Jude by Carly Keene

JUDE:
When I was deployed, I left my girlfriend behind. That wasn’t my fault.
But I left her feeling unsupported and unloved, and that was my fault.
When it turned out she was pregnant, I had to beg her to keep the baby.
She agreed, but only if she could be free.
Deal.
I got my wonderful daughter Marisa, and I got the super-tough, super-awesome job of bringing up this little girl to be loved and safe and independent.
She’s eight now, and I think I’m finally ready to trust myself with a relationship again.
I’ve got my eye on Jordin, because while her body drives me crazy, her good heart makes me melt.
I won’t make the same mistakes again.
This time, I know how to show my woman how important she is to me.

JORDIN:
My former housemate married the sexy widower from across the street, and got a terrific stepdaughter into the bargain.
I can’t help but feel a little envious. I want someone to love me that much.
When I meet burly, sexy, Jude at the wedding, and realize how much he wants me, I fall immediately.
I fall hard.
But I’ve been hurt before. It’s hard for a curvy girl to find love.
How can I be sure Jude won’t hurt me again?