Jolene Navarro - Lone Star Hero

A Second Chance At Love

Single mom Vickie Lawson is back in her Texas hometown, intent on making a better life for her children. But when her son’s troubles lead childhood sweetheart Jake Torres to her door, she realizes her feelings for him never went away. Now a State Trooper, Jake vows not to be distracted by the beautiful woman who once held his heart. He’s never revealed to her the secret that tore them apart. Jake fears if he does, she—and the whole town—will never forgive him. But if Vickie and Jake can untangle the past, they may have another chance at forever.

“Jake, it’s our song!”

His brows shot up in a question. “I didn’t know we had a song.”

Hands on her hips, she shook her head at his cluelessness. “As chair of the prom committee, I selected the song for the king-and-queen dance. I knew we had received the most votes.” A sad smile formed. “I picked it for us.”

His forehead wrinkled. “You danced it with Tommy.”

“’Cause you never showed up.” She pointed the spatula at him. “You had the most votes. You were voted king. Because you weren’t there I had to dance with Tommy.”

She felt the warmth of his presence as he moved closer to her. He stopped two steps away from where she stood.

“We could dance it now.”

JOLENE NAVARRO

Jolene’s life, much like her stories, is filled with faith, family, football, art, laughter, dirty dishes and all of life’s wonderful messiness. She knows that, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heartbreakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that holding hands and dancing in the rain never gets old. When she’s not teaching art to energetic middle-schoolers or hanging out with her four kids, she loves creating stories of love and faith in her much-loved Texas.

Lone Star Hero

Jolene Navarro

www.millsandboon.co.uk

You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

—Psalms 143:8

To my sisters Tracye Ward and Amanda Warren—you have become amazing women and great mothers. I know our parents would be proud. Always to Fred Navarro, husband extraordinaire.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 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 Dear Reader Questions for Discussion Extract Copyright

There are so many people that made my dream of being a writer become reality.

First to the gifted writers at San Antonio Romance Authors for sharing their time and talents, especially Linda Carroll-Bradd, who taught me what POV meant and how to use it.

Joni, Marilyn, Sasha and Storm, thank you for listening and reading.

To Jodi Thomas and Alexandra Sokolof, two of the most talented and giving people I know.

To the best agent ever, Pam Hopkins.

To the remarkable Emily Rodmell, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share Clear Water, Texas, with the world. My stories are better because of your insight and knowledge.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Second Chance At Love Single mom Vickie Lawson is back in her Texas hometown, intent on making a better life for her children. But when her son’s troubles lead childhood sweetheart Jake Torres to her door, she realizes her feelings for him never went away. Now a State Trooper, Jake vows not to be distracted by the beautiful woman who once held his heart. He’s never revealed to her the secret that tore them apart. Jake fears if he does, she—and the whole town—will never forgive him. But if Vickie and Jake can untangle the past, they may have another chance at forever.

Introduction “Jake, it’s our song!” His brows shot up in a question. “I didn’t know we had a song.” Hands on her hips, she shook her head at his cluelessness. “As chair of the prom committee, I selected the song for the king-and-queen dance. I knew we had received the most votes.” A sad smile formed. “I picked it for us.” His forehead wrinkled. “You danced it with Tommy.” “’Cause you never showed up.” She pointed the spatula at him. “You had the most votes. You were voted king. Because you weren’t there I had to dance with Tommy.” She felt the warmth of his presence as he moved closer to her. He stopped two steps away from where she stood. “We could dance it now.”

About the Author JOLENE NAVARRO Jolene’s life, much like her stories, is filled with faith, family, football, art, laughter, dirty dishes and all of life’s wonderful messiness. She knows that, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heartbreakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that holding hands and dancing in the rain never gets old. When she’s not teaching art to energetic middle-schoolers or hanging out with her four kids, she loves creating stories of love and faith in her much-loved Texas.

Title Page Lone Star Hero Jolene Navarro www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey. —Psalms 143:8

Dedication To my sisters Tracye Ward and Amanda Warren—you have become amazing women and great mothers. I know our parents would be proud. Always to Fred Navarro, husband extraordinaire.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 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 Dear Reader Questions for Discussion Extract Copyright There are so many people that made my dream of being a writer become reality. First to the gifted writers at San Antonio Romance Authors for sharing their time and talents, especially Linda Carroll-Bradd, who taught me what POV meant and how to use it. Joni, Marilyn, Sasha and Storm, thank you for listening and reading. To Jodi Thomas and Alexandra Sokolof, two of the most talented and giving people I know. To the best agent ever, Pam Hopkins. To the remarkable Emily Rodmell, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share Clear Water, Texas, with the world. My stories are better because of your insight and knowledge.

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

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

The blue and red lights flashed. Polished cowboy boots stepped out of the looming SUV. Each step stirred pale dust into the dry air. She didn’t need to look at his face to know who had pulled her over. Ever since her return to Clear Water, Texas, she had done her best to avoid this state trooper.