Dexter Truitt ruined my life.

His impossibly improbable act set off a chain of events I couldn’t make up if I tried, each one stealing a little more from me.

My relationship. My business. My reputation.

But even bad times have to come to an end. I thought that was the case when Valerie slid onto the barstool next to mine and asked me to buy her a drink.

She was gorgeous. Driven. Smart.

And didn't know who in the hell I was.

Didn't know why every other woman in town avoided me like the plague.

Valerie was a ray of light when I needed it most, and I couldn’t get enough of her. Being with her made me think I could have it all again.

Showed me I could have more.

All I had to do was reach out and take it.

Except all good things must come to an end, too.

And our ending was one I didn't see coming.