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Expecting The Cowboy's Baby
Charlene Sands


The passionate encounter with a compelling cowboy - a championship rodeo rider - was completely out of character for the straitlaced Cassie Munroe.She thought she could walk away from it - from him - without a backward glance. But then she encountered him again, on a secluded Nevada ranch, and realized she was carrying his child…. Jake Griffin wasn't the kind of man a woman could expect to settle down.And yet he wanted to marry her, strictly for the sake of the baby. But she was coming to realize that she wanted so much more than this hard, solitary man was offering her - and she couldn't bring herself to settle for less….









“Do I Know You?”


Cassie had recognized him right away. That smile, that handsome face.

Cassie stood frozen for a moment, taking note of the man Jake Griffin had become. From the look of him, he’d done a great job of keeping his body intact. Yards of hard muscle and his sure-enough attitude probably kept the ladies lining up.

Jake Griffin had been the first boy to disappoint her…leading to a world-class string of bad choices when it came to the opposite sex. Cassie had a penchant for attracting troubled men.

“I’d better get going,” she said. The fact that he didn’t recognize her did nothing for her ego.

“Hate to let you go before I’ve figured out how I know you,” Jake said.

But Cassie was praying that he wouldn’t remember her. If she hadn’t known him, she might have stayed to chat with the handsome calf roper. But she did know him, and alarm bells were ringing loud and clear in her head.


Dear Reader,

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What would you do if you were Expecting the Cowboy’s Baby (#1522)? Discover how a plain-Jane bookkeeper deals with this dilemma in this steamy love story, the second Silhouette Desire title by popular Harlequin Historicals author Charlene Sands. Then see how a brokenhearted rancher struggles to forgive the woman who betrayed him, in Cherokee Dad (#1523) by Sheri WhiteFeather. And in The Gentrys: Cal (#1524) by Linda Conrad, a wounded stock-car driver finds healing love in the arms of a sexy, mysterious nurse, and the Gentry siblings at last learn the truth about their parents’ disappearance.

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Enjoy!

Melissa Jeglinski

Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire




Expecting the Cowboy’s Baby

Charlene Sands










CHARLENE SANDS


resides in Southern California with her husband, Don, and two children, Jason and Nikki. She’s also the mother of two very spoiled cats, Skittles and Snickers, who basically rule the house. When not writing, she enjoys Pacific beaches, sitting down with a good book and, of course, happy endings!

She loves to hear from her readers. Contact her at charlenesands@hotmail.com or enter her contests at www.charlenesands.com.


To my author friends, who inspire,

support and encourage me each and every day.

To Tanya Hanson—

new author, friend and “drive” buddy.

I enjoy our times together.

To Debbie Decker—

who always has a smile and a kind word.

Your bubbly laughter is contagious!

To Barbara McCauley—

whose advice, help and friendship

is always appreciated.

To Sandra Madden—

my first and only real critique partner.

Wish you continued success.

And to the authors I hope to meet one day.

You got me hooked!

LaVyrle Spencer, Sandra Brown,

Janet Evanovich and Kathleen Woodiwiss.




Contents


Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen




One


Cassie Munroe raced down the hotel’s hallway, her composure all but gone. A car breakdown on River Road miles away from your destination will do that to you, she supposed. Her Volkswagen Bug had run out of gas.

The last thing she wanted was to make a splashy entrance to her brother Brian’s rehearsal dinner. Shamefully, she admitted she didn’t want to make any sort of entrance. But she loved her brother dearly and wouldn’t dream of missing his special day, even if she was out of work, out of a date for the wedding and almost out of time.

She searched the gold-embossed lettering on the doorways of the ballrooms as she strode past and found the room she’d been looking for. This had to be it. Sunrise Room.

Standing just outside, she straightened her clingy red dress, ran her fingers through her short hair and took a deep, steadying breath. Grasping the handle, she thrust the door open and entered. She was more than halfway through the room before she peered up and saw the banner.

Laughlin River Stampede Rodeo Banquet.

The big bold sign at the front of the room caught her off guard. She stopped in midstep and paused. A room full of cowboys, seated at a U-shaped table, all looked up.

Big, bold, Stetson-wearing, silver-buckled, gorgeous cowboys—all looking at her with interest.

The room quieted.

Cassie pasted on a smile.

Heavens, she’d never seen a better-looking group of men in her life. She made a mental calculation. Seventeen cowboys, she estimated, but this was not the time for her silly habit of counting everything that could be counted. Sometimes having a flair for numbers had its disadvantages.

“You’re a bit early, honey. But don’t think a soul’s gonna mind,” one of cowboys called. She would have dashed out of the room if he hadn’t sounded so polite. “C’mon over here. We won’t bite.”

Male chuckles erupted all around.

Heat climbed up her neck. Suddenly, Cassie was aware of her attire. She’d wanted to look great today so she’d put on her most daring dress with a low-cut bodice and a hem riding high on her thighs. She’d slipped her feet into three-inch black stiletto heels and had her auburn hair highlighted and styled. Wasn’t every day a girl had to face her ex-fiancé and his new bride.

At her brother’s wedding, no less.

“Uh, no. Thank you,” she countered, trying to be just as polite. “I think I have the wrong room. I’m supposed to be at a wedding rehearsal.”

“Ah, now that’s a doggone shame,” the same voice cajoled. “I bet you want the Sunset Room, darlin’.”

The Sunset Room? Yes, that was it. The dinner was to be held in the Sunset Room, not the Sunrise Room.

Running out of gas on that hot desert road must have addled her brain. She’d marched along that road, greatly intimidated by the dry brush and saguaro cactus surrounding her, hoping to find some relief. Finally, after walking what she’d estimated as a good long mile and a half, she’d come upon a roadside emergency phone. A tow truck driver with an attitude had rescued her just in time for her to make the rehearsal dinner. He’d given her grief for running out of gas in the desert and she’d endured his lecture all the way into town. Now, here she stood in the wrong room, facing a bunch of good-natured cowboys and probably looking just as foolish.

Cassie pivoted on her heels and headed straight for the exit and the Sunset Room.

A big, bold handsome cowboy blocked her way. How he got there, was a mystery. Seems she would have definitely noticed him when she walked in.

Number Eighteen was something to behold.

Lounging casually against the doorway, he gestured toward the front of the room with a slight tilt of his head. The Stetson he wore rode low on his forehead, casting his face in shadows, but Cassie noted strong features on an equally strong body. “You mean, you don’t want to stay for the Meet and Greet?”

“The what?” Cassie asked, intrigued, more by the man than the question.

“Fans come to say hello, meet their favorite rodeo riders. We sign autographs, shake hands, take pictures. That sort of thing.”

“Oh, so you’re, uh…in the rodeo?” Silly question. Of course, the man was in the rodeo. Cassie had a thing for cowboys and could spot a real one a mile away. But all she’d met in Los Angeles over the past ten years was the proverbial “wannabe” cowboy. Men who dressed the part but probably had never mounted a horse in their life.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You don’t ride bulls, do you?” Cassie was stalling. This cowboy was a great diversion; a sure way to keep from finding the “right” room and make a late splashy entrance to Brian and Alicia’s dinner.

“Nope. I like to keep my body in one piece. I rope calves.”

“I’ve never been to the rodeo, but if you don’t mind me saying, roping calves sounds a bit cruel.”

“Nah. Ain’t a bit cruel. The calves we use are raised for it. Sort of like, it’s their job.” He reassured her with a quick smile, nudging his hat up higher on his forehead, giving Cassie a much better look at his features.

