Taylor Hart's Blog, page 7

April 29, 2024

99¢ Cowboy Flash Sale!

Need some adventure in your life?


Only 99¢ Colt
Only 99¢ Chance

Happy Monday!

I hope you a great weekend!

My weekend was spent celebrating the soon-to-be Bride and Groom surrounded with friends and family! It was amazing! We are getting so close to the wedding!

Such an exciting time! Ahhh!

Now, let's add more adventure to your week with an awesome Flash Sale!

For a limited time, I am having a 99¢ sale on two of the Cross Creek Wyoming Ranch Romances! The quest to find the conquistador gold continues with both Colt and Chance! But will they take a chance on love?

You can grab both for only 99¢ each!

Don't miss it!

Only 99¢ Colt
An ex-bull rider tasked with watching a baby. The woman who left him 14 years ago and who doesn't want to be back in this small town. When a medical emergency brings their worlds together, will the secret keeping them apart finally be revealed?


Colt Cross adores his niece and doesn't mind watching her for a week while his brother is on vacation. He's got it handled. He can definitely run the ranch and watch a baby. Until she comes down with a fever and he needs medical help. When he shows up at the doctor's house in the middle of the night, he never expected that the woman who left him at the altar fourteen years ago would be there, and he really never expected he would demand to know the truth.

When Sierra Shamrock, ER Doctor, comes to Cross Creek to help out her father after a heart attack, she never imagined she'd be face to face with Colt. And she really never imagined all of the old feelings coming back; it'd been fourteen years, and she should be over him. Yet, as he demands to know the truth of that night all those years ago, Sierra finds herself wanting to give this man more than the truth, possibly her heart.
Will a fire and conquistador gold pull them together or tear them apart?

As the Cross siblings get tested, they find they have to do the one thing their father always wanted them to do; trust each other and protect the land that is their legacy.

★★★Enjoy 3 Bonus Books:
Flirting with Your FBI Heartbreaker
Flirting with Your Hollywood Heartbreaker
Flirting with Your Ex-Best Friend Billionaire Fake Fiancé


Only 99¢ Chance
★★★★★From kindle all-star and USA Today author, Taylor Hart! The Cross Creek Family Romances! ★★★Taylor Hart always does a great job of writing clean, faith-filled romances. All the stories in this book are excellent, and I highly recommend them!★★★Kindle Customer

A small town sheriff trying to put this gold hunt to rest once and for all. A woman from his past, running from her ex. Will they keep each other's secrets and open their hearts once again?

Chance Cross only knew one thing; whoever was going after his family--would pay. And he would put this gold hunt to rest once and for all. Even if it meant leaving Cross Creek and going undercover in South Port. He had a journal that showed the gold was still in this beach town and he would prove it.

Kelly Hamilton never meant to end up in South Port. She never meant to run into Chance Cross, and she really never meant to wind up smack dab in the middle of a gold hunt ... and be running from her ex--but life had funny ways.

When she agrees to team up with Chance to find the gold its' on one condition; he tell no one she's pregnant. She doesn't know what she's going to do and ... she can't let her ex find out.
Will the feelings from the past and conquistador gold pull them together or tear them apart?

As the Cross siblings get tested, they find they have to do the one thing their father always wanted them to do; trust each other and protect the land that is their legacy.

Please enjoy three bonus books; The Football Groom, The Country Groom, The Unfinished Groom!
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Published on April 29, 2024 05:17

April 9, 2024

Not sure what to read next? Enjoy this 99¢ Spring Starter Collection!

99¢ Spring Starter Collection!


Only 99¢ 2021 Taylor Hart's Spring Starter Collection: 4 Sweet, Contemporary Romances

Are you looking for something to read, but not quite sure where to start?

I've got just the collection for you!

This Spring Starter Collection includes 4 of my books from 4 different series to give you a taste of what each series is like – Each book is the first book in each series! The best part is that it's on sale for only 99¢! It will help you decide which series you'll want to start next!

You won't want to miss this one!

