Her Healing Cowboy (Harland County Series Book 5) Read online

  “That was from this last deployment, too.”

  She waited for him to elaborate about the photo with Kade, but after a few silent beats passed, she decided to nudge further, refusing to dissect why it mattered. “You lost someone.”

  Another minuscule movement. A slight nod. “Sergeant Nylan. Shayla’s fiancé.”

  Her chin shot up. “Oh. Amelia’s father.” She’d wondered about him, but had never asked. It wasn’t any of her business, and if her friend had wanted to talk, she’d listen. If not, that was fine, too.

  What wasn’t fine, was the dark expression on the handsome doctor’s face as he continued to stare at the photo, when just a few minutes ago, he could’ve lit the night. Even though she didn’t want to pester, she just couldn’t let him dwell in that dark place. “If it brings back a bad memory, why leave it up?”

  For some reason, the thought of him being transported back to that moment over and over, bothered her more than it should. Which made no sense. Heck, they weren’t even technically friends. And yet, it did bother her, laying like a piece of lead in her stomach.

  “I leave it up there to remind me I’m not infallible. That I can’t save everyone. That I’m…”

  “Human,” she whispered, throat suddenly too tight to breath.

  “Yeah.”

  Once again, her mind tried to comprehend the man. A doctor. Who cared about people. She knew that was technically what doctors were supposed to do, but in her experience, it tipped the other way. Big time. In her experience, the title often meant more than the oath taken.

  What they’re saying…

  About Wyne and Chocolate:

  “The Citizen Soldier series has a fantastic new addition with Wyne and Chocolate. The book had a great start. I found myself laughing out loud right away - and that set the tone for a light-hearted, funny, and romantic read. I've read a LOT of romance books, and Wyne and Chocolate has one of the best first kisses that I have read.”

  —Reviewer- Romancereader

  About Her Uniform Cowboy:

  “Ms. Michaels pens a tale with pure heart and true grit! This story will hit so many readers close to home there is not one part of the plot that will feel foreign. No super models here, just true, down to earth servicemen and woman getting back to their place in the world. The characters and plot have a wonderful arc and the laughter, tears and emotional ride readers get to take on this journey will not disappoint.”

  —InD’tale Magazine, Crowned Heart of Excellence 4.5 Stars

  --Voted BEST COWBOY in a Book/Reader’s Choice-LRC

  --Finalist BTS eMagazine Red Carpet Book Award/Reader’s Choice-Best Romance & Best Book 2014

  About Her Forever Cowboy:

  “Ms. Michaels has done it again! Book four in this series is another great success. The author knows how to lure her readers in by telling them a wonderful story that’s wrapped around characters we get to know and love as if they’re real people. This book was no exception. I highly recommend this book and this author!”

  —Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick

  --July Read of the Month--SSYL

  --Nominee BTS Magazine Red Carpet Book Award/Reader’s Choice-Romance 2014

  A note from Donna

  Thank you for purchasing Her Healing Cowboy. This is the fifth book in my Harland County Series. Unruly cowboys and the women who tame them...

  This book is about Kade’s buddy, Jace Turner, a doctor and Captain in the Texas National Guard. With his lifelong goal of joining Doctors without Borders on the horizon when his contract is up in the Guard, and his free time spent helping his mother and sister on the family ranch, Jace is not looking for love.

  Holly Phillips just received a coveted promotion at a Colorado ski resort, but takes a leave-of-absence to take over her uncle’s Harland County ice cream shop while he recovers from surgery. Growing up with an aversion to doctors, she’s confused by her attraction to her uncle’s general practitioner. She’s only in town temporarily, so giving into the attraction wouldn’t be smart. Too bad her heart has other ideas.

  This is another hot, heartfelt, sexy read in this series involving some series regulars, and introducing some new ones.

  Thanks for reading,

  ~Donna

  www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

  Also by Donna Michaels

  ~Novels~

  Wyne and Chocolate (Citizen Soldier Series-Book Two)

  Wyne and Dine (Citizen Soldier Series-Book One)

  Captive Hero (Time-shift Heroes Series-Book One)

  The Spy Who Fanged Me

  Her Fated Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book One)

  Her Unbridled Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book Two)

  Her Uniform Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book Three) Her Forever Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book Four)

  She Does Know Jack

  Royally Unleashed

  ~Novellas~

  Harland County Christmas (Novella/Brock and Jen)

  Cowboy-Fiancé (formerly Cowboy-Sexy)

  Thanks for Giving

  Ten Things I’d Do for a Cowboy

  Vampire Kristmas

  ~Short Stories~

  The Hunted

  Negative Image

  The Truth About Daydreams

  Holiday Spirit

  ~Do-Over Series~

  Valentine’s Day Do-Over

  Valentine’s Day Do-Over Part II: The Siblings

  UPCOMING RELEASES:

