Wade conducted an about-face and bumped into Lindsay, who had followed him. He grabbed her arms to keep her from falling, his fingers sliding across her skin, the urge to draw her closer so powerful he shook with the effort to resist.
The green of her eyes drew him in, mesmerizing him. The curve of her full lower lip begged to be kissed. Wade swallowed hard on the rise of desire. He hadnât come to the Long K Ranch to rekindle a burned-out flame. His mission was to expose this womanâs grandfather for attempted murder.
With all the self-control he could muster, his hands dropped to his sides, his fingers still tingling with her warmth. âYour grandfather said that if you want to talk to him, hurry up. Heâd like to go to bed.â
She pulled that full bottom lip between her teeth and chewed on it like she always had when she worked a problem in her head. âOkay. But we really need to talk.â
âTomorrow.â Wade turned and left before he forgot why heâd come. Before he started thinking there might still be something between them, if he gave it a chance.
This book is dedicated to my husband
whose patience and understanding allows me to pursue my dreams and follow my imagination in my writing career. Love you, honey!
Golden Heart Winner for Best Paranormal Romance in 2004, Elle James started writing when her sister issued a Y2K challenge to write a romance novel. She managed a full-time job, raised three wonderful children and she and her husband even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas Hill Country. Ask her, and sheâll tell you what itâs like to go toe to toe with an angry 350-pound bird! After leaving her successful career in information technology management, Elle is now pursuing her writing full-time. She loves building exciting stories about heroes, heroines, romance and passion. Elle loves to hear from fans. You can contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.ellejames.com.
Wade ColtraneâFormer Army Special Forces member whose specialty is infiltrating enemy lines, hired by Corps Security and Investigations to infiltrate the Long K Ranch.
Lindsay KempâGranddaughter of the owner of Long K Ranch who had the misfortune of falling in love with Wade Coltrane and now bears the secret of a night of passion between them.
Henry KempâOwner of the Long K Ranch who has a hatred of all things Lockhart and isnât afraid to tell everyone. Identified as a suspect who may be responsible for hiring a gunman to shoot Governor Lockhart, does his hatred of the Lockharts go deep enough to hire a killer?
Lila LockhartâGovernor of the state of Texas and potential candidate for the next U.S. presidential election. Her family is in jeopardy thanks to an unknown threat.
Bart BellowsâWheelchair-bound owner of the Corps Security and Investigations Agency. Bart is an eccentric billionaire, a Vietnam vet and a former CIA agent determined to help others.
Frank DorianâRecently hired ranch hand on the Long K Ranch who is aggressive, possessive and wonât leave Lindsay Kemp alone.
Cal MurphyâLocal pediatrician, Lindsay Kempâs ex-fiancé and Wade Coltraneâs high school rival.
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
âHello, Bart.â Governor Lila Lockhart spoke softly into the cell phone. With a bodyguard on either side, she had no privacy and it had been that way since the incident.
âLila, Iâm glad you called. Have there been any more threats?â
âNot since the Rory Stockett shooting, thank goodness. I just called to thank you and your team for all of your help. I couldnât have gotten through the past two weeks without knowing I had you watching my back.â
âLila, Rory was hired by someone and that someone still hasnât been found,â Bart warned. âMy men are still on full alert. I expect you to be equally vigilant.â
âI am, believe me. I hate that all this is happening. Iâm beginning to reconsider my options once this gubernatorial term is over.â
âWeâll find him, Lila. Donât go making rash decisions based on a crazy man taking potshots at you. Youâre not one to run. Thatâs what I find most attractive about you.â
Lila smiled. âThanks, Bart. A little flattery always works wonders.â
Bart chuckled. âMy pleasure. Let me know if you need anything else. The men of Corps Security and Investigations are here to help see you through this.â
Lila clicked the off button and leaned back in her seat, the smell of leather relaxing to her senses. It had been a grueling day of meetings, and she couldnât wait to get home and take a long hot bath.
It seemed a little odd thinking of getting naked in a bathtub with two very large, very strong bodyguards sitting on either side of her. A smile curved her lips. They would be appalled if they could read her mind.