Only 99¢ 2021 Taylor Hart's Spring Starter Collection: 4 Sweet, Contemporary Romances
Enjoy these larger than life men their journey to find love. An FBI guy, 2 Navy SEALs, and a mild-mannered millionaire professor who all deserve a second chance at love! ★★★★★The kind of hero's the world craves and the kind of men that need a good woman to come home to. ★★★★★This collection is by kindle all-star, Taylor Hart!

The Stone Family Inn Book 1 South Port Beach Romances


After the death of their mother, six siblings are upset the beach house in South Port, was left solely to their oldest brother, Trey Stone. He never wanted it and he has no family anyway. The decision to sell it quickly incites a family feud and all of the siblings can’t help but get involved.

Trey Stone’s only goal was to get it sold and get back to doing what he’s always done; being a Navy SEAL.

Ava Jamison hasn’t been back to South Port since her father passed, but her recent divorce and wanting stability for her sixteen-year-old son, has given her a longing for home. She’s prepared to buy the old Stone Mansion and she delights in turning it into an Inn where other families can have the same good memories she’s always had.

When Trey puts a stop to the sell of the beach house and demands to know why she’s divorced, it starts a fire burning deep within her she hasn’t felt for a long, long time. Hopefully the man will get out of her way before she does something really, really stupid like kiss him. Whoops, too late.

As these six siblings find a way back to each other, they must learn to let go of what doesn’t matter and cling to the things their parents always wanted for them--family, love, and fun memories on the beach.

The Broken Warrior Book 1 The Legendary Kent Brothers


Zane Kent, ex Navy SEAL and Thor look-alike, takes pride in keeping calm in stressful situations while being part of a ‘special teams’ vigilante group. But when he walks into a mission blind and discovers the woman who broke his heart 7 years ago is the target, the lines become fuzzy and his pride flies out the window.

Sarah Hamilton moved to San Diego to start a new life with her son and start a matchmaking business. She is shocked when Zane Kent shows up at a client meeting and down-right stunned when she finds herself asking for his protection. But it’s fine because their relationship is professional now. Too bad he kisses her. Good thing she slaps him.

When Zane reveals her ‘clients’ are not as innocent as she thinks they are, and tragedy strikes her son….she’s forced to make a choice: trust in the man who left her 7 years ago or lose everything.

Rule #1 Don’t Date Mr. Wrong Book 1 Rules of Dating: Christian RomComs


Dating needs rules but some rules …. Are made to be broken!

All Sara wanted was to marry her boyfriend, graduate from college, and start the rest of her amazing life.

Too bad some jerk keeps popping up in her life and making fun of her plan. So what if said jerk also helps her out at the most inconvenient times. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is the man she’s been waiting for. That. Is. All.

That’s when ‘The Rules’ are put together. Dating Rules that will make everything FAIR.

Well … as fair as dating can get.

As truths from the past get revealed, Sara will have to make a choice; trust herself or fall for Mr. Wrong!

Flirting with your FBI Heartbreaker Book 1 Knight Brother Romances


Agent Sam Knight doesn’t want to be on this assignment, but when he discovers that his ex from seven years ago is engaged to a killer, nothing will stop him from saving her. Even if it breaks his heart all over again.

Alexa Fulbright doesn’t expect the man she’s been trying to forget for the past 7 years to show up on assignment from the FBI…and she really doesn’t expect him to kiss her.

Sam Knight doesn’t want to be on this assignment, even though he requested it. He doesn’t want to see Alexa and he definitely doesn’t want to put away the thug she calls her boyfriend…but most things in life aren’t fair when it comes to her.

As Sam tries to convince Alexa that her boyfriend is a drug dealer with connections to the Columbian cartel, she doesn’t believe it, until a gun is pointed at her head and ‘said boyfriend’ puts a bullet in Sam’s shoulder.

Now Sam has to get her out of dodge and Alexa has to make a choice—face the past or live a lie that could destroy her and everyone she’s ever loved.
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Published on April 09, 2024 04:53

April 1, 2024

Need a Monday Pick-Me-Up?

Enjoy this FREEBIE!


Rule #2 Don't Fall for a Blind Date: Sweet Romantic Comedy

Need something to start your week off right? There's nothing better than a fun romcom! Enjoy this FREEBIE today!

FREE! Rule #2 Don't Fall for a Blind Date: Sweet Romantic Comedy
She knows how blind dates end … and it’s not in a love story. Especially when the blind date ends up being ... the guy who broke her heart twenty years ago.


