2,99 €
Mehr erfahren.
- Herausgeber: Two Hearts Press
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
Enjoy this steamy, small-town, 20th Century Historical Romantic Suspense set in 1995 Swan Harbor.
An Undercover Mission
An Unmistakable Spark
An Unforgettable Kiss
Lanie Duncan is chasing dreams—not love. It’s the Christmas season before the last semester of her senior year, and she’s landed her first professional photography job—taking photos at The Mountain View Lodge’s Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. But when the mysterious—and maddeningly attractive—Wyatt Tanner appears in her living room and then her heart, she’s swept into a story wilder than any she’s ever captured on film. Her instincts say danger. Her heart says Tanner. In a town where legends whisper and magic lingers in the air, Lanie must decide—protect her heart or take a chance that a kiss could change everything.
Wyatt Tanner’s latest assignment was supposed to be simple: stop a threat, stay under the radar, and get out clean. But nothing in Swan Harbor is ever that straightforward—especially not when he’s bunking in the home of legendary spies and their captivating daughter. Lanie Duncan is clever, headstrong, and off-limits—but his heart doesn’t seem to care. She sees past his badge and into the parts of him he’s tried to keep hidden. But in a town where whispers guide hearts and miracles come wrapped in mistletoe, Tanner must choose between duty... and the one kiss he’ll never forget.
S
wan Harbor is no stranger to secrets—or to the magic of second chances. As the town prepares for the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, a hidden enemy moves closer—and so do two hearts caught in a dance of suspicion and desire. With danger around every corner and sparks flying under the mistletoe, they’ll have to decide whether this was just part of the plan … or the beginning of a love worth risking everything for.
Love doesn’t always wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes, it creates one.
Welcome to Swan Harbor
Guided by a Kiss is part of the Historical Romantic Suspense Series from Swan Harbor. It’s an instant attraction, workplace, friends-to-lovers, mystery romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Lanie & Tanner are the children of Madge & Jimmie (Guided by Heart) and Lois & Rupert (Guided by Love). This novella leads into the
15-book complete Hope & Hearts Series from Swan Harbor.
Snuggle up with a copy of
Guided by a Kiss
and celebrate the Christmas season Swan Harbor style.
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
Ähnliche
GUIDED BY A KISS
A SMALL TOWN 20TH CENTURY HISTORICAL MYSTERY ROMANCE
HISTORICAL HOPE & HEARTS FROM SWAN HARBOR
BOOK 6
SOPHIE BARTOW
CONTENTS
Hope & Hearts Series in Order
Some Residents of Swan Harbor
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Other Books by Sophie
About the Author
Sophie’s Heart
My street team;
The Wall-Giennie Wicks-Delaney,
Connector Inspector- Linda Hagerty
Reactor Inspector- Jami Fenton
Plot Crew – Maggie Grimes
Sign Crew- Kate Semenyuk
And my family, who are still waiting for me to clean the house.
Two Hearts Press
An imprint of LLIPSS, INC.
Copyright © 2024 by Sophie Bartow
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and places are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business or locales is coincidental.
Cover Design by Kate Semenyuk
FROM DARKNESS INTO LOVE
KITTENS, PUPPIES & LOVE
BROTHERS, HOPE & HEARTS
KISSES, FAMILY & HOPE
A TREE, MISTLETOE & A SUNSET
HOPE, HEARTS & FOREVER
THE MEMORY OF LOVE
THE INNOCENCE OF LOVE
THE FORGIVENESS OF LOVE
THE POWER OF LOVE
THE CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG
THE KISS OF LOVE
THE LESSONS OF LOVE
THE HEART OF LOVE
THE JOURNEY TO LOVE
Historical Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor
GUIDED BY LIGHT - 1952
GUIDED BY HEART -1964
GUIDED BY LOVE - 1969
WELCOME TO SWAN HARBOR - 1979
FINDING HER LOST HEART - 1983/1990
GUIDED BY A KISS - 1995
Inspiration began …
when a lost girl fell for a lost boy
SOME RESIDENTS OF SWAN HARBOR
Lanie Duncan: She is a senior in college and majoring in photography and Russian. Lanie is the daughter of Lois and Rupert.
Lois Duncan: She is a Special Agent with a shadowy government agency. Lois is married to Rupert and mother to Lanie. Her story is told in Guided by Love set in 1969.
