Karen Kirst - Reclaiming His Past

No Possessions, No Memories, Not Even a Name!

The wounded stranger found on Jessica O’Malley’s property has no idea who he is. And Jessica would be foolish to trust him after being proven so wrong about a former suitor who turned out to be a criminal. But Jessica’s wariness toward the newcomer is soon turning to interest...and hope.

Until he knows his true identity, “Grant” can’t make a life in this quaint Tennessee town. He certainly shouldn’t be thinking so much about the feisty redhead with beautiful, guarded eyes. But even as he fights to keep a distance from Jessica, his feelings for her grow. And he can’t help but wonder if he’ll want to return to his old life when his past is revealed.

Smoky Mountain Matches: Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains

“You and I aren’t friends?” she said.

In the intimate closeness the serene, dark forest imparted, he lifted his head to regard her with eyes that had deepened to a navy hue. “That’s a question only you can answer, Jessica. Friends trust each other. They don’t suspect them of deceit and ill intent.”

There was no condemnation in his tone. He’d spoken frankly, but there was understanding there, too. As if he identified with her misgivings.

“In that case, the answer is yes.”

The slow arrival of gratitude, then relief and finally happiness passing over his clean-shaven features did serious damage to her defenses. Bolting to her feet, she bid him a brief good-night and reentered the house, seeking sanctuary in her room.

She couldn’t allow herself to like Grant Parker. Empathy was acceptable. Concern for his health was natural. But opening herself up to a man, even for something as innocent as friendship, could very well be the first step to disaster.

KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies.

Reclaiming His Past

Karen Kirst

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

—Psalms 32:8

To Kelly Young—who could’ve guessed we’d wind up in the same place? I’m so thankful for you and your family. Looking forward to many more years of friendship.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text No Possessions, No Memories, Not Even a Name! The wounded stranger found on Jessica O’Malley’s property has no idea who he is. And Jessica would be foolish to trust him after being proven so wrong about a former suitor who turned out to be a criminal. But Jessica’s wariness toward the newcomer is soon turning to interest...and hope. Until he knows his true identity, “Grant” can’t make a life in this quaint Tennessee town. He certainly shouldn’t be thinking so much about the feisty redhead with beautiful, guarded eyes. But even as he fights to keep a distance from Jessica, his feelings for her grow. And he can’t help but wonder if he’ll want to return to his old life when his past is revealed. Smoky Mountain Matches: Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains

Introduction “You and I aren’t friends?” she said. In the intimate closeness the serene, dark forest imparted, he lifted his head to regard her with eyes that had deepened to a navy hue. “That’s a question only you can answer, Jessica. Friends trust each other. They don’t suspect them of deceit and ill intent.” There was no condemnation in his tone. He’d spoken frankly, but there was understanding there, too. As if he identified with her misgivings. “In that case, the answer is yes.” The slow arrival of gratitude, then relief and finally happiness passing over his clean-shaven features did serious damage to her defenses. Bolting to her feet, she bid him a brief good-night and reentered the house, seeking sanctuary in her room. She couldn’t allow herself to like Grant Parker. Empathy was acceptable. Concern for his health was natural. But opening herself up to a man, even for something as innocent as friendship, could very well be the first step to disaster.

About the Author KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies.

Title Page Reclaiming His Past Karen Kirst www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. —Psalms 32:8

Dedication To Kelly Young—who could’ve guessed we’d wind up in the same place? I’m so thankful for you and your family. Looking forward to many more years of friendship.

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

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

October 1885

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It wasn’t easy staying angry at a dead man.

Jessica O’Malley hesitated in the barn’s entrance, the tang of fresh hay ripening the air. The horses whickered greetings from their stalls, beckoning her inside, probably hoping for a treat. She used to bring them carrots and apples. She used to enjoy spending time out here.

This place had become the source of her nightmares. Her gaze homed in on the spot where the man she’d loved had died defending her. The bloodstain was long gone, but the image of Lee as she’d held him during those final, soul-wrenching moments would be with her for as long as she lived.

His whispered apology, his last uttered words, came to her during those nights she couldn’t sleep. At times she missed him so much it hurt to breathe. Other times she wished she could give him a piece of her mind. How could he have been so reckless, so irresponsible with their future?

If he’d been honest with her, if he’d made different choices, she wouldn’t be living this lonely, going-through-the-motions existence She wouldn’t be a shadow of her former self, clueless how to reclaim the fun-loving girl she once was.