Uh-oh. Cassie blinked. Then blinked again. Her heart raced. Certain dread pulled at her. She recognized that smile, that handsome face. Years washed away in her mind and suddenly Cassie was a young teenage girl again, being stood up for the first time.

Jake Griffin.

Cassie stood frozen for a moment, taking note of the man he’d become. From the look of him, he’d done a great job of keeping his body intact. Yards of hard muscle lay underneath his Western shirt. And his sure enough attitude probably kept the ladies lining up. Heck, she’d been first in line years ago and look where that had gotten her.

Cassie couldn’t believe her luck. Running into him today of all days! Wasn’t it bad enough she had to endure the weekend in close proximity with her ex-fiancé, Rick? Now she had yet another brutal reminder of her lack of good judgment. Jake Griffin had been the first boy to disappoint her at the tender age of sixteen, leading to a world-class string of bad choices with the opposite sex. Cassie had a penchant for attracting troubled men. Jake had been the first—the lone wolf, the boy who didn’t make friends easily and who seemed out of place, as though he didn’t belong. She’d been drawn to him instantly and for a very short time in high school, she’d been his friend, hoping to become more.

Her brother Brian had always said she was too soft-hearted—a sweet marshmallow who would get squashed if she weren’t careful. Her recent broken engagement to Rick had been proof positive that her older brother had been right. She’d been there for Rick when his life had taken a wrong turn. She’d comforted and consoled him, helping to bring him out of his emotional slump. And he’d honored her by a swift and effective betrayal.

Never again, Cassie vowed. She’d learned her lesson.

And she found the best way to solve her dilemma was not to give in to her attraction. Not to place any credence in her instincts. No more being suckered in by men who would steal her heart then walk away, pretty as you please. She had it all figured out in her head. All she had to do was get through this weekend and she’d be off and running. She’d be ready to start a new life.

Jake Griffin obviously didn’t recognize her. It was a small consolation that did nothing for her ego. Get out fast, she told herself. “Uh, well, I’d better be going. Brian is going to worry himself sick, if I’m late.”

A dark brow shot up. “Boyfriend?”

Cassie shook her head. “Brother. Now, if you’d please let me pass, I really have to get going.”

He didn’t budge for a second. Then when he removed himself from the doorway, he stared deep into her eyes. “Hate to let you go till I figure out how I know you.”

Uh-oh. Cassie shot him an impatient glance. Women probably never gave Jake Griffin that kind of look. Heck, if she wasn’t dying to get away from him, praying that he wouldn’t remember her, if she hadn’t known him, she’d most likely stay and chat with the handsome calf roper. But she did know him and warning bells rang out loud and clear inside Cassie’s head. Smartly, this time she listened. She brushed past him on her way out and smiled. “Nice try, cowboy.”

Jake watched Miss Sexy Red Dress walk down the hall. The view from the back was just as appealing as the view from the front. That tight crimson dress hugged every curve the woman possessed, making the sight of her walking away pretty doggone awesome. But it was more than a dynamite body, soft auburn hair and silver-dollar-size green eyes that had drawn Jake to her.

He really felt that he’d met her before.

And then it hit him. He’d been thinking of the women he’d known in the present. But he’d known her as a girl—in the past. Another lifetime ago, it seemed.

“Cassandra Munroe,” he called, stepping out into the foyer.

She halted, her shoulders slumping. She turned to him slowly. Those eyes, bright green and so incredibly startling, had given her away. No other female had eyes quite so remarkable. It had been years, ten or so, since he’d seen her. They’d only known each other for a short time while in high school and both of them had changed quite a bit, but Jake hadn’t forgotten her.

He strode down the hallway, watching her indecision from the subtle moves she made. The tilt of her head feathered auburn tresses onto her cheek, the rest of her coppery hair shifting slightly. “You went to Santa Susana High School,” he announced.

She stared at him a moment, her expression a mixture of emotions he couldn’t read.

“Do you remember me?” he asked.

“Jake Griffin,” she said, her tone flat. “We went to school together.”

“Yeah, for about a minute.” He removed his hat to scratch his head. “Hard kid to forget, huh?”

She stared at him a moment more with curiosity, it appeared, and a question on her lips. She fought a frown, but Jake noticed her struggle to keep her expression from faltering. “You look different,” she said. “All grown up.”

He cocked his head. “I could say the same about you, Cassandra.” He couldn’t pretend not to notice that Cassandra Munroe had grown up in very appealing ways. Her body was one to write home about and she had a unique face, not only those large, emerald eyes, but also a pouty, heart-shaped mouth and the prettiest silky hair.

“It’s Cassie now.” She darted a glance around, her eyes searching for the Sunset Room and a way out, no doubt. “I really am late. I should be going. It was nice seeing you again, Jake.”

He doubted that. The woman’s expression had chilled the minute he recognized her. Memories flooded in of his early high school days. Cassandra had befriended him when no one else had. He’d been a loner, an outcast, the boy even his biological father hadn’t wanted. Jack Griffin had been the foster kid that nobody wanted. He’d been bounced around from one home to another. Six foster homes in all. At times, Jake knew he had no one to rely on but himself. He’d never stayed in one place long enough to make lasting friendships. He’d never developed roots of any kind. He knew for the most part, his foster parents hadn’t cared for him. He’d been trouble at times. He hadn’t been an easy kid to have around, and later, in his teens, he’d been the boy mothers warned their daughters about. Cassie probably should have steered clear, too, because in the end, he had only hurt her.

Jake reminded himself he was on a mission to win the rodeo championship. He had to prove to his estranged father once and for all that he was every bit the man that John T. was. It was a personal promise he’d made to himself. He had no time for red-haired beauties, anyway, old acquaintance or not. He had no time for women, period. He’d gone that route once before and it had ended with disastrous results. His wife had left him for a man with a more stable profession. She wasn’t cut out to be a rodeo wife, she’d claimed, but Jake had known better. He’d known the truth—she’d abandoned him because she hadn’t loved him enough, or at all. Jake had come to the conclusion, without a doubt, that he wasn’t cut out for relationships, much less love.

He’d never known real love of any kind. It had been a long, hard road for a young boy, but he’d finally faced facts. Even his biological father hadn’t wanted him, until John T.’s legitimate son had died tragically. Jake still had his doubts as to why John T. had finally come for him. But he’d vowed not to open his heart up to anyone, and that included his father. That also meant no women, no entanglements and no distractions of any kind. “Think you can find the Sunset Room?”

A small smile surfaced. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be just fine.”

Jake watched her walk away.

The woman certainly was “fine.”

He shook his head and headed back to the banquet. A horde of fans pounced on him before he reached the door, jamming photos and programs in his hand for him to sign. But Jake had trouble concentrating on names being dashed off in rapid succession.

His mind was on one distracting female.

And he doubted he’d be able to forget the all-grown-up, Cassie Munroe anytime soon.

Brian hugged Cassie to his chest and kissed her forehead. He whispered, “Thanks for coming, sis. I know this isn’t easy for you.”

Cassie stared blankly at her brother, still reeling from seeing Jake Griffin again after all this time. He’d been a boy, a tall, good-looking one when she’d known him, but now…well, Jake was a hunk of a man with chiseled features, sexy stubble and a well-defined mouth. She’d had a major crush on him in high school and had been so darn giddy when the boy she’d only known for a few weeks had asked her out. And then, without reason, he’d broken her young, tender heart.

A sigh escaped Cassie’s throat.

This weekend couldn’t get any worse.

“Cassie?” Brian’s voice brought her out of her musings.

