Excerpt: 'Close to Heart' by TJ Kline

T.J. Kline joins us to share an excerpt from her new contemporary Western romance, Close to Heart.

About the book (courtesy of Avon Impulse):

It only took an instant for her world to come crashing down…but Heart Fire Ranch is a place of new beginnings, even for those who find their way there by accident

As the only veterinarian in town, Justin Hart doesn't have time to think about romance. So when A-list actress Alyssa Cole crashes her car outside his clinic, it's entirely unexpected when there's a spark between them he can't ignore. Still, she's a movie star, and he's just a small town cowboy.

Alyssa has learned the hard way not to believe first impressions, especially not in Hollywood. But, 400 miles from her former life with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, she places her trust in the handsome vet who comes to her rescue.

There's no denying the connection between them, but when Alyssa's past shows up at the door, will their new relationship be able to withstand the storm?

T.J. sets the scene for us …

T.J.: Small-town veterinarian, Justin Hart, has been waiting for life to settle down. After finding out their family lawyer was embezzling from the ranch he owned with his sisters and his younger sister's kidnapping, it's been a rough year. But when award-winning actress Alyssa Cole just misses a dog and crashes her luxury car into his clinic in a snowstorm, his life goes from hectic to complete chaos.

With nowhere to turn, the very pregnant actress needs more than just a place to stay. He can see from the fear in her eyes that there is more going on in her life than a simple last-minute trip — she's on the run and he's never been the kind of guy to leave a damsel in distress.

EXCERPT

She slid into the chair at the table and buried her face in her palms, trying to stop the tears from burning her eyes.

"Hey." Justin moved to the chair beside her. "It can't be that bad."

Alyssa looked up at him, trying to keep the tears at bay. "Are you kidding?" She couldn't help the bubble of irrational laughter that fell from her lips. "I'm eight months pregnant and I just found out my husband has been sleeping with every woman in Beverly Hills for over half of our marriage. Not to mention that I have no money, no career, and he kicked me out of our house." She threw up her hands and rose to pace the kitchen as the truth fell from her lips unbidden. "I have nothing. Even that car is in Elijah's name."

She realized she'd just told him far more than she'd intended.

"Was that who you were talking to?"

"No, I called my friend. He's a lawyer." She slid her hand over the top of her stomach. "I wanted to find out my options."

"And?"

"He suggests I 'divorce the no-good bastard.' "

"I have to agree."

Alyssa faced him, running her hand over the side of her stomach as her baby kicked against her hand. "I wish it were that easy, trust me. But how am I supposed to support us, where are we going to stay? I was on my way to my parents' house last night after he kicked me out."

Justin rose and moved toward her. His hands cupped her face gently, tipping her gaze up to meet his eyes. "Your husband is an idiot. He has no idea what he's giving up."

Her parched heart soaked up his words. After listening to Elijah's criticisms for so many years, it was like rain on a desert plain.

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you need to. That's probably the only way I can help you." He smiled and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Unless you want me to kick his ass? I'd be happy to do that for you."

She laughed quietly. "I appreciate the offer, but that's probably not in your best interest. I don't have the money to bail you out of jail."

The dimple cut into his cheek as he gave her a lopsided smile. "Then I guess the ass-kicking is going to have to wait."

Alyssa couldn't look away from his hypnotic blue gaze. He saw her, really saw the woman inside. He didn't see her as a movie star. He looked past that to the hurting woman beneath. His nearness seemed to demolish every protective barrier she'd erected over the past six years. He made her feel wanted and worthy.

Alyssa didn't think about what she was doing as she slid her hands to the nape of his neck, pulling him toward her, their mouths exploring, seeking. Justin's kiss was tender, far gentler than she wanted him to be. Her fingers dug into the hard muscles of his shoulders and he responded. His hands slid into her hair, while his tongue teased hers, tasting her, his teeth nipping at the corner of her full lips.

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