LITMIR.BIZ

       Dear Reader

      For many years I’ve spent a week here and a week there on the Gulf Coast. I’ve been to a number of places in the world, but the beaches of the Gulf are the most beautiful. Clean white sand, radiant sunshine, friendly people—pure pleasure. When I placed China and Payton in this setting I knew it would be a wonderful backdrop for their romance. Their love story has been great fun to write. No two people could be more different and more alike at the same time. It was joy mixed with frustration trying to get China and Payton together while they were fighting to stay apart.

      On a personal note, my heart goes out to anyone who has been touched by cancer. My family and friends certainly have been. I look forward to the day when this ugly disease is eradicated for ever. I’d also like to add a special thank you for the quality help I received from the staff of the Crestview Nursery in Crestview, Florida. All the plant information was much appreciated. I love you all.

      I hope you enjoy Payton and China’s story. I like to hear from my readers. You can find me at www.SusanCarlisle.com

       Susan

Dedication

      To Zach

      I love you, Z.

      Table of Contents

       Cover

       About the Author

       Title Page

Dear Reader

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

       CHAPTER FOUR

       CHAPTER FIVE

       CHAPTER SIX

       CHAPTER SEVEN

       CHAPTER EIGHT

       CHAPTER NINE

       CHAPTER TEN

       Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

      WHAT WAS THIS guy doing? China Davis waited for the driver to park so she could take the space next to him. She watched appalled as the red-hot-off-the-line foreign sports car straddled the parking line.

      Really? This person was going to take up two spaces in the far-too-small parking lot during morning rush hour?

      Disgusted, China observed the driver do just as she’d feared. She would have to go around the building and park in the strip mall parking lot. She’d be lucky if she could juggle the donuts and coffee back to the car without spilling one or both all over her scrubs.

      China glanced at the tag on the slick vehicle as she passed. Illinois. It was a little early for the summer crowd to be showing up. Still mid-May, she’d been looking forward to another few weeks of peace before the beach mob invaded.

      Living in a small southern coastal town had its advantages but there was a downside also. Four out of the twelve months the locals had to contend with the influx of people. It didn’t help that here was only one main road into town, which had no choice but to end when it met the water of the gulf. From there the driver had to choose east or west along the beach.

      Dolly’s Donuts was located on the main road. As the local morning hangout for the senior citizens, it was also the place in town for quality donuts. China’s mom had pointed out more than once to her that patience was a virtue. That might be so but China had promised hot donuts, and she didn’t like to disappoint.

      As she hurried into Dolly’s, she mentally reviewed her order list. She glanced at her wrist watch. Yes, she was going to be late. Something that had never happened before. The line at the counter was four deep when she slipped into the tight glassed-in space that was Dolly’s customer area. The place still had the feel of a fifties-era coffee shop, with a few metal stools with orange seats facing a long narrow counter.

      China studied the tall man in front

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