Mystery Bride
B.J. Daniels
SHE WAS EVERYTHING HE WANTED…OR WAS SHE?The moment Will Sheridan met Samantha Murphy at a party, he knew she was the woman he'd been waiting for. Then a kiss, and suddenly she had disappeared. But Will hadn't given up looking for her, for he vowed to make her his bride–once he discovered who she was, that is….Samantha Murphy's identity was something the female private investigator was trying very hard to hide. She had a job to do and Will, sexy and gorgeous as he was, was in the way. When her latest case took a dangerous turn, Will was caught in the middle of the chase and became her accidental partner. Now on the run to save an innocent life, can they fight their attraction long enough to stay alive?
“You must think I’m not much of a private investigator,” Samantha said.
Will shook his head and smiled. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. You were just outnumbered. In a fair fight, I’d put my money on you any time, Sam.”
He cupped her face with his hand. The strong, capable hand of a man who worked for his living. She covered his hand with her own.
“You sure you’ll be all right in here by yourself?” Will asked her, his blue eyes dark with obvious desire. “I could wash your back.”
Samantha swallowed, consumed with the thought of the two of them in the tub. The temptation was almost too much.
From the doorway behind them came the sounds of the little boy in the next room.
“You better see to Zack.”
He nodded and smiled. “Maybe another time,” he whispered.
She’d underestimated this man, Samantha thought. Just as she’d underestimated how dangerous this case was. She wouldn’t make either mistake again….
Mystery Bride
B.J. Daniels
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in Houston, B.J. Daniels is a former Southern girl who grew up on the smell of gulf sea air and Southern cooking. But like her characters, her home is now in Montana, not far from Big Sky, where she snowboards in the winters and boats in the summers with her husband and daughters. She does miss gumbo and Texas Barbecue, though! Her first Harlequin Intrigue novel was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for best first book and best Harlequin Intrigue. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Montana and Bozeman Writers group. B.J. loves to hear from readers. Write to her at P.O. Box 183, Bozeman, MT 59771.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Will Sheridan—He knows exactly what he wants in a bride. But some women, he discovers, can be murder.
Samantha Murphy—The private investigator has dreamed of a man just like Will Sheridan—but he is the last thing she needs on this case.
Lucas O’Brien—Is the computer game designer just being paranoid or is someone really out to get him?
Zack O’Brien—Everyone suddenly wants the five-year-old son of the game designer a little too desperately.
Cassie Clark O’Brien—The first ex-wife has a killer of a secret she must keep.
Mercedes Palmer O’Brien—The second ex-wife isn’t one to carry a grudge. She gets even.
Al the Ox—The former wrestler turned kidnapper is just following orders. But whose orders?
Bradley Guess—Does the computer nerd really believe his partner has taken off with the missing game?
Robert A. Walker—He is philosophical about his investments. He expects them to pay off.
Eric Ross—Does he have reason to be afraid for his brother? Or is he playing a game of his own?
Bebe, the computer game designer groupie—She seems to know a lot about the missing game and the missing designer.
This one is for my first sister-in-law, Francis Demarais, of Malta, Montana, who taught me how to make bread and the best fudge in the world. You have been a constant in my life for many years now and one of its joys. Thanks for always keeping me a part of the family.
Contents
Prologue
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
Prologue
Seattle, Washington
Friday night