Travis Comes Home. Patricia Thayer

      “Where’s your sense of adventure?” Travis asked, as his mouth returned to Josie’s for another heart-stopping kiss.

      She didn’t want to think beyond how wonderful he made her feel. But common sense won out, and she called a halt to the craziness. “Whoa, cowboy, I think things are getting out of hand.”

      Travis smiled. “And this is a bad thing?”

      “Yes. We’ve both been hurt by past relationships.”

      “So, what’s wrong with…being friendly?”

      She gave him an incredulous look.

      “Don’t you see,” Travis continued, “you and I have no secrets.”

      Josie tried not to look guilty, knowing Travis had a knack for reading her. How would he react if he discovered her secret? She didn’t want to know. She wasn’t foolish enough to think anything serious could happen between them. A few laughs and some kisses shared with a good-looking man. As long as she remembered that, one day…soon, she would have to pack up and walk away.

      Problem was, could she handle that?

      Dear Reader,

      I hope the long hot summer puts you in the mood for romance— Silhouette Romance, that is! Because we’ve got a month chock-full of exciting stories. And be sure to check out just how Silhouette can make you a star!

      Elizabeth Harbison returns with her CINDERELLA BRIDES miniseries. In His Secret Heir, an English earl discovers the American student he’d once known had left with more than his heart…. And Teresa Southwick’s Crazy for Lovin’ You begins a new series set in DESTINY, TEXAS. Filled with emotion, romance and a touch of intrigue, these stories are sure to captivate you!

      Cara Colter’s THE WEDDING LEGACY begins with Husband by Inheritance. An heiress gains a new home—complete with the perfect husband. Only, he doesn’t know it yet! And Patricia Thayer’s THE TEXAS BROTHERHOOD comes to a triumphant conclusion when Travis Comes Home.

      Lively, high-spirited Julianna Morris shows a woman’s determination to become a mother with Tick Tock Goes the Baby Clock and Roxann Delaney gives us A Saddle Made for Two.

      We’ve also got a special treat in store for you! Next month, look for Marie Ferrarella’s The Inheritance, a spin-off from the MAITLAND MATERNITY series. This title is specially packaged with the introduction to the new Harlequin continuity series, TRUEBLOOD, TEXAS. But The Inheritance then leads back into Silhouette Romance, so be sure to catch the opening act.

      Happy Reading!

      Mary-Theresa Hussey

      Senior Editor

      Travis Comes Home

      Patricia Thayer

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      To Hence Barrow,

      A special man who taught a California girl about ranching

       and the love of Texas. I’ll always treasure our visits, the great stories, but mostly your friendship. You were my inspiration for this series. Can’t wait for your 100th birthday party. Save me a dance. Love, Pat

      PATRICIA THAYER

      has been writing for the past sixteen years and has published fifteen books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion and a prestigious RITA Award. In 1997, Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.

      Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of thirty years, Steve, and her three sons (along with her new daughter-in-law)—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251.

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Epilogue

      Chapter One

      Travis Randell reined in his horse as they approached the rise. He drew a long breath to help slow his breathing from the hard ride and looked out at the incredible lush green view of Mustang Valley.

      A rich blue sky topped the line of long grass waving in the warm breeze. Shrubs and huge oak trees dotted the landscape like soldiers protecting their land. They also sheltered the small herd of mustangs the valley had been named for, and twenty years ago, the three misfit Randell boys who had come to live on the Circle B.

      Removing his hat, Travis used his shirtsleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Texas in October. The early morning heat was surprisingly intense, and he’d ridden his mount pretty hard. Not a good idea, but Rocky was just as eager as he was for the race. As a kid, Travis could outride both his older brothers. Chance and Cade had thought he was just plain crazy.

      Maybe he was. Maybe that was how he lost everything, or maybe it was because he’d let himself trust. Not an easy trait for a Randell. But he had, and paid the price. All his dreams had gone up in smoke.

      Hell, he was going to make his first million before thirty. He’d succeeded all right, but lost it even faster. And no matter how far or how fast he’d ridden, he couldn’t outrun the pain and shame that plagued him. Once again the family name had been tarnished, and he’d caused it.

      Travis climbed off his horse, and taking the reins, led the roan gelding toward the creek. He crouched down, scooped some water in his cupped hands and drank thirstily. After having his fill, he stood, leaving Rocky at the stream and went to sit under a tree.

      Travis had been back at the Circle B for two weeks, and if it hadn’t been for Ella, he’d still be hiding out in his old bedroom. He smiled. Even when he’d been a kid, the Circle B housekeeper would never let him brood. She said it was a waste of time. Early this morning, she’d pushed him out of the house and told him she didn’t want to see him back until dinner.

      Sadness coursed through him as he thought about the past month. How had his life fallen apart? All the years of school, work, the planning and sacrifices he’d given up to start his computer security business, Private Access. It was history now. It was gone. All because he’d trusted a woman.

      Damn! How could he let himself be taken in? He thought he was too smart. Hell, maybe he would have seen it coming if he’d been thinking with his brain and not his… He shook away the thought of Lisa’s expert seduction. Next time he’d be ready.

      God help the woman who tries it again.

      The sound of a voice interrupted his thoughts. Travis cocked his head and listened. Someone was singing. A soft, husky woman’s voice floated through the air. He stood. There wasn’t supposed to be anyone around. Certainly not on Circle B land.

      Angered by the invasion, he followed the sound toward a group of shrubs about a hundred yards up the creek and stopped suddenly when his gaze locked on the grove