#Giveaway Excerpt CHERRY LANE by ROCHELLE ALERS @RochelleAlers @ForeverRomance

A place to call home . . .

In New York City, attorney Devon Gilmore devoted all her time and energy to fast-track her career. She lost her boyfriend . . . but found herself with a surprise baby on the way. To begin a new life, Devon needs a place to settle down-a place like Cavanaugh Island, where the pace is slow, the weather is fine, and the men are even finer.From the moment David Sullivan meets Devon, he knows he can’t fight the laws of attraction. Whether it’s helping fix up the old cottage she just bought on Cherry Lane or working together on a pro bono legal case, he can’t help feeling a little protective. But will the most eligible bachelor in town be ready for an instant family? Only if he can convince Devon to put her heart on the line one more time-for all time.

He gave her a long, penetrating stare.  “How are you enjoying the Lowcountry?”

“I really like it.”

“Better than New York City?” he teased.

She knew what he was alluding to.  Would she join him at his new firm in Haven Creek?  Although tempting, she wasn’t sure she was ready to work someone else’s firm after being independent for so long.  “Let’s just say it has a few advantages over the Big Apple.”

David gave her a questioning look.  “Only a few, Devon?”  She smiled, bringing his gaze to linger on her parted lips.  “Maybe we can discuss the merits of the Big Apple and the Holy City at another time.”  He blinked slowly.  “Do you have anything planned for this Sunday?  A bunch of us are getting together at my place to watch the March Madness games.”

Her smile was dazzling.  March Madness always found her in her local sports bar with the neighborhood regulars rooting for their favorite college basketball teams.

“Are you certain I won’t be viewed as an interloper?”

David shook his head.  “Of course not.  Keaton and Red are coming along with Morgan and Nate.  Jeff hasn’t committed because he may have to work Sunday.  Even if he can’t switch his shift with one of his deputies, Kara said she’s coming if only for a couple of hours.”

Devon’s association with Francine, Morgan and Kara was still too new for her to think of them as girlfriends even though she’d thoroughly enjoyed interacting with them Friday night.  “If that’s the case, then count me in.  I’m going to need your address.”

He held out his hand.  “Grab your phone and I’ll program in my address, cell, and home numbers.  I’ll also need your number so I can get in touch with you.”

Devon retrieved her phone from the tote in her car, handed it to David.  He gave her his and they quickly entered their personal information.  She studied the address when he returned her phone.  He lived in Charleston’s Historic District.  “What time should I come?”

“Any time after noon.”

“Do you need for me to bring anything?”

A hint of a smile softened David’s mouth.  “Yes.  You,” he said after a pause.

Devon detected a trace of laughter in his voice.  “Other than me, there has to be something else you’ll need.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, he cradled his chin on his left fist, his smile was now as intimate as a kiss.  “No, there isn’t.”

“Look, David, I was raised never to go to someone’s house empty-handed, so I’m going to being a little something that I’m certain the others will enjoy.”

“You cook?” he teased, smiling.

She narrowed her eyes at him.  “Very funny.  Why would you think I didn’t know how to cook?”

He lifted his shoulders under his suit jacket.  “I just thought most young women nowadays prefer making reservations to cooking.”

Devon flashed a sexy moue.  “You can’t lump me into that category because I can cook.  And quite well,” she added, blowing him a kiss.

His smile grew wider.  “It sounds if the beautiful lady has issued a challenge – one I’m willing to accept.  I’ll concede to you bringing something.”

She inclined her head.  “Thank you.  I’ll probably have to come over at least a half hour earlier than the others to heat it up.”

“Come anytime you want.  I’ll be home.”

Devon glanced at the time on her cellphone.  She had less than fifteen minutes to get to Jack’s Fish House.  “I have to go or I’ll be late for a luncheon meeting.  I’ll see you Sunday before noon.”

David moved forward, opening the door for her.  Once she got settled in, he leaned down into the open window, he winked at her.  “I can’t wait to taste your dish.”

“I promise you won’t be disappointed,” she countered.  There were several dishes she’d perfected and she had to decide which one she would bring.  Fortunately, she had several days before reaching a decision.

“Thank you, Devon.”

She returned his smile.  “You’re welcome, David.”

Devon backed out of the lot, taking furtive glances up at the rearview mirror to find David standing where she’d left him.  His image grew smaller and smaller until he disappeared from her line of vision.

And for the second time in less than a week she wondered why David had come to the Tanners alone