Outlaw

by Lisa Plumley

  Praise for the novels of Lisa Plumley

  MELT INTO YOU

  “Plumley (Holiday Affair, 2010) has written another delightful story filled with everything her fans expect—likable characters, a great romance, humorous situations, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming story. ” —Booklist (starred review!)

  “This is a delightful story with a hero who could easily be a real jerk, but is quite a sweetheart, and a heroine determined to not be hurt by love again, yet can’t help herself. Her mistrust of the hero is quite understandable, and his struggle to learn how to be good is entertaining. ” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4 stars!)

  “Melt Into You is hilarious and well-worth reading! The characters are adorable and this story will keep you anxiously awaiting more from Ms. Plumley! ” —Night Owl Reviews

  THE BRIDE RAFFLE

  “Ms. Plumley knows how to make her characters real and relatable. We know these people. We have friends like this. This ability to create realistic characters makes Ms. Plumley’s novels even more compelling. I loved every page of this book and found it hard to put down. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Plumley produces next! ” —Historical Romance Writers

  “Lisa Plumley has penned a really cute, delightful tale with The Bride Raffle. Looking for something that is lighthearted and fun? Something that combines romance and humor? The Bride Raffle by Lisa Plumley is perfect for you! ” —CataRomance (4 stars!)

  “A delightful read, The Bride Raffle, the latest book in the Morrow Creek series, is a heartwarming, humorous historical romance. Not only does author extraordinaire Lisa Plumley give us a fun story filled with witty dialogue, charismatic, well-drawn characters, a delicious plot, tender romance and plenty of love, she brings the characters to life right before your eyes. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Plumley’s works. ” —Romance Junkies (5 blue ribbons rating)

  MAIL-ORDER GROOM

  “This is the first Lisa Plumley historical novel that I have read and I loved it every bit as much as I love her contemporary novels! Her warmth and love of romance spill from every page. Ms. Plumley has a knack for drawing her readers into her stories and making them a part of each of us. ” —Historical Romance Writers

  “Everyone has a secret in this delightful tale from the Old West. The concept of the mail-order groom, rather than bride, is an entertaining twist on a standard plot. There’s plenty of gun-slinging, bloodshed, and lovemaking going on from start to finish, which will keep readers turning pages until the very end. ” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4 stars!)

  “Lisa Plumley has written a charming romance between two very appealing characters. An engaging novel with a heroine you won’t soon forget. ” —Love Western Romances (4 spurs!)

  HOLIDAY AFFAIR

  “Secrets and subterfuge add complexity and zing to this well-crafted, heartwarming story that features a wealth of engaging characters, including five remarkable, memorable children, and great sexual tension. A deliciously satisfying, cocoa-worthy holiday read.” —Library Journal

  “As is the case with most of Plumley’s books, Holiday Affair has quirky characters that will make you smile and a fast-paced story that will make you hesitate to slip a bookmark between the pages. Holiday Affair is full of Christmas atmosphere and activities, which makes it a great read during the holidays.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

  “Lisa Plumley’s latest holiday novel delivers. It has warm gooey holiday moments complete with happy children, Christmas traditions such as caroling and decorating Christmas cookies and, oh yeah, hot and steamy romance. Loaded with fun pop-culture references and witty dialogue, Holiday Affair delivers on entertainment!” —The Romance Reader (Five Hearts!)

  “A delightful story with utterly charming characters. It brings to life the sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas as it brings together more than just the two main characters for a joyous holiday season.” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4½ stars)

  MY FAVORITE WITCH

  “In keeping with Plumley’s tradition of lively romantic comedy (Home for the Holidays), her first foray into the paranormal witch world subgenre is quirky, sexy, creative, and hilarious.” —Library Journal

  “Humorous adventures and unexpected romance with a sprinkling of heartwarming moments will keep the reader well entertained in this delightful tale, skillfully crafted by the clever Plumley.” —Booklist

  “Lisa Plumley delves into paranormal romance, venturing into new territory while keeping her own brand of humor and delivering a delightfully witchy tale in the process.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

  HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

  “Lisa Plumley once again gifts readers with a Yuletide story sure to put you in a holiday mood. This is vintage Plumley. She’s created a cast of characters that are a bit eccentric, quirky, and likeable and spun a story that will make you smile.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

  “A delightful secondary romance adds to the fun in this upbeat romp that is touching, hilarious, and lightly dusted with seasonal charm.” —Library Journal

  LET’S MISBEHAVE

  “Once again, Plumley shows her fine flair for comedy as Marisol learns that there is life beyond Rodeo Drive, and the Connelly triplets discover that they can’t scare away every nanny. Full of witty dialogue and hilarious situations, this romp with a heart is certain to please readers.” —Booklist (starred review; named one of the Top Ten Romances of 2007)

  “Plumley not only delivers a fun-filled premise, clever dialogue and a delightfully sexy sports-loving hero, she brings to life a memorable, hilarious and utterly unique heroine readers will adore. This is pure romantic fantasy and an absolutely entertaining novel from start to finish.” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4½ stars Top Pick!)

  “Let’s Misbehave is funny, romantic, heartwarming, and sexy. It’s fantastic!” —Joyfully Reviewed

  MAD ABOUT MAX

  “A cool cast of secondary characters adds much to the story as clever Plumley, who is already known for her entertaining romantic comedies, presents another winner in this humorous and engaging tale about a man who literally loses his shirt, but finds his heart.” —Booklist (starred review)

  “Mad About Max kept me laughing from beginning to end. What great characters! Very highly recommended, especially for fans of romantic comedy.” —Romance Junkies

  JOSIE DAY IS COMING HOME

  “Turning not-so-perfect, unlikely characters into romance heroes and heroines is Lisa Plumley’s forte, and she once again delivers a zany cast who will make you laugh!” —The State newspaper

  “In this heartwarming, often humorous story, the feisty Josie proves that you can go home again—if you’ve got the right stuff. And once again, the talented Plumley, whose books include Perfect Switch, proves that when it comes to writing romantic comedy, few do it better.” —Booklist

  OUTLAW

  by

  Lisa Plumley

  Smashwords Edition

  *

  previously published by Kensington Publishing

  He stepped out of the pages of a novel…

  Mason Kincaid didn’t have time to rescue the fancy-fluff female stranded in the middle of Arizona territory. He was hell-bent on a mission to reclaim his young son and his good name from the men who stole both. But even an outlaw couldn’t leave a lady alone in the desert—especially after she’d been accidentally dumped from the stagecoach he just held up. This ungrateful city woman instantly made his chivalry regrettable. For she was temptation and desire wrapped up in one troublesome package. Like it or not though, Miss Amelia O’Malley was along for the ride.

  And swept her into adventure and love

  A traveling book saleswoman, Amelia only wanted to prove herself to her fat
her and earn a place in the family business. That determination was how she landed in a stagecoach to Tucson—and in the saddle with a notorious outlaw. This wasn’t the romantic bandit of a wild west adventure; this was a real flesh and blood man whose rugged face, powerful build, and gun at his hip spelled danger of all kinds. Certainly, there could be no future between an outlaw and a respectable lady. But surprises awaited this mismatched duo whose adventure together could be the beginning of a future destined to last…

  *

  Copyright © 2012 by Lisa Plumley

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, then please respect the hard work of this author by purchasing your own copy. Thank you!

  *

  USA TODAY best-selling author Lisa Plumley has delighted readers worldwide with more than two dozen popular novels. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and editions, and includes contemporary romances, western historical romances, paranormal romances, and a variety of stories in romance anthologies. Her fresh, funny style has been likened to such reader favorites as Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, LaVyrle Spencer, and Jennifer Crusie, but her unique characterization is all her own.

  Lisa lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and two children. In her free time she reads romances and research books by the dozen, practices yoga, and spends time with her family—hiking in the mountains and deserts of Arizona, visiting ghost towns and historical sites, traveling, reading, and watching classic movies.