All Tori wants to do is forget her cheating ex and the end of her 19-year marriage by hiding away in Haven, Montana. Good thing her grandmother left her a house right on the lake. Too bad the house is falling apart. When her meddling neighbor wants to set her up on a blind date, it’s not just no, it’s heck to the no! Never! She doesn’t want a relationship ever again!

Levi Jackson, ex-Navy SEAL is only back in Haven to build a house, then profit and reinvest the money in his dream project in Alaska. A dream project that will land him on easy street. He deserves easy street after losing his wife to cancer five years ago and recently getting shot.

When his mother guilt trips him into going on a blind date, he never imagined that the woman he'd be going with would be the woman who broke his heart twenty years ago. The chemistry between them surprises him and he doesn't know if it started when she slipped onto the back of his motorcycle for the blind date or when he 'accidentally' kissed her the next day. The only thing he knows is that this whole thing means nothing. Nothing at all.

As truths from the past get revealed, both of them will have to make a choice; open their hearts to love again or let the lies of the past destroy what could have been the best blind date ever!
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Published on April 01, 2024 05:28

March 26, 2024

My hands are shaking! My New Protecting the Ex-Fiance is Out!

NEW Billionaire Bodyguard Romance!


NEW Release! Protecting the Ex-Fiance

I Love this book so much! It’s full of romance and suspense a 2nd Chance Romance that will knock your socks off!

Get it today and let me know what you think!

NEW Release! Protecting the Ex-Fiance

A man who has lost his purpose in life. The woman he refused to marry eight years ago. Will a dangerous stalker be the thing that brings them together?


Kent King, former Navy SEAL, only wants to live a life with purpose. After losing his brother in an explosion right before his eyes, Kent can’t get over the fact his brother isn’t alive. Even if it costs him the thing he loves; being a Navy SEAL.

Reece Storm, a famous country music star, doesn’t need a bodyguard. Doesn’t want a bodyguard. Will NOT have Kent King as her bodyguard as long as she is still breathing. The man shattered her heart eight years ago and no matter what anyone tells her, she does NOT want the man back in her life. Too bad shots get fired at one of her concerts, and Kent saves her life.

Kent’s Neanderthal ways of bossing her around in the name of protecting her don’t go over well and they both find themselves in an epic battle of will. When the threats on Reece’s life increase, but she refuses to cancel future concerts, which Kent finds intolerable to her safety and everyone else’s safety.

When her life is put at risk for the final time, will she trust Kent, or will all of her vulnerabilities take them both down?
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Published on March 26, 2024 05:41

March 18, 2024

Sending out Wedding invitations! 99¢ Wedding Book Sale!

It's wedding season!


Only 99¢ The Fake Dating Deal: Dawn's Love Story: South Port Beach Romances

I’ve been addressing wedding invitations and buying all kinds of fun things like a wedding book to sign and decorations—flowers and balloons and all sorts of stuff from Amazon. My husband says I need a budget:)

But I’m just … happy. Happy for my son and I want to enjoy this time that leads up to the wedding!

To celebrate—I’ve put one of my favorites on sale—One of South Port’s finest—Dawn’s story—The Fake Dating Deal! Enjoy!

Only 99¢ The Fake Dating Deal: Dawn's Love Story: South Port Beach Romances
A woman whose heart was broken. An ex con, turned millionaire, who needs a date for his brother's wedding. Will they agree to a fake dating deal ... just to get their families off their backs?

★★★★★From kindle all-star and USA Today author, Taylor Hart! The South Port Beach Series!


Dawn Roxy, aspiring music professor and independent musician extraordinaire, never thought she'd really be playing at open mic night after open mic night, trying to win a stupid radio contest to give her some national exposure.

Trevor Holland, liked being a multimillionaire. He'd worked his butt off to become what he was, and of course, a nice stroke of luck had helped. But, when his mother layed on the Catholic guilt about attending his brother's wedding; he couldn't handle it.

Good thing, Trevor got to help out a hugely talented and smokin hot musician who got her guitar stolen. He tells her he'll give the guitar back if she agrees to two fake dates with him, just to get him through the wedding.

