Late Bloomer (Harlequin Superromance No. 553)

A WANTED MAN... - Ben McKenzie-- Forceful, determined and daring. A silver-haired certifiable hunk who kidnapped his daughter for her own safety. - Rose Finley-- Warm, funny and very restless. She felt as if she'd been cooling her heels in the same Alabama town forever. When the man of her dreams materialized at Rose Finley's Picture Perfect hair salon, she decided it wasn't just another boring day in Sweetbranch. Ben was a mystery, and she was probably a fool to start dreaming. But on the eve of her fortieth birthday, she was determined life was not going to pass her by.... "It'll work out. Something always comes along.? She wasn't sure why she said that. She certainly didn't believe it. But she gave in to her desire to comfort this man. "Does it, Rose?? Ben turned to her. His eyes were hard and filled with futility. They twisted her heart. "No. Not always.? He smiled--a faint smile that didn't go deep enough to reflect much real happiness. "Good. I wouldn't like you nearly so much if you started acting like one of those people who said what they think other people want to hear.? She laughed softly. "And what else would make you not like me nearly so much?? She was startled by the brazenness of the question. But she wasn't sorry she'd asked it, especially when she saw the interest flicker in his eyes. In a flash of inspiration, she realized what it was she had seen--a moment when he considered kissing her.