Falling for the Boss Being tied up and delivered to the sheriff was not how Nicole O’Malley expected to meet her new boss. Quinn Darling had the audacity to mistake her for a burglar! Now she’s counting the days until she can leave small-town life behind to open her own boutique. But as long as she’s helping two runaways escape their vindictive stepdad, she can’t leave town. Quinn’s determined to triumph in his first business venture without the support of his wealthy family. He can’t succeed without assistant Nicole, a beauty as prickly as she is captivating. As Quinn adjusts to the tight-knit community, he’s soon set on another goal: breaking through Nicole’s reserve to capture the love hidden in her heart. Smoky Mountain Matches: Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains “Mr. Darling, meet your shop assistant.” Words failed him. Rational thought failed him. Those magnificent violet eyes speared him as the sheriff helped her stand so that he could free her wrists. “You are Nicole O’Malley?” “In the flesh.” The perfect lips thinned with displeasure, then winced as she gingerly rubbed the skin where the rope had chafed. Quinn winced along with her. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Way to make a great first impression, Darling. Then he recalled her culpability in the situation. “Why did you attack me?” he demanded. “I thought you were an intruder. Why did you sneak in here after hours?” “I didn’t sneak. This is my store. Besides, the door was unlocked.” The sheriff snapped his knife closed and slid it into his pocket. “I think I’ll leave you two to get better acquainted.” His smile was rueful as he passed Quinn. “Welcome to Gatlinburg.” KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies. From Boss to Bridegroom Karen Kirst I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. —Psalms 139:14 To Meredith Black—many thanks for your encouragement and sound advice. I’m so grateful the Lord brought you into our lives. Love you, dear friend! Contents June 1882 Gatlinburg, Tennessee There was an intruder in the mercantile. In her haste, Nicole O’Malley had forgotten to lock the rear entrance, and 
