Secrets in a Small Town

Secrets in a Small Town
Kimberly Van Meter

Some things are meant to stay buried. For Owen Garrett, that includes his past.The successful logger has worked hard rebuilding his family name. He's not about to let some former-hippie reporter dig up ancient events. Besides, Piper Morning Dew Sunday has already vilified his company in the press–three times! Now she wants an interview? It's not gonna happen, no matter how captivating she is.But when Piper swears she can clear his father's name, Owen has a change of heart. Soon he finds himself working with the stubborn beauty to find the truth. Only, uncovering secrets may have more consequences than either expect.

“I want an interview—with you.”

Ah, hell. Owen wanted to walk away, but Piper looked determined. It wouldn’t be so bad, he reasoned to himself, quickly weighing the pros and cons. She probably wanted to grill him about one of the projects she and her parents were adamantly opposing. “A half hour.”

“As long as it takes,” she countered.

He shook his head. “No open-ended deals. One hour.”

“Two.”

“Woman, what on earth could you possibly want to talk about for two damn hours?” he said, annoyance getting the better of him. “An hour and a half. Final offer. Take it or leave it.”

“Deal.” She smiled. “And I get to pick the topic. And you have to cooperate.”

She drove a hard bargain. “Fine. Now get the hell out of here.”

She frowned and opened her mouth to protest, but the dark look he sent her snapped it shut pretty quickly. One thing was for sure—she wasn’t dumb. Whatever she was after, she was likely to get. He wondered if she approached relationships the same way. Heaven help the man caught in her crosshairs. He wouldn’t stand a chance.

Dear Reader,

I confess. I’m a sucker for a story where opposites attract. I love the push-pull of a relationship that seems doomed from the start because both characters are stubborn, determined and absolutely certain they know what’s best.

When I envisioned Owen Garrett, the gruff but deliciously sweet logger, I knew right away the woman of his dreams was going to be the last he’d expect. And Piper Sunday didn’t disappoint. Immediately I loved her quirky sense of humor and easy acceptance of things that might make others balk. I also loved that she refused to let Owen push her around even when he was blustering. Who wouldn’t love a pair like these two?

As the last of Mama Jo’s Boys, it’s a bittersweet ending. I’ve loved these “boys” as much as my ever-lovin’ Mama Jo. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey. I know I certainly have!

Hearing from readers is one of my greatest joys. Feel free to drop me a line at my website, www.kimberlyvanmeter.com, or through snail mail—P.O. Box 2210, Oakdale, CA 95361.

Happy reading,

Kimberly Van Meter

Secrets in a Small Town

Kimberly Van Meter

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Van Meter wrote her first book at age sixteen and finally achieved publication in December 2006. She writes for Harlequin Superromance and Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She and her husband of seventeen years have three children, three cats and always a houseful of friends, family and fun.

My biggest thanks go to Bob Berlage

of Big Creek in Davenport, California.

My husband and I thoroughly

enjoyed your crash course on logging practices

in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Without your help, I surely would’ve been

floundering. Any deviations from true practice is

no reflection of your teaching,

for you were a great resource!

Thank you!

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN