Chance of Rain Read online

  Chance of Rain

  By Amber Lin

  The only things Natalie Bouchard wants to change are the weekly specials in her Gram’s diner. So when her high school sweetheart strolls back into Dearling, Texas, she allows herself to indulge in a little flirtation, but that’s as far as it goes.

  Navy SEAL Sawyer Nolan has returned to sell his father’s land and get the hell out, no matter how enticing he still finds Natalie. Until a storm rolls over the Texas hills, stranding them together at the farm...and the memories of their steamy past lead to a reunion filled with hot days and long nights.

  Soon Natalie’s so far under Sawyer’s skin he can’t imagine being without her. But he has a lot of history in Dearling he’d like to leave behind, and Natalie is practically married to this town. If Sawyer wants to be more than just another person who leaves Natalie, he’ll have to give his hometown—and himself—one more chance.

  48,000 words

  Dear Reader,

  I’m on vacation, camping in the semi-wilderness. No, not when you’re reading this (well, maybe, who knows?) but when this letter is due to our production team. So I’ve chosen to hand off my Dear Reader letter responsibilities to the team for the month of November and let them tell you all about the fantastic lineup in store for you. We’re a team who really enjoys the books we acquire, and I know they’ll be glad for a chance to convince you to give one a try. In the meantime, I’ll be back next month. Happy reading!

  Angela James, Editorial Director

  Dear Reader,

  Editorial assistant Stephanie here. Since Angela is “camping” (all I’m saying is that camping seems to involve a lot of tweeting), I’ve compiled a few fun facts about this month’s new releases. What kinds of great books do we have in store for you this time? Will I get in trouble for making fun of my boss’s camping skills? These are the questions I will strive to answer for you today.

  Redemption by Stephanie Tyler, new adult, post-apocalyptic

  Stephanie Tyler returns with book two in her post-apocalyptic new-adult motorcycle club series.

  Redemption continues the story of the Defiance MC with Mathias and Jessa’s story. If you missed book one, Defiance—Cas and Tru’s story—you’re missing out on a fantastic world and some swoon-worthy romance.

  —Angela James, Editorial Director, Carina Press

  Snowbound with the CEO by Shannon Stacey, contemporary romance

  Shannon’s books are must-reads if you love contemporary romance.

  Shannon Stacey’s holiday novellas are becoming something of a delightful tradition at Carina Press, and we’re happy to have the latest in our hands!

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Chance of Rain by Amber Lin, contemporary romance

  We’re happy to welcome Amber to the Carina Press family!

  This small-town reunion romance gripped me from the first chapter and wouldn’t let go. The tortured alpha hero, who just happens to be a Navy SEAL, also didn’t hurt!

  —Tara Stevens, Assistant Product Manager, Digital Products

  Take Me Home by Inez Kelley, contemporary romance

  Inez writes contemporary and fantasy romance for Carina Press. Her new lumberjack series had the (admittedly largely Canadian) team intrigued from the start!

  Maple-syrup maker Kayla falls for a sexy lumberjack with a bitter past and a wary heart in the first of her new Country Roads series featuring loggers in the Allegheny Mountains.

  —Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Slow Ride Home by Leah Braemel, contemporary Western romance

  Leah writes wonderfully sexy, emotional romances for Carina Press, including Texas Tangle and Tangled Past.

  Leah’s lovely writing drew me right along into a sensual story of love, heat and scandal. With cowboys. Look for more of the Grady family to come. Did I mention there are cowboys?

  —Brendan Flattery, Digital Production Coordinator

  Love a Little Sideways by Shannon Stacey, contemporary romance

  Shannon’s bestselling Kowalski family miniseries is a must-read for contemporary romance fans.

  What begins as the annual Kowalski Camping Trip of Doom turns into a brand-new start for an unlikely couple—charming, funny proof that what we think we want and what the heart wants isn’t always the same thing.

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Sing for the Dead by PJ Schnyder, paranormal shifter romance

  PJ writes futuristic science fiction romance and paranormal romance for Carina Press.

  The exciting second book in the London Undead trilogy brings readers back into a world where zombies have taken over London. Now the werewolves who’ve stepped up to fight the creatures have a new ally—a member of the Fae who jumps right into the middle of the fray!

  —Mallory Braus, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Through the Black Veil by Steve Vera, urban fantasy

  You may remember us gushing about Drynn, Steve’s first book in this series.

  In book 2 of the Last of the Shardyn series, our fearless heroes have returned to their magical homeland to warn everyone about the danger threatening to destroy their world.

  —Rhonda Helms, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Improper Arrangements by Juliana Ross, erotic historical romance

  Juliana writes sizzling historical romances set in Victorian times for Carina Press.

  The follow-up to Improper Relations features a mountain-climber hero, Eli. He is my favorite type of hero: rugged, handsome, rough around the edges, mysterious. Love him!

