Piece by Piece

Layla: Owen Riggins is too good to be true. The best things in life usually are. He's good looking, generous, and interested in me. Too bad someone like him and someone like me aren't meant to be together.

He's used to the best things in life, and I've grown up with the worst. Building a better life means working hard and staying on track, not falling for some sexy suit with a brooding stare who is just passing through.

Life has taught me not to trust, and even though I want him more than anything, I don't need his charity or his love . . .

Owen: When a friend sends me to Florida to scout out a hotel, it's the gorgeous waitress with a shy smile and worn-out shoes I can't take my eyes off of.

Layla Massey is quiet, beautiful, and in need of a little help-even if she won't admit it. A generous tip was meant to buy her some suitable shoes, not to buy her love. I want to earn that all on my own.

I'm used to women throwing themselves at me, the name, the money . . . but she wants neither. It makes me want her all the more.

Little by little, she opens up and piece by piece, she's taking my heart.