Seven years ago, private investigator Rafe Diaz went to prison for a crime he didn't commit–and Allie Fielding's testimony helped put him there.Now the popular socialite holds his client's fate in her manicured hands. But this time, the charge is murder one. And Rafe intends to question Allie until that glossy mouth of hers tells the truth. Shooting daggers from those smoldering eyes, Rafe could easily pass for the bad guy Allie once thought he was.,But now, her one-time enemy is the only man who can protect her. Because a cold-blooded murderer wants to ensure she never gets another day on the witness stand…
When FBI special agent Rory Sinclair saw the woman who ran the guest house where he was staying, she wasn't the apron-clad lady with graying hair tucked in a prim bun he'd envisioned. Not even close.Peggy Honeywell was a young single mom whose seductive gaze nearly froze him in his tracks. Going undercover to expose the danger looming at the Colton-endowed Hopechest Ranch wasn't nearly so hard as pretending he didn't ache to take this wary widow in his arms and make every room in her house theirs–exclusively. And for the first time in his life, this hardened lawman felt like more than his job was at stake…because protecting Peggy would be a lifetime commitment!
FROM: PAIGE CARMICHAELSUBJECT: TROUBLE WITH LATEST ASSIGNMENTA joke. That's what most cops think of me, an expert in Forensic Statement Analysis. I catch criminals by what they say–and, more important, what they don't. The science of language and double meanings fascinates me, and if that makes me a nerd at the police department, I can live with it. Even suffer the contempt of hot homicide cop Nate McCall. But an odd statement from one of Oklahoma City's finest has triggered my suspicion–his words ring of murder. And proving it could silence me forever….
When FBI special agent Rory Sinclair saw the woman who ran the guest house where he was staying, she wasn't the apron-clad lady with graying hair tucked in a prim bun he'd envisioned. Not even close.Peggy Honeywell was a young single mom whose seductive gaze nearly froze him in his tracks. Going undercover to expose the danger looming at the Colton-endowed Hopechest Ranch wasn't nearly so hard as pretending he didn't ache to take this wary widow in his arms and make every room in her house theirs–exclusively. And for the first time in his life, this hardened lawman felt like more than his job was at stake…because protecting Peggy would be a lifetime commitment!
WE HAVE YOUR SON!The ransom for five-year-old Matthew was one million dollars cash. And in a terrifying instant all of Kathryn Conner's dreams of a new life at her family's Texas ranch, far from the scandal of her failed Hollywood marriage, were blindsided by the only thing that mattered: saving her son.A desperate mother will do desperate things, even turn to a man who loved and left her long ago, a man whose touch still haunted her dreams. But Clay Turner was her last–her only–hope at finding Matthew. Clay knew what was at stake, shared her pain and understood what it took for her to seek him out. Because the look in Kathryn's eyes reflected the same searing memories fighting their way back to his heart, as well.This time, he won't let her down.
Champion jockey Melanie Preston believes romance and sex are complications best avoided. Besides, she has enough to worry about with Quest Stables tottering on the edge of financial ruin! But when the gorgeous thorn in her side – horse trainer Marcus Vasquez – leaves to open his own stable, Melanie is torn between relief…and desire for a man she can't trust.Marcus's dark good looks go hand in hand with a past that's just as mysterious. A past with which he was forced to sever all ties…forever. But when he and Melanie work side by side once again, they find themselves plunged into an increasingly dangerous plot. Now Marcus's secrets could hold the key to Quest's Thoroughbred mystery…if they don't threaten Melanie's life!
To: Lieutenant Brandon McCallSubject: Temporary AssignmentAn escaped murderer has vowed revenge against you for killing his cousin on the job, and he has targeted your estranged wife. Due to your familiarity with the convict–and his potential victim–you are hereby assigned to protect Victoria McCall until further notice. The two of you will move into a safe house ASAP. Spending tension-filled days in such close proximity may lead to the resurrection of powerful feelings long thought dead, but do not let yourselves be distracted by renewed love. Your lives are on the line–and at times like this, desire can be deadly.
Called to Mission Creek to help find the Lone Star Country Club bomber, Chicago Police bomb tech Hart O'Brien never imagined he'd walk straight into the arms of his first–and only–love. Body Perfect spa manager Joan Cooper had become a cool brunette with a touch-me-not attitude.But Hart had touched her one hot summer night ten years ago, then unexpectedly walked away, leaving Joan to deal with the consequences. When anger turns to passion for Joan and Hart, will Joan reveal her ten-year-old secret? Will Hart uncover the identity of the Lone Star bomber?
TO: LIEUTENANT JOSHUA MCCALLSUBJECT: PROBATIONARY PERIODYour reputation for bending the rules nearly cost you your badge, so we suggest you use your time off to think about how much being a cop means to you–and to your family. This time, McCall, try to keep yourself out of trouble.Since you've gotten involved with the mysterious beauty tending bar in sleepy Sundown, Texas, we've investigated her–and discovered she's a murder suspect. Romancing a fugitive isn't a good career move, McCall. And you may be forced to choose between the job you live for–and the woman you can't live without.
To: Sergeant Grace McCall-FoxFrom: Police Chief BerryThe only daughter of our most powerful senator has recently been murdered and her newborn child kidnapped. You and FBI special agent Mark Santini will pose as a childless couple desperate to adopt and bring the suspect into custody–before another murder occurs.I realize you and Mark have a past together and that this could complicate the assignment. It is imperative that you keep up the facade of happily married lovers at all times, but be careful not to let desire cloud your senses. Close quarters could lead to shared passion and searing attraction–and greater risk to your lives.