the one you want - gena showalter

8/18/2019 The One You Want - Gena Showalter

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New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original HeartbreakersÐabout sexy bad boys each meeting their matchÐwith a special prequel novella!

In small-town Oklahoma, reputation is everything, and Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome hers. The supposed bad girl is determined to walk the straight and narrow, a seemingly impossible task when Tall, Dark and Sexy shows up...

Rich and powerful, Dane Michaelson is every woman's dream. When he returns to Strawberry Valley after a sixteen-year absence, he is unprepared for the redheaded girl he's never been able to forget. She's all womannowÐand he's never wanted anyone more. But to have her, he'll have to break through her defenses...and surrender his own.

Look for the next books in the Original HeartbreakersÐThe Closer You Come, The Hotter You Burn and The Harder You FallÐfrom HQN Books!

THE ONE

YOU WANT

Gena Showalter

Dedication

A huge thank-you to Susan Mallery,

Lori Foster and Bella Andre.

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

CHAPTERONE

ªYOU'RE LATE.º A harried man wearing a suit that could have graced the cover of a high-fashion magazine stepped into Kenna Starr's path, stopping her. ªAll staff enters at the back. Be a good girl and hurry.º

Humiliation burned her cheeks as his identity clicked into place. Timothy Calbert Jr. She'd practically grown up with the guy, and though he'd left town years ago and must have returned only for this special event, the fact that he was her boss's son meant she couldn't correct him the way she had as a child: a slap to the back of the head.

ªI'm not staff,º she muttered. Not tonight, at least.Usually she did work events just like this one. And, granted, she was wearing adress similar to the one gracing every female serving hors d'oeuvres to the engagement party guests.

By ªsimilar,º of course, she meant ªthe exact same.º

But every cent she made went to bills and therewas never anything left over for extras. So she'd gone with Plan ABG. All Baby's Got. Her uniform.

Sure, it was far too short and so tight breathing was nothing more than a pipe dream, but it had one redeeming featureÐit cost zero dollars.

Resourceful gal that she was, Kenna had tried to set herself apart by tying a sheer white scarf around her neck, letting the ends hang between her cleavage and fall all the way to the dress's hem.

Clearly #WardrobeFail.

No! Bad Kenna! No mentally using Twitter tonight. ªI'm a guest,º she added. ªAn honored guest.º Kind of. Maybe.

Okay, probably not.

Junior's lips pursed with irritation. ªName?º

Seriously? She told him, trying not to be further humiliated.



He checked his clipboard. After a blink of surprise, he gave her a disapproving once-over. ªThrough there.º He pointed to the left,but made no effort to move out of her way.

Head high, she skirted around him and came to the foyer's edge. The party was already in full swing, the spacious sitting room crowded. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she studied face after face she didn't recognize. With the glitter and shine radiating from flawless skin and perfectly made-up features, these people had ªcityº written all over them.

And she was just supposed to mingle with them? The cream of Oklahoman society? With Dane Michaelson, who was expected to be here?

#ThisSucks!

He'd moved away from Strawberry Valley sixteen years ago. Though his parents had kept their home, he'd never returned. Not even fora short visit. But the town had never forgotten him and, according to gossip, he'd recently taken over his father's crude oil and natural gas business.

Natural gas, she thought, snickering.

I am not a child. She quickly smoothed her features into a prim-and-proper expression. I am a good little robot.

She scanned the crowd again, but found no sign of Dane. A man rumored to go through supermodel-like beauties as if they enteredhis bedroom on a conveyor beltÐand exited that way, too. In his spare time, he raced fast cars, played golf and sailed, and attended the occasional charity gala.Rich-boy luxuries a country girl like her would never experience.

Did he spend any time thinking about her? Remembering herÐhating her?

Can't worry about stupid Dane Michaelson and his s

tupid feelings. I'm going to have fun. For once.

#LiesITellMyself.

Desperate for a distraction, she took a step forward. Finally she spotted a few locals. In Strawberry Valley, everyone knew everyone else, so it was only a matter of time before someone noticed her and wavedher over....

Andy fetch me a scotch and this time don't be stingy Teegle skipped his gaze right over her. Caroline I'll know if you spit in my food Walloby pointed to her empty champagne glass, expecting a refill.

All I'll ever be to these people is a waitress.

Kenna's best friend and roommate, Brook Lynn Dillon, who was serving tonight, noticed her and made a funny face. Kenna laughed, wishing she could sidle up to her friend and stay put for the rest of the evening. To near the girl was to enter her force field, becoming invisible to everyone everywhere. Men especially couldn't see anything but Brook Lynn's fall of curling blond hair and big blue eyes.

As if he hoped to prove it, an older male wrappe



d his beefy fingers around Brook Lynn's arm. The girl jolted, and the tray she held wavered. Champagne sloshed over the rim of the glasses, and the women around her stepped away as if she'd just contracted a deadly virusÐwhile all of the men moved closer in an attempt to help her.

She tried to wave them off.

They kept talking to her, patting her with napkins to blot up what had spilled.

One rescue, coming up. Kenna hopped off the dais and strode forward, determined to free her friend from the grabby hands. But as more and more partygoers moved away from the chaos, a path beside the girl opened up, revealing the group of people Kenna hadn't yet noticed. At the center of them was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen. So beautiful he couldn't possibly bereal.

The moisture in her mouth instantly dried. He was tall and leanly muscled, with bronzed skin and hair a rich jet-black. His features looked chiseled from granite. Strong, sculpted. Hard. His eyes, a smoldering gold, were stunning and somehow familiar, perfectly offsetting his blade of anose. A nose that would have been considered too severe if not for the lusciouscontrast provided by the only point of softness he possessedÐhis lips. Even his jaw was hard, a square shadowed by the hint of a beard.

He wore danger and excitement as well as he wore his pin-striped suit, as if everything had been perfectly tailored to fit him by magic fairies. Kenna shivered. He was every woman's fantasy made flesh...and hewas staring right at her, his glass lifted midway to his lips, as if he'd been frozen in time.

Electricity crackled in the air between them, anew experience for her. One she didn't understand, and didn't like. But as ensnaredby him as she was, she didn't realize she'd bypassed Brook Lynn completely to stop directly in front of him...until it was too late to back away without causing a scene.

What have I done?

Chin up. Shoulders back. Smile.

ªUm, hi,º she said, then cursed herself for being lame.

The chesty blonde at the man's side flicked her an irritated glance, only to brighten. ªOh, good.º She handed Kenna an empty glass. ªI'd ike another. Thanks.º Then, with her profile to Kenna, she returned to her story about a recent trip to Italy and all the fun she'd had.

Welcome to my nightmare. Kenna's cheeks heated.

Sadly, I doubt this will be the last time I'm embarrassed tonight.

Mr. Fantasy slowly lowered his glass. His eyelids appeared heavy, long black lashes shielding all that smoldering gold. ªKenna Starr,º he said, unrepentant as he interrupted the blondeÐwho then faced Kenna with darkening interest. ªIt's nice to see you again.º His voice was as heady and seductive as the rest of him. Low, with a raspy quality, like melted honey drizzled over warm chocolate chip cookies.



Then his words penetrated her awareness of his masculine charm. See her...again?

He must have sensed her confusion, because he added, ªAnd in the same spot we first met, no less.º

Realization was like a punch in the gut. The same spot. There was only one person she'd met in this house...no, please no...but there was no denying it. She'd just stumbled upon Dane Michaelson.

He looked to be the right age. Around twenty-nine. He had the right hair and eye color. But he didn't have a mess of scars on theleft side of his faceÐsurgery?Ðand he wasn't peering at her with hatred, wasn't callingher awful names.

You're stupid and ugly and trash!

Those were the words he'd spat at her during their last ªplay date.º She'd been seven, and he'd been thirteen, and before that moment, sh loved spending time with him. Which was funny, considering he'd ignored her every time they were thrown together, never deigning to speak with her until those final minutes. But she'd wanted a friend so badly she'd somehow convinced herself shecould win him over.

Now, looking back, she knew how impossible thatwould have been. At the time, he'd known what she hadn't. Her mother and his fatherwere having an affair.

Kenna wanted to hide under the covers every time her mind drifted back to the day of discoveryÐwhen she remembered Christine Michaelson, Dane's mother, walking in on the couple.

How could you do this to me? I'm your wife. And you. You're nothing but trash. A cheap whore!

The very next day, the Michaelson family had mov

ed into the city, about an hour and a half away. Kenna often wondered if Dane realized the affair had continued despite the long distance. Roanne Starr's ªme vacationsº to ªrest and recharge,º despite the fact that she had never worked a day in her life, had given her away. AndÐ

Everyone is watching me, Kenna realized with dawning horror. They were waiting for her to respond to Dane.

ªYou grew up,º she blurted out. Oh, wow. State the obvious much? Way to rack up the fails tonight. You don't even deserve a mental Twitter account.

ªI know a few people who would agree with you,º he r

eplied easily, those amber eyes glittering. ªBut not many.º

ªWell,º the chesty blonde said, running her well-manicured hand down his tie. ªI happen to know for a fact that you're a big...big boy.º

O-kay. Going there, are we?

Dane frowned at the woman.

ªDarling!º Roanne's voice registered, saving Kenna fro



m having to say anything else.

A slender arm wrapped around Kenna's waist and tugged her none too gently from the group. ªExcuse us, please.º

ªI guess this is goodbye,º Kenna said with a wave.

Dane's frown landed on her and deepened.

Roanne drew her away, managing to maintain a smile as she whispered, ªI asked you not to embarrass me, and you show up like this?º

Ah. Motherly love and unconditional acceptance.Can't ever get enough.

They stopped in a shadowed corner. At forty-five, Roanne was still one of the most beautiful women Kenna had ever seen, with a thick mass of red waves and green eyes that rivaled the most expensive of emeralds, two features Kenna had inherited. But while Roanne had flawless porcelain skin, Kenna was covered in freckles.

ªIt's like you go out of your way to hurt me.º Roanneremoved Kenna's scarf and tucked one end along the bust of her dress.

ªWhat are you doing?º she asked, standing still andjust letting it happen, whatever it was. Fighting would do no good.

ªMaking you somewhat presentable. You should havelet me buy you a dress.º

Roanne had been living off Henry Starr's insurance money for about two years. He'd died of cancer after an eight-month battle; actually, he'd died of a broken heart long before that, hating Roanne for her betrayal, but never leaving her. Why he'd stuck around, Kenna had never known. It certainly hadn't been for her. He'd actually disowned her right before her seventeenth birthday, and he'd made it clear his money wasn't to be spent on her, so despite her mom's seemingly kind offerÐalways comes with stringsÐKenna would never take a dime.

ªYou know Daddy would have rather I wore last season's garbage bag,º she said.

ªHe's dead. What he wants doesn't matter anymore.º

ªThat's so cold.º

ªIt's also true.º

Maybe, but all Kenna had ever wanted was to make her father proud and happy.

And I failed in every way.

Motions clipped, Roanne threaded the scarf between Kenna's breasts, draped the material along her middle, then wrapped the ends around her waist. To make sure everything stayed in place, she then used a diamond-crusted broach to pin those ends at Kenna's lower back. The final result was shockingly effective, making the dress appear almost Grecian.

Roanne looked her over, nodded. ªThat'll have to do. Now, don't be a wallflower,º she said, patting Kenna's cheek. ªGet out there and have



good time. Or not. Probably not. We don't want a repeat of...you know.º Her motherflittered off, calling, ªHannah! Darling, you are utterly radiant! I'm so glad you could join us.º

Deep breath in...out...

Kenna concentrated on the beauty of her surroundings, wondering where to go next. The room was decked out with an incredible assortment of hand-carved stones, exotic woods and colorful marbles. Every piece of furniture provided a perfect complement, seemingly plucked straight from some Victorian palace. But her favorites? The intricate mosaics and the magnificent frieze ceiling.

ªChampagne?º Brook Lynn approached her, holding outher tray.

Kenna gazed longingly at the offering, but shook her head. ªI wish. It would certainly make the time tick by faster.º She made sureto enunciate each of her words, so that Brook Lynn would have an easier time reading her lips. Her friend had a rare inner ear disorder that made her hear everyday sounds at an unbearable volume. Even something as simple as a cat's meow usedto send her into screaming fits of pain. The implants in both of her ears were supposed to regulate volume somewhat, or, when even that proved to be too muchÐas it always did at big social gatheringsÐrender her temporarily deaf.

ªIt would also energize this dud fest,º Brook Lynn said.

ªTrue, but I can't risk it.º Even a few sips of alcohol turned Mild Kenna into Wild Kenna. She danced on tables, sang too loudly, even performed strip teases. Once, she'd slept with a boy she hadn't knownÐwhich was exactly how she'd ended up with the horrible reputation she'd never been able to shake.

ªOh, all right,º Brook Lynn said. ªBut if one more drunken old fart grabs my bee-hind, I'm going to do what Rick did to that biker and rip out his throatÐwith my teeth.º

Rick from The Walking Dead. Kenna and Brook Lynn always watched the show together, and then discussed their survival plans for a zombie apocalypse afterward. An apocalypse guaranteed to happen. It was just amatter of time.

ªNo throat ripping today.º Kenna lifted the hem of her dress, revealing the small weapon strapped to her inner thigh. She rarely left home without some sort of protection. ªI brought a mini-ax. I'll defend your honor.º

ªHey! That ax is supposed to be reserved for zombie kills.º

ªUm, I'd say these people are close enough. Wouldn't you?º

Brook Lynn chuckled, and as always, drew the attention of every man nearby. Unfortunately, ªeveryº included their boss, Mr. Calbert, who stood in a far corner watching his employees, making sure everyone did what they were supposed to do. He scowled at Brook Lynn and made a shooing motion with his hands. Grumpy businessman speak for go back to work or you're fired.

ªI'll stay till the bitter end and help clean up,º Ken



na said. ªThat should pacify him for this little noninfraction infraction.º

ªNo way. You won't be paid for it. And you need to get home to Norrie.º

Norrie. Kenna's daughter, and the light of her life. The reason she pushed herself as hard as she did, working full-time and going to school part-time, with the dream of becoming a teacher. ªShe's staying the night with a friend, so no more protests. I'm helping and that's that.º

ªOkay. I accept and you're a doll.º Brook Lynn kissedher cheek before sailing off.

Kenna meandered through the crowd. A few feet away, a guy held out his empty glass without looking away from the man he was conversing with, expecting the wait staff to see and take it. Afraid he would drop it and cause a scene, garnering Mr. Calbert's displeasure with his employees, she bounded forward and claimed the glass. Then the man beside him handed over the glass he'd just drained.

After she placed the empties on a passing tray,she circled the room, pretending to be a happy guest. The richest of women fromStrawberry Valley were decidedly chilly with her, but then, that was nothing new. Some even drew their men away from her to stop any kind of interaction.

Chin up. Shoulders back. Smile. They'd never knowhow deeply their treatment wounded her.

She'd done penitence for her sins for seven years. She'd done penitence for her mother's sins for far longer. No one had wanted to cast blame on Thomas MichaelsonÐor anger him by turning on his lover. But they'd needed a target. And there I was, painting one on my chest.

The city folk were more than happy to chat withher, but they yammered on about things she didn't understand or even care to know. NYMEX. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Untapped oil and natural gas fields in Alaska and the continental United States. Finally she planted herself in

a corner for a brief respite...and like a creeper, watched Dane.

The blond bombshell stayed at his side ninety-five percent of the time, clinging to his arm. No matter whom he spoke with, maleor female, he received constant, eager nods, as if every word that came out of his mouth was the long-awaited answer to world peace.

He was polite to everyone, including the serving staffÐwhich surprised her, because it was such a rare thing among the eliteÐthoughshe noticed he avoided any interactions with his father and her mother, going so far as to steer his date in the opposite direction.

Jessica Kay Dillon, Brook Lynn's older sister and

Kenna's other roommate, as well as a former Miss Strawberry Valley beauty queen, stepped in front of Kenna and offered her a stuffed mushroom from the tray she was circulating.

ªHave you seen Dane Michaelson?º the girl whispered. ªI really hope he's into orgasm donation. I would do him so hard he wouldn't walk right for a week.º

Of course, that was when Dane deigned to look at her again. While she was blushing from Jessie Kay's words, reeling, imagining all



the ways he was probably adept at giving those orgasms. Can't think of him that way. Ever. Because...

Say it. Make peace with it.

Unable to turn away from him, she whispered, ªHe's going to be my stepbrother.º

After all these years, Mr. Michaelson had finally divorced Dane's mother to marry Roanne, and the two were throwing this fabulousengagement party to celebrate. Everyone seemed overjoyed to be a part of their happiness. Everyone except Dane and Kenna.

ªWhat does that matter?º Jessie Kay asked. ªHe's not yor real brother.º

ªHe's still off-limits.º

A gorgeous guy claimed Dane's attention, and finally he broke eye contact with Kenna. She released the breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. Considering the way she reacted to him, it would be in her best interest to stay far, far away from him.

CHAPTERTWO

ªTHE REDHEAD IS...WOW.º

Dane followed his friend's gaze, knowing whom he'd find at the end of the line. Kenna Starr. ªShe is,º he admitted.

But she was also a complication.

He hadn't been prepared for the effect she would have on him. Seeing her for the first time after so many years away had been like falling into an oven after being trapped in a deep freeze. He didn't know whether to bask in the heat, curse or crawl out and toss in a bomb.

Lincoln West rubbed two fingers over his stubble-dusted jaw, saying, ªThe women here don't seem to like her much.º

ªThere are rumors suggesting she's a man-eater,º Danesaid. ªIt's even been debated whether or not she consumes her prey whole or spits out his bones.º He'd also heard she only ever slept with married men, and dumped the poor saps as soon as they were ready to divorce their wives.

What's more, she supposedly had a daughter, though no one even knew the father's name.

Dane would never admit this aloud, but he'd made a point to talk with every party attendee currently living in Strawberry Valley.After a while, he'd stopped trying to be stealthy with his questions, and just flat out demanded answers. Everyone had been more than happy to tell him everything they knew about her...only to pepper every bit of information with all the reasons he should leave Oklahoma City, where'd he'd spent the past sixteen years, and return ªhome.º



He'd return for good in...never.

ªThat sweet little morsel a man-eater?º West gave him a light tap on the arm. ªI'm not buying it. You've seen her busing drinks to help the staff same as I have.º

Dane didn't want to believe the gossip, either. To say he was disappointed by what he'd heard was the equivalent of calling an ocean a puddle. But...if she was anything like her mother...

Yeah. It all came back to that. Even though he knew better than most that a kid shouldn't be blamed for the mistakes of the parents. Which was actually why he was here. Not to support his dad's idiotic decision to marry the woman who had helped destroy their family, but to apologize to the little redheaded girl he'd hurt all those years ago.

He'd never forgotten the way her freckled face had washed with pain and fear as his mother had screamed at Roanne the day she'd discovered the affair. Or how Kenna's little body had trembled. Or how, despite all that, she'd tried to comfort him, even though he'd called her all kinds of nasty names.

It'll be okay. You'll see. Everything will be okay.

He had expected her to grow into a pretty woman. After all, it was her mom's pretty face that ensnared and obsessed his dad. But Dane had not expected this. A beauty more delicate than a fairy-tale princess, with the body of a porn star. Not stick-skinny as society worshipped, but lush and round and soft. A woman's body.

From the moment she'd stepped into the sitting room, he had been unable to tear his attention away from her. She had a cascade ofstunning red hair that possessed the barest hint of a wave. Large eyes shaded with different colors of green were fringed by spiky lashes of jet-black. Plump pink lips formed a heart in the center, surely the epitome of sin. And her skin...damn. A mix of porcelain and silk with the most adorable freckles scattered thro

ughout.

He'd never been a freckle man, but she'd already converted him. He was pretty sure his inner frat boy would have traded his right nut for a chance to trace a path from one of her freckles to the otherÐwith his tongue.

His hands balled into fists. Desire a Starr woman like his father? No. Humiliate his mother further? No, again.

But whatever Kenna's pastÐor presentÐshe still deserved that apology.

ªI think I should get to know her better,º West said, and Dane's fists automatically tightened. He wasn't sure why. ªI could use a friendwhen I move to Strawberry Valley.º

The guy had been looking for a remote place to settle down. He'd never voiced his reasons, but Dane had his suspicions.

West had had a rough upbringing, bouncing to a new foster home every six months or so. Then he'd gotten into some trouble with drugs and pissed away a full ride to MIT. A cautionary tale, yes, but one with a ha



ppy ending. The guy had gotten clean a few years ago and gone on to create a programming system Dane had purchased for eight figures.

Having never had a permanent home, West had to be looking for someplace to put down roots. He probably thought a small town where everyone knew your nameÐand your businessÐwas a little slice of heaven.

He'd soon learn better.

But he wouldn't be learning with Kenna. Because she's soon to be my sister. No other reasonÐtruly. ªI'm your friend.º

ªYou aren't moving back here. She can show me around.º

ªI'll show you around when I visit.º

ªBut you won't get naked with me.º

His eyes narrowed as he said, ªI will if you insist, but she's off limits. She has a kid.º Maybe. Probably.

ªSo?º

ªSo, you don't do mothers.º

ªAlways a first time for everything.º

Irritation nearly choked him. ªYou'll have to pick someone else.º

West arched a brow at him. ªYou staking a claim?º

ªNo.º He didn't do mothers, either. Hell, he didn't eve do commitment. With so many options on the buffet, there was no reason to settle for a single entrée. He would never be like his father, making promises to one woman while lusting after another.

Always better to keep his options open.

ªI just don't want her getting hurt,º he said. ªConside me on big-brother duty and drop it.º

A bark of laughter sounded. ªYou? Looking out fora woman's feelings?º

ªIt's not that hard to believe.º

ªYou forget how long I've known you. I've witnessed the pulverization of your business rivals. I've watched you send your assistants int

o hysterics with a single look, and your dates into bouts of tears with a single word. You, my friend, are what's called an asshat.º

ªAnd you seriously suck.º

Jada, Dane's companion for the evening, returned from the bathroom. ªYou ready to go, baby?º She scraped her nails down the center ofhis tie, a promise of things to come.

Go? His gaze snagged on KennaÐagain. She was dress



ed like the servers, only the outfit was particularly indecent on her, her every dramatic curve on display. Curves that her scarf couldn't hide. But despite the boldness of her dress choice, she appeared almost...shy as she conversed with those around her. Definitely awkward.

