Lenora Worth - Lakeside Sweetheart

An Unexpected Homecoming

Returning to her hometown to clear out her late mother’s house, Vanessa Donovan’s goal is to do the job quickly and escape. She refuses to get involved with Rory Sanderson, her handsome neighbor. And she can’t let herself be dazzled by his smile and caring ways. Because if there’s one thing Vanessa won’t do, it’s fall for a minister. While the pastor in Rory wants to mend Vanessa’s wounds, the man in him can’t resist the beautiful woman. But while he’s helping her, Vanessa is doing the unthinkable—healing his own deep scars and opening his heart...if he can convince her that love is worth the risk.

“You don’t have to be alone.”

“I don’t need help.” She panicked as she imagined him being at the house with her every day, watching her.

As he walked away, he said over his shoulder, “I hope one day you stop seeing me as the enemy and let me be your friend.”

“I can’t,” she said, tears burning her eyes. He was a minister. “I can’t be your friend, Rory.”

“Or you can’t let me be your friend?” Before she could answer, he turned back. “I came here today because I saw someone in need. Not as a minister but as a person.”

And then he was gone.

Vanessa wanted to run after him. But she had to be strong and fight the temptation. She’d taken care of herself for a long time now. Why should she believe a sweet-talking preacher who made her feel safe?

Her confusing thoughts about Rory had to stop. Because growing close to him would be a bad idea.

So why did she want to believe him?

With sixty books published and millions in print, LENORA WORTH writes award-winning romance and romantic suspense. Three of her books finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, and her Love Inspired Suspense novel Body of Evidence became a New York Times bestseller. Her novella in Mistletoe Kisses made her a USA TODAY bestselling author. Lenora goes on adventures with her retired husband, Don, and enjoys reading, baking and shopping…especially shoe shopping.

Lakeside Sweetheart

Lenora Worth

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Jesus said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.

—John 4:13–14

To my cousin Nancy Anderson.

So glad you are back in our lives!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text An Unexpected Homecoming Returning to her hometown to clear out her late mother’s house, Vanessa Donovan’s goal is to do the job quickly and escape. She refuses to get involved with Rory Sanderson, her handsome neighbor. And she can’t let herself be dazzled by his smile and caring ways. Because if there’s one thing Vanessa won’t do, it’s fall for a minister. While the pastor in Rory wants to mend Vanessa’s wounds, the man in him can’t resist the beautiful woman. But while he’s helping her, Vanessa is doing the unthinkable—healing his own deep scars and opening his heart...if he can convince her that love is worth the risk.

Introduction “You don’t have to be alone.” “I don’t need help.” She panicked as she imagined him being at the house with her every day, watching her. As he walked away, he said over his shoulder, “I hope one day you stop seeing me as the enemy and let me be your friend.” “I can’t,” she said, tears burning her eyes. He was a minister. “I can’t be your friend, Rory.” “Or you can’t let me be your friend?” Before she could answer, he turned back. “I came here today because I saw someone in need. Not as a minister but as a person.” And then he was gone. Vanessa wanted to run after him. But she had to be strong and fight the temptation. She’d taken care of herself for a long time now. Why should she believe a sweet-talking preacher who made her feel safe? Her confusing thoughts about Rory had to stop. Because growing close to him would be a bad idea. So why did she want to believe him?

About the Author With sixty books published and millions in print, LENORA WORTH writes award-winning romance and romantic suspense. Three of her books finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, and her Love Inspired Suspense novel Body of Evidence became a New York Times bestseller. Her novella in Mistletoe Kisses made her a USA TODAY bestselling author. Lenora goes on adventures with her retired husband, Don, and enjoys reading, baking and shopping…especially shoe shopping.

Title Page Lakeside Sweetheart Lenora Worth www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Jesus said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life. —John 4:13–14

Dedication To my cousin Nancy Anderson. So glad you are back in our lives!

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

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

He always noticed new faces at church.

As minister of the Millbrook Lake Church, Rory Sanderson had a bird’s-eye view of the entire congregation, including everyone from Mrs. Fanny Fitzpatrick in her fake-fruit-covered straw hat to Alec Caldwell’s aunt Hattie in her pearls and baby-blue pillbox.

But one person stood out today more than all the others.

Maybe because her discomfort could have shattered the rows of stained glass windows lining each side of the tiny chapel. The doubtful expression made her look a little lost, but her light brown hair shimmered with a luster that reminded him of sea oats at sunrise. He couldn’t tell much about her eyes. She wore dark shades.

But he felt pretty sure those hidden eyes were staring straight at him. She must be one of those. Someone had obviously invited her to the service today. And she so did not want to be here.

Rory took that as a challenge. He accepted the woman’s distrust with a smile and a prayer. That was his job, after all. To turn that frown upside down. To bring the lost home. To make the backsliders and unbelievers faithful. Especially on such a beautiful spring day. A day full of rebirth and renewal. The best kind of day.

Easter Sunday.

The whole flock, maybe the whole town, had turned out in their Easter finery. And they all had smiles on their faces.

Except for that one, of course. The one in the pretty yellow dress that reminded him of picnics and wildflowers, wearing those dark Wayfarers and that shell-shocked expression. And Rory had to wonder. What had made this woman so reluctant to be here today?

* * *

“You could try smiling,” Marla Caldwell said into Vanessa Donovan’s ear. “It won’t break your face.”

“I told you I don’t do church,” Vanessa replied, uneasiness making her fidget. Tugging her turquoise floral wrap over her bare arms, she glanced around. “I only came because you invited me. And because I want some of that good food your mother and Aunt Hattie bribed us with—I mean—promised to us—for Sunday dinner.”

“They are not above bribery,” Marla said with a grin, her red-gold ponytail bouncing. “But church will do you good, you’ll see. It sure can’t hurt you.”