Burk's Surrender

by Dora Hiers

Overview

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty senior citzens, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611164237
Publisher:	Pelican Book Group
Publication date:	09/18/2015
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 4.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

After a successful auditing career, Dora Hiers left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son no longer wanted her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing Heart Racing, God-Gracing romances. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and her local chapter, Carolina Romance Writers (CRW). Dora and her real life hero make their home in Kannapolis, North Carolina. When she takes a break from cranking out stories, she enjoys reading, family gatherings, and mountain cabin getaways. She despises traffic, bad coffee, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with a happily-ever-after! Readers can connect with Dora: Website: www.dorahiers.com Email: [e-mail] Blog: http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorahiers Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoraHiers Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dorahiers/

Read an Excerpt

Burk's Surrender

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By Dora Hiers

Pelican Ventures, LLC

Copyright © 2014 Dora Hiers
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-61116-423-7

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CHAPTER 1

It was past time to make a move.

Burk Harmon leaned back in the leather chair, rocking it slightly as he assessed the beautiful woman perched on the edge of the chair in front of him, her chin crooked in a palm as she toyed absently with the placard on his desk, her emerald eyes trained on him with a pleading expression. Dark hair fell in a sleek wave, draping the entire left side of her face, but there was no mistaking that look.

"Don't bat those eyelashes at me."

Lacie's back stiffened, her shoulders pressed back, and her chin jutted out. The deputy city manager placard clunked back down on his desk, the clanging echoing around his small office. She fumbled with righting it.

He didn't allow the smile to sneak onto his face. Not yet, anyway. But she was just so cute.

"I am not batting my eyelashes at you, Burk Harmon. What you see here is sheer desperation." Her hand waved in a circle around her face, then dropped back to his desk. She picked up a pencil and twirled it between her fingers. "Renee's husband had emergency surgery, and since he's still flat on his back in the hospital, of course she can't go."

Resisting the urge to take the pencil and hold her hand to still its fidgeting, he waited. Wouldn't hurt to make her sweat. She had him wrapped around her pinky finger and she knew it. Hadn't he always been there for her?

"I need you." She arched delicate brows waiting for a positive response from him.

He tried to corral the smile that he knew had to be leaking around his mouth. She wouldn't appreciate his amusement.

"Stop it! You know it pains me greatly to admit that."

"You must be desperate," he drawled.

Lacie never admitted to needing anyone, especially not a man.

"Yeah. I can't understand why nobody wants to spend a few days with these sweeties." The playful look dissolved as she rubbed a hand across her face before propping an elbow back on the desk and planting her chin in a palm again.

Sighing, he massaged the back of his neck and stole a sideways glance at the calendar on his computer, mentally rolling through the countless meetings he had scheduled and tasks that demanded his attention over the next few days.

Nothing that couldn't be rescheduled or too time sensitive that he couldn't complete it when he got back. And, honestly, after his meeting yesterday with the city manager and the shocker he'd zinged at Burk, a little time away for introspection wouldn't hurt. All that aside, this would make the perfect opportunity to implement his plan. For over a decade, he had never attempted to cross the "just friends" line. Not once. But he wanted more. So much more.

Especially after watching first his sister, and then his twin brother, enter marital bliss. Every time he saw Beck or Rori, they had silly grins stamped on their faces.

It was his turn. Right, God?

He was weary of coming home after a long day to an empty condo. Tired of eating take-out meals or frozen dinners by himself in the eat-in kitchen, sometimes with the television blaring the news just for background noise, but most times on his way out the door to some meeting or other. Not that he minded the silence, but since his brother had moved out, he had come to realize that his condo, his life, was painfully quiet.

He yearned to ditch the city life and find a house in the country, closer to his brother and sister, a place that sprawled with land and a big enough yard for several kids to roam without worry that they'd dart into a busy road. A house with a wide front porch and a swing for cuddling and sharing coffee or hot chocolate in the evenings or lazy Sunday afternoons. A house where a family could grow and flourish.

Because when he allowed himself to think about it, which was happening more frequently now, deep down, that's what he really wanted. A family of his own. He longed to come home at the end of a workday to a family. To swap stories, to listen to dreams, to help reach them. And he craved a certain soft female to warm his nights.

Lacie.

He wasn't getting any younger, and after over a decade of being the closest of friends, this need for a lifetime with her burned with a greater intensity with every day that passed.

But Lacie didn't seem to be any closer to relaxing her "no dating" policy, and he wasn't sure she even detected his feelings. His plan might take a few months. He wanted to grow old together, not separately.

He picked up the mug of stale coffee and stared at the dregs floating around in the bottom. He took the last bitter swig and set the cup down on the desk with a clunk. He toyed with the pencil that Lacie had finally relinquished.

"Sure. I'll go." Escorting fifty senior citizens to a mountain resort for a few days couldn't be that tough, could it?

"You will?" Lacie bolted from the armchair, surprise lighting her face.