“Huh?”

“I said, I know this isn’t easy for you.”

No, it wasn’t easy for her, but she’d made it through the rehearsal and now sat next to her brother, with Alicia by his side, in the Sunset Room and had to endure their sympathetic stares. They meant well, but Cassie was tired of being everyone’s pity case. She’d made up her mind when Rick broke up with her that it was for the best. She’d just wished they’d have come to that conclusion before the wedding invitations had been sent out. But for Brian’s sake, and for her own, she’d been very cordial about the breakup.

Rick Springer was Brian’s friend and business partner. It wouldn’t do anyone any good for Cassie to play the martyred soul. Cassie had come to Brian’s wedding and had every intention of enjoying herself.

“When do we get to meet your date?” Alicia’s smile and hope-filled expression had Cassie’s mind spinning. She couldn’t let on that her date wasn’t coming. True, a busted knee from playing basketball was a pretty good excuse, but Cassie was afraid that’s exactly what it would sound like to Brian and Alicia. An excuse. And they’d start worrying about her again. That was the last thing Cassie wanted. And trying to figure out what to do about it during the five-hour drive here had distracted her. That’s why she’d run out of gas. Nerves, and a mad dash to get here on time, had made mush of her brain.

Poor Alicia would be crushed to know Cassie was sans date for the wedding. Alicia had tried her best to be upbeat and had been a source of great comfort to Cassie when Rick had broken their engagement. She’d lent her support and had been a true friend.

Cassie braved a glance at her brother. Brian, too, waited patiently for Cassie’s answer.

He’d been concerned about her, as well; had suggested many times to set her up with one of his clients since the breakup, but Cassie had always refused. She didn’t need a dating service. Besides she knew almost all of Brian’s clients, having worked on their accounting books. Cassie hadn’t met anyone of interest in the small, personalized chain of sporting goods stores that Brian owned in Southern California.

Cassie took a bite of her chicken marsala, hoping for inspiration, and realized that she couldn’t taste the food. Raw nerves apparently affected her taste buds, too. “Um, he had an appointment he couldn’t miss. He’ll be here tomorrow for the wedding.”

Relief registered quickly on both of their faces and Cassie shot them a reassuring smile while she trembled inside.

Now what?

She’d have to make up another excuse tomorrow. She could only hope Brian and Alicia would be too caught up in their festivities to spend time worrying about her.

Or…she could find herself a date.

That would be a far better solution. She’d be able to save face, hold her head up high and she wouldn’t hinder her brother’s celebration.

Brian took hold of her hand and patted gently. “I hope you have a good time tomorrow. Alicia and I worried that coming to our wedding would be too soon for you.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’m over it, really, Brian. And I wouldn’t dream of missing my brother’s wedding. It’s been three months and I’m…I’m actually glad I didn’t marry Rick.” She peered down the long table to the far end where Rick sat with his new wife. To her brother’s credit, the newly married couple had been strategically placed as far away as possible from her. Mentally, she counted nine people separating them. Yet as she glanced at Rick, no emotion stirred within her, no regret or anguish.

After the breakup, Cassie had often wondered if Rick had been too darn convenient a choice. He was her brother’s friend, business partner, someone Brian had approved of wholeheartedly. Had she considered marriage to Rick more for her brother’s sake than hers? Cassie had never contemplated her motives with such scrutiny before. But she’d had time to really think in these last few weeks. And during that time she’d come to the conclusion that marrying him wouldn’t have been the right move.

In truth, she wasn’t going to marry anyone until she had her feet planted firmly on the ground. She wanted a fresh start and, surprisingly, she wanted small-town life again. She had wonderful fond memories of her northern Nevada hometown and had always longed to go back. When her parents passed on, she and Brian were shipped to Los Angeles to live with their aunt Sherry. Brian had taken to city life far better than Cassie. It seemed to energize him whereas Cassie found the big city draining.

After Aunt Sherry retired to Florida, Cassie stayed in Los Angeles mostly to be close to Brian, but she’d always missed the simpler side of life. She needed that, she mused, without question. Besides, she’d been under her brother’s wing too long. She wanted to cut the apron strings and branch out on her own. As sweet as her older brother had been, worrying about her at each turn, lending his support, she had finally decided to make some changes in her life.

It was time for Cassie to take a stand.

She wouldn’t tell Brian her plans to relocate until he got back from his honeymoon in Kuaui. She wouldn’t tell him that she had a job offer in Nevada, very near her own hometown, and that all had been settled but the signing on the dotted line. Upon his return she’d explain to her brother how badly she needed to do this. She would make him see that she wasn’t cut out for big city life.

“I can’t wait to meet your date,” Alicia said eagerly. Both she and Brian had looks of anticipation on their faces.

Cassie really hated lying. “He’s just a friend, really. I mean to say, he’s not my boyfriend or anything.”

“He’s coming all this way for our wedding. To be with you,” Alicia reminded her.

Cassie’s heart sunk to the floor. The soon-to-be married couple read far too much into this. And Cassie knew they only wanted her happiness. “Well, sure. But—”

“It’s time for a toast,” Rick said, rising from his seat with a glass held high.

All eyes at the table turned to Cassie, to see her reaction. It was natural for people to be curious, she supposed, but facing Rick and his new bride, after a humiliating breakup, was almost too much for her to bear. Yet she kept her composure and plastered on a smile for all to see.

For certain now, she had to find herself a date for the wedding. She couldn’t take another day of concerned looks and sympathetic stares. There’d be no place to hide on the Sundance Riverboat Wedding Cruise tomorrow.

Unless she tossed herself overboard.




Two


Jake slipped into the back of the Caboose Lounge and took a seat at the hotel bar. It was Rodeo Days in the small river city and rodeo riders from all over the country were welcomed with open arms at the hotels. He ordered a straight-up whiskey and turned to listen to the Country Riders Band, hoping their down-home tunes combined with the shot of Wild Turkey would lull him into sleep mode. He’d been keyed up lately, too wired to sleep and anxious about the rodeo tomorrow. It was always the same. Nerves. Excess energy. When he knew he should be sleeping, his body never seemed to cooperate.

And visions of Cassie Munroe had danced in his head since he’d met up with her at the banquet today. He needed to get a grip, to get the tempting lady off of his mind and get some rest. What he didn’t need was a distraction. He’d come so far and was extremely close to achieving a goal that had been just out of his reach for years.

Winning the rodeo championship meant more to him than the notoriety, money and respect he’d garner from his peers. Winning meant he’d done something that his father hadn’t been able to accomplish. Winning meant he’d finally be able to look John T. in the eye and say that he was just as good a man, if not a better one.

He glanced at his watch. Damn, it was after midnight. He really should get some sleep. He ordered another drink, deciding to take it up to his room when a flash of red caught his eye. He stood up from his position on the bar stool and peered over the crowded room, thinking his mind played tricks on him.

But it was no trick of the mind. He had seen Miss Sexy Red Dress. He stepped in a bit closer, making his way forward, watching her move fluidly, her body gyrating like some exotic dancer’s. Jake’s chest tightened and when her cinnamon hair lifted then fell onto her flushed face, he cursed silently. Mesmerized, he continued watching her. Her green eyes, big, wide, animated, focused on the man she danced with.

Jake sat back in his seat and twisted his mouth in a frown.

The woman intrigued him, but better to take his drink up to his hotel room than to sit here and listen to his heart pound hard against his chest, watching her dance. Jake glanced back behind the bar. “Could you hurry it up?”

The young barkeep nodded his head. “Sure thing. Coming up in a minute.”

