And The Winner Gets...Married!

AROUND CHI-TOWN

Anyone wondering where last night’s unexpected June heat wave came from need look no farther than the posh downtown hotel where a couple dozen of the hottest men in Chicago were auctioned off for charity. (For charity—or for the hundred or so hungry females in the audience?)

And the star of the show was our own Justin Connelly. Though this member of the famous Connelly clan hides inside the hallowed halls of his family’s corporation, he is definitely not all work and no play! Looking positively studly in his black tux, Justin attracted the highest price tag of the night.

Society debs from the renowned Novak, Powers and Barlow families upped the ante, but it was an unknown bidder who snared the baffled bachelor. Reliable sources identify Kim Lindgren as Justin’s very own secretary. Can’t you see it now? “Miss Lindgren, take a memo…. Check on the status of the research data, follow up with the advertising figures, and…while we’re at it, come give your boss a kiss.”

After all the Connellys have been through of late—with son Daniel’s assumption of the throne of Altaria, his attempted murder, the corporation’s near computer disaster—yours truly guesses even this blue-blooded family could use a bit of fun and folly!

MILLS & BOON

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For Missy & Molly Brown,

My Four-Legged Babies Who Provide Continuous Joy

METSY HINGLE

is an award-winning, bestselling author of romance who resides across the lake from her native New Orleans. Married for more than twenty years to her own hero, she is the busy mother of four children. She recently traded in her business suits and a fast-paced life in the hotel and public-relations arena to pursue writing full-time. Metsy has a strong belief in the power of love and romance. She also believes in happy endings, which she continues to demonstrate with each new story she writes. The Wager (MIRA Books, August 2001) was Metsy’s first single-title release. Behind the Mask (December 2002) will be her second MIRA Books title. She loves hearing from readers. For a free doorknob hanger or bookmark, write to Metsy at P.O. Box 3224, Covington, LA 70433.

MEET THE CONNELLYS

Meet the Connellys of Chicago—wealthy, powerful and rocked by scandal, betrayal…and passion!

Who’s Who in AND THE WINNER GETS…MARRIED!

Justin Connelly—His head is always buried inside a column of figures at Connelly Corporation. But this budding bachelor is about to become intrigued by “figures” of a different kind…the female kind!

Kimberly Lindgren—In business suits and upswept do’s, she’s toiled side by side with her boss, Justin. Until one night when she lets her hair down and allows him to see she has more to offer than good typing skills!

Robert Marsh—A loyal Connelly employee and fiancé to a Connelly woman. What lies beneath his million-dollar smile and prep-school education?

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

One

“Where is he?”

Kimberly Lindgren jerked her gaze up from the computer screen as Tara Connelly Paige stormed into the office suite. “Mrs. Paige,” she said, quickly coming to her feet to intercept the other woman, who, given the high color in her cheeks and the snap in her voice, was obviously furious. “I don’t think your brother is expecting you.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’s not. But he is going to see me.”

After working as an executive assistant for more than two years at Connelly Corporation, Kim had become a master at smoothing ruffled Connelly feathers. Yet something about the fire in this particular Connelly’s violet eyes told her this was not going to be one of those times. Still, she had to at least try. “I believe Justin is on the phone at the moment,” she said, positioning herself in front of her boss’s office door. “If you’ll have a seat, I’ll let him know that you’re here.”

“Thanks. But I’ll just tell him myself.”

Kim didn’t move. “That might not be a good idea, Mrs. Paige. Your brother’s had a rather difficult morning.” Which was an understatement if there ever was one, Kim admitted silently. The day had turned into a disaster—one for which she felt partly responsible since it had been she who had discovered the cost overruns in the firm’s new advertising campaign that was set to kick off next month.

“If that’s your way of telling me that Justin’s in a rotten mood,” Tara went on, “I appreciate the warning. Really, I do. But it just so happens that I’m in a rather foul mood myself, and Justin is the reason. I am going to see him, Kim. Now the only question is whether you’re going to move away from that door and let me pass or am I going to have to go through you?”

Stunned, Kim remained speechless. For several long seconds she simply stared at the petite dark-haired woman dressed in the chic red suit, dashing hat and gloves and killer high heels. At five foot seven, Kim estimated she had at least five inches and twenty pounds on Tara Paige. Yet Kim didn’t doubt for a moment that the other woman meant every word she’d said.

