Return to Stone Creek Series

Living with his stern grandfather taught Trevor Callahan one important lesson: Caring makes a man weak. Now the old man is dead and Trev returns to Stone Creek for one reason and one reason only--to sell the Rocking C Ranch. Maybe then he can put his past behind him and move on. Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed a million dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch. Excerpt: He leaned across the desk. “You know, we haven’t discussed the kiss the other night.” She scooted the chair back. “There’s nothing to discuss.” He stood and slowly came around the desk, reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. “I want to kiss you again.” “That’s probably not a good idea.” Oh, lord. She was playing with fire and if she wasn’t careful, she was going to get burned. Bad. “Probably not. I know you said we’d never kiss again. But don’t you want to kiss me? Can’t you feel the pull between us?” “Yes . . . No!” She jerked her hand free and started backing away. He followed, closing in on her until she bumped against the library table. “Just one kiss, Beth. One kiss can’t hurt.” Before she could react, before she could reply, Trevor wrapped his arms around her, covered her mouth with his and God help her, she was a goner.

BOOK TWO: RETURN TO STONE CREEK Mitch Defalco roars into Stone Creek, Texas, on the back of a Harley with his newly discovered daughter riding behind him. Single mom Sarah Cooper can't believe he's moved in next door. Back in high school, she had a secret crush on the dangerous bad boy and his dark good looks. As Mitch tackles the responsibilities of fatherhood, Sarah is once again drawn by his seductive magnetism and the honest integrity he shows dealing with the circumstances in which he finds himself. Mitch believes he's bad news for Sarah, but when she asks for his help with a personal problem, he can't find the will power to refuse her dangerous request. Excerpt: Mitch didn't wait for permission. He moved in closer, touching his lips to hers, pressing gently, letting them both get a feel for the other. He'd sworn he wasn't going to kiss Sarah Cooper, but sitting next to her on the swing like this, she was a temptation he had no power to resist. For a minute, she didn't respond and he worried that he'd overstepped his welcome. Then her lips trembled beneath his, and she exhaled a soft sigh. When he heard the little moan in the back of her throat, he put his arms around her and pulled her forward. Mitch deepened the kiss, taking it to the next level, swiping his tongue against her lips. She opened for him, tilting her head for better access and he slid inside her mouth. She tasted of chocolate and vanilla and the sweet essence of Sarah.

Leslie Taylor moves to Stone Creek so she and her son can start a new life. Her job at the Dusty Boots Ranch is perfect except for one six-foot tall, drop-dead gorgeous problem: Marco Defalco. Her new boss is way too attractive for Leslie's peace of mind. Marco Defalco has been saddled with enough family responsibilities to last a lifetime. The last thing he wants to do is change his bachelor status . . . until he meets Leslie Taylor, that is. The sensual sparks crackling between them are too hot to ignore, and Marco has the sinking suspicion his bachelor days are numbered. EXCERPT: Leslie moved away from Marco and almost tripped when she stumbled over a box sitting on the floor in front of his desk. "Watch it there!" He reached out to prevent her from falling, his hand an iron clamp locked around her forearm. Her skin burned from the contact and her gaze snapped to his. She forgot to breathe. Oh my . . . Marco's heavy lidded eyes gleamed feral. And before she knew what was happening, he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. Leslie's breath shuddered in her lungs, and she placed her hands on his hard chest, splayed as if to ward him off. But her traitorous fingers curled into the fabric of his black t-shirt. It felt so good to be held in his arms again. How could something so wrong feel so right? She swallowed again. "Uh . . . I don't think this is a good idea," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Probably not." His brown eyes probed her depths, searching out the secrets in her heart, her soul. "But I want to kiss you. I've wanted to kiss you for weeks. I need to kiss you." Before she could form a coherent reply, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, one cheek, then the other. He placed a delicate kiss on the sensitive skin of her collarbone between her shoulder and neck, nipping and licking his way to her lips. He teased the corners of her mouth with his hot tongue, torturing her exquisitely until she was panting from longing and want. Desire permeated her being, a delicious languidness that made her body feel heavy and light at one and the same time. It had been so long since she'd felt like this. So very, very long . . .