A Little Texas

A Little Texas
Liz Talley

Growing up in tiny Oak Stand gave Kate Newman all the Texas she'd ever want.Her bold personality is better suited to a city that never sleeps. So coming back to take care of unfinished business is like squeezing into last decade's jeans. A bad idea all around. Her only diversion is Rick Mendez. Enigmatic and irresistible, he's got a heart as wild as her own. They're so good together, Kate dares to peek beyond the end of her stay.But what are the odds for a guy with deep roots in the same soil a girl can't wash off fast enough? Seems more likely that when Kate heads for the bright lights, a little piece of her will be left behind.

Rick touched her shoulder

Kate lifted her eyes to his, afraid he might see how much she wanted him to stay. He looked as intent as he’d been the first time she’d met him. With a tinge of softness.

She closed her eyes then she leaned over and kissed him.

Not a peck like she was thanking him.

But a full-fledged kiss.

He moved in and allowed his mouth to soften beneath hers. She opened slightly, tasting him. He tasted like spearmint gum and warm male, so she tilted her head and opened her mouth a bit more. He took advantage, deepening the kiss, sliding his hand to her jawline. His hands were big and calloused.

Something dangerous slithered inside Kate, a flash of warning. She pulled away, breaking their connection before she did something she might regret.

Dear Reader,

Sometimes a character pulls at you and begs to be written. Such was the case with Kate. Of course, Kate would never beg…just demanded to have her story written. As I wrote, I discovered she was far more than a snappy comeback or a brazen move. This girl had baggage—it was designer and bursting to be unpacked.

Kate’s childhood wasn’t easy, and it made her tough, hard and so much more vulnerable than the average girl. She needed someone to guide her, so I gave her Rick, a guy who’s already walked a tough path himself. He’s perfect for holding her hand, pushing her forward and folding her into his arms as she faces her past. Like many people, Kate has to empty her heart of pain and anger, so she can fill it up with love.

Time to go back to Texas with Kate. Of course, the same old gang is waiting in Oak Stand— Nellie, Bubba and crazy Betty Monk among others. I even threw in a mangy stray named Banjo. Let me know what you think. Write me at P.O. Box 5418, Bossier City, LA 71171 or through my website, www.liztalleybooks.com.

Happy reading!

Liz Talley

A Little Texas

Liz Talley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From devouring the Harlequin Superromance books on the shelf of her aunt’s used bookstore to swiping her grandmother’s medical romances, Liz Talley has always loved a good romance novel. So it was no surprise to anyone when she started writing a book one day while her infant napped. She soon found writing more exciting than scrubbing hardened cereal off the love seat. Underneath her baby-food-stained clothes a dream stirred. Liz followed that dream and, after a foray into historical romance and a Golden Heart final, she started her contemporary romance on the same day she met her editor. Coincidence? She prefers to call it fate.

Currently Liz lives in north Louisiana with her high school sweetheart, two beautiful children and a menagerie of animals. Liz loves strawberries, fishing and retail therapy, and is always game for a spa day. When not writing contemporary romances for Harlequin Superromance, she can be found working in the flower bed, doing laundry or driving carpool.

Where would I be without friends?

This one is for a few good ones:

for Dianna for suggesting I write;

for Rachel, the most generous person I know

(who else would take me to Commander’s on her dad’s dime?);

for Connie, who keeps me on track

and should own stock in Starbucks;

and Sandy, who I’m convinced

really can run the world better.

There’s a bit of each of you in this book.

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 EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN