How To Seduce An Heiress: The Reluctant Heiress / Pride After Her Fall / Project: Runaway Heiress

She blushed. She hadn’t been worried about falling in love.

Had she?

“If you’re worried, we can ask Edgar to join us.”

She couldn’t keep from laughing. “You’re willing to invite Edgar, too?”

“If that’s what it takes to spend the weekend with you, yes, I’ll invite Edgar, too.”

“Now you’re making me feel foolish.”

“That’s not my intention. Listen, I understand why you don’t want to follow in your mother’s footsteps, but I don’t think you run any risk of that happening with me.”

Her eyes widened. “I guess I’ve lumped all males into the same group as my father.”

“I can’t blame you for being hurt, Sophia,” he said solemnly and her heart warmed. He gazed intently at her while she debated, waiting quietly.

“I’ll go with you,” she said, smiling at him.

“Excellent. It’ll be fun. No big deal.”

It was a big deal because she didn’t even spend weekends with men she knew. All she had to go on with Garrett was the information she had received about him from others and her own feelings.

“I’ll tell Edgar I’m going, but we’re not inviting him along. He hates cold weather and he can’t imagine fastening his feet to ‘long boards,’ as he calls them. Thank you, though, for the offer to invite him,” she said.

“Good. I’ll check the weather right now. I don’t fly into storms if I can possibly avoid it.”

She watched as he pulled out his phone. He smiled broadly, sexy creases bracketing his mouth. “Good weather—cold nights, sunny days. I’ll call my pilot. How early can we go?”

“Name your time.”

“I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Fine with me,” she said. She’d surprised herself, she thought as eagerness bubbled in a steady current. The weekend with Garrett. Foolhardy, risky for her heart.

Exciting.

Walking away, Garrett talked with the pilot and made arrangements. When he was done, he sat beside her again. “We’re set to fly at eight.”

“So one of your traits is impulsiveness,” she said. “I’m learning more about you.”

“I don’t think I’d describe myself as impulsive. Usually I’m predictable and methodical.”

“If we get to know each other, I’ll weigh in on that.”

“We’ll get to know each other, Sophia,” he said softly in a husky tone that sent a tingle spiraling in her. “I definitely intend that we do.”

Desire was constant with Garrett, keeping her intensely aware of him in a physical manner. Despite her concerns, she couldn’t deny that she loved being with him, hearing about him, learning about him. In some ways, she, too, felt as if she had known him a long time. They talked until one and she promised herself by half past she would end the evening. Finally, when it was almost two, she stood.

“Garrett, I must get home.”

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want.” He waved his hand toward his house. “Needless to say, there is plenty of room here. Take any bedroom you want. Close to mine, far from mine or in mine with me,” he teased. “I’ll even promise to not wake you in the morning. Particularly if you make the last choice.”

Shaking her head, she laughed. “It does seem silly for you to drive me home, but that’s what I want. If I’m going to Colorado to ski, I want to go home and get some things.”

“All right. Home it is. I told my chauffeur we’d take you home tonight.”

“See, I should have driven.”

“I would insist on taking you home even if you had driven. It’s way too late for you to be out driving around by yourself.”

“That’s an old-fashioned notion.”

“It’s not the first time someone has accused me of having old-fashioned notions.”

“I think old-fashioned is rather nice if it isn’t overdone. Edgar gets a little carried away— I’ll probably have a text waiting from him when I get in. He’s probably running background checks on you as we speak.”

She expected a laugh but Garrett merely gave her a smile and stood. “Shall we go?”

When they arrived at her house, the limo waited while Garrett walked with her to her door. He stepped inside, waiting while she switched off the alarm and then pulling her into his embrace to kiss her.

With her heart racing, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him in return, pouring her feelings into her kiss, wanting to spend the rest of the night with him, wanting to touch and caress and make love, yet knowing she should do little more than what they were doing unless she wanted to risk losing her heart.

How much time passed, she didn’t know or care. They were breathless, wanting more. Need became a raging fire. When Garrett’s hands began to roam over her, she stopped him and stepped back.