  —Carly Chow, Assistant Manager, Digital Commerce

  Finessing the Contessa by Wendy Soliman, historical romance

  Wendy Soliman writes wonderful, exciting historical romances. The first two Forsters books are currently available from Carina Press.

  In Wendy Soliman’s Regency romance Finessing the Contessa, Lord Robert Forster is drawn to the brilliant Sicilian he meets at a chess match, but is she a spy or an innocent pawn in a game of international espionage?

  —Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  All In with the Duke by Ava March, male/male historical romance

  Ava March writes can’t-miss historical male/male stories for Carina Press.

  Max Arrington, the Duke of Pelham, has vowed to never again let a handsome face blind him to a man’s true intentions. But the beautiful Tristan Walsh is too intriguing for Max to resist, and it’s not long before their wicked nights together turn into something more.

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  For Her Eyes Only by Shannon Curtis, romantic suspense

  This is the third book in Shannon’s exciting McCormack Security Agency series.

  For Her Eyes Only features an admin assistant pairing up with the MSA’s undercover expert to investigate a murder. I loved the sexual tension between the hero and heroine!

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Getting Rich by Monique Domovitch, cozy mystery

  Monique’s first novel with Carina Press, Getting Skinny, had us all eager for the follow-up.

  Just when she thinks she’s on the verge of getting rich, Nicky Landry finds out somebody is out to get her—and whoever it is has murder on the menu—in Monique Domovitch’s second Chef Landry Mystery.

  —Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  No Place Li
ke Rome by Julie Moffett, action-adventure, mystery

  In addition to writing the Lexi Carmichael mysteries, Julie also writes Scottish historical romances!

  Our favorite geek girl is off to Rome with the sexy and mysterious Slash to solve a case involving the Vatican, a dead body, some steamy kisses from her partner, and a top-secret encrypted file that even she can’t hack.

  —Alissa Davis, Freelance Editor, Carina Press

  Season of Seduction, erotic holiday anthology

  Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy, erotic romance

  Jeffe writes steamy erotic BDSM romance for Carina Press, as well as (also steamy!) fantasy romance.

  Jeffe Kennedy heats up the season with this sultry, adventurous Facets of Passion novella set against the balmy days—and scorching nights—of a high-powered woman’s holiday-vacation-turned-sexual epiphany.

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Naughty Nicks by Christine d’Abo, erotic romance

  Christine’s Long Shots series, about a BDSM club and its patrons, includes a choose-your-path erotic romance!

  This sexy and emotional novella features an interesting holiday business—stripper Santas! There was so much great tension between the heroine and her hero, who also happens to be her boss.

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Ménage on 34th Street by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis, erotic ménage romance

  We are proud to welcome Elise and Emily to the Carina Press family! This is their first book with us.

  Katrina and Liam have a happy marriage, but they’ve always felt there’s room for more. When their friend Hunter returns from active duty, they know exactly what that “more” is. Now if only they can convince Hunter...

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin, erotic BDSM romance

  Jodie writes about true-to-life characters exploring their sexy sides in her Bondage & Breakfast series.

  This BDSM novella has a lot of things going for it—it’s sexy, emotional, and there’s a really hot cop. Jodie is known for writing wonderfully realistic characters, and she doesn’t disappoint here.

  —Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press

  Gifts of Honor, military holiday collection

  Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail, contemporary military romance

  Stacy writes both paranormal and contemporary romance for Carina Press.

  Stacy Gail gifts us with the sweetest of holiday reunions for a wounded Army Ranger and his one true love. Patience and forgiveness meet sharp wit and sizzling attraction!

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Hero’s Homecoming by Rebecca Crowley, contemporary military romance

  Rebecca’s debut book with Carina Press, a fantastic sports romance called The Striker’s Chance¸ came out in September.

  Three days before Christmas, a surprising phone call from an old love changes absolutely everything in this compelling novella.

  —Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  About the Author

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Every morning at 4:00 a.m., Natalie Bouchard pulled down fifty vinyl chairs from the lacquered tables. In a matter of hours, they filled with friends. She shared her space, her food, her heart, and in doing so, she never ran empty. Tired and foot-sore, but never alone.

  “Hey, Tally.” Joe’s shout over the clamor interrupted her thoughts. The sheriff blearily waved his empty coffee mug at her. “Fill her up for me, would you?”

  “Sure thing. Just wait a—”

  Joe slid his empty mug toward her. It caught on a crack in the counter, curled on its side and fell to the floor. Ceramic flew under the heavy prep table against the wall and shattered into the holes of the black rubber mat.

  “Oops,” he said with a sheepish expression.

  It wasn’t an idyllic eatery, she conceded as she grabbed the broom, but the hum of laughter and gentle ting of silverware were the heartbeat of this town, the diner its heart. Besides, the cracks were part of the charm. Dearling, Texas, never lacked for charm.

