Marcus — Lori Foster

They've been crushing on each other for months… So what's holding them back?

A sizzling new Love Undercover novella

For Marcus Bareden, Lucy Cortland is more than the girl next door. She's beautiful, funny and easy to talk to. He'd really like to get closer, but something about her occasional wariness sets off his spidey sense. When he was nine, Marcus was plucked from an abusive situation and adopted by the most amazing parents a boy could wish for.

Lucy Cortland spent years overcoming an awful youth. Now, she's got a great job, her own place and a super sexy neighbor. Marcus is warm, kind and they've become good friends. She's only known him a few months, but their chemistry is undeniable. Yet for Lucy, getting close isn't possible.

Lucy believes no one could love her after what she's been through. No one could understand…except maybe the guy next door, who knows how it feels to be mistreated and how hard it can be to learn to hope -- even love -- again.