In Close Quarters

Candace Irvin

Lieutenant Karin Scott had always steered way clear of men like TJ Vasquez - playboys who assumed their sexy looks would get them an open invitation to her bedroom.But she was a navy doctor with a serious problem - lethal drugs were disappearing from her hospital - and DEA agent TJ Vasquez was the only person she could trust. Their undercover mission landed them in close quarters, and before she knew it, Karin was under the covers with TJ!She wanted to believe the gorgeous bachelor's claims that his reputation was legend, not fact…that his kisses burned only for her…that his strong arms protected just her…that he would forevermore forsake all others…for her….

“Karin, you know what I want.”

She knew.

Oh, God, she knew.

She wanted it, too.

But this was wrong. She had a job. He had a case. They were going to have to work near each other, at least for a while. What was she thinking? Even if they weren’t working near each other, this could go absolutely nowhere. TJ Vasquez was not the man for her.

He was not the man for any one woman.

“TJ, I don’t think—”

“Shhh.” He shook his head slowly, firmly, and stared deep into her eyes. “Woman, you think far too much.” He moved closer, until she was drawing her very breath from his.

She wasn’t thinking now.

She was feeling….

Dear Reader,

This is officially “Get Caught Reading” month, so why not get caught reading one—or all!—of this month’s Intimate Moments books? We’ve got six you won’t be able to resist.

In Whitelaw’s Wedding, Beverly Barton continues her popular miniseries THE PROTECTORS. Where does the Dundee Security Agency come up with such great guys—and where can I find one in real life? A YEAR OF LOVING DANGEROUSLY is almost over, but not before you read about Cinderella’s Secret Agent, from Ingrid Weaver. Then come back next month, when Sharon Sala wraps things up in her signature compelling style.

Carla Cassidy offers a Man on a Mission, part of THE DELANEY HEIRS, her newest miniseries. Candace Irvin once again demonstrates her deft way with a military romance with In Close Quarters, while Claire King returns with a Renegade with a Badge who you won’t be able to pass up. Finally, join Nina Bruhns for Warrior’s Bride, a romance with a distinctly Native American feel.

And, of course, come back next month as the excitement continues in Intimate Moments, home of your favorite authors and the best in romantic reading.

Leslie J. Wainger

Executive Senior Editor

In Close Quarters

Candace Irvin

CANDACE IRVIN

The daughter of a librarian and a sailor, it’s no wonder Candace’s two greatest loves are reading and the sea. After spending several exciting years as a naval officer sailing around the world, she finally decided it was time to put down roots and give love another chance. To her delight, she soon learned that writing romance was as much fun as reading it. Candace believes her luckiest moment was the day she married her own dashing hero, a former army combat engineer with dimples to die for. The two now reside in Massachusetts, happily raising two future heroes and one adorable heroine—who won’t be allowed to date until she’s forty, at least.

The more I learn, the more I realize

how little I truly know. My deepest thanks

to the following folks for loaning me their expertise

in an effort to mask my ignorance:

Special Agent Dennis Leahy, ATF;

Dr. Sandy Norton, USN-MC;

Dr. Harold L. Crossley, DDS, Ph.D.;

Ms. Debby Delany, RN;

Ms. Marie Provenzano, MS, RN;

and Mr. Jason Lizot, NREMT, ORT.

I’d also like to thank my critique partners

CJ Eernise Chase and Sharon Cline

for their eagle eyes, razor pens and unstinting honesty.

And, as always, my husband, David,

for his unfailing support.

For Helene Beharry,

a nurse of the highest caliber. As a woman,

she soars even higher. Sis, you’re still my idol.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 1

Her career was over.

Karin slumped down