Barb Han - Texas Showdown

To protect the love he lost, this rugged Texas rancher will risk everything

When FBI agent Maria Belasco is mysteriously attacked, her soon-to-be ex-husband, Austin O’Brien, is instantly on the scene. Problem is, she can’t remember what happened or the case she was working on. Or how, months before, tragedy had driven her and the reserved rancher irrevocably apart...

Now Austin must pretend that nothing has changed between them to help Maria get her memory back—and discover who wants her dead. But protecting her 24/7 is reigniting desires even more explosive than before. Austin will do whatever it takes to expose the enemy on their trail. But putting his heart on the line a second time could prove the most lethal risk of all...

Cattlemen Crime Club

“What was it, Austin? Is that the reason we don’t talk about anything?”

“Look. I don’t mean to be. . .It’s just. . .complicated.”

“So I gathered,” Maria said under her breath. She slipped into her running shoes. Movement still hurt but it felt good to be going outside.

Her hand was on the door handle, ready to go, when Austin placed his hand on the door. His gaze was intense. He looked tormented and. . .hungry. Before Maria knew what had hit her, her back was against the door and Austin pressed his lips to hers. Her body ached to be touched by her husband. Her hands splayed out on his chest and she could feel his rapid breathing through her fingertips. Her fingers flexed along the smooth lines of his muscled chest.

Austin pulled back way too fast. “That was a mistake.”

“Really, Austin? Was it? You kissed your wife. I don’t think anyone’s going to arrest you for doing what every married couple across the nation does,” she whispered.

“I don’t want to take advantage of the fact that you can’t remember and the doctor says that I can’t bring you up-to-date. It would be so much easier if I could,” he said. “But you’d feel different about me, about this.” He kissed Maria again and her knees almost buckled. . .

Texas Showdown

Barb Han

www.millsandboon.co.uk

USA TODAY bestselling author BARB HAN lives in north Texas with her very own hero-worthy husband, three beautiful children, a spunky golden retriever/standard poodle mix and too many books in her to-read pile. In her downtime, she plays video games and spends much of her time on or around a basketball court. She loves interacting with readers and is grateful for their support. You can reach her at www.barbhan.com.

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Many thanks to Allison Lyons, who is a dream editor! Also, my thanks to Jill Marsal, who is the best agent! It’s my great fortune to work with both of you.

Brandon, Jacob and Tori, the three of you inspire me in so many ways every day. I love each of you so much and appreciate all of the adventures we share!

Babe, how lucky are we to get to spend every day with so much love and laughter! You’re the best person I could hope to be on this adventure with and I love you with all my heart.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text To protect the love he lost, this rugged Texas rancher will risk everything When FBI agent Maria Belasco is mysteriously attacked, her soon-to-be ex-husband, Austin O’Brien, is instantly on the scene. Problem is, she can’t remember what happened or the case she was working on. Or how, months before, tragedy had driven her and the reserved rancher irrevocably apart... Now Austin must pretend that nothing has changed between them to help Maria get her memory back—and discover who wants her dead. But protecting her 24/7 is reigniting desires even more explosive than before. Austin will do whatever it takes to expose the enemy on their trail. But putting his heart on the line a second time could prove the most lethal risk of all... Cattlemen Crime Club

Introduction “What was it, Austin? Is that the reason we don’t talk about anything?” “Look. I don’t mean to be. . .It’s just. . .complicated.” “So I gathered,” Maria said under her breath. She slipped into her running shoes. Movement still hurt but it felt good to be going outside. Her hand was on the door handle, ready to go, when Austin placed his hand on the door. His gaze was intense. He looked tormented and. . .hungry. Before Maria knew what had hit her, her back was against the door and Austin pressed his lips to hers. Her body ached to be touched by her husband. Her hands splayed out on his chest and she could feel his rapid breathing through her fingertips. Her fingers flexed along the smooth lines of his muscled chest. Austin pulled back way too fast. “That was a mistake.” “Really, Austin? Was it? You kissed your wife. I don’t think anyone’s going to arrest you for doing what every married couple across the nation does,” she whispered. “I don’t want to take advantage of the fact that you can’t remember and the doctor says that I can’t bring you up-to-date. It would be so much easier if I could,” he said. “But you’d feel different about me, about this.” He kissed Maria again and her knees almost buckled. . .

Title Page Texas Showdown Barb Han www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author USA TODAY bestselling author BARB HAN lives in north Texas with her very own hero-worthy husband, three beautiful children, a spunky golden retriever/standard poodle mix and too many books in her to-read pile. In her downtime, she plays video games and spends much of her time on or around a basketball court. She loves interacting with readers and is grateful for their support. You can reach her at www.barbhan.com .

Dedication Many thanks to Allison Lyons, who is a dream editor! Also, my thanks to Jill Marsal, who is the best agent! It’s my great fortune to work with both of you. Brandon, Jacob and Tori, the three of you inspire me in so many ways every day. I love each of you so much and appreciate all of the adventures we share! Babe, how lucky are we to get to spend every day with so much love and laughter! You’re the best person I could hope to be on this adventure with and I love you with all my heart.

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

Chapter One

“You didn’t have to take a bullet to get me to stop by and see you,” Austin O’Brien teased Sheriff Tommy Johnson as he entered room 119 at Bluff General Hospital. Tommy was more like family and had grown up on the ranch alongside all six O’Brien sons. At six feet tall with light brown hair and eyes that matched, he looked like he could be an O’Brien.

“If I’d known that’s all it would take, I’d have done it years ago,” Tommy retorted. He’d been shot in the line of duty a few days ago. A two-hour surgery later to remove a bullet fragment from a rib and he’d been recovering nicely. At least his sense of humor was returning. That was a good sign. The first day he’d been too full of morphine to crack a smile and no one had felt like joking.