Attempted Matrimony

“Let me walk you to your car,” Dallas offered with a reassuring smile.

“As a cop, or as an old friend? Or are the lines all blurred, Dallas?”

Blurred as hell, but that wasn’t the answer she needed. “As an old friend.” A hundred unwelcome thoughts tramped through his mind. He had a dead body on his hands. Nothing new, but the facts surrounding the murder were. What were the victim’s ties to Nicole? And why the devil had Nicole become so uncomfortable when he’d asked her about unusual calls?

And what was he going to do about the desire that hit with the force of a boxer’s punch to the gut every time he came within twenty yards of the woman who’d just dropped in to the middle of the crime spree of the decade?

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

We’ve got some of your favorite Harlequin Intrigue authors heating up the book racks this month—USA TODAY bestselling author Susan Kearney among them. Susan concludes her action-packed HEROES INC. trilogy with an exciting story about Saving the Girl Next Door. And look for more HEROES INC. titles in the future from Harlequin Intrigue and Blaze.

Joanna Wayne pens another southern scorcher in her HIDDEN PASSIONS series. Attempted Matrimony explores the desperation of one woman who’s married a madman…and how one good man’s love for her is stronger than any evil.

Veteran Harlequin Intrigue author Caroline Burnes winds up THE LEGEND OF BLACKTHORN duo with Babe in the Woods. We know our readers love gothic stories, and you get a double dose of classic enchantment in this terrific companion series.

Finally, enjoy the allure of a true mystery lover in The Masked Man by B.J. Daniels.

Sincerely,

Denise O’Sullivan

Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Joanna Wayne lives with her husband just a few miles from steamy, exciting New Orleans, but her home is the perfect writer’s hideaway. A lazy bayou, complete with graceful herons, colorful wood ducks and an occasional alligator, winds just below her back garden. When not creating tales of spine-tingling suspense and heartwarming romance, she enjoys reading, traveling, playing golf and spending time with family and friends.

Joanna believes that one of the special joys of writing is knowing that her stories have brought enjoyment to or somehow touched the lives of her readers. You can write Joanna at P.O. Box 2851, Harvey, LA 70059-2851.

Nicole Dalton—The twenty-eight-year-old daughter of recently deceased state senator Gerald Dalton. Her husband’s deadly secrets are destroying their marriage.

Dallas Mitchell—A thirty-one-year-old homicide detective. He’s part of Nicole’s past. Now he fears for her future.

Dr. Malcomb Lancaster—He is a prominent surgeon who swept Nicole off her feet and to the altar.

Ronnie Dalton—Nicole’s autistic brother.

Janice Dalton—Nicole’s cousin and best friend. She’s never trusted Dallas Mitchell, and she’s certain he has an ulterior motive for coming back into Nicole’s life.

Matilda Washington—Nicole’s friend from the university. She wants only the best for Nicole.

Fastidious Freddie—A killer with a penchant for cleanliness.

Karen Tucker—A murdered nurse with ties to Malcomb Lancaster.

Gerald Dalton—Nicole’s father and the late U.S. senator from Louisiana. He was charismatic, powerful and always larger-than-life.

Dr. Jim Castle—He loves his wife, but that didn’t keep him faithful.

Corky Brown—Dallas’s partner. He suspects Dallas has more than a professional interest in Dr. Lancaster’s beautiful wife.

Penny Washington—Matilda’s sister-in-law and Karen Tucker’s friend. She knows secrets that can get her killed.

To women everywhere who have gone through the heartbreak of a failed marriage and found the courage to love again.

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

Chapter Seventeen

Gloria Dalton’s voice quavered above the crinkly sounds of squashed satin as she gave Nicole a warm hug. “This is a magnificent reception, and you are such a beautiful bride.”

“Thank you, Aunt Gloria.”

“I can practically see Gerald now, strutting around like a peacock pointing out to everyone in heaven that you’re his daughter. And Malcomb is such a nice man. Not only successful, but thoughtful and considerate. That’s a rarity these days.”

“I agree,” Janice Dalton said, walking up to join her mother and Nicole. “The last available, charming, rich bachelor in Shreveport and you got to him first. Just my luck.”

Nicole linked her arm with her cousin’s. “As if you were ready to settle down with just one man.”

“Hey, it could happen.”

Gloria parked her hands on her hips. “I should live so long.”

“Spoken like a mother,” Janice said, smiling. The smile faded the second her mother walked away. Then Janice studied Nicole’s face closely. “What’s up with you?”