Hurricane Moon

The spring of 1848 finds seventeen-year-old Tannith Anderson orphaned and penniless. On a farewell visit to her favorite childhood haunt, she encounters a mysterious and handsome stranger. Little does she know this chance encounter will change and very nearly destroy her life.Following her father's suicide, Tannith lived with her late mother's cousin as they searched for her guardian.Her temporary guardian at last locates the aunt her father declared as guardian, and he arranges for...
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The spring of 1848 finds seventeen-year-old Tannith Anderson orphaned and penniless. On a farewell visit to her favorite childhood haunt, she encounters a mysterious and handsome stranger. Little does she know this chance encounter will change and very nearly destroy her life.Following her father's suicide, Tannith lived with her late mother's cousin as they searched for her guardian.Her temporary guardian at last locates the aunt her father declared as guardian, and he arranges for his brother, Jackson to escort her to Houston. The young beauty quickly finds herself head over heels in love with Jackson Blaine, but will the secrets of his past prove more than she can handle?Tannith felt the crimson blush rising on her cheeks, spreading to the roots of her hair. Never had she met anyone with such nerve. "You are disgusting," she railed at him.Jackson knew he was behaving wickedly with her, but damn, she was beautiful and such a lot of fun to tease. He enjoyed the game. "You lie," he said simply."What?" she snapped, scarcely believing her ears."I said you lie. I think you find me anything but disgusting."Tannith was outraged and more than a little embarrassed. More than his boldness, she feared he could read her thoughts. Appalled at his conceit, she said venomously, "What is wrong with all you men? Are you all so pompous and conceited that you think women are just dying for you?""I can't speak for other men," he said seriously, "but I watched you looking at me earlier and I can truthfully say I have never been so totally consumed by a woman's eyes before." Jackson continued, ignoring her gasp of surprise, "You really should be more careful. Were I less of a gentleman I would give you what you so obviously long for."Tannith's blush rose anew as his words conjured up her daydream. Briefly, she wondered if he had read her mind. "You are no gentleman, speaking to me thusly," she sneered. "Why, I am more of a gentleman than you are!""I doubt that my dear," he said, stepping closer to her. "But it is a claim that could quickly be disproven."Tannith could feel the heat radiating from him, he was so near. She took a side step away in her nervousness."It's obvious you want me," he said, closing the gap once more. "You have a very expressive face, you know.""I haven't the least idea what you're talking about," she said, finding her voice at last. "You must have plenty of women drooling over you. You don't need me.""Drooling becomes messy rather fast, you know," he said softly, very near her ear. "And you're right, I don't need you." He stroked her jaw lightly with his fingertip. "But you know, Princess, I have this really nasty habit of wanting what I don't need."