Spotlight & Giveaway: How to Lose a Cowboy in Ten Days by Kaz Delaney

Today, HJ is pleased to share with you Kaz Delaney’s new release: How to Lose a Cowboy in Ten Days

 
Liberty Fox knows better than to be taken in by a handsome face and a hot body, especially when the cowboy’s playboy reputation proceeds him. She’s on a mission to discover her real identity, and doesn’t want the distraction of a charming, cheeky cowboy who makes her laugh and yearn for a place to belong.

Successful livestock broker and rancher, Jack Halligan, knows there’s something missing in his life, but gorgeous Liberty Fox is definitely not it, no matter how perfect she feels in his arms. Still, offering his ranch house as a sanctuary when her life is threatened by an stalker, is understandable.

Appointing himself her bodyguard and spending time with the beautiful and compassionate Liberty is turning Jack’s world upside down, but maybe the collision of their two very different worlds is to blame. Neither Jack nor Liberty know whether they should run towards each other or run away.

Enjoy an exclusive excerpt from How to Lose a Cowboy in Ten Days 

Chapter One
Jack Halligan glanced over the guest list for the evening’s gala one more time, hoping this read through would stir some kind of enthusiasm. It didn’t. In fact, it prompted the same irritating, but now familiar, sense of unease that had been catching him unawares way too often of late.

A hollow, empty feeling that curled in his gut made him restless. But restless for what? He was happy with his life; couldn’t be prouder of how his reputation as a savvy but fair livestock broker had grown and developed. His businesses were doing well—more than well. He had great staff on both sides of the country. He owned two homes—his part of the sprawling Halligan ranch, and his renovated town house. He could go anywhere he pleased, didn’t really want for the company of great women happy to spend time with him—had his health, his parents, a strong familial bond with his brothers and sister—and lived in a little Montana mountain town he loved.

Who could want more?

His eyes once again roved over the list, slowing over the names of those women he recognized and knew were single. Knew them, liked them—had nothing against them. So? Jack leaned back in his swivel chair and stared at the ceiling.

He’d always loved a party, and the thought of two-stepping around a dance floor with any one of these pretty ladies should have had him itching to get there. In the past, he’d have been happily annoying his staff—cracking jokes, reminding them of his self-assumed legendary dance moves.

Today, he sat in his office alone, though not oblivious to the reason behind the parade of staff seeking his input into things he knew full well they didn’t need. He loved and valued them all and knew that feeling was reciprocated. And knew they were baffled, maybe worried …

Well, they weren’t the only ones.

Something was eating at him. And he was the only one who could do something about it. First though, he had to understand what the hell it was—because he had no idea why these feelings were messing with his head; messing with his perfect life.

He wasn’t sure why that assertion suddenly turned his attention to his desk and the various things grouped there; why it stalled on one particular item. Or maybe he did.

A two-winged photo frame.

One side held the sweetest photo of his then nine-month-old niece, Mia—the daughter of his brother Leo. The other an equally heart-melting shot of his sister Joey’s newborn daughter, Ruby, now over two months old. Soon there’d be a third, after the surprise announcement just days after Christmas that his eldest brother JD and his partner Evie were also unexpectedly expecting.

He remembered the announcement so vividly. Pictured it again. Witnessing that pure joy. It had been amazing, but it was the fact that his heart actually twisted at the memory that jerked him right out of his chair.

Arms clasped behind his neck he prowled the small space, head shaking in denial. No, no, no … Just no.

This, this—thing—eating at him had nothing to do with babies and settling down; with creating something more, something permanent. He was definitely not feeling the yearn for that kind of commitment; for that kind of belonging. Or togetherness—or whatever it was called.

He couldn’t be happier playing the fun uncle, adored those little cherubs, was thrilled that at least two of his siblings had found someone to spend their lives with. But that wasn’t for him. Not yet anyway.

So, what else could there be?

Well, he conceded, there was also the matter of his supposed partnering of the gala’s guest of honor. His siblings, in-laws included, had ganged up on him on that one, telling him he was the only one for the job, claiming he was not only single but the one with the most experience when it came to women. Past tense, he’d claimed, but they’d laughed him off, and yes, there’d been some disbelieving eye-rolls and scoffs.