  Visit with Lisa at her website, www.lisaplumley.com, connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lisaplumleybooks, or follow her on Twitter @LisaPlumley today!

  Books by Lisa Plumley

  Contemporary Romances

  Together for Christmas (2012)

  Melt Into You (2012)

  Holiday Affair (2010)

  Home For The Holidays (2008)

  Let’s Misbehave (2007)

  Mad About Max (2006)

  I Shaved my Legs for This?! (2006) (anthology w/Theresa Alan, Holly Chamberlin, and Marcia Evanick)

  Once Upon a Christmas (2005)

  Josie Day is Coming Home (2005)

  Perfect Switch (2004)

  Perfect Together (2003)

  Reconsidering Riley (2002)

  Santa Baby (2002) (anthology w/Kylie Adams, Elaine Coffman, and Lisa Jackson)

  Falling For April (2002)

  Making Over Mike (2001)

  Her Best Man (2000)

  Man Of The Year (2000)

  My Best Friend’s Baby (1999)

  The Honeymoon Hoax (1998)

  Surrender (1997)

  Historical Romances

  The Honor-Bound Gambler (2012)

  Weddings Under a Western Sky (2012) (anthology w/Elizabeth Lane and Kate Welsh)

  The Bride Raffle (2011)

  Wanton in the West (2011)

  Mail-Order Groom (2010)

  Hallowe’en Husbands (2008) (anthology w/Denise Lynn and Christine Merrill)

  The Rascal (2006)

  The Scoundrel (2006)

  The Matchmaker (2003)

  The Drifter (2002)

  Lawman (1999)

  Outlaw (1999)

  Paranormal Romance

  My Favorite Witch (2009)

  Time-Travel Romances

  Timeless Winter (1999) (anthology w/Sandra Davidson and Kathryn Hockett)

  Timeless Spring (1999) (anthology w/Sandra Davidson and Cynthia Thomason)

  OUTLAW

  by

  Lisa Plumley

  Chapter One

  April 1879

  Near Gila Bend, Arizona Territory

  “You say you’re guaranteed to please?”

  Amelia O’Malley blinked at her questioner as their stagecoach rolled deeper into the wilds of the Arizona Territory. He appeared harmless enough—an elderly gentleman passenger dressed in a gray-checked cutaway suit, tie, and small, rolled-brim hat. He was seated so closely across from her their knees nearly touched.

  “Pardon me?”

  “Guaranteed to please, that’s what you said,” he repeated, raising his eyebrow. The grizzled, dusty-clothed miner reclining beside him shifted his attention to Amelia, too, his interest apparently caught by their conversation. She felt her face heat.

  “Well, now,” she began, loudly enough to be heard over the clattering stagecoach wheels and jingling harnesses, “I—”

  He elbowed the miner. “How ‘bout that, Horace? The lady’s guar-ran-teed.”

  They both gazed at her with interested, narrow-eyed expressions. The gray-haired man licked his lips.

  “The books, sir, are guaranteed,” Amelia explained rapidly, smoothing her palm over the leather-bound volume in her lap. “As I said before. Every publication issued by J.G. O’Malley & Sons is beautifully printed on toned paper and illustrated with several engravings. This volume of p-poetry, for instance—”

  “Don’t need no poetry out here.” The miner spat a wet brown stream of tobacco juice out the stagecoach window, and it was borne away by the hot, dusty wind. Although it was nearly sunset, the air felt only a few degrees cooler than it had at midday. “Now a guaranteed, sure-to-please woman, I could use me one of them.”

  The two men laughed, both of them fixing Amelia with a look that made her grateful for the presence of the two remaining stagecoach passengers. Why hadn’t Jacob warned her there might be rude and dangerous men out West?

  Simply deliver the books, he’d told her. There’s nothing to it—just a long stagecoach ride between Yuma and Tucson, then a few deliveries in town. And Amelia, unable to say no and eager for the chance to prove to her father and brothers she really could help with the family business, had agreed.

