SECRETS OF THE HIGHLANDER, AVON, OCTOBER 2006

ISBN 0-06-079552-2

Synopsis

The Highwayman Rides Again…Melanie Jones thought she was imagining things.  Surely there’s not a breathtaking man astride a magnificent black horse racing her sports car on a country road.  And he has the nerve to wink at her, just before he vanishes into the night!  When he appears to her in solid, sinewy muscle, Melanie realizes he’s real…and irresistible.  

 Nearly two centuries ago, Nathaniel Raven was betrayed and murdered by a trusted friend.  He now has one opportunity to uncover the secrets of that night, and Melanie is the only woman who can help him.  She may be the most infuriating and independent woman he’s ever known, but there is no denying the burning passion between them…or the lethal danger that has followed him from the past.

 

Excerpt

She was riding.  On a horse.  Melanie was ambivalent when it came to horses but this time she didn't mind, because someone was riding with her.  She could feel a strong arm about her waist, a body behind hers, and it was almost definitely a "he".  They rode through the night the moon above them like a grapefruit.

 His breath brushed her hair, her cheek, as he leaned forward.  His gloved hands were strong on the reins.  In control.

 Melanie found that a turn-on.

 "Do you know who I am?" a soft voice murmured in her ear.

 Her heard began to bump.

 "Because I know who you are."

 Melanie turned her head.  He was smiling at her, eyes gleaming through the mask.  An old-fashioned tricorn hat sat on his head, and a black cloak flowed out behind him.

 "You're the Raven," she said.

 He leaned closer, and heat curled inside her like melted toffee.  His mouth brushed hers, barely a touch at all, but she felt it to her toes.

 "Oh yes, please . . ."

 Did she really say that?  Well, it was a dream . . .

 There was a thud.

 The horse vanished and, with it, the man.  Melanie opened her eyes and found she was alone in the four-poster bed at Ravenswood.  She must have flung out her arm--to embrace the Raven--and knocked her cell phone to the floor.

 Melanie rubbed her eyes and sighed.  She could still feel him, she could even taste him, and she had really wanted that kiss.