An Inconvenient Match

An Inconvenient Match
Janet Dean

The Best Of EnemiesHis family destroyed hers. But Wade Cummings’s job offer— to care for his recuperating father—is impossible to decline. Schoolteacher Abigail Wilson can swallow her pride for the sake of a summer paycheck that will help her sister. And when Abigail’s employment ends, old loyalties will separate the feuding families once more. If there’s anyone in town stubborn enough to deal with Wade’s cantankerous father, it’s Abigail.It’s just a business arrangement—and a temporary one, at that. Her good opinion shouldn’t matter a lick to Wade. Yet their different backgrounds belie a surprising kinship. Perhaps unexpected love will be their reward for the summer’s inconvenient match.

The best of enemies

His family destroyed hers. But Wade Cummings’s job offer—to care for his recuperating father—is impossible to decline. Schoolteacher Abigail Wilson can swallow her pride for the sake of a summer paycheck that will help her sister. And when Abigail’s employment ends, old loyalties will separate the feuding families once more.

If there’s anyone in town stubborn enough to deal with Wade’s cantankerous father, it’s Abigail. It’s just a business arrangement—and a temporary one, at that. Her good opinion shouldn’t matter a lick to Wade. Yet their different backgrounds belie a surprising kinship. Perhaps unexpected love will be their reward for the summer’s inconvenient match.

“My father badmouthed George Cummings at every turn. You do know that hiring me will make your father angry.”

“Sometimes anger is good for a man,” Wade replied.

Abby’s eyes widened, as if she were surprised by his statement, but then she nodded. “Sometimes anger is good for a woman.” She met his gaze boldly, daring him to disagree.

The brief time he’d spent with her today proved she wouldn’t back away from a fight. No doubt sparks would fly between her and his father.

He’d achieved what he’d set out to do. But before he’d gotten the first sense of satisfaction, disquiet took root in his mind. A quick glance at the woman in front of him affirmed the feeling. If he wasn’t careful, Abigail Wilson might ignite something within him. A Wilson and Cummings might be oil and water, but that combination could ignite a blaze.

Had Abby sensed that attraction he felt? Did it alarm her as much as it did him?

JANET DEAN

grew up in a family that cherished the past and had a strong creative streak. Her father recounted wonderful stories, like his father before him. The tales they told instilled in Janet a love of history and the desire to write. She married her college sweetheart and taught first grade before leaving to rear two daughters. As her daughters grew, they watched Little House on the Prairie, reawakening Janet’s love of American history and the stories of strong men and women of faith who built this country. Janet eagerly turned to inspirational historical romance, and she loves spinning stories for Love Inspired Historical. When she isn’t writing, Janet stamps greeting cards, plays golf and bridge, and is never without a book to read. The Deans love to travel and to spend time with family.

An Inconvenient Match

Janet Dean

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

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Love Inspired!

2012 is a very special year for us. It marks the fifteenth anniversary of Love Inspired Books. Hard to believe that fifteen years ago, we first began publishing our warm and wonderful inspirational romances.

Back in 1997, we offered readers three books a month. Since then we’ve expanded quite a bit! In addition to the heartwarming contemporary romances of Love Inspired, we have the exciting romantic suspenses of Love Inspired Suspense, and the adventurous historical romances of Love Inspired Historical. Whatever your reading preference, we’ve got fourteen books a month for you to choose from now!

Throughout the year we’ll be celebrating in several different ways. Look for books by bestselling authors who’ve been writing for us since the beginning, stories by brand-new authors you won’t want to miss, special miniseries in all three lines, reissues of top authors, and much, much more.

This is our way of thanking you for reading Love Inspired books. We know our uplifting stories of hope, faith and love touch your hearts as much as they touch ours.

Join us in celebrating fifteen amazing years of inspirational romance!

Blessings,

Melissa Endlich and Tina James

Senior Editors of Love Inspired Books

To teachers everywhere, those in the classroom and those in the home, who instruct, not only from textbooks, but by word and deed. God bless you.

* * *

The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in him and I am helped.

—Psalm 28:7

Contents

Chapter One (#u8ce98060-64d4-5cca-a8b2-5281efe1d5e8)

Chapter Two (#u92c51b92-5fda-5c11-9a32-648f5b16229a)

Chapter Three (#uf96eecc9-d609-55ef-8615-b1bcab497af1)

Chapter Four (#u5c1e9593-0ea4-5f18-9570-1feac83efe1e)

Chapter Five (#u9de8722a-859f-5997-8481-eca98f338839)

Chapter Six (#ucdace8f1-4dc0-5adb-8dcb-80ce88ce496d)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)