Courted By The Cowboy. Sasha Summers

      

      SAFE AT LAST?

      Kylee James is giving hope one more chance, this time in Stonewall Crossing, Texas. Hope wasn’t supposed to come in the form of a hunky cowboy—local veterinarian Fisher Boone. But a good man like Fisher deserves a life without Kylee’s baggage, so letting him go is the best way she can love him.

      Fisher wants to help Kylee find a fresh start and happiness, especially if she found it with him. But Kylee seems intent on pushing him away. When her painful past resurfaces, will Kylee finally open her heart to Fisher, or will she run from the one man who’d do anything to protect her?

      “Must be nice to be a Boone.” Kylee smiled.

      Fisher nodded. “It is. I’m lucky.”

      She nodded, immediately caught up in the pull of his green eyes. The more time they spent together, the stronger it became. Especially when they were alone, like they were now. She wanted to go to him…but she couldn’t move.

      He did.

      His hands settled on her shoulders and his thumbs trailed the ridges of her collarbones. How could such a light caress make her breathless? How could such a big man look at her with such tenderness?

      “Kylee,” he murmured.

      “Fisher,” she said, running her hands up his arms to grip his shoulders. The cotton of his shirt did little to cover the expanse of his shoulders. He was a strong man, a man who could be considered dangerous. But she knew the only danger he posed was to her heart.

      Dear Reader,

      Welcome back to Stonewall Crossing!

      Small Texas towns are magical places. From town squares to main streets, the traditions and character of a place define the people—and vice versa. But there are drawbacks: everyone knows everyone else’s business. So it can be incredibly hard for someone looking for a place to fade into the background or disappear altogether.

      Kylee James’s life has taught her one thing: don’t trust anyone. Except maybe her twelve-year-old brother Shawn. From foster homes to living on the streets of Las Vegas, Kylee has done the best she could by her little brother. Including leaving Las Vegas for Stonewall Crossing.

      Fisher Boone is a nice guy. The funny one. A good friend. (I’d love to play some pool with him.) But he’s never had much luck with the ladies—not that he’s ever minded much. Until Kylee James arrives in town. There’s something fun about writing a big, manly man who falls in love for the first time. Fisher has a heart of gold; he’s a giver and a protector. So having him both want to woo and protect this skittish, wary woman is hard work. But, as you’ll see, Fisher isn’t a quitter. Which is good news for Kylee.

      I’ve become very attached to the Boone family and their work at the Veterinarian Teaching Hospital and their ranch. And, like before, there are plenty of animal adventures to keep all the Boone brothers busy. One of my favorite things about this book is the relationship between two of the brothers. You’ll have to figure out which two I’m talking about and let me know what you think.

      Happy reading!

      Sasha Summers

      Courted by the Cowboy

      Sasha Summers

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      SASHA SUMMERS grew up surrounded by books. Her passions have always been storytelling, romance and travel. Whether it’s an easy-on-the-eyes cowboy or a hero of truly mythic proportions, Sasha falls a little in love with each and every one of her heroes. She frequently gets lost with her characters in the worlds she creates, forgetting those everyday tasks like laundry and dishes. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and helpful.

      Dedicated to my beloved friend Marilyn Tucker.

      I miss your grammatical genius, your sparkling wit, your wonderful hugs and your laughter.

      Thank you for being a wonderful critique partner and an even better friend.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

      Dear Reader

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Epilogue

       Extract

       Copyright

       Chapter One

      Kylee glanced up as the door to Shots opened. Her pulse leaped and her legs tightened, ready to run. Ice-cold fear engulfed her, twisting her insides and making her lungs ache. An older gentleman shuffled in, tipping his well-worn cowboy hat in greeting before heading to the poker game taking place in the back corner. He was one of Cutter’s friends, someone she’d seen before. Her nod was stiff, but her grip on the counter eased. She pulled in a deep breath, then blew it out, steadying herself. We’re safe. At least she didn’t freeze up anymore—or duck behind the counter. She was making progress.

      The old man made his way across the scarred wooden floor to the group of men hunched over their beers and several decks of cards. A chorus of rough and creaky greetings welcomed the newcomer as he pulled a chair back to join them. Nothing to fear there. She took a deep breath, a slight smile on her lips.

      Three wonderfully uneventful weeks had passed since she and her little brother, Shawn, arrived in Stonewall Crossing. Each day she woke up anticipating the worst. And each night she went to bed happy to be wrong. If Jesse or one of his low-life associates really wanted to find her, they would have by now. Her gaze wandered to the door again.

      As if thinking about Jesse would somehow make him appear. That was ridiculous. She tossed her rag onto the bar and rubbed vigorously. She was sick and tired of jumping at her own shadow.

      “You look ready to bolt.” The voice startled her so much she dropped the rag. And jumped a good foot into the air.

      “Dr. Boone.” She pressed