The Reluctant Cinderella

The Reluctant Cinderella
Christine Rimmer

Mills & Boon Silhouette
Plain Jane Megan Schumacher was the most dependable person on Danbury Way, the sleek suburban cul-de-sac where she lived over her sister's garage. Certainly not the kind of girl who would rock anyone's boat–until she fell for the (barely) ex-husband of her best friend and neighbor!Greg Banning planned to hire Megan to redo his marketing plan, but he counted the minutes until each of their meetings. As their romance heated up, Greg realized she was everything he wanted in a woman, and his thoughts began straying to marriage. But would their new love spell happiness for both of them–or would the scandal tear them apart?

“I can’t stop thinking about you.”

The damning words just sort of popped out, and Megan couldn’t regret saying them.

Greg asked, “And is that such a bad thing?”

“No.” She traced the handle of her mug with a finger. “Yes. Oh, I don’t know.”

He chuckled. “Well, at least that’s one thing you’re sure about.”

“You think this is funny?” she chided. “Because it’s not—not in the least.”

“I know.” His voice was soft and low. Intimate. Tender. “I’ve been thinking….”

She had to swallow before she could speak. “About?”

“You.”

Dear Reader,

Don’t you just love it when the nice girl finishes first? I do.

Take Megan Schumacher, She’s about the nicest woman on Danbury Way. All the women of the neighborhood like Megan. Everyone trusts her. They tell her their secrets. They cry on her shoulder when things go wrong.

But the real truth is, Megan, like most of the women of Danbury Way, has a few secrets of her own. Like that crush she had on sweet Carly Alderson’s ex, Greg Banning. Now, there’s a secret that will never be revealed. Because Greg’s a total hunk and would never in a million years be interested in nondescript Megan.

Or would he? Mwahaha.

Welcome to Danbury Way, where everybody knows everybody’s business—and talks about it. A lot.

Best always,

Christine Rimmer

The Reluctant Cinderella

Christine Rimmer

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

CHRISTINE RIMMER

came to her profession the long way around. Before settling down to write about the magic of romance, she’d been everything from an actress to a salesclerk to a waitress. Now that she’s finally found work that suits her perfectly, she insists she never had a problem keeping a job—she was merely gaining “life experience” for her future as a novelist. Christine is grateful not only for the joy she finds in writing, but for what waits when the day’s work is through: a man she loves, who loves her right back, and the privilege of watching their children grow and change day to day. She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Visit Christine at her new home on the Web at www.christinerimmer.com.

For my fellow authors on this project.

As always, it was a joy working with you.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter One

“Aunt Megan, I really, really need to go,” Olivia whispered anxiously.

Bent over to child level as she dumped the dishwasher detergent in the tray, Megan Schumacher snapped the tray shut, straightened to push the start button and shoved the door into lock position. Inside, the whooshing started. She edged the box of detergent onto the crowded kitchen counter and turned to look fondly down at her niece.

“Powder room.” Megan pointed the way. “Quick.”

Blond curls bounced as the little sweetie shook her head. “Someone’s in there.” She wrinkled her button nose in childish disgust. “Being sick. And there’s someone upstairs in our bathroom, too.” She meant the bathroom she shared with her brothers, Anthony and Michael. “Crying.”