All it takes is a single glance.
Arissa Wright loved her job as an Emergency Room doctor in Chicago. She was scheduled for this overdue vacation before she began getting ready for her new job, in her hometown of McKingley, New Mexico. Returning home was leaving her with a lot of mixed emotions and this vacation was just what she needed. What she hadn't counted on was the man she met on the fourteen day cruise in the Caribbean.
Deiter Schneider worked for the government as a translator. He loved his job, for it allowed him to travel all over, meeting new people and seeing new places. But he needed a break, and for that reason, he found himself booked on a Caribbean cruise. When he saw this one woman, he had to stop and introduce himself.
Each day they spend together lounging and just enjoying the amenities the ship has to offer, from the casino to the midnight chocolate buffet, saving a passenger's life to dining with the captain. They each fall deeper for the other. After they part, they wonder if they'll ever meet again. When they do, it's a surprising reunion and Deiter must convince her that their future together is the best thing yet.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.
General Release Date: 3rd May 2013
Chicago
Arissa Wright peeled off her bloody gloves and gown, barely slowing to throw them in the trash. With a practiced move, she sidestepped a nurse and pushed through the swinging door. Her smile was tight and strained as she headed to the doctors’ lounge. It was a sucky day. No, it’s a shitty day!
As the door shut behind her, a sigh of combined relief and frustration poured from her lips. She rotated her shoulders trying to work out the kinks. Heading for the well-worn couch, she stopped at her locker for her coat and purse then Arissa sat down with a groan. It had been a day for losses.
She’d lost her boyfriend. Not her fault, he’d claimed he wanted someone who was more feminine. She’d lost her car. Again, not her fault. That had been boosted and the cops were pretty sure she wouldn’t get it back. And just now, she’d lost her patient. While she blamed herself for that as well, deep down, Arissa knew it wasn’t her fault.
"You okay?"
Arissa looked up to see her good friend and co-worker, Jackson Carlyle, looking down at her. His blue eyes were filled with concern.
"Just one of those days."
"I know how that goes. But at least you’re leaving to go on vacation now." Jackson arched an eyebrow. "Right, Arissa?"
She bit her lower lip and leant back against the couch. "I don’t know."
"Don’t tell me you aren’t going. You’ve been looking forward to this for the longest time. Besides, it’s the Caribbean. How can you not go and get away from all this cold and snow?"
Arissa smiled at him. He was right—she had been looking forward to this for a long time. And even though Deyon, a friend from her hometown of McKingley, New Mexico, and Sarah, her good friend from college, had both had to back out at the last moment, it was no reason for her not to go. A cruise could just be what the doctor ordered.
"I’m going, I’m going," she said with a smile. "It would be nice to see some sunshine and be able to inhale without being worried my lungs will freeze."
"I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Now go on, get outta here before anything else comes in." He pulled her to her feet, helped her into her thick coat then pushed her in the direction of the door.
"Thanks, Jackson," she murmured as she readjusted her purse.
"Anytime, sweets."
He squeezed her shoulder as they left the room together. Arissa watched him walk away, his green scrubs flattering his muscular body as he replaced the stethoscope around his neck. Jackson never looked back. Not that she’d expected him to.
Zipping up her coat, Arissa moved towards the sliding doors then stepped out into the frigid night. A chill racked her body as she headed for the ‘L’. This was going to be a cold wait. Glancing up, she stepped to the side as an ambulance with flashing lights pulled into the entrance.
She hesitated for a moment as co-workers ran out to meet it. Times like this she was reluctant to leave, but they were just as well trained as she was. Arissa Wright loved her job as an ER doctor. She took another careful breath before she turned away and plodded through the slush and cold to get to the platform and wait for her ride home. There was packing to do and a cruise to get ready for.
* * * *
Somewhere in the Caribbean
Arissa smiled as she lounged on a padded chaise. In one hand she held an iced tea with lemon and in the other was a romance book, Rarities Incorporated, a compilation of three stories in one. And an awesome read. This is the life. A fourteen day cruise was the best thing she could have taken. Even though this was only day two, Arissa found herself totally relaxed.
A shadow fell over her and she glanced up. What met her stare made her heart leap up into her throat. Damnation, he’s fine. The man before her was in incredible shape. She scanned up his form as her doctor’s brain categorised what she saw.
Six feet two inches of well-muscled, Caucasian male. He had tanned skin, blue-grey eyes, an amazing white smile and blondish-brown hair cropped close to his head. His dark blue shirt hugged his chest in a way that made her envision herself removing it. The sleeves were tight against his upper arms like they struggled to contain the muscles. Gaze travelling lower, she took in the white shorts and the strong legs emerging from them.
McKenna Jeffries
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
McKenna Jeffries has loved the written word from time she picked up her first book. Soon she was creating tales of love and family.
Although McKenna used to make up stories she never thought to put them on paper until…she realised the stories would keep filling her head until they were written. Since then she's been writing and sharing her books.
There is always some new story floating around her head. An itchy feeling in her fingers fills her until she can get a piece of paper to write it down.
She writes because it's a love affair. Writing is in her blood and she enjoys taking readers on a journey.
Aliyah Burke
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is happily married to a career military man. They are owned by six Borzoi. She spends her days at the day job, writing, and working with her dogs. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached here. She can also be found on Facebook or Twitter: @AliyahBurke96. And Pinterest.
If you would like to be kept abreast of what's going on in the world of Aliyah, you can sign up to her newsletter here.
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