Cowboy at Midnight

Cowboy at Midnight
Ann Major

With his prosperous ranch and independence, Steven considers himself a lucky man. He's smart enough to stay far away from love–he's learned it only brings heartache.But then he meets events planner Amy Burke-Sinclair, who has beauty and the brains to match–and is just as cautious as he is. Despite that, she seduces him into a night of passion that leaves him stunned, and ready to admit that perhaps he doesn't have all the answers. When they have to work together on a function honoring patriarch Ryan Fortune, Steven finds himself falling even harder. He soon changes his mind about the benefits of love and commitment…but will Amy change hers?

Praise for Ann Major:

“Engaging characters, stories that thrill and delight, shivering suspense and captivating romance. Want it all? Read Ann Major.”

—Nora Roberts, New York Times bestselling author

“Ann Major delights readers with memorable characters, sparkling dialogue and tension that sizzles.”

—bestselling author Mary Lynn Baxter

“Whenever I pick up a novel by Ann Major, I know I’m guaranteed a heartwarming story.”

—bestselling author Annette Broadrick

“No one provides hotter emotional fireworks than the fiery Ann Major.”

—Romantic Times

“Compelling characters, intense, fast-moving plots and snappy dialogue have made Ann Major’s name synonymous with the best in contemporary romantic fiction.”

—Rendezvous

“Ann Major’s SECRET CHILD sizzles with characters who leap off the page and into your heart… This one’s hot!”

—bestselling author Lisa Jackson

Don’t miss Signature Select’s exciting series:

The Fortunes of Texas: Reunion

Starting in June 2005, get swept up in twelve new stories from your favorite family!

COWBOY AT MIDNIGHT by Ann Major

A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING by Marie Ferrarella

IN THE ARMS OF THE LAW by Peggy Moreland

LONE STAR RANCHER by Laurie Paige

THE GOOD DOCTOR by Karen Rose Smith

THE DEBUTANTE by Elizabeth Bevarly

KEEPING HER SAFE by Myrna Mackenzie

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION by Kristi Gold

ONCE A REBEL by Sheri WhiteFeather

MILITARY MAN by Marie Ferrarella

FORTUNE’S LEGACY by Maureen Child

THE RECKONING by Christie Ridgway

Cowboy at Midnight

Ann Major

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

Dear Reader,

I hope you are well.

I had so much fun writing Cowboy at Midnight.

I think the most important skill a human being can have is the ability to grow and change and be flexible. We all start off in the Garden of Eden, or rather childhood, where life seems simple and sometimes miraculously wonderful—at least, if we are born into happy homes.

Then something happens, like a tragedy, that forces us to grow up too suddenly, and we see ourselves and our world in a brand-new light, sometimes a darker light. We can get stuck, not wanting to move on or accept ourselves as adults or forgive ourselves for not living up to some childish, untenable ideal.

Amy, my story’s heroine, lost her dearest friend at an early age and blamed herself. She has punished herself for eight years.

Then she meets Steve, my hero, and falls in love. She can’t let herself have him unless she changes.

I hope you enjoy THE FORTUNES OF TEXAS: REUNION.

Happy reading,

“We must have the courage to allow a little disorder in our lives.”

—Ben Weininger

I dedicate this book to Tara Gavin, Patience Smith, Shannon Godwin, Karen Solem, Nancy Berland, and Dianne Moggy—all brilliant women! I owe you more than I can say! Thank you!

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three