Murder in Montana?
Cowboy Justin Calhoun is certain that Chloe Clementine is the one who got away. Now sheâs back in Whitehorse, Montana, for the holidaysâand Justinâs ready to make his move. But Chloe has a secret Santa whoâs been sending her not-so-nice presents, each more threatening than the last. Now they must find Chloeâs stalker Santa...before their fairy-tale Christmas turns into a nightmare.
Whitehorse, Montana: The Clementine Sisters
B.J. DANIELS is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She wrote her first book after a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist and author of thirty-seven published short stories. She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, and three springer spaniels. When not writing, she quilts, boats and plays tennis. Contact her at bjdaniels.com, on Facebook or on Twitter, @bjdanielsauthor.
Also by B.J. Daniels
Hard Rustler
Rogue Gunslinger
Rugged Defender
Cowboyâs Redemption
Dark Horse
Dead Ringer
Rough Rider
Renegadeâs Pride
Outlawâs Honor
Heroâs Return
Rancherâs Dream
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk
ISBN: 978-1-474-07944-0
RUGGED DEFENDER
© 2018 Barbara Heinlein
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
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This book is for Lu Besel, one of the most gracious
women I know. I want to be you when I grow up.
Chapter One
It all began with a kiss. At least thatâs the way Chloe Clementine remembered it. A winter kiss, which is nothing like a summer one. The cold, icy air around you. Puffs of white breaths intermingling. Warm lips touching, tingling as they meet for the very first time.
Chloe thought that kiss would be the last thing she remembered before she died of old age. It was the kissâand the cowboy whoâd kissed herâthat sheâd been dreaming about when her phone rang. Being in Whitehorse had brought it all back after all these years.
She groaned, wanting to keep sleeping so she could stay in that cherished memory longer. Her phone rang again. She swore that if it was one of her sisters calling this early...
âWhat?â she demanded into the phone without bothering to see who was calling. Sheâd been so sure that it would be her youngest sister, Annabelle, the morning person.
âHello?â The voice was male and familiar. For just a moment she thought sheâd conjured up the cowboy from the kiss. âItâs Justin.â
Justin? She sat straight up in bed. Thoughts zipped past at a hundred miles an hour. How had he gotten her cell phone number? Why was he calling? Was he in Whitehorse?
âJustin,â she said, her voice sounding croaky from sleep. She cleared her throat. âI thought it was Annabelle calling. Whatâs up?â She glanced at the clock. Whatâs up at seven forty-five in the morning?
âI know itâs early but I got your message.â
Now she really was confused. âMy message?â She had danced with his best friend at the Christmas Dance recently, but she hadnât sent Justin a message.