When she thought no one was looking, she would bend down and rub her feet. Blisters? When she walked the room after standing for a bit, she would teeter on her high heels. And her smile was clearly fake, practiced rather than natural. A few times, she'd hidden behind potted plants. And yet, when single men leered at her and presented her with a phone number on a napkin, she displayed no surprise or feminine affront, just accepted the ªgiftº and saidsomething to make the male laughÐbefore discreetly disposing of the napkin later on.

The contrasts of her intrigued him.

West was right. She couldn't be a man-eater.

ªDane.º Jada stepped in front of him. ªAre you listening to me? I asked if you were ready to go.º

ªNot yet.º

She stood on her tiptoes and whispered, ªEven thou

gh I'm so hot for you my panties are melting?º

He patted her hand, tried for a charming tone. ªEven though.º

ªDane,º she said, stiffening. ªYou've barely even looke in my direction this whole night.º

ªI'm just certain that's not true,º he repliedÐhis gazeill fixed on Kenna.

Jada reached up to touch his face, but he jerked away before contact. Scowling at her, he said, ªYou know better.º

Paling, she dropped her arm to her side.

West patted him on the shoulder. ªI'll leave you two to your...yeah.º Off he wentÐdirectly to Kenna. The two chatted easily for a bit, and with a quick, unrepentant smile thrown in Dane's direction, West wrote something on a napkin and handed it to her. His number, no doubt about it.

Bastard.

Dane tossed back his champagne and placed the empty glass on a passing tray. He wanted Kenna out of his mind. And he could think of only one way to make that happen. Apologize, as planned, concluding their bu

siness.

Easy enough.

ªYou'll be fine without me for a few minutes,º he told Jada. It was a command, not a question.

She latched on to his wrist. ªBut, bay-bee.º

He hated when she drew out the word like that. A



dded an intimacy to their relationship that wasn't really there. Yes, they'd slept together. Yes, they would sleep together again. But that's all they had, all he wanted.

ªI'm here to spend time with you,º she said. ªNo other eason. I'm ready for us to get closer, reach the next level.º

Scratch that. They wouldn't be sleeping together again. Wanting more had always been, and would always be, the final nail in any of his romantic involvements. He'd be ending things with Jada tonight.

He pried her loose and with a muttered, ªStay,º took off, closing in on Kenna.

Along the way, person after person stepped intohis path. At first, he was polite. Chatted a bit before excusing himself, all the while watching the object of his fascination. She'd been uncomfortable and distant most of the night, but now, as she spoke with a beautiful blonde server, different emotions played over her features. Amusement. Delight. Irritation. Longing.

The longing made his chest ache.

Why?

By the fifth interruption, he was downright rude, snapping, ªI don't care,º and stalking away with determination. Anyone who'd ever spet any time with him knew about his volatile temper, and expected it.

Finally he reached his prey. Close enough to smell the sweetness of her perfume. He breathed in deeply, savoring the scent of vanilla and sugar; some primitive part of him seemed to stretch and wake up, insisting he grab her and cart her away. To bed. Now. Before she got away.

To bed? Hell, no. Where had that come from?

Get this over with. She'd moved on from the server

and was now speaking with Bart Chumley, the middle-aged, recently divorced owner of the two biggest gas stations in Strawberry Valley.

ªÐso kind of you to offer, but I have to work,º she said. ªNot to mention school.º

She was a student? What did she study? And why wasn't she done? She was...twenty-three now, he thought.

Chumley had trouble looking higher than her succulent chest. ªYou're breaking my heart here, Kenna. Surely there's a day that you're fre.º

ªI'm scouring my mental calendar,º she said, ªbut I'm ting you, all the dates are full.º

ªKenna, honey,º Dane said, his low, intimate tone at odds with the murderous glare he directed at Bart. She's going to be a part of my family, and I protect what's mineÐdon't make another play for her.

The male must not have understood the implied threat, because he brightened. ªMr. Michaelson! It's an honor, sir. I've been hoping for a chance to talk with you. You see, I've got this idea, and I knew you'd be perfect



for...º

His voice faded from Dane's awareness. Kenna had stiffened the moment he'd spoken, and now she slowly turned to face him. Her eyes were as wide as saucers, her cheeks flushed a deep rose. A flush that traveled past the bustline of her dress andÐdamn it! He was as bad as Chumley.

ªI'd like a moment of your time,º he said.

She opened her mouth, closed it, then took a step away from him. He got the distinct impression she meant to refuse him, which amazed him. Women more often than not did whatever he asked. Of course, they either worked for him, so he was paying them, or they were dating him, so he was screwing them.

ªPlease,º he added, and the word felt foreign on his tongue.

Her shoulders slumped just a little. ªOh, all right.º

He almost grinned. Almost. ªYour enthusiasm is heartwarming.º

They made it out of the overly crowded sitting room without interruption, Chumley forgotten, and stepped into the library blocked off from guests. It had been so long since he'd been inside this room, and he had mixed feelings about being there now. A bittersweetness. As a child, it had been his favorite place to play, but also where his world had crumbled.

He and his younger brother, Daniel, used to build forts in here while their dad worked, but when Daniel had died about six months before Thomas and Roanne began their affair, Dane had come in here to cry. Tobe alone with his shame and guilt.

He was surprised to discover nothing had changed. Same oak paneling on the walls, the shelves stacked with countless books. Same

paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Pieter Brueghel the Younger and Van Goyen. The triptych above the door still depicted the biblical story of Abraham and the holy sacrifice of his son Isaac.

ªSit,º Dane said to Kenna, and motioned to the couch. At the wet bar, he poured himself three fingers of whiskey. When he turned, Kenna was standing just where he'd left her, nervously shifting from one foot to the other. Wasn't going to trust him or relax. Okay, then. He leaned against the edge of the desk, unwillingly snared by her loveliness. ªI want to apologize for my behavior the last time you were here.º

ªOkay. Wow. I kind of expected to be ice picked.º She toyed with the top of her scarf, causing it to shift, revealing even more of t

hat freckled cleavage. ªBut an apology? Not even a blip.º

He felt as if he was falling back into that oven. He was hot, sweat suddenly trickling between his shoulder blades. His heart pounded erratically, as if trying to escape his chest. His hands itched, and damnif his slacks didn't tighten, nearly choking the life out of his favorite appendage.

ªIf you can forgive meÐº he began.



ªWhich I haven't,º she interjected.

ªBut if you didÐº

ªThough I probably won't.º

ªYeah, but if you did, I wouldÐº The teasing glint inher gorgeous green eyes shut him up. ªAre you laughing at me?º

ªOnly a little.º A smile lifted the corners of her lips, brightening her entire face. Suddenly she glowed, and he realized he wasn't just falling back into the oven, but rather he'd already been cooked.

Stick a fork in me. I'm done. Charred all the wayto the bone.

He must have been radiating heat, because the air between them began to sizzle. She lost her smile, her features dimming. He cursed the loss. Other women must have glowed like that, surely, but as he racked his brain, he came up empty.

ªSorry,º she said after clearing her throat. ªI couldn' help myself. You were just so...intent. And really, there's no need for you to apologize, Mr. Michaelson.º

ªDane.º

ªYou were a kid,º she continued. ªYou were reacting to the horror of the situation.º

ªYou didn't react to the situation.º

Her next smile was slower to come but no less bright. ªThat just means I've always been more intelligent than you.º

Smart mouth.

Gorgeous mouth. How did it taste?

Stop. Stop!

What kind of rare creature continuously teased the big, bad ruler of the Michaelson fortune? A golden unicorn at the end of a rainbow? It was new to him. But...he liked it, he realized.

Was this how she'd stolen the hearts of all her lovers?

He stiffened, hating the thought. Earlier, he'd convinced himself that West was right...that Kenna was just a sweet girl caught up

in the falsity of rumor. He suspected, perhaps, that he hadn't wanted to believeit, that he hadn't wanted her to be just like her mother. But here she was, charming the uncharmable, stoking fires of a jealousy he'd never before experienced.

ªDo you have a kid?º The question left him before he could stop it.

Her features shuttered, hiding all emotion. ªYes.º

Well, then. If one rumor was true...



ªShe's six,º Kenna added. ªBut don't strain yourself do the math. I'll just tell you. I got pregnant at sixteen and had her at seventeen.º

Something about her tone bothered him. He heardaffection and love, sure, but also sorrow and pain. ªIs the fatherÐº

ªNow, just hold on a sec, Mr. Michaelson.º

ªDane.º Her insistence on calling him Mr. Michaelson frustrated him.

A lot of things are frustrating me tonight.

ªI'm not discussing that part of my life with you,º she said.

Fair enough. The fact that he'd even broached thetopic stunned him. He, one of the most private people in existence, often refused to answer the simplest of questions about himself, and he always despised those who dared to ask, and yet here he stood, grilling Kenna about the most intimate details of her life. As if he had a right to know.

He should walk away from her. He'd done what he'd se

t out to do. He'd apologized. But he was loath to leave things so strained between them. They would be seeing each other again, after all.

Yeah. That's why. Not for any other reason. ªI heard you say you're a student. What are you studying?º

Leery, as if she expected him to laugh, she softly admitted, ªElementary education.º

Admirable. ªWhen do you finish?º

ªTwo years. I hope.º

ªWhy the late start?º

ªMy daughter.º

Reminded of the child, he frowned. ªThe girl whose father you refuse to name.º

She pushed out a heavy sigh. ªWe're not going to get very far like this, so I retract what I said about not discussing that part ofmy life. What is it you really want to know? If her dad was married to someone else when she was conceived, as rumor claims? If I'm a husband-stealing whore?º

A muscle clenched in his jaw. His gaze slid down

her body, noting again how the dress hugged each of her delicious curves. She had gorgeous legs any man would kill to have wrapped around him, with her hookerheels digging into his back.

ªAre you?º he asked.

Her eyes narrowed, dark lashes fusing. While she had glowed with her amusement, she crackled savagely with her anger. What thisgirl felt, she really felt. Emotion affected her soul-deep.



ªI was seventeen when I gave birth to Norrie. I was a kid myself. That's all. But now I will never give you a chance to get to knowwho and what I have become,º she said. Up went her chin. Back went her shoulders.She pasted that fake smile on her face, one that definitely didn't glow. ªWould my past make me any less of a person with feelings capable of being hurt now?º

Hate myself. ªNo,º he said. ªYou're not a whore. I had o right...Kenna, IÐº

ªDon't bother. You heard the gossip and judged me guilty. That tells me all I need to know about your character. Goodbye, Mr. Michaelson.º She walked out of the library, and she never once looked back.

CHAPTERTHREE

THE NEXT DAY was business as usual for Kenna.

Though it was saturday, she'd risen early in the morning to read the lectures that had been posted for her online courses, and to

complete as many of the upcoming homework assignments as possible. Now she was spending the afternoon with her greatest source of joy, Norrie, before her evening would be dedicated to her job at Two Farms.

She pushed Dane Michaelson and his cruel accusations to the back of her mind...as well as the memory of his hard body pressed against her long-neglected one as he'd led her away from the party, the heat of himpulsing around her, driving her mad, the scent of himÐtestosterone and what couldbe referred to only as manfleshÐthrilling every fiber of her being. She didn't allow herself to worry about his bad opinion of her. Really. She didn't. Or wouldn't.

Starting now.

She and Norrie walked to Strawberry Park, whereBrook Lynn, who worked at Rhinestone Cowgirl every morning, making jewelry, wasto meet them. It was late spring, the air cool and fragrant, the small hills and meadows covered with wild strawberries, one of God's finest creations. The plants were spread low across the ground, remaining in small clusters. The flowers had five white petals and yellow centers, the leaves divided into three rounded leaflets with toothed edges.

The wild berries were smaller than ordinary strawberries, bright red and amazingly delicious. She should have been tired of thefruit, as many as she'd eaten throughout her life, but no. She was pretty sure she'd one day die of an overdose.

ªAunt Brook Lynn!º Norrie squealed, running to throw herself into the blonde's open arms, her hair a red stream waving behind her. ªDidyou bring me one of your special necklaces? Huh, huh, did you?º

ªHey, baby girl. I sure did.º She handed Norrie a small box. Brook Lynn and her over-the-top designs were responsible for turning the jewelry store into one of the town's biggest tourist attractions. Not that EdnaMills paid her appropriately.

After the little girl had oohed and aahed over t



he sparkling strawberry pendant that glistened with all the colors of a rainbow, she said, ªGuess what? I promised my momma I wouldn't talk to strangers, because they might want to touch my private places, and that would be bad. Oh, good! There's Sara!º Norrie rushed to the swing set.

Kenna and Brook Lynn shared a smile. They'd both gotten used to Norrie's inability to keep anything secret.

ªCome on.º Kenna led Brook Lynn to a nearby bench. Along the way, her cell phone rang. She groaned when she spotted the familiar number. ªIt's my mother. Probably calling to tell me everything I did wrong at the party.º

A look of yearning flashed over Brook Lynn's face. The girl had lost both of her parents years ago, and would have welcomed a little parental nitpicking.

She kissed her friend's cheek before she stepped away and answered. ªHello, Mother Dearest.º

ªYou know I hate when you call me that,º Roanne said on a sigh.

ªI could encourage Norrie to call you Granny. Like

that better?º

Roanne hmphed. ªListen, I want you to come to dinner tonight.º

ªI can't. I have to work.º

ªBut...won't you cancel? For me?º

ªI'm sorry, but no. I kinda like being paid.º

Roanne murmured under breath, her exasperation clear. ªWhat about tomorrow night?º

Kenna's one night off. She usually spent it with Norrie, cooking one of her daughter's favorite meals. Always a toss-up between macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese pizza. But deep down, Kenna was still a needy little girl, craving time with her own mother.

ªAll right,º she said. ªNorrie and I will be there.º

ªWonderful. Bring a date. Dane will be there withhis. Kisses,º her mom added in a rush, before Kenna could protest.

Click.

For several long moments, Kenna sat in a daze. Dinner...with Dane. And his date.

Date. Crap! Whom was she supposed to take? She had no prospects, because she had no social life. Despite what everyone thought,her last relationshipÐher only real relationshipÐhad happened two years ago with a guy who'd used to spend the summers here. Paul Bramland. Her age, cute. But she'd refused to spend an entire night with him or introduce him to Norrie, and while he'ddealt with those quirks without much protest, he hadn't been able to deal with her refusal to be seen with him in public. She'd explained her reasonsÐgossipÐbut he hadn'



cared. He'd left town and never come back.

Guess I have that effect on men.

Though other guys asked her out, she always said no. She had so little to give, and besides, she knew she'd have to endure looks and whispers if ever she gave in. Why even bother?

ªEverything okay?º Brook Lynn asked.

No. No, it wasn't. But rather than dump all of her problems on her friend, she said, ªDo you ever just...I don't know...cut loose? Seize the day? Have fun?º

ªUm, did you forget who you were talking to? No. I never do those things.º

ªWell, we've got to do something about that. We're too young to be so...º

ªCurmudgeonly?º

ªExactly!º She chewed on her bottom lip as she pondered ways to rectify the problem. Whatever they did, it would have to be discreet

. Kenna's reputation was bad enough. And totally undeserved! She waited on men for a living. They came to the restaurant where she worked, and she served them. If one of them happened to announce he was getting a divorce soon after, well then, some people just assumed Kenna was at fault. Like mother, like daughter.

Not that she'd ever explain the truth to Dane. The guy she wasn't going to think about anymore.

ªMaybe we could, I don't know...try every flavor ofBen and Jerry's ice cream,º she said. ªText I hid the body to a random number. Dress up like Cinderella and actually go out in public. Eat a real Krabby Patty. Get atattoo.º Once she started, she couldn't stop. ªTP someone's house. Solve a case with Shrlock and Watson. Discreetly ask out a boy. Oh, screw it. Boldly ask out a boy,

ignoring gossip.º

Catching her excitement, Brook Lynn said, ªWe could throw a drink in someone's face. Gulp blue Gatorade out of a Windex bottle. Skinny-dip. No, no, that's too cliché. We could jump into a body of water with all of our clothes on. Spy on someone. Speak with a fake accent for an entire day.º

ªYes, yes, yes!º She clapped. Then, testing out herfake accent said, ªWez should doz it. Allz of it.º

Brook Lynn nodded enthusiastically. ªI'm in! It'z will be soz, well, funz.º

ªIf an opportunity arises and we're not together, we have to try to get video proof so neither of us misses anything.º

ªDeal.º

ªMomma, Momma,º Norrie called, rushing over. Her cheeks were flushed a bright red, almost a perfect match to her hair. Like Roanne,her skin was unmarred by the freckles Kenna had inherited from her father. ªSara said there's a baby growing in her mommy's tummy and when she asked how the baby gotthere, her mommy said her dad gave her a special seed. Is that true? Did my dadd



y give you a special seed?º

Oh, sweet hairy balls. Kill me. Kill me now. Norrie knew nothing about her father because Kenna knew nothing. Well, she knew a little. He'd been a few years older than her, a college student, and he had not been married. ªLet's go home and I'll explain about this, uh, special seed.º

Brook Lynn chuckled behind her hand. ªThis is where I say goodbye.º

* * *

THE NEXT DAY was not business as usual for Kenna.

Yes, she did her schoolwork. Yes, she spent time with Norrie, and even took her to church. But rather than go to work afterward, she spent the time stressing and scouring her closet for an outfit to wear to The Dinner from Hell. And she didn't know why she bothered. The contents hadn't changed in years. Mostly threadbare T-shirts and jeans with holes.

ªWhat do you think of this?º she asked Norrie, who sat on her bed. She held up the blazer she'd purchased at a thrift store to interview for her job at the restaurant. She'd had to rip the shoulder pads outÐthat's how ol

d the thing wasÐbut it had obviously impressed Mr. Calbert, so...

Norrie giggled and shook her head no.

In the bedroom doorway, Jessie Kay said, ªIf it's true a girl has to dress for the man she wants to catch, then you're about to catchan eighties heartthrob. Congrats.º

Fine. She discarded the jacket and grabbed her favorites. A T-shirt that read ªFree Contradictions Cost $1.00,º and a pair of denims that weren't even good enough to be given away, and called it good.

ªI love it. Total rebel,º Jessie Kay said. ªBesides, i

t's you. Fancy-shmancy isn't.º

And that wasn't a bad thing, she told herself. I'm comfortable, dang it. ªNorrie, sweetheart, are you sure you don't want to go with me?ºKenna asked.

ªSo sure. Me and Aunt Jessie Kay are gonna watch TV.º

Brook Lynn was working at Two Farms tonight, but like Kenna, Jessie Kay had the night off. It wouldn't be the first time she'd let the wild girl watch Norrie on her own, but just like every time before, she was a bit nervous.

At least she had found a date. West, one of themen she'd met at the engagement party, had given her his phone number. Actually alot of guys had, though none but West had seemed to care about getting to know her. They'd wanted an in with the Michaelsons.

West didn't live in town. Yet. If she was remembering correctly, he'd mentioned that he planned to move here. He was in his late twenties, and was almost as gorgeous as Dane, with dark hair, sinful brown eyes and the cheekbones and jaw of a fallen angel.



She'd invited him to the family dinner, fulfilling the first item on the fun list. But his response had confused her.

ªDoes Dane know you called me?º he'd asked.

She'd told him no. Why would that matter? Then he'dsaid, ªThis is probably going to get me killed, but better me than some poor shmuck who won't realize he's just stepped on a land mine. Sure. I'm in.º

She should have canceled. He clearly didn't want to go with her.

ªLet's go veg out in front of the tube now, squirt,and avoid your mom's incoming panic attack,º Jessie Kay said.

ªI want to dessert out in front of the tube!º Norrie jumped up, and the two hurried away.

Panic attack was right. Kenna's heart had kicked into an unsteady rhythm, making it clear there was only one thing that was certain tonight. She was going to make a fool of herself. She had no idea what to sayto West, as his friends called him, or how to act with him.

She and Paul had hung out at his rented house on the rare evenings she'd been free. They'd watched TV, fooled around and gone theirseparate ways.

And that, right there, was the extent of her ªdatingº experience.

She certainly hadn't been dating Norrie's sperm donor.

Perfect description of him. At sixteen, she'd gone to her first and only rager and watched, completely awed, as the girls had gone crazy, drinking, flirting and dancing. Being an underdeveloped, never admired g

irl, she'd wanted so badly to be someone else. So she'd drunk more than she should have, hoping for liquid courage, and ended up in bed with random college guys.

Guys. Plural.

The next morning, she'd woken up with three complete strangers with only a foggy recollection of all the things they'd done, hatingherself, hating them, sore and aching, having to walk through a living room filled with hungover teenage boys who'd leered at her before inviting her to attend the party in their pants, and teenage girls who'd whispered about her, refusing to look her in the eye, and basically making her feel like the lowest life-form on the planet.

#Screwed #NotInAGoodWay

No. No! Not starting that again.

The doorbell rang, drawing her out of her musings.

Crap! It was too late to call West and cancel.

Not going to let old mistakes dictate the future



. I move forward. Always. She tugged on her sneakers and strode to the front door. She paused in the living room to kiss Norrie goodbye and give Jessie Kay a warning glare. Take care of her. She's my life.

Jessie Kay rolled her eyes. ªGo bang the hottie. We'll be fine.º

ªWhat does bang mean?º Norrie asked.

ªIt means to punch him,º Kenna said, and told herself it wasn't actually a lie. ªBut that would be rude, so I'm not going to do it.º

ªYou're so nice, Momma.º

ªThank you, baby. Now, don't stay up too late, and don't eat too much sugar. And don'tÐº

ªYeah, yeah, yeah.º Jessie Kay threw a couch cushion at her. ªYou're interrupting our SpongeBob marathon. Get lost.º

At the door, she didn't stop to exchange pleasantries with West, but exited and shut herself outside so that there was no reason for him to meet or speak with Norrie. She didn't like that he'd had to pick her up, but she didn't have a car. Allowances had had to be made.

West gave her a once-over, his lips twitching at the corners. ªWe're going to the Michaelson mansion, yes?º

ªYes.º He wore a dark gray suit, paired with a red tie, and he smelled nice. He also radiated heat. But where were the sparks? The same wild surge of attraction she'd felt whenever she'd looked at Dane?

Dane, who was not an option. Ever.

ªIs that your subtle way of telling me I'm hobo chic?º she asked.

ªHell, no. Just that I'm feeling a tad overdressed is all.º

ªWell, I'm sorry about that,º she said, and truly, she meant it. ªI don't usually go out with guys, or anyone, and didn't have the time to shop,º or the resources, ªso I had to make do with what I had.º I'm babbling. Stop. ªIf rather not go with me, I will completely understand and won't hate you for more than a day. Maybe two.º

He waved her words away. ªDon't worry about it. Youlook wonderful and comfortable. I'm jealous. We'll stop by my place, and I'll change.It's on the way.º

ªBut the others...they'll be dressed like you.º I'm figting his proposition? Idiot!

