Lawman Read online

  Praise for the novels of Lisa Plumley

  TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS

  “Plumley makes her third trip to Kismet, Mich. (after Home for the Holidays) in this laugh-out-loud Christmas romp. This sweet romance tugs at the heartstrings from the beginning and doesn’t let up until the final page.” —Publishers Weekly

  “This is a genuinely fun story, with complex, engaging characters and a thoroughly charming holiday atmosphere. No matter what, Lisa Plumley knows how to craft a terrific, heartwarming story with deliciously happy endings, and I definitely plan to go back and read her other books set in Kismet. At least that will give me something to do until her next book comes out!” —The Romance Reviews

  “Plumley has a definite knack for providing readers with “holiday jollity” mixed with romance. Her blend of quirky characters who find themselves in quirky situations make for endearing stories. The story is charming, the heroine is smart, strong and capable, the support cast endearingly odd and the two side love stories are bonuses.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

  MELT INTO YOU

  “Plumley (Holiday Affair, 2010) has written another delightful story filled with everything her fans expect—likable characters, a great romance, humorous situations, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming story. ” —Booklist (starred review!)

  “This is a delightful story with a hero who could easily be a real jerk, but is quite a sweetheart, and a heroine determined to not be hurt by love again, yet can’t help herself. Her mistrust of the hero is quite understandable, and his struggle to learn how to be good is entertaining. ” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4 stars!)

  “Melt Into You is hilarious and well-worth reading! The characters are adorable and this story will keep you anxiously awaiting more from Ms. Plumley! ” —Night Owl Reviews

  THE BRIDE RAFFLE

  “Ms. Plumley knows how to make her characters real and relatable. We know these people. We have friends like this. This ability to create realistic characters makes Ms. Plumley’s novels even more compelling. I loved every page of this book and found it hard to put down. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Plumley produces next! ” —Historical Romance Writers

  “Lisa Plumley has penned a really cute, delightful tale with The Bride Raffle. Looking for something that is lighthearted and fun? Something that combines romance and humor? The Bride Raffle by Lisa Plumley is perfect for you! ” —CataRomance (4 stars!)

  “A delightful read, The Bride Raffle, the latest book in the Morrow Creek series, is a heartwarming, humorous historical romance. Not only does author extraordinaire Lisa Plumley give us a fun story filled with witty dialogue, charismatic, well-drawn characters, a delicious plot, tender romance and plenty of love, she brings the characters to life right before your eyes. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Plumley’s works. ” —Romance Junkies (5 blue ribbons rating)

  MAIL-ORDER GROOM

  “This is the first Lisa Plumley historical novel that I have read and I loved it every bit as much as I love her contemporary novels! Her warmth and love of romance spill from every page. Ms. Plumley has a knack for drawing her readers into her stories and making them a part of each of us. ” —Historical Romance Writers

  “Everyone has a secret in this delightful tale from the Old West. The concept of the mail-order groom, rather than bride, is an entertaining twist on a standard plot. There’s plenty of gun-slinging, bloodshed, and lovemaking going on from start to finish, which will keep readers turning pages until the very end. ” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4 stars!)

  “Lisa Plumley has written a charming romance between two very appealing characters. An engaging novel with a heroine you won’t soon forget. ” —Love Western Romances (4 spurs!)

  HOLIDAY AFFAIR

  “Secrets and subterfuge add complexity and zing to this well-crafted, heartwarming story that features a wealth of engaging characters, including five remarkable, memorable children, and great sexual tension. A deliciously satisfying, cocoa-worthy holiday read.” —Library Journal

  “As is the case with most of Plumley’s books, Holiday Affair has quirky characters that will make you smile and a fast-paced story that will make you hesitate to slip a bookmark between the pages. Holiday Affair is full of Christmas atmosphere and activities, which makes it a great read during the holidays.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

  “Lisa Plumley’s latest holiday novel delivers. It has warm gooey holiday moments complete with happy children, Christmas traditions such as caroling and decorating Christmas cookies and, oh yeah, hot and steamy romance. Loaded with fun pop-culture references and witty dialogue, Holiday Affair delivers on entertainment!” —The Romance Reader (Five Hearts!)