But she surprises him and demands two fake dates of her own. Good thing they can both keep this all fake and walk away at the end.....or can they?
When fake starts to feel real, the truth comes out. And, not just the truth about them ... the truth about lies that haven't been told for ten years.

As these beach friends find a way back to each other, they must learn to let go of what doesn’t matter and cling to the things of most value--family, love, and fun memories on the beach.

3 Bonus Books Included: Her Hidden Falls Anti-Hero Cowboy, The Lone Star Groom, Don't Fall for Mr. Wrong.
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Published on March 18, 2024 05:02

March 12, 2024

NEW Wedding Collection—99 Cents!

Love is in the air!


Only 99¢ The Wedding Collection: 7 Christian, Contemporary Fake Fiancé Romances

99¢ NEW Collection! You all know that I've had my son's wedding on the mind. So, of course I had to do a Wedding Collection to celebrate the upcoming wedding! Falling in Love Never Felt So Good – Come get lost in this collection today!

Only 99¢ The Wedding Collection: 7 Christian, Contemporary Fake Fiancé Romances
**Falling in Love Never Felt So Good***

A sweet, cozy wedding to get lost in by best-selling author, Taylor Hart!

The sound of the wedding march. The clink of pretty dishes. The sound of happy laughter. Come get lost in this collection today!

In this 7-book collection, you'll find some handsome men and some fiesty, fun women who will keep you laughing and crying and trusting in true love!

The Fake Fiance Groom
Her Football Boss Fake Fiance
Married by Christmas
Always Kiss Your Fake Christmas Boyfriend
Always Kiss Your Secret Wedding Date
A Christmas Wedding to Remember
Flirting with Your Ex-Best Friend Billionaire Fiance
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Published on March 12, 2024 05:00

March 4, 2024

Jagger Mania this week—FREE and 2 books for 99¢!

Don't Miss This Jagger Family Romance Series Sale!


FREE! Secret Amnesia Undercover Billionaire
Only 99¢ Secret Jamaica Undercover Billionaire: Jagger Family Romances
Only 99¢ Secret Vanlife Undercover Billionaire
Secret Cowboy Undercover Billionaire: Jagger Family Romances
Secret Undercover Navy SEAL Billionaire: Jagger Family Romances
Secret Undercover Fake Fiance FBI Billionaire: Feel Good Christmas Romance
NEW Release! Secret Undercover Counterfeit Billionaire

If you haven’t jumped into this series—DO IT NOW!

The first book is FREE and the next two at 99 Cents!

You guys KNOW I love Mia Jagger so much and her first book just shows her as being so vulnerable and real and trying to figure out life!

It’s truly a joy to have the last book and the first book be ‘matching book ends’ with the amnesia theme!

Check them out now!

FREE! Secret Amnesia Undercover Billionaire
★★★★★From kindle all-star and USA Today author, Taylor Hart! The Jagger Family Romances!

What do you say – when you don’t remember who you are? Can you fall in love? ♥ Is that even … legal?


When billionaire, Mia Jagger, goes to Wyoming to covertly evaluate a ranch in foreclosure, she never anticipates falling and hitting her head. When she wakes up and doesn’t remember who she is, admittedly, she’s afraid, and all she wants is that blue-eyed man who held her hand in the hospital.

Ross Charm doesn’t want to take a woman who can’t remember anything back to his ranch, but she keeps insisting and he can't leave her on her own.

When her family shows up and they both learn the truth, they must make a choice: let the past keep them apart or let true love have its’ happily ever after.

Join the journey of the Jagger Family Romances--and this first book starts it off!

Only 99¢ Secret Jamaica Undercover Billionaire: Jagger Family Romances

★★★★★From kindle all-star and USA Today author, Taylor Hart! The Jagger Family Romances!

What do you tell people – when you’re taking your honeymoon by yourself?


When billionaire, Daniel Jagger, tries to escape to his Jamaica resort to get away from his family and to NOT follow his father’s will, he never expected to meet a gorgeous woman who looks … so sad. And he really never expected to run into her and break her piece of art.