He grinned. ªAsk me if I care.º

Okay, she seriously liked this guy.

But still there were no sparks.

At his houseÐa rental in the center of townÐshe wait



ed in the car. The surrounding streets and shops were crowded, and several people watched unabashedly. She wondered what they were thinking, and what the gossip vines would say tomorrow.

Lock your men inside. Kenna Starr is on the prowl.

A guy like Lincoln West wants a woman like Kenna Starr for only one thing.

She held her head high, pretending not to notice the attention. I'm bold. I'm freaking badass.

West returned, wearing a T-shirt that read ªNeverJudge a Book By Its Movieº and a pair of jeans as faded as hers, and she burst out laughing.

He gave a lock of her hair a tug. ªRed, you are one beautiful woman, you know that?º

She sobered instantly, slowly shrinking back inher seat. Too soon! Too soon! ªThank you.º

He surprised her with a smile full of genuine am

usement. ªYou know I'm only interested in being friends with you, right?º

No, but that was kind of a relief to hear. ªHaving you as a friend sounds nice.º

ªGood. Together we can ensure Dane has a very shitty night.º

How bad was it that her belly quivered at the mere mention of her soon-to-be stepbrother's name? ªWhy would we want to do that?º

West eased his sweet little sports car onto theroad. ªI've known him a long time. I admire him. Hell, I might even love him. He hel

ped me whenÐwell, he helped me, and I owe him. He never lies, never plays games. He always says what he means and means what he says. And he has made it clear you're off-limits.º

Wait. What? ªYou must have misunderstood him.º She was nothing to Dane. Probably less than nothing now.

Laughter met her pronouncement. ªYeah. Keep telling yourself that. It's only going to make the evening more entertainingÐfor me.º

CHAPTERFOUR

DANE HAD BEEN called a lot of names in his life. Asshole, bastard, jerk, Ice Man. Most recently, asshat. Thanks, West. But he'd never felt they were accurate...until Kenna.

He'd nearly hired a P.I. to dig into her pastÐasshole. I'd beat anyone who dug into my past.



He'd judged her for a past he knew very little aboutÐbastard. But I can guess she had a crappy childhood, same as me.

He'd judged her for sins he wasn't even sure she'd committedÐjerk. How many times have I had dinner with a female business associate and later found internet posts about our supposed affair?

He'd let her walk away without offering another apologyÐIce Man.

Someone should take him out to pasture and shoot him.

He kept remembering the way she'd teased him before he'd insulted the very fabric of her character. The heartbreak of her quiet dignity. The resolve of her inner strength.

Just how deeply had he hurt her? His chest ached at all the possible answers. He kept remembering her dedication to her friends, how she'd stayed till the bitter end of the party to help the servers clean up.

He might not know every detail of her past, buthe liked who she was now.

Have to make things right. It was the only reason he'd accepted his father's invitation to dinner.

Dane led his date into his childhood home. His father and Roanne were waiting in the sitting room, where the engagement party had been held. Thomas had an arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close, as if she were a precious treasure.

Opinions were subjective.

Dane fought a wave of disappointment when he realized Kenna hadn't yet arrived.

ªWell, well,º Thomas said. ªLook who decided to put his big-boy panties on and face his dear old dad.º

ªThere's one problem with that statement,º Dane replied easily. ªYou aren't dear to me.º

Thomas pursed his lips when Dane sat on the couch rather than closing the distance and extending a hand to shake. ªYou're still blaming me for your unhappiness, I see.º

ªIf only that were all I blamed you for.º Dane usedto idolize his father. Thomas had been the one to comfort him after Daniel's death

. But since the revelation of The Affair, Dane could barely stand the sight of him.

Blustering, his father snapped, ªOne day you'll fall in love. You won't be able to help yourself. You'll sell your soul to be with her.º

Dane glanced at Roanne. She stared down at her feet. ªYou speak as if I actually have a soul. As if mine wasn't ripped from me by lies and betrayal.º



They lapsed into silence, minute after minute ticking by, no one daring to speak. Roanne puttered around the sitting room, fiddling with the trays of hors d'oeuvres, smoothing the fabric of her form-fitting white dress. Dane's date, Courtney, sat beside him on the couch, sipping wine. Thomas finally claimed the chair in front of the hearth and glared at everyone.

Then the doorbell rang.

Dane stood, every muscle in his body suddenly tense.

The housekeeper answered the door and a few seconds later, Kenna was stepping into the sitting room. Breathing became a thing of the past. Her hair hung over her shoulders like streams of fire. Her cheeks were pale, her freckles stark. She wore a comfortable top and jeansÐand he respondedas if she were naked, desperate to get to her. To have her. Why? It made no sense. He wasn't some virginal kid with a fistful of twenties standing inside a whorehouse.

But...damn. She was natural and beautiful and real.

And she was a mother. He avoided mothers, he reminded himself. Always. He wanted nothing to do with children. Not raising them,

nurturing them or possibly ruining their lives.

ªThis isn't awkward at all,º West said with a grin. ªNo a bit of tension in this room.º

Surprise and irritation filled Dane. Kenna had chosen to come with West. And West had agreedÐafter being warned away.

Dane gave his friend a stiff nod of greeting. The fact that the guy was dressed as casually as Kenna suggested they were comfortable enough with each other to converse about their clothes and actually coordinate.

They better not be comfortable enough.

While Kenna had stopped in the doorway, West kept coming forward, extending his hand to Dane. They shook, each squeezing hard enough to crack bone.

West never lost his grin as he leaned in and whispered, ªDon't worry. I know she's your sister. I'll treat her right. In bed and out. Iwilling to listen to any objections you may have, though. No? Nothing? Okay, then.º He patted Dane on the shoulder and maneuvered around him to say hello to the others.

A curse rose from deep in his chest and exploded

before he could stop it. West laughed without turning around.

ªOne day,º Dane snarled, ªI'm going to put your nuts ina grinder and make a testicle salad sandwich.º

West just laughed harder.

ªDane.º His father stared at him as if an alien baby had just clawed its way out of his stomach. ªThat's no way to speak to a guest.º



ªI've been known to say worse,º Kenna said.

Sticking up for him?

She approached him before he could respond, herfake smile in place. ªIt's nice to see you again, Dane.º

He hated that smile, wanted the real one. He also hated how formal and distant she was with him. No one to blame but myself. ªNice isn't the adjective I expected you to use.º He smoothed his expression, took her handÐwarm, soft, delicateÐand kissed her knuckles...he wanted to lick them when he caught the scent of strawberries. Not an odd thing in this town, and not somethingthat would normally arouse him, but it was stronger on her, sweeter, and his mouth watered for a taste.

Control. He forced himself to release her.

She took two steps back.

ªI owe you another apology,º he said quietly. Whatever her past, he was no one's judge and didn't want to be. ªI had no right to attack your character.º

A few moments passed while she seemed to grapple

with acceptance of his words. When she decided he'd meant what he said, the stiffness drained from her shoulders. ªJust so you know, I don't sleep with married men.º

ªI believe you.º

ªThen you're forgiven.º

That easily? ªSomeone's got to teach you how to hold on to a good grudge, honey,º he teased.

What the hell. Me? Teasing?

Her eyes twinkled up at him, the glow at last re

turning to her cheeks. ªEveryone makes mistakes.º

Yes, but he seemed to make more than most. One of his had cost his brother his life. His hand inched upward, toward his cheek, to the scars countless surgeries had made more aesthetically pleasing.

When he realized what he was doing, he scowled. ªWe're going to be family,º he said. ªI'd like us to be friends.º

ªFriends?º The word was little more than a whisper.

ªYes.º

ªFriends spend time together.º Her gaze slid over him the way his had slid over her when they'd stood inside the library, and he noticed the way her pulse jumped in her neck. How a tremor moved through her, rocking her on her feet.

Was she...attracted to him?

His body responded to the idea, hardening.

ªIÐº Whatever she'd intended to say, she changed her mi



d. ªSure.º She nodded. ªThat'd be nice.º

ªNice,º he parroted, when suddenly friendship sounded anything but.

Roanne and Courtney appeared arm in arm at his side.

ªWhat are you wearing?º Roanne demanded of Kenna, who went pale again.

Both females were in designer dresses with heels so tall he was surprised they weren't mistaken for stilts.

Courtney went on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek,and he jolted away, avoiding contact. She stiffened, and he knew he'd embarrassedher, but he'd already explained to her, to every woman he'd ever dated, that his face was off-limits, even in bed.

ªCould you embarrass me more?º Roanne said on a sigh, still focused on her daughter.

Kenna flinched before squaring her shoulders. ªYes, I could,º she said. ªWould you like me to show you how?º

Dane hid a grin. ªI think she's perfect just the way she is.º

She gazed at him with surprised gratefulness. ªReally? I mean, thank you. Friend.º

He gritted his teeth.

ªI agree. I think you look lovely,º Courtney said, kind as usual. ªBut perhaps you'd like to borrow my wrap?º She offered the last for Roanne's benefit, revealing an aspect of her character he did not like. She was someone who would never pick a side or fight for what she believed in.

He'd be ending things tonight.

ªThank you, but no.º Kenna raised her chin. ªI'm perfec.º

The action...he'd seen it before, when they were in the library together...a habit, he realized. When she was being judgedÐand had to steel herself against hurt? Just how often had it happened in her short life?

An-n-nd, his chest started aching all over again.

ªI agree about the perfect thing.º West appeared atKenna's side and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Dane pressed his tongue against the roof of hismouth to stop himself from speaking. No telling what he'd say.

ªButÐº Roanne began.

ªLeave the girl alone, Roanne. She's as pretty as apicture,º Thomas said, astonishing Dane. His father moved to the entrance of the d



ining room. ªThe food is ready, and I'm a starving man. Come on, now, everyone.º

The others joined him, while Dane hung back. Kenna was the only one to notice. She offered him a nod of encouragement.

The last time he'd sat at that dining table, Daniel had been alive, and his parents had been in love. He'd been part of a happy family.

As the door to the past opened, memories swamped him.

Don't go there.

Too late.

I want to skate on the pond, Dane.

It's dangerous. The ice could crack.

It won't. Please!

With that heartfelt plea, Dane had caved.

Now he rubbed his cheek; he would have sworn hefelt the jagged edge of ice digging in, digging deep, as he'd tried to pull his brother from the frigid water after the ice had, in fact, cracked. Would have sworn that, despite multiple surgeries to smooth the skin, it was still raised.

ªDane?º Kenna's voice drew him out of his head, and the dark mire of his thoughts. ªDeciding whether or not to make a run for the door?º She stopped a few feet away from him and smiled, her real smile, and his breath snagged in his throat. So damn beautiful. ªGotta say, you look like you'd rather loban H-bomb into the dining room than enter it.º

ªFor once, looks are not deceiving. But I wonder why you don't you look that way. The way your mother speaks to you...º He didn't like i

t.

She shrugged. ªShe's the only parent I have left.º

ªYou forgive her?º

ªEvery day, in every way.º

ªYou forgive too easily, honey.º

ªYou told me that already. But honestly, it's not easy. It's just something I have to do. For me. I don't want to spend my days mad or bitter, and I refuse to let her opinion color mine. Besides, you should be gratef

ul. You've had to apologize to me twice, practically begging for that easy forgiveness.º

ªBrat,º he muttered.

Grinning, she said, ªI was headed to the bathroomto wash my hands. At the risk of everyone assuming I lied and that I'm actually suffering from terrible digestive problems, would you like to walk through the gardens?º



Time alone with her? ªI'd like that very much,º he said, and offered his hand.

She hesitated only a moment before wrapping herfingers around his. Suddenly they were skin to skin. The heat of her thrilled him. The softness of her teased him. He wanted...

More.

Cursing himself, he led her through the house, avoiding the dining room. Once they were outside in the coolness of the evening and under the stars, she released him. But the memory of her touch continued to haunt him. He craved her softness and heat, fought the urge to grab her hand andhold on for dear life.

Came here with Courtney. Kenna came with West. She did the right thing.

But even still, the desire for contact never lessened.

They slowly moved through the maze of roses, gardenias and clinging vines, the moon high and golden. A lover's moon. Just bright enough to light the way, and just dark enough to hide his yearning to steal a kis

s.

The tension in him intensifiedÐand pooled in one place.

ªCourtney seems nice,º she said.

ªI don't want to talk about her.º

ªThe other girlÐº

ªHer either.º

ªHow many girlfriends do you have?º she asked.

ªNone.º

ªNone? Wow,º she said.

ªWow?º

She laughed, the sound of it as magical as her smile, enchanting him. ªAre you my official echo? Yes, wow. You seem to have an unending supply of nondates. But how about I do you a solid and focus on somethingbesides your revolving bedroom door? Like West. He isÐº

A flash of jealousy caused him to speak over her. ªI don't want to discuss him either.º

ªO-kay. You are severely limiting my options for conversation topics,º she said.

ªI'll give it a try, then. How'd you spend your day?º Tinking about me? The way I thought about you?

ªI don't want to say,º she hedged.



Curiosity crashed through him like a lightning bolt. ªNow you have to tell me.º

ªOr?º

ªOh, honey. I'm a man without mercy. I'm willing to tickle you until you pee your pants, letting everyone think it isn't just your digestive system acting up.º

She snorted, and even that was charming. ªGood luck with that. I'm not ticklish.º

ªSure you are.º

ªI'm not. Really.º

ªYou are, you just don't know it. Trust me. No one has found the right spot on your body, that's all. But I could. It's a gift.º

Silence.

Such wicked silence.

The huskiness of his tone and the suggestiveness of his words echoed in his mind. He was flirting. He never flirted. Nor was heever playful. Nor had he ever tickled a woman, or even wanted to.

Until now. Until her. The woman he couldn't have and shouldn't want. Kenna wasn't one of his in-and-out relationships, even if she would be agreeable to such an arrangement.

Would she?

ªI was planning a sort-of bucket list,º she said, easing back into the conversation.

ªSort-of bucket list?º

ªA...fun list. Things my friend and I want to do before we dry up like old prunes.º

Dry up? Oh, sweetheart. I'll make you so wet you'llÐ

Nothing.

He fought the curl of desire low in his belly. ªA...sexual list?º he asked, treading carefully.

ªNo!º she shouted, horrified. ªNo. We're going to get t

ttoos and throw a drink in someone's face. And TP someone's house. And jump into a pool with our clothes on.º She ticked off several other to-dos, each more entertaining than the last. Tame, but endearing.

Her excitement was a heady thing, dusting her lovely freckled skin with a pink that rivaled the roses around them; he realized he was smiling. This woman might have a daughter, but she was as innocent and pure as newly fallen snow.

ªI want to help,º he said. ªI have to drive to Dallas



tomorrow for a series of meetings, but I'll be back on Friday. Wait for me, and I'll help you check off a few items.º

In fact, he didn't like the thought of her doing a single one without him. Wanted to witness them all.

ªWait. I'm not sure I understood you correctly. Youwant to...help me?º she asked.

ªWhy is my aid so surprising? We're friends, aren't we?º

ªI guess.º She eyed him curiously. ªBut what if a perfect opportunity presents itself while you're out of town?º

He thought for a minute, decided. ªChange of plans. I'll skip Dallas and return to Strawberry Valley tomorrow.º He was the boss. His word was law. He could delegate and do what he wanted, when he wanted. ªWe'll start on your list. Together.º

CHAPTERFIVE

KENNA BUZZED WITH anticipation all day, watching the clockÐtick, tockÐwhile writing a paper for school, watching Norrie and even while working at Two Farms. Dane had promised to pick her up after her shift, despite the lateness of the hour.

His one and only text played through her mind.

You decide what U want 2 do & I will make it happen.

As awesome as that was, one thing was even awesomer.

Awesomer? I'm worse than a junior high girl with a secret crush. But the fact that thrilled her? She now had his phone number, and it was totally okay, because he didn't have a girlfriend.

Why didn't he have a girlfriend?

She would have done an internet search, but didn't want to learn about him that way. What was on paperÐor online, whateverÐwasn't always accurate. After all, if anyone had ever cared enough about her life to post the details online, well, most of the ªfactsº would have been false.

Was Dane allergic to commitment? Or had he justnot found the right person? Was he a serial bang-and-bailer?

ªHello. Earth to Kenna.º

Kenna blinked, realized she'd been standing in front of Bart Chumley's table for several minutes, silent. ªI'm sorry.º He'd asked to be ped in her section, and she prayed he didn't pressure her for a date again. ªHave you decided what you'd like to order?º



He ignored the question, saying, ªYou know I havethree daughters, yes? They're fourteen, twelve and nine, and I know they would love to hang out with your Norrie. We should schedule a get-together.º

ªWhen I was fourteen, twelve and nine, I wanted nothing to do with anyone younger, so I doubt your daughters will want anything to do with mine,º she said, softening the rejection with a smile. ªNow, what can I get you to eat?º

The next few hours of her shift passed slower than the othersÐsurelyÐbut somehow she survived. Barely. Bart actually stuck around, even when everyone else took off. Brook Lynn would have stayed to help Kenna clean up, but Jessie Kay was off no-one-knew-where again, and Brook Lynn was determined to find her. Plus, Brook Lynn would be picking Norrie up from the sitter.

ªI don't know if you heard,º Bart said, watching Kenna mop, ªbut my divorce is now official.º

ªThat's...good?º Will I be blamed?

ªChumley,º a hard voice suddenly boomed. ªA word.º

Dane! Her gaze cut through the dim haze of the r

estaurant to find him in the doorway, wearing another suit, this one navy pin-striped and pure business chic. His dark hair stuck out in spikes, as if he'd plowed his fingers through the strands one too many times.

Kenna's heart kicked into warp speed.

ªMy pleasure, Mr. Michaelson.º Grinning excitedly, Bart joined Dane.

Dane led him outside. Why was he so angry aboutthe potential conversation? Because he was jealous?

But...no. Impossible. Kenna looked nothing like

his ladyloves. Once underdeveloped, childbirth had left her overdeveloped and in no way slender. And maybe the cookies she loved had something to do with it. But she wasn't elegant, either. Wasn't even close.

Besides, she and Dane were friends, nothing more. That's what he'd wanted. And he was a good friend. At dinner her mother had takenthe bowl of rolls away from her, saying, ªDon't you want to watch your carbs, darling?º

Dane had grabbed the rolls, buttered half for himself and half for Kenna. They'd eaten them, too. Every single one. It had been awonderful moment of camaraderie. The support she'd never before had from a male.

A girl could become addicted to that.

Dane returnedÐalone. He removed his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and began stacking chairs on tabletops. What was he doing? And were those handful of dark spots on both his arms tattoos?

Don't stare! Don't react!

Too late. The blood in her veins heated, and her belly quivered. He was just so freaking sexy.



ªWhat did you say to him?º she asked.

ªThat I had a collection of jars filled with human hearts and he was about to make an unwilling donation.º

Her jaw dropped open. ªYou did not.º

ªOh, honey. I sure did.º

She giggled, saying, ªBut why?º

His gaze traveled over her, heating, and her amusement died. ªI'll let you know as soon as I figure it out.º

O-kay, how was she supposed to respond to that?

This man was such a mystery to her.

She thought back to what she did know about him. He'd had a younger brother, Daniel, and the two had done everything together. Until Daniel drowned. It happened the winter before the Michaelson/Starr affair.

At the funeral, she'd watched Dane stand stoic and

pale at the graveside, not giving way to the flood of tears that had surely been building up. The left side of his face had been bandaged. Though she'd been only six years old, his obvious pain had affected her and she'd wanted so badly to hug him.

ªAre you forced to clean up on your own every night?º he asked.

ªNot every. The employees rotate.º

ªAnd then you walk to your car?º

ªYes.º

ªAlone?º

ªAgain, yes.º

He stopped stacking chairs and pinned her with a lethal glance. ªTell me you have a weapon, at least.º

Hello! She was no dummy. ªOf course I do.º She snatched her purse from behind the bar and showed him the retractable sword she carried, preferring it over the ax. The center was oak, and with the press of a button, blades would shoot out from both sides.

He blinked at the weapon...at her. ªA dual sword?º

ªWell, zombies only die for real if you cut through their brain.º She twirled the blades, made a slashing motion, basically showingoff the mad skills she'd picked up while watching TV.

ªZombies?º he gasped out. ªYou're worried about zombies Not rapists or murderers?º

Duh! ªThe zombie apocalypse is totally going to ha



ppen!º

He closed the distance, claimed the sword and set it on the counter with a hard thump. Then he placed one hand at her left and one at her right, effectively caging her in.

Instant. Awareness.

Gulping, she peered up at him. The air smelled like testosterone and manflesh again. (That was a thing, right?) The heat of himenveloped her, stroking her skin, a tangible caress.

ªWhat's going on? What's happening right now?º she babbed.

ªWhat's happening is a very stern lecture. You do not walk to your car at night, alone, ever again. It's dangerous, and I won't allow you to put yourself in harm's way. If I find out you have, the lecture will become a spanking.º

She couldn't help it. She smiled. ªIs that what you're into?º

ªKenna.º

ªNo judgment, really.º

He rolled his eyes, straightened, but soon decided to cage her again. ªYour safety is important to me.º His gaze drifted to her lips, lingering. His voice dropped to a whisper. ªVery important.º

Look away! Look away!

But why? a sultry voice inside her head asked.

Common sense replied. Because he's been with two different women in a matter of days. Because you will never ever have a one-night

stand. Because no good could come from doing anything with him.

Also, she could totally be misreading his intentions.

No more humiliation for me. Dealt with my fair share already.

In an act of self-preservation, she finally managed to turn her head away from him. Now, walk away andÐoh! His tattoos! They werescattered here and there over both of his arms. She clasped his wrist and pulled it closer. The colors and details etched into his flesh were exquisite. Wild strawberries, green leaves, white flowers with yellow centers. One, two, three...f

our. Each connected by a vine.

ªYou love the town that much?º she asked, daring another peek at him.

ªNot the town,º he gritted. Faint lines of tension etched the corners of his eyes. ªWhat it represents.º

ªYour brother,º she said with a burst of intuition.



He nodded stiffly. ªHe would eat wild strawberries until he made himself sick.º

ªNorrie, my daughter, does the same.º

In a snap, he straightened away from her. A blank mask fell over his features. Without his heat, she felt chilled...alone though he was nearby.

ªWhat did you decide to check off your list?º he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

What did I do wrong?

ªTP,º she said quietly.

