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What a Man Needs
Patricia Thayer
Actress Cynthia Reynolds was tired of trying to be perfect, so she returned to Portland for a little down-home fun. As she turned on the charm, she caught the eye of rugged rancher Patrick Tanner, who knew nothing of her starlet status.As she showed this cowboy a thing or two about romance, she wondered if she'd lose her heart in the bargain. With his checkered past, Patrick didn't want complications, but Cynthia was an enigma he found intoxicating. She drove him to distraction, and made him wish for the impossible love and family. Soon he found himself feeling that one night with Cynthia wasn't enough…but a lifetime night be just right.
“Hell, woman, I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since I met you!”
She stared at him, anger flashing in her eyes. “And that’s my problem? You’re blaming me for your lack of sleep? That’s just great.” She marched up the stairs, her shapely bottom swaying back and forth, heightening his desire. “Good night, Patrick. Sweet dreams,” she taunted as she disappeared into her room. The door slammed behind her.
Patrick closed his eyes. Cynthia had him tied up in so many knots that he wasn’t going to survive another day—another minute, another second. He climbed the stairs two at a time and stormed to her room.
Cynthia swung open the door, and before she knew what hit her, Patrick grabbed her and pulled her to him.
“If you have any protests, you’d better tell me now, because I’m going to make love to you and I’m not stopping until I get my fill.”
Cynthia reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. “No. You’re not stopping until I get my fill.”
PATRICIA THAYER
Originally born and raised in Muncie, Indiana, PATRICIA THAYER has called Orange County, California, home for many years. She not only enjoys the warm climate, but also the company and support of other published authors in the local writers’ organization.
When not working on a story, you might find her traveling the United States and Europe, accompanied by Steve, her husband for more than thirty-five years. Together they have three grown sons and four grandsons. On rare days off from writing, you might catch her at Disneyland, spoiling those grandkids rotten! She also volunteers for the Grandparent Autism Network.
Patricia has written for over twenty years and has authored more than thirty-six books for Silhouette and Harlequin Books. She has been nominated for both the National Readers’ Choice Award and the prestigious RITA® Award. Her book Nothing Short of a Miracle won an RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice award. A longtime member of Romance Writers of America, she has served as president and held many other board positions for her local chapter in Orange County. She’s a firm believer in giving back.
Check her website at www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.
What a Man Needs
Patricia Thayer
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Be a part of
Because birthright has its privileges and family ties run deep.
When a cowboy meets an actress, neither expects the fireworks their chemistry ignites. Will their sweet passion lead to everlasting love?
Patrick Tanner: A no-nonsense cowboy with a chip on his shoulder, Patrick threw caution to the wind and entertained a beautiful movie star on his ranch. They forgot their cares and indulged in each other. Was this just the beginning of something special?
Cynthia Reynolds: After years in Hollywood, Cynthia felt her star was fading. So she came home to escape and fell hard for hardworking, hard-loving Patrick Tanner. He didn’t care who she was—only that she let him treasure her for as long as they had together.
The Mysterious Wife
Carrie Martin had loved Dr. Richie, but when he became a celebrity, their marriage fell apart. Now, Carrie was determined to confront the man she’d once adored and show him what their love produced.
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Because birthright has its privileges and family ties run deep.
AVAILABLE JUNE 2010
1.) To Love and Protect by Susan Mallery
2.) Secrets & Seductions by Pamela Toth
3.) Royal Affair by Laurie Paige
4.) For Love and Family by Victoria Pade
AVAILABLE JULY 2010
5.) The Bachelor by Marie Ferrarella
6.) A Precious Gift by Karen Rose Smith
7.) Child of Her Heart by Cheryl St. John
8.) Intimate Surrender by RaeAnne Thayne
AVAILABLE AUGUST 2010
9.) The Secret Heir by Gina Wilkins
10.) The Newlyweds by Elizabeth Bevarly
11.) Right by Her Side by Christie Ridgway
12.) The Homecoming by Anne Marie Winston
AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2010
13.) The Greatest Risk by Cara Colter
14.) What a Man Needs by Patricia Thayer
15.) Undercover Passion by Raye Morgan
16.) Royal Seduction by Donna Clayton
To the other Logan’s Legacy Ladies,
Cara Colter, Donna Clayton, Raye Morgan.
It was truly a pleasure to work with all of you.
