Kianna Alexander - Every Beat Of My Heart

The rhythm of love

Lina Smith-Todd is a winning bid away from owning a piece of musical history. The auction heats up when she discovers that her chief competition for a piano owned by Thelonious Monk is the man who once shared her bed. But the priceless baby grand isn’t all that the seductive, supremely confident musician intends to possess. Rashad MacRae wants a second chance to be with Lina.

Rashad’s passion for music was inspired by the legendary Monk. But if walking away with the prize means losing his shot at a future with Lina, he’s ready to concede defeat. To entice her back into his arms, Rashad has to find a way to regain the self-sufficient attorney’s trust. And now a family revelation could cost him everything. Can doubt be swept away by the promise of an everlasting love song they both know by heart?

She chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re mighty persistent, aren’t you?”

“Only when it comes to what I want. And I want you, Lina.” He reached out, his large hand cupping her cheek as he tilted her face up toward his gaze.

Her pulse quickened as the heat of his palm penetrated her skin. Once again, logic abandoned her and allowed her emotions free rein. Looking into his dark eyes, with the memories of all they’d shared passing between them, she knew it was only a matter of moments before he kissed her. And if he kissed her, it would be all over for her, as far as putting up any resistance went.

He rotated his upper body, slowly leaned in her direction.

She wet her lips with the tip of her tongue, torn between logic and desire. Could she really trust him with her heart again? Parts of her were still unsure. She needed to buy herself some time, give herself space to think this through more fully. So she blurted, “It’s going to rain any minute.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Acknowledgments 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 Chapter 19 Epilogue Copyright ,

Thanks so much for picking up Every Beat of My Heart! I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy it.

What can you do when you have to choose between something you really want and something that could change your life? That’s the question Rashad and Lina are facing. Only one of them can be victorious...or is that really the case?

Get ready to find out as you go on this steamy, sensual journey!

All the best,

Kianna

AuthorKiannaAlexander.com

Every Beat of My Heart

Kianna Alexander

www.millsandboon.co.uk

KIANNA ALEXANDER, like any good Southern belle, wears many hats: loving wife, doting mama, advice-dispensing sister and gabbing girlfriend. She’s a voracious reader, an amateur seamstress and occasional painter in oils. Chocolate, American history, sweet tea and Idris Elba are a few of her favorite things. A native of the Tar Heel State, Kianna still lives there with her husband, two kids and a collection of well-loved vintage ’80s Barbie dolls.

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For my daughter, whose inquisitive mind sees adventure around every turn, and whose loving heart embraces everyone she meets.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 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 Chapter 19 Epilogue Copyright

I’d like to thank Kianna’s Royal Kourt, for all their hard work in getting the word out about my books. I’d also like to thank the other Harlequin Kimani Romance authors who’ve embraced me as a new author to the line, making me feel like family. My appreciation is owed to my husband and children for bearing with me through the deadline doldrums. And of course, I thank each and every reader who has ever taken the time to read my work.

I’d like to salute fellow authors Rebekah Weatherspoon and K.M. Jackson for their work in increasing the visibility of diverse romance. Follow the #WOCinRomance and #WeNeedDiverseRomance hashtags on social media to add your voice.

This book heavily features the works of jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, who is considered a pioneer of the genre. I’m proud to say he was born in my home state of North Carolina. I encourage you to download or purchase Mr. Monk’s work. To find out more about his life and his art, visit the following websites.

Thelonious Monk’s official website: MonkZone.com

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz:

MonkInstitute.org

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text The rhythm of love Lina Smith-Todd is a winning bid away from owning a piece of musical history. The auction heats up when she discovers that her chief competition for a piano owned by Thelonious Monk is the man who once shared her bed. But the priceless baby grand isn’t all that the seductive, supremely confident musician intends to possess. Rashad MacRae wants a second chance to be with Lina. Rashad’s passion for music was inspired by the legendary Monk. But if walking away with the prize means losing his shot at a future with Lina, he’s ready to concede defeat. To entice her back into his arms, Rashad has to find a way to regain the self-sufficient attorney’s trust. And now a family revelation could cost him everything. Can doubt be swept away by the promise of an everlasting love song they both know by heart?

Introduction She chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re mighty persistent, aren’t you?” “Only when it comes to what I want. And I want you, Lina.” He reached out, his large hand cupping her cheek as he tilted her face up toward his gaze. Her pulse quickened as the heat of his palm penetrated her skin. Once again, logic abandoned her and allowed her emotions free rein. Looking into his dark eyes, with the memories of all they’d shared passing between them, she knew it was only a matter of moments before he kissed her. And if he kissed her, it would be all over for her, as far as putting up any resistance went. He rotated his upper body, slowly leaned in her direction. She wet her lips with the tip of her tongue, torn between logic and desire. Could she really trust him with her heart again? Parts of her were still unsure. She needed to buy herself some time, give herself space to think this through more fully. So she blurted, “It’s going to rain any minute.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Acknowledgments 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 Chapter 19 Epilogue Copyright , Thanks so much for picking up Every Beat of My Heart! I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy it. What can you do when you have to choose between something you really want and something that could change your life? That’s the question Rashad and Lina are facing. Only one of them can be victorious...or is that really the case? Get ready to find out as you go on this steamy, sensual journey! All the best, Kianna AuthorKiannaAlexander.com