Tall, Dark and Texan. Annette Broadrick

       An untameable bachelor meets his match in this classic reader favorite story from USA TODAY bestselling author Annette Broadrick.

      After a shocking betrayal, Dan Crenshaw left behind his corporate empire to live alone—forever. Then his Texas seclusion was shattered by Shannon Doyle, his kid sister’s friend. The vulnerable beauty infiltrated his lone existence with her home-cooked meals and wifelike concern. But Dan would never convert to family man. And though he dreamed of taking Shannon to the depths of passion and back again, his fierce honor wouldn’t allow him to take her innocence...unless he slipped a ring on her finger....

       Silhouette Books is proud to present

       Annette Broadrick’s

       Tall, Dark & Texan

      Since 1984, fans worldwide have savored beloved romance author Annette Broadrick’s enormous talent for writing emotional, entertaining love stories. Her uplifting novels convey the promise that in every woman’s life there is the possibility of everlasting love.

       PRAISE FOR ANNETTE BROADRICK

      “Annette Broadrick’s glorious love stories always sparkle with irresistible joy and grace.”

      —Melinda Helfer, Romantic Times Magazine

      “Annette Broadrick’s one terrific writer!”

      —Award-winning author Diana Palmer

      Dear Reader,

      Welcome in the millennium, and the 20^th anniversary of Silhouette, with Silhouette Desire—where you’re guaranteed powerful, passionate and provocative love stories that feature rugged heroes and spirited heroines who experience the full emotional intensity of falling in love!

      We are happy to announce that the ever-fabulous Annette Broadrick will give us the first MAN OF THE MONTH of the 21^st century, Tall, Dark & Texan. A highly successful Texas tycoon opens his heart and home to a young woman who’s holding a secret. Lindsay McKenna makes a dazzling return to Desire with The Untamed Hunter, part of her highly successful MORGAN’S MERCENARIES: THE HUNTERS miniseries. Watch sparks fly when a hard-bitten mercenary is reunited with a spirited doctor—the one woman who got away.

      A Texan Comes Courting features another of THE KEEPERS OF TEXAS from Lass Small’s miniseries. A cowboy discovers the woman of his dreams—and a shocking revelation. Alexandra Sellers proves a virginal heroine can bring a Casanova to his knees in Occupation: Casanova. Desire’s themed series THE BRIDAL BID debuts with Amy J. Fetzer’s Going…Going…Wed! And in Conveniently His, Shirley Rogers presents best friends turned lovers in a marriage-of-convenience story.

      Each and every month, Silhouette Desire offers you six exhilarating journeys into the seductive world of romance. So start off the new millennium right, by making a commitment to sensual love and treating yourself to all six!

      Enjoy!

      Joan Marlow Golan

      Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire

      Tall, Dark & Texan

      Annette Broadrick

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      To Pam Firle

      Who’s not only a terrific neighbor, but a great friend.

      Thank you for being there for me.

       Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Dear Reader

       Title Page

       Dedication

       Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

       Six

       Seven

       Eight

       Nine

       Ten

       Eleven

       Twelve

       Thirteen

       Fourteen

       Fifteen

       Sixteen

       Seventeen

       Epilogue

       Extract

       Copyright

       One

      Dan Crenshaw noticed her as soon as she stepped inside the smoke-filled bar. He wasn’t the only one. Provocatively dressed in a bright, tropical print strapless dress with her black hair tumbling around her shoulders and down her back, the woman stuck out like an exotic flower in a patch of weeds.

      Although small, there was nothing childlike about her. The dress molded her softly rounded body in