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Back in the day, Marah’s father, Edward Briscoe, had been one of the original black cowboys, he and his first wife expanding the Texas longhorn operation to include an entertainment complex that specialized in corporate and private client services. The ranch now housed two twenty-thousand-square-foot event barns, and a country bed-and-breakfast. With the property being central to Austin, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, Briscoe Ranch had soon made quite a name for itself.
Just weeks before John and Marah’s wedding, patriarch Edward had married Juanita, the Stallion family’s surrogate mother. The two families had merged nicely together and with the two marriages came the acquisition of the ranch and all it had to offer. All the Stallion men were excited about the challenge to expand this area of their business, wanting to build a world-renowned equestrian facility known for its community outreach programs. Each of them was committed to affording young boys and girls from impoverished homes the experience of ranch life up close and personal. Mark, in particular, had made it his personal pet project.
As the three men made their way up the steps of the oversize home, Juanita greeted them at the door, her excitement uncontained. The petite woman reached to wrap her arms tightly around thick necks.
“Oh, how I’ve missed you boys!” Juanita exclaimed, her gray hair swaying down against her shoulders.
“You need to come into the office more often to see us, Aunt Juanita,” Mark said as he lifted her from the ground in a deep bear hug.
“Soon. I promise,” Juanita answered. “There’s been so much going on here that I’ve just had my hands full.” She gestured for them to follow her. “Come on in. We were all getting breakfast,” she said softly.
Inside the large home, the rest of the Briscoe-Stallion clan were gathered around the kitchen island consuming a home-cooked meal. The men were greeted by the delectable aroma of pan-fried potatoes, thick sausage and seasoned eggs.
“Looks like we’re just in time,” Matthew said, reaching for an empty plate off the counter. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Good morning,” said Edward and his daughters, Marah and Eden.
“There are homemade biscuits in the oven,” Marah’s twin sister Marla said, her infant son looking curiously about from her lap.
Mark grinned. “No wonder our big brother can’t ever be found. A beautiful wife and homemade biscuits, too! You’ve got it made, boy!” he exclaimed, slapping John on the back.
“I go away for a few days and now I can’t be found.” John rolled his eyes skyward as he pulled another forkful of potatoes into his mouth. “Please.”
Luke laughed. “Please nothing. Before, you would take a vacation and we’d hear from you every day. When’s the last time you talked to him, Matt?”
Matthew shook his head. “He didn’t call me.”
“Me either,” Mark chuckled.
Marah grinned widely, moving to wrap her arms around her husband’s neck. “A good woman will do that for you. You boys should try it one day,” she said as she planted a kiss against John’s cheek.
John’s smile was even wider than hers. “Don’t be jealous, boys,” he said as he hugged Marah tightly.
They all laughed, chattering easily together as they consumed their morning meal.
“You all are coming to our event tonight, aren’t you?” Eden asked, looking from one brother to the others.
Luke nodded eagerly. “And, I’m bringing a good friend. You remember Michelle, don’t you, Marah?”
Marah nodded. “Oh, I really liked her. I’m glad she’s coming. I know just the men to introduce her to.”
Mark bristled ever so slightly. “Maybe she doesn’t want to be introduced to any men,” he said, his eyes shifting across his plate as he tried to avoid Marah’s curious stare.
Luke eyed Marah and chuckled. “But that’s why she’s coming, Mark. I told her if anyone can help her find a good man that Marah can.”
Mark raised one eyebrow, lifting his gaze slightly to meet his brother’s. “Did you now?” he asked, his tone voicing his displeasure at the sudden thought of his favorite mechanic meeting any other men.
Luke laughed out loud. John looked from Mark to Luke and back again, cutting his gaze toward Matthew. “Did I miss something?”
Matthew shrugged. “Beats me.”
Mark frowned. “No, you didn’t miss a thing. Your brother just thinks he’s funny, that’s all.”
Luke laughed again, shaking his head vigorously.
Marah interjected. “Well, just so you’re prepared, Mark. I think it would be nice if you got to know Michelle better. Unless of course you think Matt would be a better choice for her?”
Mark cast his gaze toward Marah, a rush of heat warming his cheeks as he shook his head vehemently. He stammered, choking on a piece of food. Juanita rushed to his aid, the small of her palm hammering against his broad back.
“I swear, Mark,” Juanita exclaimed. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that you’re obviously interested in this girl.”
Edward shook his head. “Son, I think Juanita done peeped your hold card!”
Mark tapped a closed fist against his chest as he gasped for air. Everyone around him was laughing heartily.
“You all leave Mark be,” Juanita said warmly, her gaze glistening with joy. “Y’all gone make him jump scared before he gets a chance to know the girl.”
Luke grinned, reaching for another biscuit. “Not me, Aunt Juanita. I’ve got a bet riding on this meeting. And I don’t like to lose.”
It was a nice crowd, Mark thought to himself. A very nice group of current clients, former customers and newbies interested in the services the Post Club might have to offer filled the room. Mark watched as Marah and Eden worked the room. They’d been going strong for well over an hour as they guided singles into groups and groups into couples. As he looked anxiously toward the door for the umpteenth time, he noted the arrival of his brothers as Luke and John entered the room at the same time. Luke’s friend Michelle was nowhere to be found.
Marah rushed to greet them, wrapping both men in a deep hug. “This is so exciting!” she gushed, her gaze racing around the perimeter of the room. “We’ve had a great turnout tonight.”
John nodded his head, looking from one sister to the other. “It looks like you and Eden have done a great job,” he said as he leaned his six-foot-plus frame down to kiss her cheek. “Congratulations, baby,” he said, hugging her tightly against his solid body.
“Thank you,” Marah said excitedly.
“Is Michelle still coming?” Mark asked, moving to join the trio. His attention fell on Luke’s face, eagerness flooding his expression. He glanced toward the door one more time.
“Hello to you, too,” John said, rolling his eyes skyward.
Luke echoed his sentiments. “Boy, is that how you greet your family?”
“Hey,” Mark said with a quick nod. “So, is she?”
Before Luke could respond, the entrance door opening and then closing pulled at their attention. The small group turned at the same time to see who was coming through the doorway. Mark was suddenly taken aback as he caught sight of the exquisite woman making her entrance.
“Hot damn!” Mark exclaimed under his breath, his eyes widening with excitement.
Donning a silk dress that was the color of summer-kissed peaches, Michelle surveyed the room in search of a familiar face. The woman cleaned up nicely, Mark thought, admiring the formfitting dress that hugged her lean body. Michelle was long and slender with more leg than torso and the length of her legs was displayed boldly from ankle to upper thigh. Mark’s gaze raced the length of her body, taking in every taut muscle he and everyone else was privy to see.
The moderate length of her hair was cut in a neat bob, the silken strands barely brushing against her shoulders and her chiseled features were perfection personified. Michelle was so beautiful he thought she could have easily rivaled any top model maneuvering a Parisian catwalk. Mark found himself tongue-tied when Luke called out Michelle’s name. He watched as his brother excused himself and then headed in the direction of the door.
Marah tossed a look in Mark’s direction then turned her attention back to Luke and Michelle as they stopped to greet each other with a warm embrace. She leaned into her husband’s side, whispering softly as she glanced up at him. “I think this is going to be the easiest love connection I’ve ever made,” she said with a low giggle.
John laughed with her. “Sorry to disappoint you, baby doll, but I think this connection was made well before you,” he said, eyeing his brother curiously as Mark continued to stare at Michelle.
Marah giggled. “I hate to agree, honey, but I think you’re right,” she said, watching as her brother-in-law stood oblivious beside them.
Still standing in the entrance, Michelle was suddenly aware that she was being admired, Mark’s gaze burning hot in her direction. She met his stare with one of her own, her palms running the short length of her silk dress as she moistened her lips. Beside her, Luke was chatting eagerly, but Michelle didn’t have a clue what he was saying, his words lost as her attention was diverted elsewhere.
Mark stood well over six feet tall, his solid frame strong and sturdy. His complexion was Hershey’s chocolate dark, richly decadent and teasing to the senses. His thick dreadlocks hung down his back, framing the lines of his face like the majestic mane on a lion. Dressed in a classic, charcoal Armani suit, his smoldering bedroom eyes and engaging, enigmatic smile had Michelle’s full attention.