Contents
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
Epilogue
Prologue
“Y ou have to believe you can do it,” Dr. Richard Strong said to the crowded room. He paced in front of the podium at the Healthy Living Clinic in Portland, Oregon. “To be willing to change your lifestyle. It’s not just with what you eat, but with how you feel about yourself. NoWait will only work if you’re willing to work.”
Richie knew he had every person in the room. It had taken years to perfect his presence, and the effort was finally paying off. Oh, yeah, he was good, especially at getting women’s attention. They had been the main contributors to his success and would do anything to get close to him, to show their gratitude. But that didn’t stop the men from attending his seminars. From construction workers to doctors, they were buying his homeopathic oil…and making him rich.
And he believed he was changing their lives for the better.
Cynthia Reynolds sat in the back of the room with her sister, Kelly. Cynthia, too, was excited by Dr. Richie’s talk. At thirty-five, she’d seen the changes in her body and she was aware of every extra pound. Not to mention that the camera picked up every tiny line on her face. In Hollywood, it was youth and beauty that stayed on top.
Her sister leaned toward her and whispered, “Do you really believe this homeopathic mumbo-jumbo?”
Kelly, two years younger, had a fresh, natural look. She had gone into law and made a name for herself here in Portland.
“I don’t have a choice,” Cynthia admitted.
Her sister smiled. “Then buy a truckload of this NoWait stuff.”
“I only need a little behind my ears.”
“Then do it and let’s go hit the nightlife. I need to see a man about a horse.”
One
P atrick Tanner walked into Morgan’s Pub and squinted to adjust to the dim light. The room had a long oak bar on one side, and several booths on the other. The sound of clinking glasses and laughter was muffled by the loud music coming from the jukebox.
The place was already crowded with Friday-night customers.
Patrick continued to look around. There were several women who returned an I’m-interested look, but he didn’t reciprocate. Not tonight. His youngest sister, Nora, had called and said she needed to see him. And anyone who knew Patrick knew his family came first, even if he had to drive forty miles from the ranch into Portland.
A long, thirsty drive, he thought as he walked to the bar and sat down on the stool. The burly bartender was wiping his hands on a towel when he came up to him. “What’ll it be?”
“A beer. Whatever’s on tap.”
The man nodded, then took a mug from the shelf, tilted it under the spout and pulled the lever. Once the golden liquid had filled the glass to the brim, he set it down on the bar. “Enjoy.”
“Thanks, I will.” Patrick gripped the handle and took a long swallow. He didn’t drink often, but a beer once in a while didn’t hurt. He would never let alcohol consume his life. He’d never be like his father. Never.
Patrick pushed aside the bitter thoughts and glanced at his watch. Nora should have been here by now. He was reaching for his cell phone when the door opened and two women walked in. A blonde and a redhead, both unfamiliar, walked toward an empty table, both tall and beautiful enough to turn just about every man’s head in the room. Patrick usually preferred blondes, but this time the redhead drew all his attention. She had striking features, large dark eyes, a wide, kissable mouth….
He changed his focus to her attire, a blue-green blouse and a pair of jeans that encased long, slender legs. When she turned around and his gaze dropped to her shapely bottom, Patrick took a long drink of his cold beer. Oh, boy, he’d been spending too much time on the ranch.
Cynthia Reynolds had wanted to argue with Kelly when she’d suggested coming to Morgan’s Pub, and now, seeing the good-looking man at the bar, she was glad she hadn’t.
Cynthia guessed his age at about thirty-five. He was a little rough around the edges with shaggy dark blond hair that hadn’t seen a stylist in a long time. He wore a chambray shirt and a pair of jeans, faded and soft from wear, and a brown belt that circled his slim waist. Cyndi found she was daydreaming about how she would pop open each snap on his shirt….
She quickly pushed aside the thought. What was wrong with her? He wasn’t even her usual type.
But when his gaze met hers, she couldn’t seem to turn away. Those piercing eyes held her prisoner as a slow smile emphasized his already sensual mouth, and her breath suddenly locked in her lungs.
“See anything that interests you?” Kelly’s voice broke through her reverie.
Cynthia hated that her sister could always read her so easily. Maybe that was the reason Kelly was such a good lawyer. She was not only beautiful, with her dazzling brown eyes and golden hair, but she’d also got the brains of the family.
“Maybe, but I’m not going to do anything about it.”
The waitress came by for their drink order. Once it was given, their conversation started up again. “And what’s wrong with having a little fun?” Kelly asked. “You can’t work all the time. Besides, so far, no one has recognized you.”
