Justine Davis - Operation Homecoming

In the next Cutter’s Code romance, a hero with a secret returns home…and goes into rescuer mode…

AWOL in times of family tragedy, Walker Cole doesn’t expect a warm welcome home. Nor does he expect to see Amy­­ Clark—his sister’s nerdy friend who had a mad teen crush on him—now a smart, sexy woman.

Though Walker knows he’s caused Amy pain and hatred, his own pain is worse. He can never tell the truth about his hellish years away. But when Amy’s paralegal work endangers her, Walker jumps at the chance to guard her irresistible body and prove himself worthy of trust and forgiveness. Even Cutter, the Foxworth dog with a nose for trouble, has his back when trouble explodes!

“I want you,” Walker said bluntly. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone. So if your answer is ‘go to hell,’ say it now.”

Amy’s expression changed again. Became even softer somehow. And she reached out to cup his cheek.

“But you’re already in hell,” she said quietly, almost sadly.

What was this? She felt sorry for him? That was the last, the very last, thing he wanted from her. Especially now.

“Pity, Amy?”

“No. A hundred times no.” She drew in a deep breath, then looked up at him steadily. “Just need. Want. And impatience.”

She slid her hand down along his arm, took his hand. Her fingers, warm, slender and strong, curled around his. She turned, clearly headed for the bedroom. Fool that he was, he resisted.

“Be sure, Amy. Because I can’t promise to be polite, or even gentle.”

“I don’t want polite, or need gentle. I want you,” she said. “I’ve always, always wanted you, Walker Cole. Even when I thought I hated you.”

* * *

Be sure to check out the rest of the books

in this miniseries—Cutter’s Code: A clever

and mysterious canine helps a group of

secret operatives crack the case.

* * *

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Epilogue Extract Copyright ,

If you’ve been reading the Cutter’s Code series, and have perhaps also read these letters in previous books, you’ll know I’ve mentioned my fascination with brothers, the brother bond and how it’s different from others. In Operation Reunion I explored a brother/sister relationship, in Operation Unleashed it was brother/brother. So I thought I was done with that, at least for a while. Now it was a best friend that had me fascinated, an awkward, rather nerdy child who had bloomed into an amazing woman I was really starting to like. But I had to come up with a hero who deserved her. And then one day a reader wrote me a note saying in essence, “Hey, you forgot a brother!”

And indeed I had. Walker Cole had been mentioned in passing a couple of times as Hayley’s “walkabout” brother, but I hadn’t really delved into where he’d been or why. Because I had no idea. Well, now I do, and wow, what a time he’s been through! He had to work very hard for his happy ending—and his heroine—but he’s learned the hard way how to be tough enough.

It was a long journey for both characters in this story. Nearly a lifetime, in fact. I hope you enjoy their story.

Happy reading!

Justine

Operation

Homecoming

Justine Davis

www.millsandboon.co.uk

JUSTINE DAVIS lives on Puget Sound in Washington State, watching big ships and the occasional submarine go by and sharing the neighborhood with assorted wildlife, including a pair of bald eagles, deer, a bear or two and a tailless raccoon. In the few hours when she’s not planning, plotting or writing her next book, her favorite things are photography, knitting her way through a huge yarn stash and driving her restored 1967 Corvette roadster—top down, of course.

Connect with Justine at her website, justinedavis.com, at twitter.com/justine_d_davis, or on Facebook at facebook.com/justinedaredavis.

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Lucky

August 2000–October 2011

Lucky was the first dog my kids picked out, a pound puppy who became our 90lb baby and wanted to be a lap dog. A gentle giant, a white and black lab mix who looked like a huge Dalmatian, but who hid behind the chair whenever he saw a camera. He liked to be combed, and he guarded and took care of our rabbits. The rabbits got out of the hutch somehow and we found him and the rabbits lying next to each other under the shade tree. He loved our two Poms and played happily with Fang (my son’s cat). He was brave, but his feet wouldn’t stay still unless he really thought you needed protection, then he would stand between you and it. What we thought was an infection and old age turned out to be cancer. There was nothing to do that wouldn’t make him miserable, and we had to say goodbye. It was a shock, and we still miss him. Our Poms still won’t eat out of his bowl. He will always have a special place in my heart. He was a good dog.

LuDena Radford

This is the latest in a series of dedications from readers who have shared the pain of the loss of a beloved dog. For more details, check Justine’s blog at justinedavis.com.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text In the next Cutter’s Code romance, a hero with a secret returns home…and goes into rescuer mode… AWOL in times of family tragedy, Walker Cole doesn’t expect a warm welcome home. Nor does he expect to see Amy­­ Clark—his sister’s nerdy friend who had a mad teen crush on him—now a smart, sexy woman. Though Walker knows he’s caused Amy pain and hatred, his own pain is worse. He can never tell the truth about his hellish years away. But when Amy’s paralegal work endangers her, Walker jumps at the chance to guard her irresistible body and prove himself worthy of trust and forgiveness. Even Cutter, the Foxworth dog with a nose for trouble, has his back when trouble explodes!

Introduction “I want you,” Walker said bluntly. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone. So if your answer is ‘go to hell,’ say it now.” Amy’s expression changed again. Became even softer somehow. And she reached out to cup his cheek. “But you’re already in hell,” she said quietly, almost sadly. What was this? She felt sorry for him? That was the last, the very last, thing he wanted from her. Especially now. “Pity, Amy?” “No. A hundred times no.” She drew in a deep breath, then looked up at him steadily. “Just need. Want. And impatience.” She slid her hand down along his arm, took his hand. Her fingers, warm, slender and strong, curled around his. She turned, clearly headed for the bedroom. Fool that he was, he resisted. “Be sure, Amy. Because I can’t promise to be polite, or even gentle.” “I don’t want polite, or need gentle. I want you,” she said. “I’ve always, always wanted you, Walker Cole. Even when I thought I hated you.” * * * Be sure to check out the rest of the books in this miniseries—Cutter’s Code: A clever and mysterious canine helps a group of secret operatives crack the case. * * *