I finished up the final edits to The Cowboy’s Summer Love last night.
Final word count: 96,390.
Whew!
To recap, this story is about the youngest Thompson brother, Travis. He is the rowdy wild-child of the family. After spending six years in the service, he’s home and trying to adjust to life in Grass Valley, especially when Tess Morgan, the girl he was secretly loved since he was a boy, moves back home.
While he’s acquired a hard-edge during his years away, Tess has softened and matured. She is a fascinating combination of sweet and sassy that keeps Travis on his toes.
Here are a few excerpts. Enjoy!
***
“Well, I guess you’re stuck with me as your taxi service this evening,” Travis said, rolling his head in Tess’ direction with one of the smiles that made her insides churn into a hot, molten mess.
“Fabulous. I’ve gone from having the nitwit drive me to the idiot,” Tess muttered under her breath.
“What was that?” Travis asked with a grin, having heard every word she said.
“Nothing. I was just commenting on what a lucky girl I am,” Tess said with a terse smile.
***
Travis started to drive out of the parking lot then slammed on the brakes.
“You’ve been hiding out at my mom’s house?” he asked, his eyes shooting hot blue sparks her direction.
“I haven’t been hiding. I just needed to be here in town for a while,” Tess said, digging in her purse for some imaginary item she couldn’t find.
“Well, isn’t that just dandy,” Travis said, shifting the truck into gear and driving to Denni’s. “Who else knew you were here?”
“Just Cady, maybe Lindsay.”
“So all you women have turned against me,” Travis said, giving Tess a wounded look. “You females stick together, don’t you?”
“Absolutely, and don’t forget it.”
****
“You boys were so mean to me,” she said, smacking him again for good measure.
He grabbed her hand and tugged her to him. Tess felt an army of butterflies explode into action in her stomach when Travis held her hands captive against his strong chest, and drew her close, his arms wrapped securely around her. She looked into his eyes and watched them ignite into hot blue flames.
Shifting his weight, his spurs jangled and Tess felt Travis’ muscles bunch beneath her hands. She had an overwhelming desire to explore those muscles without the fabric of his shirt obstructing her touch or view.
“I’m sorry we were ornery to you, honeybee,” he whispered, kissing her ear. “But you were so fun to tease.”
***
The book will be available next week! I’ll post all the details once it is ready for ordering!
