Unforgettable: A Brother's Best Friend Romance Where Forbidden Love Defies Family Consequences

Unforgettable: A Brother's Best Friend Romance Where Forbidden Love Defies Family Consequences

Who needs love? Not Anna Prescott . . . she says. A smart, successful woman of substance, she is willing to be a friend to Gavin Mathis, who plays pro football for the Detroit Lions and is the finest specimen of the African-American male she's ever laid eyes on. Gavin's been tight with her brother Wesley for so long he's almost family. So Anna's happy when she can help Gavin out of a personal jam -- and the fact that he's setting fires inside her has nothing to do with it. Gavin feels the heat too, but he can't trust himself to love Anna. Her folks, who've always been good to him, would be enraged. Besides, if he marries, he's afraid he'll become an irresponsible deadbeat like his dad, who just dumped Gavin's little brother on the ballplayer's doorstep. But sparks are definitely flying and this sexy lady's got his heart pumping like mad -- and it's telling him to go for it . . . and to hell with the consequences. Who needs love? Not Anna Prescott . . . she says. A smart, successful woman of substance, she is willing to be a friend to Gavin Mathis, who plays pro football for the Detroit Lions and is the finest specimen of the African-American male she's ever laid eyes on. Gavin's been tight with her brother Wesley for so long he's almost family. So Anna's happy when she can help Gavin out of a personal jam -- and the fact that he's setting fires inside her has nothing to do with it. Gavin feels the heat too, but he can't trust himself to love Anna. Her folks, who've always been good to him, would be enraged. Besides, if he marries, he's afraid he'll become an irresponsible deadbeat like his dad, who just dumped Gavin's little brother on the ballplayer's doorstep. But sparks are definitely flying and this sexy lady's got his heart pumping like mad -- and it's telling him to go for it . . . and to hell with the consequences. Bette Ford grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, where she continues to live. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Bette began her teaching career in Detroit and completed her master’s degree from Wayne State University. She has taught for the Detroit Public Schools HeadStart program for many years, and is the author of eight previous novels. Excerpt Chapter One The northern city was green and lush from a long, sizzling hot summer and recent bounty of rain. September first had begun as a cool, crisp day with bright sunshine, but as the day progressed, it warmed enough for air conditioning or ceiling fans to be turned on. Only one of the trees that surrounded Anna Prescott's modest two-bedroom home showed hints of the rich russet and scarlet foliage yet to come. The house was situated in a residential area dotted with brick homes, schools, and a park on the east side of Detroit, Michigan. "This is the last one," Anna said as she sealed, then labeled the last of the aluminum containers lining her kitchen workstation. "Good, it looks like I'll be able to keep my promise this time. Carl is expecting me home in time to go out tonight for dinner and dancing," Janet Raye-Matthews said with a wide smile. The two African-American women owned Prescott-Raye Catering. Their business had been growing faster than either woman expected when they started three years ago. They worked out of Anna's professionally equipped kitchen with one assistant, Krista Moore. It was the big kitchen that had won Anna's heart, with its double deep sinks, separate prep areas, and center island. It had been decorated in golden yellow with cream tiled counters, open shelves, and a large picture window that overlooked a spacious backyard. They prepared twelve complete meals with very generous portions five days a week for their bachelor clientele, all members of the Detroit Lions football team. Not only did the meals have to be tasty but they also had to be nutritionally balanced, rich with rice or pasta, vegetables and fruits, an assortment of whole grains, meat, and dairy products. The meals were being transferred in stainless-steel racks to the van specially equipped with both a warming unit and refrigerated drawers. Each lid was carefully labeled with the client's name, contents, and heating instructions. "Well, it would be nice, considering this is your first wedding anniversary," Anna teased. "You should have spent the day pampering yourself in a spa instead of here cooking -" The two women were opposites in looks and personality. Janet had a quick wit and ready temper, while Anna was levelheaded and seldom ruffled. Janet was five-six, slim and shapely, with small features and soft, light brown skin. Her brown shoulder-length hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Anna, on the other hand, was tall, five-ten, full-figured, with generous breasts and hips, and a small waist. Her soft black hair had been styled in thin, tightly coiled dreadlocks that flowed past her shoulders. She kept them pulled back into a high ponytail when she was working. Her skin was a rich