The Last Man In Texas

The Last Man In Texas
Jan Freed

The Malloy Men: Texas Men, Texas WaysCameron Malloy is handsome, successful and singleBut Elizabeth wouldn't have him if he were the last bachelor in Texas. It doesn't matter that she's loved her boss for years–he takes her for granted. If she's ever going to have a family, now's the time to move on.Of course, that doesn't stop Elizabeth from asking Cameron to help her find Mr. Right. Who better to tell her exactly what men are looking for than a serial monogamist like Cameron? And if, along the way, he starts to realize he'd like to apply for the position, there's nothing wrong with that.In fact, it just might have been Elizabeth's plan from the start…

“My letter of resignation is printing now.”

“Lizzy, it might take you a year to land a comparable position. Are you prepared to give up everything?” Cameron asked.

“Yes,” she said simply.

“Then I hope you’ve got cable. That’s a lot of time to spend alone.”

Her fussy movements stilled. “What makes you think I’ll be alone?”

“No offense, honey, but your social life isn’t exactly active. By choice, I’m sure,” he added hastily and much too late.

Ten years she’d waited for him to call her honey, to see his eyes warm with tenderness. But not out of pity.

Deep in that place where insecurity and pride waged war in a woman’s soul, the latter raised a mighty sword and sounded a Valkyrie battle cry.

Elizabeth lifted her chin. “Please don’t worry about me. I won’t be alone. Along with finding a new job, I’ll be starting a second career. The most exciting and challenging one any woman can have.”

“And in plain English that would mean?”

That I’m through settling for what I can get. “It means I’m getting married, Cameron. If you really want what’s best for me, you’ll wish me well.”

Dear Reader,

I’ve been an executive in a large financial institution, a co-owner of an advertising agency and a novelist. Each career has provided moments of profound satisfaction, tremendous frustration and everything in between. Sound familiar?

Of course it does. I’ve described the lives of Superromance readers.

Whether you work outside the home or in, own a huge corporation or a mom-and-pop business, you’re required to squeeze too many responsibilities into too little time for too little money and too little appreciation. That’s not a whine. That’s human nature. And life in the world today.

At times, professional goals clash with personal ones, and difficult choices must be made. I hope each and every hardworking one of you enjoys Cameron and Elizabeth’s romance and personal journey. As they learn to redefine “success,” perhaps you’ll be reminded of a truth easily forgotten during hectic stressful days. It comes from a poster hanging in my office, and I share the words with you gladly:

“Happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people we love and respect.”

Warmly,

Jan Freed

Jan is a recipient of RT’s Reviewer’s Choice Award, and a multiple RITA Award nominee. She loves to hear from readers, and invites you to write her at: 1860 FM 359, PMB 206; Richmond, TX, 77469. Or visit her Web site at: www.superauthors.com.

The Last Man in Texas

Jan Freed

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

To Lesa and Steve Moller,

orange-blooded Austinites, master raconteurs

and my favorite twin sister and brother-in-law.

Hook ’em Horns!

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE (#ue1a00b97-007d-54c4-b51c-daca4f41a709)

CHAPTER TWO (#ua66cee23-f6aa-5b5b-8b99-b798d234e044)

CHAPTER THREE (#u31a8b7a6-6f91-5153-bf43-b2cabc65831c)

CHAPTER FOUR (#u1e978490-4ad2-53d3-928d-63d47f1e25ea)

CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ONE

WELL, HELL. He looked more like one of America’s Most Wanted Criminals than one of Austin’s Ten Most Eligible Bachelors.

Cameron Malloy snapped open the newspaper wider—and really wished he hadn’t.

Sharp movements, bad! Slow movements, tolerable. Hangover 101 basics a worldly thirty-two-year-old bachelor shouldn’t forget.