USA TODAY bestselling author Julie Millerâs The Precinct: Task Force series heats up when a plain Jane and an experienced cop pose as an engaged couple.
Something about Hope Lockhart fascinated Officer Pike Taylor. The cop and his canine companion had been patrolling the neighborhood around Hopeâs bridal shop for months, trying to capture the criminal who targeted her. Was it the way she hid her voluptuous beauty beneath a plain Jane exterior?
Hope bore the scars of a troubling past. And despite a profession steeped in romance, sheâd never known the love of a man. But when Pike is assigned to protect her by posing as her live-in fiance, his tenderness may give Hope the courage to open her heart for the very first time.
âFeel what?â
âSomeone watching.â She tipped her head back to see his sharp gaze swinging back and forth. He was looking, too. âDo you think Iâm paranoid?â
That clear blue gaze settled on her. âNo. Iâve felt it, too.â His hands tightened at her waist and he pulled her into his chest, winding his arms behind her back and resting his chin at the crown of her hair.
Her arms caught between them and she whispered against the KCPD logo embroidered on his chest. âDid you see someone? What do you need me to do?â
âEasy, partner. I need you to let me hold you for a minute. Okay?â
Hope nodded. She willed herself to relax against him. âIâm okay with that.â
âYouâre not alone, Hope. Itâs you and me, remember? This guyâs going to try to come after you, but he wonât get to you, understand? I wonât let him.â
Whatever the reason behind this show of support, Hope curled her fingers into the back of his shirt and held on. She needed to feel safe for a few moments. She needed to know sheâd made the right decision to agree to helping the police.
She needed to hear him say it again, in that deep, husky voice that danced across her eardrums and soothed the fear from her heart. âYouâre not alone.â
USA TODAY bestselling author JULIE MILLER attributes her passion for writing romance to all those books she read growing up. When shyness and asthma kept her from becoming the action-adventure heroine she longed to be, Julie created stories in her head to keep herself entertained. Encouragement from her family to write down the feelings and ideas she couldnât express became a love for the written word. She gets continued support from her fellow members of the Prairieland Romance Writers, where this teacher serves as the resident âgrammar goddess.â Inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie and Encyclopedia Brown, Julie believes the only thing better than a good mystery is a good romance.
Born and raised in Missouri, this award-winning author now lives in Nebraska with her husband, son and an assortment of spoiled pets. To contact Julie or to learn more about her books, write to PO Box 5162, Grand Island, NE 68802-5162, USA or check out her website and monthly newsletter at www.juliemiller.org..
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Hope LockhartâWedding planner and owner of Fairy Tale Bridal Shop. A shy, secretive woman who makes happily-ever-afterâs happen for everyone else. After escaping a close encounter with the Rose Red Rapist, the neighborhood spinster becomes the task forceâs best chance at capturing him. But agreeing to be the bait in KCPDâs trap means facing off against her own private fearsâ¦and a man who wants her dead.
Edison âPikeâ TaylorâK-9 cop with KCPD. Nobody protects and serves Kansas City the way a Taylor can. This neighborhood cop has got his work cut out for him when heâs assigned to go undercover as Hopeâs fiancé. Teaching the inexperienced Hope how to act like a woman in love is challenging enough. Keeping her alive might be the toughestâand most importantâmission this cop could have.
HansâPikeâs canine partner. A well-trained officer who likes playing tug-of-war and chasing down bad guys.
Hank Lockhart, Sr.âHopeâs father wants his daughterâs forgiveness.
Nelda SapphireâHankâs girlfriend.
Brian ElliottâHopeâs mentor and friend. His vision for revitalizing downtown KC doesnât include a serial rapist.
Adam MatuszakâHopeâs attorney. Where do his loyalties really lie?
Leon HundleyâThe neighborhood handyman has fixed a lot of things in Hopeâs shop.
Gabriel KnightâReporter at the Kansas City Journal. Whatâs his deal with KCPD, anyway?
Vanessa OwenâTelevision news reporter. Sheâs got the lead on a story that could make her a star.
The Rose Red RapistâWill he finally be brought to justice?
For the wonderful pets who have blessed my life: Purr, Bobbi, Boots, Frosty, Cocky, Peanut Butter, George, Anxious, Butterscotch, Reitzie, Duke, Patches, Sherlock, Shasta, Padre, Maxie and Maggie.
Please consider supporting your local animal shelter, and open your heart to a new furry friend.