Edward is strong and arrogant, and Savannah is his complete opposite. But together they make one another whole. She’s always given in to Edward’s plans and taken a backseat to his political endeavors. However, she’s not giving in to Edward this time—it’s her time to shine. This time, she’s doing what makes her happy for a change. She needs to travel to London to finally make things right with her mother—the woman who abandoned her as a child. And she doesn’t expect anyone to understand, but if you grow up without a parent in your life, you understand that there’s a void that needs to be filled. Their breakup was hard, but there’s no doubt the two are still in love. Anyone could see that, but it isn’t until they make love on the beach in the Caribbean that the two figure it out. I hope you will enjoy Edward and Savannah’s sweet love story. You’ll also fall in love with Savannah’s eccentric mom, Nyle—her shenanigans will keep you on your toes. Edward and Savannah’s sweet little girl, Chloe, gives them all a reason to live and love. She’s the glue that holds them all together. Nyle blew it with Savannah once upon a time, but Chloe is her second chance, and she has no intentions of blowing it again. I hope you continue to love the Talbots and make them your favorite family. Visit my website at monica-richardson.com or email me at monica@monica-richardson.com. Happy reading! Monica Richardson
Title Page Second Chance Seduction Monica Richardson www.millsandboon.co.uk
About the Author MONICA RICHARDSON writes adult romances set in Florida and the Caribbean. Under the name Monica McKayhan, she wrote the Indigo Summer young adult series. Indigo Summer hit the Essence and Black Issues Book Review bestseller lists, and the series also received a film option. Monica’s YA books have garnered accolades and industry recognition, including several American Library Association (ALA) placements on the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults annual lists.
Dedication This is dedicated to my readers who have fallen in love with the Talbot family.
Acknowledgments 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 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Copyright To my readers who give me the energy to continue to write great stories. I’m glad that you enjoy the Talbot family. This is for you! To my family in the Bahamas—visiting with you and talking to you about my history has made the research and writing of this Talbot series a complete joy, especially Cameron and Raquel...you two have really helped me to pull my research together!
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
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Copyright
Chapter 1
Edward stood across the room from her and admired long, lean legs, a round butt and perfectly exhibited breasts. Her hair was short and sassy, not long and flowing as when they were together. She smiled at the gentleman in front of her and then pushed her bangs out of her face. Edward was in awe of her for a moment. This wasn’t the woman he remembered. No, this lady was self-assured and sexy—not the timid young woman that he once knew.
She finally looked his way and gave a nod of acknowledgment. It was her idea that they meet at her downtown office instead of her West Palm Beach home. He noticed that she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with him visiting her space, even if it was for a good reason. The last few times, she’d suggested that they meet at a park or a restaurant to facilitate the exchange. Things had become much more impersonal, against his wishes.
She gave him a smile and headed his way. The smile, he remembered. It was genuine and wholesome—not to mention gorgeous. She led the way, and he followed her to a beautiful office with art that adorned the walls. The walls were painted in warm hues of orange—Savannah’s favorite color. He immediately recognized the portrait of the colorful Eiffel Tower, an urban piece that they’d picked up when they honeymooned in Paris. He sat in the leather wingback chair and stared at the woman who sat across from him. He picked up the framed photograph from her desk—the one of their daughter, Chloe. His girls, as he used to call them.
“I talked to my mother the other day.”
“Really?” He leaned back in the chair and glanced at Savannah’s face. Tried to read her expression at the mention of her mother.
“Yes.” Her face was blank.
It seemed that she was trying to shield her emotions from him, but he knew her all too well. He knew that her relationship with her mother had been strained and was the reason for many years of inner turmoil for Savannah.
“What was that conversation like?” he asked.
“It was long and—” a subtle little smile appeared in the corner of her mouth “—and genuine, actually.”
“Really?” He was surprised.
“I’d like to go to London and spend some time with her.”
“Okay, that’s nice. A week or so?”
“Maybe longer.”
“What about your job?”
Savannah exhaled and leaned her head against the back of the leather chair. “They’re downsizing. Letting some people go. This is actually my last few weeks here.”
“Savannah, I’m sorry.” Edward crossed his leg over the other one. “What will you do? Have you been putting your résumé out there?”
“I’d like to look for a job while I’m in London.”
“You’re thinking of relocating there?”
She nodded a yes.
“What about Chloe?”
“She would go, too,” she stated matter-of-factly. Like it was the most normal thing in the world to take a man’s child clear across the world.
He took in a deep breath, gathering himself before he spoke again. But he could feel his anger boiling. His daughter meant the world to him, and he couldn’t imagine her living in another state, let alone another country. He couldn’t fathom the thought. Wouldn’t. No. It was out of the question.
“You’re not moving to London with Chloe.” He was calm, but emphatic.
“Not right away, I know.”
“Not at all!”
“You’re being unreasonable, Edward.”
He sat up in the chair. “How do you propose I see my daughter if you take her to England, Savannah? Are you going to fly her here for my weekend visits? And what about Christmas and summer breaks?”
He’d already found it difficult to manage a week without seeing Chloe’s little face. He couldn’t even imagine not seeing her for longer than that.
“We’ll figure something out.”
“We’ll figure something out?” he asked. “She’s just as much my daughter as she is yours, and I won’t allow it.”
“You’re telling me what you won’t allow? What gives you the right?”
“I have rights when it comes to my daughter. And I will exercise them if I need to.”
“Are you threatening me?”
He stood. Headed toward the door. “It’s not a threat, Savannah. It’s a promise.”
Their marriage had ended in divorce after a short eighteen months. It was the one thing that Edward had failed at. He’d excelled in college and breezed through law school. He’d run for mayor, and lost—but had landed a position on the West Palm Beach City Commission. A place where he could actually make a difference for the people in his community. However, the mayoral campaign had robbed him of his marriage. A newlywed with a pregnant wife at home, he’d gotten too caught up in his career. Not to mention he’d spent too much time with his beautiful campaign manager. Although he’d never cheated on Savannah with Quinn, the closeness of their relationship had caused more of a disturbance than his new marriage could take.
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