ªAnd who will be the lucky recipient?º

Here was where things were gonna get tough. ªI was thinking...your dad and my mom.º They were living together now.

She expected Dane to balk, but his grin of delight was swift and bright, thrilling her. ªI like the way your mind works, Freckles, I really do. But now I'm wishing I had stuffed the trunk of my car with more than

one hundred rolls of paper.º

ªYou have that many? Seriously?º

ªHoney, I came prepared to do everything on your list. Your wish, my command.º

* * *

DANE HELD UP an infrared camera phone, recording Kenna's every move as she threw rolls of toilet paper into the infinite span of trees on his father's lawn. She flittered in every direction, smiling so brightly,clearly struggling not to laugh out loud and gain unwanted attention. His chest

did that aching thing again.

He was starting to hate itÐbecause he was starting to love it.

ªYou missed a spot on the right,º he called.

ªShh! Be quiet! You'll get us caught.º

ªGet you caught, honey. I'm just an innocent bystander recording all the evidence to help the cops make their case, like the good citizen I am.º

She gave him a double-birded salute, and he barked out a rusty laugh. I'm laughing. Me. When was the last time that had happened?He couldn't remember. But she kept doing things to amuse him. Shock him, even. Like pulling out a sword and expressing a very real fear about zombies. Zombies.

ªAre you having fun?º he asked, already knowing theanswer.

ªSo much!º Looking straight at the camera, she said, ªLook at me, Brook Lynn. I should get an award for best TP'er ever.º



Was Roanne this uninhibited, this captivating? She must be, despite the horrid way she treated her daughter, because why else would his father have been so fascinated with her? A pretty face enthralled for only so long. But Thomas had been unable to let her go for sixteen long years, never selling the home his wife wouldn't even allow him to visit. At last willing togive up everything to be with her, signing his company over to Dane, then divorcing Christine once Roanne's husband passed and she felt free to be with him openly, without scandal. Returning to the town where his youngest son had died. Putting down roots again. All for Roanne.

Despite the chill in the air, sweat trickled down Dane's back. He was just as bad, wasn't he? He'd almost kissed Kenna. Would have killed for the chance to kiss her. Savagely, nothing held back. Her soft body had been pressed against his, and Dane would have sold the soul he'd claimed not to have for a single taste of her lips and tongue, to hear the sounds she made when her pleasure hitÐpleasure he had caused.

If she hadn't brought up her daughter, reminding him that he wasn't interested in mothers, he would have done it. He still wonderedhow she would have reacted. Would she have welcomed him? Or rebuked him?

Better not to know. Because, if he learned she would welcome him, he would be on her, and there would be no stopping him.

One of the motion-sensitive lights switched on,chasing away the shadows in the front yard. Kenna yelped and dropped her roll of toilet paper.

ªAbort mission! Abort mission!º She sprinted towardthe car.

He grabbed her hand as she tried to bypass him and jerked her behind a wall of bushes. She tripped over a rock and ended up sprawled on the ground.

ªSorry, honey,º he said as she rolled over. ªYou okay?º

ªShh!º

The light flooded over her, illuminating her smile.

Ache!

His father's voice boomed out. ªWhat the hell!º and Dane flattened himself beside Kenna, so that he couldn't be spotted over the line of the bushes.

ªOur home. Our beautiful home. Who would do someth

ing like this?º Roanne gasped out.

Kenna was shaking, and any second now, she would burst into hysterical laughter. He covered her mouth with his hands, was once again struck dumb by the softness of her skin...the heat... This close, he couldsmell the strawberries in her hair, stronger than before. Would she taste just as sweet?

A mother. My stepsister. Off-limits.



But he was hardening against her. Could she feel him? He wanted her to feel him.

No, no, he didn't. With a muttered curse, he shifted his hips away from her.

ªDo you think everyone hates me?º Roanne asked, tears now in her voice.

ªOf course not. Everyone loves you, darlin',º Thomas assured her. ªYou know teenagers. Always playing pranks.º

The rest of his father's reply was muffled as thetwo walked back inside the house.

Dane removed his hand and stared down at Kenna,who made no move to rise. Her amusement was gone, sadness in its place.

ªFeeling sorry for her? Oh, honey. I've told you that you forgive way too easily, right?º he asked, and sighed. He smoothed a lock ofhair from her cheek, let his thumb wander along the line of her jaw. A tremor shook her.

ªShe sometimes hurts my feelings, yes, but that do

esn't mean I have to hurt hers.º She reached up, hesitated for several heartbeats of time. When he made no move to turn away, she traced her fingertips over his right cheek.

He never let women touch him there. But Kenna had seen the scars in all their awful glory, and knew to expect the slightly raised flesh. He actually leaned into her touch, luxuriating in the feel of her. So soft. So gentle.

So damned perfect.

How had he lived without this?

ªWhat is it we're doing here?º she asked, a catch in her voice.

ªBeing friends,º he rasped, but that wasn't exactly the truth. ªNow, let's get out of here.º Before he did something epically stupid.

CHAPTERSIX

KENNA WAS CONFUSED. In the week that followed the TP'ing of Mr. Michaelson's house, Dane made no contact with her. He hadn't even come back to town, choosing instead to remain in the city. At least, that was her guess. Sure, he could have been called away on business, but wouldn't he have texted her if that had been the case? He'd said he wanted to help her with her list. All of her list. So why the disconnect?

She constantly changed her mind about whether or not she should text him. But what would she say? Yo, yo, yo, U interested or not?



Am I sixteen?

Or what about, U will help me w/ the fun list as promised.

Am I a dominant, and he my submissive?

Gah!

He'd almost kissed her. She knew that. And she'd wanted him to do it. Had wanted it so badly. Her body had ached for it, just as his clearly had. After he'd covered her mouth with his hand, she'd felt him grow hard against her thigh.

Why hadn't he done anything about it?

Her first sexual experience was one she couldn't rememberÐdidn't want to remember. And though the few times she'd been with Paul had been good, and there had been many nights since their split that she'd missed the feel of a man's arms, her desire for Dane went far beyond that. She craved him specifically.

Can't give in. After Paul, she'd decided to wait for

love. If she was going to risk another walk of shame and years of gossip, not to mention a father figure in Norrie's life, it had to be worth it. Sex had to mean something, not just to her but to the man she was trusting with her body and her reputation. And okay, yes, that made her an oddity in today's society, but she didn't care.

She wasn't in love with Dane, but all the ingredients were there. She could fall. Hard. Perhaps the distance he'd put between them was for the best.

ªHate to break it to you, mate, but Dane Michaelson is seated in your section,º Brook Lynn said when she reached Kenna at the soda fountain.

Kenna and Brook Lynn had decided today was the day they would speak with an accent, and though Mr. Calbert had complained, repeatedly, they hadn't stopped. And wouldn't. Not for any reason. Brook Lynn sounded Australian, and Kenna sounded English...sort of.

Her stomach twisted into a thousand little knots. Dane had decided to come here? Really? Today of all days?

ªThanks for the heads-up, dearie.º She finished filling the plastic cups with the appropriate beverages, kissed Brook Lynn on the cheek and carried her burden to a family of four. She scanned the six tables in her corner of Two Farms.

When she spotted Dane, she froze, liquid sloshing over the rim of the cups. He'd brought a date. A beauty with a short cap of blond hair, and the slender build of a runway model.

The knots in Kenna's stomach began to leak acid.

What did I expect?

Whatever. It didn't matter. Kenna pawned off the d



rinks and though she would have rather eaten rusty nails, made her way to his table. He wore a black suit, and an ice-blue tie. The blank mask he'd worn the lasttime he was here, when they'd talked about his brother and her daughter, was backin place. His amber eyes were hard and cold, his lips pressed into a firm line.

Doesn't want me. Never wanted me. Got it.

ªKenna,º he said, nodding a greeting.

She pasted a smile on her face. It must have been a brittle one, because he flinched. ªAnything I can get the pair of yous?º

He blinked at her. ªYou're from New Jersey now?º

ªEngland. What of it?º she asked, chin high. ªNow, what I can get you two for bloody dinner? Be quick about it, will you, I've got other tables to see to, I do.º And now I'm cockney.

He peered at her a long while before tossing down his menu and rubbing a hand down his face. ªWe don't want anything. This was a mistake.º

ªSo we're not hungry?º his date asked, as if her appetite depended completely on his. ªAnd what about the tour of your new house? Are we

still going to see it?º

ªYou bought a house?º Kenna gasped out, then had torepeat the question using one of her accents.

Blondie looked at her and frowned. ªExcuse me, but this is a private conversation.º

Dane scowled. ªDon't talk to her like that. This ismy...Kenna.º

My Kenna.

The words affected herÐheart, hammering out of control. He'd stopped himself from saying ªsister,º she was sure of it. He didn't feel broherly toward her anymore.

In a burst of sudden clarity, she realized why he'd brought the blonde to the restaurant. He'd recognized Kenna's interest, had experienced his own, and he'd wanted to show her that he wasn't going to do anything about it. He was still dating around and had no interest of starting anything new with anyone else.

I'm being put in my place, quick and easy. ªI'm his soon-to-be stepsister, I am,º she said for him, keeping her tone light, breezy. He'd never know how much he'd hurt her. Unwilling to take a chance on me. Doesn't think I'm

good enough. ªBut we're not close. Not at all.º

His eyes narrowed, the thick fan of lashes shielding all that molten gold.

Blondie immediately relaxed, extending her handto shake. ªSo nice to meet you.º

The weakness of her grip annoyed Kenna. ªSo...do you want anything to bloody eat?º



Dane closed his eyes for a moment, drew in a deep breath. ªWhatever you recommend will be fine.º

She marched away, but she didn't immediately typein an order. She ducked into the employee break room and took her cell out of her locker. She was going to let Dane know she'd moved on. Here. Now. He had nothing to worry about. Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she texted West.

Are U free? I'm @ 2 farms & so is Dane. W/ a date.

They, too, had developed a friendship. Unlike Dane, West had called her. Often. Just to see how she was doing. And it was beyond nice; she hadn't realized how starved she'd been for adult companionship. Brook Lynn had Jessie Kay and her thousands of jobs, but Kenna had never had anyone else...until West had filled a gap she hadn't known she had.

For the next twenty minutes, she managed to work as if all was well. She took Dane and Blondie a bottle of wine, even poured without spilling it. She served her other patrons without missing a beat.

Finally, West strode through the door. Kenna met him at the bar, and he leaned over to kiss her right on the lips. A blush stained her cheeks, and she had to stop herself from looking around to make sure no o

ne had watched.

ªUm, was that really necessary?º she asked.

He grinned at her, unrepentant. But for the first time, she saw the darkness clinging to the edges of his amusement. He wasn't ashappy-go-lucky as he acted, and she wondered why. ªYes. Now, what time do you getoff?º

ªTen-thirty.º Only half an hour away. ªIf I can get rid of all my bloody customers.º

ªWhy are you talking like you're from a Regency Engl

and poorhouse? You know what? It doesn't matter. It's cute. I'll get rid of your customers for you and make sure you get off properly.º He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

She rolled her eyes. They didn't have that kind of relationship, would never have that kind of relationship, but he still liked to tease her. ªI thought a man of your prowess would have more original material.º

He flicked the end of her nose. ªDid you know Dane and I have dated a few of the same women? He's never cared. But time and time again, he's warned me away from you.º

Hope unfurled, only to die a quick death. No way

would she allow herself to get caught up in a does-he-or-doesn't-he-like-me storm. Whether he did or not didn't matter. He'd crossed a line tonight.

How? He's single. He can see whomever he wants.

Well, he'd led her on.

How? He never promised me anything.

Stupid common sense! Lost in her thoughts, not p



aying attention to her actions, she moved on autopilot and popped the top on a beer, then handed it to West.

ªThanks. But I didn't order this,º he said.

Crap. Focus. ªAnd yet you're still going to pay forit,º she quipped.

ªI guess I am,º he said with a nod.

His ease with her relaxed her, and it was a nice feeling. ªAfter my shift I plan on jumping into a body of water with all my clothes on. You want to come with? I need someone to record it for Brook Lynn.º

ªYou mean with all your clothes off, right?º

ªNope. On.º

ªWhere's the fun in that?º

Before she could respond, Dane arrived, pattinghis friend on the back. ªWest. What are you doing here?º

ªEnjoying the scenery,º West said, and winked at Ken

na. ªAlso making plans for later. Me and Kens are going to do some late-night swimming.º His voice dipped as he added, ªAnd filming.º

ªKens?º Dane glared at Kenna with accusation. ªHe's heling you with your list?º

ªYep,º West replied, even though he had no idea what they were talking about. ªShe's gonna keep me distracted from the fact that you bought the Anderson ranch right out from under me. Had the deed signed over beforeI could make a bid.º

The Anderson ranch on the edge of town. Kenna had personally hoped the place would burn to the ground. It was the scene of the c

rime, where she'd lost her virginity and conceived Norrie.

ªA lot of thought went into its purchase,º Dane grumbled.

ªOh, really?º West said. ªIn just a few days?º

ªI wanted it and decided to take it. You had the chance, but hesitated.º

Grinning, West slapped him on the shoulder. ªExactly the situation you're finding yourself in now, my friend. Wouldn't you say?º

Dane pulled at his tie, clearly uncomfortable. ªYes, well, I also made sure you had another option. The Glass house. It's bigger.º His attention returned to Kenna, as if he were trying to tell her something. ªI liked the pool at the Anderson ranch better.º

ªGood for you.º The Glass house wasÐhad beenÐowned by te parents of Harlow Glass. A girl Kenna's age, though the two of them had never run in the same crowds. Harlow had put the ªsnobº in ªsnobbyº until she'd abruptly droppeut of public life to be homeschooled. Harlow was spotted every now and then, but she always kept her head down and never stopped to chat with anyone.



Where was she living?

ªYou can use it,º he finished. ªThe pool.º

ªNo thanks,º she said, and gave him another fake smile. ªI'll use West's.º

Brook Lynn approached her side. ªIs everything all right, mates? You need me help with anything?º

ªDane needs help,º West said. ªA lot of help.º

Brook Lynn looked at him and frowned. ªWasn't talking to you, now was I?º

He showed no sign of offense. ªOkay, now I have to know. What's with the bad accents? You guys in some sort of reality show?º

ªYes,º she replied. ªWe're calling it The Nutcracker.º

He chuckled. ªWow. You country girls are a tough crowd.º

ªKenna,º Dane said, his tone firm.

ªI'm fine,º she told Brook Lynn, ignoring him. Then she walked away, leaving the boys to their conversation. The bowls of beef stroganoff she'd ordered for Dane and his date were ready. She carried the food to theirtable even though Dane remained at the bar.

ªHey,º Blondie said, grabbing her wrist before she could walk away. ªDo you know...is Dane seeing anyone else?º

No reason to hide the truth. ªYes. A lot of someone elses.º

The girl's shoulders slumped with disappointment. ªHe told me he would never commit, but I didn't want to believe him.º

And that, right there, was another reason to stay away from him. He wreaked havoc on all women, even though he obviously wasn't offering them very much.

Like I have room to talk. Kenna turned to goÐand smacked into a hard wall of muscle. A wall named Dane. He radiated heat and testosterone, and she sucked in a breath as he took her hand and dragged her into her boss's office.

Mr. Calbert saw, but rather than scowl, as he no

rmally would have, he gave her a thumbs-up. Ugh. The Dane Michaelson effect wasuniversal.

The door slammed closed, sealing her inside with him. Alone. Heart hammering, she jerked from his grip.

ªDon't ever do that again,º she said. ªI need this job,and I need my tips. I can't afford to make my customers wait.º

ªWest is currently making sure I'm your only remaini



ng table. And would you please stop using the accent? It's distracting.º

Accent thicker, she replied, ªI'll stop when the bloody day is bloody over, I will.º She tugged at the door, but it held steady. Whenshe pivoted, she realized why. Dane had his big hand flattened on it, just overher head. She glared up at him. ªMove.º

ªNot until you listen to me.º

ªThere's nothing for you to say.º

ªI think there is.º

ªAnd you are always right?º

ªYes. No. I don't know anymore!º He hit the door once, twice, making the wood vibrate against her back. ªRhonda is not my girlfriend, and you shouldn't be seeing West. He dates a new girl once a year. One girl, two months. No more. I don't know why. What I do know is that it never lasts past that point.º

ªHe and I are friends, that's all.º

Dane's eyes narrowed to tiny slits. ªThat's how it sta

rts.º

Was he purposely trying to make her crazy? ªHow what starts?º

ªA sexual relationship with West.º

It should be illegal for him to say either of those words. Sexual from those gorgeous lips was more carnal than a caress. And relationship? Verbal. Orgasm.

ªIs that what happens with you and all your women?ºshe asked.

He ran his tongue over his teeth. ªNo.º

ªAnd yet you're so sure that's what will happen with West and me?º

ªYes,º he hissed.

Heart hammering a thousand times faster, she asked, ªAnd that bothers you...why?º

ªDid I say it bothers me?º The harshness of his tone echoed off the walls.

Any other time, she might have flinched. But the fact that he'd just evaded her question spoke volumes. Would it bother him?

Can't let myself care.

It was obvious Dane was as messed up about romantic entanglements as she was. The difference was she didn't want to stay that wayany longer. She wasn't fighting change. She was ready to get out there and finally live her life, meet someone, fall in love and settle down. Norrie deserved a ha



ppy family.

Kenna released a long, heavy sigh. ªI'm attracted to you, Dane.º The accent made the words seem less than sincere, so she added, ªI am.I don't want to be, but there you go. I'm attracted to you, and I can't make it stop.But I'm not interested in a one-night stand or even in being your long-term bootycall, on rotation. I've learned the value of a good reputation, and I don't want tolose mine again. Because I'm not just responsible for myself anymore. I have my daughter. She means everything to me. Her own grandmother sometimes treats her like a nuisance, and some of the townspeople still haven't forgotten that her mothercan't even name her father.º

Rambling. Right. Where was she going with this?

She guessed she should address that shocked look on his face.

ªThat's right,º she said. ªI don't know who he is.º

His body coiled as tightly as a rubber band about to snap in two. ªWere you...assaulted?º he asked gently.

ªNo. I was drunk.º She braved ahead, cupping his cheeks to make sure he was in the moment and not inside his own head.

He sucked in a breath, but gave no other reaction.

ªI like you,º she said, ªI really do, and I'd like to b your friend, just as you suggested. But if that prospect is too much for you now, well, I guess I'll understand. Either way, there will be no more grabbing me and hauling me off. No more staring at my lips or caressing my jaw, making me think you want to kiss me senseless.º

A tense round of silence before he gritted, ªI...like you, too.º

Disappointment that he hadn't said it more quickly turned to resolve. ªGood. Then we don't need to speak of this anymore.º She moved her hands to his chest. His heart was hammering as hard and fast as hers, surprising her. She gave him a little push. He could have resisted, and there would havebeen nothing she could have done about it. But he moved away, allowing her to pivot and open the door, to walk away and not look back for the second time sincehe'd come back to town.

CHAPTER

SEVEN

DANE RANG THE doorbell and waited almost...nervously. But at least he wasn't acting like an idiot anymore.

He'd thought to distance himself from Kenna by taking a date to her workplace, to firmly establish the fact that Kenna belonged in a sister box...to move onÐhe'd managed neither.

Bottom line, he'd panicked about the tenderness of



his feelings for her. He knew that now, some part of him recognizing that she wasn't like other women, not to him, and if he wasn't careful, he would find himselfentangled in a commitment and miserable.

But he was miserable now, so, what was the difference?

They'd had their confrontation a week ago. Since then he'd done nothing but punish himself at the gym. Kickboxing, the punching bagand hour after hour on the treadmill. Nothing had helped. He'd constantly reminisced about her proud departure from the office, hating himself, maybe even hatingher, and he didn't want to experience anything like that ever again. He'd even found himself wondering what the hell was so bad about a commitment if it meant kissing Kenna, touching her, driving inside her sweet little body...then waking up to her and kissing, touching and driving inside her all over again.

He had to make things right between them. He didn't care that he was acting like his dad. He didn't care that she had a kid. He didn't care that she didn't know the father's name. He only cared about her.

He just had to be with her.

The door swung open, and he had to look down...down...down...to a mini-Kenna. She was short with a fall of bright red hair and s

tunning green eyes. A round cherub's face. The ache in his chest returned. Damn. How was he supposed to talk to her? He did not speak princess.

Heart-shaped lips pursed. ªYou're a stranger, and Momma says I'm not supposed to talk to strangers. They might want to touch my private places and that would be bad.º

Kill me. ªI'm your...Uncle Dane. And you must be Norrie.º His only experience with someone her age was Daniel, and that occurred almost two decades ago.

She flashed him a bright smile. ªMy name is North, and I know, I know, I have the same name as that rapper guy's kid, but my momma s

ays I'm her bright star and I always help her find her way home, but when I was ababy I had trouble with some of my letters, because babies are dumb, and I called myself Norrie, so now everyone else does, too.º

The words poured out of her, and Dane could only stand there, oddly...charmed.

Not charmed. No way. Not getting embroiled withher. He would be with Kenna, if she would have him, but he would keep distance between himself and the kid. ªI'd like to speak with your mother.º

ªNorrie Isabelle Starr.º A twentysomething woman with dark blond hair came up behind the girl. ªYour mom will murder me in my sleep if

she finds out I let you answer the door on your own. Thanks for that.º Navy blueeyes focused on him. ªHey, I know who you are.º

ªI'm afraid I can't say the same.º Though he rememberedseeing her at the engagement party.

ªI'm Jessie Kay, one of Kenna's roommates.º

ªUncle Dane is not a stranger,º Norrie said to Jessie Kay. ªDo you think he could have luncher with us?º



Luncher?

Jessie Kay gave him a once-over, saying, ªLuncheris a combo of lunch and dinner. Too late for lunch, but too early for dinner. Trademark pending. Now, what are you doing here?º

ªUncle Dane is going to cook for us,º Norrie announced.

Um, never. ªIs Kenna here?º he asked, focusing on Jessie Kay.

ªShe had to go to her school and talk to her teacher,º Norrie piped up, ªbecause it's important to keep open lines of communization even when xasperating men won't respond to your thousands of emails.º

ªCommunication,º Jessie Kay corrected. ªExasperating.º

Norrie threw her arms up. ªThat's what I said. Anyway.º She rolled her eyes, and Dane had to fight a grin. Really not getting embroiled with her. ªMomma will be back at three, she promised, and we're gonna go pet SaraLambert's puppies. Sara didn't have the puppies, because no one gave her any of that special seed, and she's too young, but her dog, Muffin, did have the puppies. But

I can't have one 'causeÐº

ªDude,º Jessie Kay said, shaking her head, ªyou've gott learn when to stop.º

Good advice. ªI'll come back later,º Dane said, backing away.

