Keeping Her Close by Casey Diam

When a heart is broken, it withdraws, shielding itself from further pain, but also from further life.

Brandon Kuvat gave up on love ten years ago—the year he was set to become a dad. A wealthy playboy pilot, he still sees plenty of action, but he’s not the man he once was. Or the man he wishes he could be. The first time he encounters Jordan, he knows immediately she is different. He also knows hurting her is inevitable. Still, he can’t stay away, even if it means he’ll have to settle for a friendship—but only for as long as that can last.

Wounded by a disastrous relationship, Jordan Artesian has put her whole focus on work, nurturing her dreams of owning her own fashion line. But though her creativity blooms, the rest of her is still frozen, that is, until Brandon charms his way into her life. He’s irritating, but somehow…intriguing. She hates that she finds his charming and challenging ways attractive. He isn’t supposed to make her feel things she’s given up on feeling.

For these two, friendship will never be enough—not when she’s what he needs to heal, and he’s what she needs to feel again. But can they find their way down the path of friendship to truly love and trust one another, or will they only destroy each other’s hearts all over again?