One Night With A Cowboy
There’s no room in day-care owner Lana Carpenter’s life for casual flings. After all, her dream of adopting a baby is closer to becoming a reality than ever. So why is she still mooning over the sexy cowboy who made her forget everything but the strong, sure feel of his arms around her?
It wasn’t supposed to be more than one unforgettable night between consenting strangers. But when Sly Pettit spots Lana’s photo in the local paper, he grabs at the chance to see her again. The guarded rancher is falling hard for Lana, but it can only end in heartbreak. Unless Sly can trust her with the secrets that keep him from believing that, just maybe, they could have a future together.
“I usually don’t spend the night with a man I just met. You were the first and the last.”
“I’m honored that you picked me. I enjoyed our time together.”
Her warm eyes flashed that Lana had, too. She had a mouth made for loving. Plump, soft lips that were naturally pink. They parted a fraction, just as they had seconds before he’d kissed her the other night.
Sly definitely wanted to see more of her and explore that heat, unleash her fiery passion and enjoy a repeat of their memorable night together. He moved closer and tucked her hair behind her ears with hands that shook.
He wanted her that much. Too much.
The strength of his need scared him. If he was smart, he’d turn around and leave. But his legs refused to budge.
Dear Reader,
This is the first book in my Prosperity, Montana miniseries. Prosperity is a fictitious town in north central Montana—gorgeous country. With ranches, great places to hike, wonderful restaurants and stunning Prosperity Falls, the waterfall that draws tourists and locals, what’s not to love? I had fun creating the town and look forward to further developing it as I write new stories.
Sly Pettit, a successful rancher, hasn’t had life easy. The oldest of three siblings (don’t worry, they’ll get their own books), Sly had to grow up fast. Except for his little sister, he doesn’t trust anyone. He likes living alone.
Lana Carpenter owns a day care. Almost six years ago, Lana married and settled into what she thought was her happily ever after. Her dream ended when her husband left her for someone else. Lana longs for a family of her own.
I loved writing Sly and Lana’s story, and hope you’ll enjoy reading about them.
Enjoy!
Ann
P.S. I always appreciate hearing from readers. Email me at [email protected], write me c/o P.O. Box 25003, Seattle, WA 98165-1903, or visit my Facebook page. And please visit my website, at www.annroth.net, where you can sign up for my newsletter and enter the monthly drawing to win a free, autographed book! Be sure to visit the Fun Stuff page, where you’ll find my blog, recipes and other fun stuff.
For even more, check out my Ann Roth Author page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter: @Ann_Roth.
A Rancher’s Honor
Ann Roth
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ann Roth lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband. After earning an MBA she worked as a banker and corporate trainer. She gave up the corporate life to write, and if they awarded PhDs in writing happily-ever-after stories, she’d surely have one.
Ann loves to hear from readers. You can write her at P.O. Box 25003, Seattle, WA 98165-1903, or email her at [email protected].
To my wonderful readers. You’re the best!
Contents
Chapter One
Lana Carpenter woke up with the worst headache ever. With a groan, she cracked one eye open to glance at the clock on the bedside table. But there was no clock, and the dark wood table was nothing like her oak furniture.
She wasn’t in her queen-size bed at her town house—she was in a king-size bed in a hotel room, and judging by the monogram on the sheets, it was the Prosperity Inn, one of Prosperity, Montana’s, four-star hotels.
Both eyes were open now. After stealing a peek at the other side of the bed—it was empty, but a dented pillow lay close to hers—she sat up quickly, grimacing at the sudden thundering in her temples.
The clock on that side of the bed said it was just after ten. She never slept this late—even if it was Saturday!
She pulled the dented pillow to her face and the lingering scent of a man’s spicy aftershave tickled her nostrils. One whiff and everything flooded back.
Kate picking her up and commiserating with her over the fact that Brent and Julia had had their baby. Driving to the Bitter & Sweet Bar and Grill for dinner and dancing to a live country-and-western band. Consuming too little dinner and too many cocktails in an effort to forget her ex’s betrayal. The handsome cowboy at the table across the way, and the strong attraction that had flared between them from the first moment of eye contact.
On the way to the bar, Lana hadn’t even thought about meeting a man. She was still recovering from the divorce and had only