  “A delightful story with utterly charming characters. It brings to life the sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas as it brings together more than just the two main characters for a joyous holiday season.” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4½ stars)

  MY FAVORITE WITCH

  “In keeping with Plumley’s tradition of lively romantic comedy (Home for the Holidays), her first foray into the paranormal witch world subgenre is quirky, sexy, creative, and hilarious.” —Library Journal

  “Humorous adventures and unexpected romance with a sprinkling of heartwarming moments will keep the reader well entertained in this delightful tale, skillfully crafted by the clever Plumley.” —Booklist

  “Lisa Plumley delves into paranormal romance, venturing into new territory while keeping her own brand of humor and delivering a delightfully witchy tale in the process.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

  HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

  “Lisa Plumley once again gifts readers with a Yuletide story sure to put you in a holiday mood. This is vintage Plumley. She’s created a cast of characters that are a bit eccentric, quirky, and likeable and spun a story that will make you smile.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

  “A delightful secondary romance adds to the fun in this upbeat romp that is touching, hilarious, and lightly dusted with seasonal charm.” —Library Journal

  LET’S MISBEHAVE

  “Once again, Plumley shows her fine flair for comedy as Marisol learns that there is life beyond Rodeo Drive, and the Connelly triplets discover that they can’t scare away every nanny. Full of witty dialogue and hilarious situations, this romp with a heart is certain to please readers.” —Booklist (starred review; named one of the Top Ten Romances of 2007)

  “Plumley not only delivers a fun-filled premise, clever dialogue and a delightfully sexy sports-loving hero, she brings to life a memorable, hilarious and utterly unique heroine readers will adore. This is pure romantic fantasy and an absolutely entertaining novel from start to finish.” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4½ stars Top Pick!)

  “Let’s Misbehave is funny, romantic, heartwarming, and sexy. It’s fantastic!” —Joyfully Reviewed

  MAD ABOUT MAX

  “A cool cast of secondary characters adds much to the story as clever Plumley, who is already known for her entertaining romantic comedies, presents another winner in this humorous and engaging tale about a man who literally loses his shirt, but finds his heart.” —Booklist (starred review)

  “Mad About Max kept me laughing from beginning to end. What great characters! Very highly recommended, especially for fans of romantic comedy.” —Romance Junkies

  JOSIE DAY IS COMING HOME

  “Turning not-so-perfect, unlikely characters into romance heroes and heroines is Lisa Plumley’s forte, and she once again delivers a zany cast who will make you laugh!” —The State newspaper

  “In this heartwarming, often humorous story, the feisty Josie proves that you can go home again—if you’ve got the right stuff. And once again, the talented P
lumley, whose books include Perfect Switch, proves that when it comes to writing romantic comedy, few do it better.” —Booklist

  LAWMAN

  by

  Lisa Plumley

  Smashwords Edition

  *

  previously published by Kensington Publishing

  He followed the trail of an outlaw…

  In rough-and-tumble Arizona Territory, the desert sun burned hotter than Pinkerton agent Gabriel Winter’s need to bring an elusive stagecoach robber to justice. There, he quickly encountered a formidable obstacle—Megan Kearney, the suspect’s daughter. He wondered how such a rare beauty had avoided marriage in a town crawling with bachelors…Until he discovered she was holding out for true love. On top of that, the spitfire spinster hotly defended her father’s innocence. For some reason, Gabriel wanted to believe not just her naïve claims about her father, but her outlandish romantic notions as well. Still, no outlaw had ever slipped through his fingers, and he wasn’t about to risk that hard-earned reputation for the pleasures promised in Megan’s fiery gaze…

  Into the arms of a forbidden woman

  Megan had to find her father before Gabriel did—which meant monitoring his every move. Accompanying him amid the saloons and brothels crowding Tucson’s dusty streets, Megan intended to clear her father’s name—even if it meant using her feminine wiles to charm the city slicker detective. She would prove that the maddeningly self-assured Gabriel had underestimated her resolve. But Megan soon discovered that she had underestimated the powerful feelings one man could arouse in a heart that ached for passion…and everlasting love.

