Heidi Hormel - The Kentucky Cowboy's Baby

HOME AT LAST

Pepper Bourne has big plans for her stepdaddy’s Arizona ranch. The physician’s assistant dreams of opening a community garden for Angel Crossing’s neediest. The only thing standing in her way is the tall, rugged cowboy who just inherited the property!

Former bull rider AJ McCreary gave up the rodeo to raise his baby girl, and selling the ranch is the only way he can support her now. While Pepper’s claim on the property may be uncertain, there’s no denying her claim on AJ’s heart. He’s ready to become a family man. But can he prove it to the one woman who makes his family complete?

“I can be a jerk—just ask around—but not tonight.”

AJ’s words drifted over Pepper’s head, making her hair move.

She relaxed into his embrace, surrounded not only by his warmth but by something more. A comfort that surprised her because she wanted to lean into him, let him take on her fear, disappointment and anger. Just for ten seconds. Yes, for ten seconds, she could let someone else take on the responsibility. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face into his shoulder, into the muscled solidity of him. Substantial and safe.

She counted off the seconds in her head, but somewhere around six, her brain stopped and she let herself just feel. He pulled her more tightly against him. She wanted to melt into him.

“Pepper?”

She looked up at him. His gaze roamed over her face, and she felt herself soften and heat. She tipped up her chin, offering herself to him.

No. She couldn’t. She needed to step away. She needed to—

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 Extract Copyright ,

Kentucky and cowboy don’t go together like peanut butter and jelly…or do they? I watched the television series Justified, featuring a Kentucky lawman in cowboy hat and boots. That kernel of an idea led to my next story in the Angel Crossing, Arizona series.

AJ McCreary, my Bluegrass State cowboy (who isn’t a lawman), has had a rough few months, finding out he has a daughter and her mama wants cash in exchange for custody. Then his mentor and friend dies. AJ quits bull riding to care for his baby girl and heads west to look for work and pay his respects at his friend’s memorial. That’s when things get really interesting. He meets his mentor’s stepdaughter, Pepper Bourne, a practical and caring physician’s assistant who is committed to keeping Angel Crossing healthy and whole. With a cast of characters both human and animal, these two find themselves at odds and in love.

As I write new stories, I don’t forget about my other characters, bringing them back for guest appearances. I love being able to see what they are up to and how life is treating them. Next in Angel Crossing, the retired bull rider/mayor and baby brother of the Leigh sisters meets up with his first love and rides again.

If you want to know more about my inspirations and musings or drop me a note, check out my website and blog at heidihormel.net, where you can also sign up for my newsletter. Or connect with me at Facebook.com/authorheidihormel, Twitter.com/heidihormeland Pinterest.com/hhormel.

Yee-haw,

Heidi Hormel

www.millsandboon.co.uk

With stints as an innkeeper and radio talk show host, HEIDI HORMEL settled into her true calling as a writer by spending years as a reporter (covering the story of the rampaging elephants Debbie and Tina) and as a PR flunky (staying calm in the face of Cookiegate). Now she is happiest penning romances with a wink and a wiggle.

A small-town girl from the Snack Food Capital of the World, Heidi has trotted over a good portion of the globe, from Tombstone in Arizona to Loch Ness in Scotland to the depths of Death Valley. She draws on all of these experiences for her books, but especially her annual visits to the Grand Canyon State for her Angel Crossing, Arizona series.

Heidi is on the web at heidihormel.net, as well as socially out there at Facebook.com/authorheidihormel, Twitter.com/heidihormeland Pinterest.com/hhormel.

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Thanks to my editors, who don’t say no

when I suggest llamas, alpacas or cowgirls

and cowboys who don’t fit the mold.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text HOME AT LAST Pepper Bourne has big plans for her stepdaddy’s Arizona ranch. The physician’s assistant dreams of opening a community garden for Angel Crossing’s neediest. The only thing standing in her way is the tall, rugged cowboy who just inherited the property! Former bull rider AJ McCreary gave up the rodeo to raise his baby girl, and selling the ranch is the only way he can support her now. While Pepper’s claim on the property may be uncertain, there’s no denying her claim on AJ’s heart. He’s ready to become a family man. But can he prove it to the one woman who makes his family complete?

Introduction “I can be a jerk—just ask around—but not tonight.” AJ’s words drifted over Pepper’s head, making her hair move. She relaxed into his embrace, surrounded not only by his warmth but by something more. A comfort that surprised her because she wanted to lean into him, let him take on her fear, disappointment and anger. Just for ten seconds. Yes, for ten seconds, she could let someone else take on the responsibility. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face into his shoulder, into the muscled solidity of him. Substantial and safe. She counted off the seconds in her head, but somewhere around six, her brain stopped and she let herself just feel. He pulled her more tightly against him. She wanted to melt into him. “Pepper?” She looked up at him. His gaze roamed over her face, and she felt herself soften and heat. She tipped up her chin, offering herself to him. No. She couldn’t. She needed to step away. She needed to—

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 Extract Copyright , Kentucky and cowboy don’t go together like peanut butter and jelly…or do they? I watched the television series Justified, featuring a Kentucky lawman in cowboy hat and boots. That kernel of an idea led to my next story in the Angel Crossing, Arizona series. AJ McCreary, my Bluegrass State cowboy (who isn’t a lawman), has had a rough few months, finding out he has a daughter and her mama wants cash in exchange for custody. Then his mentor and friend dies. AJ quits bull riding to care for his baby girl and heads west to look for work and pay his respects at his friend’s memorial. That’s when things get really interesting. He meets his mentor’s stepdaughter, Pepper Bourne, a practical and caring physician’s assistant who is committed to keeping Angel Crossing healthy and whole. With a cast of characters both human and animal, these two find themselves at odds and in love. As I write new stories, I don’t forget about my other characters, bringing them back for guest appearances. I love being able to see what they are up to and how life is treating them. Next in Angel Crossing, the retired bull rider/mayor and baby brother of the Leigh sisters meets up with his first love and rides again. If you want to know more about my inspirations and musings or drop me a note, check out my website and blog at heidihormel.net, where you can also sign up for my newsletter. Or connect with me at Facebook.com/authorheidihormel , Twitter.com/heidihormel and Pinterest.com/hhormel . Yee-haw, Heidi Hormel