Karen Whiddon - The Texan's Return

A dying father’s final wish brings a mystery to life once again...

In the small town of Legacy, Texas, an old man is dying. At his side is the son determined to clear his name. Mac Morrison knows his father was wrongfully imprisoned for murder, and he’s determined to find the real killer. But not before he reunites with a love from his past...

Hailey Green, who’s still grieving her brutally murdered sister, hasn’t seen Mac since he fled town in disgrace. Forced to raise her siblings, Hailey still relies on no one but herself—until the man who killed her sister returns. Turning to each other while seeking answers, Hailey and Mac find their old desires reignited and realize that the only life worth protecting is one together!

“Why?” Mac finally asked in a soft voice. “I’ve missed you. What would be the harm in reconnecting?”

This question so dumbfounded her that Hailey stared, speechless. And then, while she was still trying to formulate a response, he leaned over and kissed her.

It wasn’t a demanding kiss, or a punishing one. The brush of his lips on hers felt soft, welcoming and familiar. And because of that, sensual as hell. When he finally lifted his mouth away, she couldn’t stop shaking.

Of course he noticed. “Are you cold?” he asked, even though she suspected he knew the truth.

“No.” Right then, right now, she knew she should stand up, move away and demand in a forceful voice that he never do such a thing again. But it had been far too long since she’d been touched, and the cold, empty shell of a person she’d become felt like a flower opening to the sun. She wanted more.

* * *

If you’re on Twitter, tell us what you

think of Harlequin Romantic Suspense!

#harlequinromsuspense

Dear Reader,

Some books are more difficult for me to write than others. This book was one of those. I started working on it while still raw from losing my father just two years after losing my mother. Several times while writing it, I had to force myself to face my pain and dig deep. The story, while alternately painful and uplifting, hit close to my heart, and now that the book is finished, I feel it is among my best work. The love shines through.

Previous loves and second chances are my very favorite to write. Throw in a massive need for forgiveness, for understanding and the fact that a very giving woman needs to finally learn it’s all right to reach for her own happiness, and you have part of the reason why this book was so important to me. Raw and emotional, some of it culled from my own recent experiences, I viewed this story as redemption and the true power of love. There’s beauty in sacrifice and joy in love. This particular couple is special to me. I hope you feel the same. I’d love to hear from you and see what you think.

Karen Whiddon

The Texan’s Return

Karen Whiddon

www.millsandboon.co.uk

KAREN WHIDDONstarted weaving fanciful tales for her younger brothers at the age of eleven. Amid the gorgeous Catskill Mountains, then the majestic Rocky Mountains, she fueled her imagination with the natural beauty surrounding her. Karen now lives in north Texas, writes full-time and volunteers for a boxer dog rescue. She shares her life with her hero of a husband and four to five dogs, depending on if she is fostering. You can email Karen at kwhiddon1@aol.com. Fans can also check out her website, karenwhiddon.com.

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

To those who take care of others. The caregivers—of the elderly or of children, of spouses or friends. Know that while an often thankless job might seem unappreciated, in the end it truly is.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

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

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

The sharp sound of someone knocking on her front door made Hailey Green narrow her eyes. She’d posted a No Soliciting sign years ago, but every once in a while, a very persistent salesperson would pretend not to see it. She supposed they felt somewhat entitled after walking all the way up her long, winding drive.

Still... She put down the whisk, wiped her hands on the front of her faded jeans, and marched to answer the knock. Prepared speech all ready, she flung the door open. And stared, the words dying on her lips. Her heart flip-flopped in her chest, like a caught catfish on the end of a trotline.

Him. Mac Morrison.

“What...” Stunned, she took a step back, in disbelief, in defense, or a combination of both. Once, her younger self had dreamt of this moment. That dream, like all the others, had faded. Every time his face drifted into her thoughts, she’d chased the image away, telling herself after so many years, she had no idea what kind of man Mac had become.

Now she knew. She let her gaze drink him in, too shocked even to attempt to hide her reaction. After a decade away, he was no longer a boy, but a man. And oh, what a man.

He’d filled out, his body finally catching up to his height. Time had hardened the craggy perfection of his face and given him a masculine virility that his younger self had only had a hint of. He’d gotten muscular, too, his bare arms powerful, his broad shoulders filling out his black T-shirt. He wore his thick, dark hair longer, shaggier, but this also just enhanced his appeal. Only the warmth in his gray eyes as he gazed at her hadn’t changed.

“Hi,” he said, his easy smile and husky voice making her catch her breath. “How’ve you been? It’s been a long time, but you still look the same. Even down to the earrings. I’m glad to see you kept them.”

Purely on reflex, she brought her hand up to her ears. The tiny diamond ear studs he’d given her for her sixteenth birthday were in place, just as they always were. She took them off every night and put them on every single morning. They were the only piece of jewelry she wore.

She could have slammed the door and locked it, turned and run down the hall to the bathroom so she could retch up the remains of breakfast. She could have, probably should have, but instead she couldn’t make herself move. One devilish quirk of a smile and all the memories, wants and desires came rushing back as if they were yesterday rather than almost a decade ago.

Mouth dry, she struggled to find the words to make a response. Instead, to her absolute horror, her eyes filled with tears. She would not cry, not in front of him.

“What...” she tried again. “What are you doing here? After all this time.” The harshness of her tone spoke more of her pain rather than anger.

“What, no friendly welcome?” Mockery and regret combined to darken his eyes to slate. “I thought at least that you’d want to catch up with an old friend.”