  *

  Copyright © 2012 by Lisa Plumley

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, then please respect the hard work of this author by purchasing your own copy. Thank you!

  *

  USA TODAY best-selling author Lisa Plumley has delighted readers worldwide with more than two dozen popular novels. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and editions, and includes contemporary romances, western historical romances, paranormal romances, and a variety of stories in romance anthologies. Her fresh, funny style has been likened to such reader favorites as Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, LaVyrle Spencer, and Jennifer Crusie, but her unique characterization is all her own.

  Lisa lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and two children. In her free time she reads romances and research books by the dozen, practices yoga, and spends time with her family—hiking in the mountains and deserts of Arizona, visiting ghost towns and historical sites, traveling, reading, and watching classic movies.

  Visit with Lisa at her website, www.lisaplumley.com, connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lisaplumleybooks, or follow her on Twitter @LisaPlumley today!

  Books by Lisa Plumley

  Contemporary Romances

  Together for Christmas (2012)

  Melt Into You (2012)

  Holiday Affair (2010)

  Home For The Holidays (2008)

  Let’s Misbehave (2007)

  Mad About Max (2006)

  I Shaved my Legs for This?! (2006) (anthology w/Theresa Alan, Holly Chamberlin, and Marcia Evanick)

  Once Upon a Christmas (2005)

  Josie Day is Coming Home (2005)

  Perfect Switch (2004)

  Perfect Together (2003)

  Reconsidering Riley (2002)

  Santa Baby (2002) (anthology w/Kylie Adams, Elaine Coffman, and Lisa Jackson)

  Falling For April (2002)

  Making Over Mike (2001)

  Her Best Man (2000)

  Man Of The Year (2000)

  My Best Friend’s Baby (1999)

  The Honeymoon Hoax (1998)

  Surrender (1997)

  Historical Romances

  The Honor-Bound Gambler (2012)

  Weddings Under a Western Sky (2012) (anthology w/Elizabeth Lane and Kate Welsh)

  The Bride Raffle (2011)

  Wanton in the West (2011)

  Mail-Order Groom (2010)

  Hallowe’en Husbands (2008) (anthology w/Denise Lynn and Christine Merrill)

  The Rascal (2006)

  The Scoundrel (2006)

  The Matchmaker (2003)

  The Drifter (2002)

  Lawman (1999)

  Outlaw (1999)

  Paranormal Romance

  My Favorite Witch (2009)

  Time-Travel Romances

  Timeless Winter (1999) (anthology w/Sandra Davidson and Kathryn Hockett)

  Timeless Spring (1999) (anthology w/Sandra Davidson and Cynthia Thomason)

  LAWMAN

  by

  Lisa Plumley

  Chapter One

  September 1882

  Near Tucson, Arizona Territory

  If she could just get her corset stays pulled tightly enough, Megan Kearney figured she had an awfully good chance of achieving her dreams.

  They were pretty big dreams, she’d be the first to admit. But a girl raised in the lonely, sprawling territory of Arizona, with cactus wrens for playmates, a summertime cot beneath the stars for a cradle, and the hum of cicadas for a lullaby had to have something sweet to look forward to. For Megan, it was the chance to own her own dressmaker’s shop in town. The chance to create beauty out of calico and lace and imagination. The chance to finally be safe and secure in a world of her own making.

  After years of planning and saving, her opportunity had arrived—if she could only get into her best Sunday dress and get out there to meet it.

  “Drat those bizcochitos of yours, Addie,” she muttered, putting her hands to her waist. She stepped closer to the castoff stagecoach strongbox she used as her bedroom’s bureau and frowned into the looking glass propped atop it. “How am I supposed to make that dress fit now?”

