Her Fated Cowboy (Harland County Series) Read online

  Table of Contents

  What they’re saying…

  other books

  Dear Reader,

  Dedication

  Prologue

  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

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Epilogue

  preview of Her Unbridled Cowboy

  About the Author

  “Sorry guys, the lady’s with me tonight.”

  Her heartbeats tripled. She was?

  Eyebrows shot up and heads snapped in their direction as the news registered in everyone’s brains. Smiling, he guided them towards the food.

  “Wait, McCall.” She pulled him out of the line.

  A big smile split across his face. “You want to get me alone already?” he teased, grazing her hip with his hand.

  “Cole, what’s going on? Is this a date?”

  “Yes.”

  “You and me?”

  “Yes. It generally takes two.”

  “I know that, but one is generally asked.” She raised a brow and waited.

  Laughter faded from his eyes. “Are you saying you don’t want to be here with me?”

  “No, ya big dummy. I’m saying I expected to be asked.”

  “Oh, I can do that.” He grasped her hands and gazed straight into her eyes, his own alight with mischief and hope. “Jordan, I know this has been a very long time coming, but would you do me the honor of being my date for this evening?”

  All kidding aside, her heart thudded in her throat. “Are you sure about this Cole? Are you sure you’re ready for me?”

  “Jordan.” Lips twitching, he cupped her chin. “Honey. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for you.”

  Her Fated Cowboy

  Harland County Series

  Cole

  By

  Donna Michaels

  HER FATED COWBOY

  Harland County Series/Cole

  Copyright © 2013 Donna Michaels

  Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill © 2013

  Excerpt from Her Unbridled Cowboy Copyright © 2013 Donna Michaels

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web -without permission in writing from the author. 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: Not Assigned.

  License Statement

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please download an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  What they’re saying…

  About Cowboy-Sexy:

  “A blend of military man and cowboy …ohh my. The connection between these two is electric. This book is full of real life struggles that military couples face. These details give the story a lot of depth and heart. Yet despite the difficult topics tackled, the upbeat dialogue makes this a fun read. Readers will race through this story and then preorder the next book in the series to see what is in store for outrageous Brett.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

  “I absolutely loved this story and I couldn’t help falling head over heels for Finn Brennan. This was a fun read that I highly recommend! Ms. Michaels definitely knows how to give her readers exactly what they’re looking to read.”

  —Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick

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

  “Captive Hero” is a compelling story about two star crossed lovers. They make an amazing couple. Their banter, chemistry and the deep love that is obvious in their interactions make them a true pleasure to read about! The story is full of twists, unexpected revelations interwoven with moments of peace and love. It’s an amazing adventure that will tug at the reader’s heartstrings and refuse to let go!”

  —InD’tale Magazine, Awarded Crowned Heart of Excellence

  “Ms. Michaels has outdone herself yet again by writing another story in which her readers can’t help but fall in love with her characters. This is another great story by Ms. Michaels that I enjoyed from cover to cover and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book to be released in this Time-shift Heroes series. Well done!”

  —Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick

  Also by Donna Michaels

  ~Novels~

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

  The Spy Who Fanged Me

  ~Novellas~

  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 Daddy Squared (Sequel to Cowboy-Sexy)

  ~Time-shift Heroes Series~

  Future Hero—Book Two

  ~Harland County Series~

  Her Unbridled Cowboy (Book 2/Connor)

  ~Dangerous Curves Series~

  Locke and Load—Book One

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for purchasing Her Fated Cowboy. The characters in this story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I hope they have the same affect on you. Previously released as Fated Hearts through The Wild Rose Press, this novel has had several scenes deleted, over 10,000 words added, including new scenes, a new ending, new characters, the heat factor was upped to hot, and a series was created. This is the first book in a four book series about hot, hard-headed cowboys and the strong, sexy women who make them better men.

  Cole McCall is one of the cowboys who fit the bill. Handsome and stubborn, he’s also the most damaged, which makes him mean. Even I wanted to haul off and punch him once or twice. But, I like to keep the characters real, and his grief and guilt would cause him to react, well…miserable. It was going to take a special woman to drag his butt back into the light.

  Jordan Masters Ryan is just such a woman. Strong and tenacious, but she’s more than that. She went through the same suffering as Cole. She knew all the signs, knew all the tricks, knew when to leave him alone and when to push. Given that her childhood crush on him has grown into something much stronger, no way would she give up on her fated cowboy.

  The love between Cole and Jordan is strong and passionate and stood the test of fate. Now, they’re reunited and fight for each other at different intervals throughout the book. This allows their feelings to grow from adolescent yearnings to soul searing love.

  A hot, heartfelt, sexy read, this story
also includes some of the other characters in the series. Their participation rounds out this book and sets the stage for the next.

  Start with Cole’s story, Her Fated Cowboy, then enjoy the taming of his brother Connor in Her Unbridled Cowboy by Jordan’s sister, Kerri. Next Connor’s best friend Kade is back from deployment and on someone’s radar in Her Uniform Cowboy, and finally, finish the series with Kade’s lady-killer cousin Kevin in Her Forever Cowboy.

  As always, thanks for reading,

  ~Donna

  www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

  Dedication

  To fans of hot, sexy cowboy romances, may this be a series you enjoy, starting with the cantankerous Cole.

  To my real life hero, my husband Michael, my family, the HOODS, my fellow author and friend JT Schultz for her unending support, and Jimmy Thomas for heating up my cover and putting the hot in Cole.

  Table of Contents

  What they’re saying…

  Also by Donna Michaels

  Dear Reader

  Dedication

  Prologue

  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

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Epilogue

  Chapter One—Her Unbridled Cowboy

  About the Author

  Prologue

  …Something’s not right.

  Heading down the aisle at the corner store, unease bit into Jordan’s spine like a swarm of bees. She quickly scanned the area.

  Where’s Eric?

  There—over by the row of coolers. Heat from his gaze lessened her apprehension. What did I do to deserve him for a husband?

  Looking at her through an opened cooler door, rapidly fogging from the California heat, he raised a can of whipped cream, a mischievous grin claiming his lips.

  Rogue! No need to ask if he was ready for round two of their all-nighter.

  Her sigh rustled miniature bags of chips on a nearby shelf. It’d been so long since their time off coincided.

  Unable to contain a spark of devilment, she winked and raised two fingers. They’d need the extra one for what she had in mind.

  Sexy grin broadening, he grabbed a second can, then glanced back at her, and his smile suddenly faded.

  What’s wrong?

  Throat dry, swarm of bees re-attacking her back, she slowly looked down at her hands.

  The loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter she had been holding turned to cold steel warmed under her grip as she aimed a loaded 38 Magnum at the man she loved...

  Jordan Masters Ryan vaulted upright in her sheet tossed bed, waist-length hair violently jerking forward. She swiped the brown mass from her eyes and bounced her gaze from the cherry armoire to the oversized matching dresser. Damn! She drew in a shaky breath while reality returned. That dream again.

  Wet and firm, an eager nose nudged her dangling wrist and brought a quiver to her lips.

  “Oh, Bullet.” She slid to the floor and hugged the big German Sheppard to her sweat-soaked body. “I thought they’d stopped.”

  A whimper tickled her ear. She drew back from his comforting warmth and raised her gaze to compassion-filled, chocolate-brown eyes.

  “I know, boy. You miss him, too.” She rubbed Bullet’s thick, black head and sighed. “No sense in trying to go back to bed. There’ll be no sleep coming after that nightmare.”

  Jordan rubbed her eyes and stood, deciding to get ready for her morning flight a few hours early. Maybe she’d have better luck with sleep in Texas.

  Nate Masters stowed his cell phone and didn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face. “They’re on the plane,” he informed, and a collective sigh echoed around the McCall’s den. “That was their friend, Megan. She said she’d just dropped the girls at the airport and is sure they don’t suspect a thing. Their plane is scheduled to arrive in Houston around one-fifteen; that should put them here around two-thirty.”

  “Great,” his buddy, Alex McCall, exclaimed from across the room.

  “I sure hope this works,” Alex’s wife, Leeann said, a frown marring her brow. “If I wasn’t so worried about my sons, especially Cole, I would never have agreed to this scheme.” She paced in front of the window overlooking the sprawling south Texas ranch.

  Nate understood her tension. Didn’t matter if your children were grown and had lives of their own, you always worried about them and wanted to see them happy. Heck, he wanted the best for his daughters, too. That’s just how it was.

  Alex got up to hug his wife, dwarfing the concerned woman by at least a foot.

