I’m about to turn away when a second woman emerges from next door. She is all long blonde hair and tight dress, too. She and the first woman look so alike they could be twins. I swear if I’m left clearing up shards of broken glass, then the man-whore next door really will have something to shout about. I built the spa in Hope Cove from scratch. So many extra hours and late nights out with friends missed. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I wasn’t just creating an award-winning spa there; I was re-inventing myself. And now I’m about to do it all again. Except this time, I know beyond doubt I can do it.

There is a plot twist which I won't give away, I found it highly intriguing and kept me entertained throughout the book (𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯). After the initial pleasantries and introductions, the four of us take our seats at the large conference table. Maria and I on one side, Todd and Serena on the other. The Songbird spa has been using them for several years now to supply the products. I’ve never had a problem with either of them before today, but the way Todd’s eyes keep dropping to Maria’s chest when he thinks she won’t notice doesn’t escape my attention, and I find myself scowling at him over across the table, my jaw clenched tight. Why don’t you ask him? When the two of you speak on his personal cell,” I bark, smoothing my hand down over my tie. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I turn and leave the room before she has time to answer and stride down the hall toward my office. Harley told me he has a penthouse in the building. I just didn’t expect to be given the one next door while I’m working here.Why don’t I call you tomorrow, Maria? And we can discuss it some more.” Todd looks like Christmas came early as he stands and shakes Maria’s hand. “I think it’s going to be wonderful working together. I can see you’re going to be an asset to The Songbird.” Chest glance.

Elle, tells the story of Griffin and Maria. Both are smart, strong willed and forces within their respective fields. A job change brings Maria to Griffin’s hotel in NYC as the new manager of the Spa. Maria has no problem going toe to toe with her new boss and his meddling ways. Maria and Griffin both carry around a lot of baggage due to past disappointments and abandonments. These insecurities are what will be the driving force of their character transformations and do they ever go through transformations together and separately. Is that all I get?” She laughs, her light, breathy voice matching her appearance perfectly. Her light blonde hair and hourglass figure make her a modern-day Marilyn. But all those video calls that veered off work talk and on to more fun topics mean I’m not fooled. Harley may look sweet, but she’s feisty and impulsive and very driven. I know we’re going to be good friends. And thank God because I know absolutely no-one in New York.

I reach out and take his hand, staring into his eyes. He finally smiles at me, but it seems to take a great effort to do so. I’d even go as far to say he looks pissed. Suze drops her voice. “I did indeed. I suspected Curt had been having extra company, shall we say, after I had to go to the doctor for something that turned out to be a sexually transmitted infection.” What can I say? I’m on a mini break, blowing off steam, catching up with my buddy.” Reed looks at me, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Suze has Emmerson who’s five, and Mason, who’s eight. They’re the most adorable kids,” Harley adds. Maria’s love of pigeons is both endearing and hilarious. Especially when it irks Griffin so immensely. It’s worth the read for that running joke alone.She gives me a polite smile, her eyes darting to Reed’s closed door behind me. “Going out tonight?” But the sweet teenage boy I remember is gone, and in his place, a handsome, rugged, tattooed wall of muscle. Greenhams does great fish. In the city, that isn’t always the easiest thing to find. When you mentioned it before, it reminded me I haven’t been there in a while,” I say calmly. I turn and am pulled into Maria’s hazel gaze. She gives me a small smile, seeming unfazed by our interaction outside her apartment a mere ten minutes ago. Of course not.” I smile in the way I’ve been told makes me look charming, but Maria has already turned away.