  Addie’s gaze met hers in the mirror. “Don’t ask me. I ain’t the one who crammed all those goodies in your mouth.”

  “I couldn’t help it. I was worried about this meeting.” Sighing, Megan made herself stand up straighter. “Besides, you’re the one who made the cookies. That’s practically the same thing. They were so good, I was fairly compelled to eat them.”

  “That’s a fine piece of logic.” Grinning, Addie wrapped Megan’s corset laces more securely around her capable, sturdy hands. “Why don’t you try that on Mr. Webster, and see what he says about selling you his shop?”

  “Don’t be silly. It was difficult enough convincing him to deed me the alleyway rights and living space that go along with his mercantile. I hardly intend to discuss bizcochitos with a person like that.”

  “You go on talking that way, and you’ll scare him off selling you the store altogether,” Addie warned. “How many times have I got to tell you? Men don’t like ladies who talk like a book.”

  Megan sighed. “I suppose you’re right. A pretty dress probably is the best strategy.”

  “Ain’t no supposin’ about it. You listen to me, and I’ll steer you right.” Nodding, Addie took up the slack in the corset laces. “Now suck in your breath and quit your yappin’, else you’ll be walking into that fancy meetin’ of yours wearing that old calico over there.”

  Megan eyed the faded pink dress draped tiredly over the coverlet on her bed. It looked worse than a station hand’s britches after a day of drinking and carousing at the bullfights in the presidio. She’d never impress Mr. Jedediah Webster and his wife if she were wearing that old thing. She put a hand to her belly and breathed in as hard as she could.

  “How’s this?” she croaked, trying to peer over her shoulder. All she could see was Addie’s gray-haired head, but judging by the way her curls waggled, she was getting ready for a vigorous tug.

  “Perfect.” Yank.

  The rest of Megan’s breath left her in a whoosh. Oh, well—the meeting woul
d probably be a short one, anyway. Breathing deeply was only necessary if a body was asleep or getting ready to holler about something. She stuck both hands onto the cool, prickly adobe wall beside the looking glass and got ready for the next pull.

  Yank. “Ouch!”

  Why had she ever eaten all those bizcochitos? And whatever had possessed her to sew her new dress with an inch smaller waistline?

  Vanity, she admitted to herself. Plain and simple. She wanted to impress the eastern-born, city-bred Websters with her seamstress’ ability and sense of style. She knew they saw her as a desert country bumpkin—one whose nest egg of savings they were happy to take in exchange for their mercantile building, but a bumpkin, nonetheless. Everybody of consequence in town felt the same.

  But not for long, Megan vowed as Addie tied up her stays and helped her button up her corset cover. She got on the rest of her underthings, then carefully lifted her new brown worsted gown from the bed. High-necked and shaped with room for an elaborate bustle, it was trimmed with black braid and jet buttons in the height of fashion.

  Megan smoothed her cheek along the expensive fabric, smiling at the notion of having her own shop filled with similar fancy dresses, each one her own personal creation. Ladies would come from miles to own a dress like the ones she designed. A Megan Kearney original. After her dreams came true, she’d be as sophisticated as any easterner, and twice as successful.

  She would’ve bet her entire nest egg savings on it, and planned to…just as soon as the Websters arrived.

  He’d tracked criminals to sorrier, more decrepit places—but Gabriel Winter had never tailed one to anyplace more flat-out unusual than Kearney Station.

  From his ridge-top vantage point behind a stand of September-dried creosote bushes, he raised his spyglass and looked over the station again. Amidst the scrub brush and cacti and mud that made up the central station yard, its flat-roofed, whitewashed adobe buildings clustered around each other for protection. A thorny ocotillo-rib fence wound between them, tall as the station hands working the grounds.

  None were armed. To the left, one heavyset man led a pair of sorrel mares from the stables, and other hands carried equipment to and from a storage area nearby. Their voices carried to Gabriel’s hiding place, borne on the same wind that carried the tang of mesquite wood smoke across arroyo and flatland.