The man gestured with his head, every ounce of his body language welcoming her into the room. Nodding slowly, Michelle took in the sculpted features of the man’s face. Mark Stallion was drop-dead gorgeous. She found herself staring at the curl of his full lips as he grinned at her, unable to stop herself from wondering what it might be like to kiss the lush pillows. She had to force her attention back to his eyes, shaking the clouds of fantasy that had suddenly washed over her.
Before Michelle realized what was happening, Luke had her by the elbow, guiding her in the direction of his brother and the gaze that suddenly had her weak in the knees. When they were standing side by side, everyone smiling widely, Luke made the introductions. “John, Marah, you remember my friend, Mitch, don’t you? Mitch, this is my oldest brother John and his wife, Marah. Marah and her sister are our hosts for the evening.”
Michelle nodded her head, extending her hand in greeting. “It’s very nice to see you both again,” she said softly.
“It’s very nice to see you again as well,” John responded.
“We’re glad you could join us,” Marah added.
Luke gestured toward his other brother. “And I think you’ve met my brother Mark.”
Michelle nodded, her eyes locking with Mark’s. The man’s gaze was still blistering, his excitement shimmering like a raging fire from his dark eyes.
“We did. How are you?” Michelle said, her smile warming the contours of her face. She extended her hand toward his.
“I’m very well, thank you,” Mark said, squeezing her fingers noticeably between his own. “It’s really good to see you again.”
Michelle smiled widely, the warmth of the gesture flooding her face. She suddenly felt herself blushing, a wave of color rising to her cheeks. She pulled her fingers from beneath Mark’s, drawing her palm against her abdomen to stall the quiver of muscle that had her shaking. Drawing in a deep breath, it took everything within her to keep standing on her quivering knees. There was a shared current of electricity that passed between them. The energy was so palpable that everyone around them could feel it. The moment was interrupted as Luke told the story of how he and Michelle had come to be friends.
“My goodness,” Marah exclaimed. “What a blessing it is that neither one of you was injured. Anything could have happened!”
Michelle nodded. “I’m grateful that Luke arrived when he did.”
Marah nodded her agreement. “Well, Mitch, we’re just delighted that you could join us this evening. Can I get you something to drink? Eat?”
Michelle shook her head. “Nothing, thank you. I didn’t mean to crash your party like this, but Luke insisted that I meet him here.”
“You’re not crashing at all,” Marah said, her gaze sweeping up to her husband’s. “We’re delighted that you could join us and I hope that you enjoy yourself. You might want to take advantage of some of our services,” she said, sliding into her salesperson tone. “Then again,” she continued as her eyes met Mark’s, “maybe you don’t need them.”
Michelle responded with a smile.
John’s eyes met Mark’s stare, Mark still looking at Michelle with longing. “If you and Mitch will excuse us, please. I need to steal my woman away for a moment,” John said, clasping his fingers between Marah’s. Marah gave Michelle and Mark a wink as she followed her husband.
Mark nodded, suddenly feeling nervous. The rise of anxiety intensified as Luke excused himself as well, leaving him and Mitch alone together. There was a moment of awkward silence that suddenly filled the space between them.
“So, Mr. Stallion, how was your trip to the beach?” Michelle asked, moving to ease the rise of tension between them.
He nodded. “It was great. The bike rode like a dream. And please, call me Mark.”
Michelle nodded ever so slightly. “Well, Mark, do you come to many of these things?” she asked, glancing around the room.
Mark shook his head. “This is my first and I’m only here because Marah insisted.”
Michelle raised one eyebrow, eyeing him curiously. “That’s the only reason?”
The man smiled shyly. “I’m not big on these kinds of things.”
“But you might meet someone special,” Michelle said, a coquettish aura washing over her expression.
Mark resisted the sudden urge to take a step closer to her, the sweet scent of her perfume rising like a warm mist around them. I already have, he thought to himself, fighting not to say the words out loud. Instead he said, “I might,” his voice seeming to drop an octave. “I guess if you’re single you can always use a little help with finding romance. Don’t you agree?”
Michelle nodded. “I do, but I imagine you’ve got plenty of game when it comes to dealing with women.”
“Oh, I’ve got game,” Mark said with a soft chuckle. “I’ve got great game. My problem is I keep losing the game.”
