Conceal, Protect - By Carol Ericson Page 0,72

possible lead on one of Zendaris’s houses in South America. We have to confirm a few more pieces of information before we can get the exact location and move in.”

“So, you’re still going after Zendaris even though nobody has the anti-drone plans?” She took a bite of the sandwich J.D. held to her lips.

Gage rolled his eyes. “We’ll go after Zendaris anytime, anywhere. I’m amazed you were clear thinking enough to save that woman for questioning, what with all the other distractions going on.”

“He’s jealous.” J.D. extended his long legs and crossed his arms behind his head. “He was always considered the ladies’ man of the bunch.”

“You’re so full of it.” Gage leveled a finger at Noelle. “Don’t get taken in by that slow Texas drawl, Noelle. But I suppose it’s already too late.”

“Way too late.” She reached for J.D. and squeezed his hand. “It was too late for me the minute he came to my rescue in the parking lot of the grocery store.”

“He did tell you he messed with that truck first so you’d need his help?”

She just squeezed tighter. “I’m so glad he did.”

“Okay, you two are hopeless and kind of annoying.” He pushed back from the table. “I’m going to check out the desserts and you can make goo-goo eyes at each other all you want.”

“Jealous.”

When Gage left the table, J.D. scooted his chair closer to hers and curled an arm around her shoulders. “I thought he’d never leave.”

“He’ll be coming back.” She tilted her chin at Gage surveying the desserts.

“Then I guess I don’t have much time.”

Her heart fluttered. Did he plan on going somewhere before the wedding? After the wedding?

“Time for what?”

“Time to tell you how much I love you and can’t wait to make you mine once and for all.”

The heart flutters didn’t subside, but now happiness instead of nerves fueled them.

“Are you ready?” She threaded her fingers through his. “Are you ready to wake up one day and find all your shirts hung up in the same direction by length and color and occasion?”

“I should be so lucky. My closet’s a mess.”

Her smile wavered. “I’m serious, J.D.”

He kissed her lips to stop her words. “I’m serious, too, Noelle. There’s no other woman in the world for me. And if you start feeling anxious?” His lids fell half-mast over his eyes and a wicked smile curved his lips. “I have ways of releasing tension you can only imagine.”

She took his face in her hands and kissed him long and hard. This man could never make her feel anxious or nervous or guilty—only loved.

And love was the best medicine of all.

* * * * *

Look for more books in Carol Ericson’s

BROTHERS IN ARMS: FULLY ENGAGED

miniseries later in 2013. You can find them wherever Harlequin Intrigue books are sold!

* * *

Keep reading for an excerpt of Ultimate Cowboy by Rita Herron

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Chapter One

“This special news report just in—an amber alert has been issued for six-year-old Hank Forte. Hank was last seen at the county fair in Amarillo.”

Brody Bloodworth’s heart clenched as a photo of the boy appeared on screen. The little boy had blond hair, was wearing a black T-shirt, jeans and cowboy boots. He could be one of the kids on the BBL, the Bucking Bronc Lodge he had started for needy children.

But he reminded him more of his own little brother, Will, and launched him back seven years ago to the day Will had gone missing.

Not from a county fair but from the rodeo where he was supposed to be watching him.

Self-loathing and guilt suffused him, once again robbing his lungs of air. He understood what the family of that little boy was going through now. The panic. The fear.

The guilt.

If only they’d kept a better eye on him. If only they hadn’t turned their head for a minute.

What was happening to him? Had he just wandered off? Would they find him hiding out or playing somewhere at the fair? Maybe he had fallen asleep in a stall housing

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