Sunday Smooch with Helen Lacey.......

Welcome to another LoveCats DownUnder Sunday Smooch!

Today we have a smooch from Helen Lacey,but first 


... the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is Marcy Schuler.....


Can you please contact Jennifer St George on  jennifer_stgeorge (at) yahoo (dot) com to receive your prize .........


And now for today's Sunday Smooch from The Cattleman's Proposal by Helen Lacey ........

Joley McBride had no interest in Nate Garrigan...even though he'd made it crystal clear he wanted her. The rich and handsome rancher was the kind of man she'd sworn off years ago. But now, part of her beloved flying school was in his hands and Joley would do anything to get it back— including agree to his arrogant demand that she spend a month on his isolated cattle property.

Still feeling the sting of a bitter divorce, Nate knew what he wanted—a wife, children and a life void of any romantic nonsense. And he wanted it with the spirited and beautiful Joley McBride. With the help of a little blackmail, he might just get it. Only, he hadn’t anticipated that Joley would challenge his logical approach to relationships and unexpectedly touch his toughened heart.

Scene set-up - It's morning Joley has entered the stables to see the new foal that has been born and discovered that Nate has been there through the night.....

Finally, he spoke. “Not all men cheat,” he said quietly, locking his eyes with hers. “Not all men lie. Not all men will let you down.”

Could he read her mind? How did he know that she felt that way? Dale’s betrayal had made her wary of all men. Paul had bailed when she’d pulled back and she hadn’t trusted him enough to tell him why she found it so hard to give all of herself to their relationship. Any other man she’d become involved with had lasted only a few dates. And there was Patrick in the background, running her business into the hands of receivers. Until Nate had stepped in and pulled it back from the brink of ruin.

 Joley felt herself sway towards him. “I’m starting to realize that.”

“Believe it,” he said gently. “You trusted someone you shouldn’t have. You’re not the first person to do that. So, forget about him and forgive yourself.”

Could she? Her guilt and shame cut deep. “I’ll try.”

His gaze moved to her mouth. “You know, I’ve been going out of my mind all week.”

“You have?” she asked and laid her hands on his shoulders. “Why is that?”

“Because I’ve wanted to kiss you so much.”

His admission made her belly flip over. “So, kiss me,” Joley said, inviting him to take her lips, inviting him to take her.

He covered her mouth with his in a seductive kiss. It was hot and hard and exactly what she wanted. Nate’s palms curved over her hips and he urged her closer. She held on, driven by need and rising emotion. She curled her fingers around his neck and brought them together at his nape. Joley experienced a deep jolt of desire through to her bones. Denim against denim, breast against chest, he continued to kiss her, continued to slant his mouth across hers. As the kiss went on, the heat between them grew. It was a burning heat, way down, making her want as she’d never wanted before. In that moment, every other touch she’d known was forgotten. Everything was forgotten. Her business, her old fears about losing herself emotionally, seemed to fade and fall to her feet. Nate said her name as he trailed a kiss from her mouth and along her jaw. Joley clung to him and groaned when he moved to the sensitive spot below her ear and kissed her there again and again. He bunched her T-shirt in one hand and urged her closer.

A horse whinnied and Joley pulled back. “We should probably stop,” she said on a ragged breath.

Nate released her and straightened. “If that’s what you want.”

It wasn’t what she wanted at all. A few strides and they’d be in the tack room. Shedding a few layers of clothing and they could be naked together. A few minutes and she could press herself against him and feel every inch of his skin against every inch of hers.

“Yes…”

The word trailed off as she stepped back and pulled her shirt down over the waistband of her jeans. The kiss was over. The mood would be over too. Only, it was difficult to think of anything other than kissing him again when he stood so close.

Nate bolted the stable door. “We’re bringing some of the steers in tomorrow. Transport to the sales yard arrives on Tuesday morning. You can come along if you’re interested.”

“I’d like to help if I can.”

“Sure,” he said and grabbed his shirt off a hook near the door and quickly shouldered into it.

Was he annoyed she’d stopped their kiss? Impossible to tell with Nate. She’d told him everything about Dale and he hadn’t judged her. He’d given her the comfort she’d craved. His arms were pure temptation. And she was tempted to stay there…forever. If only they wanted the same things.

But they didn’t.

Do you like a cowboy hero? Or do you prefer an urban, sophisticated man? Perhaps you like both.

Leave a comment to go into the draw to win an eCopy of The Cattleman's Proposal.

It's available exclusively at Amazon here

Come back next Sunday, when the winner of today's giveaway will be announced and a smooch from From hero To Daddy by Sue Mackay ....... will be posted!

Smooch Graphic by WebWeaver