Sheryl Lister - Just To Be with You

Love is the sweetest song of all…

Gentle and compassionate teacher Janae Simms isn’t looking for love—her heart has been broken one too many times, and she doesn’t intend to relive that kind of pain. So when her best friend convinces her to let loose and attend a concert featuring R & B sensation Monte, all Janae expects is an evening of music and fun. But as soon as she hears his smooth, honeyed voice and they share a moment together backstage, Janae fears her heart is in danger once again.

Terrence “Monte” Campbell has been hurt by women seeking his wealth and celebrity instead of the man he truly is. So music is his only passion, until he meets Janae. He struggles to maintain emotional distance, but her tender sensuality and caring ways tempt Terrence as no other before. And one sizzling night, they both give in to their desires and explore all of the erotic promises between them. Is Janae really the one for Terrence, or just another disappointment waiting to happen? Can he finally let go of the past and embrace the idea of their loving future?

“You feel this, don’t you?”

“No…I… Yes.” Janae gently extricated her hand from his then took several steps backward. Being close to him short-circuited her brain, and she needed to think. Hadn’t she decided that men were only good for fantasies? He would definitely fit right in…okay, he would top the fantasy list. But that was all this could be—a really, really nice fantasy. No way would she allow herself to get caught up in a man who probably had women by the dozen. Besides, as a teacher, the last thing she needed was a parent seeing her face splashed across a tabloid under some crazy heading like Teacher Caught in Threesome with Popular Music Star.

He closed the distance between them. “Janae?”

When she glanced up at him, something flashed in his eyes and, before she could blink, he covered her mouth in an explosive kiss that stole her breath and weakened her knees. She was totally unprepared for the feel of his mouth on hers. The kiss was gentle, but infused with a passion and need she didn’t understand. Suddenly, a longing she’d never experienced took over her body.

She pulled away sharply. “I…I have to…go.”

“No, don’t go.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m sorry. Please. Stay.”

She eyed him warily and clutched her chest, trying to control her runaway heart.

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.

Just to

Be with

You

Sheryl Lister

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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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

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.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Love is the sweetest song of all… Gentle and compassionate teacher Janae Simms isn’t looking for love—her heart has been broken one too many times, and she doesn’t intend to relive that kind of pain. So when her best friend convinces her to let loose and attend a concert featuring R & B sensation Monte, all Janae expects is an evening of music and fun. But as soon as she hears his smooth, honeyed voice and they share a moment together backstage, Janae fears her heart is in danger once again. Terrence “Monte” Campbell has been hurt by women seeking his wealth and celebrity instead of the man he truly is. So music is his only passion, until he meets Janae. He struggles to maintain emotional distance, but her tender sensuality and caring ways tempt Terrence as no other before. And one sizzling night, they both give in to their desires and explore all of the erotic promises between them. Is Janae really the one for Terrence, or just another disappointment waiting to happen? Can he finally let go of the past and embrace the idea of their loving future?

Introduction “You feel this, don’t you?” “No…I… Yes.” Janae gently extricated her hand from his then took several steps backward. Being close to him short-circuited her brain, and she needed to think. Hadn’t she decided that men were only good for fantasies? He would definitely fit right in…okay, he would top the fantasy list. But that was all this could be—a really, really nice fantasy. No way would she allow herself to get caught up in a man who probably had women by the dozen. Besides, as a teacher, the last thing she needed was a parent seeing her face splashed across a tabloid under some crazy heading like Teacher Caught in Threesome with Popular Music Star. He closed the distance between them. “Janae?” When she glanced up at him, something flashed in his eyes and, before she could blink, he covered her mouth in an explosive kiss that stole her breath and weakened her knees. She was totally unprepared for the feel of his mouth on hers. The kiss was gentle, but infused with a passion and need she didn’t understand. Suddenly, a longing she’d never experienced took over her body. She pulled away sharply. “I…I have to…go.” “No, don’t go.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m sorry. Please. Stay.” She eyed him warily and clutched her chest, trying to control her runaway heart.