Shar Summers didn’t want to admit to the fact that her fiancé had broken her heart. To add insult to injury, he’d also done it on her wedding day. But she wouldn’t be denied a trip to Jamaica! First of all, she’d paid for it. Second of all, this was her chance to paint an ocean sunset and she wouldn’t be deterred from that. Until some guy runs into her and nearly breaks her painting and injures her hand. Now, how is she supposed to go on all of these pre-paid excursions by herself with a hurt hand?

When Daniel insists that he’s going to make up for hurting her by attending all the activities she’d planned for her supposed-to-be honeymoon, he wasn’t anticipating how much he’d like this woman. And he really wasn’t anticipating doing EXACTLY what his father wanted; falling in love.

What would she do when she discovered his true identity? And what would he do if she still loved her ex fiancé?

Jagger Family Romances are full of fun, charm and falling in LOVE!

Only 99¢ Secret Vanlife Undercover Billionaire

★★★★★From kindle all-star and USA Today author, Taylor Hart! The Jagger Family Romances!

What do you tell people – when you pick up a hitch hiker on the side of the road and she sticks a pistol in your face?---Not that you’re in love, right?


Sam Jagger didn't want to leave the family company for a year and find true love—as commanded by his father's will, so he did the only thing that sounded fun; bought a van and decided to travel!

Tara King didn't want to deal with her alcoholic mother or the fact that she missed her sister more and more each day, she really didn't want to deal with the flat tire she'd gotten or the fact her phone wasn't charged.

When Sam stops to help a beautiful woman on the side of the road, why was he surprised when she sticks a gun in his face? He’s not. Hasn’t everything else in his life gone wrong?

He really doesn’t need this!

Jagger Family Romances are full of fun, charm and falling in LOVE!
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Published on March 04, 2024 05:25

March 2, 2024

Don't Miss this FREEBIE!

Don't miss this FREEBIE!!


Her Hidden Falls Last Chance Billionaire Cowboy: Sweet Brother's Romance

Looking for something to read this weekend? I've got a FREEBIE for you! Enjoy this Hardman Brothers Ranch Romances – Her Hidden Falls Last Chance Billionaire Cowboy!

Her Hidden Falls Last Chance Billionaire Cowboy: Sweet Brother's Romance
A man who’s been hurt by love too many times. The best friend he refused to marry in his youth. She’s divorced and looking for a home. Not a home with him!


Ex-marine, Richard Chavez, is the kind of man who can handle anything. The confusion of war, growing a family dynasty, siblings who can’t get along, but don’t ask him to a party and surprise him with the woman who broke his heart.
The beautiful, River Woods, hasn’t been back to Hidden Falls since she was a child and visiting her grandparents on their ranch. But since the divorce, she’s been looking for someplace to put down roots that feels like home. Running into Richard Chavez was like a cold bucket of memory lane water hitting her in the face. The man looked good. But so what? She wasn’t here to relive a past long forgotten and she wasn’t here to watch women fawn all over some so-called war hero and billionaire! Plus, she doesn’t want to hear all about the previous Hardman women who dated him. No thanks.
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Published on March 02, 2024 09:31

February 28, 2024

I love releasing a book into your hands….My NEW Jagger is out today!

The NEWEST Jagger Family Romance is Finally HERE!


Secret Undercover Counterfeit Billionaire

Oh gosh you guys—I LOVE THE JAGGERS so much! And my new one—Secret Undercover Counterfeit Billionaire—is SOO good!

Maybe that sounds a tad like I’m the author of the book and I have too big of a head:)—But—it really comes from my heart…Steele is just so …. wonderful. He’s grown up in foster care and when he discovers that he’s a Jagger—he’s ticked off.

But—then he’s curious. He’s really curious when Mia sends him a deed to a ranch in Wyoming. The ranch that happens to be next to hers.

When he goes out there to check it out——somehow—he stumbles upon an accident with a woman who—has amnesia!

Yay! It’s a call back to the first Jagger book and I’m so excited for you to read it today!

Secret Undercover Counterfeit Billionaire
Nobody knew he was a Jagger
... He didn't even know until the attorney showed up. Until he was informed he could be a Billionaire. Until ... he was told he had to get married in a year to have any claim on the money!