ªOh, no you don't.º Jessie Kay grabbed his wrist, stopping him. ªYes,º she said to the little girl. ªUncle Dane is going to cook our luncher.º

The little girl jumped up and down, clapping.

ªNo. No, I'm not,º he said.

Norrie stilled, tears filling her eyes. ªYou're really not?º

Oh...damn. ªI...am?º

ªGreat. You two have fun. I'll be watching TV in the living room if anyone needs me.º Jessie Kay smirked at him before walking away and plopping on the couch.

What was her game?

What did it matter? He tried not to panic. Whatif the kid cried? What was he supposed to do? At what age did kids stop wearingdiapers?

This was going to be a disaster.

ªCome on,º the girl said, taking his hand. Hers wassmall, delicate.



She led him into the kitchen, moving so fast hewas only able to glance at his surroundings. But a glance was enough. The home was small and run-down, with old paint peeling on the walls and holes in the carpet. Scuffed furniture.

Kenna and her roommates had clearly done their best to make the place as attractive as possible, because there were feminine touches everywhere. A drape of sheer cloth over a lamp. A vase overflowing with fresh flowers. A bowl of fruit. A pink blanket cascading over the arm of the couch.

Norrie sat at a yellow laminate counter and folded her hands together, waiting patiently. He relaxed when he realized the home's open concept gave Jessie Kay a clear view of the kid.

ªWhat are you hungry for?º he asked.

She hooked a hank of red hair behind her ear. ªCan you make a cheese pizza?º

He looked in the fridge, but didn't see more thana gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter and maybe ten thousand packages of cheese. No tomato sauce. No ready-made crusts. The freezer had boxes of pizza ready to be thawed, but they didn't look appetizing.

ªHow about I order one?º he suggested.

ªEven better. The number is on the wall.º

He placed the order, and though The Tomato Shack didn't deliver, he offered the teenager on the other end two hundred dollars, all the cash currently in his wallet, to make it happen. As he waited, he walked around the kitchen looking through semibare cabinets, tightening knobs, lighting the pilot light on the stove, fixing a squeaky hinge on the oven door and messing with the leaky pipes under the sink. There was a somewhat awkward silence between Norrie and him, but better that than conversation.

Of course, she just had to speak up. ªMy momma say

s we don't need a man to do our chores for us, 'cause we are smart and capable and I believe her even though Sara's mom says men were born to be our slaves, we just have to know how to manage them.º

ªSara's mom is an idiot.º

Norrie gasped. ªYou said the I-word.º

ªIs that bad?º

ªReal bad. Get-grounded-for-a-month bad.º

Great. ªMaybe don't mention to your mom that I said

it.º

ªI won't. Because she heard you for herself. Momma!You're home!º

* * *

KENNA CAUGHT HER daughter in her arms as Dane cursed and lifted his head out from under the sink. His hair was sexily rumpled and there was a streak of oil on his cheek.



All of her girlie parts sizzled to instant life. He was here! And he was performing live and in-person girl pornÐhousehold tasks! ªI didn't expect to see you,º she said to Dane.

ªI'm going to my room,º Jessie Kay called. ªY'all do mefavor and argue loud enough so I can listen in without having to strain myself.º

ªIf you want to listen,º Kenna called right back, ªjust stay in the living room.º

ªYou know I'm not that rude.º

ªWhat are we going to argue about?º Norrie asked. ªUncle Dane saying the I-word?º

He pulled at his collar and ignored the little girl. ªI wanted to talk to you,º he said to Kenna, looking more uncomfortable than she'd ever seen him.

Kenna realized she wasn't upset that he'd introduced himself to Norrie. The introduction would have happened sooner or later, considering the upcoming wedding. But...she thought it was more than that. That she wanted to see him with her daughter...see how the two got along.

Answer: not well. He wouldn't even meet the girl's gaze.

The doorbell rang, saving her from having to think up a reply. Talk...about what? They'd said all they needed to say.

ªPizza!º Norrie wiggled out of her arms.

Pizza?

Dane held up one finger and rushed to the door.He returned withÐsurprise, surpriseÐa pizza.

ªThe Tomato Shack delivers now?º Kenna asked.

ªWith the right incentive,º he muttered.

Meaning money.

While they ate, Norrie regaled Dane with stories about hair barrettes, dog poop and all the reasons sparkly unicorns just had to be real. Kenna had heard the stories before and faded in and out, trying to pretend Dane wasn't in the room, looking edible.

ªCan we go now?º Norrie asked her.

She didn't have to ask where the girl was so eager to go. Sara's house, to see the puppies. Kenna had been dreading this. Norrie would want one and beg, and Kenna would have to say noÐalways noÐbecause they couldn't afford to feed an animal. Not to mention the fact that they were rarely home.

ªGo get cleaned up first.º

Norrie rushed off.



ªI don't just mean stick your hands under the water,ºKenna called. ªUse soap and then brush your teeth.º

ªDuh! I'm not a germ farm!º

ªShe's...unique,º Dane said.

ªIn the best possible way,º Kenna snapped.

He held up his arms. ªI know. I wasn't saying otherwise.º

An awkward silence settled between them.

ªSo...were you able to open lines of communization with your professor?º he asked.

She closed her eyes for a moment, wondering what Norrie had told him. But she already knew the answer, didn't she? Norrie had told him everything she knew.

ªYes and no. I found out I had been dropped from my classes, so all the work I'd done was a waste.º Was that bitterness in her tone? Probably. It wasn't her fault the financial aid had failed to come in on time.

ªWhy were you dropped?º

Unwilling to answer, she waved the question away. ªWhat did you want to talk to me about?º Then, ªBefore you answer that, I should probably warn you. I'm stressed and tired and not at my best. It might be better to postpone the communization if you don't feel like fighting.º

ªTake her up on the offer,º Jessie Kay called through the wall. ªShe's nasty when she's stressed.º

Kenna banged on the wall, shouting, ªNo one askedyour opinion, so zip it!º

Jessie Kay's reply was a triumphant, ªSee!º

ªWe won't fight,º Dane said, voice soft but confident. ªI came here to apologize.º

Kenna groaned. ªNot this again.º

ªYes, this again. I made another mistake, and I'm hoping you'll forgive me as easily as before.º He scrubbed a hand through his hair. ªI wasÐamÐattracted to you, too, Kenna. It hit me the wrong way, and I reacted poorly. I tried to make it stop, and I'm sorry.º

The burst of honesty nearly undid her. She gulped.

He reached out, drew his arm back, then reachedout again, this time taking her hand. ªGo out with me.º

Like...on a date?

Her first instinct was to shout ªyes, yes, a thousand times yes!º And she almost did it. The thought of going to dinner with him, of



being the woman sitting across from him rather than the one serving him...having him gaze at her with longing, walking her to her door, kissing her...thrilledher to the bone. But what would happen next?

Would they have sex?

And then what? Would they keep dating? Or wouldhe work her into his rotation of women?

Would she come to resent him for his lack of commitment?

ªI might hate myself later,º she said, opting for honesty, as well, ªbut I'm going to decline. We agreed to be friends, and I'd like to continue that way.º

Determined now, he scooted his chair around thetable, moving closer to her without ever releasing her hand. ªI don't want to be your friend, Kenna. I want to be more.º

A lump grew in her throat. Unable to speak, sheshook her head.

ªWhy?º he insisted. ªBecause I'm an ass?º

ªYou are. Sometimes. But that's not why.º Do it. Tellhim. She swallowed and said, ªYou're a bad bet, Dane. For me, I mean. Only for me.º

He flinched, and she wanted to donkey punch herself in the throat. Making him feel bad about himself wasn't her goal.

ªYou don't understand,º she said.

A muscle ticked below his eye. ªThen help me.º

Where to start? ªI was scrawny as a teen and no one ever asked me out. My only friend was Brook Lynn and with her inability to lea

ve her house without earmuffs, she was just as uncool. We never went to parties, until the Anderson boys threw a kegger. Jessie Kay got an invite, and we snuckout to go with her. We were so thrilled to be there with actual college boys wegot caught up in the excitement. Brook Lynn passed out in a closet at some point. I drank too much and ended up in bed with...º She lowered her voice, shame dripping from her next words. ªThree of those college guys. Three, Dane. It was humiliating, and disappointing. A mistake I couldn't take back.º

He stiffened. ªYou were underage. They were not. They took advantage of you.º

ªI was willing.º

ªYou weren't in the right state of mind to decide, honey. And if I didn't know it would put you through hell, I would find out the names of the boys andÐº He cut himself off. Rage had caused his pupils to flare like pure obsidian glitter. ªTell me the rest.º

She gulped, saying, ªKids were still there when Iwoke up, and they saw me. The look in their eyes...º A shudder rocked her. ªI neverwant to see it again. Then, of course, I found out I was pregnant and more thanjust kids looked at me that way. Because, yes, while we live in a society used to young, unwed mothers, there's still judgment. You know there is. But now, my pas



t is finally white noise in the background, at least for the most part, and I just don't want to drudge everything back up by becoming one of your many women.º

Silence.

This one wasn't awkward, but it was tense.

The rage drained from him, and he squeezed her hands. ªI hate that you went through that, but I like the woman you've become.º

He wasn't condemning her, and his support hadn't wavered. He sympathized. He...cared.

He was only the third person to do so. The other two were her roommates. Tears burned the backs of her eyes.

He forged ahead. ªI've never done a commitment, butthere's something about you that makes me want to try. I won't see anyone else while we're together. And we can take things slow. As slow as you want, as long as we are together. And if you feel better sneaking around at first, fine. No one has to know.º

ªI...I...º Didn't know what to say.

He cupped the back of her neck and urged her forward until her nose brushed his, his warm breath fanning over her lips. ªI've neverdesired anyone the way I desire you. You are all I can think about, all I care about. I'm useless at work and apparently a major asshole. More of one than usual.I yell at everyone. I can't sleep, barely eat. I look at pictures from the engagement party and wish you were with me.º

She...couldn't...process...

ªIf you need time to think about this, fine,º he said. ªThat's okay, too. I'm not going anywhere. Not this time. I bought the ranch to beclose to you. I won't be able to stay there all the time since I still work in the city, but I'll be in town a lot more often.º

ªLike...this weekend?º

ªEspecially this weekend. Friday is the fourth ofJuly, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be.º His stare intensified. ªI'd love to meetu in town for the go-big-or-go-home celebration. I can pretend I'm enjoying the fireworks, as long as I see you.º

Had any woman ever been able to resist him?

ªWe'll even knock another item off your list,º he added, as if she needed more convincing.

ªI do have the holiday free, but...º But what? Jumping into the water with all her clothes on had lacked something with West. He had laughed and thrown her a towel, but Dane might have gathered her against his hard, broad chest and warmed her that way. ªYes,º she whispered, excited already. ªI'll met you on Friday.º



CHAPTEREIGHT

THE GOOD PEOPLE of Strawberry Valley had transformed Main Street for the fourth of July celebration. Traffic had been blocked off from both sides, allowing twenty different booths to be set up. At least ten of those were selling different strawberry-themed desserts. The other ten were strawberry-themed games. Pin the Strawberry on the Sundae. Strawberry Jar Toss. Strawberry in the Haystack.

A dance floor had been set up at the far end ofthe block, and a live band played next to it. Adults and teens were two-stepping, and little kids were running around as if their feet had been set on fire. Dane looked around. No sign of Kenna and Norrie yet.

His nervousness returned. Tonight mattered. He had to get it right. Had to convince Kenna to give him a chance. The time away from her had only made him want her more.

He had no idea how to make a relationship work,especially with a woman who would have fed everyone she encountered a spoonful of sugar if she could have afforded it. Far too nice for me. But as he'd told her,he wanted to try.

And if he didn't get his hands on her soon, he might as well lock himself inside a padded room and throw away the key.

Dane spied West in front of the strawberry conebooth, talking with two guys he didn't recognize, and walked over. Along the way,two people stopped him to ask him for a loan. One guy asked him for advice on how to pick up women, and an older woman mentally stripped away his clothesÐhe was sure of it. He didn't remember any of their names, but they treated him like a long-lost benefactor, displaying zero reluctance and a truckload of expectation. Ah, the joys of small-town living.

When he finally made it over, West gave him a cocky grin. ªHow are things with Miz Kenna?º

ªI don't think I like her name on your lips.º

The grin only grew wider. ªBoys, this is Dane Michaelson. The one who stole my girl. Dane, this is Jase Hollister and Beck Ockley. My friends, business partners and the newest residents of Strawberry Valley.º

Jase was a big guy. Tall and seriously stacked with muscle, with dark hair and the coldest green eyes Dane had ever seen. His arms were heavily tattooed and looked like they covered scars, and there was evena tattoo peeking out the collar of his shirt, skirting the edge of his neck. His shirt was plain and black, his jeans ripped in several places. He wore two silver necklaces, and had leather cuffs circling both of his wrists. There were even

rings on many of his tattooed fingers. But on this guy, the jewelry did not look feminine. Not with that rough, rugged face.

Had Dane been a lesser man, he might have foundthe intensity blazing off the guy intimidating. Jase looked as if he only ever smiled after he gutted puppies and skinned cats.

Beck was almost as tall, with a slightly leanerframe. His hair was dark blond and messy, and his eyes brown. He was masculine,yet almost prettyÐa panty melter, said a girl passing by.



ªWelcome to town,º Dane said. ªStay away from Kenna Starr and we'll be fine.º

The big one, Jase, crossed his arms over his massive chest. ªIs it true you stole her away from West?º

Dane had a split-second thought that his life hinged on the answer, but he didn't exactly care. Jaw clenching, he gritted, ªShe wasnever his.º

ªIs that so?º said the other guy, Beck. His tone was so cold the air actually chilled.

Dane stood his ground. ªYeah. That's so.º

A moment passed. Any second, he expected fists to start flying. Maybe a knife to slide into his gut. These guys were obviously as close as brothers and would protect each other from any threat. Then the corners of Jase's mouth twitched.

He looked to West. ªYou were right. He's a goner.º

Goner? What the hell?

ªPoor guy.º Beck patted Dane on the shoulder. ªHope she's worth it.º

Six words, but Dane was able to peg the guy. Total cynic.

Like I used to be.

Used to be?

Yeah...maybe.

ªGood news is,º West said, ªwe'll get to watch the show

A girl who looked to be in her midtwenties stumbled over to their group. The scent of strawberry liquor wafted from her. She cupped Beck's cheeks as she swayed on her feet and said, ªI'm Charlene Burns. Tell me you'e new to town and that you're here to stay and I'll make you the happiest man in the world.º

ªI am new to town and I'm here to stay,º he said, allkinds of seduction in his voice.

ªHe lives with me and Jase,º West said, wrapping his arm around his friend.

The girl had eyes only for Beck. ªGood, because you are so freaking hot, I want to lick you up like one of those ice-cream cones they're handing out.º

ªI might just let you, darlin'.º A smile designed to make angels weep spread across his face. ªAlthough, I have to admit I was just thinking the same thing about you.º

ªAnd your voice! It's as sugarcoated as the rest of



you.º She played with the lobes of his ears. ªDo you want to get married and have amillion babies with me? Because my answer is yes.º

While Dane would have cringed in horror, Beck took her hands and kissed her knuckles. ªWhy don't we practice making babies?º

ªDone! And there's no better time to start.º The two ambled away.

ªHe'll have ten other pretend baby mommas by the end of the week,º Jase said drily, but the affection was clear in his tone. ªEven though I told him not to shit where he eats.º

ªPoetic,º Dane said.

Jase shrugged. ªI'm a romantic at heart.º

He was so deadpan, Dane laughed out loud.

A little boy about Norrie's age walked up to the booth, a couple of dollars peeking out of his grip. But rather than approach thecounter to request a cone, he stopped to wipe his nose with his free hand and peer up at Jase. ªYou're a giant. Want to hear a joke?º

Jase looked around for help, found none, then shrugged again. ªUh, sure?º

ªWhat did the fan say to the blow-dryer?º

ªWhat?º

ªWhy don't we blow each other.º

Dane nearly choked on his own tongue.

Jase covered his mouth with a tattooed hand. ªWhotold you that joke, kid?º

ªNo one. Heard my dad tell it to my uncle.º

ªJohnny!º a female voice called. ªGet over here. Now!º

The kid looked over his shoulder, shouting, ªBut mahhhm! I ain't got no cone yet.º

Her gaze skittered over Jase. ªNow!º

Johnny sighed. ªGotta go.º Off he went.

Dane followed him with his gazeÐand that's when he s

potted Kenna. He nearly went down as if he'd been tranqed. Magnificent. Her hair flowed around her shoulders in crimson waves. She wore a T-shirt and a miniskirt. Her legs seemed to stretch for miles, ending in scuffed cowgirl boots.

Am I drooling? I think I'm drooling.

Jessie Kay was with her, Norrie between them. Kenna bent down, speaking to her daughter at eye level, before the little girl ran off to play with her friends.



West was speaking, but Dane had already tuned him out. He walked over to Kenna, as if in a trance.

ªYou made it,º he said, wanting to touch her. Have to touch her.

Jessie Kay spotted the guys he'd been standing with and called, ªOh, sweet! New man meat's made it to town, y'all. Let's gobble.º She stred over to introduce herself.

ªI made it,º Kenna confirmed, glancing down at her feet.

Shy now? ªDance with me,º he said.

She looked up, startled, her eyes going wide. ªI don't dance.º

Because of her past? He dared anyone to say an unkind word about her. There would be hell to pay. ªCorrection, honey. You didn't used to dance. You do now.º He led her to the dance floor before she could protest and joined the other two-steppers. He hadn't done this in a long time, but quickly picked up the rhythm and guided Kenna through the steps, one hand twined with hers, one on her lower back.

He stealthily lifted the hem of her shirt untilhe was able to work his fingers underneath the material, to her skin. She gasped at the moment of contact, and he moaned. She was as soft as silk, and warm, sowonderfully warm.

People stared at them. Some smiled while they did it. Some gaped with shock. He didn't care, but knew Kenna mightÐwhich was the only reason he never urged her flush against him.

Instead, he lowered his head and whispered, ªDid you think about my offer?º

ªThat, and nothing else.º

Calm. Steady. ªAnd?º

Her free arm slid up the ridges of his spine, stopping at his nape. She played with the ends of his hair, saying, ªAnd...I want to give this thing a try, see where it takes us.º

Joy. Arousal. So much arousal. Possessiveness. Each flooded him. Kenna was now his. Her smile, her laughÐhis. Her bodyÐhis and his alone. She'd said so.

The blood in his veins instantly caught fire.

ªWe'll keep it secret at first, just like you suggested,º she continued, ªand you have to stay away from Norrie. I won't have her growingattached to you.º

He heard the implication of her words. Only to lose you later. He wasn't sure why it bothered him, when it was exactly what he wantedÐwhat was best.

ªAnd you can't see other women,º she added. ªI mean it.



That's a hard limit.º

Now that only added fuel to the flames of his desire. ªI won't. You have my word. And you will not see other men. Hell, I don't thinkI want you talking to one.º

She rose on her tiptoes, whispering, ªIs it wronghow badly your words are turning me on?º

His hands squeezed on her. ªI have to kiss you. Right now.º

She licked her lips. ªOkay, but where should we go? I can't stray too far from Norrie.º

He heard the edge of need in her tone, and wentpainfully hard. ªI know just the place.º

With the last of his control quickly fraying, he dragged her away from the dance floor, behind the nearest booth, right in front of Rhinestone Cowgirl, where light from the streetlamps didn't quite shine. Theywere suddenly surrounded by shadows.

He turned and pushed Kenna against the brick wal

l, careful to cushion her head with the back of his hand, and then he basicallydived on her. As his mouth pressed against hers and she gasped, the sky exploded with colorful lights, fireworks taking flight. He seized on her openness with a vengeance, thrusting his tongue past her teeth. Damn! Her taste was so sweet he knew no dessert would ever be able to compare.

At first, she passively accepted his attention,as if she feared making a mistake. But then, oh, then, she relaxed and began toparticipate, rolling her tongue against his, sucking on him, nibbling on his lower lip. He couldn't get enough of her, was sinking into some kind of passionate insanity, spiraling, loving every second.

Her hands made their way through his hair, over

the wide expanse of his shoulders, and her nails dug into his back, applying pressure, drawing him closer...closer...He died a thousand deaths, desire rising up and slaying him again and again as he pressed his erection between her legs and ground against her.

Had anyone ever been this turned on?

He deepened the kiss, losing all finesse, operating solely on instinct. ªI want you. Want you so bad.º

ªHow bad?º She undulated her hips, causing him to press against her with more force.

The exquisite friction nearly caused his eyes to roll back in his head. Kissing her like this, touching her, was better than being naked with any other woman. ªHoney, you say the word and I will drop to my knees right now and show you how bad.º

A shiver stole through her. One he recognized.

She liked the idea.

But he didn't do it, because she didn't say the word



, and he didn't want to move too swiftly with her and risk scaring her away. Didn'twant anyone stumbling upon them. Must slow down, or I'll forget my good intentions. He gentled the kiss in an effort to cool the fire still raging in his veins. Didn't help.

His hand found her breast. She was plump there,soft and real, her nipple hard for him.

ªDane, I...that...º

He pinched lightly, and she moaned. ªMore?º he asked.

She nodded wildly.

He gave another pinch, harder this time. ªI'll giveyou more...as much as you can take.º

ªDane,º she gasped again.

ªDid you wear a skirt just to torment me? I bet you did. Freckles has a naughty side, doesn't she?º

Her only response was a groan. She was past the

point of sanity, too, and had reached that moment when there could be no turning back, when nothing mattered but reaching completion. She clutched at his shoulders, desperate. ªDon't stop.º

The possessiveness expanded, taking up more prime real estate in his chest. ªNothing will stop me now.º He dived back in for another kiss, playing with her tongue, while running one hand up her bare thigh. Goosebumps broke out over her skin.

When he reached the bottom edge of her skirt, he kicked her legs apart. She gasped, and he swallowed the sound, loving it, wanting more of even that. He traced the edge of her panties. Tremor after tremor rocked her, coming in long, sweeping waves.

ªYou wet for me, honey?º

Again, she gave him only a gasp. Another he swallowed with his mouth. He cupped between her legs and fed her a gasp of his own.She wasn't wet, she was soaked. And he'd done this to her. Him.

He rubbed against her, hard, harder, and she went rigid and soft at the same time, one of her arms locking around his neck in anear choke hold, the other hand digging into his ass.

