Love Refined: The Unexpected Series, #4

By S.E. Roberts

Monica has done things in her life she regrets and the little voice in her ear likes to remind her of that.
Oliver is a sexy Brit who sweeps her and her daughter off their feet. She's terrified of hurting him, terrified that he'll realize she isn't good enough for him.
Can two people from two different worlds find their way to each other? Can Monica let go of her past and reach for something new, something good this Christmas?

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.E. Roberts
• Release date: Jul 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201790547

Book preview

PROLOGUE

There are certain things in life that are easily forgiven. You know, things like, buying the same cashmere sweater as your best friend in high school or crushing on the same guy as said best friend. But then there are things in life people do that they shouldn’t expect mercy for. I, Monica Phearson, did one of those things. Although, to say I regret it completely would be saying I regret the best thing in my life, my daughter, but I hate myself for hurting one of the best guys I’ve ever known.

He gave me the world, but after only a year of being together I got scared and confused and instead of confronting him, I was a coward. Not only did I hurt Ryke by cheating on him, but also his now fiancée, Claire. Trevor, Claire’s ex-husband and also the father of my child, is now sitting behind bars after nearly killing her.

No, I didn’t realize how dangerous the man was while I was with him, but I still feel like it was my fault. I’ve apologized profusely to both of them and they have both been gracious in hearing me out, but there’s no way I could ever forgive myself. Sure, I’ve slept with several men, but I’ll never let myself get close to any of them again.

I walk into the old brick building where I’ve been coming every Wednesday for the last three months. My therapist, Heidi, recommended this group and I honestly started coming just to get her off my back. For one, I hate talking to complete strangers about my problems, but also my mom complains every time I ask her to help with Kayla. I know I’ve screwed up a lot in life, but I don’t feel that my daughter should suffer because of my mistakes.

Once I’m in the dark, wood-paneled room, I search for the first available seat. I’m running late tonight so, of course, the only open chair is next to Oliver, a sexy British guy, not too much older than me. His muscular arms, handsome face, and dark hair make him every twenty-something girl’s wet dream. We’ve only said hi in passing, but he seems nice enough. When I first started, he didn’t talk much during our sessions, but last month we learned that he just got out of a messy divorce. Thankfully there weren’t any children involved, but they had been together for six years, married three. Tonight, he’s in dark, worn, fitted jeans and a long-sleeved light blue shirt. He looks ridiculously sexy to be coming to a group counseling session. Sitting next to me in my black yoga pants and a shirt that reads But First Coffee, he looks like a god.

I make my way to my seat and quickly check my phone to make sure it’s on silent. Then I swipe some lip balm on my lips before shoving my purse under the chair.

Once I’m staring straight ahead at our leader, Camille, I notice out of the corner of my eye that Oliver has his head turned, looking at me. If he’s trying to not be obvious, he’s doing a piss-poor job of it.

I slowly turn toward him.

Hi, Oliver, is all I say, sounding like a complete idiot.

Hey, Monica. How are you tonight? he asks in his sinfully delicious British accent.

Fine. I slowly turn back toward the center of the circle where Camille is trying to get everyone’s attention.

I feel Oliver nudge my shoulder. You don’t look fine. When I look at him again, he’s wearing a smirk on his face that has my panties nearly melting inside my yoga pants. Keep it together, Monica. This is not happening.

I sigh. "You’re right. I really don’t want to be here tonight. I want to go home and watch Grey’s Anatomy and eat mint