Steele Grey wasn't used to being told what to do. He'd grown up in foster care and he didn't need ANYONE or ANYTHING if he didn't create it or find it. He'd made his money on grit and sweat and the good old-fashioned grace of God.

After the bombshell news dropped he was a Jagger ... if he wanted to be. The attorney clarified that NONE of the other siblings even knew of his existence ... and they wouldn't know if he chose not to tell them. It wasn't a hard choice, he didn't need some prissy billionaires in his life, even if they were his half-siblings. They were probably jerks anyway! And he really didn't need to find a wife. He didn't need to have anyone close to him who could let him down.

Yet, when Mia Jagger shows up out of the blue and tells him she found out he's her brother ... and she wants him to be part of the Jagger Family... he's speechless! But the clock is ticking on the billions ... does he want to be part of this whole 'finding true love' thing or not?
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Published on February 28, 2024 06:01

February 12, 2024

FREE Book! Valentines week!

Happy Valentine's Week!


FREE! Secret Vanlife Undercover Billionaire: Jagger Family Romances
Pre-Order Today! Secret Undercover Counterfeit Billionaire

I am on the fence about Valentine’s day. I mean, I like it. I like being celebrated by the people I love and celebrating them. —I mean, I do write happy love stories—:)….but…what do you guys think? 

Do you like Valentine’s Day?

Write me back and let me know.

No matter what your feelings are on the Day—I have a FREEBIE—just for you! And—books make us happy, right?!

I love this Jagger one!

And—don’t miss my next Jagger—coming out March 1st!

Hugs!

FREE! Secret Vanlife Undercover Billionaire: Jagger Family Romances
★★★★★From kindle all-star and USA Today author, Taylor Hart! The Jagger Family Romances!

What do you tell people – when you pick up a hitch hiker on the side of the road and she sticks a pistol in your face?---Not that you’re in love, right?


Sam Jagger didn't want to leave the family company for a year and find true love—as commanded by his father's will, so he did the only thing that sounded fun; bought a van and decided to travel!
Tara King didn't want to deal with her alcoholic mother or the fact that she missed her sister more and more each day, she really didn't want to deal with the flat tire she'd gotten or the fact her phone wasn't charged.
When Sam stops to help a beautiful woman on the side of the road, why was he surprised when she sticks a gun in his face? He’s not. Hasn’t everything else in his life gone wrong?
He really doesn’t need this!

Jagger Family Romances are full of fun, charm and falling in LOVE!

Pre-Order Today! Secret Undercover Counterfeit Billionaire
Nobody knew he was a Jagger ... He didn't even know until the attorney showed up. Until he was informed he could be a Billionaire. Until ... he was told he had to get married in a year to have any claim on the money!

Steele Grey wasn't used to being told what to do. He'd grown up in foster care and he didn't need ANYONE or ANYTHING if he didn't create it or find it. He'd made his money on grit and sweat and the good old-fashioned grace of God.

After the bombshell news dropped he was a Jagger ... if he wanted to be. The attorney clarified that NONE of the other siblings even knew of his existence ... and they wouldn't know if he chose not to tell them. It wasn't a hard choice, he didn't need some prissy billionaires in his life, even if they were his half-siblings. They were probably jerks anyway! And he really didn't need to find a wife. He didn't need to have anyone close to him who could let him down.

Yet, when Mia Jagger shows up out of the blue and tells him she found out he's her brother ... and she wants him to be part of the Jagger Family... he's speechless! But the clock is ticking on the billions ... does he want to be part of this whole 'finding true love' thing or not?

**Excerpt from Secret Vanlife Undercover Billionaire: Jagger Family Romances:**
Vince asked, “So what brings you this way?”

Sam hesitated.

Tara wondered the same thing. She’d been so preoccupied with getting to work and worrying about getting murdered that she hadn’t asked anything about him.

“Oh,” Sam said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Well, I wanted to do the whole van life thing that’s so popular right now, and I was heading to Colorado when I met Tara.”

Vince gave him a quizzical look. “Really? In this weather?”

Tara laughed nervously. “Yeah, this isn’t the best place to be in December.”

Sam turned to her and cocked an eyebrow. “Good thing I was coming this way so I could save a damsel in distress.”

