A Daddy for Jacoby

A Daddy for Jacoby
Christyne Butler

Suddenly…a son? After a troubled past, Justin was a changed man determined to lead a decent life. Then a mysterious woman swept through town, dumping a seven-year-old in his lap, claiming Justin was the daddy and disappearing.Justin was only beginning to take baby steps towards betterment – was he ready to be a father? Or ready for family, for that matter? Because at every turn, there was Gina Steele.The young woman had been so busy skipping grades and getting degrees, she’d never had time to live. But Justin would change all that – with just one kiss. Could they join forces to make a home for a lost little boy?

“From this moment on, this night is about what you want. So what’s it going to be, Gina?”

Justin leaned in, knowing he shouldn’t touch her, but still he ran the tip of his finger along her jaw.

“I want to dance.”

He straightened. “You want to what?”

“I want to dance,” she repeated softly, “with you.”

He grabbed her hand, and pulled her to her feet as a rock and roll classic pounded through the speakers.

“Justin, are you sure you want do this? Dance with me?”

“More than anything.”

That was a lie. What he wanted to do more than anything was kiss her, but her smile, wide and full of life, captured him. It was the first time he’d seen that smile in almost two weeks. In fact, the last time was when she’d held his son’s simple crayon drawing in her hands.

His son.

Dear Reader,

As a writer there is something magical about creating characters, about breathing life into their souls, hearts and minds. Sometimes the people in our books come to us fully formed and overflowing with personality and charm and troubles that only the writer of their stories can fix.

Then there are those in the background, characters who help tell a story, but not their own. They’re the sibling, cousin, co-worker, or friend who must have their own dreams, desires and plans for the future, right?

Well, Justin Dillon and Gina Steele were those kinds of people.

His sister fell in love with her brother, but if there were ever two people who never needed to come in contact with each other it was Justin and Gina. But then a chance meeting the day they became co-workers in The Sheriff’s Secret Wife started a spark that led to a night neither one of them will forget…or talk about. Now that’s the beginning of a terrific love story!

Then I met Jacoby and I just knew these three very special people needed my help to find their own happily ever after. I hope you enjoy their story!

Happy reading!

Christyne

About the Author

CHRISTYNE BUTLER fell in love with romance novels while serving in the United States Navy and started writing her own stories six years ago. She considers selling to Mills & Boon

a dream come true and enjoys writing contemporary romances full of life, love, a hint of laughter and perhaps a dash of danger, too. And there has to be a happily-ever-after or she’s just not satisfied.

She lives with her family in central Massachusetts and loves to hear from her readers at chris@christynebutler.com. Or visit her web site at www.christynebutler.com.

Books by Christyne Butler

The Cowboy’s Second Chance

The Sheriff’s Secret Wife

* (#ulink_74ab0f80-955a-5a3b-8880-105901063b03)A Daddy for Jacoby

* (#ulink_00379596-bcee-5fd8-ae93-2fe42fbd7a2d)Welcome to Destiny

A Daddy

for Jacoby

Christyne Butler

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

For Bretton, Christopher, Meaghan, Benjamin,

Kaitlyn and Alyssa

You came into my life unexpectedly and changed

my world forever

I couldn’t love you more if you were my very own

To my agent Jennifer Schober for believing in me

and all her hard work

And to Jacoby Ellsbury, leftfielder for my beloved

Boston Red Sox for inspiring the name for my Jacoby

Chapter One

He was scared.

He hated being scared.

Jacoby pulled his ragged teddy bear tighter to his chest and wiped his wet eyes on the soft overalls Clem wore.

That was his bear’s name, Clem.

The car swerved and tires squealed. Jacoby shut his eyes tight and buried his face in Clem’s fur. He was glad the seat belt worked.

His mama swore and banged her fist against the steering wheel. She cursed the rain, the dark night, their piece of junk car and her miserable life.

Mama did that a lot.