The Morning After

The Morning After
Dorie Graham

Could her "gift" for sexual healing really be a curse that dooms Nikki McClellan to an eternity of flings? What's the point of being supernaturally sexy, if the men in her life are so supercharged after making love they immediately hop away looking for the next woman's bed? A future as a onenight wonder is enough to make her give up the effort.That is, until she meets Dylan Cain. Suddenly Nikki understands the meaning of lust at first sight. And best of all? Not only has Dylan stayed until morning, he's come back for more…lots more!

“I’m a little out of practice.”

Dylan ended his confession with a frown.

“It’s okay,” Nikki reassured him. “You want us to explore this…attraction, right?”

He nodded. “Interested?”

She swallowed hard. This was her chance to help him. Warmth filled her as she envisioned touching him, stroking him, bringing him pleasure…and peace. But something told her that leaving this man would be one of the hardest things she’d ever do.

She kept her voice casual, though her pulse pounded and her lips ached for more of his kiss. “Could be.”

“I can’t make any promises, Nikki. I’m not looking for anything serious.”

“You mean no extras?” She laughed, knowing that they wouldn’t be together long enough to worry about serious. “No frills? Sex only?”

“Well, I do owe you dinner.”

With a boldness she didn’t feel, she ran her hand up his torso. “Let’s not put off until tomorrow what we can do today.”

Dear Reader,

Have you ever met someone whose true-life story captured your interest like that of a fictional character?

I once met a young man who’d grown up with the Roma (Gypsies), saved a girl from an abusive household by running away with her, become engaged to her, then lost her in a senseless shooting. He was the first tortured hero I’d met outside the pages of a book and he inspired Dylan Cain, the hero of The Morning After, the first book in my SEXUAL HEALING trilogy.

Dylan captures the essence of the man who has loved deeply and now grieves the loss of that love. How could Nikki McClellan, born with the gift of sexual healing, not be drawn to him?

As always, it’s a pleasure to share my stories with you. Feel free to write me at dorie@doriegraham.com or P.O. Box 769012, Roswell, GA 30076. Please visit my Web site at www.doriegraham.com.

Best wishes,

Dorie Graham

While writing this trilogy I reflected on the number of sisterhoods that have touched my life. Marion, Carol, Maureen and Cathy, this one is for you. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without growing up beside you. Thanks for the support you’ve given me along the way and the love you continue to offer each day.

I’d like to offer a special thanks to Tami Harmon McGraw for her help and advice in portraying Nikki as a veterinarian. Thanks, Tami, for helping me keep it real.

The Morning After

Dorie Graham

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

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

1

SHE WASN’T A ONE-NIGHT wonder after all. Euphoria filled Nikki McClellan Sunday morning as the aroma of fresh coffee and the clatter of dishes roused her from a languorous sleep.

This was a Sunday for the record books.

True to his word, Brad Turner was making her breakfast to celebrate their first night together as lovers. A profound relief poured through her. At long last, she’d kept a man until morning.

The intense Miami sun peered through a crack in the curtains. It promised to be another scorching June day, but today she could face anything. With a smile she slipped from the bed, then stole into the shower. Humming softly, she lathered herself, then let the warm rivulets rinse her. This morning her luck had changed. If she played her cards right, she might finally have the lasting relationship she’d always longed for.

As she exited the bathroom, she breathed deeply the scent of the bacon and eggs she could almost hear sizzling. Tying her robe snugly, she padded barefoot down the hall to the kitchen. Thank goodness neither of her sisters seemed to be stirring.

“You adorable ma—” She stopped in her tracks.