Title Everleigh’s Game
Author Kara O’Neal
Genre Historical Romance
Book Blurb
Houston, Texas, 1899
Everleigh Camden has upset her mother. She has chosen a profession over marriage. But Everleigh intends to get hitched someday. She just wants some experiences before she settles down, which includes being the secretary to an attorney, and using her winnings from nightly poker games to form the anonymous, charitable persona, “Bets Gamble”. However, when a new partner joins the law office, he brings his unwelcome ideas and shocking orders to help him catch the Shooter Creek Bandits. Wade Bennett, sour on marriage and orderly to a fault, moves to Houston with the intent of catching the gang who murdered his brother. Everleigh Camden’s investigative abilities are exactly what he needs to help his quest. He does not need, however, to contend with the alarming attraction he feels toward her. Nor does he have time to refine the sass and vinegar she frequently exudes. Everleigh’s charms soothe the rips in Wade’s heart, and as they conduct their search, it becomes impossible to ignore his feelings. But villains abduct Everleigh and force her into the game of her life, possibly causing Wade to lose everything he holds dear.
Excerpt
“You’re late.”
Everleigh yelped and jumped, covering her mouth as she turned toward the strong, firm reprimand.
A man stood in the open doorway of the parlor, his hands in the pockets of his gray trousers. She took in his short, blond hair, granite jaw, full lips, and piercing blue eyes, but it was his glower she fixed on.
“I-I beg your pardon?” she stammered, unable to gather her wits at his surprising entrance.
He pulled out his pocket watch and flipped it open. As he considered the time, he asked, “You’re Miss Everleigh Camden, the secretary?”
Foreboding slipped up her spine as her brain began to work and she realized who was speaking to her. “I am.”
“And your day starts at nine?” He closed his watch and returned it to his vest pocket before looking at her again.
“Yes.” She pressed her lips into a thin line. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to point out that Mr. Abbott hadn’t yet arrived either, especially since she had no idea how late she was. Perhaps fifteen minutes. Maybe.
As he regarded her, she refused to fidget and held her arms loose at her sides.
His glower did not ease, but he said, “In the future, you’ll be more respectful of our working hours.”
Her ire spiked, and she had to swallow a retort. “I assume you’re Mr. Wade Bennett?”
He nodded once. “I am.”
“You’re early.”
“By a whole week, yes, I know.” His mouth tipped up at the corners. “It’s much better than being late.”
She lifted her brow, noticing the nice masculine curve of his lips. She shook off the unwanted observation. “An opinion, Mr. Bennett. Who knows what I might have avoided by getting a later start this morning.”
He narrowed his eyes slightly and was quiet while assessing her once more. After a few moments, he said, “I’ve not had a female secretary before, but Abbott informed me you’re helpful.”
She smoothed her hands over the front of her form-fitting, linen, navy jacket and skirt. “I enjoy the work here and have been employed with Mr. Abbott for the last four years.” Ever since she’d gained control over her trust fund and had explained to her parents that she wanted a job before a marriage, she’d run the office of Paul Abbott. Her mother was still shedding tears she’d chosen a job over marriage.
Finally, Mr. Bennett moved from where he stood, strolling toward the seating area just in front of her desk. He stopped behind one of the leather, wingback chairs. “He explained you even help in court.”
She hadn’t expected Mr. Abbott to say so much. “Sometimes.”
“And that you’re discreet.”
“Always.”
Mr. Bennett’s expression finally eased, going from irritation to slight interest. “I’m looking forward to working here then. But tell me…are you usually late?”
Again, she had to bite back a retort, but she refused to shy away from answering correctly. “I have no idea.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
She gave a nonchalant shrug. “Mr. Abbott isn’t so strict, so I’m not sure if I’m at my desk at nine sharp each day.”
Mr. Bennett’s blue eyes stormed with irritation. “Let’s be more mindful of it, shall we?”
How she wanted to argue, but he was as much her boss as Mr. Abbott. “Of course.”
He nodded then moved toward the railing with its swinging door. “If we could get started, I would appreciate it. I have a secondary reason for moving to Houston, and I plan on succeeding quickly and efficiently.”
She turned, finally noticing that the second desk that had been moved in last week held a blotter, pen and ink set, paperweight, and several stacked newspapers. Very ordered. Very…minimal.
Oh, dear.
She wasn’t going to like Mr. Bennett, despite his handsomeness and tall, capable frame. “And what is it that we will be doing?”
He spread one of the newspapers out on his desk, and without looking up replied, “We’re going to catch the Shooter Creek Bandits.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
Author Biography
Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children She write stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at www.karaoneal.com.
Social Media Links
Website – www.karaoneal.com
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/
Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog
Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues