Diane Werner is looking for a new hiking partner and has her heart set on a Bernese Mountain Dog. A Research Scientist, she is used to being alone and focusing on her job. She desires a better balance in her life.
Ben Tse has been recommended to Diane as a middle man that helps new dog owners find breeders. Ben mistakes Diane for someone else. Embarrassed by his behavior, he tries to make it up to Diane when visitors complicate matters.
Ben and Diane must decide if their spiritual connection is worth the effort to overcome the stress of their first meeting.
Author Name: Tracy Zullo
Author Bio
ISBN: 978-1-61885-415-5
Cover Artist: Dawné Dominique
Word Count: 6145
Formats: EPUB, HTML, LIT, MOBI, PDF
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Story Excerpt
The door swung open before her knuckles made contact with the wood. The man standing in front of her appeared to be full Navajo. His chocolate skin tone matched the warm brown walls of his home. Long black hair pulled back to form a low ponytail highlighted his sculpted cheekbones. He wore a suede shirt with beautiful beading and embroidery around the throat and down the front. She followed the intricate pattern of the beading with her gaze. Realizing she appeared to be staring at the man's chest, Diane directed her attention back up to his face. His eyes were dark and glittering—glittering with anger judging by his forbidding expression.
Uh oh. Charm, remember to charm him.
"Hi!" she said with a quick smile. "My name is Diane Werner. You must be Ben."
Since Diane's hand was already raised to knock, she extended it forward in an effort to shake his. Ben crossed his arms in front of him, ignoring her gesture.
She gulped and stepped back. Diane bit her lip as she was unsure what to say to such a reception. Ben moved his stance to what approximated a military parade rest. "Perhaps you should state your business," he growled, his voice a deep bass.
"Uh, Mike Green recommended you? He said you could help me find a dog?" Nervousness made her voice rise, changing what she meant to be statements into questions.
Ben's unfriendly face transitioned into a surprised expression. "You're not dating my son?" The words were blurted out in a confused tone.
"No. No! I’m not dating anyone," Diane assured him. "And I would be unlikely to date someone as young as I’m sure your son is." As the words fell out of her mouth Diane felt her face turning red. The heat on her cheeks grew until they felt sunburned.
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