Chapter 1

Sarah sat on the faded aluminum bleachers at the Elmwood soccer fields, her tight jeans hugging every curve and her blonde hair shining in the late-afternoon sun. She cheered loudly as her son Ethan dribbled down the field, but her eyes kept drifting across the pitch to where Marcus stood, tall and confident, arms crossed over his broad chest. Their gazes locked—again. This time neither looked away. A slow, knowing smile curved his lips, and Sarah felt that spark low in her belly, warm and dangerous.

The final whistle blew. Ethan ran straight into her arms, sweaty and grinning. “Did you see my goal, Mom?” She laughed, hugging him tight, but her attention was already on Marcus helping his son Jamal with his gear. The two boys were already chattering excitedly. Marcus glanced up, caught her watching, and started walking their way with that easy stride.

“Hey,” his deep voice rolled over her like warm honey. “Your boy’s got some real skill out there. That last assist was clean.”

Sarah felt her cheeks heat under his gaze. Up close he was even more striking—dark skin glowing in the sunlight, shoulders filling out his black polo perfectly. “Thanks. Jamal’s speed kept Ethan on his toes the whole game.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, very aware of how her fitted top stretched across her chest. “I’m Sarah.”