In fairness, he’d probably earned the reputation his siblings were throwing at him, but just maybe that past hadn’t been quite as vivid and colorful as they imagined. And that was probably his fault as well.

However, the past tense part was actually true, the thrill of the chase had lost its appeal in the past year or two, but it wasn’t true that he was only single Halligan brother. Leo, his youngest brother, was also single but he’d pleaded fatherhood as his excuse, claiming he couldn’t be relied upon due to the possibility he might suddenly be needed at home.

That was BS and they all knew it. Their besotted mother had immediately volunteered her and dad to sit out the gala and instead watch over their grandbabies, and no child—children—could be in safer hands. Furthermore, Doreen, one of their mother’s closest friends as well as being their trusted housekeeper for most of his life, would also be there to help out, so his brother could go bay at the moon for as long as he liked but Jack wasn’t buying that one.

Still, he’d do it; he’d step up and be the courteous partner they expected him to be. It was just for one evening. Moreover, it was for a good cause.

Of course, there was also a possibility the cause of his disquiet was simply down to the fact he was still getting his head around all this—the gala; the promotion of the charity … He hadn’t expected the foundation fundraising to take off so quickly. It had only been a couple of months ago, Christmas Day to be exact, that he and his brothers, JD and Leo, had literally stepped up to join their sister’s husband, Nash Westbrook, to establish a charity to support children in need. Jack and his siblings had enjoyed a safe, happy childhood thanks to loving, supportive parents, but both JD’s fiancée, Evie, and her late friend Hope, the mother of Leo’s daughter, had not been so fortunate. Thus, the Mia and Ruby Foundation had been born that very day.

The Halligans had all done well for themselves, but Nash had done even better and when he wanted to use some of that wealth to aid others, the brothers hadn’t hesitated about throwing their hats—and wallets—into the ring.

Looking back, Jack wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but he should have known that with his sister Joey and his sister-in-law, Evie, on the job, things would happen quickly.

The proof was in tomorrow night’s elaborate gala that the girls had organized in record time, not only planning everything down to the last napkin fold and selling all the tickets but securing the ambassadorship of one of the hottest actresses currently gracing the silver screen. Hot as in hot property, big name, but he had to admit the title was also true in other ways. And that was great, brilliant, in fact—but the speed of it all had caught him by surprise. Especially getting a world-famous actress to lend her name and support to the cause.

His mother claimed Liberty Fox was the Meg Ryan of this era—whatever that meant. He still didn’t completely get it, but according to all the women in his life, employees included, that meant she was the wholesome, sweet girl-next-door type that everybody loved. Jack wasn’t sure about that. He’d gone out of his way to read about her latest movie—and apparently it was a psychological thriller, which meant he’d have to take a closer look at his mom’s definition of wholesome. Then again, what did he know?

He’d be the first to admit he knew very little about Hollywood and cared less. Movies hadn’t really been his thing since he’d been a kid, and even then, he and his brothers and sister had been the outdoors type of kids. Growing up on a sprawling ranch was like that—always plenty to do; no time to get bored.

And yes, he was also allowing past experience to color his reaction to this situation. It was true, his one Tinseltown reference point hadn’t left a favorable impression. Of course, it had been a girl—back then what else had there been but work and girls? The image he pulled from the deep recesses of his brain was grainy, but there. An actress he’d met when he was doing business out in California. She was just starting out; had a bit role in a soap and had done some commercials. On the surface she was lovely. Underneath that pretty exterior, she was a nightmare, possessing the depth of a wading pool and the sensitivity of a doorknob. To add to his growing wariness, the couple of her acquaintances he’d met were no better. A melting pot of emotional contradictions that messed with his head, to say nothing of the dramatics and histrionics that seemed to color every moment—and he’d never felt so out of his depth.

The experience had cured him of ever again looking in that direction, so it wasn’t such a stretch that while he was grateful to Ms. Liberty Fox for all she’d do to further their cause, he wasn’t as excited about partnering her as everybody assumed he’d be.

Still, Liberty’s name and endorsement would increase the foundation’s visibility and reach, allowing them to connect with people of ages and backgrounds that they might have otherwise missed, which was exactly what they needed. So, he wouldn’t be complaining.

