The Stone In The Road — Frances Dall'Alba

It's been eighteen months since Kelly Sheppard disappeared into the Australian outback. The guilt and regret she carries still won't leave her.Newly arrived from Boston, Patrick Van Der Meeliko is working hard to get himself back on track — and succeeding. He can thank the Australian outback for healing him in ways his affluent and empty life in Boston could not. Kelly is his new drug of choice, and he can't resist throwing irksome comments her way to try and get her attention. If only it would work. With men her last priority right now, Kelly does her best to ignore Patrick despite needing to work together. Kelly doesn't know what's worse — his lame jokes or his driving skills.After Kelly discovers she's inherited her grandfather's property, she heads north. Patrick lands on her doorstep right when she could use the extra help. Amidst the hard work of untangling vines from the derelict castle, an astonishing history emerges and an unexpected chemistry ignites between them. Until Kelly's parents turn up unannounced, and suddenly there's no room for Patrick in her life. Despite all the pain she's endured, pushing Patrick away hurts the most.Patrick gets it, and doesn't stand in her way. He must travel his own road littered with uncertainty and doubt to find his rightful place. Once again, it's the Australian outback that heals him. Could a chance find of a precious stone draw them back together?