When Jake turned around, another man held Cassie in his arms this time. This man he knew. Brody Taylor was a bull rider, full of himself and an all-around lady’s man.

The music drifted into a slow, soulful ballad.

Jake stifled an oath when Brody brought Cassie up flush against his chest. He noted her squirming in his arms—or at least it appeared she was trying to break the connection.

None of his business, Jake thought, shaking his head. She’d given him the cold shoulder today once she’d realized who he really was. She didn’t want him interfering in her life. He turned away to glance at the bartender again. His drink was nowhere in sight.

“You know what, forget it,” he called to the bartender, who’d been flirting with some young blonde at the other end of the bar.

Jake stood, taking one last glance at the dance floor. He noticed Cassie slapping Brody’s hands off her rear end. Fury exploded inside of him.

“Ah, hell,” he muttered.

He made it to the dance floor in five quick strides and didn’t bother tapping Brody on the shoulder. “I’m cutting in,” he said firmly without giving Cassie a glance.

“Like hell you are.” Brody turned, his body staggering some, his bloodshot eyes only just lighting with recognition.

“Time for bed, Taylor.”

The bull rider slanted him a crooked, drunken grin. “That’s what I’m aiming for, Griffin. Now get lost.”

With a firm grasp, Jake removed Brody’s arm from Cassie’s. “Not with her, you’re not.” Jake pulled Brody’s hat lower onto his head with a tug. “You got two bulls to ride tomorrow. If you don’t get to bed soon, they’ll knock you to Texas and back. Now, go on.”

Brody hesitated for a moment, probably too drunk to argue, then nodded and tottered away, slurring curse words.

Jake finally peered at Cassie. She stood, somewhat dumbfounded, in the middle of the dance floor. “You okay?”

“Just fine,” she said with definite irritation. That pretty heart-shaped mouth turned down into a pout. When Jake took her into his arms she asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m cutting in. You do want to dance, don’t you?”

She broke away from him. “No. Not anymore.”

Okay, so she didn’t want to dance with him. At least she wouldn’t be fending off the likes of Brody Taylor into all hours of the night. He followed her when she walked over to her table. He hadn’t noticed before, but she wobbled when she moved. And those bright, luminous eyes weren’t so bright anymore. In fact, they appeared every bit as hazy as Brody’s had been.

Cassie slumped down into her chair and took a big gulp from a fishbowl glass of margarita. He stood over her. “How many of those have you had?”

“Just one.” Cassie looked up at him in defiance.

“One too many, I’d say.”

Her lips quivered. She appeared so forlorn and her eyes misted with unshed tears.

“Hey, I didn’t break something up back there, did I? If I did, I apologize. Want me to go hunt him down?” Hell, if she wanted Brody Taylor, she could have him. Jake wasn’t going to break up a love affair, if that’s what the woman was after.

“No, no. I don’t care about him. I’m just…so tired. I took an allergy pill a while ago.”

“And washed it down with the margarita?”

She nodded. “It’s been a long day.”

Cassie couldn’t believe Jake Griffin was standing there, in the flesh. She’d been thinking about him all day. And the minute she’d laid eyes on him on the dance floor, her heart sped up and her toes curled. Just gazing up into his dark, ominous eyes made her dizzy. Well, the allergy pill had a little something to do with that, she assumed, but Jake Griffin was just too appealing. Cassie could never trust herself with him. She’d fall hard and then she’d shatter.

Besides, he was the last man on earth she should be thinking about. He’d been the first in a long string of bad decisions. The first one always hurt the most, she presumed, because she’d been so trusting and it had been so unexpected. But the sad fact remained, Jake Griffin had stood her up on what was to be her very first date ever, and the sting of his betrayal wounded her like a gut-stabbing pain. She’d cried the night away and had the worst weekend in her young life. And now, he stood, with hands on hips, looking better than ever, lecturing her on prudent drinking habits.

“We both have things to do tomorrow. We should get some sleep. Let me walk you to your room,” he offered, reaching for her hand.

Her room? Heaven help her! It just dawned on her that she didn’t have a room. She’d gotten back late this afternoon with the tow truck, then made a spectacle of herself at the rodeo banquet before she’d finally found the right room and met with Brian and Alicia for their dinner. Immediately after that, she’d dashed into the rest room, cleaned up a bit and tried applying her hare-brained scheme of finding a date for the wedding in this bar. She’d been here for three hours and had completely forgotten to check in.

“I, uh…um. I don’t have a room, exactly.”

Jake lowered his head and searched her eyes. With a hint of confusion he asked, “You don’t have a room?”

“Yes, I do. I mean I have a reservation for a room, but with all the commotion, I forgot to check in.”

Jake ran a hand down his face. “Okay, come on. We’ll get you a room.”

Cassie took his hand and stood up. Her head reeled and the room spun out. She’d been too busy dancing to notice, but once she’d sat down, everything seemed to hit her all at once. “Uh…oh. I guess margaritas don’t mix well with antihistamines,” she said, trying to keep her balance.

“Oh, man, Cassie. You’re gonna have a whopper of a headache tomorrow.” He put his arm around her shoulder and leaned her into him. They walked slowly toward the reservation desk and that was perfectly fine with her. Cassie liked being in Jake’s arms. He felt solid and steady and he smelled so darn good.

No. No. Those were dangerous thoughts. Cassie’s mind was too jumbled up to think clearly, but she did remember that Jake Griffin was off-limits. She could fall hard for her real-life cowboy. He’d hurt her in the past and would probably cause her pain again if she weren’t careful.

When they reached the front desk, Jake swore. “Damn.”

“What?”

She squinted at the reservation desk through hazy eyes, noting the place swarming with grumpy and beleaguered senior citizens. The chaotic line wrapped around the hotel lobby. Their loud rants rattled around in her head as they shouted out politically correct obscenities to anyone who would listen. Their bus had broken down in the desert. They’d missed their special dinner. They were hungry. They were tired.

Cassie’s brain fuzzed out and her legs wobbled like Jell-O.

“We’re not waiting around,” Jake stated plainly.

With a quick, efficient move, Jake swept her up into his arms. “You’re bunking with me tonight.”

Jake carried Cassie to the elevator. She weighed next to nothing, it seemed, and felt darn good in his arms. Little did he know this afternoon when he’d spotted her at the rodeo banquet that he’d be carrying Miss Sexy Red Dress up to his room tonight. Of course, not for the desired reasons, he thought with wry amusement. Even Jake had standards. He had a second bed in his room and that’s exactly where he’d deposit her.

When Jake reached his floor, he headed for his room, ignoring smirks and curious stares of the passersby in the hallway as they noted the woman out cold in his arms. She’d fallen into a druglike sleep the minute he’d entered the elevator.

With his keycard, he unlocked the door and, with a shoulder shove, pushed through the doorway. He uttered a curse, noting the dishevelment surrounding him. He’d thrown down his equipment on the bed in a hurry this afternoon.

Cassie stirred in his arms and he quieted her with soothing words. It would be better for both of them if she stayed asleep. Having her wake up in his room, in his bed, would be too great a temptation. With efficient thoroughness he removed as much equipment from the beds as possible. He tossed ropes, chaps, gloves and other gear onto the floor, then folded back the blankets on one of the beds. With care, he set Cassie down on her back. Immediately, she nuzzled her face into the pillow and sighed with undisguised pleasure.

That sigh unnerved him and heat surged through his body with rapid speed. Sweat broke out on his forehead and he quickly swiped at it, backing away from the gorgeous woman lying on his bed.