More than that, he would be charming, every inch the gentleman, just as he would with any woman, no matter who she happened to be.

And it was just for one evening …

Then his role in this part of proceedings would be done. Finished.

Liberty Fox was used to eye candy; Hollywood was literally filled with many varieties of the so-called perfect male. It was nothing to get excited about. Experience had taught her that they rarely, if ever, lived up to their promise, and after some early, harsh lessons, those types had long ceased to do anything for her.

Contrarily, the man making his way through the room toward her was doing everything for her. He was doing it all.

Surprise had been her first response. And not only because she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such a reaction, but that it had been the last thing she’d expected—despite her earlier taunt to CeeCee. Usually, her focus was rock solid, and it was unnerving that she’d so easily been blown off course.

Around her, the enthusiastic applause, the result of Nash Westbrook’s warm welcome, was naturally fading, but even that now seemed to be coming from somewhere far away. The CEO was leading her off the stage to where two of his brothers-in-law, the Halligans, co-founders of the Mia and Ruby Foundation, were now, along with their partners, busily greeting other VIP guests.

Moving closer, she eyed those female guests, hoping to hide her curiosity. Earlier, she’d covertly scanned the faces of other women gathered, wondering if she’d see her own face, older, looking back at her. Was her mother one of these ladies, sparkling with jewels and sipping champagne? Or was she a Cinderella out back in the kitchen working? With a jolt, Liberty realized she could actually be face-to-face with the woman and never know.

Emotions swirling, she joined the gathered family members, and was immediately included in the introductions, nodding and smiling in what she hoped were the right places, as face after face lined up before her. Until she turned slightly; caught sight of him again. Then suddenly those voices, too, were blending, blurring, fading to white noise, as she found herself immediately distracted again by that man.

One part of her welcomed the distraction, the rest wishing it had been something not quite so overwhelmingly distracting.

Was fate laughing at her? Well, it could laugh as long and hard as it pleased but she was definitely not going to be sidetracked by some hunky cowboy. She was here for a reason, one that didn’t include a fling on the side, and while she had absolutely nothing substantial to support it, she had a feeling this guy was the fling-only type. Maybe it was the slight swagger; the way he held himself. Exuding confidence …

Liberty’s low-pitched groan drew the attention of a well-dressed elderly man nearby, and she neatly suppressed the eye-roll that she was sure the moment warranted. Really? A fling? She was anticipating being tempted by a fling? She hadn’t even met the man! Didn’t even know his name!

Although …

Squinting slightly, she stared a bit harder. And immediately congratulated herself on her earlier assessment, because, at a guess she’d say this was the remaining Halligan brother—the playboy brother—and she had to admit the photographs on social media hadn’t done him justice. The other members of his family had welcomed her when she’d arrived earlier, showering her with Montana hospitality. They’d assured her she’d meet the missing brother this evening. This was him?

The girls, Evie and Joanna, had been so sweet and warm, and it was evident the Halligan family—including Joanna’s fiancé, Nash Westbrook—had obviously all been genetically blessed when it came to good looks. This man appeared to have been cut from the same mold, and surely it would be a stretch to find yet another family close by who’d spawned such a similar head-turning specimen?

The closer he got, the more impossible it became to not be distracted by his progress; progress continually slowed by other guests who hailed him or sought his attention. Just as it was impossible to ignore her elevated heartbeat, or the delicious warmth that was suddenly flowing through her body.

His stride was easy, steady, unhurried—and yet, sure—as he made his way from the other end of the ballroom. Businessman or not, the guy had the cowboy swagger down pat. Skin tanned to the color of polished chestnut despite the snowy weather that typically lingered in the mountain states—a tan she instinctively knew hadn’t come from a spray booth, nor developed by hours lying by a pool like those of her peers. Guessed, too, that those shoulders, not easily contained by the well-fitted tuxedo jacket, hadn’t been gained by pumping weights for hours at a gym. His smile was wide, warm, and reached right up to dark eyes that she, ridiculously, even from this distance was having trouble meeting.

