Valley of Fire — Peggy Webb

Rick McGill was the dangerous type, a man who could say or do anything and make a woman like it--but he was the best private investigator in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Martha Ann Riley decided that he was just the man to find her sister's gambler husband... and provide a grand adventure for her! She dared to play Bacall to his Bogart, pretending to be a married, rich society dame instead of a junior-college history professor-and Rick couldn't wait to hear what other reckless lies the lovely wanton would tell him on their way to Las Vegas. Martha Ann was female dynamite, the perfect companion for a sizzling night in a cave or a wicked romp at a high-stakes casino table, but he wasn't looking for a wife. Martha Ann had never met a scoundrel as irresistible as Rick, but she refused to be the playmate for another heartbreaking, two-timing rogue. Could Rick persuade her she was the music that stirred his soul-and that hers was the only game in town?