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Dangerous Grounds

Something’s hot in Seattle, and it’s not just the espresso.



Madison’s needs are simple. All she wants are two things: Make Ooo La Latté the newest trend in espresso, and seduce the sexiest cop in Seattle. But things aren’t going exactly as planned.

First, Gabe’s a little hung up on the fact that she’s his best friend’s little sister, and he’s determined to be keep his hands off. Second, her shop gets robbed by the increasingly violent Espresso Bandit, and now she’s the only one who can identify him.

Gabe whisks her into hiding for her own protection, but soon finds his heart is under assault by the luscious—and persistent—Madison. But no matter where they hide, danger follows.

On such dangerous grounds, the trick will be to live long enough to keep the flame alive.


REVIEWS

"Shelli Steven’s Dangerous Grounds is one sexy read! Friends to lovers is one of my favorite themes and in Dangerous Grounds Stevens gives us a mouthwateringly masculine and sexy hero who’ll protect the heroine with his own life. Wonderful sexual tension, witty dialog and a well written suspense backstory team up to give readers a thrilling ride." Lauren Dane, author of Samhain's Chase brothers series.

"Shelli has done it again. The suspense, mystery and holy smokes—the heat between Gabe and Madison would cause spontaneous combustion without flicking an eyelash... Dangerous Grounds has become the latest keeper in Shelli’s works as far as I’m concerned." 5 flags, Melisa, Euro Reviews


EXCERPT



Gabe watched her swinging hips as she moved to the cash register to help the customer. His cock stirred and he had to adjust his stance. Damn, he wished his lunch hour were longer. Although she looked about as tired as he felt. A night of marathon sex had done them both in. But, damn, what an amazing night. Why the hell had he fought against sleeping with her for so long?

Because she’s Eric’s sister, dumb shit. And by this point with a woman, he’d usually be making up some excuse as to why he couldn’t see her again. But since this was Maddie and right now she lived with him, that wasn’t much of an option.

Besides, something seemed different this time around. There hadn’t been the usual urge to get out and fast. No. He actually liked the idea of having her around...and having more amazing sex.

Robert Phillips’ warning to not let her do anything crazy floated back to him. Guilt pricked at his conscience, but he shrugged it off. Madison was a grown woman. She made her own choices.

Maddie laughed as she bantered cheerfully with the customer, and then she waved goodbye.

“Jeez, we barely get a second to eat, do we?” She grinned and walked past him to the back room again, plopping herself down in the chair.

“I feel like some kind of celebrity,” she said breathlessly, her cheeks flushed. “Maybe getting robbed was a good thing. Business has been great.”

What? He narrowed his eyes, annoyance drawing his mouth into a frown. She had to be joking. “I hope you’re kidding.”

“Well.” She blushed, but raised her chin. “I mean, of course it was a bad thing. But no amount of money could have bought this kind of advertising.”

He leaned forward and looked her straight in the eyes. “He would have killed you, Maddie. That’s not worth selling a few extra mochas. It’s not a good thing that you got robbed.”

“But he didn’t kill me, Gabe.” She folded her arms across her chest and gave him a defiant glance. “I’m fine. I’ve got round-the-clock protection, and soon you’ll have the Bandit. If my business profits from this, I’m not going to complain.”

She tossed her head and went to the doorway to look out front.

Gabe blinked, made himself count to ten. He kicked his feet up on the desk, smashing the empty chowder bowl between his hands. He tossed it into the garbage can a few feet away, his jaw tight.

“Shit, Maddie. For a while, you had me convinced that you’d grown up.”

“Grown up?” She turned around, her expression taut with resentment. “I’ll have you know—”

The bell dinged, signaling another customer.

“Never mind.” She gave him an overly sweet smile. “I have another supportive customer to attend to. They just adore me and my shop now.”

“Don’t go up there without me.” He jerked his legs off the desk, but wasn’t fast enough. She’d already rounded the corner.

Damn it. He strode after her. He should have known better than to have gotten sexually involved with her. Maddie Phillips was still as spoiled and naïve as ever. Maybe more so.

Gabe!

The hysteria in her tone nearly catapulted him around the corner, just as a gunshot sounded and Madison screamed.