Broken
(The Cavanaugh Brothers #2)
by Laura Wright
The Cavanaugh brothers left behind River Black, Texas, long ago. But after their father dies, bequeathing them the Triple C, a cattle ranch that sustains their small town, they return—and confront the painful memories of their childhood home and the truth about their sister’s murder…For years, James Cavanaugh has traveled the world as a horse whisperer, but even the millions he’s earned hasn’t healed the pain he hides behind his stoic exterior. Forced to tackle old demons at the ranch, James throws himself into work to avoid his true feelings. Until he meets a woman who shakes the foundations of his well-built walls…
Sheridan O’Neil’s quiet confidence has served her well, except when it comes to romance. Tired of rejection, she’s ready to swear off men. But after being rescued from a horse stampede by the most beautiful cowboy she’s ever met, her resolve wavers. Only, as Sheridan uncovers James’s belief that no woman is safe with him, she wonders if such a wounded man could ever give in to love, or if some hearts are too broken to be healed.
** Check out my review on Broken. **
TEASER
The ride back to town was a quiet one, windows down, air rushing into the cab. But James didn’t mind. He didn’t need chit chat. He was just glad she hadn’t fought him about taking her home. He was pretty sure that if she had – if she’d insisted on staying at Redemption to work – he would’ve camped out on the floor downstairs.
He glanced her way. She’d pulled her hair back into a loose knot at her neck, but a few pieces had managed to get free and were flapping around in the breeze. His fingers itched as they wrapped the steering wheel, curious to know how those strands would feel against his skin.
Christ, this was bad. He’d gone right on past desire and interest to something far more worrisome. Something he hadn’t felt in years. Something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel. He liked Sheridan O’Neil. Wanted to get to know her better. See what made her tick, see her heart.
See her naked…
When they pulled up in front of the hotel, Sheridan didn’t wait for him to come around and open her door. She seemed bone tired as she gave him a quick thank you, then got out and started for the front door of River Black’s modest hotel. Maybe he should’ve, but James didn’t give it a second thought when he parked the truck illegally and followed her. Or when he came up beside her and placed a hand on her lower back possessively.
Sheridan didn’t protest, didn’t say a word. At least, not until they were on the second floor, at her door and she had her key card in the lock. Then she all of a sudden she sighed heavily, yanked the key card back and turned around to face him.
“Okay,” she said, letting her head fall back against the wood. “What’s going on?”
He shrugged. “Just walking you to your door.”
“Simple as that, huh?”
“What? You don’t have gentleman in the big city, Sheridan?”
Her gray eyes narrowed. Not in angry, but in frustration. “Why did you come out to Redemption in the middle of the night? That goes way beyond gentleman–”
“I told you we’re friends.”
“We both know this isn’t a friendship. Not in the traditional sense of the word anyway.” She took a deep breath. “I’m not good at pretending, James. I’m normally a very straight shooter. I tell it like it is. And I don’t get involved with anything that’s a lie or a charade. But because you’re Deacon’s brother, and because I’m Deacon’s assistant, and…” She chewed her lip. “Because I’m obviously attracted and captivated by you, I allowed myself to play along with the friendship game.” She lifted her chin and stated resolutely, “But I can’t do that anymore. And I’m asking you to stop as well.”
There were very few times in James’s life where he’d felt out of control, like his insides weren’t connected anymore, like they wanted to escape the bonds of his skin. But as he gazed down into the beautiful, weary, impassioned face of Sheridan O’Neil, he felt completely and totally out of control.
“Stop pretending this is a friendship?” he said through gritted teeth. “Or stop pretending I’m not attracted to you?”
“Both,” she whispered.
“Or stop pretending that every time I see you I want to kiss you.”
She looked down both sides of hallway, then back again. “That would probably be good too.”
He leaned in, placed his palms on the wood, one on either side of her head. “Well, then if I do that, I’m going to need to stop pretending that your smart, sexy, passionate ways …” he dropped his head and cursed, then lifted his eyes to her once again. “Don’t make me yearn and think, make me wonder, make me wild with a need I didn’t even know existed inside of me anymore.”
Her lips parted, and she stared up at him with huge, stunned eyes. “James, don’t do this,” she begged, breathing heavy.
Hell, woman, he thought. I wish I could stop it. Stop myself. Running my mouth. “And that when I’m looking into your eyes or sitting next to you in my truck or hearing your voice, I’m wishing I was your man.”
He was a fool. He knew that. People didn’t say shit like that after knowing someone for only a few weeks. And he should never be saying it. But being this close, staring down into those beautiful, sexy eyes, he couldn’t seem to hold on to his usual brand of resistance. The past felt far away, not weighing heavily on his shoulders.
He couldn’t resist.
Her, himself. It was the middle of the night, and maybe his madness wouldn’t count tomorrow.
He dropped his head and brushed his lips over hers. Just once. Easy and slow so he could get a taste of her.
Laura Wright is giving away to one winner a $10 Amazon Gift Card!
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Laura Wright is passionate about romantic fiction. Though she has spent most of her life immersed in acting, singing and competitive ballroom dancing, when she found the world of writing and books and endless cups of coffee she knew she was home. Laura is the author of the bestselling Mark of the Vampire series and the USA Today bestselling series, Bayou Heat, which she co-authors with Alexandra Ivy.
Laura lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two young children and three loveable dogs.
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Angela
I'm an outdoor sun loving reader living near San Fransisco. I’m a mother, wife, animal & book lover. I'm the owner, reviewer & mind behind Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. My favorite animals are horses & dogs. As for reading I love all things paranormal & urban fantasy & my favorite shifters are dragons.
anna@herding cats & burning soup
October 18, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Ah yeah that was a good scene 😀
Angela
October 18, 2014 at 2:28 pm
Ya it was. Do you recognize the picture at the end of this page. I think I got it offer your blog review for Broken. ^_^ Love the sexy Cowboy!