Brenda Jackson - The Westmorelands

From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson, comes a new trilogy starring three Westmorelands who are impossible to resist: Zane, Canyon and Stern

Stern Westmoreland never makes mistakes—until he helps his best friend Jovonnie “JoJo” Jones with a makeover…for another man. Now Stern wants JoJo for himself. Their attraction is undeniable and there’s only one way to test it: one long, steamy night together as much more than friends!

“Brenda Jackson writes romance that sizzles

and characters you fall in love with.”

— New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Lori Foster

“Jackson’s trademark ability to weave multiple

characters and side stories together makes shocking

truths all the more exciting.”

— Publishers Weekly

“There is no getting away from the sex appeal and

charm of Jackson’s Westmoreland family.”

— RT Book Reviews on Feeling the Heat

“Jackson’s characters are wonderful, strong, colorful

and hot enough to burn the pages.”

— RT Book Reviews on Westmoreland’s Way

“The kind of sizzling, heart-tugging story Brenda

Jackson is famous for.”

— RT Book Reviews on Spencer’s Forbidden Passion

“This is entertainment at its best.”

— RT Book Reviews on Star of His Heart

Dear Reader,

I love writing about the Westmorelands because they exemplify what a strong family is all about, mainly the sharing of love and support. For that reason, when I was given the chance to present them in a trilogy, I was excited and ready to dive into the lives of Zane, Canyon and Stern Westmoreland.

It is hard to believe that Stern is my twenty-sixth Westmoreland novel. It seemed like it was only yesterday when I introduced you to Delaney and her five brothers. I knew by the time I wrote Thorn’s story that I just had to tell you about their cousins who were spread out over Montana, Texas, California and Colorado.

It has been an adventure and I enjoyed sharing it with you. I’ve gotten your emails and snail mails letting me know how much you adore those Westmoreland men, and I appreciate hearing from you. Each Westmoreland—male or female—is unique and the way love conquers their hearts is heartwarming, breathtaking and totally satisfying.

I love writing stories where best friends fall in love. In this story, Stern and JoJo are best friends who understand each other and want the best for each other. I enjoyed how they finally realize their relationship is based on more than a close friendship—it is grounded in true love.

I hope you enjoy this story about Stern and JoJo.

Happy reading!

Brenda Jackson

Stern

Brenda Jackson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

BRENDA JACKSONis a die “heart” romantic who married her childhood sweetheart and still proudly wears the “going steady” ring he gave her when she was fifteen. Because she believes in the power of love, Brenda’s stories always have happy endings. In her real-life love story, Brenda and her husband of more than forty years live in Jacksonville, Florida, and have two sons.

A New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy-five romance titles, Brenda is a recent retiree who now divides her time between family, writing and traveling with Gerald. You may write Brenda at PO Box 28267, Jacksonville, Florida 32226, USA, email her at writerbjackson@aol.com or visit her website at www.brendajackson.net.

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To my husband,

the love of my life and my best friend,

Gerald Jackson, Sr.

Happy birthday to all the members of the 1971 Class

of William Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

You know what milestone we hit this year and we are

still the greatest. Ichiban!

To my good friend Linda Reagor.

Thanks for the hunting lesson. I appreciate you!

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends . —John 15:13

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

Epilogue

Excerpt

One

“Stern, what can a woman do to make a man want her?”

Stern Westmoreland, who had been looking through the scope of his hunting rifle, jerked his head around at the unexpected question, nearly knocking the cap off his head.

He glared at the woman beside him who was staring through the scope of her own rifle. When a shot rang out, expletives flowed from his lips. “Dammit, JoJo, you did that on purpose. You asked me that just to ruin my concentration.”

She lowered her rifle and frowned at him. “I did not. I asked you because I really want to know. And if it makes you feel better, I missed my target just now.”

Stern rolled his eyes. So what if she had missed her shot now? Nothing had stopped her from taking down that huge elk yesterday when he had yet to hit anything, not even a coyote. On days like this he wondered why he always invited his best friend on these hunting trips. She showed him up each and every time.

Lifting his rifle and looking through the scope again, he drew in a deep breath. He knew why he always invited JoJo. He liked having her around. When he was with her he could be himself and not a man trying to impress anyone. Their comfortable relationship was why she’d been his best friend for years.

“Well?”

He lowered the scope from his eye to look at her. “Well what?”

“You didn’t answer me. What can a woman do to make a man want her? Other than jump into bed. I’m not into casual sex.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“What do you find funny, Stern? It’s okay for you to be into casual sex but not me?”

Stern stared at her in astonishment. “What in the heck is wrong with you today? You’ve never been into drama.”

JoJo’s expression filled with anger and frustration. “You don’t understand, and you used to understand me even when nobody else did.” Without saying anything else she turned and walked off.

He watched her leave. What the hell? JoJo was being temperamental, and in all the years he’d known her she’d never been temperamental. What in the world was going on with her?

Deciding he wasn’t in the mood to hunt anymore today, he followed JoJo down the path that led back to his hunting lodge.

* * *

After a quick shower, Jovonnie Jones grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator, pulled the tab and took a refreshing sip. She needed that, she thought as she left the kitchen to sit outside on the wooden deck and enjoy the picturesque view of the Rocky Mountains.