Montana Refuge. Alice Sharpe

      

      HER RANCHER PROTECTOR

      The last person Montana rancher Tyler Hunt expected to see on his ranch was his soon-to-be ex-wife. True, he had yet to sign the divorce papers, but Julie had sworn never to return. One look in her eyes, however, and he knew why she was back. Julie was in desperate need of his help.

      She’d left Tyler, fearing the loss of her identity. But that desire for independence had caused her life to be put in jeopardy, and Tyler was the only man she could trust. Yet even as the mystery surrounding her new life brought them back together, a secret from Tyler’s own past was threatening their reunion. Would they ever have the chance to recapture the bond they’d once shared?

      “What’s going on?” he demanded.

      “I’m…I’m in trouble,” she stammered, trembling now from a vast array of emotions too complicated to name. “I…I shouldn’t have involved you. I just…I just didn’t know where else to turn. I’m afraid, Tyler. Someone is trying to kill me and I’m…I’m scared.”

      His hands dropped. “Who’s trying to kill you?” he said at last.

      “What do you care?” she managed to say.

      It took him a long minute to respond, and when he did, his voice sounded almost resigned. “I just do,” he said, reaching out for her again, tugging on her sleeve, pulling her gently against his rock-solid chest.

      His hands holding her head, he whispered against her hair. “Heaven help me, Julie, I just do.”

      Montana Refuge

      Alice Sharpe

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Alice Sharpe met her husband-to-be on a cold, foggy beach in Northern California. One year later they were married. Their union has survived the rearing of two children, a handful of earthquakes registering over 6.5, numerous cats and a few special dogs, the latest of which is a yellow Lab named Annie Rose. Alice and her husband now live in a small rural town in Oregon, where she devotes the majority of her time to pursuing her second love, writing.

      Alice loves to hear from readers. You can write her c/o Harlequin Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279. An SASE for reply is appreciated.

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      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Tyler Hunt—Devastated when Julie left him, he’s getting on with his life until the moment she shows up again. She arrives with a story he doesn’t want to hear, asking for things he doesn’t want to give. It isn’t long before he finds the life he made without her is as fragile as a sandcastle at high tide.

      Julie Chilton Hunt—She left Tyler to find herself and landed in a dream job. Things seemed to be going well until she agreed to help a federal agent get the dirt on her boss. Now someone is trying to kill her and she’s forced to seek help from the one person she has no right to ask.

      Rose Hunt—Tyler’s mother and the heart of the Hunt Ranch, this widow is tough as nails—usually. So what’s got her on edge now?

      John Smyth—This likable, helpful guy is a guest on the Hunt Ranch. So why is he always asking questions and why, when deadly things happen, is he usually missing?

      James Killigrew—Julie’s boss fires her in outrage when she admits she was duped. Now he’s apparently looking for her. What are his intentions?

      Andy—This wrangler’s idea of home is a saddle atop his favorite horse. Add a thermos of coffee and now it’s heaven…which he could end up visiting soon if a gunman has anything to say about it.

      Nora—Julie’s friend is convinced Julie has gone off the deep end. Instead of worrying about Julie, perhaps she should watch her own back.

      Roger Trill—What is this lawman’s goal and how many people is he willing to sacrifice to accomplish it?

      Meg Petersen—A real-estate agent tickled pink to visit a genuine ranch. She’s got a pretty good opinion of her skills. Is a murderer going to push them to the limit?

      Red Sanders—This Boston lawyer seems to enjoy the sauce a little too much. Or does he?

      Dr. Robert Marquis—An emergency-room doctor is a handy man to have along on a cattle drive. Chances are good that before this trip is over, he’ll have earned his keep.

      This book is dedicated to Lucy Arlene with much love.

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Epilogue

       Excerpt

       Chapter One

      Julie Chilton wiped damp palms against her skirt and took a deep breath. When she spoke, her voice wavered as