By Next August

What if I told you none of it was accidental?

Getting close to people isn't an option for Kory Brooks anymore. After a lifetime of being

left behind, she's traded her once-bold heart for guarded walls and stubborn

independence. Letting someone in just isn't worth the risk.

Dominic Rissi knows the feeling. His own family walked away years ago, and he's kept

that pain buried ever since. But Kory? She's the one he's never been able to

forget-timing just never worked in their favor... Until now.

When work throws them together on a cross-state road trip, sparks fly in more ways

than one. Kory lays out a plan: no flirting, no feelings, no exceptions. But rules have a

way of falling apart when hearts get involved-especially with Dom's quiet charm and

his unwavering insistence on winning her over.

Then, an unexpected tragedy lands them in the hospital. While anxiously waiting for

answers, secrets come out and emotional walls are torn down forcing them to decide:

protect themselves like always, or finally take the risk of letting someone all the way in.

In a story of love, loyalty, loss, and hope-it takes just one year for everything to

change, bringing each of them unexpected closure and revealing that maybe, together,

they're exactly what each other needs to heal and move forward.