The Standby Guy — Natasha Moore

For the last fifteen years, Katie Dixon has been focused on her responsibility as a single mother, raising her son and making ends meet. Now her son's off to college, her photography business is stable, and she's more than ready to embrace her "me time," including a romantic fling or two. The only problem is that she hasn't dated in years and needs a little help finding her confidence again.

Carter Colburn has been her next door neighbor and closest friend for years. So when he needs a date for a business dinner that could boost his law firm and help keep the family business on solid footing, she offers to pretend to be his girlfriend. He's funny, sexy, and a confirmed bachelor -- the perfect guy to help her find her mojo and nothing more.

But when local residents catch them sharing a tipsy kiss, the rumor mill goes wild. It's fun to pretend to be dating for a while. But when Carter starts to take the idea of settling down with his best friend seriously, Katie is terrified by the prospect of losing her precious "me time" all over again.