True Hero by Amy Knupp

A one-night fling won’t change anything, right?

After suffering a terrible loss, fighter pilot Zane North walks away from his military career and returns home to start a new life—one he’s determined to control. Instead, he’s confronted by his sister-in-law’s unpredictable best friend, the one woman he can’t ignore.

Hayden Henry, an up-and-coming designer, has devoted herself to her job. She’s had her heart crushed before and isn’t looking to give love another try. Still, she’s always been intrigued by quiet, sexy Zane. So when he rescues her at her best friend’s wedding, she succumbs to one night with the irresistible pilot. But afterward, she realizes her heart isn’t her own anymore. Worse, their impulsive fling has life-altering consequences.

Following Hayden’s baby bombshell, Zane proves steadfast and dependable, so she cautiously lets him into her heart. But she soon realizes his is locked up tight. As she’s contemplating a life without him, a reminder from his past crushes Zane’s hard-won control. Will he keep his feelings safely in lockdown or will he dare to embrace his unexpected love for Hayden?

True Hero is a stand-alone story with a HEA in the North Brothers series, a spin-off of the Hale Street series.