HER RANCHER PROTECTOR
The last person Montana rancher Tyler Hunt expected to see on his ranch was his soon-to-be ex-wife. True, he had yet to sign the divorce papers, but Julie had sworn never to return. One look in her eyes, however, and he knew why she was back. Julie was in desperate need of his help.
Sheâd left Tyler, fearing the loss of her identity. But that desire for independence had caused her life to be put in jeopardy, and Tyler was the only man she could trust. Yet even as the mystery surrounding her new life brought them back together, a secret from Tylerâs own past was threatening their reunion. Would they ever have the chance to recapture the bond theyâd once shared?
âWhatâs going on?â he demanded.
âIâmâ¦Iâm in trouble,â she stammered, trembling now from a vast array of emotions too complicated to name. âIâ¦I shouldnât have involved you. I justâ¦I just didnât know where else to turn. Iâm afraid, Tyler. Someone is trying to kill me and Iâmâ¦Iâm scared.â
His hands dropped. âWhoâs trying to kill you?â he said at last.
âWhat do you care?â she managed to say.
It took him a long minute to respond, and when he did, his voice sounded almost resigned. âI just do,â he said, reaching out for her again, tugging on her sleeve, pulling her gently against his rock-solid chest.
His hands holding her head, he whispered against her hair. âHeaven help me, Julie, I just do.â
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alice Sharpe met her husband-to-be on a cold, foggy beach in Northern California. One year later they were married. Their union has survived the rearing of two children, a handful of earthquakes registering over 6.5, numerous cats and a few special dogs, the latest of which is a yellow Lab named Annie Rose. Alice and her husband now live in a small rural town in Oregon, where she devotes the majority of her time to pursuing her second love, writing.
Alice loves to hear from readers. You can write her c/o Harlequin Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279. An SASE for reply is appreciated.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Tyler HuntâDevastated when Julie left him, heâs getting on with his life until the moment she shows up again. She arrives with a story he doesnât want to hear, asking for things he doesnât want to give. It isnât long before he finds the life he made without her is as fragile as a sandcastle at high tide.
Julie Chilton HuntâShe left Tyler to find herself and landed in a dream job. Things seemed to be going well until she agreed to help a federal agent get the dirt on her boss. Now someone is trying to kill her and sheâs forced to seek help from the one person she has no right to ask.
Rose HuntâTylerâs mother and the heart of the Hunt Ranch, this widow is tough as nailsâusually. So whatâs got her on edge now?
John SmythâThis likable, helpful guy is a guest on the Hunt Ranch. So why is he always asking questions and why, when deadly things happen, is he usually missing?
James KilligrewâJulieâs boss fires her in outrage when she admits she was duped. Now heâs apparently looking for her. What are his intentions?
AndyâThis wranglerâs idea of home is a saddle atop his favorite horse. Add a thermos of coffee and now itâs heavenâ¦which he could end up visiting soon if a gunman has anything to say about it.
NoraâJulieâs friend is convinced Julie has gone off the deep end. Instead of worrying about Julie, perhaps she should watch her own back.
Roger TrillâWhat is this lawmanâs goal and how many people is he willing to sacrifice to accomplish it?
Meg PetersenâA real-estate agent tickled pink to visit a genuine ranch. Sheâs got a pretty good opinion of her skills. Is a murderer going to push them to the limit?
Red SandersâThis Boston lawyer seems to enjoy the sauce a little too much. Or does he?
Dr. Robert MarquisâAn emergency-room doctor is a handy man to have along on a cattle drive. Chances are good that before this trip is over, heâll have earned his keep.
This book is dedicated to Lucy Arlene with much love.
Chapter One
Julie Chilton wiped damp palms against her skirt and took a deep breath. When she spoke, her voice wavered as her vocal cords struggled with the words. âThereâs something I have to tell you,â she said.
Her boss, Professor James Killigrew, gestured at the chair on the far side of his glass desk. âYou look upset, Julie. Please, sit down.â
He was a tall man with a scholarly look enhanced by glasses and tweed jackets. His high forehead ended in a shock of wild white hair but it was his voice, above all, that commanded attention. Like a fine wine holds nuances of sun, fruit and earth, his voice held intonations of wisdom, confidence and curiosity. No wonder he was so successful at supplementing his political science professorâs salary with speaking engagements or that television news shows sought his on-air commentary.