“We’ll say good-night,” she stated. Her voice was breathless as she gulped for air. “Garrett, tonight has been so much fun,” she said softly. His gray eyes had darkened to slate, desire burning in their depths. “Thanks for a grand evening.”

“I’ll see you in the morning, Sophia,” he said, giving her a smile that nearly stopped her heart. He turned and left, the lock clicking in place behind him.

For a moment, she could barely move, resting against the door, trying desperately to catch her breath, wondering if she was about to make the biggest mistake of her life.

Garrett swore under his breath. He liked Sophia more than any woman he had known. He wanted to call Will immediately and tell him that he hated deceiving her and it had to end. But he knew that as soon as he told Sophia the Delaneys had sent him, she would break it off.

He was torn between admitting the truth to her and running the risk of losing her, or continuing the deception until he felt she liked him enough that they could weather the storm that would break when he told her the truth.

More than once he had mulled over resigning from Delaney Enterprises and devoting himself to building furniture. Sometimes he thought of working with his hands, living in a place near the ocean, creating instead of acquiring. He often wondered if the notion of changing careers was merely a pipe dream, yet Sophia had successfully done just that.

Only her situation had been different. He had been raised to do this kind of work and he felt he owed the Delaney family his services. Argus Delaney had taken his father out of poverty, given him a job and paid for his education because he said he saw potential in his dad. His father had worked hard and risen fast and Argus had helped him all along the way, opening doors and paying him well. In turn, his father had absolute loyalty to the Delaneys and had raised Garrett to feel the same. If he left Delaney Enterprises, Garrett felt he would be turning his back on all his father had wanted for him, and on Will’s friendship. And he was inheriting a fortune from Will’s dad.

Even so, the thought was tempting. Especially after being with Sophia.

For the first time he considered actually going through with telling Will he was resigning. If he resigned, he might have hope of some kind of future with Sophia.

How tempting. He could tell Sophia everything with a clear conscience.

Could he do it?

At his estate he glanced at his watch and picked up his phone to call Will. “Sorry for the early hour.”

“I hope it’s because you have good news.”

“I don’t, and I don’t know whether I ever will. She told me more about your dad. She’s incredibly bitter.”

“Are you making any progress?”

“We’re flying to Colorado to ski for the weekend.”

“I call that progress. Just hang in there—sounds as if you two get along fine,” Will said, his voice rising with enthusiasm.

“We do,” Garrett said in clipped tones. “I don’t know what will happen when I tell her the truth. Will, I hate not being up front with her on this.”

“You’re doing her a favor, too—don’t forget that.”

“Dammit, Will, she’s been hurt. She isn’t going to change easily and I can’t keep up this deception,” Garrett said, startled by how deeply concerned he had become over Sophia’s feelings. He cared more for her than he would have dreamed possible when he first took this assignment.

“You don’t need to feel guilty. You’re doing your job. Do your best is all we all ask—your best is mighty damn fine. We’re counting on you.”

“I know. I’ll see how it goes today.”

“Don’t rush. Get her so close she’ll do what you want.”

Garrett hated the sound of that. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow or Monday,” he said.

“Have a real good time.”

He hung up, wondering why he’d even bothered to call Will. He stared at the phone with Will’s words echoing in his thoughts. We’re counting on you. All his adult life they had counted on him. He couldn’t toss that aside.

Doubting if he would sleep at all, he skipped bed and headed to the shower, thinking of being with her again, of her dark eyes and midnight hair, her laughter, her kiss. A whole weekend. By the time they flew back to Texas, he hoped to be closer to her.

The big question was: What would happen if he told her the truth? Would he lose her forever?

Sophia rummaged in her closet for ski clothes and other things she would need. Still marveling at the thought that she had accepted Garrett’s offer, she decided to wait to text Edgar until the morning.

Anticipation kept a running current of excitement humming through her body. She kept glancing at the clock, anxious to see Garrett again. Was she falling into the same trap her mother had fallen into? Was she doing what she had tried all her adult life to avoid—falling in love?

