting their perceived imperfections, I know that there is no cosmetic surgery that will fix what’s broken inside of me. Which is why I don’t let anyone get too close. I learned early on, most people can’t be trusted. The ones who were entrusted with protecting you can do the most harm. So I deal with life the only way I learned how. I fight... moreI’m broken. I’m well aware of this singular fact of my life. Even as I stitch up patients, correcting their perceived imperfections, I know that there is no cosmetic surgery that will fix what’s broken inside of me. Which is why I don’t let anyone get too close. I learned early on, most people can’t be trusted. The ones who were entrusted with protecting you can do the most harm. So I deal with life the only way I learned how. I fight. On the days when work gets to me, or the memories from my past become too much, I head to the Underground. A place where even a plastic surgeon such as myself, can let my guard down and give in to my base emotions. It works, for the most part. But then in walks Grace. She is the very embodiment of her name. A new nurse on the surgical unit. All bets are off. The sparks that fly between us don’t end once we exit the operating room. For the first time, I’m challenged to give in to the feelings I never believed myself capable, and all that comes with it, or push her away to save her from an ugly past I worked long and hard to forget. less

Damon. I don’t do shy women. And I don’t do women that need rescuing. Then why am I so drawn to her? Sandra Robinson. Even her name sounds unsullied. She isn’t my type. So, when I found myself thinking about her after the one dance we shared at my best friend’s wedding, I was confused. Months later, when she was left stranded, I began rearranging the entirety of my schedule to be her chauffeur, I grew suspicious. Of myself. I’ve taken care of my family since the age of thirteen... moreDamon. I don’t do shy women. And I don’t do women that need rescuing. Then why am I so drawn to her? Sandra Robinson. Even her name sounds unsullied. She isn’t my type. So, when I found myself thinking about her after the one dance we shared at my best friend’s wedding, I was confused. Months later, when she was left stranded, I began rearranging the entirety of my schedule to be her chauffeur, I grew suspicious. Of myself. I’ve taken care of my family since the age of thirteen. I’ve spent over a decade building up my real estate business to become one of the most well known in the city of Williamsport. And I dated women who didn’t go speechless at a simple request to dance. That isn’t who I am. Then why is this woman with eyes the color of maple syrup, and a ten year old daughter who is her mirror image, causing me to spend my days and nights thinking about her? And why am I so ready to put my own personal demons to the side, just to win her heart? Because, make no mistake, that is what I’m after. I don’t intend on losing. But winning this game will require patience to break down the barriers she’s erected around her heart. Once they’re down, I don’t plan on letting up. Anything or anyone that gets in my way is in trouble. All she has to do is just say the word. less