Tara didn’t like him using those words, even though she’d used them herself. “I can say that about my situation, but you can’t.”

Sam grinned wider, and Tara again admired how handsome he was.

Vince cleared his throat. “Tara called herself a damsel, eh? That’s a first.”

Tara glared at Vince, feeling put on the spot. She nudged him. “You don’t call me that, either.”

Vince laughed. “Oh no, that’s out of the box. I’m using it.”

Vince was a huge tease, and Tara couldn’t help but laugh with him. After all, it was nice to see him laugh. But she shook her head for good measure. “No.”

Vince laughed even more and turned to Sam. “I can’t believe she said that about herself.”

“Yep, she said it.”

Tara stomped her foot. “You’re taking it out of context and you know it.”

Sam grinned. “Maybe a little.”

Vince laughed again. “I like him.” 

Tara’s heart rate sped up. Since she was no longer preoccupied with trying to get to work, she could finally focus on how cute he really was. No, he wasn’t just cute. This was a full-on manly man. “But where were you going in Colorado?”

Sam shrugged. “I thought I’d spend the month in the Denver area. Maybe do some skiing. Since I have the van, I can stop anywhere, really.”

Vince grunted. “But it’s too cold to live in a van.”

Vince was right. Sam must be crazy.

“Probably right,” Sam said with a sigh. “I’ve only been on the road a month. Since …” He hesitated.

Tara eyed him curiously, waiting for him to finish the thought.

“What’s that, son?” Vince asked.

Sam glanced away. “My dad passed away a couple months ago, and to say that things kind of went sideways in my family is putting it mildly.” He shook his head. “Anyway, I wanted to live the van life for a bit. My way to escape all my problems, I guess.”

Tara’s heart softened. Reflexively, she tried to push away her feelings of concern. She couldn’t get involved in someone else’s problems. Her mother was always telling her that was her downfall—caring too much about others. Which was a funny thing for her mother to say, since she stretched Tara’s compassion time and again. “I’m sorry.”

Vince looked the man up and down. “I’m sorry too.”

Sam blinked and then frowned. “Thanks.”

Tara wasn’t sure what to make of his vulnerability. He was so rough and tough on the exterior, and he’d been so commanding and in control when he’d demanded that she give him her gun, yet now it seemed like there was a lot more to this story.

No. She had to stop. She couldn’t care.

Vince peered into the parking lot. “So that’s your van out there?”

“Yep. That’s what I’ve been calling home for the past couple of months.” Sam looked around. “By the way, I like the place. Looks like you’ve done a lot of work.”

That’s all it took for Vince to dive into his own story. “The building is old, but the structure is good. Of course, when my wife and I retired out here fifteen years ago, it was a dump, but she convinced me to open a restaurant.”

Sam nodded, glancing between Tara and Vince. “Well, I like it.”

Vince laughed and swiped at his eyes. “Here, Sam, come with me and we’ll get you seated. My wife always said God had prepared this place for us, because we come from back east. I didn’t believe her at first, but since she passed, I haven’t been able to leave.”

The three of them walked toward the back booths. Tara was surprised that Vince was spilling all of these details to a guy he’d just met. Yet she was more surprised at how natural it felt to have Sam here. It was strange.

“I’m so sorry to hear about your wife,” she heard Sam say.

“Thank you. Anyway,” he said gruffly, gesturing to a booth, “take a seat. It’s funny, because I’ve had people say we were blessed to buy this building. I used to tell my wife that yes, God blessed us, but you should have seen the shape it was in before we fixed it up.”

Sam laughed as he sat down, and Tara didn’t know why that took her off guard. Maybe it was because only minutes ago, she’d wondered if he was a serial killer who would drag her body off into the desert somewhere.

Vince narrowed his eyes at Sam. “Do you believe in God, Sam?”

Sam shrugged. “Sure.”

“That doesn’t sound convincing.”

Tara let out a light laugh. “Vince, will you leave the guy alone? Trying to pin him down about if he believes in God. He just helped me out. You don’t need to give him the Spanish Inquisition.”

Vince grinned and glanced at Tara. “True. What can Tara get you to drink, Sam?” He grabbed a menu and put it in front of Sam. “You can mull that over.”
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Published on February 12, 2024 05:29