Harmony Evans: Loving Laney

A Broward baby bump?

A Broward—and a world-class athlete, no less—unmarried and expecting? Laney Broward is amazed she has kept her pregnancy a secret this long. Now headlines are blaring from the tabloids that she is in the family way. She can’t believe that one impulsive, out-of-character night could have such lasting repercussions….

The news that he’s a soon-to-be father stops millionaire heartbreaker Austin Johns in his tracks. This internationally known horse breeder never planned to become a parent, but he is warming to the idea of his own family. Laney can talk all she wants about her independence; they now have a bond that cannot be broken. Austin will stop at nothing to ensure his place in his child’s life—and he will not rest until he finds his way back to Laney’s loving arms….

Austin certainly had Laney’s attention as he sauntered toward her.

Tux unbuttoned, black bow tie gone and black Stetson on. He stopped only a few feet away, and in the stable’s dim halo of yellowish light, his expression was unreadable, yet tantalizing.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you all night.”

She touched her hair, styled into an elegant updo for the party, as his rich tenor swirled over her.

“Talk to me? About what?”

His eyes swaggered over her from head to toe, lingering here and there in places that caused her skin to warm.

“Your choice of attire for the gala,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Not sure if Austin was teasing or not, Laney met his gaze head-on. “What’s wrong with it?” she blurted out.

Austin shook his head. “It’s different from your usual T-shirt and jeans,” he stated, without a hint of a smile. “And on you, that gown is far too stunning to ignore.”

HARMONY EVANS

is an award-winning author for Mills & Boon Kimani Romance, the leading publisher of African-American romance. She is the recipient of the 2013 Romance Slam Jam Emma Award for Debut Author of the Year. In addition, she was a 2012 RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards double finalist (First Series Romance and Kimani Romance). She is also a member of Romance Writers of America.

Harmony is a single mom to a beautiful, too-smart-for-her-own-good daughter who makes her grateful for life daily. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, knitting, reading and, of course, napping. Her favorite place to visit is New York City. Her biggest dream is to someday live and write in Paris, France. Currently, she resides in Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Be sure to connect with Harmony on your favorite social media network!

Loving

Laney

Harmony Evans

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Dear Reader,

There’s something about wide-open spaces and small towns that inspire romance. Throw a superrich family, a surprise pregnancy and blackmail into the mix and you have all the fixings for a juicy scandal.

Equestrian Laney Broward is still basking in the glow of her gold medal win when millionaire horse breeder Austin Johns surprises her with a passionate New Year’s Eve kiss that turns into an all-night lovemaking session. When Laney becomes pregnant, she fears the stigma of being a single mom, and worries about disappointing the entire Broward family and losing her independence.

Austin Johns isn’t used to being tied down to anyone or anything except his prizewinning thoroughbreds. Now that he’s going to be a daddy, he’s willing to happily take on the responsibility. But will Laney let him?

Loving Laney, the third novel in the Browards of Montana series, is a story you will never forget.

Be blessed,

Harmony Evans

I would like to dedicate this book to moms everywhere. We have the most important job in the world. Stay strong!

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

Prologue

Dallas, Texas: New Year’s Eve

I’ve never seen anything so ridiculous, thought Laney Broward as she watched her friends openly fawn over Austin Johns. For almost the entire evening, Mara and Robyn had been taking turns narrating a play-by-play of his every move.

She glanced around the enormous room crowded with men and women kicking up their heels and tossing back drinks as they danced the night away to a live band.

Hundreds of glittering snowflakes were suspended from the ceiling supported by huge Greek-style columns wrapped in shimmery silver brocade. Round tables draped in white tulle with gray organza bows surrounded the perimeter, each topped with miniature candelabra where ivory candles provided a romantic glow in the dimly lit room.

It was the perfect setting for a New Year’s Eve gala. The effect was magical, mystical and filled with the promise of something special. Then why did Laney feel so out of place?

“What’s he doing now?” Robyn asked, craning her neck like an ostrich.

“Oh, he’s just being gorgeous,” Mara reported with a giggle.

Laney rolled her eyes. “I think that’s the worst line I’ve ever heard. I hope you weren’t going to use that one.”

Mara’s face fell momentarily and then immediately lit up. “I think he’s headed this way!” she exclaimed.

Laney planted herself in front of them, blocking their view.

“Both of you have been around horses too long,” she admonished. “Austin is just a man. He walks and talks and eats just like we do.”

Her friends, who had competed with her on equestrian teams throughout her career before Laney won the gold medal, stared at her like she was crazy. Both had consumed a fair amount of champagne, while Laney had been nursing the same glass of bubbly for over an hour.

“Well, at least we recognize perfection when we see it,” Robyn scolded.

Mara raised her glass. “I’ll drink to that!” she slurred.

Laney turned away slightly, refusing to concede to their good-humored jab. She eyed an oversize clock that hung just above the ballroom doors. It was thirty minutes to the “Big Kiss Moment” and she was dateless.

Worst, she had to be on her best behavior. On New Year’s Eve, no less! Not that she would have done anything really crazy. Her reputation was sound and she wanted it to stay that way.

Ever since Laney had won a gold medal, the media frenzy had been glowing—and rabid. For a while she basked in the attention, as any sane person would, but she also knew how quickly the media could turn from being your best friend to your worst enemy. She just didn’t want it to happen at a gala event sponsored by Austin, or anyone else for that matter.

Laney’s stomach knotted as she quickly scanned the perimeter of the room. There was no telling if or where the paparazzi were hiding. She was on high alert and not taking any chances. There was no way she was going to ring in the new year as the subject of one of those tacky celebrity viral videos. Laney took a sip of her lukewarm drink and almost gagged. “No man is perfect,” she scoffed, turning back to face her friends.