Poker Flat Series #2
Reviews for Cowboy’s Match
“I never thought I would get excited about a nudist resort, but that was before I knew about Poker Flats. Now I’m really looking forward to reading more about the kind, loving people there.” – Amazon Reviewer ahhamericanwoman
“This ended up being a really cute story of second chances in so many ways. Second chances at life, second chances for love, and also, the way Cole gives the horses a second chance at life on his ranch. What I didn’t expect was the mystery! The author really keeps us wondering until the end as to who the culprit is.” – Amazon Reviewer Carol
Cowboy’s Match was inspired by Bret Harte’s story “The Outcasts of Poker Flat.”
Two Hearts, Two Fires…
Cowboy Cole Hatcher became a firefighter to support his horse rescue ranch. He never dreamed it would lead him back to his first love, but a fire at the Poker Flat Nudist Resort lands him face-to-face with Lacey Winters. She may have started the fire that ended their relationship, but the sight of her reignites his long buried feelings.
Lacey is shocked the hunky firefighter is the same man who dumped her eight years ago. Cole burned Lacey in the past when he failed to stand by her and she’s determined not to let him back into her heart. But everything about the new Cole is just too hot to resist. He melts her defenses, sweeping her away into a night of erotic passion only to rip open old wounds.
Determined to prove who set the Poker Flat fire and the original fire that destroyed their relationship, Cole investigates both, unearthing ugly truths that reveal even more damage. Now, he’s not sure he can catch the arsonist or the heart of the woman he never stopped loving.
Excerpt from Cowboy’s Match
Finishing her last bite of taco, she took another sip of tea and headed for the kitchen with her empty glass. She refilled her iced tea, narrowly avoiding Rachel. The last thing she wanted was the staff gossiping about her and Cole. No, her and John. Sugar, she needed to push Cole Hatcher out of her head.
She strolled through the main room with the huge fireplace, pondering whether to do the state taxes or the bills next. As she turned the corner to the back hall, she walked straight into a clothed man. She grabbed her glass with both hands as strong hands on her shoulders kept her from falling. She didn’t need to look up to know it was Cole. His cedar scent and his bulk told her.
“Are you all right?” The concern in his voice mirrored that in his gaze as it roved over her face.
No, she wasn’t all right. She was a complete mess. “Yes, I’m fine.” Her breath came out as a whisper and she cleared her throat. Darn, but he had the most beautiful eyes. The bright green was streaked with tiny flecks of blue, making them hypnotizing.
“Lacey?” He lowered his head, bringing those breathtaking eyes even closer.
She could lose herself in his gaze, especially as it turned dark and his face tensed. She remembered that look. He was going to kiss her.
She tried to make her mouth form the word her heart craved, but her mind triggered a warning bell as loud as a fire alarm. As he lowered his strong chin with his firm lips toward her own, her throat finally opened.
“No.” The word came out more like a caress than a command, but he stilled, his lips only inches away from hers. She swallowed. “Please don’t.”
He pulled back as if she’d slapped him. “Am I so odious?”
She shook her head. “I can’t go there with you again, unless you can honestly tell me you believe I didn’t start the fire in Orson.” A glimmer of hope flamed to life in her heart as he hesitated.
Turning his hat in his hand, he met her gaze and sighed. “I can’t, Lacey.”
That stubborn flame of hope extinguished quickly in the pool of hurt in her chest. “Then please leave me alone.”
Indecision flashed in his eyes before he nodded. Without saying another word, he donned his hat and strode out of the building.
Romance inspired by the classics