They weren't the warmest words of welcome for Gage Phillips, who's just been named overseer of Dark Diablo ranch. On top of that, the Texas rover recently found out he's a father. The last thing he needs is a woman ordering him around, not to mention driving him crazy with desire...especially now that he's thinking about mending his footloose ways.

Ireland seems a long way from Chelsea's new life on the Callahans' New Mexico spread--which now includes a teenage girl and her father: a raffish Texas cowboy with a slow, easy grin who's throwing temptation squarely in Chelsea's path!

But a proposal? Gage surprises even himself with that one. It's strictly business--so Chelsea can get her citizenship. Or maybe not. Because as far as Gage is concerned she's already hooked one ready and willing renegade!