Get a grip, Jake. You can’t get in bed with her. In fact, you’d better not touch her again tonight.

He was ready to cover her up with the blanket, but realized her shoes were still on. “Damn.”

He went to the lower end of the bed and hesitated, glancing at the leggy woman in the red dress. The material had bunched way up, exposing firm, shapely thighs, legs that cried out for his attention. Jake heaved a heavy sigh and slowly lifted one shiny black heel off her foot, then the other, careful not to touch her in any other way.

Jake tossed her shoes aside, covered her up to her chin and closed the drapes. In total darkness now, he might be able to forget that Cassie Munroe slept just three feet from him.

Cassie woke to the alluring aroma of fresh coffee. She opened one eye, then the other, and stared straight into the face of a cowboy. The man sitting on the opposite bed, dressed in Western gear, complete with a black Stetson, smiled. “Morning.”

Cassie blinked, then blinked again. She wasn’t dreaming. He was as real as Nevada heat and so was the hot mug of coffee sitting on the nightstand just inches from her face. She brought the covers up to her chin, probing her mind for answers. Slowly, and with great effort, she began to remember everything. Except how she got into this bed.

What happened last night…with Jake?

Heavens, it’d be just her luck to have a torrid night with the sexy cowboy and not remember a darn thing in the morning. “Morning…oh!” Her head and facial muscles ached. It actually hurt to talk.

“That bad?” he asked, sipping from his mug of coffee. “I would have let you sleep longer, but I didn’t know what time your brother’s wedding was.”

Brian’s wedding! Cassie bounded upright, then paid a heavy price for her quick move when her head spun. She slumped back down with a groan. “I have two questions. What time is it?”

“Ten-thirty.”

That was doable. The wedding wasn’t until later this afternoon. She had time for a quick makeover, hair and makeup after an abbreviated workout. She didn’t have to be at the river dock until four-thirty.

“And…” she began, swallowing past a lump in her throat. This was a more difficult question. Fear ran rampant through her body in anticipation of the wrong answer. “And…well, um, what exactly happened last night?”

Slowly she sat up, bringing the covers with her. She peered directly into Jake’s dark eyes.

“You sort of passed out.”

That much she remembered. It was the “after” part that she couldn’t recall. “I mean, between us, Jake?”

Jake rubbed the side of his nose and tried darn hard to conceal a grin. “Wish I could say I was unforgettable in bed, but guess not.” He chuckled, then added, “Nothing happened, Cassie. When we couldn’t get you a room last night, I brought you up here to sleep. And you slept, all night, in that bed, by yourself.”

Cassie let out the breath she’d been holding. “Thank you,” she said with great relief.

Jake sipped his coffee and eyed her. “Don’t be so quick to thank me.” A sinful smile graced his face. “I do have rules, like a woman has to be coherent when I make love to her.”

Warmth spread to her cheeks and a deep flush of heat traveled the length of her. What an appealing thought, she mused, making love with Jake. Instinctively she knew he’d be great in bed.

Biting her lip, she looked away, taking in the Spanish motif of the room with its intricately carved dark wood furnishings and pictures of haciendas and vaqueros on the adobe walls. How fitting that she’d wake up in such a room with a cowboy. She turned to him again. “I’m really sorry about last night.”

Jake removed his hat, tossing it on the bed. “Yeah, what was that all about, anyway?”

Cassie stared at the shiny black Stetson on the bed, imagining Jake wearing it and nothing else. The image flashing in her head brought hot tingles to her body. Cassie cleared her throat—and her mind. She had to get over her fascination with Jake Griffin. He was strictly off-limits.

“What was what all about?” She played dumb. She couldn’t bear for Jake to know she was so desperate for a date to Brian’s wedding that she’d actually set out to meet a man last night. Her plan had failed, and even if Jake hadn’t intervened with that bull rider, she was doomed to disaster. Brody had already told her he wasn’t sticking around after the rodeo. He had to head home, straightaway.

“Cassie, I doubt you’re the type of woman who goes around picking up strange—”

“I’m not,” she said in her defense. “I don’t do that sort of thing. In fact, I’ve pretty much sworn off men for the rest of my life.”

Jake cast her a dubious look then shook his head. “I don’t understand.”

No, he wouldn’t understand. And she wouldn’t tell him that she’d been a dismal failure with the opposite sex since the beginning of time, it seemed. Cassie didn’t want to try anymore. She was through coming up with the short end of the stick. She’d drawn her last short straw. She wasn’t going to play second fiddle again. To anyone.

Disheartened with the path her life had taken, she’d decided to take a stand. For once she was going to put her needs first. She had other things to focus on besides men…such as that promising new job she’d been offered. It was perfect. There wasn’t even a need for her to find a place to live. All the arrangements had been made for her. The job was set. All she needed to do was to show up in three weeks and sign the deal.

“It’s…complicated.” She reached for the mug of coffee and took a long sip. The hot liquid slid down her throat like soft velvet, soothing her nerves and helping to clear her head. “Coffee is good,” she said, gauging Jake’s reaction to her obtuse answer.

He stared at her a moment, smiled, then jammed his hat onto his head. “Why don’t you take a shower? I’ll get your bags out of your car and you can change your clothes.”

Cassie lowered the sheet a bit, noting that Jake had left her dress on last night. “Oh, yeah. I guess I’d better get going. I’ve got to check into my own room.”

“Where are your keys?”

Cassie pointed to her purse. “In there. I think I’m on level three. Neon-yellow Volkswagen Bug.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll find your car. How many of those bright yellow Bugs could there possibly be?”

Cassie chuckled, but her mirth was stymied when Jake tossed her one of his shirts. The one he’d worn last night. “Put this on after your shower. I’ll be back later.”

Cassie watched him rummage through her purse, come up with the keys and head out the door. As soon as he was gone she undressed quickly and, on impulse, donned his light blue chambray shirt. She closed her eyes and turned her face to the collar, inhaling deeply, taking in his spicy scent. “Mmm.”

But then she snapped her eyes open instantly. She’d forgotten to give Jake the code to her car alarm. With the way things were going, hotel security might just arrest him for breaking and entering. She dashed to the door, took a step outside, catching sight of him at the elevators. “Jake!”

He didn’t hear her.

She called again, stepping farther into the quiet hallway. “Jake!”

Finally spotting her, he cast her a questioning look. She waved him over and he left the elevators, heading back to his room. She met him just outside the doorway, gripping tight the shirt she wore. “Cassie?”

“I forgot to give you—”

“Cassie!” Brian’s voice resonating in the hallway spelled out doom.

“Cassie!” Alicia’s sweet voice coming from the same direction spelled out unabashed interest. Cassie didn’t know which was worse. They approached her instantly, but both sets of eyes were on Jake.

Cassie wanted to melt into the floorboards. She wanted to wake up from this nightmarish dream. Neither was going to happen, so instead she looked her brother in the eye. “Good morning,” she said cheerily.

Brian grunted. Alicia grinned.

Cassie knew what they were thinking. What else would they think seeing her dressed this way, just outside the hotel door, with handsome Jake Griffin standing by her side?

“What’s going on?” Brian asked point-blank, staring straight into her eyes.

“Uh—”

“Oh, don’t be silly, Brian. Your sister’s a big girl,” Alicia interrupted. “And this is her date, right?” Alicia smiled at her and continued. “Brian and I worried that you’d made up that whole story about having a date when he didn’t show up with you for the rehearsal dinner. But it seems he made it here just in time for our wedding.”