  Cowboy Payback (Cowboy-Fiancé Sequel)

  ~Time-shift Heroes Series~

  Future Hero—Book Two

  ~Harland County Series~

  Her Volunteer Cowboy (Book 6/Tanner)

  ~Citizen Soldier Novels~

  Wyne and Song (Book 3/Ethan)

  Her Healing

  Cowboy

  A Harland County Novel

  Book 5: Jace

  By

  Donna Michaels

  NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

  HER HEALING COWBOY

  A Harland County Series Novel//Book 5: Jace

  Copyright © 2015 Donna Michaels

  Cover Art by Donna Michaels © 2015

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without written permission from the author—except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web. For information, please contact the author via email at [email protected]

  All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

  ISBN-13:

  ISBN-10:

  Print edition May 2015

  Book 5 in Harland County Series

  Dedication

  To my readers for their wonderful support. To my family, the HOODS, and the Minion Division—my wonderful street team.♥

  Table of Contents

  What they’re saying…

  A note from Donna

  Also by Donna Michaels

  Print edition May 2015

  Book 5 in Harland County Series

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Ch
apter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Epilogue

  For announcements about upcoming releases and exclusive contests:

  Chapter One

  Hot and bothered, and not in a good way, Holly Phillips carried a tray of sundaes she made to her friends waiting for her at a table outside The Creamery, her uncle’s ice cream shop. With the temperature still in the eighties, she weaved around customers enjoying the final weekend in September, while she secretly longed for the cooler temperatures at her home in Denver.

  A life-long snow bunny, she’d been stuck in south Texas for two months longer than planned. Harland County and its folks were nice, but lacked one very important thing.

  Snow.

  Her skis and snowboard would get about as much action as she was in the little gulf coast town. Not that there weren’t plenty of hot prospects for the latter, and equally hot propositions from some sexy cowboys. But, she wasn’t staying any longer than her uncle needed her to run his business, so there was no reason to get involved, or at the very least, naked, with anyone.

  Suppressing a sigh, she set the tray on the table and sat with her two new friends. The Ryan sisters. “I come bearing gifts.”

  Dressed in tan capris and turquoise top, Shayla Ryan, soon-to-be Shayla Dalton, reached for the CMP with extra whipped cream, her mega karat diamond glinting in the sun. “You are a goddess among women.”

  “And you are going to blind someone with your ring, sis.” Caitlin Ryan squinted against the glare, looking cool and cute in denim shorts and pink tank top. “Kevin sure doesn’t pull any punches. He’s already spoiling Amelia. I can only imagine what he has in store for the new baby.”

  The beautiful mother smiled, lovingly touching the small swell of her tummy. “He’s a great daddy to my daughter, and this baby of ours is going to be just as lucky.”

  Having witnessed the handsome cowboy swoop in and rescue Shayla from her abusive father a few weeks back, fierce love and devotion shining in his eyes, Holly knew her friend had found a true gem.

  At least he wouldn’t cheat if his girlfriend worked long hours.

  “To Kevin.” She held up a spoonful of ice cream, and after the others echoed her toast, they dug into their chocolate, marshmallow, and peanut sundaes.

  Almost four months ago, Holly had arrived in Harland County to run The Creamery while her Uncle Arthur had his hip replaced. The timing couldn’t have been worse. She’d just nailed the promotion she’d worked her ass off to get—losing her boyfriend and best friend in the process when the traitors went from keeping each other company in her absence to sleeping together. Her new position as Assistant Marketing Director at a very popular Ski Resort was now more coveted than ever. It cost her a lot, and she was damn sure going to enjoy it.

  She hoped.

  “When does your uncle go back to the doctor?” Caitlin asked, hooking a strand of light brown hair behind her ear before eating another spoonful.

  “This Wednesday.”

  Finally.

  Her mother’s only living relative, and Holly’s godfather, was supposed to be out no more than twelve weeks in the first stage of his recovery. His short-term recovery. The part where he learned to walk with no aid and no major pain medications. Her mom came down with her and moved in with her uncle to physically take care of him while Holly took care of his ice cream business. Once he made headway into his long-term recovery and could go back to work, she was supposed to be able to go back to her own job. And to her younger brother Zach, whom she shared an apartment with near the university he attended.

  Short-term was now going on sixteen weeks. She was four weeks past her leave-of-absence, grateful the ski resort had granted her a six week extension. But that was rapidly running out, like her patience.

  The only bright spot was the cute little gulf cottage within walking distance to the shop. With its light blue walls and white cabinetry and woodwork, the quaint house actually felt like a home. More so than her state-of-the-art, up-to-date condo she rented in Colorado.

  It was stark. Like her love life.

  “Is it with Jace?” Shayla stared at her, slight smile curving her lips.

  It took Holly a moment to realize her friend was asking about her uncle’s doctor appointment.

  “No. Not him.”

  Thank God. Try as she might, Holly couldn’t stop the flash of heat from spreading through her body. Just the mere mention of the gorgeous doctor’s name sent her temperature soaring, and she was already hot.

  Her gaze strayed to the handsome, shirtless man playing volleyball in the sand several yards away. She knew him. He was one of her uncle’s doctors. They’d met several times at the hospital and in his office. The general practitioner was always cool and professional, never out of line. A perfect gentleman. And so sexy her ovaries hurt.

  Doctor Jace Turner was too damn potent and a boatload of trouble to her peace of mind. One she did her best to avoid.

  She swiped a hand across her damp forehead and shifted on the bench. “Uncle Arthur is seeing his orthopedic surgeon, not Jace…Doctor Turner,” she corrected. “He’s his general practitioner. But I think my uncle has a follow up with him next week.”

  Even though her mom was taking care of her uncle and living on the man’s ranch, Gloria Phillips did not drive. So, it was up to Holly to cart everyone around. With luck, after this checkup, only for a few more days.

  Then, hopefully, she would be free to head back home to Colorado. And her real job.

  If it still existed.

  “Fingers are crossed all goes well,” her friend said, holding up her hand and crossing her fingers.

  She was lucky to have the Ryan sisters to keep her sane.

  Three months ago, they’d met under interesting circumstances at this very table. Shayla had been sitting with two men, and Holly had realized something was off when she heard raised voices and saw the big guy grabbing Shayla’s arm. Without hesitation and under the pretense of inquiring if the ice cream was satisfactory, she’d stepped from behind the counter to investigate. The men had immediately said yes, but she’d noted the bruising on the woman’s arm and the fear in her eyes. Not fear for herself; no, it had been a fear for those around her getting hurt. Holly had gone back inside and called the police, keeping her eye on Shayla while waiting for the sheriff.

  His deputy had arrived first. Holly smiled at the memory of the dark-eyed, brown-haired, Jordan McCall—now Sheriff McCall—face-slamming the big guy into the table. Three times. It had warmed her heart, almost as much as Shayla’s concern for others. The pretty redhead’s worry for complete strangers was the reason Holly had taken another chance at friendship, after having been burnt so bad.

  And she’d gotten a twofer out of the deal. The woman’s younger sister turned out just as sweet and loyal.

  “Hopefully, the doctor will give your uncle the green light to go back to work.” Caitlin smiled.

  The twenty-three-year-old was in her sophomore year at college, having started late because of her abusive dad, the sickly man that had been harassing Shayla. But he was now behind bars, and the girls no longer had to run.

  Having grown up with a neglectful father who left her mother with two young children after she’d worked two jobs to put him through medical school, Holly could relate a little with the tough childhood her new friends had endured. At least she’d had the support of a loving mother. Still, judging by their relaxed posture and cheerful expressions, the sisters were moving on.

  “Yeah, maybe this will be the week, although, we don’t want to see you go,” Shayla quickly added, setting her spoon down, her sundae demolished. “I was hoping you’d be at my wedding.”

  Holly swallowed the last of her ice cream and nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll be here, even if I have to drive back down.”

  A big smile brightened the bride-to-be�
��s expression. “That’s wonderful to hear. It wouldn’t be the same without you.” The woman reached across the table to squeeze her hand before releasing her to sit back. “Hell, if it wasn’t for you, I might not even be having one.” Tears filled her pretty blue eyes and spilled down her cheek. “Stupid hormones,” she muttered, swiping the wetness from her face. “I can’t seem to stop the waterworks. I even cry at commercials, now.”

  She nodded. “Those humane society ones get me all the time.”

  “Not just those. I cry at potato chip commercials. Department store commercials. Beer commercials. It’s damned tiring.”

  Caitlin’s chuckle echoed hers and Shayla’s.

  “Speaking of weddings, you haven’t told me much about the wedding you attended in Pennsylvania. You’ve been back three days.” She sat back and eyed the girls closely. “How did it go?”

  Color flooded Caitlin’s cheeks. “It was great.”

  “Yeah.” Shayla nodded, dreamy look crossing her face. “Brandi was beautiful and glowing in a white gown with just the right amount of embroidery and lace, and Kade…wow.”

  “He looked so handsome in a tux,” Caitlin said.

  “Almost as good as my Kevin.

  Brandi was Shayla’s boss, and soon-to-be kin having just married Kevin’s cousin. Those Dalton men were gorgeous and generous, always tipping, no matter how small the order. Her friend was marrying into a nice family, and she was so happy for her.

  “Well, the two of you are going to look amazing. I can’t wait,” she said, before transferring her gaze to the younger sister who had gone quiet. “And I also can’t wait to hear why you blushed when you said you had a great time at the wedding.”

  “What?” Caitlin blinked. “I didn’t blush. It’s just hot out here.”