Debra & Regan Webb & Black - The Hunk Next Door

“Want to go for a drive?”

Abby did. Desperately. The intensity scared her. “Aren’t you tired of Christmas lights and holiday displays by now?”

“Are you tired of police work?”

“A little,” she confessed, startling a laugh out of both of them.

“Take a drive with me. I’ll buy you a drink.”

“You’re a terrible flirt.”

“So I’ve been told.” Riley winked, opening the passenger door of his truck for her.

“No, I mean you’re really bad at it.”

“You want me to up my game?”

Yes. No . Uncertain, she pulled the door shut. When he slid into the driver’s seat, she said, “I don’t want any games. I want you to be yourself.”

“Easy enough.” He stared at her for a moment that went on and on, and she realized she was holding her breath. “What you see is what you get, Abby.”

The Hunk Next Door

Debra Webb & Regan Black

www.millsandboon.co.uk

DEBRA WEBB, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then the USA TODAY bestselling author has penned more than one hundred novels, including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series.

REGAN BLACK, a USA TODAY bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. Raised in the Midwest and California, she and her family, along with their adopted greyhound, two arrogant cats and a quirky finch, reside in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance and history fuels her imagination.

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For Mark, my personal hero, who always knows when I need encouraging words, quiet space or dark chocolate.

And many, many thanks to Deb for inviting me into this wonderful new adventure! Regan

To my hero, Nonie! Though four decades have passed since we first met, you continue to be the only hero for me! Debra

Contents

Cover

Introduction “Want to go for a drive?” Abby did. Desperately. The intensity scared her. “Aren’t you tired of Christmas lights and holiday displays by now?” “Are you tired of police work?” “A little,” she confessed, startling a laugh out of both of them. “Take a drive with me. I’ll buy you a drink.” “You’re a terrible flirt.” “So I’ve been told.” Riley winked, opening the passenger door of his truck for her. “No, I mean you’re really bad at it.” “You want me to up my game?” Yes. No . Uncertain, she pulled the door shut. When he slid into the driver’s seat, she said, “I don’t want any games. I want you to be yourself.” “Easy enough.” He stared at her for a moment that went on and on, and she realized she was holding her breath. “What you see is what you get, Abby.”

Title Page The Hunk Next Door Debra Webb & Regan Black www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Authors DEBRA WEBB , born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then the USA TODAY bestselling author has penned more than one hundred novels, including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series. REGAN BLACK , a USA TODAY bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. Raised in the Midwest and California, she and her family, along with their adopted greyhound, two arrogant cats and a quirky finch, reside in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance and history fuels her imagination.

Dedication For Mark, my personal hero, who always knows when I need encouraging words, quiet space or dark chocolate. And many, many thanks to Deb for inviting me into this wonderful new adventure! Regan To my hero, Nonie! Though four decades have passed since we first met, you continue to be the only hero for me! Debra

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

Washington, D.C.

Friday, November 25, 6:10 p.m.

Thomas Casey, director of the elite team known as the Specialists, leaned back in his chair and watched the footage filling his computer monitor one last time. The woman on the screen stared directly at the camera, her expression one of fearlessness.

“Let this be a clear message to anyone with criminal intent,” she announced in a steely tone. “Belclare will not stand for drug activity on our docks or criminal action in our town. We will stand against you and we will seize your product, your people and your money at every opportunity. No matter your affiliation or intent, this community will not be used for illicit gain.”

The knock on his closed office door was a welcome distraction. Thomas muted the feed. “Come in.”

The beautiful face of his wife, Johara di Rossi, peered around the door. “Is it safe to come in?”

He motioned her forward. It was still a thrill to realize they were married, that he had the rest of his life to make up for lost time. No one had ever made him feel that way...no one but Jo.

Her smile wide, she stepped into the office. “If you’re sure. Your face tells a different story.”

Removing his glasses, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Am I running late?” He checked his watch, wishing he had the luxury of forgetting this video in favor of the standing dinner date with his wife. But when the President of the United States issued a directive, department heads were expected to drop everything and act immediately.

“No.” She strolled across the room and leaned over his desk to give him a kiss. “I was out this way and thought we could ride to dinner together.”

“That’s fine. I just have one last meeting to take care of first.”

A knock at the door interrupted him. Damn. One of these days very soon he intended to make personal time a priority.

Jo winked at him. “I’ll wait for you at reception.”

“Thanks.” He watched her go, grateful he’d been given a second chance with the one woman who mattered and that she understood the urgency of his work.

Ever the professional, Jo didn’t exchange a word with the man in a charcoal-gray suit who walked in as she walked out.

“Close the door,” Thomas said to his visitor. “And take a seat.”

Specialist Riley O’Brien followed both orders with a quiet “Sir.”