Sheryl Lister - Just To Be with You

About the Author SHERYL LISTER has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts. She holds a B.S. in occupational therapy, and post-professional M.S. in occupational therapy from San Jose State University. She resides in California and is a wife, mother of three and works as a pediatric occupational therapist.

Title Page Just to Be with You Sheryl Lister www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Dedication 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 Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Copyright , I have enjoyed reading Mills & Boon romances since I was a young teen, when I used to sneak them from my mother’s stash. I never imagined I would someday be given the opportunity to join the Mills & Boon family of authors. I am also a huge music fan. One day, while listening to one of my favorite R & B balladeers, an idea sparked in my mind, and Terrence “Monte” Campbell was born. He’s not big on love, but he’s about to have his world turned upside down by Janae Simms. The caring schoolteacher challenges everything the confirmed bachelor has ever believed and teaches him a lesson in love he won’t soon forget. I hope you enjoy Terrence and Janae’s journey to falling in love. I sure did! Stay tuned for Karen’s story. Please share your thoughts with me at www.sheryllister.com , on Facebook (Author Sheryl Lister) or on Twitter ( @1Slynne ). Blessings, Sheryl

Dedication For my mother, Mary Phillips (1940–2009), the first reader and fan of my stories, and who encouraged me to write. Mom, I finally wrote that book! To My Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth [Psalms 34:1 NKJV] To my very own hero, Lance Lister, I love you more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for your love and unwavering support. To my beautiful daughters, Brandi, Maia and Riana, I love you. You make me proud to be your mom. To my family (especially my father-in-law, who has read every story), Janette and the Friday morning hair shop ladies, and friends, thank you for your love, encouragement and support. To author Beverly Jenkins, thank you for graciously sharing your wisdom and answering my many questions about writing. To my wonderful agent, Sarah E. Younger, thank you for your tireless efforts on my behalf. To my editor, Rachel Burkot, and the entire Harlequin Kimani Romance team, thank you for the opportunity.

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

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Copyright

Chapter 1

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Janae Simms muttered.

“Oh, please.” Her friend Karen Morris waved her off. “You can’t tell me you’re not a little bit excited about seeing Monte in concert?”

She sighed. “His music is nice, but you’re the one who has all of his CDs. And I don’t know why, if the concert is tonight, we need to spend the entire weekend in San Francisco. Seems like you should have brought your boyfriend instead of me.”

“Andre is working, and it’s not like you have anything else to do.”

“I have a ton of lesson plans to do.”

“So do I, but you need to see outside sometimes—and I mean someplace other than that elementary school playground. Now repeat after me. I’m going to have a good time.”

Janae rolled her eyes. She turned back to see Karen still waiting. “Fine. I’m going to have a good time,” she grumbled. They continued walking toward the jazz club.

Karen shook her head and laughed. “Girl, we’re going to have a ball.”

“Where are we sitting?”

Karen wiggled her eyebrows. “You’ll see.”

They passed a line of people waiting to enter and went inside. “Shouldn’t we get in line, Karen?”

“No. Our tickets are for reserved seating. That line is for those with general seating tickets. I wanted us to get a real good seat.”

She waited while Karen gave her name to the attendant at the will call desk. He located and handed her their tickets.

Janae had only been to the jazz club once, but liked the intimate feeling. The floor level featured three rows of tables for four, while the upper levels had a choice of tables or booths. Even the balcony seating offered great views. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house.

“Enjoy the show,” he said.

When they entered the seating area, Janae stopped short, surprised to see that they had floor seats in the second row, dead center. No more than ten feet separated them from the stage. “Um, Karen, these seats are kind of close to the stage, don’t you think?”

“Of course. Girl, I want to be close enough to that fine man to see his sweat. Monte is a walking chocolate fantasy.”

She chuckled at the description, but Karen did have a point. Monte would be an excellent fantasy man, which was where she decided men belonged. In fantasies, hearts didn’t get broken—something she would never let happen to her again.

Janae scanned the crowded room. Efficient staff moved through throngs of people, serving food and drinks, as music poured through hidden speakers and animated chatter filled the air. The lights went down, and as soon as he hit the stage, Monte’s voice immediately captivated her. Whether one of his sexy ballads or an up-tempo number like the current song, the man’s smooth baritone stirred something deep within her. She closed her eyes, nodding in time with the beat as he sang song after song.

Karen tapped her excitedly. “He’s getting ready to come down into the audience.”

“What?” Janae’s eyes snapped open. She glanced up in time to see Monte exit the stage through a door on the left side, and watched as women stood from their tables and tried to gyrate their bodies against his when he passed. He smiled and shook some hands, but didn’t linger. As he neared their table, Karen pulled Janae up from the chair.

“Here he comes.” Karen stretched out her hand, then screamed when he reached out to touch it.

Since Karen held on to her arm, Janae couldn’t sit, but hoped the sexy singer would keep going.

Nope, no such luck. Instead, he actually stopped in front of her, reached down to bring her hand to his lips. The moment he touched her, electric shocks shot up her arm and through her body. Her gaze flew to his and she snatched her hand back. His eyes widened. She thought she saw surprise cross his features, but it was gone so fast, she might have imagined it. She glanced around to see if anyone had noticed what happened, but Karen was still swooning. As for the other couple at their table, the guy was too busy trying to pull his screaming date back down into the chair to notice her. Janae dropped into the chair, then stared down at her still-tingling hand. Clenching her fist, she willed the sensations to stop.

Maybe she was crazy. Maybe she only imagined the spark. Right? She chanced a glimpse in his direction as he walked back toward the stage door and, as if he sensed her perusal, he stopped to glance over his shoulder. His eyes locked with hers for a brief moment, and something unnamed passed between them. Something within his dark, magnetic gaze pulled her in and wouldn’t let go. She shook her head to clear it, but couldn’t resist another peek. He stopped to talk to someone for a moment, nodded in her direction, then climbed back onto the stage.