ªGood?º

ªDane...Dane...º She started moving, arching into his hand.

Most. Erotic. Thing. Ever.

Sweat trickled down his temples. He shoved her panties out of the way, and palmed her.

ªYes...yes...please...Dane!º



He pressed his mouth against hers once more as he thrust a finger deep. She was hot and tight, as if she'd been made just for him, and his erection throbbed, jealous of his fingers, wanting to be where they were. In the distance he thought he heard voices. But like Kenna, he had reached apoint of no return and fed her another finger. They were hidden by shadows. As long as they stayed quiet from now on, no one would ever know what was happeningback here.

ªNot another sound, honey. Okay? All right?º

ªYes, yes,º she said more loudly than she'd probably intended, and he covered her mouth with his free hand. All the while he continued to work her, thrusting his fingers, the palm of his hand pressing where she ached the most. Her hips moved with his motions, rocking, rocking, seeking more, seeking something deeper. He gave it to her, sliding in another finger. Just likethat, she shattered, coming apart in his arms.

He released her mouth and yanked her against him, pressing her face in the hollow of his neck. She bit the cord running to his shoulder and the pleasure-pain of it almost sent him over the edge.

He was ripping at the waist of his pants when he heard someone call, ªWho's back there?º

Kenna went rigid again, and this time it wasn't because of the pleasure.

Well, well. He had more restraint than he'd realized. For herÐfor what was best for her. He hurriedly straightened her clothing, then his own, and whispered, ªStay here and rejoin the festivities from the other side.º

Though he was trembling, he stepped into the light. ªCan't a guy take a piss in private?º

CHAPTERNINE

KENNA'S MIND PACKED up and moved into the clouds,and she just sort of floated through the next few days, even though she hadn't gotten to see Dane again. He was back in the city, working, and hadn't visited his new ranch. Which was good. She had Norrie and work. More work than ever, since she was picking up every extra shift she could, now that she didn't have school. Butevery night he called her, checking on her, thrilling her.

I want you back in my arms, he'd say.

She wanted that, too. Wanted another earth-shattering kiss. His beautiful taste, all male. The feel of his skin against hers, white hot. The prickle of his five o'clock shadow. The hardness of his muscle. The pleasure of his erection rubbing against her, stoking her need for him higher and higher. The thickness of his fingers, impaling her. She shivered, even now.

She had to see him again. Like, yesterday. He'd awoken a storm of yearning inside her, and there was no getting rid of it. So, she did something she'd never done before. She arranged for someone else to take her



shift at work and for Norrie to stay the night at a friend's house after school, and then borrowed Brook Lynn's car. The old clunker barely made it to the offices of MG&E.

It was as Kenna stood in the back of a crowded elevator, riding up to the top floor of the chrome-and-glass building, that she began to doubt the wisdom of her impulsive act. Dane was a busy man. He could bein meetings, or even out of town. And what if she embarrassed him? She wore herusual T-shirt and jeans while other females nearby wore dresses and high heels.

Chin up. Shoulders back. Smile.

Maybe she should step to the side and call him before she actually went knocking on his office door.

Ding.

The elevator doors opened up. Everyone flooded into the lobby, and she realized there was nowhere to move aside. Though spacious, every inch led to the reception area, where two women manned the counter. Both were pretty and young and as well dressed as everyone else.

Three of her elevator mates bypassed the counter without a word, two going through the door on the right and one going through t

he door on the left. Must work here. Another elevator mate, a female, stopped at the counter.

ªI'm here to see Dane,º she said, and Kenna frowned.

Know that voice. But from where...where? The answer clicked into place. Jada from the engagement party.

Kenna stiffened, her heart dropping into her stomach. At least the receptionist didn't immediately take the girl back.

ªDo you have an appointment?º

ªNo,º Jada huffed. ªJust tell Dane I'm here and that I'ike to speak with him. It's important. A matter of life and death.º

The receptionist picked up the phone, muttered a few words. So. Dane was in the building. Still. I should leave. I'm acting just like his other women, dropping by without an appointment. That had to be annoying to him.

ªI'm sorry,º the receptionist said, returning the phone to its receiver. ªBut he's in a meeting.º

ªDid you tell him who I am? Jada Hamilton. And that it's an emergency.º

ªI told him.º

Jada sucked in a breath. ªBastard,º she muttered. She spun on her heel and almost knocked into Kenna. Her eyes widened. ªYou!º

ªMe,º she managed. She took a step back. Coming here had been a mistake. A huge mistake. He was in a meeting, and she had no right to disturb him.



ªYou might as well go,º Jada said, tone clipped. ªHe's n a meeting.º

ªI heard.º

Jada linked their arms and guided Kenna back tothe elevators. ªYou're his sister, right?º

ªStepsister.º

ªBut you still know him well.º

Did anyone ever really know a man like Dane? ªI suppose.º

ªTell me. How many others have you seen him with?I try and try to get him to open up, to commit, but he never will. He's like an island, you know, and only a few people are allowed to visit...before being shipped off. I know I can make him happy if only he'll give me a chance.º

The words were flying at Kenna without pause, and she could barely keep up.

ªHe resists anything long-term,º Jada said. ªHas he ev

er told you why?º

Ding. The elevator doors opened up and an olderAfrican-Amarican man stepped out. He nodded at them and moved on, and Jada and Kenna took his place inside the box.

ªWell,º Jada prompted.

ªNo,º she replied honestly. But she could guess. His dad.

ªHe told me we were done,º the woman said with a sigh. ªWhy would he do that unless he's scared of what he feels for me?º

Because of what he feels for me. Warmth poured through Kenna. He'd kept his word. Wasn't seeing other women.

ªI must have gotten too close,º Jada said.

ªYou mentioned an emergency,º Kenna said, changing the subject. ªA matter of life and death.º

The girl sighed. ªThe life and death of our relationship.º

ªMiss Starr!º a harried voice called. The elevator d

oors were in the process of closing. An arm shot through the center, stopping them. The frowning receptionist stepped halfway inside. ªMr. Michaelson will see you.º

She blinked, surprised. ªBut his meeting...º

ªHe'll see you.º

Jada stiffened.



How had Dane even known Kenna was here?

She pulled from his ex, hating that the girl was hurt by his rejection but also happy for herselfÐwas that wrong?Ðand followed after the receptionist. Details of the office she'd missed because of her nervousness registered. The gleam of the hardwood floors and the plushness of the rugs. The paintings on the walls were all florals, and she wondered who had chosen them. Not Dane, surely. The counter was white marble veined with rose.

The door on the right opened into an active hallway with multiple office doors on one side and cubicles on the other. Many eyeswatched her curiously as she passed, and she curbed the urge to smooth her hands over her hair and clothing.

The receptionist opened the French doors at thefar end, and several males stomped out. She motioned for Kenna to enter. Then those doors were closed, and Kenna was alone with Dane.

He strode toward her, and wow, he looked gorgeous. Like a model himself, set apart from the rest of the world, utterly unattainable.

ªI interrupted your meeting,º she said, heart hammering against her ribs. He'd had those lips on her, those fingers inside her.

Hammering harder.

He reached her, wrapped his arms around her. She could feel the long, rigid length of him, and it only made her craving for himworse. ªLet's get out of here,º he said.

Yes, oh, yes. ªNo,º she said with a shake of her head, and pulled from his embrace.

He followed her, even as she evaded him. ªI'm not ruining your workday,º she insisted.

ªNo, you're not. You're making it better.º

Even harder.

ªI don't know why you came, but I'm glad you did.º His oice was husky with arousal. ªI've missed you.º

ªI've missed you, too.º She allowed him to catch her again and ran her hands up his chest, discovered his heart was beating as erratically as hers, and framed his cheeks. ªI know we said we'd take things slow, but I thought we could negotiate and speed things up.º

He pressed his lips against hers, taking the bar

est taste with his tongue.

ªI agree. Like I said, let's go.º He grabbed her hand, yanked her toward the door. ªWe'll do our negotiating in private.º

A buzz sounded from his desk. ªMr. Winstead is here,º the receptionist announced.

Dane cursed under his breath and released her to scrub a hand through his hair. ªI forgot. Damn it. I can't reschedule this. Give me



an hour and we'll go back to my place.º

ªShall I wait in the lobby?º

ªHoney, you just got here. I'm not letting you out of my sight.º He led her to a plush leather couch, gave her another kiss, then another, this one lingering. His tongue came out to play with hers. He wrapped his arms around her.

ªMr. Michaelson?º

With another curse, Dane released her and stalked to his desk. He jabbed a button and said, ªSend him back.º

Not knowing what else to do, Kenna eased onto the couch. The door opened a minute later, and the receptionist stepped inside. She gave the office a visual sweep, stopping on Kenna and gaping. The African-American man who'd exited the elevators strode inside behind her. She exited, and thedoor closed.

As Mr. Winstead and Dane shook hands, the otherman noticed her. She gave a little wave.

ªMiss Starr will be taking notes,º Dane said, then w

inked at her.

A blush warmed her cheeks. The meeting kicked off, and she picked up words like ªdrilling,º ªrefiningº and ªprocessing.º Something abouEX again, and a ªbenchmark.º Just like at the engagement party, everything went over her head.

At one point, Dane called out, ªDo you concur, Miss Starr?º

What else could she say but, ªI concur, Mr. Michaelson. Of course.º

He sighed with exaggerated heaviness. ªThat certainly complicates things.º

She almost had a panic attack. Had she just ruined his meeting? ªI mean, I don't concur!º

While still talking to Mr. Winstead, he walked to the wet bar and poured a drink. She expected him to give it to his guest, buthe gave it to Kenna and traced his fingertip along her jaw before returning to his desk. Her need for him returned in a rush.

As if it had ever really left.

She took a sip of her drinkÐginger ale. One of her favorites.

ªNo, I did not say that,º Mr. Winstead suddenly burst out.

ªYou did,º Dane said calmly.

ªMiss Starr. Repeat back to me the last thing I said to Mr. Michaelson.º



Uh...ºNo, I did not say that.º

Dane covered his mouth with his handÐto stop a laugh?

Mr. Winstead glared at her. ªBefore that.º

ªI don't actually know,º she admitted.

ªThen what the hell are you doing here?º

ªAll right. Enough,º Dane said, all pretense of calm gone. ªThis meeting is now over.º He stood and extended his hand. ªMy terms are nonnegotiable. Take them or leave them.º

Mr. Winstead mumbled something, but the two shook hands. When Mr. Winstead left, he winked at her as Dane had, surprising her, making her think he'd gotten what he'd wanted out of their deal, whatever it was, but had played a role for show. Men! She would never understand them, but she would probably always enjoy looking at them.

The door shut, and Dane was pulling her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her. ªFinally.º He kissed her, stealing her breath, fe

eding her his own, ensuring her life revolved around his, that he was a part ofher, branding her, owning her.

But she could own him, too. She rolled her hipsagainst him, nestling against the hardness between his legs. ªI want you, Dane.º

He groaned. ªAnd you'll have me. But not here. WhenI get you naked, I don't want to be disturbed. Don't want to risk anyone seeing what's for my eyes alone.º

ªThen what are we waiting for? Let's go.º

* * *

MUCH TO DANE'S displeasure, Kenna insisted on driving her own car. He did his best to change her mind, not wanting to miss a single second with her, but she remained stubborn. Now he motored down the road slowly, even though he longed to hit the gas, ensuring she was always seen in his rearview mirror. He even stopped for every yellow light. No way he'd lose her.

Finally, after what seemed an agonizing eternity, he reached his home. The palatial estate in the middle of thirty acres was low and sprawling and bigger than a single male with zero pets or livestock needed, but he liked his space, and he liked not having neighbors nearby. He parked infront rather than in back, eager to get out and get Kenna out of her car and into his arms.

He led her inside quickly, flipped on the living room light, and eased her down on the couch. He was more than ready to rip offhis clothes, then hers, when a feminine voice called from the hallway, ªOh, Day-ayne, I've got a surprise for you....º

He stiffened, fighting dread as footsteps pattered. This isn't happening. Then, almost in slow motion, like a villain appearing in a horror movie, Courtney rounded the cornerÐnaked.



With a gasp, Kenna jumped to her feet.

Courtney noticed her and shrieked, running backto the bedroom.

Oh, it's happening, all right.

ªKenna,º he said. ªThis isn't what it looks like.º

She stared up at him for a long while, silent, her expression blank. Then, slowly, she walked to the wet bar and poured herselfa drink.

He followed her, willing to tie her down and force her to listen to him. ªI don't know why she's here or howÐº

Splash.

He blinked, wiped a hand down his dripping face, and realized she'd just tossed her drink at him.

ªOh, Dane! You should see your face,º she said witha hearty laugh, shocking him. ªAnd seriously, that was so freaking fun. I don't know whether I should thank you for the opportunity to check another item off my lis

t, or do it again.º

CHAPTERTEN

ªI'M SO CONFUSED right now,º Dane said, the whiskey still dripping from his lashes.

Kenna pressed a sweet kiss on his lips, making h

is blood boil with need. ªLet me help clear things up. You need to get rid of thecenterfold, and we need to finish what we started.º She trusted him. Besides, sheknew him. He wouldn't have brought a girl here if he'd had another one waiting for him, naked.

ªI don't know why she's here,º he repeated, ªor how shet inside. I have never given her a key. Never given anyone a key. And I told her we were over. I evenÐº

Kenna pressed a finger to the center of his mouth. ªLess talking. More getting rid of.º

He wiped his face with the bottom hem of his shi

rt, the lifted material revealing a stomach roped with all kinds of muscle. ªYou are a treasure, Kenna Starr. You know that?º

Am I? I want to be. Want to be his treasure.

He raced after the centerfold. Kenna heard cursingÐboth male and femaleÐand the shatter of glass. She tensed, harkening back to thediscovery of her mother's affair with Thomas.

Dane yelled, ªDo not ever come to my home uninvite



d again. Do you understand?º

ªI know you want me,º the girl yelled back. ªYou're jus fighting commitment. Your dad said so.º

ªYou called my father?º

ªI'm here to prove I can be everything you want, Dane. Everything you need. Spontaneous. Sexual.º

More talking, but Kenna couldn't make out the words.

First Jada, now this. He must make every woman feel as if she was the only one in the world capable of taming him. Doesn't bode well for me.

A few minutes later, Dane escorted a red-faced Courtney from the hall. He didn't head to the front door.

ªShe parked in back,º he grumbled. They disappearedagain.

At least she'd been dressed this time. But...wow.

That's my competition. Slender, without an ounce of fat. Waxed and stacked. I'm noteven in the same league.

ªShe's gone,º he said.

Kenna blinked to find him standing in the entrance leading to the kitchen. He had one shoulder propped against the frame.

ªMaybe...maybe I should go, too,º she said.

He gave an almost violent shake of his head. ªNo.You're staying.º

Nerves forced her to add, ªThere are probably a thousand different reasons we shouldn't be doing this, Dane.º

ªAnd none of them are good enough, Freckles.º His low, husky voice drifted to her ears, a blatant caress. ªI want you. You want me.º Heloosened his tie, unbuttoned his shirt. ªDo you deny it?º

Gulping, she pushed to unsteady legs. ªNo.º But he'd wanted so many others for so long, and there was absolutely nothing special about her.

More and more bronzed, muscled skin was revealed. ªEarlier you mentioned something about negotiating to speed things up,º he said. ªI

agree that's a good idea, so here are my terms. You will give yourself to me and I will take you. You'll trust me not to hurt you. I will adore your body the way I've been dreaming about since the night of the party.º

He'd been dreaming about her?

ªAre those acceptable terms?º he demanded.

ªWell, what do I get in return?º she asked, just tobe contrary. As if he hadn't just promised to make her every dream come true.



ªMore pleasure than you've ever thought possible.º

She couldn't stop the shiver sliding through her. ªI agree, though I have one caveat. I get to adore your body the way I've been dreaming about.º

He flashed her a tender smile, one quickly replaced by desperate need. ªDeal.º And then he was striding to her, discarding his shirt along the way. She barely had time to appreciate the smattering of tattoos running up his arms before he had her wrapped in his embrace.

His mouth found hers, and as his tongue thrust inside, mimicking the hard-and-dirty ride to come, it had a devastating effect on any resistance she might have still harbored. It was as if an atomic blast hadjust detonated inside her, and her hunger for this man was the last thing standing. The only survivor.

She devoured him with the same urgency he devoured her, giving and taking seemingly unquenchable passion. Her hands longed to be everywhere at once and moved from his hair to his shoulders and then to his lower back in quick succession. His skin was soft and hot and the muscle underneath rigid with strength. He wasn't some untried boy, afraid to demand what he needed. He was all man, confident and controlled.

Or maybe not so controlled. ªNeed to touch more of you,º he rasped. He ripped off her shirt and tossed it away, then tore the center of her bra. He paused the scorching kiss long enough to stare at her bared breasts, the crests beaded and red, aching. ªPretty. Perfect.º

He fell back on the couch, dragging her with him so that she straddled his waist. He sucked on one nipple, then the other, flicked his tongue over them and bit, drawing deliciously agonized moans from her. The pleasure was unreal, more potent than anything she'd ever experienced before, sweeping her up, propelling her to a new level of awareness, where nothing but sensation existed.

She rubbed against him and cried out as a sharplance of pleasure shot through her. He cupped her bottom, and urged her into a more dangerous rhythm, one that was constant. Rub...rub...rub...every point of contact electric, and all the while he continued to erotically torture her nipples.

Too much. Not enough.

ªDane.º

He set her aside and leaped to his feet to yankat her shoes, her jeans. He hooked his thumbs at the band of her underwear and removed those, too, leaving her naked. There was no time to entertain shyness. He

gripped her by the knees and parted her legs. Cool air brushed against her most intimate place.

ªSo wet, honey. So beautiful,º he praised. He dropped to his knees, kneeling in front of her...and lowering his head.

She trembled, hoping he would do it...but also nervousÐ

He licked her.



Her hips shot up off the couch, and he did it again, a slow lick that branded her soul-deep. No one had ever...how could it be so...ºMore! Don't stop! Please, Dane, don't stop.º

He gave her what she begged for, and fire sparked to life in her veins, scorching everything in its path. Pressure built insideher, beginning between her legs...quickly spreading, building and building...

ªYou taste so good, honey. So sweet.º

Shattering. An orgasm ripped through her, and she cried out his name. Every muscle in her body quivered with need, pleasure...satisfaction. Weakened, all she could do was sag against the couch.

Dane lifted his head, his eyes glazed with desire, his pupils blown. His lips gleamed in the lightÐhe licked away the moisture she'd left behind. ªYou ready for me?º

ªYes.º Oh, yes.

ªLet's find out for sure.º He pushed her legs even farther apart, and slid a finger deep inside her.

That's all it took. The pressure began to build once again, chasing away the weakness, leaving her gasping with need. She chewed on her bottom lip to silence a cry of desperation, but it escaped anyway.

ªDo you have any idea how beautiful you are?º he asked, working a second finger inside her. ªEvery inch of you. Made just for me.º

His words...slaying me.

The tight fit burned, but it was a burn she liked, and as he thrust and thrust, she arched into the movements.

He withdrew his fingers, and she moaned at the i

nstant sense of loss. He stood and practically shredded his pants. Wasn't long before he was naked and oh, he was magnificent. Muscled, as she'd known, with a long, thick erection weeping at the end.

He tightened his fist around the base, pumping once, twice.

She was mesmerized, and wasn't sure how she foundthe control to say, ªI've been tested...I'm clean...on the pill...never wanted to risk...º

ªI'm clean, too. Never been with a woman without a condom.º

Without a condom. The words echoed in her mind,and she realized that's what she craved. Nothing between them. Just male to female, no barriers. Something he'd never had before.

ªDane,º she said, and the need in her tone drew a moan from him. ªCould we...what if we...º

She didn't have to say the rest. ªNo condom, honey?Tell me that's what you're trying to say.º



She gave a little nod.

ªWith you...anything.º He returned to his knees, tugged her to the very edge of the couch, so that her lower body was in perfect alignment with his. ªI remember you wanted a list of reasons for us to be together. Well, here's number one.º He positioned himself at her opening and pushed in one inch...two... His breathing turned shallow, and sweat trickled down his temples. ªYou're so tight. So hot. Never felt anything this good,º he said, and grazed his thumb over her sweet spot.

A flood of arousal allowed him to slide the rest of the way in. ªYes.º Her back arched, her body welcoming him even deeper.

ªReason two.º He pulled out, almost all the way, and she clasped at his arms in an effort to draw him back, but she needn't have bothered. ªThree.º He slammed back in. Out. ªFour.º In. ªFive.º

Yes, yes! She reached above and behind her to grab the top of the couch and anchor herself. Then...Dane...utterly...unleashed. He hammered into her, again and again. Hard, so wonderfully hard. The couch rattled over the floor, inching backward, but he maintained a bruising grip on her hips, holding her immobile, a vehicle for his pleasure...oh, the pleasure...more intense than anything she'd ever experienced before.

He thumbed her sweet spot again, and when she gasped he did it again, pressing with more force, before pulling out of her completely and putting his face between her legs, licking her again, driving her beyond the limits of what she thought she could bear, before he thrust back inside her, filling her, and she shattered, screaming his name, clenching on him, nails probably ripping the couch.

He rode her through the climax and just as she was coming down from it circled his hips, hitting her somewhere new. She eruptedall over again. This time, he joined her, thrusting deep and staying there, shuddering against her.

* * *

DANE LOUNGED ON the couch with Kenna in his arms. They would have been more comfortable in the bedroom, but he couldn't bring himself to carry her in there. Other women had been in that bed. More than he couldremember or count, and he didn't want Kenna to join their ranks.

He didn't understand the mind-set, but wasn't goingto fight it.

A soft blanket draped and warmed them. He mightnever get up, couldn't bear the thought of letting her go, even for a moment.

ªDid you always want to take over for your dad?º she asked, breaking the easy silence that had settled between them.

He smoothed his hand over the ridges of her spine. ªI knew I'd have to, so I never allowed myself to consider doing anything else.º

ªEven though you don't like him much?º

ªEven though.º It was odd, discussing his feelings like this. He'd never done so with anyone else, but Kenna knew his past in a way no



one else ever had. She understood.

She traced her fingertips over his chest. ªAt least he values you. My mother...º She shuddered against him. ªShe doesn't see my worth.º

Her worth.

Worth was determined by the price a person was willing to pay to obtain the object in question. What was she worth to him? Danewondered.

He shied away from the answer, and sat up. ªYour mother is an idiot. Excuse my use of the I-word. She doesn't realize the prize she'sgot, and that's her loss, not yours. Her shame, not yours. There is nothing I would change about you.º

Kenna kissed the spot just over his heart.