“It’s your call, Kim. What’s it going to be?”

“Why don’t we go in together?” she suggested, seeing no alternative. Since Justin really was on the telephone, she tapped on his door and entered without waiting for a response. The sight of Justin at his desk with the magnificent view of the Chicago skyline behind him was something that never failed to make her heart race. But the scowl on his handsome face now made her tense. Glancing past him, Kim noted the storm clouds threatening outside the windows. While she didn’t like to think of herself as superstitious, she got a sudden sinking sensation in her stomach. Of course, having an obviously upset Tara on her heels didn’t help.

“Listen, Marsh, I don’t care how busy you are with the wedding plans. I want the revised budget and copies of all your correspondence with Schaeffer on my desk by the end of the day. Is that clear?”

Kim nearly winced at the edge in Justin’s voice, but it was the way he was rubbing the back of his neck that concerned her. He’d been working too hard again, she thought. Since taking over as vice president of marketing six months ago when his brother Daniel had assumed the throne of Altaria, he’d handled the work of two men. He’d also had to deal with more than his share of problems—beginning with the attempted assassination of his brother, followed by the corporation’s computer crash a few weeks ago, and now this latest fiasco with the firm’s advertising campaign. The fact that the error started with Robert Marsh, who was about to become Justin’s brother-in-law, surely added to Justin’s stress.

“I mean it, Marsh. I want everything before the close of business today or you can clear out your desk,” he said, and slammed down the phone. Only then did he look up at her. “Kim, I—” He looked past her, and upon spying his sister, his scowl deepened. “I said I didn’t want to be disturbed.”

“I know, and I’m sorry for the interruption,” Kim began, knowing all too well that Tara couldn’t have come at a worse time. “But your sister needed to speak with you, and I thought maybe you could see her for a moment before you leave for your next appointment.”

“Mother was right about you, Kim. You really are a diplomat,” Tara said as she breezed past Kim and placed herself directly in front of Justin’s desk. Despite Tara’s refined demeanor and tone, Kim sensed the anger still simmering just beneath the surface. “The truth is that, short of tackling me, Kim did everything possible to keep me out of here.”

“And naturally you refused to take no for an answer,” Justin replied.

“Naturally. And considering it’s a skill I learned from you, big brother, I can assure you that I have no intention of taking no for an answer now.”

Kim held her breath as Justin and his sister squared off. While she’d always found the size of the Connelly family mind-boggling, it was the dynamics between the siblings that continued to fascinate her. Probably because her own family had consisted of just her and her mother—and now, only her. Suddenly feeling like an intruder, Kim said, “I’ll leave you two alone.”

“You might as well stay,” Justin replied before she’d taken a step toward the door. “This shouldn’t take long and there are several things you and I need to go over before I leave.” He glanced at his watch. “All right, Tara. I’ve got all of five minutes to spare. So why don’t you tell me what’s got you so fired up?”

“I’m fired up, brother dear, because you think you’ve weaseled your way out of being in the bachelor auction fund-raiser this weekend like you promised.”

Justin sighed. “It’s not a question of my weaseling out of anything. I simply can’t do it.”

“Why not? And don’t hand me that lame excuse that you gave Jennifer about some unexpected business problem that you need to take care of, because I’m not buying it.”

Kim held her breath as temper flashed in Justin’s hazel eyes.

“It’s not an excuse. It’s the truth,” Justin countered. “Whether you believe it or not is up to you.”

“Well, I don’t believe it,” Tara returned.

“Suit yourself,” Justin told her, and picked up a report from his desk. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”

“I will not excuse you, Justin Connelly,” Tara said. She slapped the gloves clutched in her fist against her opposite palm like a whip. “And don’t you dare pull that ‘I’m too busy’ number on me. Have you forgotten how important this fund-raiser is? That the money is going to be used to help the families of slain police officers?”

Tara didn’t have to add “families like Jennifer’s,” Kim thought, because they all knew that until Jennifer’s recent marriage to Chance Connelly, the former social secretary and her young daughter had been one of those families. That Justin remembered, too, was evident from his somber expression.

“No, I haven’t forgotten,” Justin said firmly. “I’ve already apologized to Jennifer for pulling out at the last minute. But I have an important meeting in New York that afternoon, and it would be nearly impossible to get back in time.”

“Then change the meeting or go a day earlier or next week.”

