Cowboy Courage. Judy Duarte

n>

      

      “How do you like your women, Cole?”

      He studied her. “I like them on the loving side.”

      Something in his eyes drew her to him. Admiration, maybe, but attraction for sure. Desire stilled the conversation.

      Cole extended a hand to her. “Dance with me.”

      She shouldn’t get too close. Touch him. Hold him. She didn’t trust the strength of her own desire. God knew she didn’t need any complications in her life right now. She had to return to California. Soon. But she didn’t have to go anywhere tonight.

      Cole couldn’t help but pull her close. Without a doubt, he held more woman than he’d ever held before, but the sooner he let her go, the better. Cole needed a woman who didn’t keep secrets.

      He’d seen the passion blazing in her eyes, a raging desire that matched his own. It would be hot, wild and intoxicating. A once-in-a-lifetime affair.

      But it would also be wrong.

      Dear Reader,

      Spring is a time for new beginnings. And as you step out to enjoy the spring sunshine, I’d like to introduce a new author to Silhouette Special Edition. Her name is Judy Duarte, and her novel Cowboy Courage tells the heartwarming story of a runaway heiress who finds shelter in the strong arms of a handsome—yet guarded—cowboy. Don’t miss this brilliant debut!

      Next, we have the new installment in Susan Mallery’s DESERT ROGUES miniseries. In The Sheik & the Virgin Princess, a beautiful princess goes in search of her long-lost royal father, and on her quest falls in love with her heart-meltingly gorgeous bodyguard! And love proves to be the irresistible icing in this adorable tale by Patricia Coughlin, The Cupcake Queen. Here, a lovable heroine turns her hero’s life into a virtual beehive. But Cupid’s arrow does get the final—er—sting!

      I’m delighted to bring you Crystal Green’s His Arch Enemy’s Daughter, the next story in her poignant miniseries KANE’S CROSSING. When a rugged sheriff falls for the wrong woman, he has to choose between revenge and love. Add to the month Pat Warren’s exciting new two-in-one, My Very Own Millionaire—two fabulous romances in one novel about confirmed bachelors who finally find the women of their dreams! Lastly, there is no shortage of gripping emotion (or tears!) in Lois Faye Dyer’s Cattleman’s Bride-To-Be, where long-lost lovers must reunite to save the life of a little girl. As they fight the medical odds, this hero and heroine find that passion—and soul-searing love—never die….

      I’m so happy to present these first fruits of spring. I hope you enjoy this month’s lineup and come back for next month’s moving stories about life, love and family!

      Best,

      Karen Taylor Richman

      Senior Editor

      Cowboy Courage

      Judy Duarte

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      To Crystal Green and Sheri WhiteFeather, the best critique partners in the world. I cherish your dedication, faith, enthusiasm and friendship.

       To Margaret Marbury, who believes in me.

       And to Karen Taylor Richman, who believes in this story.

       Without you, this book would still be a dream.

      JUDY DUARTE

      An avid reader who enjoys a happy ending, Judy Duarte always wanted to write books of her own. One day, she decided to make her dream come true.

      Her unpublished stories have won the Emily and the Orange Rose, and in 2001, she became a double Golden Heart finalist. She credits her success to Romance Writers of America and two wonderful critique partners, both of whom write for Silhouette Books.

      At times, when a stubborn hero and a headstrong heroine claim her undivided attention, she and her family are thankful for pizza delivery and Nintendo. When she’s not at the keyboard or in a Walter-Mitty-type world, she enjoys traveling, romantic evenings with her personal hero and playing board games with her kids.

      Judy lives in Southern California and loves to hear from her readers. You may write to her at: P.O. Box 498, San Luis Rey, California 92068-0498.

      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

      Chapter Seventeen

      Chapter Eighteen

      Epilogue

      Chapter One

      Gray storm clouds loomed overhead as Lauren Taylor peered through the bug-splattered windshield, trying to spot a place to eat, somewhere she wouldn’t be recognized. A place where she could slip in, blend into the scenery and hide.

      The darkened sky hid the afternoon sun and chilled the air. For the first time since yesterday, Lauren felt the need to slow her aimless pace and find shelter. She glanced at the gas gauge. Although she had nearly a quarter tank, she decided not to risk being stranded along the road.

      Texas had never been her destination. When she’d sped away from the Southern California estate she and Daniel had just leased, she hadn’t been steering toward any place in particular. Heading east on Interstate 10 had seemed as good a direction as any on her trek to nowhere.

      She’d never had a hint of a flight plan, but as she crossed the New Mexico border into Texas, a strange but soothing realization had struck. Lauren was going home—home to the state where she’d been born and raised in love, as well as poverty. Where she’d also been orphaned and left to the wolves, so to speak.

      Lauren stole a glance in the mirror, in spite of a reluctance to do so. After more than thirty hours without sleep and nearly twenty on the road, she had no doubt that her appearance was far from the usual neat and fastidious image she had always conveyed.

      An image, a facade, an act. Funny how she’d never realized it until now.

      She sighed, deciding to freshen up once she stopped. A bulging canvas tote rested on the back seat, packed with cosmetics and personal items intended for a trip to the gym she’d never made. Usually, when she’d felt angry or stressed, a good workout did wonders. But yesterday afternoon, nothing would have eased the devastating shock resulting from the telephone conversation she’d overheard.

      She’d never meant to eavesdrop, but when she’d heard the sensual tone of a familiar female voice, and then Daniel’s husky whisper, she couldn’t hang up.

      I miss you, Daniel.

      I miss you, too, baby. When can I see you again?

      This evening, if you can get away. Michael will be in surgery all afternoon, and you know how fussy he is about staying at the hospital until his patients leave the recovery room.

      I’ll tell Lauren I have to meet with campaign supporters.