A text message broke into her thoughts.

Are you home? I’ve been worried about you. All OK?

She fired back an answer.

I’m home, Edgar. Flying to Colorado tomorrow to ski with Garrett. Back Sunday. Don’t worry about me. Go to bed.

Minutes after she sent the text, her phone rang. “Edgar, do you know what time it is?”

“I know you’re still awake,” he answered. “I hope you keep in touch. Sophia, this isn’t like you. How important is Garrett Cantrell to you?”

“I like the guy and we’re becoming friends. I can do that,” she said, hoping she could hold true to her words. “We’ll be back home early Sunday evening.”

“I just want to keep my promise to your mother.”

“Stop worrying. Mom had no idea you would take her request to this extent. I’m grown, Edgar. I can take care of myself.”

“All right, I’ll buzz off. Let me know when you’re back in town. You can tell me all about your weekend.”

Smiling, she put away her phone and climbed into bed.

Just a few short hours later, Garrett was at her door. As he stepped inside, his gaze roamed over her.

She smiled while her heart jumped. Each time they were together, she thought he was more handsome than the time before. Dressed in a cable-knit navy sweater and jeans, he took her breath away.

“You look gorgeous,” he said, wrapping one arm around her waist and leaning down to kiss her. She wound her arms around his neck to kiss him in return.

With an effort she moved away. “This is not a weekend for seduction,” she said with a smile.

“That’s simply a good morning kiss,” he said. “And I know what I promised you. We’ll keep things light. Unless you change your mind,” he added with a grin. “The weather report is good so we’re on our way.” He picked up her skis, shouldering her bag as she gathered her purse and jacket.

“Sorry, the tour of my house will have to wait,” she said.

“Something to look forward to in the coming week. Perhaps Monday night.”

She laughed at his attempt to make plans with her for Monday even though they hadn’t even gone away for the weekend yet.

At the airport, they boarded a waiting jet that was far larger than she had expected. Its luxurious interior made her forget she was on board a plane for a few moments.

As they flew, Garrett sat facing her, their knees almost touching. It was difficult to keep her mind on the conversation because she was lost in looking at him. She still marveled at her reaction to him, alternating between enjoying it and being concerned by it. Remember, it’s just a fun weekend, she told herself.

Far sooner than she expected they were driving through the small Colorado resort town to Garrett’s condo.

His condo was built of stone with panoramic mountain views. Polished plank floors gleamed beneath high, open-beamed ceilings. Garrett built a roaring fire in the massive stone fireplace.

“What a change this is. It’s a picture book,” she said, looking out the window that covered almost the entire front wall.

Garrett stood behind her with his arms lightly around her. “We can hit the slopes or wait, if you prefer.”

“We came to ski. I vote to ski.”

“All right. I’ll meet you back here in twenty minutes.”

She went to the bedroom she had selected on the opposite end of the hall from Garrett’s, which had made him smile. She changed into her gear, finally gathering her parka, sunglasses and gloves. They spent the rest of the day on the slopes, discovering they were well-matched skiers. They returned as the sun was setting.

“When we’re changed, I’ll take you to my favorite restaurant,” Garrett said, stomping snow off his feet inside the entryway.

“Sounds good to me—I’m starving.”

“Meet you here in, what?”

“Give me thirty minutes,” she replied.

Certain he would be ready in far less time, she hurried. Thirty minutes later she made one last check. Her red wool pants and sweater were warm, as were her fur-lined boots. She let her hair go unpinned. With a toss of her head to get her long hair away from her face, she went to meet him.

As she entered the room, only one small lamp burned and she could see the view of the sparkling lights through the picture window. The view was spectacular with twinkling lights below spreading out toward the snow-covered mountains that glistened beneath a rising full moon. But when Garrett entered the room, she only had eyes for him. He wore a bulky sweater that emphasized his broad shoulders, tight jeans and Western boots. He stepped closer and his direct gaze held her. Desire shone in the smoky depths of his eyes.