  For the sake of her mission, she fixed a polite, professional smile on her face, although the last thing she felt like doing was smiling.

  “For as little as fifty-nine cents, any one of you can own the immortal words of Keats or Milton,” she said, addressing the passengers as a group. It was hard to keep her voice from quavering. The men laughed harder.

  Amelia frowned. She was only supposed to deliver the books that Jacob had taken orders for on his last turn through the Arizona Territory, but she couldn’t resist trying to take new orders of her own. She imagined the surprise and pleasure on her father’s face when she returned home to Michigan with a full order book, and redoubled her efforts.

  “For a little more, you can indulge in a cloth and gilt bound volume of Mark Twain’s stories and essays—”

  “How much to indulge in a kiss?” asked the elderly passenger, leering. The miner guffawed, jabbing him in the ribs.

  Amelia could scarcely believe this man—who was probably somebody’s beloved grandfather—was asking such a question. Beneath his whiskers, his smirk revealed straight teeth and thin red lips. The lout puckered them, making kissing sounds.

  “Oh!” She whisked the book from her lap and thrust it into her J.G. O’Malley & Sons satchel, then snapped the locks closed with quivering fingers. “Sir, my…I—I am not for sale!”

  The stagecoach lurched, swaying from side to side and picking up speed. The motion echoed the sick feeling in Amelia’s stomach as she contemplated a hundred more miles in the close company of men like these. She must have been insane to even begin such a mission.

  She might have expected as much, as a woman engaged in trade, traveling unaccompanied. But Amelia had hoped such things might be different in the West than they were back in the States—after all, in Wyoming Territory, women had been allowed to vote for ten years already. Surely, she’d hoped, westerners would be more progressive.

  The miner eyed Amelia’s curled blond hair and fashionable pink Polonaise dress. “All women’s for sale,” he said. “One way or t’other.”

  “I can assure you, s
ir, that I am not!”

  Amelia cast a beseeching glance at the dark-clothed, bespectacled banker seated to her right. He stared stone-faced out the canvas-curtained opposite window, shutting out everyone, but he’d have to be deaf not to hear what was happening. Why didn’t he speak up? Why didn’t he act to protect her?

  Her eyes met those of the banker’s pale-eyed young wife, seated directly across from him. That lady offered a slight, fleeting smile of commiseration, then wedged herself further into the corner, completely crushing her traveling gown. Amelia was on her own.

  The notion terrified her.

  Perhaps she could go sit up front with the stagecoach driver, she thought suddenly—surely a man like that would protect her?

  “Come, now,” said the elderly man suddenly. “There’s no need for this book agent ruse, Miss O’Malley. We’re all mature folk here.”

  He leaned forward, sending the overpowering scent of liberally applied Bay Rum hair tonic washing over her. Before she could guess what he intended, he snatched Amelia’s bulging J.G. O’Malley & Sons rubber cloth satchel from beneath her seat.

  “Only a lady of a certain sort is compelled to work for a living,” he said, struggling to pry open the satchel’s sturdy gold-colored lock. “I’ll wager there’s not a single book in here, other than the one cheap volume you showed us.”

  Amelia grabbed for her satchel. It, along with the second identical case tucked beneath her seat, represented more than a hundred dollars’ worth of book sales for her family’s company. It also contained her order book and all of her traveling money. If she lost that satchel, she might as well never return home—her father would disown her for certain.

  She missed. “Please, that satchel belongs to the J.G. O’Malley & Sons book company. You can’t—”

  “Yer playing us for fools,” interrupted the miner, scowling at Amelia as he rummaged in his pockets for something. An instant later he pulled out a wicked-looking knife. The blade gleamed in a shaft of golden-orange light from the setting Arizona Territory sun as he tested its sharpness with his thumb.

  Amelia moaned, fervently wishing herself safely back at Briarwood Young Ladies’ Seminary—where her father and brothers all believed her to be. Only Jacob knew her true whereabouts, and he was busy eloping with Melissa Chancellor, her closest friend from the seminary.