Home Field by Laurie Winter

One year after her husband is killed in action, Julie Ellis is back in her hometown and focused on raising her young son. Then Reagan Harrison bursts into her life—a cocky, charming linebacker who leaves her off balance. 

As a successful, professional athlete, Reagan believes he has it all. But after meeting Julie, he finds every excuse in the book to spend time with her. Despite his best efforts not to fall too hard, Reagan envisions a future with Julie, along with the little boy he’s come to love as his own.

While Reagan’s protective love begins to mend Julie’s spirit, she can’t suppress her continued deep devotion to her late husband’s memory. And when a letter arrives from beyond the grave, Reagan resolves to provide her with the answers she desperately needs to heal. Now Julie must choose either to keep her heart closed off or remove the lock and fight for a future with Reagan. Can a second chance at true love be just as sweet?

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About the Author

Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. Fans of Brenda Novak and Debbie Macomber will likely enjoy Laurie Winter's books as well.

She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

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Excerpt

Julie felt the man’s presence before she saw him. His deep voice couldn’t be missed, even over the hum of the crowd. She realized he meant to sit in the empty chair next to her, and a shiver traveled over her skin. The chair slid back, and Julie turned to get a look at who’d she’d be sitting beside for the next hour. From her seated position, he towered over her. Well over six feet tall, he had a solid build that looked somewhat dangerous. Her second impression was he was way too good-looking and seemingly well aware of that fact.

“Hi.” He flashed a million-dollar smile as he sat. “I’m Reagan Harrison.”

“Hello.” Her voice cracked, suddenly flustered by his closeness. Her heart pounded as fast as hummingbird’s wings in her chest. “My name is Julie Ellis. It’s nice to meet you.” When she reached over to shake his hand, she noticed he smelled of peppermint. Maybe from the muscle rub athletes were so fond of or the lingering scent of gum. For some reason, she found the smell relaxed her strained nerves. His large, rough hand embraced hers, holding firm and warm. The contact made her body buzz. Startled by her reaction, she tugged back slightly.

He let it drop. “You here alone?” His wide mouth curved in a grin.

“Yes,” she answered with an ache in her heart. In a perfect world, she wouldn’t be here alone.

“You can’t be a member of the Warriors team, because I definitely would’ve remembered seeing you on the practice field. You must be a member of the military.” His smile widened while his gaze roamed down her neck, before lingering on her breasts.

Seriously…is this guy for real? Her face tightened, and she crossed her arms over her chest, before noticing she’d inadvertently lifted her cleavage, giving him an even better show. Sighing, she lowered her hands, where they sat clenched on her lap. “My husband was a

member of the Army Special Forces, a Green Beret,” she said in a tight voice. “He was killed in Afghanistan last year. John grew up in Timber Lake, and I was invited to represent him. He was a huge fan of the Warriors football team.”

Reagan’s easygoing smile evaporated, his lips now firmly pressed in a tight line. “I’m sorry for your loss.” He turned his attention to the glass of whiskey on the table before him.

“Thank you.” She softened slightly as he acted like he understood the reason she came by herself, which wasn’t to be hit on by an oversexed football player.

The sudden sound of laughter from across the table captured their attention.

Julie sat quietly and observed the wide variety of people with them. She was an outsider here…and very much alone. Reagan must have felt bad about their earlier, awkward exchange, because he began making introductions, helping her feel at ease.

The other Warriors players at their table all sat beside an elegant woman. She wondered why Reagan had come alone tonight, imagining he would have no trouble finding a date. He possessed a magnetic quality that she knew other women would find irresistible. Judging by his demeanor, he was well aware of his affect on them.

Reagan glanced over and caught her eye, another warm smile spreading over his handsome face. A smile that could bring a weak woman to her knees. His bright blue eyes sparkled with a vibrant light as he held her gaze. Before looking at the approaching waiter, she observed his sandy blond hair was slightly overgrown and unruly. The light stubble covering his strong jaw line revealed he’d been too busy to shave. The carefree look didn’t match his clean-cut suit and tie. She pictured him being more comfortable kicking back in shorts and a T-shirt.

The waiter made his way around the table and approached Julie, asking for her drink order. “May have a glass of wine, please? Do you have Riesling?”

The waiter nodded and turned to Reagan. “Another double whiskey on ice.” Reagan pointed to his empty glass. The waiter scurried off to the bar to fill their requests.

“I can’t get into wine, but could be I’ve never given it a chance.”

“Wine is my best friend after a long day. I see you prefer whiskey. One taste makes my stomach turn. A bad experience…many, many years ago.” Her stomach turned sour as she remembered the feeling of whiskey churning up her insides and the hangover that followed.

“Sounds interesting.” Reagan set his elbow on the table and leaned in her direction. “I’ve got to hear this.”

Did he really, or was he only being polite? Probably just being polite. Well, he had asked so she better oblige. Not like her story was anything too embarrassing. “One night during final exams, a group of us were bored and didn’t want to study. Someone suggested we play poker, and after every hand, the losers would take a shot of whiskey. Not being a very good card player, I lost every game. I don’t remember anything after the fifth hand.”

“One bad experience can ruin a drink forever. The body has a long memory.”

Yes. And those carefree, college days seemed like a lifetime ago.