My love affair with cowboys began with Little Joe.
Yes, I admit, the heart-throb of
the TV show Bonanza set my ten year old heart racing. He was handsome, confident, good-hearted and made me laugh. After watching the episodes, I remember saddling my own horse and galloping across fresh hay cut fields, feeling the crisp autumn air feathering my cheeks. I would imagine all sort of scenarios. Indians would be chasing me and at the definitive moment Little Joe would scare them off with a couple shots from his rifle. Or Little Joe would be kidnapped by a masked villain who hoped to hold him for ransom, and I was Joe's only hope. Of course, I would foil the bandit’s plan and then rode away with Joe at my side. There was never a kiss between Joe Cartwright and I. Just my hand in his.Remember, I was ten. My visions have change.
A COWBOY'S HEART. I think that is the characteristic which most draws me to the Stetson wearing, jean clad, boot kickin’ men. Men’s whose morals will not be compromised. Who will ruthlessly face a foe with a steel gaze and bare fists, yet, when fitting, show compassion and mercy. My knees go weak at a man whose heart is tender and has no problem showing his love.
Also, I absolutely love a man with a sense of humor. If he can make me laugh, he has got my attention.
Enter my up-coming release, Obsessed By Wildfire,(January 27, 2010 from The Wild Rose Press) my hero, Warner Keyson, isn’t a cowboy. GASP! He’s a Yankee fire marshal chasing an arsonist, but he's got all the characteristics of a real cowboy.On his first night in Wayback, Warner is stopped dead in his tracks by a whip toting cowgirl, Isabelle Trindad. Warner, like little Joe, is eye candy. He’s also a quiet guy with inter-strength who knows what has to be done and gets the job done. He is man with a gentle heart and sometimes wears it on his cuff. Warner knows how to get Issy’s goat and make her chuckle. She can't help but fall for him.
Here’s an excerpt. I hope you enjoy it.
There was no doubt he was a Yankee. He wore sneakers. No Texan would wear running shoes to go dancing. And his scent wasn’t leather, hay or old horse. She lifted her chin a notch, just a little, to let him know what he was about to take on. “Who are you?”
“Warner Keyson. You?” He folded his arms across his chest. His muscles bulged from beneath the rolled back sleeves of his white dress shirt. She’d seen bigger forearms—on a few NFL players.
“Isobel Trinidad.”
“Well, Ms. Trinidad, you could’ve caused some damage or killed someone the way you barreled in here.”
“The last time I heard, Raleigh was Wayback’s chief and you’re not one of his officers. Besides everyone’s inside.”
“There could be a couple or two in the backseat of those cars. You know, enjoying the night.”
Warner Keyson’s warm caramel gaze drifted over her and Isobel’s legs buckled a degree before she roped off her reaction. Refusing to look away, she wrestled the urge to step closer and touch the cute dark lock that curled behind Mr. Keyson’s right ear. “Were you peeking in windows?”
“Nah, not peeking.” His full lips pulled up the tiniest bit.
Thank you, Autumn! You took your eye candy assignment VERY seriously. A+++ I can't wait to read Obsessed By Wildfire!
Readers, there's more Wayback fun to be had this week! Stay tuned...
