Lori Foster, New York Times Best Selling Author

What Quinton thinks

You'd think any sane man would give up, wouldn't you? After all, Ashley constantly says no when I try to get closer to her.

But the thing is, she possesses a special knack for pushing me away, while at the same time enflaming me. She spells out her interest, then claims it doesn't matter.

I have to tell you, her refreshing honesty frustrates the hell out of me.

I've never known a woman like her.

It's both amusing and endearing the way she challenges me, with her stubborn chin raised, her eyes narrowed. Ashley might be deliberately abrasive, but that doesn't conceal her innate sensuality. It's a little earthy. Maybe even gritty. But it's definitely there. Any man with eyes would see it.

And though she tries to hide it, I often see her vulnerability.

She's such a contradiction, and so unique. Of course, I want her.

Yet she claims men aren't in her "big picture." For whatever reason, she's sworn off men, as if they have no place at all in her life.

If she's going to reject me out of hand, even though we both know she's interested, then I need to know why.

It'll require some careful maneuvering to win her over to my way of thinking. But the laws of nature, of man and woman, dictate that I'm bound to win. I've got a plan, and I guarantee Ashley will enjoy my efforts almost as much I will!