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Bestselling author Mary Lynn Baxter instinctively knew that books would occupy an important part of her life. Always an avid reader, she became a school librarian, then a bookstore owner, before writing her first novel. Today, this prolific author has written almost fifty books, with over 13 million books in print around the world–and is widely regarded as a true master of the romance genre. Mary Lynn would be the first to say it’s her background that gives her a unique feel for romance writing. She was born and bred in Texas, home of the cowboy–hero of the West. She excels at describing the steamy South–whether it’s the passion engendered by the wide-open spaces of the Lone Star state, the moss-draped mysteries of Louisiana, or the general world of modern Mississippi–in her red-hot novels of romance and intrigue. This talented author is well-known for her creative skills, and has been praised by Publishers Weekly for her "crisp dialogue and fast-paced narrative. "Putting to paper the compelling story lines and larger-than-life characters in her vivid imagination gives Mary Lynn the ultimate satisfaction. "Nothing compares with the excitement of creating new characters and devising new plots," comments the author. Mary Lynn’s first book ALL OUR TOMORROWS, was published by Silhouette Books in 1982. SADDLE UP, a Silhouette Desire novel released in April 1996, was the author’s first book to be listed on the I USA Today bestseller list. Since the beginning of her writing career, Mary Lynn has found rich inspiration in the lush scenery around her. A resident of east Texas, Mary Lynn regularly finds herself travelling throughout the South to meet fans and research future novels. "Everything is so lush, so green, so steamy! The Deep South engenders romance. You can’t help but picture what’s going on behind the closed doors of the South’s most prestigious families–it’s wonderful fodder for a writer’s imagination!" When Mary Lynn surfaces from her writing, she’s a voracious reader. But this petite dynamo is always happy to tumble out of her world of fiction into her local fitness centre for a bracing workout. She’s also dedicated to her volunteer work…and still manages to fit in plenty of quality time with her family at their home in Lufkin, Texas.

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Evening Hours

MIRA

Sixteen years later

Man, did he ever have a great tush.

The way he swaggered when he walked merely accentuated it, and the white shirt, boots and tight jeans added style.

She figured he was an uninvited guest, as no one else at the party was dressed so casually. No one she knew would dare. This man was either a country bumpkin who didn't know any better or he had so much self-confidence he didn't give a rip.

If she were placing a bet, she'd opt for the latter. He seemed to be totally at ease with himself and his surroundings.

For a moment Kaylee Benton was held utterly captive by this stranger's rear — a first for her. Oh, she'd admired men's looks and physique, but never had she been blatantly fascinated by a specific body part.

Suddenly realizing where her mind was and what she was doing, Kaylee was about to look away, when his gaze locked with hers.

She had seen movies and read books where two people met and eyes held across a room — but never had such a thing happened to her. Swallowing, she jerked her head around. Her cheeks and body suddenly stung.

Thankfully she realized that she was alone. At least she could regain her composure without an explanation. Taking several slow, deliberate breaths, she still found it hard not to sneak another peek at the man with the great tush.

"Stop it," she muttered to herself just as her insides settled back to normal. This was so out of character for her. It was bizarre behavior.

Dismissing the entire episode from her mind, Kaylee concentrated on the party around her. It was given in her honor at The Garden Room of the luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Houston. The room was abuzz with the sound of voices, laughter and music, and redolent with the smell of flowers flowing from the glassed-in section out onto the patio.

Kaylee certainly wasn't immune. She took great pleasure in the fragrances that encircled her, inhaling the scent from time to time. The shindig had been in full swing two hours and this was the first moment she hadn't been surrounded by people.

She loved being the center of attention. Being named Woman of the Year was an honor as intoxicating as the strong floral scent. Yet she was grateful for the respite. It wouldn't last long, she knew, since one of her models had just gone to refill her glass of wine.

She was used to having people constantly being in her face, especially beautiful people like those who now milled about.After all, she made her living off beauty. She had successfully launched a modeling agency several years ago, an accomplishment that hadn't been easy, especially since her idea had come under attack from the beginning. Her critics had told her she was crazy to think that an agency such as she envisioned would ever get off the ground in Houston, Texas. New York City, yes. Houston, no.

Thank goodness she hadn't listened to the naysayers. If she had, she'd probably be an embittered young woman chasing a dream that could never be.

Kaylee's gaze strayed to the cane that lay on the floor beside her. Even after all these years, her heart still constricted with pain when she saw it. She quickly reminded herself that even though she would never walk the walk, she had proved she could talk the talk. Her business was booming, a fact that the chamber of commerce had recognized. The ache in her heart eased.

"Hey, where's your devoted audience?"

Kaylee looked on as her friend and assistant, Sandy Nelson, plopped down in the chair next to her, a smile creasing her face right along with a devilish twinkle in her blue eyes. She was a tall, busty woman with, as Sandy described it, a widening ass and a mop of curly black hair that capped her head like a crown.

Kaylee adored her and knew the feeling was mutual. They made an awesome team. Without Sandy, Kaylee's career wouldn't be nearly as successful as it was today, because Sandy had an eye for who could enter the highly competitive world of modeling and survive, a gift that she, Kaylee, lacked.

"Barbie is getting me a refill," she said, breaking the momentary silence. "You're probably enjoying the peace and quiet. You've been covered up all evening. I know how squirrelly that makes you sometimes."

Kaylee quirked an eyebrow and smiled. "It's scary how well you know me."

"Not to worry." Sandy grinned as she reached over and touched Kaylee on the arm. "Your secrets are safe with me."

"I know." Suddenly a lump appeared in Kaylee's throat and she didn't know why.

As if she sensed the poignancy of the moment, Sandy switched the subject. "This is some blowout, my friend."

Kaylee acknowledged her statement with a grin. "That it is. I still can't believe it's happening to me…to us."

"Whoa, there's no us to it. Tonight is all about you and your successful career. Just wallow in it up to your tonsils."

Kaylee smiled with a sigh. "You know that's hard for me to do."

"Get over it. Being in the spotlight for one evening is hardly lethal."

Kaylee laughed. "What would I do without you to keep me on the straight and narrow?"

Sandy laughed with her, then cocked her head sideways, a light appearing in her eyes.

"What?" Kaylee asked.

"You look great tonight. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen you look better."

Kaylee was taken aback. "You think so?"

"I know so. Your skin has a flush to it. In fact, your cheeks look like a ripe peach."

Giggling, Kaylee rolled her eyes. "That's gagging."

"It's the truth. Is there something going on I don't know about?"

Kaylee froze as thoughts of that stranger's ass came to mind. Grappling to regain her composure, she looked down and pretended to smooth a wrinkle out of her gown.

"And the gold in your brown hair, I've never seen it shine so much."

"Now I know I'm going to throw up."

"How dare you make a joke out of my compliments."

"Get out of here," Kaylee ordered with another laugh.

"I can take a hint." Sandy squeezed Kaylee on the shoulder. "See ya later, my dear."

Her assistant had barely disappeared into a throng of people when Kaylee looked up and saw Barbie Bishop headed toward her. The model wasn't alone. Walking beside her was none other than the cowboy Kaylee had eyed earlier.

Excerpted from Evening Hoursby Mary Lynn Baxter Copyright © 2005 by Mary Lynn Baxter. Excerpted by permission.
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