Rupert Duncan: He is a Special Agent with a shadowy government agency. Rupert is married to Lois and father to Lanie.
Wyatt Tanner: He is a Special Agent with a shadowy government agency. People call him Tanner, and he is Madge and Jimmie’s son.
Madge Tanner: She is a Special Agent with a shadowy government agency. Madge is married to Jimmie and mother to Wyatt. Her story is told in Guided by Heart set in 1964.
Jimmie Tanner: He is a Special Agent with a shadowy government agency. Jimmie is married to Madge and father to Wyatt.
Desiree Desmond Goodwin - Her family built the lodge in the 1950s. She currently runs it with her husband, Max. Her story is told in The Kiss of Love.
ONE
QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy Guided by a Kiss, be sure to check out my offer for more Swan Harbor at the end.
With that, enjoy!
* * *
Swan Harbor News
November 28, 1995
2:00 p.m.
“Please, Mr. Glass,” Lanie Duncan pushed. “I know your copy editor and photographer ran off together, leaving you in a bind.”
“But Lanie, you’re...”
“Look,” she jumped in before he could get going. “Here’s my portfolio from school. I think you can see from these photos I know what I’m doing.”
Sydney Glass, the owner and editor of the Swan Harbor News, studied her closely. Something in his dark eyes said he remembered her as a gauche teen who was just learning. However, during her four years in college, she had honed and perfected her craft. She was good, and she knew it.
Be cool, Duncan.
He turned the pages of the album she’d laid on his desk slowly. While he was careful not to show much of what he was thinking, she could tell when something caught his eye. A slight hesitation on one page. A lingering look on another.
“What do you think?” Lanie asked when she couldn’t stand it any longer.
Sydney closed her album and pushed it across the desk. “I’ll not deny you’ve learned a lot since those first days. But the Christmas Tree decorating contest at the Lodge is big.”
“I know!” Lanie exclaimed. “I’ve participated in it for the last few years. Plus, I’ve got an in at The Lodge.”
“How so?”
“Suzie Goodwin and I went to school together.” Lanie grinned, holding back a small piece of information.
“Maxwell’s niece?”
“Yes!” Lanie played the rest of her hand. “We’ve been best friends for years. They’re used to me, and I won’t stick out.” She hesitated a beat, and her heart climbed a little higher in her throat. “What do you say, Mr. Glass?”
He pressed his lips together, but there was a telltale glitter in his dark eyes.
“Okay. But on one condition.”
Lanie’s insides raced with excitement. Be cool, Duncan. “What’s the condition?”
“Usually, my photographer goes in after the fact. However, this year, I want more.”
“More?” Lanie repeated. “More than just pictures of the completed trees?”
“I want photos of the entire process.”
Her thoughts spun with artistic ideas, which clashed with her memories of the contest. While there might have been issues here and there, she wasn’t willing to show any weaknesses.
“I can do that.”
Sydney’s brows shot up. “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” she tossed back. “I have a Nikon. Any chance I can borrow another camera?”
“You want to borrow a camera?”
“I do.” Lanie grinned. “I have a tripod and a few lenses. But I’m betting you have a wide angle that would be perfect for the photos.”
Sydney finally relaxed. “Fine. You can take the Mamiya 7.”
“You have a Mamiya 7?” Lanie swallowed. “Really?”
“I think there’s a Canon back there as well,” Sydney murmured, “if you—”
“No,” she jumped in. “I’ve been reading about the Mamiya and am anxious to try it. How about film?”
“On the shelf.”
“And I can use the darkroom?”
“Of course.”
Lanie took a deep breath. “Thank you, Mr. Glass. You won’t regret this.”
She gathered her stuff and was halfway out of his office when he called her name. Lanie glanced over her shoulder, worried he’d somehow changed his mind. “Yes.”
“Welcome aboard. Let me know if you have any questions.”
Lanie’s smile grew. “I will, Mr.—”
“Sydney,” he cut her off. “You’re staff now.”
Her insides did a little dance at his words. I’m staff!
“Sydney,” Lanie repeated, trying not to show too much excitement.
Then she practically flew out the door. She’d just been given her first paying job doing what she loved. That had been the easy task. Telling her mom she’d be decorating without her daughter’s help was another story.
* * *
The Duncan Home
November 28, 1995
2:30 p.m.
Wyatt Tanner’s car rolled to a stop in front of Rupert and Lois Duncan’s home. He unconsciously straightened his tie and studied his reflection in the mirror. The nerves he’d ignored since being handed the case stared back at him. Something about the situation felt off, though. It felt like he was being tested, but he didn’t know by whom and for what reason. That’s what made him uncomfortable.
The shadowy government organization he worked for had more than likely given him leeway, especially in the beginning. Who was calling the shots this time? Had he earned this chance on his own? Or was it because of who his parents were?
The Duncans and Tanners had met for the first time in 1969 at The Mountain View Lodge. Through the years, they had teamed up more than once for Agency cases. But they hadn’t worked together in a while. What would Lois and Rupert think when he rang the bell? Would there be questions he couldn’t answer? Possibly, but he wouldn’t know until he knocked on their door.
With the memory of his parents’ words, Tanner jumped from the car.
“When you take on a new case, march into it like you have a brass pair,” Madge stated.
“Madge!” exclaimed Jimmie. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”
“Well,” Madge planted her hands on her hips, and her blue eyes flashed. “Do you have something better to say?”
Jimmie gave his son an indulgent smile. One that said, ‘Your mother means well,’ before offering his words of wisdom. “All good agents have courage, resolve, and toughness.”
“See,” Madge pointed out. “Just like I said. Brass balls.”
The memory of his father blowing out a breath in exasperation made Tanner smile as he strode toward the Duncans’ front door. His parents had been married for many years. That his mother could still rile up his father was entertaining.
Tanner knocked and didn’t have to wait long before the door opened. He was greeted by Lois Duncan, who had dark hair and equally dark eyes. The way she studied him made him feel as if he were a specimen in a petri dish.
“Wyatt Tanner,” Lois Duncan greeted before he could introduce himself. “Except for your blue eyes, you look just like your father.”
“I’ve been told that, ma’am,” he grinned. “But most people just call me Tanner.”
Her smile grew. “I remember Madge telling me that. Were you in the area?”
“No, ma’am.” Tanner held up the file. “I’m here on business.”
“Oh!” Lois’s eyes grew large, and she invited him into her home. “Ru, Madge and Jimmie’s boy are here.”
Rupert Duncan was sitting in a recliner on the other side of the room. He was holding a newspaper with one hand. While the other was busy scratching a black cat’s ears.
“You made it.” Rupert’s dark eyes clashed with his.
“You knew I was coming?”
“Jimmie told me you were on the way,” Rupert offered.
Which made Tanner wonder—who had told his father?
“He did?” Lois’s brows drew together. “Was there a reason you didn’t share that bit of news?”
“I forgot,” Rupert shrugged.
“Right.” Lois returned her attention to Tanner. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Eggnog?”
“Coffee, please.”
Rupert waved toward the sofa. “Have a seat, and tell me why you’re here.”
“You mean you don’t know?”
An expression flew across Rupert’s face. One that was too quick for Tanner to interpret. He transferred the file back and forth between his hands several times before asking, “Do you remember the name Marat Maltov?”
“Of course,” Rupert snapped. “What’s going on?”
“Our Russian counterpart has asked the Agency to take care of a little problem they seem to be having.”
“What is Marat involved in this time?”
“Word has it Maltov ended up with a set of nuclear codes,” Tanner explained. “He plans on selling them to the highest bidder.”
“Do we know how he ended up with the codes?”
“I can’t give you a definite answer. However, our speculation is he figured out who had stolen them and helped himself.”
“And killed the spy in the process,” Rupert surmised.
“That’s our best guess.” Tanner handed the file to Rupert and sat back, curious what the older man had to offer.
While he looked through the folder, Rupert periodically rattled off comments in Russian. The only word Tanner understood, though, was a name—Volkovs. A name that harkened back to Russian royalty.
“Okay,” Rupert went on. “I understand why you’d show this to me. But why here … in my home? Why not call and ask me to come to D.C.?”
“We have reason to believe Maltov is back in Swan Harbor,” Tanner answered.
“In Swan Harbor?” Lois echoed. “Really?”
“Well,” Tanner conceded. “If he’s not in Swan Harbor now, we believe he’s on his way.”
