First Time for Everything - By Aimee Carson
The summer she turned eleven, Aimee left the children’s section of the library and entered an aisle full of Harlequin novels. She promptly pulled out a book, sat on the floor and read the entire story. It has been a love affair that has lasted over thirty years.
Despite a fantastic job working part-time as a physician in the Alaskan Bush (think Northern Exposure and ER, minus the beautiful mountains and George Clooney), she also
enjoys being at home in the gorgeous Black Hil s of South Dakota, riding her dirt bike with her three wonderful kids and beyond-patient husband. But, whether at home or at work, every morning is spent creating the stories she loves so much. Her motto? Life is too short to do anything less than what you absolutely love. She counts herself lucky to have two jobs she adores, and incredibly blessed to be a Time For Everything #207046 page #5
part of Harlequin’s family of talented authors.
This and other titles by this author are available in ebook format. Check out Harlequin.com.
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Jacqueline “Jax” Lee, my heroine in this story,
constantly amazed me with her indomitable spirit
and quirky sense of humor. So it’s only fitting that
I dedicate this book to two of the strongest, funniest women I know: Wendy S. Marcus and Jennifer Probst.
Not only are you both fabulous authors and my
soul sisters, y’al somehow manage to keep me sane.
I love you both.
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FIRST TIME
FOR EVERYTHING
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ONE
Ray-Ban sunglasses blocking
the bright sun, Blake Bennington made his way down
the courthouse steps, debating whether to ask Sara
out before getting back to the office. Regardless of
his decision, his fourteen-hour workday would have
to be cut short for his appearance at the annual Moon
Over Miami fundraiser tonight. Which meant, after
ten hours in a tie, he was destined to trade his suit
for a tux. But the discomfort would be a small price
to pay given his sister Nikki’s involvement with the
event was what had kept her out of trouble since her
arrival back home.
Blake pushed the troublesome thoughts aside.
“Thanks for the info, Sara.”
Beside him, the striking brunette in a power suit
sent him a smile laced with a subtle come-hither vibe.
Blake had been studiously sidestepping her interest
since the first time they’d collaborated on the South
Florida Drug Enforcement Task Force, years ago.
“Winning a guilty verdict in the Menendez case will
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10
first time for everything
solidify your chances for promotion, Blake,” she said.
“I hope the file helps.”
“Every piece of information helps.” They reached
the busy sidewalk and he stopped to face the beautiful lawyer. “Seriously,” he said. “I appreciate your time.”
“You know I’m always available,” Sara said as she
brushed his arm with her fingers, and Blake bit back
a smile.
Her touch seemed like a simple gesture, but he knew
better.
Sara was classy. Poised. And intelligent. Known for
being a bulldog in the courtroom, she possessed a ded-
ication and pragmatism that rivaled his. Just the sort of woman Blake should date. Just the sort of woman
Blake usually did date. One who understood his career goals and the time requirements.
So why was he hesitating?
While the question darted around his head, a pass-
ing lawyer stopped to ask Sara a question, and Blake
paused, knowing he was a fool for ignoring the offer
in her eyes. Nikki might be more of a time-consum-
ing handful than a little sister had a right to be, not to mention the high-profile case that currently required
his full attention, but he was a red-blooded man who
enjoyed sex as much as the next guy. Despite ample
opportunity, it had been six months since he’d last
woken up with a woman in his bed. Six months since
he’d followed through on the urge.
What was his problem?
As he contemplated the question, a female who
looked barely old enough to vote plowed into him, her
eyes fixed on her phone as one of her black-booted
heels landed on his toes. Gripping her arms, Blake
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aimee carson
11
stared down at the long, honey-colored hair, the
Beatles T-shirt and the enticing cutoffs—not short
enough to reveal the underwear beneath, but coming
pretty damn close. His internal debate made a lateral
move from his sex life to whether there was lace or
a thong beneath the shorts. And combined with the
sight of sexy leather cowboy boots…
Man, he seriously needed to get a grip.
His feminine assailant slipped her phone into her
pocket and removed her foot from his. “Sorry, Suit,”
she drawled, and Blake set her back, his eyebrows
pulling together in amusement at the nickname.