Karen Whiddonâs story of abduction in the Lone Star state will have your pulse racing!
Every time Brock McCauley locks eyes with Zoe Onella, his heart aches. Though Zoe explains why she skipped town, leaving him at the altar years ago, Brock refuses to go down that road again. After all, sheâs only back in Anniversary, Texas, to help investigate the bizarre disappearance of her best friend, Shayna.
The sooner they find Shayna, the sooner Zoe can return to New York. But Brock canât stop thinking about the hot passion they once shared. And when danger surrounds Zoe, he must protect the only woman heâs ever loved. Even if it costs him everything.
âWeâre still no closer to finding her than we were before,â Brock said.
The maddening hint of arrogance in his profile should have angered Zoe. Instead, she wanted to reach across the desk and kiss him.
What was wrong with her?
Getting up, she moved slowly to the door, careful not to look at Brock, stunned at the sheer strength of the simmering desire she felt for him. Her body ached for his touch, filling her entire being with a fierce and urgent wanting. Even now, when every ounce of her focus should be on finding her friend.
Sheâd already lost so much when sheâd had to leave townâher fiancé, her family, her friends and her home. She couldnât bear losing Shayna, too.
Brock didnât call after her or follow her, and even though she hadnât expected him to, she told herself she was glad. What had she expected? Nothing she was learning about Shayna added up.
Zoe needed to regain her objectivity about Brock, and about Shayna, too. Until her friend was foundâalive orâ¦God help herâ¦dead.
Dear Reader,
Though Iâm a native New Englander and grew up in New York and Colorado, Iâm an honorary Texan. Iâve lived in this big-hearted state for more years than I want to admit and have come to love and admire the people. They are justifiably proud to be Texans. I love setting books in the Lone Star state, especially in the fictional town of Anniversary.
In addition to small towns, I love a good homecoming story. So the idea for Texas Secrets, Loversâ Lies was born. When my heroine, Zoe Onella, returns to the townâand the manâsheâd run away from five years earlier, she is surprised to learn nothing is what it seems.
Life is like that sometimes. I personally think the little twists and turns are what keeps life interesting. And, as Zoe and Brock McCauley eventually learn, sometimes having that special someone to help navigate brings more joy than one ever could have imagined.
I hope you enjoy Texas Secrets, Loversâ Lies. Thereâs murder and mayhem, secrets, half-truths and lies. There also is love. Because in the end, thatâs the most important part of the story after all.
Sincerely,
Karen Whiddon
Karen Whiddon
started weaving fanciful tales for her younger brothers at the age of eleven. Amid the Catskill Mountains of New York, then the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she fueled her imagination with the natural beauty that surrounded her. Karen now lives in north Texas, where she shares her life with her very own hero of a husband and three doting dogs. Also an entrepreneur, she divides her time between the business she started and writing. You can email Karen at [email protected] or write to her at P.O. Box 820807, Fort Worth, TX 76182. Fans of her writing can also check out her website, www.karenwhiddon.com.
First and always, to my wonderful husband. Thanks, Lonnie, for making my dreams come true. Second, a shout-out to all the dedicated and hardworking people who volunteer in animal rescue. You work so hard and give so tirelessly of not only your time, but your wallets and purses, to help those creatures who have no voice. Hats off to you for all you doâespecially you, Legacy Boxer Rescue, Inc.
Chapter 1
I wish you were here.
In her mind Zoe Onella replayed the last words her best friend, Shayna, had said to her before disappearing. Or maybe I could visit there. I really need you right now. The entire cross-country trip from New York to Dallas, Zoe wished sheâd have probed or, even better, agreed to let Shayna visit.
Instead, sheâd rushed Shayna off the phone so she could meet a couple of friends for happy hour. And then, two weeks later, the next phone call had been from Shaynaâs mother, Mama Bell, worried because she couldnât locate her daughter. Mama had actually believed Shayna might have been with Zoe.
With guilt churning inside her, Zoe collected her luggage and stepped outside. The scorching air blasted her like a furnace. Ah, yes. Dallas was still the same as she remembered. Hot and miserable. She slipped on her dark glasses before she looked around for her ride.
No one on the sidewalk even looked familiar. Which was odd, since Mama Bell had promised to send someone to collect her. Fine. Squaring her shoulders, Zoe hefted her suitcase and began the trek to the cab area, lifting her chin and making her stride confident despite the towering heels she wore. This was her New York persona, one she planned to hang on to while here in Texas, to remind herself of the person sheâd become.