Why? He was just a man! She straightened her shoulders, drew in air, and mentally repeated the words that might very well need to become her mantra. Just a man. What was wrong with her? Was it the altitude? Had it thrown her off-kilter? To survive in her world, she’d learned to be objective, which was exactly what was needed now. And she could do it. Had to do it.

There was no alternative; she had enough to deal with, and limited time to do it without adding any more complications. She had her life to sort out—a parent to find, maybe even two—time to truly grieve yet come to grips with a life built on lies, to work out who she was. In the grander scheme, there was always the incessant worry about her career, constant promotions, worry about finding time for the psychology degree she was determined to complete in order to be ready for the inevitable moment one of CeeCee’s dire warnings became a reality—and now a charity to promote and support.

All that was way enough to worry about without unnecessarily adding anything else.

And that was before she even touched on all the difficulties that came with connecting with a potential partner. Media scrutiny came with the territory, that expectation that every single move was supposed to be shared, that the public were owed and entitled. That her life, comings and goings, her relationships, decisions—even her clothing choices—should be spread all over the world to be elaborated on, gossiped about, and opined upon. Even if one of the few she’d had time for had survived all that, the last relationship had just about cured her of trying again. That one had torn her apart.

Which basically meant every man was the wrong one—no matter who he might be.

So, yes—just a man. She mentally repeated the words. A mere mortal, just like millions of others. Hair? Ordinary. This was good. She just had to continue to tackle this—this, whatever it was—from that angle and she’d be back on steady ground. Encouraged, she continued her silent perusal. Hair, medium brown, nondescript, not too short, not too long, gently brushing that tanned brow.

A jag of panic speared her heart. Her determined rationale was slipping sideways, softening. Liberty could feel the slide, yet equally helpless to prevent it happening. Ordinary hair! If her inner voice had a volume control it would have been turned to the highest setting. Which was the opposite of the dreamy voice undermining her determination. Yes, but seemingly so soft … Hair you’d run your fingers through—

No, no, no, and no. She shook her head and again resolved to stay on track. Once more, she tried to view him critically. Two eyes, one nose—ordinary. Yes, the nose was straight and noble looking. But just a nose. Lips. Yes, he had lips. Two of them. Her heart did a little flip-flop as her eyes landed on that part of his anatomy. Yes, he certainly had lips … Lips that were full, wide; generous.

Just a man!

Her libido was so amused by that assessment it actually laughed out loud. Liberty was sure of it.

Her sigh was deep. Obviously, the objective analytic approach wasn’t working.

She closed her eyes, struggled for calm, blamed the anxiety that had been her constant companion since she’d decided to come to Marietta. It had unnerved her; scattered her normally well-balanced equilibrium. But it would pass. In a moment, they’d meet, and she knew from experience the fantasy would be shattered and that was a good thing.

“Oh!” He’d reached her faster than she’d expected, and when she opened her eyes, he was right there before her. This time the smile had faded somewhat, and that tanned brow was furrowed, his face shrouded in concern.

“Miss Fox? Are you okay? Do you need a chair? Water?”

“No, I’m—” She stopped, cleared her throat, thankful that this time she’d regained control of the squeak that had hijacked her voice. “Thank you, but no, I’m fine. I was just, um, just realigning my chakras.” Realigning her chakras? Her groan was silent but heartfelt.

He nodded, and thankfully didn’t give any indication that her response had been utter nonsense.

Continuing, he said, “Well, as you know, we—my whole extended family and I—are really honored that you agreed to be an ambassador for our charity. I’m Jack, by the way. Jackson Halligan.”

He extended his hand, and she braced herself. She’d hoped his voice would somehow break the ridiculous spell she’d found herself under, but no such luck. Instead, it had rumbled over her, through her, left her trembling in its wake. Her luck was still in hiding when their hands met, though if he’d felt a similar tingle to the one that had rippled up her arm when his firm callused palm clasped hers, there was no evidence of it.

“Liberty Fox,” she responded, “but you know that. I …” Her voice trailed but her cheeks filled the gap by flaming—all completely without her consent or input. Maybe he hadn’t noticed.

He’d noticed …

Barely suppressing a cheeky grin, he released her hand. “Liberty—may I …”

Her nod terminated the rest of his sentence, and for one mortifying second, she wondered what she’d just agreed to. She’d assumed it was the use of her first name but a herd of other silly—yet quite delicious—options stampeded through her thoughts.