Michelle laughed with him. ‘Well, that’s not a good thing.”
“No, it isn’t.”
The noise level in the room seemed to rise an octave as they stood in discussion. Mark suddenly wanted Michelle all to himself as they continued their conversation, oblivious to everyone else around them. He gestured for her to follow as he headed in the direction of Marah’s office, leaving the noise and laughter of the crowd behind them.
“That’s better,” Mark said as he closed the door to the inner sanctuary. “I can hear myself think now.”
“It did start to get a little noisy in there,” Michelle answered.
Mark smiled as he leaned back against the large wooden desk that sat room center. Resting against the edge, he crossed his arms over his chest, trying not to appear as anxious as he felt.
“So, tell me more about this race team,” Michelle said, eyeing him curiously.
Mark shrugged his broad shoulders. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming time trials. I think my team will do very well this season. This project is my baby and I’m out to prove myself.”
“Have you been racing long?”
“A few years now. How about you? I know you can fix ’em but do you ride as well?”
Michelle nodded. “I don’t race but I learned to ride before I learned to walk. My father drove for Rockman Racing.”
A look of surprise crossed Mark’s face. “Really? Who was your father?”
Michelle paused briefly before answering. “Brent Coleman.”
There was a moment of recognition, the stories of Brent Coleman’s demise washing over Mark’s face. “I didn’t know,” he said softly, suddenly embarrassed. “My condolences for your loss.”
Michelle gave him a quick smile. “Thank you. And it’s okay. I don’t mind talking about my father.”
“I understand. I lost both my parents in an automobile accident when I was very young so I know what that’s like.”
Michelle was staring at him with glazed eyes. Her stare seemed to gently caress Mark’s face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
Mark shrugged. “Let’s change the subject. So, what do you do in your free time?”
“Repair engines,” Michelle answered with a low chuckle.
Mark laughed as well. “Okay, but I’m sure you entertain yourself with other things as well.”
The young woman nodded. “I do. I love anything that gives me an adrenaline rush, and engines give me one heck of a rush!”
Mark nodded slowly, his eyebrows raised ever so slightly.
Michelle laughed. “Strap one onto your back and I’ll show you what I mean,” she said, the words slipping out of her mouth before she could catch them.
Mark roared, mirth spilling between them like water from a faucet.
A wave of silence washed over the two of them as both gathered their thoughts, thoroughly enjoying the moment and the company. Michelle heaved a low sigh, color flooding her cheeks.
“Are you okay?” Mark asked.
Her head bobbed slightly. “This might be a little forward, Mark, but are you involved with anyone?” she asked, staring into his eyes.
He shook his head, his eyes widening brightly. “No, I’m not. Are you?” he asked, finally taking that step toward her.
The two were suddenly so close that Michelle could feel the heat from his body melting into her own. The power of the moment seemed to surface with a vengeance, taking full control. The rise in temperature was consuming, perspiration beading from her pores. Before she could catch herself, she’d pressed the length of her manicured fingers against his chest, the beat of his heart pulsating against her palm. As she lifted her eyes to meet his, Mark pressed one palm against the back of her hand and the other around her waist, drawing Michelle closer to him.
Before either could utter another word, the office door swung open, Marah and her sister rushing in from the other side. Both Marah and Eden looked from one to the other, concern filling their faces. Behind them, Luke was shaking his head anxiously. Michelle felt as if she’d been caught with her hands in the cookie jar, and a wave of embarrassment swept over her.
Mark took two quick steps back, his cheeks heated with color. When he caught sight of the young woman following on Marah’s heels, his expression dropped straight to the floor.
Marah spoke first. “Mark, we found you,” she said, her churlish tone causing him to cringe.
He nodded, trying to mask his discomfort. “Mitch and I were just talking,” he said anxiously, his gaze sweeping from one face to another.
The woman behind Marah pushed her way forward, moving to the front of the crowd. She extended her hand in Michelle’s direction. “Hello, I’m Vanessa Long. Mark’s fiancée.”
Michelle shot Mark a quick look then stared back as Marah finished the introductions.
“Vanessa, this is Michelle Coleman, a close friend of Luke’s.”