  “Now Leeann, don’t you worry none about this. You’re right, those boys need to do more than work themselves to death and I believe—no, I know Nate’s daughters are perfect for them.” He looked down at her and smiled. “Don’t you remember how those two girls were never put off no matter what Cole and Connor said or did?”

  “Yes.”

  A smile softened her face for the first time that morning.

  “I always thought Cole and Jordan were the perfect match. I just hope it’s not too late and she can bring him back to the land of the living. She’s our last hope.” Despair crept into Leeann’s voice as she continued, “He’s become so mean and unfeeling since Bess’ death. It’s been two years. It has to stop, Alex. It just has to stop.”

  Nate shared a look with his wife, Hannah. They’d gone through the same thing with their daughter but she’d snapped out of her reckless despair after a year. His heart twisted. This scheme had to work. He shared their hope that his oldest daughter would be the key to Cole’s cure. Their children were just too young to be going through such heartache.

  “Well, if anyone can get through to Cole, it’s our Jordan,” Hannah chimed in, echoing his thoughts as she stopped in front of Leeann and touched her arm. “Besides, being near Cole just might benefit Jordan too. She hasn’t fully embraced life either since her loss. I’m praying this reunion helps them both.”

  Leeann nodded and pulled Hannah into a hug. “Let’s hope so.”

  “All right, then.” Alex filled four flutes with champagne, handed them out, then raised his glass. “Here’s to the McCall boys and the Masters girls.”

  Nate grinned. “Let the fireworks begin!”

  Chapter One

  Cole McCall shot to his feet and shoved a hand through his hair, careful not to loosen the band at his nape. With a thousand and one projects, programs and outlines on his plate, he didn’t need a setback. He needed competence like that with which his team put forth. CEO of McCall Enterprises, software specialists, he employed over one hundred twenty-five people, all of whom did their job. He wasn’t used to incompetence.

  “I don’t care if it is Saturday! That shipment was due in yesterday and it hasn’t shown up yet,” he snapped into the phone. “McCall Enterprises has never had any trouble with your company before, but I have my own deadlines to meet and I can’t achieve them with this kind of ineptitude. If it means finding someone else who could get the job done, then so be it.” He silently counted to ten. It didn’t help. “You have until Monday at noon to deliver. If the equipment isn’t here by then, I’ll be on the phone with a new supplier at one minute past.”

  The slamming phone echoed in his otherwise quiet office. He sucked in a breath, trying to get a handle on his annoyance. That didn’t help either.

  Why was the world full of so much ineffectiveness?

  Exhaling, he eyed the iPad on his desk, glaring the day’s agenda. Great. On top of the mess with this supplier, he had three other projects in the works he himself headed. But co
uld he give them the time they deserve this weekend? No. Why? Because he had to entertain—no, baby sit—the Masters sisters from California. Christ. That’s the last thing he needed.

  Muttering a curse, he strode to the window and gripped the metal sill. Anger prevented him from enjoying the breathtaking view of Houston’s skyline. Today, he didn’t witness the myriad of skyscrapers vying for the top position against the cloudless blue horizon or the beautiful spring morning. No, instead he stared blindly at the one-thousand-foot Texas Commerce Tower, his mind in turmoil over the promise he’d made to his mother and how it was already interfering with his deadlines.

  He hadn’t seen those girls in what, ten, almost eleven years now? Kerri had always been sweet but Jordan? Her favorite past-time had been to try to pull one over on him.

  A genuine smile, foreign for so long, twitched his lips. Three years younger than him, a beauty with brown hair, brown eyes, a quick wit and one hell of a backbone, she’d always proven to be a challenge. One thing for sure, life had never been dull with her around.

  But times have changed…I’ve changed.

  Smile gone, he stiffened and pivoted from the window. That teenage boy who tolerated the carefree antics of a cute but annoying tomboy was long gone. Life had crushed his rose-colored glasses, forcing him to see the harshness of reality, and lay his childhood fancies to rest. His outlook on life dimmed, he no longer sought companionship or warmth from people. People meant feeling, and feeling equaled pain. Therefore, he took people right out of the equation. Life was unpredictable and cruel, and the only way to get through it was to work, and work hard. Predictable and constant, work was now his life.

  When he wasn’t at the office running his multi-million dollar corporation, he’d physically exhaust himself by helping out at the Wild Creek Ranch, his family’s ranch. He didn’t have time for frolicking little girls right now.