Rupert exchanged looks with Lois before turning back to Tanner. “Why is it you’re telling me again?”
“We’re hoping you’re interested in resuming your same cover as before.”
“You want me to sing?”
“Wait a minute,” Lois jumped in before Tanner could say anything. “You want us to go undercover again? It’s been years.”
“I—”
But Rupert was all in and tossed out, “It’s just like riding a bike. I’d just need to polish my pipes a bit.”
“Rupert Duncan!” Lois exclaimed. “It might be like riding a bike in your head. But in reality...” She turned her dark eyes on Tanner, making him feel like squirming in the seat. “Where do you suspect Maltov will show up?”
“At the Lodge, of course.” Tanner grinned. “We think the decorating contest is the perfect place for him to make the trade without anyone noticing.”
“I’m in,” Rupert proclaimed. “What else do you know?”
“Don’t I get a say in this?” Lois sputtered.
“You will,” Rupert assured her.
“How? The Lodge no longer has hat check girls.”
“Well,” Rupert conceded, “true. But you and Lanie always enter the contest, so...”
* * *
The Duncan Home
November 28, 1995
4:00 p.m.
Lanie bounced up the steps, excited to share her news. But the sight of a strange car parked in front of the house gave her pause.
She pushed open the door and listened. Her parents were in the kitchen, their voices easily recognized. It was the third one that captured her attention.
Masculine. Sexy with a slight drawl, as if he was from the south. Just hearing the rumble caused her pulse to race. However, since there was a possibility her parents were trying to ‘fix her up,’ she almost snuck back out.
“Lanie, is that you?” Her mother peeked around the corner from the kitchen.
“Ye-yes,” Lanie stuttered. “Who’s here?”
“Come, let me introduce you.”
The smile on her mother’s face had something inside Lanie shouting, Guard up. Guard up. “I should take care of these.” She held up the cameras.
“It will only take a minute,” Lois pushed. “Then you can put those away.”
“Alright, mom.”
On her way across the room, she caught sight of her reflection. The female inside said, You’re pale. You need some color. Her self-preservation, though, refused to allow any follow-through.
“Tanner,” Lois was saying. “Come meet our daughter, Lanie.”
He jumped up so quickly that the chair fell over. His cheeks pinkened, and a lock of dark hair fell across his forehead.
“Excuse me,” he drawled, picking up the fallen piece of furniture. “Wyatt Tanner.”
Lanie slipped her hand into his outstretched one. Their eyes locked, and an awareness inside sparked to life.
He was just under six feet and had smooth hands, as if he worked behind a desk. While he was of average size, something about him felt overpowering. It was a reaction Lanie had never experienced. One she couldn’t label, but one that had her taking a step backward.
“Wyatt?”
“Yes, ma’am. But I go by Tanner.”
“He’s Jimmie and Madge’s boy,” Lois told her. “He works for The Agency.”
Lanie couldn’t help but think her parents seemed just a little too happy to see him.
“What’s going on?”
“Why do you ask?” Rupert tossed back.
“Stop it,” Lois scolded. “Lanie has a right to know. We’ll let Tanner explain.”
“An enemy from one of our parents’ cases is back in the U.S..”
“I’m assuming you mean back in Swan Harbor,” Lanie muttered.
“Yes. At the Mountain View Lodge.”
Lanie’s breath caught, as knowing her father, he’d want her to stay away from the Lodge.
“And The Agency is involved?”
“It is.”
Tanner’s smooth voice rippled across her skin, stealing her breath. Heat climbed up her throat, forcing her to dig down deep to fight what he made her feel.
“Are you going to be the entertainment again, Dad?”
Rupert turned his sparkling blue eyes in her direction. “I thought I would …”
He stretched out the word, making her think, ‘Here it is.’ Except he didn’t offer what she expected. “I’ll sing while you and your mother decorate.”
That he’d not told her to stay far away surprised her. But since she wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Lanie didn’t dwell on the why.
“Well,” she hedged. “I’m not sure about that.”
Her mother’s eyes flared, and a smile bloomed. “You got the job?”
“I did!” Lanie nodded, fighting the urge to squeal like a teen.
“Congratulations, медвежонок. I’m glad Sydney came to his senses.”
“Me too.”