“In more than enough time,” Brian said sourly, glancing at Jake then piercing her with a look. Things were spinning out of control and Cassie didn’t have a clue how to put a stop to it.

“Well, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Alicia asked, her eyes darting back and forth from Jake to her.

“Uh, of course.” Brian had never met Jake before. Her brother had been away at college for most of Cassie’s high school days. She put a hand on Jake’s arm, giving him a little pleading squeeze. “Jake Griffin, I’d like you to meet my brother Brian and his fiancée, Alicia.”

Jake shook hands with Brian. “Nice to meet you.”

Brian nodded, then Alicia stepped up to give Jake a big hug. “I’m so glad to meet you.”

“Nice meeting you, ma’am.”

Alicia blinked and cast Cassie an approving look. “Oh, he’s just precious, Cassie. Where did you two meet?”

Cassie hesitated, praying for divine guidance. “Uh, well, the truth is—”

Jake stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Cassie’s waist. “Cassie and I go way back, don’t we, honey?”

Cassie braved Jake a look, hoping to keep trepidation and fear out of her eyes. Yet she was grateful that he’d played along, for what it was worth. “Uh, yeah. Way back.”

“Well, isn’t that nice,” Alicia said. “We’ll want to hear all about that, later on. But right now I’m starving and Brian promised me a big breakfast, then it’s off to the hairdresser. C’mon, Brian. Let’s give these two some privacy. We’ll see them at the wedding.”

“Okay,” Brian agreed. “We’ll see you later, sis.” He bent to give her a kiss on the cheek then said a brisk goodbye to Jake. Cassie watched the two of them head down the hallway.

When they were out of sight, Jake took hold of her hand and led her back inside the hotel room. “Mind telling me what that was all about?”

Jake stood with hands planted on his hips, staring at Cassie. She made her way to the bed and slumped down, biting her lip. He took a seat on the opposite bed, facing her, waiting. She wore his shirt, looked damned good in it, too, and her exposed legs were enough of a distraction to keep Jake’s mind from sorting all of this out on his own. He needed Cassie’s explanation.

“This is embarrassing,” she said, “and I’m sorry you got involved.”

“Involved in what, Cassie?”

She looked into his eyes for a moment, then averted her gaze.

“Does this have something to do with that bull rider from last night?” Jake hoped not. For some bizarre reason, Jake’s gut clenched at the idea that Cassie might be interested in Brody Taylor, in any way, shape or form.

“Sort of. I, um, needed a date for my brother’s wedding. I, uh…oh, never mind. It’s stupid.” Cassie ran a hand down her face.

“Why is it so important that you have a date for your brother’s wedding?”

Cassie crossed one leg over the other, a move that sped up his heart. She shifted on the bed, restlessly, and the shirt she wore—his shirt—moved fluidly with her, tempting him with a peek or two of her creamy skin above the knee. Jake curtailed his own desire to concentrate on what Cassie had to say. She stared into his eyes for a moment, then on a long sigh, began to explain. “Because, my ex-fiancé will be there with his new wife, that’s why. Because the date I had for today isn’t coming. And because I didn’t want to face a crowd of people with pity in their eyes. It was bad enough yesterday at the rehearsal dinner when I showed up alone.”

Jake twisted his lips. He was beginning to get the picture, although for all he was worth, he couldn’t figure out why any man would dump Cassie Munroe. What had happened between them in high school didn’t count, in his estimation. He hadn’t dumped Cassie, but that night so long ago had been heart-wrenching for him and had changed his whole life. He couldn’t explain that to Cassie. He never spoke of that night to anyone. But that didn’t excuse the others who had treated her badly.

She was gorgeous in her own unique way and intriguing, if not a bit flighty. Those green eyes of hers could just about melt any man’s heart. “I take it, it was a hard breakup?”

“Humiliating. Two days before the wedding. Then the guy turned around and married his tennis instructor, just two months later.”

“That’s rough,” he said, understanding Cassie’s dilemma better now. He leaned forward and took both of her hands in his, resting them on her thighs. He ignored the sensation ripping through him from that contact, the sharp pang of desire. He couldn’t act upon his urges. Not now, not with Cassie so vulnerable. He wondered why she hadn’t asked him to the wedding instead of trying to pick up some stranger. “You could have said something yesterday.”

Stark fear entered her eyes and they went amazingly wide. “Oh, I couldn’t ask you. You’re the last man I’d ask.”

Jake flinched, his body tightening. The sting of her pronouncement ran deep, cutting through his heart. He’d been the outcast in school, the foster kid nobody seemed to want. And later he’d been the bastard son of a cold unyielding man. His own father hadn’t wanted him until it was too late. Far too late. Jake had known rejection all of his life. He’d dealt with it in his own way. Somehow it always managed to hurt, though, even when it came from a woman he’d just barely met. He dropped her hands and sat back, wondering how many times he’d have to feel this way. How many more times would the pain of rejection slash through his gut? Hell, he’d given up the battle years ago when Lorie had deserted him, but dammit, he wanted to know why Cassie wouldn’t even consider him. Or had that one night in high school, when he hadn’t showed, been that devastating to her? “Because of what happened in high school?”

Cassie closed her eyes briefly, as though reliving that night, then cast him a somber glare. “Being stood up for homecoming is a pretty big deal for a young girl.”

A tick worked at Jake’s jaw. “I know. But it had nothing to do with you.”

“It was as if you’d just dropped off the planet, Jake. I never heard from you again.”

Jake gritted his teeth. Just when life should have been about cars and girls and going out with your friends, his life had been a mess. And he had pretty much dropped off the planet. His father had finally admitted Jake’s existence that night and had come for him. In one insane instant Jake’s whole life had changed. “It couldn’t be helped, Cassie.” Jake paused. “Is that the only reason you don’t want me taking you to the wedding?”

“Not exactly,” Cassie answered. “I have a much better reason.”

Jake couldn’t wait to hear this one. “I’m listening.”

She looked him dead in the eyes, hers, wide, green and so honest. “It’s because I’m attracted to you.”

Jake flinched again. He took a moment to let that sink in, staring at her, trying to understand what the woman meant, but none of it made sense. It was the last thing he’d expected her to say. “And that’s a bad thing?”

She bobbed her head up and down. “Oh, a very bad thing. You see, I’m a terrible judge of what’s good for me. What happened in high school with you was just the beginning. From then on I made a string of bad choices, always hooking up with the wrong guy. I’ve been hurt, Jake, and I don’t trust my instincts anymore. I’ve made too many mistakes. I refuse to make any more. That’s why that bull rider would have been perfect for me. I didn’t feel a thing for him.”

Jake silently applauded her for that. He slid his hand down his jaw and took a deep breath. Leaning toward her again, he took her hands in his, greatly relieved her rejection hadn’t been entirely because of him or that one night, but because of her own insecurities. He owed this woman and a compelling tug in his heart had him offering to help her. “Listen, Cassie, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you, too. That’s not the issue here. Besides, tomorrow we’re both going our own separate ways, right?”

Cassie nodded slowly, keeping her gaze fastened to his.

“Let me take you to your brother’s wedding. It’d be like a make up date for the one in our past. We’ll spend the evening together. You’ll be able to enjoy the wedding and then we’ll part company. It’s as simple as that.”

“I don’t know.” She began shaking her head. Jake knew she didn’t really trust him. He couldn’t blame her for that. They really didn’t know each other anymore. All she had to go on was what she knew of him in the past. And he hadn’t left her with a good impression. But Jake felt a compelling need to set this one part of his past to rights.

He couldn’t afford anything more with Cassie Munroe.

