Marie Johnston

Rancher Next Door Marie Johnston

Two years ago, Lucas's high-school sweetheart divorced him for her boss, leaving him with nothing but a string of words like unreliable, disappointing, and failure. He hasn't looked at another woman since--a failing farm and an ailing dad are all he has time for. But when an old friend moves back next door, he can't help but notice she's a woman. And single. And ignoring him.

Seven years ago, Trina's boyfriend left her for greener pastures, leaving her nothing but a son and no child support to help raise him. So when she's late for the interview of a lifetime and the childhood friend who abandoned her offers to cover, she can't afford to say no. The proposal is clear: pretend to date him and she'll get the job she needs with his aunt.

They both know the deal. It should be no problem. But the more Lucas learns about Trina's plans and ambitions, the more he knows his ex-wife was right--he has nothing to offer. Yet the bigger the glimpse Trina gets into Lucas's lonely life, the more she wants to be a part of it, even at the risk of her own damaged heart. These old friends have so much more to risk the second time around, but the temptation next door has never looked so good.