“And what will you be doing at the Lodge?” Tanner stepped in to ask.
“Taking pictures of the tree decorating contest,” Lanie murmured. “Will you be joining my father in the nightclub band?”
“I’m afraid I can’t carry a tune.”
“No?” Lanie dropped her gaze down his lean body before once again meeting his eyes. “What then? I can’t see you as one of their Santas.”
Tanner’s lips twitched. He patted his flat stomach, then cupped his smooth jaw. “No? Not even if I let my beard grow?”
“No,” she whispered, fighting the almost hypnotic quality of his blue-eyed gaze.
“I’m going to tend bar,” Tanner finally offered.
Her breath caught as an image of him in a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing his forearms, appeared. The picture grew and added his hips, swaying to the music, wearing tight black slacks. It caused her heart to flutter.
No! That won’t do!
Lanie forced her attention back to her mother. “Do you think you and Aunt Glynnis will be okay handling the decorating this year?”
“Oh, we won’t be alone,” Lois beamed.
“No?”
“No. We’ve decided to invite Madge and Jimmie for the holidays.”
“You what?” Tanner exclaimed.
“Won’t it be wonderful?” Lois clapped her hands with excitement. “Christmas with old friends.”
“Just wonderful,” Tanner murmured.
The tone of his voice made Lanie smile. She tried to resist the urge to read his expression, but her curiosity won out.
She turned to meet his intense stare and couldn’t stop the feeling of disappointment that zipped through her. For years, her parents had talked about their friends, the Tanners. About how it would be exciting if ….
But she wasn’t a piece of meat to be auctioned off to the one they deemed most worthy. She had her plans for her future. When it was time to fall in love, she would be the one to choose—not her parents. That meant she needed to stay away from Wyatt Tanner—far away.
TWO
The Duncan Home
November 28, 1995
8:30 p.m.
Hours later, Tanner had discarded his jacket and was washing the dinner dishes. Yet, he had only a slight idea of how everything had transpired. That wasn’t typical when undercover, was it?
You’ve never been undercover alone, right?
True. But he’d been undercover before.
Not in the home of Lois Duncan, your mother’s good friend.
Which was also true. However, instead of making him feel better, it just added to his overall uneasiness regarding the case.
He side-eyed the Duncan’s daughter, Lanie. She had dark hair and eyes like her mother. While they were eating, she’d talked about her new job. But since her parents had left them alone, she’d not said much. It created a tension in the air he didn’t care for, which left him searching for a way to break it.
“So,” he began. “You’re studying photography?”
“That’s one of my majors.”
When she didn’t elaborate, Tanner mentally regrouped. “One of your majors?”
She glanced up briefly before looking back down. “Photography and Russian.”
“Russian?” Tanner echoed. “Is that because your father is of Russian descent?”
“Partly.”
“And you’re a senior?”
“I graduate in May.”
“Then what?”
Lanie was quiet while she tossed something in the trashcan. Then she grabbed a towel and began drying the pans that wouldn’t fit in the dishwasher. He’d just about given up on getting an answer when she responded.
“I’m still working on that.”
“But you have an idea.”
Lanie’s right brow arched. “That wasn’t what I said.”
“True,” he conceded. “But it was in the way you said it.”
She shrugged as if it was no big deal. “I want to go to graduate school in Russia.”
“And you don’t think your parents would be happy?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “They want me to pursue my dreams. But they …” Her voice faded, and she appeared to change directions, leaving him with, “We’ll see.”
Tanner sighed when she didn’t offer more. Her eyes had sparkled often at the dinner table, something he wanted to see again. But a glance at the clock had him tucking away his questions for another time.
He grabbed his suit jacket and found Lois and Rupert whispering in the family room. “Thank you for the home-cooked meal. But it’s getting late, and I should go.”
“Go?” A frown appeared on Lois’s face. “You can’t go.”
“I can’t?” Tanner searched his memory, wondering if there was more they needed to discuss.
“No!” Lois exclaimed. “What kind of friend would I be if I let you get on the road this late?”
He took another look at the time. “It’s not that late. Besides, I’m just going to Portland.” Which was about a half-hour drive.
“Oh, but it’s dark.” She practically pulled his suit jacket away from him. “Plus, those roads are unfamiliar to you. I think you should stay here tonight.”