“Look, your brother already thinks I’m your date. Why change that?”

Cassie hesitated, drawing in her lower lip, contemplating. Finally she asked, “You really think we can pull it off?”

Jake nodded. “We can manage one evening together, don’t you think? We’ve already spent a night together, and that didn’t turn out so badly, did it?”

She chuckled, the sound a relief to his ears. “No, not really.”

“What time is the wedding?”

“We have to be at the riverboat dock at four-thirty. They’re getting married under the London Bridge in Lake Havasu, so the boat has to leave on time.”

Jake calculated his timetable. “I’ve got a rodeo event scheduled today. I have to compete. I need those points to win the championship. It’s been my goal for five years and this is the closest I’ve come. But I’ll meet you at that dock at four-thirty. It’s a promise.”

Cassie stood and for the first time today she appeared hopeful. “Okay, that’s the best offer I’ve had in months. I’d better get into the shower then.”

He rose from the bed, also. “I’ll get your bags out of the car. Just give me the code this time, okay?”

“Okay, and thanks, Jake.” Cassie stood on tiptoes and brought her lips to his, ready to give him a quick kiss.

On instinct Jake cupped her head, feeling the silkiness of her short hair fall through his fingers. He bent her head up and brought his mouth down, taking a full taste from her lips. She was sweet and giving and her mouth moved with his too well. She made a little whimpering sound that sped his pulse and he deepened the kiss, pressing her closer, realizing that their bodies touched intimately. Jake backed up slightly, holding her away, fearful she’d know the true extent of his desire. He wanted her. But he wasn’t going to do a darn thing about it.

He was righting a past wrong, doing them each a favor, and then they’d part company, just as he’d pledged.




Three


Cassie stood on the boat dock, looking out at the bright blue water of the Colorado River rushing by. Its quick, unyielding flow matched the pace of her heartbeats. With clear skies and a slight breeze, it was the perfect setting for a wedding on a riverboat.

She clutched her black satin purse tight and glanced at her watch, realizing that it was already past four-thirty. Many of the passengers had already boarded, the captain ushering them on with a graceful smile. Cassie closed her eyes and held her breath, taking in warm Nevada air. Any minute now she’d have to board that boat, alone.

No use prolonging the inevitable, she thought. Jake wasn’t a man to be trusted. He’d told her what she wanted to hear at the moment, but he hadn’t followed through. She’d been a fool, once again where Jake Griffin was concerned. Now she had to face Brian’s guests and her ex-fiancé Rick included, alone. So be it. Cassie mustered her courage, fighting off disappointment, and began the lonely climb across the plank leading to the Sundance.

Darn, she’d been looking forward to having Jake accompany her to the wedding, but maybe, in the long run, this was for the best. After the way he had kissed her this morning in the hotel room, Cassie’s mind went on a downward slide. No man had ever kissed her with such immediate urgency and passion. No man had ever made her knees buckle like that before. And no man wore a Stetson the way Jake Griffin did.

All the more reason she should be glad he hadn’t made it on board.

Cassie strode along the lower deck of the boat, smiling at Brian and Alicia’s guests as she approached the crowded cocktail bar. She ordered a drink and waited patiently. She had nothing but time. The wedding ceremony wouldn’t happen for at least an hour. When the boat began to move away from the dock, she sighed with resignation.

Just a few more hours, Cassie, and it will all be over.

“Whiskey sour, for the lady,” the bartender said with a sly wink, sliding the glass her way.

“Thanks.” She picked up her drink, brought the glass to her lips and was ready to take a sip when the drink was gently removed from her hands.

“Don’t think so, Cassie.”

The deep, silky sound of Jake’s voice made her breath catch. Her heart did little joyful flips and shivers of delight carried throughout her body. He’d made it on board. “Jake?”

She turned and was immediately thunderstruck by his appearance. He was dressed in black, from head to toe, starting with that shiny black Stetson she’d had fantasies about, a dark Western suit and newly polished snakeskin boots.

“In the flesh,” he answered, downing her whiskey sour in one giant gulp. “There, less temptation for you.”

She swallowed, noting that he was all the temptation she could manage tonight. “I—I was sure you changed your mind.”

“Nope, just got behind schedule. Rodeo didn’t start on time.”

“Did you win?” she asked, relief at having a date for tonight mingling with her fear at having a date for tonight. At having Jake as her date for tonight. Jeez, it was a definite catch-22 situation. But he was here now, and Cassie had to keep her head. They’d have a pleasant evening, then part ways. Jake hadn’t offered anything else, so she shouldn’t be worried. They could pull off one night together.

But heavens, the man sure cleaned up nicely.

“Yep. I won.” He grinned, a charming lifting of lips that had Cassie remembering how good his kisses were. “I’m in the finals for tomorrow. You said you’ve never been to the rodeo. Why don’t you come?”

“Oh, I couldn’t. I’m leaving for L.A. first thing in the morning.”

He shrugged. “If you change your mind, I’ll leave a pass for you at the gate. Starts at twelve noon.”

“Thanks, Jake. And thanks for coming today.”

He nodded. “You look gorgeous,” he said, and from the appreciative gleam in his eyes Cassie knew it wasn’t just a line. Jake had a way of looking at her that made her feel soft and feminine. At least the two hundred dollars she had spent on the black satin cocktail dress hadn’t been for nothing. Jake seemed to like it on her just fine. “Just promise me, no more hard liquor. Your head must have just settled.”

Cassie laughed. “Well, yes. The throbbing did simmer down about an hour ago. I guess I wasn’t thinking when I ordered that drink.”

And she was barely able to think straight now, having Jake standing so close. He took her hand. “Come on, Cassie. Let’s take us a little stroll on deck.”

Holding hands with Jake had the desired effect. The same people who’d given her sympathetic stares not twenty-four hours ago were now casting her appreciative nods. It shouldn’t matter. It shouldn’t be so all-fired important. And perhaps it wouldn’t have been so bad if the man who had jilted her hadn’t been attending the celebration with his new wife. Cassie could have managed Brian’s wedding otherwise. And Cassie admitted to herself, Jake Griffin was a boost to her ego, even if this whole evening was a sham. He was drop-dead gorgeous, likable and dangerous enough to keep her on her toes. For tonight at least, she’d enjoy having him be her pretend date.

Jake stopped by the railing and, pulling her close enough to brush hips, whispered in her ear, “That’s your ex over there, isn’t it?”

With a slow turn of her head, Cassie spotted Rick with his wife by the bow of the boat. “Yes, how’d you know?”

Jake turned to her, looked into her eyes then bent his head. When he lowered his mouth to hers, Cassie knew he was about to kiss her. A thrilling sensation caught her completely off guard. She put thoughts of Rick, the wedding, the boat—everything—out of her head. Jake’s lips met hers, drawing deep from the contours of her mouth. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she moved into him until their bodies meshed.

The impact stunned her. His nearness. His sexy scent, made up of musk and man. When the brim of his Stetson brushed her head, her legs wobbled and her heart raced with each moment that passed. Being in Jake’s arms did astonishing things to her. She shouldn’t indulge in such pleasurable, exciting, risky things, yet she hadn’t the power to stop it.

Jake broke off the kiss, leaving her trembling. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you. I saw him darting glances when his wife wasn’t looking. Thought we’d give him something worth watching.”

“What? Oh, you mean, Rick?” All was suddenly clear. The kiss was meant for Rick to witness. Jake was playing the part of boyfriend, kissing her in front of the man who’d dumped her, making sure he’d taken a good hard look. It was a sweet gesture but Cassie’s stomach churned bitterly at the deceit. Secretly she’d hoped Jake had kissed her for other reasons, none of them having to do with showing up her ex-fiancé.