The ache returned to his chest, prompting him to say, ªI've got a surprise for you,º just to escape the conversation. ªCome on.º He stoand tugged her to her feet. Then he almost changed his mind about leaving the couchÐshe was flushed, gloriously naked, and there was no female on the planet withcurves quite so magnificent. But he wrapped the blanket around her and pulled on his underwear. He led her into the kitchen, set her at the counter and withdrew

over forty small cartons of ice cream from his freezer.

ªBen and Jerry's,º she whispered, a sudden well of tears making her eyes look like freshly washed emeralds.

The sight nearly undid him. ªThat's not all.º He grabbed a burger from the refrigerator. He would never admit having to call eighteendifferent people to learn the answer to one simple question: What the hell is aKrabby Patty?

ªI was going to come to Strawberry Valley tomorrow, bring you everything,º he said. ªI couldn't stay away another day. But I'm glad you'rere.º

ªOh, Dane.º She pushed to her feet and walked over to him, slipping her arms around him, letting the sheet fall away. ªSuddenly I'm feeling very hungry for something else.º

ªOh, yeah? For what, exactly?º

ªSundae à la Dane.º

CHAPTERELEVEN

KENNA HAD LEFT HIM, Dane realized. He was stunned. He was enraged.

Like a puss, he was hurt.

He'd taken her again. On the kitchen floor. Or maybe she'd taken him. She'd used his body as a buffet table and sampled the different



flavors of ice cream. It had been kinky and sweet, cold and hot, all at the same time. It had been utterly mind-blowing. He'd never had so much fun with a lover.Had never laughed and played during sex.

Never taken a woman without a condom, just as he'd told her. Never trusted a woman enough not to try to trap him with a baby. Buthe trusted her, and the experience had blown his mind...and body.

Afterward, they'd watched several episodes of Sherlock, where Kenna had tried to solve the case before the detectives. She hadn't, but her guesses had been adorable.

It's always the butler. You'll see.

There doesn't seem to be a butler in this episode, honey.

That's because someone is secretly a butler. Moron.

To her great surprise, he'd found her ticklish spot and tickled her until she'd cried for mercy.

And after that, she'd yawned and suggested they go

to bed. He'd told her he was too comfortable to move, and that they should just sleep on the couch. Which had been true...but not the whole truth. She'd gone quiet and stiff, but they'd eventually fallen asleep.

When he'd woken a few hours later, she had been gone. He'd searched for her, but hadn't found any sign of her. Then he'd noticed her car was gone.

She'd really left him.

He was used to walking girls to their car the moment the sex ended, because he'd always dreaded having to have a conversation afterward. They always wanted to learn more about the man they'd just rolled around wi

th, which was understandable, but he never wanted to share, and never had the same need to know. Nothing wrong with the girlsÐeverything wrong with him. He got that. He was ice, and nothing could melt him.

Except Kenna. He'd been looking forward to morning sex and snugglesÐseriously, when did I become such a puss?Ðand talking and sharingand learning, but she'd freaking left him.

He called her cell, but she didn't answer. Every fiber of his being demanded he go after her and haul her back. Tie her to his bed, if necessary, and pleasure her so intensely she vowed never to leave him again.

His mind got trapped on that, the image of her bound and at his mercy. His blood heated.

Mind on the task at hand! He couldn't go after her. It was dark outside, and he might scare her, cause her to drive recklessly, maybe wreck into a tree.

He called her again, and this time, gritted outa message. ªAre you proud of yourself? Happy you left the man-whore sleeping while you snuck out? At least let me know when you make it home safely.º



He paced the house as he waited for a response.He'd always loved the solitude here, but now he couldn't stand it. It was too quiet, too isolated. This is what I deserve. He'd finally reaped what he'd sown, now forced to partake of the same fruit he'd fed to so many othersÐit tasted bitter.

His phone buzzed, and he dived for it. Not a call, as he'd hoped, but a text.

I'm safe.

That was it. No apology. No explanation.

He chucked his phone across the room and scrubbed a hand down his face. What the hell was going on with her? What had he done wrong?

By the time the sun rose, his temper was honed as sharply as a blade. He showered, hating to lose the scent of Kenna's strawberries, but knowing he'd be unable to function otherwise. He dressed in one of his many suits and headed to his car. He would go to work. If she called, they would talk. If not...

I'm done. He didn't need this hassle.

He almost ripped the handle from his car door. Before he slid inside the driver's seat, he spotted his mother's sedan in the distance.

Don't need this, either. But he waited. She wouldonly follow him to the office.

Dust spat from her tires as she eased to a stop. When she emerged, she didn't approach him, but remained standing behind her opendoor, as if she needed a barrier between them. Ms. Christine Michaelson was a tall, regal woman with hair as dark as his. No gray had dared intrude. As usual, she wore a dress suit that showcased her slenderness.

ªDo you have any idea how many calls I've received last night and this morning?º she demanded.

Should have seen this coming. ªNo, but I'm sure you're going to tell me.º

ªEight.º

That meant eight of his employees would be fired today. They were the only ones who'd seen Kenna and him together. ªWow. That many?º he asked drily.

ªIs the whore's daughter here?º

Dane stomped to her, snarling, ªDon't ever talk about her like that again. Do you hear me? She's the best person I know.º

His mother flinched, but otherwise maintained her stance. ªClearly all the time you're spending in Strawberry Valley is rotting your brain.º

Maybe so. ªThat's my business, not yours.º



ªDon't be so obtuse. You're a man of great wealth. Your business is never yours alone.º

He swallowed back a sharp rebuke. The animositybetween them was new to him. He'd spent the bulk of his life trying to be a source of happiness for this woman. Trying to make up for his father's actionsÐhell, his own actions. The affair hadn't started until after Daniel's death...a death his mother had always blamed him for, and rightly so. But that meant she also blamed himfor the affair. At least in part. He saw it in her eyes sometimes, before she could mask it.

A man has to take care of his family. No matterwhat. This was his mother. He owed her loyalty, not stress.

Kenna's defection had messed with his head, that was all.

ªHow could you be with her?º Christine asked, her chin trembling. ªHow could you humiliate me like that?º

ªShe's not like Roanne,º he said, backing off.

ªPlease! Not like Roanne? The apple never falls fa

r from the tree, darling, I promise you that.º

What about me?

He knew he'd never change her mind about Kenna. Why even try? ªI've got to go,º he said. ªMove your car. Please.º

ªWe're not finished here.º

ªWe are.º

ªDane Thomas! You're proving my point, acting just like your father.º

That. That's what she thought about him. But he said, ªI'm sorry you feel that way. I am. But I need you to move your car. I'm due at work.º

She stood in place, stubborn to her core. Fine.He sealed himself inside his Audi and, though it took some expert maneuvering, managed to get out of the driveway without hitting his mother's vehicle.

He sped down the road...and bypassed the exit for the office, heading instead for Strawberry Valley. Damn it, he needed to see Kenna, to hold her. To forget this horrid morning, and start freshÐwith her. Why had she left him?

He made a hands-free call to her cell. When there was no answer, he phoned the office and rearranged his schedule.

But Kenna wasn't at home. He drove to Two Farms. She didn't usually serve the breakfast crowd, but could have changed shifts with someone to come see him yesterday.

He made his way inside...and found her taking the order of an older couple. Muted bruises under her eyes, tension tightening her



mouth. His jaw clenched. She worked far too much. And now, all he wanted to dowas sweep her up in his arms, carry her away and pamper her.

Conversations tapered to a quiet as he closed the distance. Kenna looked over to see what was going on and stiffened. Not a promising start.

ªKenna,º he said. ªWe need to talk.º

Her cheeks flushed a deep scarlet. ªDane. Don't do this. Not here. Please.º

Last night she'd begged him and he'd loved it. Today, not so much. ªWhen?º

ªI don't know. How about...never?º

ªThat's not going to work for me.º He remembered her aversion for town gossip and forced himself to back off. For now. But he couldn't leave her. Wouldn't leave her. ªI'll wait till after your shift.º

She gasped, saying, ªBut that'll be hours.º

ªWell, you're worth waiting for.º He claimed a table o

utside her section, and as the time passed, watched her rub her back and realized she was sore. Her feet probably ached, too. He scowled. He had enough money to live luxuriously for a hundred lifetimes, and yet his girlfriend had to work herself to the bone? No. It wasn't right, and he wasn't going to stand for it. He hadto fix it. But how?

As shifts changedÐand Kenna's continuedÐhe ordered food he couldn't bring himself to eat from each of the different waitresses, and endured person after person sitting across from him, offering him advice, having guessed the nature of his relationship.

If you want to tame a wild filly, you've got to offer her sweet treats.

All those words did was make him want to ride Kenna out of her hurt.

My Myrtle gave me fits when I decided to give up my oat-sowing ways and be with her, but I kept showing up everywhere she went and eventually she couldn't imagine her life without me.

Had Myrtle considered filing stalking charges first?

Had Kenna?

Give the girl time. She's a stubborn one, our Kenna, but I can tell she likes you. The tension between you two is going to ensuremy Robbie gets a very nice afternoon delight.

His newest waitress, Jessie Kay, clearly knew what was going on before she ever reached his table.

She threw a menu at him and planted her palms right in front of him, leaning close. ªToo bad for you Kenna isn't on that menu. You can't place an order for her, and I can't carry her over to your table.º



Blunt. ªYour point?º

ªI know what your problem is. Kenna took off, andyour wittle-boy feelings got huwt. Well, boo freaking hoo. You say you want to talk to her, but why don't you admit the truth? You really want to scold her. Well, go ahead. Scold her and lose her. You haven't cornered the market on fear of commitment, you know. Kenna is dealing with her own problems.º

Damn. She was right.

She also wasn't done. ªSitting here sulking isn't going to do you any good. The only thing you're likely to get is a case of hemorrhoids. And maybe a side of fries. But I'll expect a hefty tip.º

* * *

KENNA'S DAY HAD gone from bad to worse. First, she'd forced herself to leave Dane, telling herself she'd had half a night with him and that would have to be enough. If he didn't find her worthy of his bedroom, what hope did they have for a future?

Then this morning she'd realized the night had left her feeling sated and sore and reeling and desperate and happy and sad and hun

gry and humiliated and treasured and rejected at once. All the conflicting emotions were screwing with her mindÐbecause she wanted him back.

Maybe they could make a relationship. So what if he found her lackingÐ

So what? Really? Have I no pride?

Lost in thought, she ended up screwing up most of her orders, even dropping plates and spilling drinks. When Mr. Calbert calledher back to his office, she prepared herself for some cursing and name-calling.Only, he sat behind his desk and pulled at his collar. He was so sweaty his hair was plastered to his scalp.

ªAre you okay?º she asked.

ªCutbacks,º he shouted, then cleared his throat. Hepetted the telephone that wasn't ringing and said, ªI have to make some cutbacks, and since you're one of my newer hires, I have to let you go.º

What! One of his newer hires? ªI've been here for over four years.º

ªTimes are tough,º he continued, practically wheezing now.

ªI'll take a pay cut.º

ªThat won't...that won't help.º

He was lying to her. He had to be lying. She had heard nothing about cutbacks and business had been booming lately. ªWhat's going on? Is this because I broke so many dishes today? I'll pay for them. Just take the money out of my check.º

ªNo, no. Speaking of your check.º He slid an envelop



e across the desk.

She sat there a moment, dumbfounded. ªMr. CalbertÐº

ªI'm sorry, Kenna,º he interjected. ªBut you need to leve now.º

She grabbed her check and numbly pushed to her feet. Was this day really happening or was this a nightmare? She was now withouta job, a means of supporting her daughter. For no apparent reason! Trembling, she stepped out of the office. Jessie Kay and Brook Lynn stood by the soda fountain, watching the restaurant fill up fast as...Dane went from table to table withhis checkbook in hand.

ªHe's giving donations to everyone for everything,º Jessie Kay said, awed. ªFrom Joey Middleton's orthodontic work to Jolene Shepherd's Sunday barbecue and tea. No one will be talking about anything else for months.º

Why would he do that? For me?

She wanted to care, she did, but she was still too numb, hanging by the end of a very thin rope.

ªOh, Kenna. What's wrong?º Brook Lynn asked.

ªI was fired,º she said.

ªWhat!º the girls demanded in unison.

ªI will flat-out murder Calbert,º Jessie Kay said, and stomped away before Kenna could stop her.

ªWhat reason could he possibly have for letting you go?º Brook Lynn asked.

ªCutbacks.º

ªBut...º

ªI know.º

Brook Lynn hugged her tight. ªMaybe this is a blessing in disguise. You've got some free time now. You can go do everything on our fun list. Live a little. Finally. Jessie Kay and I will cover rent this month, and I'll catch up on the list later.º

No, she had to find another job ASAP. She wouldnot allow her friends to shell out more than their fair share. But now wasn't thetime to mention that. ªI love you.º

ªLove you, too.º

She grabbed her purse and left the crowded restaurant before she broke down. The sun was high and glaring, summer creeping in.

ªKenna!º Dane raced up behind her. ªYou've made it too ifficult to wait until we're alone, honey, so I'm doing this here and now. I know you're afraid I'll cut and bail on you, but I want you in my lifeÐI need you in it. Youmake it better. Make me better. Give me another chance to prove it.º



She pressed her forehead against her car door.

Dane's hands curled over her shoulders, big, strong and warm. Then he cursed and drew back, severing contact. ªI know I've made a mess of things,º he said, ªbut give me another chance, and I will make it up to you.º

A tear burned a path down her cheek, her wall of numbness about to crack.

ªI'm begging you to go easy on me, honey. I'm new to this. I'm going to make mistakes, a lot of mistakes, but I'm trying. I will keep trying. You are special to me.º

A sob split her lips.

ªKenna?º He turned her around, frowning when he sawher tears. ªHoney, what's wrong?º

She threw herself against his chest, wrapping her arms around him and crying against his neck. He held on tightly, as if afraidto let her go. She wasn't sure how long they stood like that, Dane whispering into her ear, telling her everything would be all right, that he would move heaven and earth to make it so.

When finally she quieted, he asked again what was wrong and she told him about the ªcutbacks.º

He smoothed the damp hair from her cheek. ªHoney,you don't have to worry about money anymore. IÐº

ªNo. No.º She shook her head. ªI'm not taking money fro you.º

His frown returned, darker than before. ªSo...I can date you, but not help you?º

ªThat's right.º Up went her chin. ªOtherwise I would fe

l like a hooker.º

ªAre you freaking kidding me? You're my girlfriend.A man wants his girlfriend happy. Wants to give her gifts.º

ªYou can give me gifts,º she allowed. ªWithin reason.º

He was far from placated. ªBut no cash.º

ªOr checks.º

Gritting his teeth, he said, ªWell, I want to gift you with a day of fun. How about that?º

ªNo. I have to find another job.º

ªIt can wait a single day.º

She thought for a moment, sighed. ªFine. One day.º

All of his anger and irritation drained in an instant, and that was all the warning she had. One moment he was standing in front of her, the next he was bending down and sticking his shoulder in her stomach,



hefting her up.

ªWhat are you doing?º she squeaked, banging on his back.

He stopped at his car and grabbed a bottle of Windex. ªAre you thirsty? Because I am.º He popped off the top and strode forward, walking down the busy street as if this was a normal day and he didn't have a redhead dangling over his shoulder.

ªDon't you dare drink that,º she called, laughing. ªIt'ine.º

People stared, and for once, she didn't care.

ªYou want this sweet nectar,º he said, ªthen you'll hav to take it from me.º

ªDane!º

He downed half the contents.

ªSomeone call Dr. Samuels,º a voice shouted. ªWe got ourselves a bona fide emergency.º

ªOh, dear sweet madness. Dane Michaelson's done gone and fried his brain, y'all,º another lamented.

Kenna laughed all the harder.

CHAPTERTWELVE

NO ONE IN town would hire Kenna, and she couldn'tfigure out why. Every excuse was the same. Cutbacks, no new hires. She would have worried about money, but her boyfriendÐso weird, calling him thatÐensured her cabinets were filled, her portion of rent paid and Brook Lynn's car always gassed. Gifts, he said.

She didn't like it, not one bit, but keeping Norrie fed, sheltered and everywhere she needed to be took priority over pride. But Kenna kept a mental tab in her head, determined to repay every cent to Dane. Andshe wasn't giving up hope. She had one more place in town to try before she had to branch out and look for work outside Strawberry Valley. Swat Team 8Ðwe assassinate fleas, ticks, silverfish, cockroaches, bees, ants, mice and rats. She had an interview on Monday.

Though she had more free time than ever, she hadn't gone back to Dane's home in the city, and she hadn't invited him to spend the night at her house. As she'd told him, she was keeping him and Norrie separate. But for once, that restriction bothered her. More and more, she wanted the two to getto know each other, to like each other.

Was that wise, though? When things ended, Norrie's heart would break.



Not true, Kenna thought. Whether her relationship with Dane lasted or not, he would always be a part of Norrie's life. As her uncle. There would be no tearful goodbyes or asking for him when it was clear he'd never show up.

Finally, Kenna broke down and texted him.

I want 2 see U. SOON.

His reply was immediate.

Spend the weekend w/me at the Anderson ranchÐMichaelson ranch now.

Me & Norrie??

You.

Did he just want to be alone with her, or did he not want to spend time with Norrie?

I'd like 2 bring Norrie, she typed. Don't want 2 keep U 2 apart anymore.

Her trembling finger hovered over the send button. One minute...two...she pressed.

A long while ticked by, each second more agonizing than the last, before he responded.

All right.

That was it. All he had to say.

Dread unfurled inside her. That did not bode well, did it? But she made it the rest of the week without panicking or backing out. And then Friday finally arrived, and Dane was waiting at the door for them, th

e sight of him stealing her breath, as always.

ªUncle Dane!º Norrie called, running to him as if they'd been parted for years. She threw her arms around his legs, and he awkwardly patted her on top of the head before gently setting her away from him.

Kenna's dread magnified.

He took both of their bags, saying, ªCome on. Let'sgo inside.º

He led them through the living room and down the hall. The home was nothing like Kenna remembered. Gone were the pink carpets an

d too-white walls, the couch kids had walked on and the coffee table that had been covered with red plastic cups. Instead, the walls were different shades of blue, the couch soft, plush leather that looked as if it had never even been sat on, and the coffee table large and elaborate, with flowers spilling from a vase in the center.

ªThis is your room,º he said to Norrie, placing herbag inside.

The little girl's excitement deflated. ªIt's so...ugly



,º she said.

ªNorrie,º Kenna chided.

ªWhat? It is, and honesty is the best policy, right?º

ªRight.º The room was plain, that was all. The walls were white, the bed covers white, the dresser white.

Dane shifted from one foot to the other, every movement seeming to help him distance himself from her. ªDid you bring your swimsuits?º he asked Kenna.

ªI sure did,º Norrie said, digging through her bag and withdrawing a one-piece with cupcakes all over it. She held it up, showing him. ªEven though Jessie Kay says people pee in the water all the time and that when boys get in, it makes the water like tentacle tea.º

Tentacle?

Dane barked out a laugh, then quieted and blinked in surprise. He whispered, ªI think she means testicle.º

Kenna gasped, horrified and, yes, amused. ªI'm so going to murder that girl!º

ªDo you guys want to swim?º he asked. ªI promise I haven't peed in the water.º

ªYes, yes, yes!º Norrie said, running and jumping on the bed.

ªGet changed.º Kenna shut her inside the room, to give her privacy.

Just like that, Dane relaxed. He pressed her aga

inst the wall to steal a soul-drugging kiss, dropping the other bag, his hands cupping her bottom and lifting her so that her softest part cradled his hardest.

ªI've missed you.º His husky voice caressed her.

Kenna nibbled on his chin. ªI've missed you, too.º Somuch. ªWhat do you have planned for me this weekend?º

ªDid you bring your cowgirl boots?º

ªYes.º

ªThen I've planned lots of riding activities.º

She chuckled. ªI didn't notice a stable full of horses.º

ªI will be your mount.º

Hinges creaked, and Norrie made a gagging sound. ªOh, gross! Are you guys gonna make a baby?º

ªWhat?º Dane jumped away from Kenna as if she'd just h



eated a thousand degrees. ªNo.º

Can't be hurt. He's just playing by my rules.

Hate my rules.

Norrie flipped her hair over her shoulder, and in typical six-year-old fashion, completely lost interest in the subject. ªLet's swim!º

They followed her outside in silence. The sun was shining in all its glory, the sky baby blue and cloudless. The pool was a figure eight and crystal clear, with a hot tub at one end. Kenna doused Norrie and herself in sunscreenÐthey burned as easily as toastÐand helped the girl into a pair of floaties.

As Norrie jumped into the water without a qualm, Kenna sat beside Dane under a covered patio table. ªMay I ask you a personal question?º she said.

ªSure,º he replied, though he appeared hesitant.

She kicked off her sandals and placed her feet in his lap. ªWhat do you think of commitment so far? I mean, having to turn away al

l those buxom beauties because you've got a chubby, freckled redhead at home mustbe maddening.º

Was that neediness in her tone? Ugh.

Maybe he hadn't heard it.

Yeah, and maybe Santa was real.

ªYou are not chubby,º he said, rubbing her arches. ªYou are soft and warm and perfect, and I will be pissed if you ever insult yourself again.º

ªScary,º she said with a mock tremor, trying to actnonchalant.

ªAnd what do you mean, turning away all those buxom beauties?º he continued. ªApparently you haven't gotten the memo. I am the Ice Man.Rude, honest to the point of brutal and emotionally unavailable. Women aren't exactly throwing themselves at me.º A pause. ªAnymore.º

ªPeople think you're rude?º

ªDon't think it, know it.º

ªBut you're one of the nicest guys I know.º

He tickled the bottom of her foot and she almost jolted out of her chair. ªOh, honey,º he said, ªdo I have you fooled.º

They talked and laughed for hours while Norrie played in the water. When it came time for lunch, they ate grilled cheeses picnic-style, and Norrie practically fell asleep in her plate. Probably a good thing.She hadn't had the chance to notice how Dane had done his best to avoid her.

At Kenna's request, he carried the girl to bed, bu



t he held her away from his too-stiff body. Trying not to lose heartÐthe two justneeded to spend more time together, that was allÐKenna dressed her daughter in dry pajamas and tucked her in, then followed Dane to the master suite.

ªI get to stay in your bedroom this time,º she saidwith a sharper edge than she'd intended.

He paused to look back at her and frown, beforeleading her into the massive en suite and turning on the water.