“Here?”
“Yes.” Lois grinned. “In fact, I think you should just move into our guest room until this case is over.”
“Until this case is over?” Tanner exclaimed. “I really need to be close to the action. The Agency is getting me a room at the Lodge.”
“They are?” Lois exchanged looks with Rupert. “Are you sure? I heard the Lodge was booked through the holidays.”
Tanner’s thoughts bounced around, and he made eye contact with Rupert. “Don’t you think I should be onsite?”
The older man sent his wife a look Tanner couldn’t interpret. “You might as well relent,” Rupert sighed. “Lois won’t give up until you do.”
“But my bag is in my hotel …”
“Come on, Tanner,” Lois scolded. “I know you have a ‘go bag’ in your trunk. It’s standard for all agents.”
He almost disputed her claim. One look at Lois, though, and he knew she’d call him out for lying. His gaze drifted to Lanie, who looked utterly dismayed. It made him uncomfortable and want to know exactly what she was thinking.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes!” Lois beamed. “Go grab your bag, then медвежонок can show you where everything is?”
“Alright, thank you.”
Tanner ran to get his bag, thinking he’d been rude for not jumping at their hospitality. However, it also felt like he’d been outmaneuvered. Had he missed something?
When he returned inside, Lanie was pacing from one side of the family room to the other, mumbling. But his Russian wasn’t good enough to understand what she was saying.
“Are you okay with this?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I don’t know,” Tanner shrugged. “It’s just—”
“Don’t worry about it,” she cut him off. “This way.”
While her parents were present, Tanner fought his desire to see Lanie as a beautiful woman. However, when he followed her up the stairs, the gentle sway of her hips caused his pulse to race. It had him quickly looking away and reminding himself she was off limits—way off limits.
They passed one room, presumably hers, and then the bathroom, before she led him into a small room at the end of the hallway.
“There’s an extra blanket in the closet if you need it.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll leave you some towels on the bathroom counter,” she continued.
“Thank you.”
“Anything else?”
Tanner dropped his bag on the bed and started to say no. Then their gazes collided, and he realized he wanted to know more about her.
“What does медвежонок mean?” Lanie grinned, pushing him to add. “And don’t make fun of my accent. I know it stinks.”
* * *
“I’m sorry.” She grinned. “It means teddy bear.”
“Teddy bear?” His gaze dropped to her feet before sliding back up. “Your nickname is teddy bear?”
Lanie made a conscious effort to put more space between them. The way he’d looked at her caused sparks that were growing and expanding quickly. That annoyed her, giving way to the thought, Why didn’t I see him first? It was on replay inside her head, making her torn. A part of her wanted to run, while the other side wanted to know more.
“It’s what my parents call me медвежонок.”
“Why?”
She needed to keep her emotions at bay. Yet her good manners and the side that wanted to know more proved stronger. “Do you know the song Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear?”
“No.”
“It’s an old Elvis song,” she explained. “Apparently, when I was small, my dad sang it to me and …”
“It stuck?”
“Yes.”
“I see.”
Except the way he was looking at her said he wasn’t seeing her as a teddy bear at all. She needed to ….
“Goodnight,” Lanie murmured before practically racing from the room.
She closed herself in her bedroom and leaned her forehead against the window. It was cool and served to calm her nerves. Except it didn’t stop the questions from rolling around inside. Nor did it stop the feeling that Wyatt Tanner’s presence created.
Why had he just shown up?
There’s a case.
Were her parents up to something?
Aren’t they always?
What was she going to do?
Stay away from him.
But he’s down the hall.
You can do it.
Buckle up, Duncan. It’s going to get bumpy.
Still lost in her thoughts, Lanie slipped on a pair of sleep pants and an oversized T. She left her room to brush her teeth and, without paying attention, barreled into the bathroom.
The scene in front of her caused her heart to trip. Her feet stuck to the floor, and the spit completely dried in her mouth.
Tanner was standing in front of the sink, wearing only an old pair of cotton sweatpants. They hung low on his hips and stretched tight across his very fine behind. Every time he moved, the muscles in his back rippled.
She must have made some sound because before she could escape, he glanced up. Their eyes met in the mirror, and her heart stopped.