“Now this is best of all,” he said. “You look beautiful. I love your hair down.” He wrapped his fingers in her hair and his arm circled her waist as he pulled her close. “This is perfect,” he whispered before he covered her mouth with his.

Ending their kiss, she tried to catch her breath, noticing that his breathing was as ragged as hers. Taking his cue from her, he stepped back.

“Shall we go?” he said in a husky voice while he caressed her nape.

He held her parka and she pulled on her gloves as they went downstairs to the car. During the ride she looked at the charming snow-covered town, but her thoughts tumbled over the excitement of being here with Garrett and the worry of how important he was becoming in her life.

At the restaurant they sat close to a blazing fire while piano music played softly. They ordered cups of steaming cider and hors d’oeuvres. Garrett had been famished when he finished dressing, but now his appetite had dwindled. He longed to hold Sophia, to kiss her. He ached to just touch her, to physically keep contact. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders and around her face. Her luminous brown eyes were thickly lashed and captivating. And she looked happy.

Which made what he had to do even harder.

This withholding of information had gone on long enough. The closer they got, the more important it was to be honest with her. He had never been devious in his dealings before and he didn’t want to start now.

It was a miracle she hadn’t already discovered his connection with the Delaneys. But he was certain he would know when she had.

How he wished he didn’t have this big secret. If only he were free to pursue her honestly the way he wanted, in a manner he had never dreamed of before.

Candlelight on the table reflected in her dark eyes. Each day he had been amazed by how much he wanted to be with her. She was becoming more important to him by the minute. Which meant he needed to tell her.

“You’re an excellent skier,” she said.

“I was going to tell you the same.”

She smiled. “I think you held back to stay with me. It was invigorating, a real change from my regular life. You’ve turned my world topsy-turvy.”

And there it was—the perfect opening to tell her about the Delaneys.

But he couldn’t. He realized he didn’t want to tell her in public. He wanted to be alone with her. And he also realized that no matter how guilty he was feeling, he should wait until they returned to Houston. It would give him the weekend to get closer to her and hopefully create a stronger bond between them that would be harder for her to break.

A voice inside him told him that that was a cruel thing to do, but he ignored it.

He didn’t want to lose her. From the first moment he had seen her, he’d been drawn to her and the thought of losing her made his insides churn. He had never expected to find her fascinating, to want a relationship with her.

“Maybe you’ve turned mine topsy-turvy, too.”

“I seriously doubt that,” she said. “All of this is scrumptious,” she added, taking a bite of a mini-beef Wellington. I can see why this is your favorite restaurant.”

“Good—I’m so glad you like it. So tell me, do you go to your gallery every day?”

“Not at all. I have a competent manager and excellent staff. They run the business so I can stay at the studio and paint.”

“I don’t blame you. If I ever build furniture full-time, I’ll do the same.”

“Why do you stay in property management? With your talent for woodwork, you could build a following very quickly.”

“Blame my father for that one. I was raised to be in a productive, lucrative business. It was instilled in me as far back as I can remember.”

“But your father is gone now, and you’ve already proved yourself in that area. Your furniture would be productive and lucrative.”

“I’m wound up in obligations. Imagined or real, they are as much a part of me as my breathing. To Dad, who hasn’t been gone that long, my fascination with building was entertainment and silly.”

“Too bad,” she said, shaking her head. “What did your dad want for you in your personal life?”

“The usual. Marriage and kids. But I’ve watched too many people have miserable marriages, and I’m not ready to get tied down.”

“Tied down,” she repeated, smiling. “So no long relationships in your past?”

“None. And evidently, none in yours.”

“Absolutely not.”

When he had first met her, her answer would have pleased him—a woman who did not want any deep commitment. Why now did he feel jolted slightly by her answer? Was Sophia weaving a web around his heart—something no woman had ever done?

It was nine before they left the restaurant. When they stepped outside a light snow fell, big flakes drifting, glistening in the light.

“Look, Garrett, this is enchanting,” she said, spinning around with her arms spread wide. Her long hair flew out behind her, swirling around her face. He couldn’t resist wrapping his arms around her to kiss her, tasting a wet snowflake on her lips.

