Urban born and bred, Drake Montclair is seasoned, sinful, and strong. Riding his Harley into a small Missouri town, he’s on a self-appointed mission to find his missing nephew—then leave the backwoods behind for the bright lights of the big city.
But his plans change the moment he meets Evangeline Ballard, a woman who’s the opposite of everything he is.
Drake wants her, and he’s the kind of man who takes what he wants.
Nicknaming her “Angel,” he quickly realizes she’s the real thing, and before long, he’s crossed the point of no return. Finding Michael still matters—but not nearly as much as Angel and the future Drake never saw coming.
Excerpt:
She was pretty or he wouldn’t have looked twice. Her deep brown hair, the color of a mink coat, was piled on top of her head in a bun and her hazel eyes sparkled above a pert nose. Drake noted her lips were full and well-shaped. She might have a light glaze of lipstick on them.
“What can I get for you?” she asked in a voice as melodious as chimes.
“Whiskey on the rocks,” he replied. “How’s the food here?”
“Excellent. Our best would be the burgers or the wood-fired pizza. Would you like a menu?”
“Please.”
After perusing the options, Drake chose a medium rare burger topped with barbecue sauce, candied bacon, red onion, and cheese with a side of fries. From his perch at the bar, he could see the pizza oven and smell the enticing aroma of the pies as they baked. If the burger proved to be good, he’d return for a pizza soon.
When the woman brought his food, he introduced himself. “I’m Drake Montclair, visiting this backwater town looking for my nephew. He’s gone missing and I need to track him down.”
“Evangeline Ballard. People call me Vangie. What’s your nephew’s name?”
Neither the name nor nickname suited her. He decided he’d call her Angel. “Michael Whitney. I don’t suppose you know Mike.”
Angel shrugged. “I might. I think he’s been here a few times. Young man, early twenties, teacher?”
Drake pumped one fist into the air. “Yeah! That’s him. I rode all the way from Queens, New York City, to search for Mike. Anyone else around here who might know him?”
“Maybe. Let me ask Bert. He’s the assistant manager and head cook. Give me a few minutes.”
She sashayed away with a wiggle in her walk he liked and his dick hardened in his jeans. Drake wasn’t looking for a woman but this one attracted him. She intrigued him with her difference. The women he knew at Urban Savages, the motorcycle club he belonged to in Queens, all wore thick cosmetics and tight, provocative clothing. From the Mamas to the Lays to the Ol’ Ladies, even the younger House Mouse girls, those gals all flaunted sex. From what he’d seen of Evangeline, she dressed anything but sexy, had nothing but lipstick on her face. Her hair was neither teased nor dyed nor forced into curls with a permanent. Drake had never felt the slightest pull to someone like her, a lady, but he did now and it bothered him. Someone like her will never be interested in a hard case like me. Besides, I’m only here in this podunk place till I find Mike. I’m going back to civilization and my life after that. Besides, she’s too young and probably has a dude somewhere.
