Lori Foster - Tucker

Title Page Tucker Lori Foster www.millsandboon.co.uk

Copyright ISBN: 978-1-474-08331-7 TUCKER © 2018 Lori Foster Published in Great Britain 2018 by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental. By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher. ® and ™ are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks marked with ® are registered with the United Kingdom Patent Office and/or the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and in other countries. www.millsandboon.co.uk Version: 2020-03-02

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text About the Author Title Page Copyright Dear Reader Dedication CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX About the Publisher , Welcome back to Buckhorn! Though I know an actual Buckhorn exists, mine is an entirely fictional town in beautiful Kentucky. My first Buckhorn story was published back in 2000 and the series has become a true reader favorite. For me it seemed a natural fit to combine my need to help stray cats and dogs with continuing the series about a new generation of the leading family in Buckhorn. Through a special contract with my publisher, the advance and all royalties on this story will go directly to the Animal Adoption Foundation, a local no-kill animal shelter that does an amazing job healing, protecting and loving cats and dogs until a “forever home” can be found for them. I hope you enjoy the story, and I especially hope you enjoy knowing that by purchasing this story, you’ve helped a dog or cat in need. To see other “benefit books,” visit www.lorifoster.com/benefit-books . And to see other books in the Buckhorn series, visit www.lorifoster.com/connected-books/#buckhorn . From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Lori Foster

Dedication Dedication Contents Cover Back Cover Text About the Author Title Page Copyright Dear Reader Dedication CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX About the Publisher To the Animal Adoption Foundation, with gratitude for all you do to help animals in need. Thank you for letting me contribute in this small way. Readers, in case you didn’t realize, proceeds from this book go directly to www.aafpets.org . If you’ve purchased it, you, too, are helping. The animals and I thank you.

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

About the Publisher

CHAPTER ONE

TUCKER PUT HIS shoulder to the muddy gate of the ancient truck and shoved hard. At the same time, the farmer hit the gas. The tires spun, spraying mud over Tucker’s legs and lap, splattering up his chest and even into his face.

He could think of a hundred ways he’d rather spend his evening. Sex would top the list, but then he’d been so long without, it was no wonder that particular activity seemed glued to the forefront of his brain.

He knew why it had been so long, but hopefully no one else suspected.

Finally, finally , the truck rocked free and gained traction. It lumbered awkwardly back onto the road.

Turning his face up to the pounding storm, Tucker let the rain wash away some of the mess. The turbulent weather was more intense—and dangerous—than usual for the area. He had a feeling it would cause more problems before it blew over.

There were times when being the sheriff of a small town was a major pain in his ass.

When the driver’s door of the truck opened, Tucker quickly stepped forward. “No, don’t get out, Harmon. No reason for us both to be soaked.”

Harmon, who was at least eighty-five, frail of body but sharp of mind, gazed at him with gratitude. “Thank ye, Sheriff. I’da been stuck there all night if it weren’t for you.”

A terrible thought.

Meaning it, Tucker said, “I’m glad I came by when I did. Now get home safe, okay? The storms don’t seem to be letting up anytime soon.”

Nodding, Harmon replied, “You too.” He pulled his door shut with a clatter and slowly, oh so slowly, drove away.

Tucker headed for his SUV, wondering if he should strip before getting in so he wouldn’t get mud on the seats. The town supplied the car for both official and personal use, and he kept it shining out of respect for the office. Luckily, he’d been off duty when he spotted Harmon, so at least he hadn’t ruined his uniform.

His shirt, jeans, boots and socks—hell, probably even his underwear—were muddy.

He was debating how much he’d have to take off to protect the car’s interior when headlights came around the corner. It took him a second to recognize the local news van.

Just what he didn’t need. Temptation .

Groaning, he crossed his arms and stood in the headlights of his SUV, just off the edge of the road.

The van slowed, rolling to a stop next to him, and none other than Kady Kasper herself rolled down the driver’s window. Though it looked as if she’d made an attempt to dry off, rain still plastered her pale blond hair to her head and smudged her makeup.

Her sunny smile belied her bedraggled state, which was no doubt thanks to the miserable weather. “Tucker, what are you doing standing around in the rain?”

Incredulous, he peered into the front of the van but didn’t see Cleets, her videographer. He looked toward the back interior and saw only equipment.

Un-freaking-believable. Keeping his tone level, he asked, “Are you out alone?”

One slender brow rose as her pale blue eyes widened. “Did I miss a curfew, Sheriff?”

Her whisky-smooth voice made his hackles rise. Only Kady. No one else got under his skin like she did. No one else turned him inside out. Hell, he was known for his calm manner.

Around her, he had to constantly fight for control.

He gave himself a few seconds, then replied evenly, “It’s nearing midnight.” Surely she shouldn’t be out and about alone.

Humor lifted the corners of her soft pink lips. “It’s ten thirty, actually.” She tipped her head. “Past your bedtime?”

A scowl got the better of him.

This woman, this one small female, had proven to be the bane of his existence. At twenty-five, she was six years younger than him. A walking temptation, a natural flirt and the most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on.

How could he want any other woman when Kady Kasper existed?