And damn him. Like he knew exactly what those ill-disciplined thoughts were, his smile deepened, and his eyes now fairly sparkled with laughter. Then adding insult to injury, he winked.

A wink. A deliberate closing of one eyelid over the eye. Really, merely a blink but one-eyed, longer, purposeful. But definitely part of the blink family of bodily functions. A blink was even a necessary part of eye functionality, and anatomically speaking, therefore should be considered quite mundanely commonplace. Wink or blink, it should not carry any power to render another person weak at the knees.

Therefore, the sudden threat to her ability to stand upright should have nothing to do with that, that—that wink!

“Liberty? I take it I may call you that?” Her next nod, this one rather glum, seemed to entertain him even more. “I apologize for not being able to meet with you this afternoon, and also for not being right here at the door to greet you this evening, especially as I have a very big favor to ask of you.”

“Favor?”

One eyebrow lifted, and those luscious lips momentarily pursed. She’d almost call it a pucker, but that would add even more fuel to the fire already smoldering with inappropriate ideas. “You met my family this afternoon, most of them, and no doubt you found them to be personable? Rational?” This time she didn’t even bother to nod. Where is he going with this? “And don’t get me wrong,” he added, shamelessly sweeping his gaze over the rest of his family standing there with them. “They are wonderful people, but when they take a stance there’s no getting around them.”

A smile tickled her mouth, helped along by the chuckles around her from his family watching on, siblings well accustomed to his cheekily outrageous behavior—and surprisingly, some of the turmoil he’d unintentionally caused within her began to ease. “And they took a stance against you?” She tsked to add her sympathy.

Eyes still sparkling with mischief, he continued. “Now, they told me that there was no way I would be worthy to be your companion for the evening, and so I’m just going to come right out and throw myself on your mercy and beg you to help prove them wrong.”

Of course, she didn’t believe a word of what he was saying, especially as it was accompanied by louder chuckles and disbelieving groans from his family, but the poor-me, hangdog expression he’d now adopted was so darned cute. “Well, Jack, I’d like to help, but I’m unsure of exactly how to do that.”

Like he’d somehow given a secret signal to the band that had been playing soft background music, the volume lifted, carrying the opening strains of one of her favorite John Legend songs. “All of Me.” She been listening to it on the plane; it always calmed her. Right then as her breath held, for the first time, it was failing in its duty.

“Well, you could dance with me?”

For a moment she could only stare. “You dance too?” Adding softly, “Of course you do.”

Liberty wasn’t one of those actresses who needed a script to live their life, but a trickle of self-consciousness rippled uncomfortably through her. No one else was dancing, which meant the few eyes not already focused on her would be once she and Jack took the floor. And not a choreographer in sight. Her gaze once more swept the room. No, no choreographers but this setting could certainly have been mistaken for an elegant movie set.

The Graff hotel was indeed decked out for the occasion. Flowers, balloons, exquisitely laid tables lit by candles cocooned in gold crystal cut-glass holders that fanned shards of warm light across the white tablecloths.

All this elegance was supported by the smiling guests—close to two hundred if she was guessing correctly, and mostly all watching her—who had dressed for the occasion. Gowns and jewels sparkled under the chandeliers, making her glad of her choice of the gold option, and the men, all resplendent in their own formal attire, added their sartorial voice as validation that this was an Occasion with a capital O.

Yet, in the midst of all this, this man stood out. All that color, beauty, and glamour somehow seemed to fade away, leaving only him.

And if she hadn’t already guessed she was in dangerous territory, she was now left without a single doubt.

Excerpt. ©Kaz Delaney. Posted by arrangement with the publisher. All rights reserved.
 
 

Giveaway: Winner will receive one ebook copy of HOW TO LOSE A COWBOY IN TEN DAYS from Tule Publishing plus one additional ebook of the winner’s choice from Tule Publishing.

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Meet the Author:

Award-winning author Kaz Delaney has sold 73 titles over a 26-year career. Dividing her time between teaching and writing, Kaz formerly tutored Creative Writing for CSU’s Enrichment Program as well as taught and created courses for the Australian College of Journalism.