Why frown? For the first time, the silence between them was awkward.

ªYou know,º she said in an effort to break it, ªI feel like we're growing apart.º She traced a fingertip down his stomach. ªYou should probably show me more reasons for us to stay together.º

He'd frozen for the first part of her speech, buthugged her when she finished, shuddering against her. ªDon't scare me like that.º

This strong man feared losing her that badly? ªI don't understand you,º she admitted. ªWhat do I bring to the table?º

ªAre you seriously asking that after the way you w

rung me dry the last time we were together?º

ªBesides sex. Which you can get from anyone.º

ªNot like that.º

ªDane.º

He cupped her cheeks, saying, ªKenna, I am carefree with you. I can laugh and tease. I can relax and enjoy. Do you know how rare that is? I trust you. Have never met anyone with a heart as big as yours. Now, why are we still talking? I've got some reasons to give you.º

He stripped away his clothes, proving he was already hard, then stripped away hers. The moment she was naked, she was on him, kissing him, giving him all that she was...all that she would ever be.

He backed up until they were under the spray ofwarm water. But she didn't feel the wetness for long. He kept going, pressing herup against the tiled wall. The cold made her gasp.

ªI've wanted you too long, honey. This is going to be fast, and I apologize in advance.º

* * *

DANE WAS ON fire for the woman. Had been since the moment she'd arrived looking so gorgeous in a summer dress he'd gifted her with,a pretty pink thing with lace. She wrapped her legs around his waist, an invitation to the sweetest pleasure of his life. He positioned himself and thrust hard, deep. Her moan was music to his ears. The feel of her, so tight, so wet without any real foreplay, was heady, drugging. He moved in her and she moaned again, a sound of rapture. She clutched and clawed at his back, and he loved it, the last of his control shredding. He became an animal, pounding in and out, and all she could do was take it. But she did, she took it and begged him for more.



He kissed her roughly, raw with passion. She consumed himÐher sounds, her scents, her touch, her taste. Her nipples were hard, deliciously abrading his chest. The friction...so good.

He reached between them, pinched one then the other, then slid his fingers between her legs. One press, and she screamed his name, clenching around him.

He followed her straight over the edge.

He wasn't sure how much time passed before he lifted his head. Her eyes were closed, her lips red and kiss-swollen. Her cheeks were flushed, and her skin damp.

He gave her a soft kiss and her lashes fluttered open. Her pupils were huge, her irises glassy. ªThat was for me,º he said. ªNow let's ake care of you.º

* * *

HOURS...AND HOURS...LATER, Kenna snuggled deeper into Dane's embrace. She was ninety percent sure she'd never walk again, and one hundred percent sure she didn't care. She was moving into his bed forever. The sheets had been made from clouds, surely.

The barest hint of moonlight streamed in through the window, but it didn't reach them. Darkness surrounded them in a safe haven. They'd just finished making love for the third time. Apparently taking care of herinvolved multiple positions.

ªJust so you know, I didn't take you to my bed lasttime,º he said suddenly, ªbecause I didn't want you where others had been.º

ªOh.º

Oh? That's the best I've got? She melted even closer to him, practically fusing their bodies. ªHow are you even real? Were you created

from a catalogue?º

He rolled her over and pinned her down. ªWas the catalogue for cavemen?º

ªAnd Vikings. And Regency gentlemen. And playboys. And poets. AndÐº

ªPoets!º His expression registered horror. ªI have never and will never write a poem. You take that back right this minute, honey, orwe will find another tickle spot you're so sure you don't have.º

ªTickle me at your own peril.º

ªI'd be willing to risk it, but I have a feeling you'd leave this bed as payback, and that's my worst nightmare come to life.º He kissed the tip of her nose. ªWhat am I going to do with you, Miss Starr?º

Love me.

Love? Her amusement faded in a snap. Did she love him?



What if she did? Oh...crap. She couldn't. She hadmore than herself to think about. What if he never accepted Norrie?

ªWhat is it?º he asked, stroking his thumb over hercheek. ªWhat's wrong?º

Worry about it later. ªNothing,º she managed with ashaky smile. ªDo you have any snacks in this place? I seem to have worked up an appetite.º

He looked at her, silent for a long while, before deciding to believe her. ªI have the perfect snack for you,º he said, wiggling his brows.

She arched a brow. ªWill I find it in the kitchen...or your pants?º

ªMost definitely my pants. But don't worry, it's portable. You can have it in the kitchen if you'd prefer....º

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

KENNA'S INTERVIEW WITH Mr. Porter, owner of Swat Team 8, went well. He told her that he was too old to spray houses for roaches, ants and terminatesÐwhich he wasÐand too mean to answer phones when potential customers calledÐalso trueÐand that his only grandson had just left for the army and he needed someone to take over every aspect of the business for minimum wage, no tips, and since Kenna was the only person to apply, she could have the job, he supposed, and he didn't care what Mrs. Christine Michaelson offered him to turn her away.

So, two birds, one stone. The mystery of Kenna's u

nemployment had been solved, and she now had a job.

When she wasn't spraying houses, which was quite often, she stayed in Mr. Porter's house and answered his phone, keeping him company, or ran all of his errands. He was a grouchy, lonely old man who needed a friend, but didn't want to admit it. She kind of loved him.

The doorbell rang, and Mr. Porter called out, ªBetter answer that, Kenna. My knees are aching something fierce.º He was perched in his favorite recliner, a beer in one hand and the TV remote in the other.

ªSure thing, Mr. Porter.º

ªHow many times do I have to tell you to call me Virgil, girl?º

ªI've lost count.º

He mumbled something disparaging under his breath.

ªI'll call you Virgil after hours.º Grinning, she opened the front door. When she spotted her mother, the grin faded and she sighed. I



t was too early in the day for insults about life choices, weight and failures. ªThis is my place of employment, Mom.º

Roanne stepped past her and into the small house, removing her sunglasses. Her distaste for the well-used furniture and stainedcarpet was clear. Had she always been such a snob? ªI need to speak with you.º

ªIt'll have to wait. These are my office hours.º

ªI've heard startling rumors about you and Dane.º

ªYou also heard the girl,º Virgil piped up, withoutmoving from his recliner. ªOffice hours are from seven to three, and all breaks have to be scheduled two weeks in advance.º

Roanne bristled, but ignored him. ªAt least tell me if the rumors are true, Kenna. I'm your mother. I deserve to know.º

She'd expected this. Sooner, really, considering the show she and Dane had put on the day she was fired from Two Farms. But her feelings were so new and raw, she wasn't yet willing to share them.

She kissed her mother's cheek and gave her a gentle shove out the door. ªI love you, and I will talk to you about this later. All ri

ght?º

Roanne put her foot in the door, preventing Kenna from shutting it. Worry added several years to her features. ªDarling, are you sure you know what you're doing? Dane is never going to settle down. That's what Thomas says, and I don't want to see you and Norrie hurt.º

The concern, genuine as it seemed, nearly shattered her. ªWe will talk about it later. Goodbye, Mother.º She shut the door without another word, and Roanne returned to her car.

Kenna pressed her forehead against the cool wood, fighting a sudden well of tears. Hadn't she herself called Dane a ªbad betº?

ªDon't you go listening to her, you hear,º Virgil said. ªJust because a man hasn't settled down in the past don't mean he won't settle down i the future. You haven't settled down yet, now have you?º

Right. Yes. He was right.

ªI was a wild man before I met my Mary, and if the cancer hadn't gotten her, we'd still be together.º

Kenna sat at the edge of his chair and patted his weathered, age-spotted hand. He would have been a tall man, if not for the stoop in his back, and he was super lean, with the thinnest cap of white hair. He w

ore glasses as thick as her wrist. ªWhat'd she do to win a wild man like you?º

ªShe breathed. Now get yourself off my chair and get back to work. Gosh dern kids,º he mumbled. ªAlways trying to get unscheduled breaks with pay.º

Kenna was smiling as she stood. The rest of theworkday flew by with no sprays and only one call. At this rate, she wasn't sure how Virgil was going to be able to afford to pay her. Well, hell. She'd take only what she absolutely needed to survive, she thought, and return the rest to him.



With that in mind, she almost called and canceled the appointment she'd set up in the city. But she didn't. She got in Brook Lynn's car and drove. This was something she had to do, a surprise she'd arranged for Dane.

But what if he didn't like it? It probably wasn't as romantic as she'd originally supposed, was probably a bit creepy. And lame.

What are you doing? Wussing out?

Yeah. Maybe. But she walked into the tattoo shop with her head held high, anyway.

* * *

DANE FELT LIKE a drug addict. Any time away from Kenna made him go into withdrawals. It was inconvenient and awful to need someone so desperately, and he didn't like it. Especially when she seemed to be pulling away from him more with every day that passed.

He knew why. He'd felt her eyes on him every timehe and Norrie were in the same room. Which wasn't often. He'd made sure of that.

ªWe're a package deal,º she had said the other day.

ªI know,º he'd replied, thinking it was the only wrench in their relationship.

Then they'd spoken no more about it, but even theidea had become a noose around his neck. She wanted him to relax around the girl, that much was obvious, but he just hadn't been able to manage it. A sense of dread had begun to grow inside him, as if a timer had been placed on their life together and it would zero out any day.

He had to do something. He wasn't ready to lose her.

He'd just found out a deal he'd been working on formonths was about to crash and burn, so he was flying out to L.A. tomorrow. Maybe he could convince Kenna to go with him, spend some quality time in the hotel room and get her addicted to him.

Earlier, she'd texted and asked him to come over.Now he opened her bedroom window from the outside and climbed into her room, per her instructions. She'd filled the bedroom with strawberry-scented candles, a soft glow cascading over her as she sat at the edge of her bed wearing only a tankand a pair of panties.

So sexy. So mine.

ªDid my parents see you?º she whispered.

ªYourÐº Realization dawned. Looked as if they were going to have themselves a good old-fashioned role-playing session. He was hard inan instant. ªNo, honey, I made sure to be real quiet. No one will ever know the hottest cheerleader is banging the sexy bad boy who's new to town.º

A smile broke free before she was able to control it. ªI thought you were the shy poet. That's who I invited to this intense study session. Maybe I typed in the wrong number.º



A poet, huh? ªPillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breasts, to feel for ever its soft fall and swell, awake for ever in a sweet unrest, still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, and so live everÐor else swoon to death.º

Her jaw dropped. ªYou can quote Keats?º

He scratched his chest. ªIs that what I did?º

She threw a pillow at him, but he caught it anddropped it to the floor, then took off his shirt and joined her at the bed. Sheheld him off by flattening her foot against his chest.

ªBefore we study,º she said, ªI have to show you something.º

ªIs it your books?º His gaze dropped to her chest, letting her know exactly what genre he wanted to read. Erotica. ªI'm eager to give an oral report.º

She shook her head and chewed on her bottom lip; a sign of nervousness, he'd come to learn. Slowly she turned to the side, revealing the back of her shoulderÐand the wild strawberry tattooed there. It was a match

to the ones climbing up both his arms.

ªKenna,º he rasped.

ªDo you hate it?º

He pressed her against the mattress and loomed above her. This woman constantly surprised him. And every time he thought she couldn't possibly please him more, she did.

ªHoney, I may be a sexy bad-boy poet, but even I don't have the words to articulate how I feel about this. I'm going to have to show you.º

* * *

KENNA ROSE EARLY, as was her habit, and studiedDane while he slept in her bed. He was so relaxed and at easeÐand so long his feet hung off the end of her bed. But he hadn't complained once. Had just made such tender love to her and fallen asleep with her snuggled in his arms. Any time she'd rolled away, he'd brought her back to his side.

Now, he stretched awake, his eyelids flutteringopen. When he realized she was sitting up beside him, he yanked her against hischest. ªToo far away,º he grumbled.

She covered her mouth to stop a round of laughter. ªWhat do you consider the perfect distance?º

ªThis. You on top of me.º

ªShould I have myself surgically attached?º

ªYes. I'll make arrangements later today.º He scrubbed a hand down his face. ªActually, it'll have to wait. I've got to fly to L.A. in a few hours. I'll be gone two weeks.º



Two weeks without him? Don't pout. ªI'll miss you.º

ªDon't miss me, come with me.º

ªI can't. I have work and my daughter. I can't just pack up and leave at a moment's notice.º

A flicker of irritation passed over his face. ªAnd that, right there, is one of the reasons I've never dated mothers.º

Kenna stiffened. He was complaining about Norrie? Wishing she wasn't around?

Does Uncle Dane like me, Momma?

Of course, sweetheart.

Are you sure?

She'd assured her daughter that he did. But for the first time, Kenna suspected she'd outright lied to her daughter. Can't fool myself anymore.

Dane sat up, his gaze shuttering, hiding his emotions. ªLook, I just think you work too hard, and that you need a vacation.º

A vacation away from her child.

Inhalation...exhalation...good, that was good. ªLook, I appreciate that you want some company...º

ªIt's not about company. I won't be alone. I just want you with me.º

ªYou're not going to be alone?º

ªNo. My assistant always travels with me.º

His assistant. One of the pretty young things Kenna had seen at his office, most likely. ªHave you and your assistant ever slept together?º

He paused before jerking his shirt over his headÐand she knew. They had.

Won't commit.

Bad bet.

Doesn't like Norrie.

ªAnd you think it's okay to travel with her?º she demanded.

ªYes. But I'm not attracted to her anymore.º

Argh! She picked up Dane's shoes and tossed them out the window. ªDo you know how disrespectful you're being to me right now?º



ªMe? You just tossed my shoes out the window.º

ªYou're traveling across the country with a woman you've slept with.º And that wasn't even the worst of it!

ªDoesn't mean I'm going to sleep with her again. I'm wih you, and I'm not a cheater.º

ªBut you'll be spending time with her. Probably after hours. Alone in a hotel room. Probably having meals with her.º

ªYes, and we'll be working.º

ªI don't care if everyone else in the world disagrees with me. A committed man should not travel with a former lover.º It opened up all kinds of doors to temptation and really, it looked bad. And the fact that he couldn't see that...the fact that he wished Kenna had never had Norrie...ºI want youto get out, Dane. Now.º

He glared at her. ªYou don't trust me?º

ªTrust has nothing to do with it. Mistakes happen. Like this one, you and me. You treat my daughter like she's a leper, and I'm tiredof it. You're never going to accept her, I realize that now, and that means I'm neve

r going to have a future with you.º

ªI don't like kids. I made that clear from the beginning. It has nothing to do with Norrie herself.º

ªShe'll never understand that. Neither will I.º Kennaturned away from him, unable to face him a moment longer. ªI'm such a fool. I thought if I gave you time, you'd soften toward her. At least a little. But all I've doneis allow you to hurt my baby. Well, that ends now. Get out and don't come back.º

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

KENNA CRIED AT least once a day for two weeks. Brook Lynn and Jessie Kay tried to console her, and when they failedÐ#LifeSuckedÐthey called West, who came and got her and Norrie for swim time at his house.

Kenna sat under a large umbrella with him, doing her best not to break down yet again as she watched Norrie play and have fun. When West couldn't draw her into any kind of mundane conversation, he sighed and said, ªHe's a mess, you know.º

As if she really needed to ask who ªheº was. Her palms began to sweat. ªHow do you know that?º

ªI've seen him.º

Was he dating anyone else? She wouldn't ask. She wouldn't. ªSo he's back in town?º

ªYes. Got in two days ago.º



Two days. And he hadn't come to her house, hadn't even texted to say hi, how are you. What was left of her heart withered.

What? I expected him to ride in on a white horse and beg for my forgiveness? To throw his arms around Norrie and tell her how much he loved her?

Kenna's phone rang, and with a shaky hand, she answered it.

ªKenna! You...I don't even have words,º her mother said without bothering with pleasantries. ªDane came to see his father last night tomake amends. They talked for hours, even hugged. I just wanted to say thank you. Thomas is so happy. He says Dane told him you're the reason he thought about thepast, and the present, and realized it was better to let go of hurt than to hold on to it.º

ªMe?º

ªYes, you. IÐº

Her mother's voice was drowned out by the sudden ring in Kenna's ears as she saw him.

Dane stepped out of West's house and walked into the backyard. His hair was mussed. His eyes were bloodshot and his cheeks hollowed. She almost bolted, but managed to remain in place. This was good. They needed to have a final showdown. Needed closure.

ªMom,º she said, ªI've got to go.º

ªButÐº

She hung up on Roanne.

ªHi, Uncle Dane,º Norrie said from the pool. There was far less excitement in her voice than there'd been the weekend they'd spent at hi

s ranch, and Kenna's stomach twisted.

ªI'd like to talk to you,º he told the girl, steppingup to the pool's edge.

She reluctantly swam over to him.

Dane gulped, even as he went to his knees. He met her daughter's gaze and said, ªI missed you.º

Norrie blinked at him, suspicious. ªYou did? Really?º

ªI did. And I want to apologize to you for being so rude. I once had a little brother, but I didn't take care of him the way I should have and he died. I was so afraid of doing something wrong with you, and you getting hurt, that I tried to pretend you weren't there.º

ªThat wasn't a very nice thing to do,º she said quietly.

ªNo, it wasn't.º



Kenna could hardly breathe. Her dream was coming true? Right before her eyes?

ªI'm not going to let fear rule my life anymore,º he said. ªI think you're a pretty special kid.º

ªDuh. I know. Momma and my aunts tell me all the time.º

He smiled at her. ªI've redecorated your room. Picked everything out myself. It's covered with pizzas. There's even a kitchenette inside it, where you can bake as many plastic pies as you want.º

ªI want to go see it now,º she squealed happily. ªCanwe, Momma?º

ªNot yet,º West replied as Kenna struggled to speak. He walked over and helped Norrie out of the water. ªYour Mom needs to talk to your uncle Dane. Let's give them some time alone.º

ªFive minutes,º Norrie said.

ªTen,º West countered.

ªTwelve,º she said, not exactly an expert negotiator yet.

ªDone.º

They disappeared inside the house. Fighting forcalm, Kenna pushed to her feet.

ªKenna,º Dane said. He straightened and focused on her. ªI tried to forget you and move on, but I couldn't. I thought about you the entire flight, picturing you traveling with a former boyfriend, and I wanted to kill him. I sent Tamera back as soon as we landed, and I worked without her the entire time. Without anyone.º

She gulped. ªI would have liked to have heard this the day it happened.º

ªI know, and I'm sorry,º he said, running his hand through his hair. ªA life without you isn't any kind of life at all, and when I realized how stupid I'd been, I flew home to talk to you face-to-face. But I kept thinking about the way I had treated Norrie, and I decided I needed to get myself ironed out first. Prove myself with my actions rather than words.º

ªDaneÐº

He took a step toward her. ªI've spent my life agoni

zing over what happened to Daniel. I realized I needed to forgive myself for his death, and not let it tarnish what could become of my future.º He looked at her,his eyes warm. ªI thought about Norrie a lot, the things she said and the way herface always lit up when she was happy. How she is a miniature version of you. How there was no way I could resist her, when I couldn't resist her mother. No way I couldn't love her...the way I love her mother.º

What? What! He loves me?

ªYou've changed me, Kenna. You've opened my eyes and m



y heart, and you have made me better. I talked to my dadÐº

ªI know.º

ªYou do?º he asked, taking another step toward her.

She nodded. ªMy mom called me.º

ªI was letting bitterness keep me from seeing he's just a man who made mistakes. Just like all the rest of us. I always insisted you forgive me, but then I never extended anyone else the same courtesy.º He reachedher and stared down at her. ªI'm not going to be a bad bet anymore. Not for you.º

ªDane,º she said again.

ªI ordered new equipment for Virgil Porter,º he rushed out. ªI will buy Two Farms if you want it, and give it to you to do with as you will. I'm having a new playground put in Strawberry Park. I have a puppy picked out for Norrie. I only need your approval. I love you, Kenna. I love you, and I don't ever want to be without you. I want legal ties between us, so you'll always know I'll come home to you, that you are mine, and I am yours. That we belong together, now and for the rest of our lives. The three of us, a family.º

Her jaw dropped, her mind reeling. ªAre you asking

me to...º

ªI'm not asking, I'm begging. But before you answer, I want to show you something.º He held out his hand.

She remained in place, frozen by shock. There was more?

He used two fingers to close her mouth, then did what he'd done the day she was fired from Two Farms and hefted her over his shoulder. This time, she didn't fight. He didn't walk through the house, but shouldered his way past the gate, entering the front yard.

A horse-drawn carriage waited on the street.

ªYou wanted to be a princess for a day,º he said, ªbut I want you to be my princess. Forever. And I don't care if that is the cheesiestline in the history of ever. I will say anything, do anything, be anything, to have you, now and always.º

He set her inside the carriage, and climbed in to crouch between her legs. ªOne more chance, Kenna. That's all I need. I'll get it right this time, I promise you.º

ªBecause you love me,º she managed to croak.

ªMore than anything. I meant what I said. I want to be a family with you and Norrie. I want to make a home with you and cherish you and most importantly never be without you.º

Tears welled in her eyes. He meant it. He wanted her, was willing to do anything to have her, and keep her...to make this relationship work. ªYou were miserable without me,º she said, trying to wrap her head around it.

ªI was.º



ªAnd you love me,º she said again.

ªI do.º He looked at her, hopeful. ªDo you love me?º

She'd never given him the words, she realized. ªI do. I love you with all that I am. I want to marry you, and be a family with you.º

ªThank God.º He released a heavy sigh and just kindof fell forward, resting his forehead against her shoulder. ªThat is, quite possibly, the best thing I have ever heard.º

She hugged him tight, saying, ªWhat are the othercontenders?º

ªMore, Dane, harder, is a good one. So is, Dane, you are always right about everything.º

ªHey!º she gasped out with a laugh. ªI've never said tht last one.º

He lifted his head and gifted her with his mostdevastating smile. ªBut one day you will. I'll make sure of it.º

* * * * *

About the Author

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authorGena Showalter has been praised for her ªsizzling page-turnersº and ªutterly spellbinding stories.º With over fifty novels and anthologies, Showalter has delighted readers with her paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as her young-adult se

ries. She is thrilled to launch a brand-new contemporary series, Original Heartbreakers, featuring sexy bad boys and the women they can't resist. Be sure to check out The Closer You Come (Jase's story), the first full-length novel. To learn more about Gena and her books, visit her website, www.genashowalter.com.

And check out Gena's Harlequin author profile page:

www.Harlequin.com/genashowalter

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ISBN-13: 9781460380215

The One You Want

Copyright © 2015 by Gena Showalter

All rights reserved. By payment of the requiredfees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to accessand read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, wi

thout the express written permission of publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are usedfictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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