  Joe leaned over to look at the mess, his beige law enforcement uniform creasing stiffly. “We just bought some new dishes online,” he said. “They’re real hardy. Maybe you could get some for the diner. Finally replace the old ones.”

  Okay, sometimes Dearling lacked for charm. She gave him her best proprietress glare, the one she’d learned from Gram. “I wouldn’t need hardy dishes if you didn’t throw them around. And my mugs aren’t old, they’re vintage.”

  “That means old,” he muttered. “And I thought the customer was always right.”

  “Joe Peterson, I ought to make you come back here and clean this yourself.” When he seemed unaffected by her threat, she added, “I’ll tell Lucy you broke my mug.”

  Nothing got results like invoking his sister’s name. The woman was scary and awesome. She was scary awesome.

  He put his hands up. “No need to get snippy. I’m sorry I broke your mug.”

  “Where is that girl, anyway?”

  Joe shrugged. “Probably terrorizing some innocent citizen.”

  “Hey, Luce, what can I get you?” Natalie asked the air behind his head.

  He jerked around and scowled when he didn’t see her. “Oh, very funny. See if I back you up next time she tries to hook you up on a blind date.”

  Natalie grinned. For all her tough-girl bluster, Lucy did like to play matchmaker. “No date around here is really blind. I know every male within fifty miles. Every female too.”

  Joe perked up. “Now there’s an idea. I wouldn’t mind seeing you with a woman.”

  “Ha! I bet you wouldn’t.” She snapped a dish towel at him before crouching to sweep up the mess. Her tired knees proclaimed their defeat with a loud creak and an ache that made her wince. Right in the middle of the breakfast rush. Well, they’d have to buck up, just like she would. Straightening her uniform and her spine, she headed back out with a freshly made order.

  She carried the plates out to the Coopers’ table. A name in the conversation snagged her attention. A particular name that never failed to grab her, despite its irregular and infrequent use.

  “So, how are you folks?” Breathless, she leaned against the side of the booth, striving for casual and failing. “Nice day out. Glad the rain stopped.”

  Clad entirely in denim, Julie Cooper beamed at her. “We were just talking about the Nolan farm.”

  There it was again, that little clench in her heart. “Oh?”

  Liam Cooper didn’t look up from his food. “I was down at the local branch last week and heard that they’re putting the screws on the farm.”

  She felt awful about it, but she never seemed to understand what Liam was saying. Mostly it was because he had a thick drawl and not much formal schooling, so he tended to speak in his own ways. But he’d also had a stroke ten years ago and had a lisp ever since, which made her frustration now completely misplaced. Only, she had an abiding curiosity for anything related to the Nolan farm.

  Julie took pity on her. “They took his water rights, dear. And you know what that means.”

  Yeah, she knew what that meant. Now the owner of said farm would never come back. Not that she had ever expected him to.

  “Do you t
hink one of the surrounding farms will buy it?”

  Liam frowned. “Weather’s a gamble enough around here.”

  “Oh,” Natalie said faintly, dismayed yet again.

  Julie explained, a worried look on her face. “Not many folks will want to buy a farm without water rights, even if they had the capital. Which most don’t. If he sells the land, might go to an outsider.”

  After a few soothing pleasantries, Natalie escaped behind the counter. Outsiders were a scary prospect in Dearling, but it might actually be a good thing. People moved out but rarely moved in. They trickled away, and sometimes she wondered if one day she’d be left tending an empty diner.

  * * *

  Sawyer couldn’t wait to see this town in his rearview mirror.

  Dearling was his least favorite place on earth—not a sentiment he formed lightly. As a Navy SEAL, he had worked and fought in some of the darkest, dankest places on the planet. Fallujah. Kabul. In fucking Okinawa, which was scary more from an ideological point of view than a tactical one.

  But he wasn’t fighting right now, not maneuvering or planning or even training. Right now he was just a guy returning to his hometown. He’d left as a scrawny eighteen-year-old kid, with a bus ticket paid for by the U.S. Navy. Now he was stronger, smarter and just as eager to leave.

  Driving through the main street, he recognized many of the faded wooden signs, though blackened windows meant some of the stores had shut down. Others had been remodeled, with modern neon signs and spray-painted specials on the windows.

  The biggest change was how small everything looked. Sure, he’d bulked up in BUD/S and in the years since, but Dearling had once loomed large in his memories. Now it looked...quaint.

  He headed toward the hardware store where the real estate agent had left the keys as well as a list of repairs needed to sell the house. Not surprising, considering it had been empty in the five years since his father’s passing. He was lucky the thing was still standing.

  As his truck idled to a stop, he glanced at the duffel bag beside him. Inside was a letter from the agricultural board or something-or-other telling him he’d lost his water rights, followed by official mumbo jumbo about how he could protest the decision. But that would require the land to produce, and he was a fighter, not a farmer.