Barbara Cutrera

Under Her Skin Barbara Cutrera

Everton Marshall lost his wife before he turned twenty. No stranger to hardship, the young widower raised his deaf child while first attending college and then working as a paramedic. Now an empty-nester, Everton is lonely, in need of a career change, and shocked by his daughter's recent revelation regarding her sexual orientation. He surprises himself by confiding in his neighbor, Citrine, who subsequently confesses that she's been attracted to him since they were introduced the previous year. Citrine Gaiman, who runs a hair salon out of her home, isn't used to sharing details about her life. Finding out from F. B. I. agents that she'd been betrayed by the person she loved most, Citrine became adept at concealing her past and the fact that she has Von Willebrand Disease, a bleeding disorder. Suffering rejection from partners who didn't want to live with someone who had VWD, Citrine quickly realizes that Everton understands her situation and isn't bothered by it. Citrine and Everton enjoy camaraderie and passion as they explore the possibility that they are meant to be together. However, an accident may prematurely end their relationship - and Citrine's life - before they have a chance to find out if they're destined for true love.