He flashed his toothbrush. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
Lanie’s eyes dropped and locked on his bare chest. It was lightly furred, and his muscles were well-defined. The need to touch was so overwhelming she folded both hands into fists and took a step backward. The warning in her head grew louder, but it didn’t stop the heat from climbing inside. Didn’t keep it from settling in the center of her chest.
“Excuse me!” She did an about-face and rushed down the stairs, needing to put distance between them.
The cold floor helped cool the heat Tanner caused. The images, though, were seared into her brain.
His defined pectoral muscles, and taut abs had her fighting a need she didn’t understand. His trim waist made it too easy to imagine wrapping her arms around him. Looking at him caused her insides to race. What was it about him that tied her emotions into knots? Was it possible to fight the way he made her feel?
Could she treat him like a project that she needed to photograph? Could she look at him, not as a hot-blooded male but as a cold, inanimate object? If so, perhaps then she could maintain her objectivity.
The floor creaked, and a warm hand landed on her shoulder. He whispered her name in his soft drawl, and the way her body reacted told her the pep talk hadn’t worked.
Lanie took a deep breath and stepped away. Slowly, she turned around, and when she noticed he’d put on a sweatshirt, relaxed.
“Did you need something?”
His blue eyes locked with hers, making her feel like he was trying to read her mind.
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” she quipped.
“It just seemed …”
Lanie searched for something to say. Anything to shatter the intimate bubble building around them.
“Any idea how long this case will take?”
“You mean,” Tanner’s smile was crooked, “how long I’ll be here?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t.” He took a step closer, and his voice dropped an octave. “Did I do something to make you uncomfortable?”
Besides being the man my parents chose for me? Besides causing me to feel things I don’t want to feel?
“No, Tanner. Everything is fine.”
“Are you sure? I can make an excuse and leave early tomorrow.”
Lanie took a breath, wondering how much she should say. She couldn’t tell him she suspected her parents were parading him—and her—around like a prize. That could anger him and possibly jeopardize the case. On the other hand, there was no way she could tell him he unsettled her, as that would give away too much power.
What do you want?
She wanted him to be just a man she met at school. Someone she could date a few times and then, when she was bored, move on.
The words, ‘things happen when they’re meant to happen,’ whispered in her ear. She refused to listen.
“My mother wants you here. You’re fine. Besides, once the Christmas tree competition starts, we’ll be busy. You with the case, and me taking photos.”
“True.” He surprised her by moving away from the personal and turning to business. “Can I ask you a few questions?”
The husky tone of his voice kicked her heart rate up several notches. Yet, she chose to ignore that.
“About what?”
“The Lodge.” He hesitated and then added, “The Goodwins.”
“What could little old me tell you that wasn’t in those case files you spy types put together?”
Tanner placed his hand over his heart. “You wound me.”
“Right.” Lanie took several steps and settled in the corner of the sofa. She tucked her bare feet under her and tossed the ball back into his court.
It was several minutes before he joined her, sitting on the other end and stretching his arm along the back.
“I know the basics,” he began. “The Lodge was built in the mid-1950s by Charles and Rick Desmond. Currently, it’s run by Desiree Desmond Goodwin and her husband, Maxwell. Some of his family members work there. But none of that gives me any hint about the family dynamics. What can you tell me?”
“I’m not the spy, Tanner.”
“I never said you were,” he replied. “But you are friends with Suzie and Felix Goodwin.”
Lanie squinted her eyes at him, annoyed for some reason. “How do you know that?”
“Your mother.”
“My mother?”
“Yes. She told me about your relationship with the Goodwin family before you returned home.”
“Oh.” The word may have come out sounding normal, but her emotions were certainly not.
“Look,” Tanner jumped in. “I’m not asking for secrets.”
“No?”
“No. For instance,” he went on. “What kind of person is Desiree? Based on my report and confirmed by your parents, Rick Desmond was a con artist. Charles, Desiree’s father, was only in it for the money. Her parents divorced long ago, and her mother left town. There’s a younger sibling, but he’s not been seen in years.”
“I’m friends with Suzie and her brother Felix,” Lanie admitted, something her mother had already shared. “Their father is Maxwell’s older brother. He’s a professor at Swan Harbor University.”
“And Desiree?”
Lanie thought about the few times she’d been in Desiree’s company. Two or three with Suzie. The other times were when she’d been involved in the Christmas tree decorating and not socially.
