True Family Values

Kylie Cormier is loyal and devoted to her family at just about any cost. Nothing ever comes before her family and the small dry cleaning business they run together. Trying to finish her degree and help her parents out is a struggle, but she's tough and determined to succeed.

When sheltered and naive Tony finally talks his father into giving him a role in the business, his first target is Cormier’s Cleaning and Alterations. It appears he might be late to the party as a rival gang is already encroaching on the territory he intends to claim. But Tony can't back down or he'll risk his rightful place in his father's organization.

Confronting the Boccia muscle men, he feels strong and effective. In spite of the tense moments of the dispute that happens right in the Cormier's shop, Tony is taken by Kylie. She's frightened, but she sees something in him she can't describe and that makes her unafraid of him. Deep down she wonders if he's really the bad boy he's clearly trying to be.

Her first priority has to be her family, though, and she brushes the warm feelings away. The last thing Tony's looking for is romance, but one meeting with Kylie and his world is turned on its head. And while Tony tries to impress her, Kylie wonders if befriending him can give her leverage to get the Menottis to back off. Destined to have their lives intersect, there may be no way these two can ever be honest about their feelings for each other.

Everything's bigger in Texas. Even redemption.

*** Originally published as A Change of Plans for the Youngest Son