"Why is it wrong?" she interrupted.

And there were those eyes that had her more than ready to crawl across the seat and into his lap. There was a vulnerability in his eyes that was almost her undoing.

"I hurt you. I know you didn't say anything about it, but I know Howard probably talked to you and told you about Red Rock." He looked away and shook his head. "It was wrong of me to do it like that. I should have talked to you myself. I'm sorry."

"Owen, I'm not going to lie to you. I was hurt, and yes, I was pretty angry with you earlier. I know we haven't known each other very long, but I thought we were at least becoming friends. I hated hearing about your decision from my uncle, but...I kind of understand why you did it that way. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for you to make."

"None of this is easy," he murmured and then looked up at her again. "I'm not good at this sort of thing-playing it cool and pretending I'm not interested in you when in fact I am. So...I'd completely understand if you didn't want to stay and have that drink or talk like we'd planned. You're probably sitting there trying to figure out a nice way to tell me to get out of the car."

Brooke was about to correct him, but Owen kept talking.

"I thought about hiring you, but I couldn't. Not because I don't want you on the trip, but because I knew I couldn't handle working with you every day and having you close by while I'm attracted to you. And knowing you were only there because you wanted to paint and that you weren't interested in me."

Now she had to speak. Before he could get another word out, she squeezed his hand and got his attention. "But you're wrong."

He didn't seem to understand what she was talking about.

"I do want to go on this trip to paint-I'm not going to deny that-but...Owen, I'm attracted to you too. I've enjoyed getting to know you, and the more time we spend together, the more I want to spend with you. I was afraid maybe you didn't want me on the trip because I wasn't smart enough or-"

She never got to finish.

Owen closed the distance between them and cupped her face in his hands as his lips claimed hers.

For more Samantha Chase check out.

The Shaughnessy Brothers series.

A Sky Full of Stars.

On sale June 2017.

About the Author.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her forties to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she's not working on a new story, Samantha spends her time reading contemporary romances, blogging, playing way too many games of Scrabble or solitaire on Facebook, and spending time with her husband of twenty-five years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Also by Samantha Chase.

The Montgomery Brothers.

Wait for Me.

Trust in Me Stay with Me More of Me.

Return to You Meant for You.

I'll Be There.

The Shaughnessy Brothers.

Made for Us.

Love Walks In Always My Girl This Is Our Song.

Holiday Romance The Christmas Cottage.

Ever After Mistletoe Between Friends.

The Snowflake Inn Life, Love and Babies.

The Baby Arrangement.

Baby, I'm Yours.

Baby, Be Mine.