Born Wild

did a girl say to something like that?

Well, she said the one only thing she could say. She said, “Yes! Oh, God, Billy! Yes!”

He smiled then. And it was the most wonderful smile. “Now, come here,” he said, pulling on her hand. “Come crawl into this bed with me.”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” she said, frowning at the tubes peeking from his hospital gown and the IVs in his hands.

“The only thing that’s hurting me right now is not holding you in my arms,” he assured her.

She turned her head, sticking her tongue in her cheek. “I’m telling you,” she assured him, “getting in bed with you right now isn’t a very good idea.” She lifted his hand to her lips, grinning against his fingers.

“What? Why?”

“Because I’ve heard it’s quite uncomfortable to get an erection while catheterized.”

He barked out a laugh, and it was the most beautiful sound she’d ever heard. She realized then that all the bad things that happened to her over the last few months, even as terrible as they’d been—and, yes, she’d probably need to spend a lot of hours with a psychologist sorting them all out—were worth it. Because in the end, the bad things resulted in one good thing. One wonderful thing. The best thing, in fact. They resulted in her winning Billy back…

Author’s Note

For those of you familiar with the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, you’ll notice I changed a few places and names, and embellished on the details of others. I did this to suit the story and to better highlight the diversity and challenges of this dynamic city I call home.

Acknowledgments

Without exception, I have to give kudos to my dear, sweet hubby. From day one you’ve given me nothing but love, support, and patience. A woman, and particularly a scatterbrained writer, couldn’t ask for more. To put it simply, you’re awesome-sauce!

Secondly, I have to give major props to my friend and local yachting guru, Daniel J. Somers, for answering my myriad questions about the specific challenges and dangers of sailing on that Great Lake known as Michigan. You were an invaluable resource to this landlubber, Dan. A million thanks. And please know, dear readers, that any mistakes are completely my own…

And not to be forgotten is Mary Somers. Mary, you’ve been playing the part of my unpaid, unsung, but terribly appreciated west-side publicist since the day the first Black Knights Inc. book hit the shelves. Your enthusiasm for and championing of this series both honors and humbles me. Thank you. Truly.

Finally, a resounding huzzah to our fighting men and women, those in uniform and those out of uniform. You protect our freedom and way of life so we all have the chance to live the American Dream.

About the Author

Julie Ann Walker is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She’ll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission. For more information, please visit www.julieannwalker.com or follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/jawalkerauthor and/or Twitter @JAWalkerAuthor.