Nan Dixon - Southern Comforts

Rule #2—Never get involved with a guest

Abigail Fitzgerald has always followed her mama’s rules when it comes to running their family’s B and B. But her mama never had to resist a man like Grayson Smythe. A long-term guest, Gray spends his evenings having dinner with Abby in her kitchen—and it’s not long before their attraction begins to sizzle.

Although Gray’s kisses are a delicious distraction, Abby’s priorities are the B and B and the dream of opening her own restaurant. And Gray definitely has the means to help her. But when money seems to be all he can offer, Abby suspects she might get burned.

“Actions speak louder than words.”

Tears trickled down Abigail’s cheek. The ice in her eyes frightened Gray. “I’m going back to Savannah. I’m going home.”

“Abby.” This couldn’t be happening. Not when he was in love with her. “Stay. Please.”

“We’re done.” She wheeled her bag around him.

Desperate, he blurted out, “I think I’m in love with you.”

She stopped. Her shoulders shook. She turned around, pity filled her face. “You can’t buy my love, Gray. That’s not how it works. It’s something I would have given freely.”

Panic bubbled inside his chest like lava in a volcano ready to blow. “I’m not trying to buy your love.”

She didn’t even stop.

He ripped a hand through his hair. He’d been trying to help her, for God’s sake, and she’d thrown everything back in his face. He told her he loved her. He had the money. He could fix her problems. Make her life easier. Why wouldn’t the stubborn woman let him help?

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author 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 Epilogue Extract Copyright ,

Thank you for purchasing my debut Mills & Boon Superromance novel.

Southern Comforts is about sisters—a subject I know well. I have three of my own. And they are the reason this story came to life.

My sisters and I visited Savannah and I fell in love with this lush, quirky, vibrant city. In the magical historic district, oak trees drip with Spanish moss and squares are filled with fountains, statues and flowers. Ghost stories abound. The city made me wonder.

What if a group of sisters were struggling to run a bed-and-breakfast in their family’s old mansion? Maybe the oldest sister, a chef, has big dreams but every dollar is poured into the business? Why not force her to feed a cynical, rich developer for six months? Will her lack of money and his wealth put barriers on their developing relationship?

Settle back with a glass of sweet tea and one of Abby’s brandy pecan bars and find out if Abby and Gray can find their happily-ever-after.

I’d love to hear what you think. Please contact me through my website— nandixon.com. Or stop on over if you want some of Abby’s recipes.

Happy reading,

Nan Dixon

Southern Comforts

Nan Dixon

www.millsandboon.co.uk

NAN DIXONspent her formative years as an actress, singer, dancer and competitive golfer. But the need to eat had her studying accounting in college. Unfortunately, being a successful financial executive didn’t feed her passion to perform. When the pharmaceutical company she worked for was purchased, Nan got the chance of a lifetime—the opportunity to pursue a writing career. She’s a five-time Golden Heart finalist and lives in the Midwest where she is active in her local RWA chapter and on the board of a dance company. She has five children, two sons-in-law, one grandchild, a husband and one neurotic cat.

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To Mom and Dad—you taught me to work hard to make my dreams come true. I wish you were here to celebrate with me.

To my family—no one can top your enthusiasm, support and laughter. Don, Nicholas, Meghan, Dan, Allison, Joe, Anne, Matthew, little Lily, Dad E and Diana. My characters would be lucky to be blessed with loud, crazy, loving families just like ours.

Special thanks go out to my writing community. First, my critique groups—Ann Hinnenkamp, Ann Holliday, Neroli Lacey, Greta MacEachern, Leanne Farrell and Kathryn Kohorst. You’ve put up with my messy drafts, lack of conflict, lack of scene goals and pushed me to become a better writer. Second, my Golden Heart sisters: the Unsinkables, Starcatchers, Lucky13s and Dreamweavers. When I’ve stumbled, you picked me up, dusted me off and pushed me back into the fight. Even better, you’re there to celebrate my successes—Prosecco for all! And I can’t forget my RWA chapter, Midwest Fiction Writers. Our authors are gracious and willing to share their knowledge. They know how to pay it forward. Thank you.

I also want to thank the people who took a chance on me—Laura Bradford and Megan Long. I appreciate your confidence and advice.

And finally, this book is for my sisters—Mo, Sue and Trish. Without our weekend, I never would have written Southern Comforts. (Where are we going this year and will I get another series idea?)

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Rule #2—Never get involved with a guest Abigail Fitzgerald has always followed her mama’s rules when it comes to running their family’s B and B. But her mama never had to resist a man like Grayson Smythe. A long-term guest, Gray spends his evenings having dinner with Abby in her kitchen—and it’s not long before their attraction begins to sizzle. Although Gray’s kisses are a delicious distraction, Abby’s priorities are the B and B and the dream of opening her own restaurant. And Gray definitely has the means to help her. But when money seems to be all he can offer, Abby suspects she might get burned.

Introduction “Actions speak louder than words.” Tears trickled down Abigail’s cheek. The ice in her eyes frightened Gray. “I’m going back to Savannah. I’m going home.” “Abby.” This couldn’t be happening. Not when he was in love with her. “Stay. Please.” “We’re done.” She wheeled her bag around him. Desperate, he blurted out, “I think I’m in love with you.” She stopped. Her shoulders shook. She turned around, pity filled her face. “You can’t buy my love, Gray. That’s not how it works. It’s something I would have given freely.” Panic bubbled inside his chest like lava in a volcano ready to blow. “I’m not trying to buy your love.” She didn’t even stop. He ripped a hand through his hair. He’d been trying to help her, for God’s sake, and she’d thrown everything back in his face. He told her he loved her. He had the money. He could fix her problems. Make her life easier. Why wouldn’t the stubborn woman let him help?

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author 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 Epilogue Extract Copyright , Thank you for purchasing my debut Mills & Boon Superromance novel. Southern Comforts is about sisters—a subject I know well. I have three of my own. And they are the reason this story came to life. My sisters and I visited Savannah and I fell in love with this lush, quirky, vibrant city. In the magical historic district, oak trees drip with Spanish moss and squares are filled with fountains, statues and flowers. Ghost stories abound. The city made me wonder. What if a group of sisters were struggling to run a bed-and-breakfast in their family’s old mansion? Maybe the oldest sister, a chef, has big dreams but every dollar is poured into the business? Why not force her to feed a cynical, rich developer for six months? Will her lack of money and his wealth put barriers on their developing relationship? Settle back with a glass of sweet tea and one of Abby’s brandy pecan bars and find out if Abby and Gray can find their happily-ever-after. I’d love to hear what you think. Please contact me through my website— nandixon.com . Or stop on over if you want some of Abby’s recipes. Happy reading, Nan Dixon