Book 4 of Ruth Cardello's Lone Star Burn Series available for pre-order

Published: Fri, 06/24/16

Book 4 of the Lone Star Burn Series is now available on pre-order.

Lucy Albright never wanted her family’s Texas ranch, but now it’s in foreclosure. She’s already lost so much she can’t bear the thought of losing one more thing. Lucy learned the hard way not to accept help from a man when there are strings attached, so she’ll do whatever it takes to save the ranch on her own terms—even if that means launching an online business marketing high-tech sex toys.


Ranch manager David Harmon has a reputation for being a cowboy with a heart of gold. Even if she refuses his help, down-and-out Lucy is the kind of woman he’ll do anything to protect. And while David may not know much about Lucy’s naughty side business, that won’t stop a cowboy from doing something he’s set his mind to.


With the ranch threatened by a scheming neighbor, Lucy can’t help but keep David around. Their attraction may be undeniable, but will the spark between them burn her entire future to the ground?


Amazon exclusive

Excerpt:

David blocked her retreat. “Mason will be in Fort Mavis this weekend. He and Chelle will be there. Sarah asked if you were going. I said I had no idea. Mason must really want us both there, because he said he’d have a private plane waiting for us at the airfield tomorrow morning.”

“Oh, that’s really generous of him, but I can’t . . .”

“Don’t let me be the reason you don’t go. I don’t mind driving back.”

Lucy met his eyes and was instantly sorry she did. He was being sincere, and she felt lower than low. He would actually drive all the way to Fort Mavis and let her take the plane. He was that fucking nice.

I should tell him the truth about how I’m saving the ranch. Let him see that although he’s vying for sainthood, I’m quickly slipping in the opposite direction.

“Take the plane, David. If I decide to go, I’ll make the drive. I’ve done it before.”

He kept her corralled against the round pen and leaned down so his lips hovered just above hers. “Are you afraid to fly?”

She swallowed hard. “No.”

He ran a hand lightly down her arm, sending shivers of pleasure through her. “Then what is it? Are you afraid if we’re alone you won’t be able to keep your hands off me?”

Yes. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Then say yes. There’s no reason you and I can’t share a private plane ride to see our closest friends, is there?”

His voice. His touch. The promise of his lips on hers. Lucy was helplessly mesmerized. “I guess you’re right.”

“I am,” he said with a slow, sexy smile.

Striving to hold on to some semblance of sanity, she said, “We have to be back by Sunday night. I have a conference call scheduled.”

His breath tickled her cheek. “How is your business going?”

“It’s coming—” She blushed at the double meaning that was accurate. “It’s coming along. I’ve already generated some revenue. Not enough to break even, of course, but I’ll get there.”

“That’s great. New businesses are tough. I bet you’re working all hours of the night right now.”

Lucy tried to look away but couldn’t. Memories of how she’d spent the last week would have been much more exciting if David had been there with her, watching her, taking the toy from her and bringing her to climax himself. Her body clenched and she grew wet.

It didn’t matter that it was the middle of the day, that they were not alone, or that she’d just told herself she wouldn’t sleep with him. If he’d pulled her against him, claimed her mouth beneath his, she would have given herself over to him completely.

“Lucy?” David asked gently.

“Yes?”

“I want you. I don’t give a damn that everyone is watching us right now, but I do care what they think of you. Be ready by nine tomorrow morning. You’re getting on that plane even if I have to carry you onto it.”

Imagining that did nothing to calm the hot desire pulsing through Lucy. She told herself she should say no. If she couldn’t control herself now, in public, what would happen when they were finally alone? She licked her bottom lip. “You wouldn’t do that.”

“Then you don’t know me well enough yet.”