Cherie' Summers
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Hearts Ignited
Love on Fire, Book 5
Silly…goofy…the clown…the jokester…the womanizer. John “Buzzy” Thomas, keyboardist for the rock band, Lightning, has been called all these things. But one thing he has never been called is someone’s boyfriend or a man in love. While his bandmates have settled or slowed down from their promiscuous younger days, Buzzy enjoys the sexual perks of being a world-famous musician. Then he meets Danielle, a young woman fleeing an abusive marriage and unfamiliar feelings stir in his heart. He longs to protect Danielle and make certain she never hurts again.
Danielle Jones has had her share of disappointments. From a young age, life dealt her a difficult hand. But with the help of Melody Hall and Douglas “Dagger” Meyers, she and her young her young son, Tyler, escape their house of horrors and begin again. For the first time, Danielle feels in control of her life. She has a job she loves and is working on finishing her education. While she loves Buzzy, she sometimes feels smothered and because of her disastrous past, Danielle keeps him at arm’s length, unable to fully commit.
With determination, love, and a healthy dose of humor, Buzzy breaks down Danielle’s protective wall. But as soon as she gives him her heart AND body, a friend of Buzzy’s comes forward with an announcement that alters all their lives. Devastated, Danielle runs away from the pain of another broken heart, while Buzzy sinks into despair as he struggles to do the right thing.
The band family rallies around the couple trying to help them find a way back together. But only Danielle and Buzzy know if their hearts can heal and find their way back to one another.
Excerpt
"Buzzy, stop, please.” Danielle pushed Buzzy away.
“I’m sorry.” Buzzy moved to the other side of the couch. “Got too excited. Are you okay?”
Danielle straightened her dress. “I’m fine. We need to slow down.”
He felt terrible. Dagger had warned him not to rush things with her, and yet as soon as they’d sat down on her sofa, he’d been all over her. She seemed into it at first, but as soon as he slipped his hand under her dress, she’d freaked.
She stared at the floor, unable to meet his gaze. Often, he noticed she was like that, fearful and shy, afraid of everything and everyone. But tonight, he thought they had made a connection. The football game had been a great time, and she seemed to accept the idea that he, like her, had come from humble beginnings. She had loosened up a bit, even inviting him into the house. He’d been over before, but always with Tyler here, or their friends, but never alone with her. They had shared a few hugs and kisses on the cheek, but nothing like tonight.
I went too far.
He kissed her forehead. “I should get home.”
“Are you upset?”
“Why would I be?”
“You’re used to women throwing themselves at you. And having lots of sex.”
“Who me?” He laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “I play keyboards. That’s like the nerdiest instrument in the band.”
Her gaze rose to his. “So, you are a nerd?”
“Hell no, but no one notices me. I’m in the background.”
“Didn’t Bolt call you a man whore the other day?”
“Bolt’s full of shit.” He grinned.
“Dagger said I need to be careful around you.”
Buzzy rolled his eyes. Dagger had been counseling Danielle for months. “Okay, so Dagger’s not full of shit. But I’m not someone to be afraid of.”
“I’m not afraid of you. You’re very sweet. But…”
“But…”
“I’m still married, and things will be ugly when we go through the divorce. If Lyle knew where I was…or that I was with you…I don’t know what he’d do. He’s mean, Buzzy.”