Quinn's Woman

Quinn's Woman
Susan Mallery

Self-defense instructor D.J. Monroe would do anything to be the best. Even if it meant asking super-sexy military expert Quinn Reynolds to demonstrate some of his finest moves…on and off the mat! Normally, D.J. didn't date, didn't trust, didn't let anyone in. But when she found herself falling for Quinn, could she let go of her past and embrace a future with him?

Selected praise for

Susan Mallery

“A wonderful study of contrasts, as gritty defense lessons play out against the tender moments of falling in love.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews on Quinn’s Woman

“I enjoyed revisiting the Haynes family and I know that you will, too. Pick up a copy of Quinn’s Woman today and enjoy.”

—www.writersunlimited.com

“Not many novels get your pulse racing from the start. Quinn’s Woman does just that.”

—The Romance Reader

“Susan Mallery is warmth and wit personified. Always a fabulous read.”

—New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd

“Ms. Mallery’s unique writing style shines via vivid characters, layered disharmony and plenty of spice.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Quinn’s Woman

Susan Mallery

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

SUSAN MALLERY

is a USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty romances. Her combination of humor, emotion and just-plain-sexy has made her a reader favorite. Susan makes her home in Washington State, where the whole rain thing is highly exaggerated and there’s plenty of coffee to help her meet her deadlines. Visit her Web site at www.SusanMallery.com.

To that young girl who grew up with

broken wings, and somehow learned to fly.

You are, as always, an inspiration.

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 One

“Try to bring this one back alive,” Sheriff Travis Haynes said as he nodded at the slightly built private waiting by the edge of the makeshift podium.

“Alive I can promise,” D.J. Monroe said as she grabbed a rifle from the stack on the table. “In one piece may be more complicated.”

The men standing around chuckled, but the private in question blanched. D.J. tossed him the rifle, grabbed a second one for herself, then started walking. She figured her partner for the next fourteen hours would come trotting along as soon as he figured out she wasn’t going to wait for him.

Sure enough, in about thirty seconds she heard rapid footsteps on the damp ground.

“What’s your name, kid?” she asked when he’d caught up with her.

“Private Ronnie West, ma’am.”

She gave him a quick once-over. He was tall—about six-three to her five-nine—skinny and barely shaving. His shock of red hair was bright enough to read by.

“Are you even eighteen, Ronnie?”

“Yes, ma’am. Nearly four months ago.”

“You insulted about being paired with a woman?” she asked.

“No, ma’am.” His pale-blue eyes widened as he glanced at her. “I’m honored. My sergeant said you were one of the best and that I was damned lucky to get a chance to watch you work.” He ducked his head and blushed. “Excuse me for swearing, ma’am.”

She stopped walking and turned toward him. The annual war games between the emergency services of Glenwood, California—sheriff’s office, fire department and EMT units—and the local Army base were a chance for all concerned to practice, learn and have fun. The morning had been spent on obstacle courses, sharpshooting and tactical planning. D.J. didn’t care about any of that. She looked forward to the search and capture phase of the games.