The Cowboy's Second Chance

The Cowboy's Second Chance
Christyne Butler

Landon Cartwright was a hero in Maggie Stevens's eyes. The roving cowboy showed up just in time to rescue the Crescent Moon owner from the men trying to steal her land. But the longer the sexy-as-sin loner stayed–working her ranch and bonding with her daughter–the more Maggie knew she was setting herself up for heartbreak….Haunted by tragedy, Landon Cartwright came to Destiny looking for a job. He didn't expect to play rescuer, then fall for his alluring new boss and her daughter. He'd board his horse, earn his pay, and hit the road again. Because Maggie was a forever kind of woman. And he wasn't a stick-around kind of guy. Or was he?

“Do you need me to spell it out, Maggie?”

Landon’s lips creased into a smirk. He grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth. His lips traced the ridge of her knuckles. “I wanted to get into the good graces of my lady boss.”

A blaze ignited in her stomach. Much like the one he’d created in the dark interior of his truck when he’d slanted his mouth over hers in a searing kiss.

“Landon, I don’t…”

A storm of fury and lust flared in his eyes. Her heart seized in her chest. Before it jumped back to life again, the emotion in those dark depths vanished.

He lifted his mouth from her hand. “Liar.”

Dear Reader,

I’m a big believer in “do-overs”—where would we be without second chances? From sports to elections to falling in love, everyone deserves another try at getting it right and winning their heart’s desire.

Landon Cartwright and Maggie Stevens are two people who are in desperate need of a second chance, even if they can’t see it. Both of them need to let go of the past and realize love can be a part of their lives again, but boy, can they be stubborn about it! As someone who also found it difficult to take another chance on love (but the gamble paid off!), I just knew these two were perfect for each other. While Maggie is in a better place to take that sometimes frightening leap into the unknown, poor Landon really needs a few nudges from Maggie and her entire family to realize that a second chance is just what a certain cowboy needs.

I hope you enjoy Landon and Maggie’s story!

Christyne

The Cowboy’s Second Chance

Christyne Butler

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

CHRISTYNE BUTLER

fell in love with romance novels while serving in the United States Navy and started writing her own stories six years ago. She considers selling to Silhouette Special Edition a dream come true and enjoys writing contemporary romances full of life, love, a hint of laughter and perhaps a dash of danger, too. And there has to be a happily-ever-after or she’s just not satisfied.

She lives with her family in central Massachusetts and loves to hear from her readers at chris@christynebutler.com. Visit her Web site at www.christynebutler.com.

Dedicated to my own Nana B…Margaret Elizabeth Blakeslee,

and my aunt, Carol Ann Baranowski,

both of whom continue to live on in my heart.

And to my mother, Sandra Jean Toms,

thank you for your love and strength!

Extra special thanks to Charles and Gail for your belief in me,

“The Goddesses” at WriteRomance—Alison, Christina,

Jen, Sandi and Tina, NHRWA and everyone at the

eHarlequin boards for all your support!

Contents

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 One

“You no-good, rotten thief!” Maggie Stevens stomped across the trampled grass of the fairgrounds and tried not to spill the frothy beer from the plastic cups she held in her hands. “You’re stealing my man!”

Kyle Greeley shot her a sardonic grin and continued to peel bills from the large roll of money. By the time Maggie reached him he’d handed over at least a hundred dollars to the cowboy standing next to him—her cowboy.

“Not man, babe,” Kyle said. “Men.”