He nodded, anticipation suddenly leaping to life in his gut. Four days in the mountains with Lacie? What a perfect opportunity she'd just dropped in his lap. This trip would be the first step in winning her heart. He couldn't have picked a more romantic setting.

Well, minus the seniors. But, since they were both night owls and seniors were notorious for retiring early in the evenings, he would have tons of time alone with her. Right?

Four days away from his normal environment would also give him plenty of time to consider whether he wanted to apply for the city manager's job. The way he saw it, the whole situation was a win-win.

"You knew I would." He purposely lowered his voice, trying to go for a sensual effect.

Apparently, it didn't work on her because her only response was to dip those dark brows together, suspicion glittering from her expression.

His gaze dropped to the purplish rims lining her high cheekbones. She hadn't slept well. Worried about finding a replacement for Renee? Or something else?

He longed to graze his knuckles across her cheeks to see if her skin was as soft as it looked. He tightened his grip on the pencil to keep from reaching out.

She tilted her head to the side, her hair bobbing against the autumn gold sweater covering a shoulder, a dare curving her lips. "You know traveling with fifty seniors won't be a piece of cake, right?"

He was responsible for close to four hundred employees on a daily basis, not to mention dealing with several thousand citizens. Did she have so little confidence in his managerial or communication skills? "What could possibly go wrong?"

"Guess we'll find out, won't we?" A slow smile spread across her face. But this time the curve of her lips was more like a grimace.

If there was one thing their years of friendship had taught him about Lacie, it was that she covered up everything with a smile. Pain and loneliness included.

He flicked the pencil on the desk.

It was time she knew she wasn't alone.

* * *

What was that all about?

Lacie Heatherton couldn't fathom the look that just crossed Burk's face. She'd known him since ... well, his kind ways and friendly smile had caught her eye when he'd interned with the city during his junior year of college. But she hadn't stopped in to introduce herself.

What was the point? Not while her belly was super extended with a child whom nobody cared about besides her. And besides ... back then, dating was the last thing on her mind. She had more important things to consider. Like hanging on to her job while she spent half the mornings in the bathroom with morning sickness. Like finding a decent place to sleep at night. Telling herself that if she could just make it through one more day, things would get better.

Nothing had changed.

Violet had been a toddler when Lacie first officially met Burk, and Violet just turned thirteen.

By now, she should be able to interpret most of his expressions, but this?

There was a fierceness shining from his eyes that she couldn't quite decipher. Almost like he could devour her for lunch. He'd never looked at her like that before.

Strange.

She shook off that random thought. Probably just work stuff. A few days in the mountains would give the poor guy a much needed break from the constant demands of the job and dealing with the stressful people who came with it.

"I ain't paying this bill. I wanna see the city manager." The screech came from the reception area, fading only slightly as it traveled to Burk's office, strategically located at the end of the hallway.

Lacie rolled her eyes. She'd recognize that voice anywhere.

Martha, one of the seventy-five-year-old seniors who would be going on the trip with them.

Hmmm ... maybe Burk wouldn't escape all the stress of the job. Or the people.

But she loved Martha just the same. The old spitfire was so much fun to be around when she wasn't complaining.

Like an animal suddenly freed from captivity, Burk lunged from the leather seat, spiking the pencil onto the tabletop. He circled the desk, his long legs humming with unleashed energy. Propping a hip against the desk, he folded his arms across his chest, grinning as if he was guarding a closely kept secret. What was up with him today?

Her brows pinched together as she studied him. Her gaze slid to the wide shoulders that she'd cried on many times, rock solid and comfortable.

That was Burk. Dependable. Sweet. Comfortable. A friend who was always around, one who would drop everything if she needed him. Which she never did. At least, not that she'd admit to him.

Because life had taught her not to depend on any man. Or woman.

Wilma was the exception. But, Lacie's grandma would be the first person to scold her for even allowing that.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

"Yes. Why?" He straightened and cupped her elbow, a sign that he needed to get back to work. Two thin creases appeared between his dark brows.

"Because you're acting awful strange." She stood, allowing him to guide her to the door, but she halted just inside, nudging a shoulder against the frame and crossing her arms.

"The city manager's not here right now. That means Miss Martha will be barging in here any second, and I have a ton of work to wrap up if I plan to go with you and your friends next week." The dimple flashing from his cheek told her that he really didn't mind Miss Martha's interruption. But his choice of words didn't give her much confidence that he'd actually make the trip a priority.

"Plan?" She couldn't help the squeak in her voice. She had to know if he was truly on board. The rowdy bunch of seniors required a few extra bodies besides hers.

"Don't worry, Lacie. I'll be there. Like always, right?" His softly spoken words, no ... maybe it was the way his irises darkened as his knuckles skimmed her cotton shirt, his grip moving higher on her arm, reached deep into the dark, lonely places in her heart.

"Yeah." She croaked this time, staring at the long, slender fingers wrapped around her bicep. It was true. When she'd asked, he'd always delivered. She'd give that to him.

But, what were his fingers doing wrapped around her arm? And why was her pulse hammering out an uneven rhythm? She couldn't catch her breath. She tried to breathe in precious air and forced her gaze up. But that was even more disturbing because he was wearing that look again.

