Promise the Moon: Book One of 'The Grandees' trilogy

Available at THE Wild Rose Press

"y mother, Elena Montez."

Neely started at the deep masculine voice behind her. She whirled and look into the eyes of a man at least two inches taller than Mr. Conway, a leather crop held in one big hand.

"She...she's beautiful."

Sable hair waved back from his wide forehead; gray dusted one temple where a scar sliced from hairline to chin. His wide shoulders were covered in an off-white shirt and a rough-out leather vest adorned with silver conchos glinting above a silver buckle. Fitted brown trousers hugged his muscled thighs.

Her first thought was that he was the handsomest man she had ever seen. Then she noticed his full lips, pressed together as if they didn't smile with ease. When he started toward her with catlike grace, she fought the urge to flee.

"Garrett Montez." He extended his hand. "Miss O'Conner?" he said, displeasure apparent.

"Ye...yes, Neely O'Conner," she said, irritated at her shaky voice. She flushed, and her hand felt burned clasped in his much larger one. He had the not unpleasant earthy smell of leather and horses about him.

She had never thought of herself as a small woman, but looking up at Mr. Montez, she felt diminutive. This man bespoke power, and not just physically. As he released her hand, she lifted her chin and looked into eyes that were silver more than gray, and definitely not a mirror to his soul.

"So, you think you're a housekeeper."

Jutting her chin up a fraction more, she surprised herself when she retorted, "No, sir, I am a housekeeper."

"You're too young."

"Must I be decrepit to qualify?"

His solemn expression didn't change, but his frosted-glass eyes danced with amusement for an instant. Or had she imagined it?