The other woman gushed politely. “It’s so nice to meet you.” She looped an arm through Mark’s, reaching up to kiss his cheek. “Hi, honey. I told you I’d make it!”
Chapter 5
“Men make me sick,” Michelle muttered for the umpteenth time. She kicked her high-heeled pumps from her size-seven feet as she settled the length of her body against a plush sofa.
“We’re not all that bad,” Simon offered, leaning the wealth of his weight against the back of the upholstered furniture. He gently massaged the young woman’s shoulders, both staring in the direction of the flat-screen television playing with the volume turned down.
“In fact,” the elderly man continued, “there are a few of us who are actually quite decent,” he said matter-of-factly.
“Well, clearly there is nothing decent about Mark Stallion. The man lied,” Michelle said, meeting her uncle’s gaze. “He straight up lied to me. No, I’m not involved with anyone,” she said, mimicking Mark’s comments. “So, what was that all about with him and his fiancée?”
Simon shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you,” he answered. “He didn’t say anything else?”
“I didn’t give him a chance. I was sure he was just going to tell some more lies so I walked out.” She heaved a deep sigh.
Her uncle squeezed her shoulder gently. “I’m sorry, Mitch. I had really hoped you’d have a good time.”
Michelle heaved another sigh, warm breath blowing past her lips into the air-conditioned room. “Liars and cheats,” Michelle muttered. “All of ’em. Liars and cheats.”
Simon chuckled. “Well, at least you found out before it went anywhere rather than afterward.”
Michelle nodded in agreement. “He sure seemed like a great guy though, Uncle Simon,” she said wistfully.
Simon stared down at her, the melancholy in her voice tugging at his heartstrings. He had a few choice words for that Stallion fellow. Simon didn’t take kindly to anyone causing his surrogate daughter grief.
Michelle sighed again, suddenly feeling self-conscious at her behavior. She couldn’t begin to explain why she’d reacted so strongly. It wasn’t like there was anything between her and that man. The two barely knew each other, but she’d been excited at the prospect of getting to know him better. Mark Stallion had excited her and now she was reeling from the disappointment.
Rising from her seat, Michelle moved into the small galley kitchen, searching the contents of her freezer. Tucked out of sight behind a stack of frozen dinners and a foil-wrapped package she couldn’t begin to identify was a pint of butter pecan ice cream. Pulling it and a spoon into her hands, Michelle returned to the television, dropping heavily back to her seat. Simon sat down beside her, and reached for the television remote that sat on the glass-topped end table.
“Put it on the Speed Channel,” Michelle said as she scooped the first spoonful of frozen dessert into her mouth.
Simon shook his head, a moment of confusion washing over his expression. “The Speed Channel?”
Michelle spooned a second taste of ice cream into her mouth. “NASCAR’s on and, unlike most men, a good car race has never failed me.”
Mark had been pacing the floor and ranting like a madman ever since Michelle had stormed out of Marah’s office. The woman had barely bothered to say goodbye as she’d made her exit. He’d been stunned, unable to think straight as Vanessa had commanded everyone’s full attention, feigning excitement about her fiancé Mark. The man heaved a deep sigh.
“It’s your own fault,” Luke admonished. “What were you thinking?”
“He wasn’t thinking. That’s half the problem,” Marah said. “I thought you liked Mitch?”
“I did. I mean I do. I…It just…” Mark stammered, fumbling to form a complete sentence.
Vanessa laughed. “I don’t know what you’re getting all worked up about,” she said, mirth gleaming in her pale eyes. “You told me you didn’t want any attachments so what’s the problem?”
Mark stopped in his tracks, doing an about-face to stare at his friend. “And did you have to keep going on and on? And where did you get that damn ring?”
Vanessa smiled, holding up the ring finger on her left hand and the four-carat cubic zirconia ring that adorned it. “Nice touch, huh?”
Mark rolled his eyes. “Well, if you had just shut up for two seconds I might have been able to explain.”
John chuckled. “Not likely. I didn’t get the impression that Mitch was hearing anything you had to say.”
“And what about that?” Mark questioned, tossing his hands into the air. “Don’t you think she overreacted?”
His big brother laughed. “I think you play too much. This is what happens when you play all the time.”
Mark scowled, his expression showing his displeasure with his sibling’s assessment.