Close to His Heart

Tess Kruger once planned to build a real estate empire with her high school sweetheart, Jace Scholte. But six years ago, a secret she couldn't bear sent her running-from her dreams and from Jace. Now she's back in Sweet Creek, drifting from job to job, her confidence dimmed by shame she's never dared to name.Jace fought his way out of a hard past and is now a successful developer working for Carson MacGregor. Returning to Sweet Creek to push a controversial condo project, he's stunned to find Tess still there-and even more stunned when they're paired to run a fundraiser for the Crisis Center.Old feelings flare with every long meeting and shared laugh, but Jace can't understand why Tess left, and Tess fears the truth will ruin him-and destroy what's rekindling between them. As their connection deepens, the past rises to challenge them both. Can love give them the courage to face the truth…and choose each other again? After writing over 60 books, I still don't feel like I've written the perfect book.Inspired by long walks in the woods with my two trusty dogs to keep me company and scare away any bears, I keep trying.Sitting in front of the computer, losing myself in other places with other characters gives me hope and happiness. I hope my stories do the same for you.