Elements of the Heart Series by C.E. Johnson

Against all my rules, there’s a woman sleeping in my house. I had no choice. It’s the only way I can keep her safe.For years, I’ve stayed beneath the surface, avoiding everyone who isn’t part of my small circle.But I couldn’t ignore what I saw at the park. And once she uses the words my father and restraining order in the same sentence, I can’t walk away even if I want to.The more time I spend with Danielle, the more I realize I wasn’t just treading through life. I was drowning... moreAgainst all my rules, there’s a woman sleeping in my house. I had no choice. It’s the only way I can keep her safe.For years, I’ve stayed beneath the surface, avoiding everyone who isn’t part of my small circle.But I couldn’t ignore what I saw at the park. And once she uses the words my father and restraining order in the same sentence, I can’t walk away even if I want to.The more time I spend with Danielle, the more I realize I wasn’t just treading through life. I was drowning.Falling for her was not part of the plan. Every touch of her skin and kiss to her lips destroys the wall I built inside of me.And now I have to save her like she has saved me before we both get dragged back under the water. less

She’s a widow. And I’m not what I would consider a good role model for her young child. It’s been a long road for me. I’ve been plagued with bad decisions and grief. You could say life sucker punched the wind right out of me.Just like it did to the woman in the car that spun into the ditch right before my eyes. I helped calm her down until the ambulance came, and assumed I’d never see her again... moreShe’s a widow. And I’m not what I would consider a good role model for her young child. It’s been a long road for me. I’ve been plagued with bad decisions and grief. You could say life sucker punched the wind right out of me.Just like it did to the woman in the car that spun into the ditch right before my eyes. I helped calm her down until the ambulance came, and assumed I’d never see her again. Judging by her wide eyes and the soda that poured into my lap when Montana Hutchinson delivered the drinks to my table at the town diner, I would guess she believed the same thing.I thought we could be friends. After all, we have more in common than even she realizes. But it seems Tana happens to be a magnet for trouble. And I happen to be the kind of guy that can’t sit back and watch the danger unfold around her. I’ll do anything to protect her and her daughter. But every day I spend with her gets harder to push down the feelings growing inside of me. Being with Tana not only proves I’m capable of love again. I can breathe again.Happiness isn’t something that everyone gets the privilege to have. And there’s no way I’m about to let anyone take it away from me again. less