“Yes, we gave him something look at,” Cassie agreed quietly. She turned to gaze out at the scenery passing by. White water vanished into blue as the paddle wheel spun around and around, not entirely unlike Cassie’s head at the moment.

An hour later Cassie dried her tears with a wipe of her hankie. Brian had just spoken his vows to Alicia and two had become one on a crystal-blue lake under an ancient, elegant bridge. Jake stood by her side, and when he glanced down at her teary face, he cast her a quick smile and took hold of her hand, entwining her fingers with his. The gentle pressure he applied to her hand was meant to reassure, but it had a different effect entirely. Tingles surfaced, a common occurrence she’d come to know when making contact with Jake, and every nerve in her body was fully, completely aware of the hunky cowboy.

Cassie warned herself not to indulge in her fantasy.

She had to come to grips with reality—Jake was doing her a favor. The wedding was probably the last place he’d choose to be right now. He was a rodeo rider, focused on winning the championship. He had places to go, people to see, a man without roots, it seemed. She’d better remember that her wild attraction to him would be fruitless and a big mistake. She’d witnessed passion in his eyes when speaking of his life with the rodeo. She’d sensed his drive and something underlying on his expression, something guarded, something he kept hidden. Perhaps there was more to his great ambition to win the championship than he would allow a stranger.

After the ceremony Jake led her over to the newlyweds in the reception area, where she hugged Alicia with great affection and kissed her brother’s cheek. “It was a beautiful ceremony. I wish you both all the happiness you deserve.”

Jake shook Brian’s hand and kissed Alicia’s cheek. “Congratulations.”

“I’m so glad you made it to the wedding, Jake,” Alicia said, smiling.

“Jake is with the rodeo, Alicia. He had a competition today and made it just in time,” Cassie offered in explanation.

“Oh, then the captain must be a fan of yours. He said he wouldn’t leave the dock until a very important guest arrived. I take it, that was you, Jake?” Alicia asked, her curiosity written all over her face.

Jake cleared his throat, darting her a glance. “I guess so. Lucky for me, he didn’t shove off right on time.”

Brian leaned in to kiss Alicia’s cheek. “The music is starting up. It’s time for me to take my new wife for a spin on the dance floor. They’re playing our song, sweetheart.”

Cassie watched Brian whisk his bride away. They stepped onto the small parquet dance floor as a five-piece band began to play. After the first song the bandleader welcomed all other couples to join in.

“Well?” Jake asked, a crooked smile gracing his mouth. “You wouldn’t dance with me last night. How about it? Want to dance now?”

He ran his hands up and down her arms; a brief touching that heated her skin instantly. Inwardly she flinched at the raw power he had over her, the way a single touch could make her come alive. She gazed into a set of dark, appealing eyes and knew she should refuse. Jake had been by her side all afternoon, touching her at every turn, creating more heat inside her body than a fiery furnace. He’d been attentive, aware of curious eyes and playing the game, but Cassie had begun to enjoy his attention a little too much. He almost made her forget that this wasn’t real. He’d be leaving after the rodeo tomorrow and she’d return to Los Angeles. They’d head off in different directions and never see each other again.

“I’d love to dance with you,” she blurted.

His grin reminded her of a swashbuckling pirate, of a handsome rogue, but most of all, that particular lifting of his lips reminded her of a devilish outlaw ready to ride into the sunset with the girl.

He lay a possessive hand to the small of her back and led her onto the dance floor. “I don’t remember you asking me to dance last night,” she said as he took her into his arms. She’d better keep a conversation going, she thought, or she’d get too wrapped up in the soft music, the sway of their bodies and the solid, warm feel of him.

“Doesn’t surprise me. You weren’t thinking too clearly yesterday.” There was a note of irritation in his tone.

Cassie pursed her lips. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean,” he said, loosening his hold on her to gaze directly into her eyes. “Brody Taylor would’ve been your worst kind of nightmare, Cassie. I couldn’t stand there another second and watch him manhandle you.”

Cassie lifted her chin with defiance. “I don’t recall any manhandling.”

Jake pulled her in close with a strong tug, causing the air in her lungs to swoosh out. She fell against the solid wall of his chest, her breasts crushing into him. A little groan escaped his throat. He sucked in oxygen then continued. “Exactly my point.”

Cassie didn’t want a lecture from Jake. She didn’t need to be reprimanded. She’d done what she’d had to do last night and only by the grace of good fortune had things worked out in her favor today. Well, she mused, that still remained to be seen. If Jake was going to bully her, then neither of them was going to have a good time tonight. “Nothing would have happened with him, Jake. I knew enough to keep my head, achy as it was.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Why did he care? They’d only just met and he acted as though they were a real couple. From his tone he seemed to be more than a little curious about her answer. Had he been jealous of Brody?

“Because, Mister-Know-It-All Cowboy, I told you before, I didn’t find him the least bit attractive.”

“Rii-iight,” he replied with a twist of his mouth. “The perfect guy for you. Someone who doesn’t make your hair curl.”

He made her hair curl, and her toes and her stomach. Darn him. Why did she have to find him so attractive?

“And I don’t claim to know it all, but I do know what’s on a man’s mind when he’s holding a beautiful woman in his arms.”

He thought she was beautiful. Cassie’s heart fluttered.

“Care sharing those insights with me?”

He shook his head. “Not a chance, honey.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m not looking for anyone, anyway. I’m through with men.”

“Uh-huh.”

And if he were the type, he would have rolled his eyes, but Cassie heard disbelief in his tone. “You don’t believe me?”

“Nope. You’ve got too much going for you to live the rest of your life alone. You’re hurting right now, but you’ll heal. And then some lucky guy will hog-tie you to him.”

She stopped dancing to make her point. “I’m over the hurt, Jake. I need…space and freedom. I’ve never had that before. Brian’s been wonderful to me, but he’s overprotective. He’s made my life too easy. He’s been accommodating and I’ve allowed it. I think that’s why I’ve made so many errors in judgment lately. It’s my own fault for not being stronger. But now, well…things are about to change.”

“Are they?”

“Yes, they are,” she replied firmly.

“How?”

“I’m giving up my position at Brian’s company. I’ve accepted a job near my hometown that I’m very excited about. I’m through with the big city. I haven’t told Brian yet, so please don’t mention it. I don’t want my older brother to go into cardiac arrest anytime soon, especially right before his honeymoon.”

“What do you do, exactly?”

“I’m an accountant. I’ve always been good with numbers. I’m forever calculating things in my head. It’s almost an obsession.”

He stopped to gaze at her. He spoke softly with an appreciative gleam in his eyes. “You don’t look like an accountant.”

“I, uh…is that a compliment?”

Jake chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”

“And to set the record straight,” she added, “the last thing I want is to have some Neanderthal hog-tie me to him.”

“If you say so,” he said a little too smugly. Heck, what did she care if he didn’t believe her? It wasn’t as though they meant anything to each other. They were reunited acquaintances who would soon say their farewells tonight, and that would be that.

Jake must have been on the same wavelength, because the conversation died and he brought her up close again, pressing her to his solid body.

They moved fluidly across the dance floor, Cassie falling into step with him. He draped his hand down her lower back, dangerously near her derriere, while the other hand played with the ends of her hair. His warm breath caressed her lightly as he nuzzled his nose into her neck, breathing her in, creating exciting thrills throughout her body.




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