She blinked. When her lashes lifted, he appeared to be back to his normal self.

Had she just imagined that whole bizarre feeling? She'd not slept well after Renee's call. Maybe she was just overly tired. She'd logged in a lot of hours this week, both in planning for the trip at home and actually working at the rec center.

"Hey. It's Friday. Do you have plans tonight?" His fingers finally disengaged from her arm.

Funny. Now she could breathe again.

She shrugged. "I don't plan on working, if that's what you're asking. Just hanging out with Violet and Wilma."

"Want to go out to dinner at Germain's? You and Violet?"

Germain's? After that whacked out reaction to his friendly touch? Probably not a good idea. Especially not Germain's. That place was entirely too quiet for a thirteen-year-old chatterbox. And way too romantic for her, what with all those quaint little dining nooks, the only lighting coming from a dim glow of the rustic lantern on each table. And the soft music was just the right speed to make a girl want to cling to some powerful shoulders, to nestle her cheek against a broad chest. To be enveloped in the alluring blend of mint and basil, woods and ... man.

Lacie's startled gaze swung to Burk's chest, the crisp cotton shirt he wore stretched snug against taut muscles. She breathed deep, but all she took in was Burk. All those things and more.

No way. Why was she doing this to herself? She gave her head a little shake to clear the fog that had descended over her brain. "Nah. Thanks for the invite, but I think I'll just stay in tonight." Where it was safe.

His chest heaved, and he blew out a long breath. His hand rubbed the back of his neck, fatigue etching around his eyes.

Now she'd done it. Made him feel bad after he'd just agreed to spend four days helping her out with her senior trip. The poor guy was probably thinking about the empty condo he'd be going home to and only wanted company. She owed him big time. Plus she had a lively daughter and an outspoken granny. There was no reason she couldn't share the bounty. "But you're welcome to come to our house for dinner. I can't promise that it'll be as quiet as Germain's, but Wilma's making her famous chicken and dumplings."

His face brightened like a hundred-watt light flickering on in total darkness. "Sounds perfect. What time?"

"Whenever you can get there. We'll wait for you." He'd done so much for her. She would do anything to see his face light up like this. Well, almost anything.

Rubber soles squeaked against the tile floor, determination in the fast-paced steps as they echoed down the long, narrow hallway.

"Guess you're it, young man. Just the person I need to see." Martha's shrill voice came from right outside Burk's office.

Strange how Martha's words firmed the loose thought clacking around in her head. When Lacie visited city hall, Burk's office was the first place she headed, and sometimes, she even stopped in again after she'd completed her business. At first, because she had business to discuss with him. But not now. She sought him out because he was the one person she needed to see.

"I'll be there," he leaned in, his whisper tickling her ear and doing all sorts of funny things to her insides.

She nodded, forcing a smile, but inside she was quivering. She greeted Martha and high-tailed it out of Burk's office, leaving behind his intoxicating scent and replacing it with the stale coffee smell that always lingered just outside the break room in city hall.

She'd never relax her "no dating" policy. Not after what happened with Steve.

But if she did date, Burk would be the one guy she could really fall for.

CHAPTER 2

Standing on Wilma's front porch, Burk stared at the faded red numbers, the number four always hanging slightly lopsided, his knuckles poised to rap on the ancient wood door.

The faint notes of Violet practicing her flute came from the bowels of the house. Soft lights glowed from the family room window, spilling out a homey welcome, but he was quite certain Lacie and Wilma would be hanging out in the kitchen at the back of the house.

A stiff breeze rippled against the back of his neck, bringing with it the sweet sound of Lacie's laughter and a metal pan clanging into the stainless steel sink from the open windows, confirming his assumption.

He'd been to this house hundreds of times over the years. He knew what he'd find inside, wanted it with a desperation that sometimes threatened to swallow him whole. Peace. Love. Family.

Lacie. And Violet. Even Wilma, and the hundreds of seniors that loving Lacie entailed.

He adjusted the number four so it hung straight and rapped his knuckles on the door since the doorbell didn't work and she refused to let him fix it. He waited to hear the scraping of the kitchen chair and the sock-muted footsteps that padded through the family room to answer his knock.

A smile lifted as the deadbolt slid back and a curtain of dark-as-midnight hair peered out. His heart responded with a silent sigh. This was just what he needed after a long week at work. He was glad she'd refused his invitation to Germain's. This was where he'd rather be, anyway.

"Come in." She swung the door wide and flicked her head in the direction of the kitchen.

He slipped off his shoes, depositing them on the mat just inside the front door and followed her, trying his best not to pay attention to the gentle sway of her slim hips or to the fruity fragrance she left behind. But that was useless where she was concerned. Now that he'd finally made up his mind to make a move, he wanted to haul her into his arms and kiss her silly.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Burk's Surrender by Dora Hiers. Copyright © 2014 Dora Hiers. Excerpted by permission of Pelican Ventures, LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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