“All I can tell you is what I’ve observed.”
“It’s better than going in blind.”
“Desiree acts like a princess,” Lanie replied. “She treats those who work for her as her subjects.”
“How so?”
“She demands instead of asks.”
“And expects everyone to do her bidding?”
“Yes. It’s like she sees herself as superior and expects to be treated with deference.”
“Your friends Suzie and Felix work at the Lodge, right?”
“They do.”
“What’s their relationship with their aunt?” he followed up. “Does Desiree treat them like family?”
“Is that a joke?”
“No.”
“As long as they’re on the Lodge grounds,” Lanie responded. “They’re merely employees.”
Tanner leaned against his hand and slowly rubbed his finger back and forth against his bottom lip. It had to be a habit when he was deep in thought, as she’d seen him do it earlier when discussing the case with her parents.
“Tell me about the Lodge,” he changed directions.
“My parents told you about the Lodge,” she pushed back slightly.
“I want to hear about the Lodge from you,” Tanner prodded.
The longer she stayed there, the more intimate the setting. They were surrounded by shadows, with only soft music from the radio in the kitchen. Had that been on when she’d run down the stairs? She couldn’t remember.
“Lanie?” Tanner whispered. “The Lodge?”
“People say Swan Harbor, ‘is a haven of hope for lost hearts.’ When you’re in town, there does seem to be something special in the air.”
“Your parents seem to think the same thing about the lodge,” Tanner replied. “Are you saying you don’t agree?”
Lanie hummed, but part of her was hesitant to share her thoughts. “Don’t get me wrong. The building is beautiful, as are the surrounding grounds. Periodically, though, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air that’s impossible to describe.”
“Anticipation? Like someone is waiting for something to happen?”
“Or is it like something has happened and is waiting to be shared?” Lanie countered.
“Tell me more,” Tanner encouraged.
She shouldn’t. What she should do was say goodnight and rush upstairs. But he pulled at her, making her feel things she wasn’t ready for. Their connection was so strong she couldn’t say no.
* * *
Download a copy of Guided by a Kiss and spend the
holidays in Swan Harbor.
Guided by a Kiss
These books are available in Epub, and print. Many are available in hardback and Large Print. From Darkness into Love is available in audiobook.
Hope & Hearts Historical Novellas
GUIDED BY LIGHT - 1952
GUIDED BY HEART - 1964
GUIDED BY LOVE - 1969
WELCOME TO SWAN HARBOR- 1979
FINDING HER LOST HEART- 1983/1990
GUIDED BY A KISS - 1995
Contemporary Hope & Hearts
SAVED BY LOVE
FROM DARKNESS INTO LOVE
KITTENS, PUPPIES & LOVE
BROTHERS, HOPE & HEARTS
KISSES, FAMILY & HOPE
A TREE, MISTLETOE & A SUNSET
HOPE, HEARTS & FOREVER
THE MEMORY OF LOVE
THE INNOCENCE OF LOVE
THE FORGIVENESS OF LOVE
THE POWER OF LOVE
THE CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG
THE KISS OF LOVE
THE LESSONS OF LOVE
THE HEART OF LOVE
THE JOURNEY TO LOVE
Bonus Hope & Hearts
CYGNETS & DREAMS
WHISPERS OF LUCK
WHISPERS OF THE PAST
October 31, 2025
WHISPERS OF A MIRACLE
December 2025
WHISPERS OF LOVE
February 2026
THE PROMISE TO BE THERE
Series Prequel - May 2025
THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW
Book 1 - June 26, 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie crafts small-town mystery romances that weave intricate plots with richly developed characters. Her female leads are intelligent, resourceful, and resilient, while her male characters, often stubborn, exude sexiness, wit, and a protective nature. She delights in building slow-burn romances, savoring the tension and delaying that first kiss for as long as possible. No matter the trope, every story she writes has a happy ending.
After a fulfilling 30-plus-year career as a speech-language pathologist, working with adult post-stroke and Parkinson's patients, she is enjoying her new journey. With their four children spread out, Sophie and her husband live in South Florida. They share their home with a pampered cat named Irma.
You can find her on her website: https://sophiebartow.com/Sophiexo
X (Twitter)
Goodreads
BookBub
