Susan Mallery’s ‘Before Summer Ends’ [EXCERPT]

Many of us have that one unrequited love that always seems to haunt us with the question: “What if?” For one woman, she’s spent her life asking that irritating little question, and yet she knows she and her dream man aren’t even in the same league. After all, she’s just a humble teacher and he’s her brother’s handsome, successful best friend. But when he makes a gesture that helps her through a difficult time, does it indicate that she’s not the only one who has been carrying a torch all these years? Find out in Susan Mallery’s thoughtful new novel, Before Summer Ends. We hope you enjoy this excerpt from her forthcoming book. —J&H

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EXCERPT

“This is different. No can do, kid. I can’t have you hanging around when I’m trying to…you know.”

“Seduce a perfectly nice woman who doesn’t know you’re going to be a hit-and-run lover? While that sounds great, I’m in trouble. It’s serious and I need your help. I have people showing up in three days to move into my place. I need somewhere to go.”

“Stay with Desmond.”

“What?” she asked, her voice more of a yelp than she would have liked. “No. I can’t.”

What a ridiculous suggestion. Desmond? As if.

“He has a giant house and he’s practically family.”

The key word being practically. He was, in fact, her brother’s best friend from boarding
school. Because Shane had gotten a scholarship to the fancy place when he’d been thirteen, and he and Desmond had been close ever since.

Desmond was great. Nissa liked him just fine. He’d taken her to her senior prom when her boyfriend had dumped her at the last minute. She’d warned him not to marry his now ex-wife and she’d been right.

“It’s a perfect solution,” Shane said cheerfully. “I’m going to text him right now.”

“What? No. You can’t. I’m not—”

The rapid beep, beep, beep told her she was talking to herself. Shane had already hung up.

“I’m not comfortable staying with him,” she muttered to no one in particular.

Not that she could explain exactly why to her brother. Or herself. In truth, the thought of living with Desmond made her insides get all twisty. It would be too strange.

Besides, what were the odds of him agreeing? He wouldn’t. Why would he? People didn’t generally enjoy having unannounced roommates for months on end. He would say no. She was sure of it. Practically sure. Mostly sure.

For the second time in less than ten minutes, she dropped her phone onto the sofa cushion and knew she was totally and completely screwed.

ABOUT BEFORE SUMMER ENDS

A long, hot summer with her secret crush…

What could possibly go wrong?

Nissa Lang knows Desmond Stilling is out of her league. He’s a CEO, she’s a teacher. He’s gorgeous, she’s…not. So when her house-sitting gig falls through and Desmond offers her a place to stay for the summer, she vows not to reveal how she’s felt about him since their first—and only—kiss.

Desmond should’ve known better than to bring temptation into his house. He decided long ago that his best friend’s sister was too sweet, too good, for him. She deserves a guy who can give his heart. For her sake, he’s stayed away. But as her laughter breathes life into his lonely mansion, he’s not sure how long he’ll be able to resist.

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Mallery is the number one New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom. Visit Susan online at SusanMallery.com, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Instagram, BookBub, and Amazon.

BEFORE SUMMER ENDS
By Susan Mallery
288 pp. Harlequin. $5.99

Preorder Before Summer Ends direct from Jathan & Heather Books or from one of these other fine online retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Half Price Books, Harlequin, IndieBound, Powell’s, Target, or Walmart.

Before Summer Ends is brought to you in association with TLC Book Tours.