Nine Massey wears a mask of a tough exterior. Underneath the layers of drugstore makeup lies a fragile woman serving up fake smiles as a waitress. She scrapes by in life in pursuit of something more than the information listed on her latest job application. After responding to a Missed Connection ad on Craigslist she begins a friendship with a wealthy old woman. The relationship triggers alarm bells for the woman's family, especially after a valuable painting is stolen from her home.Owen Hayes is a private investigator and takes on the case as a favor to an old family friend. The case appears cut and dry. Yet, as Nine's lies are exposed, Owen discovers the painful truths they hide. Owen isn't the only person tracking Nine. A man from Nine's past returns, bringing painful secrets along with him.Can Owen unravel the lies, or will he succumb to the desire he feels for Nine? Lies and deceit give way to a passion which threatens to ruin them both. Neither can deny their attraction, but all of their exchanges have been built on lies. Just as Nine is opening her heart to Owen and the idea of experiencing love, her world comes crashing down. Can Owen save them both? Gia Stone is an author of steamy romances. Faulted characters, misguided motives, and misconnections are at the heart of her stories. She loves to collect passport stamps, savory memories, and race medals. Gia's favorite quote is "The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a person perfected without trials."
