Rita Herron - The Missing Mccullen

A loner seeks redemption…a single mother seeks the truth

Defense attorney BJ Alexander is crafty, brilliant, and deeply scarred by the loss of her husband and child. Hired by the McCullen family, who believe Cash Koker to be their lost brother, BJ commits to the case—and vows not to become entangled with her devastatingly handsome client. Unfortunately, Cash is no stranger to hardship, and their mutual attraction is overwhelming. But nothing can prepare him when charges are mistakenly brought against him. Cash insists he’s being framed, and it’s up to BJ to find the truth. Because not only is Cash’s life at stake, but so is that of a missing little boy…

The Heroes of Horseshoe Creek

She’d vowed never to get involved with a client. Not to trust any man.

Except…how could she resist this sexy, strong man who would give his life for a little boy?

“How about you?” she asked softly.

Cash’s eyes darkened with pain, then flickered with something akin to desire. “I’ll be all right when we find Tyler.”

An image of her own son, pale and lifeless, taunted her. BJ looked down, battling tears. “Me, too. I just hope and pray…” She let the sentence trail off, unable to voice her worst fears out loud.

“Hey,” Cash murmured. “Don’t give up. I’m not.”

He was talking about Tyler. And she hadn’t given up on finding him.

But there was no bringing back her son. It was too late.

The grief she’d lived with since she’d lost him welled up and threatened to bring her to her knees again.

She looked up into Cash’s eyes and was moved by his tenderness. Desperate for his touch, for comfort, she pressed her hand over his chest. His heart pounded, strong and alive, beneath her palm.

She leaned into him, and he brushed her hair from her cheek. “BJ?”

“Shh, just hold me for a minute.”

He made a low sound in his throat as if he was struggling not to touch her. Then his eyes darkened, and he pulled her up against him.

The Missing McCullen

Rita Herron

www.millsandboon.co.uk

USA TODAY bestselling author RITA HERRON wrote her first book when she was twelve but didn’t think real people grew up to be writers. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job. A former kindergarten teacher and workshop leader, she traded storytelling to kids for writing romance, and now she writes romantic comedies and romantic suspense. Rita lives in Georgia with her family. She loves to hear from readers, so please visit her website, ritaherron.com.

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Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A loner seeks redemption…a single mother seeks the truth Defense attorney BJ Alexander is crafty, brilliant, and deeply scarred by the loss of her husband and child. Hired by the McCullen family, who believe Cash Koker to be their lost brother, BJ commits to the case—and vows not to become entangled with her devastatingly handsome client. Unfortunately, Cash is no stranger to hardship, and their mutual attraction is overwhelming. But nothing can prepare him when charges are mistakenly brought against him. Cash insists he’s being framed, and it’s up to BJ to find the truth. Because not only is Cash’s life at stake, but so is that of a missing little boy… The Heroes of Horseshoe Creek

Introduction She’d vowed never to get involved with a client. Not to trust any man. Except…how could she resist this sexy, strong man who would give his life for a little boy? “How about you?” she asked softly. Cash’s eyes darkened with pain, then flickered with something akin to desire. “I’ll be all right when we find Tyler.” An image of her own son, pale and lifeless, taunted her. BJ looked down, battling tears. “Me, too. I just hope and pray…” She let the sentence trail off, unable to voice her worst fears out loud. “Hey,” Cash murmured. “Don’t give up. I’m not.” He was talking about Tyler. And she hadn’t given up on finding him. But there was no bringing back her son. It was too late. The grief she’d lived with since she’d lost him welled up and threatened to bring her to her knees again. She looked up into Cash’s eyes and was moved by his tenderness. Desperate for his touch, for comfort, she pressed her hand over his chest. His heart pounded, strong and alive, beneath her palm. She leaned into him, and he brushed her hair from her cheek. “BJ?” “Shh, just hold me for a minute.” He made a low sound in his throat as if he was struggling not to touch her. Then his eyes darkened, and he pulled her up against him.

Title Page The Missing McCullen Rita Herron www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author USA TODAY bestselling author RITA HERRON wrote her first book when she was twelve but didn’t think real people grew up to be writers. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job. A former kindergarten teacher and workshop leader, she traded storytelling to kids for writing romance, and now she writes romantic comedies and romantic suspense. Rita lives in Georgia with her family. She loves to hear from readers, so please visit her website, ritaherron.com .

Prologue Prologue Ray McCullen faced his brothers, Maddox and Brett, with a knot in his stomach. For months they’d been searching for twin brothers who’d been kidnapped from their parents at birth. They would be thirty this month. He had good news and bad news. “I found one of the twins.” Maddox balled his hands into fists. “You don’t sound happy about it.” “Where is he?” Brett asked. “The babies were left at a church about an hour from Pistol Whip. Apparently, one of them was adopted, but the other was sickly and wound up being placed in foster care. A nurse took him in for a while, and named him Cash Koker.” “Where is he now?” Maddox asked. Ray turned to the whiteboard where they’d listed clues regarding the boys’ whereabouts. He tacked a photo on the board. “I used age progression software and a special program I have to locate doppelgangers. This is him.” Maddox studied the photo. “He looks like a McCullen. Same stubborn jaw. Dark hair.” “He’s got your high forehead and dark eyes, Maddox,” Brett said. Maddox cleared his throat. “The DNA matched?” Ray nodded. “Yeah, his was in the system, but I still want another test done for verification.” “I agree,” Maddox said. “Does he know about us?” Brett asked. “I don’t think so.” Maddox crossed his arms. “You said his DNA was in the system. Does that mean what I think it means?” Ray gave a quick nod. “He has a record. Got into some trouble as a juvenile, then a couple of bar brawls in his twenties.” “Hell, so did I. Is that it?” Brett asked. Ray grunted. “Afraid not.” He tacked another photo on the board. This picture was a mug shot. “Our long-lost brother has just been arrested for murder.”

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten