Downtown Debutante

Downtown Debutante
Kara Lennox

Diamond In The RoughBrenna Thompson's dreams of making it big in the world of jewelry design come to a screeching halt when her ex-fiance takes off with the precious gemstones she's been working on. Enter FBI agent Heath Packer, who claims he's there to help–but whose ulterior motives he can't possibly share with impulsive Brenna. Watching Brenna's every move is Heath's job, but believing the attractive artist could be involved in this crime is becoming increasingly difficult. And the more time he spends with her, the more he feels himself falling in love.But what will happen when she finds out the truth about the investigation? Does she share his growing feelings? Or will she feel twice betrayed?

“Wow! Kara Lennox’s BLOND JUSTICE series has it all—smart, determined heroines, ya-gotta-love-’em macho heroes, taut suspense and romance that will steam your glasses while it melts your heart. Each book is a winner; together they’re pure magic.”

—Bestselling author Merline Lovelace

Dear Reader,

I often write about heroines who are slightly offbeat, but Brenna Thompson, my debutante-in-denial, takes the cake. Perhaps that’s because she’s a lot like me—petite, unconventional, creative. I even gave her my hair (which is currently in blond spikes), my former downtown loft and my love for silver charms. (Unlike Brenna, however, I’m not an heiress, darn it.)

Who better to match up with Brenna than uptight FBI special agent Heath Packer, who would never dream of breaking the rules. Or would he? I’ll just tell you that Heath isn’t all he first appears to be.

I hope you have fun with Brenna and Heath as they continue the search for con man Marvin Carter, which began in Hometown Honey (HAR #1068). This story will take you on a wild romp from Cottonwood, Texas, to New Orleans, Dallas and finally New York. I don’t want to give too much away, but vengeance is sweet, and it involves an ice sculpture and an empty elevator shaft.

All my best,

Downtown Debutante

Kara Lennox

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Texas native Kara Lennox has been an art director, typesetter, textbook editor and reporter. She’s worked in a boutique, a health club and an ad agency. She’s been an antiques dealer and even a blackjack dealer. But no work has made her happier than writing romance novels.

When not writing, Kara indulges in an ever-changing array of weird hobbies. (Her latest passions are treasure hunting and creating mosaics.) She loves to hear from readers. You can visit her Web page and drop her a note at www.karalennox.com (http://www.karalennox.com).

Books by Kara Lennox

HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE

934—VIXEN IN DISGUISE* (#litres_trial_promo)

942—PLAIN JANE’S PLAN* (#litres_trial_promo)

951—SASSY CINDERELLA* (#litres_trial_promo)

974—FORTUNE’S TWINS

990—THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR

1052—THE FORGOTTEN COWBOY

1068—HOMETOWN HONEY† (#litres_trial_promo)

My gratitude to FBI Special Agent

Jennifer Coffindaffer for her help with researching

FBI procedures. Any mistakes are mine.

Contents

Prologue (#u70dc905a-4fe2-5c6e-b886-74a89faa7d81)

Chapter One (#ufac293ce-7ea7-5934-9bbf-597fe413377e)

Chapter Two (#u027682ae-5212-5030-b93a-926f7ab3f784)

Chapter Three (#u4e734555-553f-5ea4-abc7-8d68087c60f3)

Chapter Four (#u0dc1d015-3557-5a77-9202-a60e96560c7a)

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)

Prologue

Brenna Thompson drew herself deeper into the down comforter, trying to reclaim the blessed relief of sleep. But instead of drifting back down, she awoke with a jolt and smacked into hard reality. She was stranded in Cottonwood, Texas, without a dime to her name, her entire future hanging by a thread.

And someone was banging on her door at the Kountry Kozy Bed & Breakfast.

Wearing only a teddy, she slid out of bed and stumbled to the door. “I told you to take the key,” she said grumpily, opening the door, expecting to see Cindy, her new roommate. “What time is it, any—” She stopped as her bleary eyes struggled to focus. Standing in the hallway was a broad-shouldered man in a dark suit, a blindingly white shirt and a shimmering blue silk tie. He was at least a foot taller than Brenna’s own five foot three, and she had to strain her neck to meet his cool, blue-eyed gaze. Another man stood behind the first, but he was in shadow—like he was trying to be in the background.

In a purely instinctual gesture, she slammed the door in his face. My God, she was almost naked. A stranger in a suit had seen her almost naked. Her whole body flushed, then broke out in goose bumps.