When he released her, she stepped away. “We’re in public.”

“I couldn’t resist,” he admitted, thinking he would always remember her spinning around in the snow, a beautiful woman whose exuberance and zest for life were contagious. He looked up at the falling flakes and took out his phone. “We weren’t supposed to have this kind of weather.”

“It’s gorgeous. I can’t keep from being glad we have it.”

“Even if you’re snowbound with me?” he asked.

“Even if. I’ll manage.”

“Chance of a trace of snow,” he read off his phone. “Clear Sunday.” On impulse he glanced up. “Do it again. Let me get your picture.”

Laughing but humoring him, she did and he took a picture that he expected to be a blur, a disappointment. Instead, the picture was clear with her dark hair swinging out behind her head. He had caught her big smile and the essence of the moment. It would have been a perfect moment if it weren’t for this big secret between them. He put away his phone, shaking off the thought. “A trace of snow tonight won’t make any difference except to please you.”

“It definitely does,” she said. “Hey, wait. You’re not the only one who wants a picture of this.” She yanked out her phone. “Smile, Garrett.”

He grinned while she took his picture and then flashed it briefly so he had a glimpse of himself. Linking his arm in hers, he waited for the valet to bring his car.

They stomped snow off their boots at his condo and he built another fire, which gave a low light. When he turned away from the hearth, he faced her.

Sophia stood at the window with the flickering orange flames playing over her. As his gaze drifted down over her lush curves and long legs, his heartbeat quickened. His longing was intense. He crossed the short distance to take her in his arms.

Four

Sophia’s heart thudded as she wrapped her arms around Garrett. The day had been magical and she had grown closer to him, learning more about him and enjoying herself. All through dinner she had wanted to be alone with him so they could be together like this again.

Snowflakes had been the perfect touch, landing in his dark hair, sprinkling across his broad shoulders. His kiss had tantalized her. She wanted more of him, so much more.

She didn’t believe in love at first sight, or second or third for that matter. She thought if she ever fell in love it would be with someone she had been friends with for years, yet Garrett shook her theories because he was already more important to her than anyone else she had ever dated. He was pure temptation.

He made her want to risk her heart.

She stood on tiptoe, her heart pounding while he held her tightly against his long frame. His hand slid down her back and up beneath her sweater. She moaned softly, the sound muffled by his mouth on hers. His fingers trailed up her back in a feathery touch that was electrifying.

He picked her up and carried her closer to the fire, setting her on her feet while he still kissed her as flames crackled. Garrett stepped back and pulled her sweater over her head, tossing it aside. He unfastened her lacy bra and removed it, dropping it to the floor.

With a deep sigh he stepped back, cupping her breasts in his hands. “So beautiful,” he said, his gaze as sensual as his caresses. His thumb traced circles on her nipples that sent currents streaming from his touch.

She tugged his sweater over his head to toss it aside. She moaned in pleasure again while her hands roamed over his broad, muscled chest, her fingers tangling in a thick mat of chest hair that tapered to a narrow line disappearing beneath his belt.

Firelight spilled over him, highlighting bulging muscles, leaving dark shadows on flat planes. His handsome features captivated her, and in some ways she felt as if she had known him for years instead of days, just as he had said to her.

Desire wracked her. She wanted to make love. She ran her hands over his flat stomach until he leaned down to kiss each breast, his tongue tracing circles. She gasped again with pleasure, closing her eyes and clinging to him while fire raged within her.

She wanted him with an urgency she had never felt before. Garrett was special, unique in her life and she didn’t think Garrett would ever hurt her. It was a night, not a relationship. Was she succumbing in the same foolish way to temptation, just as her mother had done in allowing a man to become irresistible?

All her logic fled, driven away by passion when his arm banded her waist again, pulling her tightly against him. He picked her up again to carry her to a sofa, settling her on his lap. Her bare breasts were pressed against his warm chest, the thick mat of chest hair sensual against her naked skin. As they kissed his hands roamed over her, light caresses that scalded.