“Don’t you think I would if I could?” He raked a hand through his hair. “I had a difficult enough time getting this meeting on Friday and it’s something that can’t wait. If you’re worried about the money my pulling out will cost, I’ve already assured Jennifer that I’ll be sending a generous contribution to make up for canceling.”

“And just how do you propose we make up for the money that we’ll lose in ticket sales when word gets out that Justin Connelly, voted one of Chicago’s most eligible bachelors and the key draw for the blasted event, has pulled out of the auction? Of course, that doesn’t even begin to take into account the amount of money that we might have been able to raise if your tush were on the auction block.”

Justin frowned at his sister. “You make me sound like a side of beef.”

Tara sat down on the corner of Justin’s desk. “In a manner of speaking, you are.”

“Thanks a lot.”

Tara shrugged. “Can I help it if there are women out there willing to pay big bucks for the chance to spend an evening with you? Face it, pal, you’re a hot commodity. Not only are you the brother of a king, but you’re also an heir to the Connelly fortune. You wouldn’t believe the number of women who actually think you’ve got a pretty face and sexy body. And judging by the comments I’ve heard, they’d all like nothing better than the chance to get you between the sheets.”

“For Pete’s sake, Tara! Will you knock it off?” Justin snapped, his face heating. Pushing away from his desk, he rose and walked over to the windows to stare out at the rain that had begun to fall.

“Well, if this isn’t a first. I do believe I’ve embarrassed you.”

He whirled around, shot her a withering glance. “Of course you’ve embarrassed me. And Kim, too,” he added. “Since when do you and your friends sit around discussing men as though they were…were…”

“Sex objects?” Tara offered.

Justin glared at her.

Tara laughed. “Oh, come on, Justin. Did you really think that was a privilege reserved only for men?”

“You’re my little sister!”

“I’m twenty-five years old, a widow and a mother,” Tara said, her voice suddenly serious. “Believe it or not, I do know a thing or two about sex.”

Justin groaned. “I don’t want to hear this,” he told her, and, returning to his desk, he snatched up the report in front of him. “I’ve got work to do. I’m truly sorry about the fund-raiser, but I promise I’ll send a sizable check.”

“What about the auction?”

He sighed again, put down the file. “Tara, I’ve already explained, there’s just no way I can make it,” Justin said, and there was no mistaking the regret in his voice at having to deny his sister’s request. “I’ll admit, I’ve never been wild about the idea of being in this auction. I only agreed to do it because Jennifer and Mother asked me to and I know it’s for a good cause. But as much as I hate letting them or you down, there is simply no way I can be in two places at once.”

Kim hadn’t been any keener on the idea of Justin spending a romantic evening with some beautiful socialite than he seemed to be, she admitted. And she had been relieved when he’d canceled. But now, witnessing Tara’s disappointment and Justin’s distress at being the cause of it, she couldn’t help but feel guilty. Before she could change her mind, Kim blurted out, “Actually, there is a way you can do both.”

Both sets of Connelly eyes turned to her. “How?” Tara asked.

Kim swallowed. “A couple of things would have to be worked out first, but it is possible.”

“What do you need?” Tara countered.

“First you and Jennifer would have to arrange it so that Justin would be the last bachelor to be bid on at the auction.”

“That’s not a problem,” Tara assured her. “What else?”

“Justin’s meeting scheduled here Friday morning with the marketing department would have to be postponed until next week.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem, should it?” Tara asked her brother.

“I guess not.” He eyed Kim warily. “What about Schaeffer?”

“Your New York meeting with him could be moved up a few hours. Say a meeting over lunch instead of one that spilled over into the dinner hour.”

“What makes you think Schaeffer will agree to that?” Justin asked. “I had a devil of a time getting that meeting in the first place.”

“I’ve gotten to be sort of friendly on the phone with Mr. Schaeffer’s secretary,” Kim said. “She works closely with him. I think I can get her to convince him that it would be…beneficial to have an early meeting and leave his evening free.”

“I see,” Justin said.

Kim felt her own face heat at the knowing look in his hazel eyes. “That way even if your meeting with Mr. Schaeffer runs over, as long as you made it to the airport by five o’clock or five-thirty, I can get you on a shuttle that would put you back in Chicago in three hours. Allowing thirty minutes travel time to get you from O’Hare to the hotel, you could be there for nine o’clock.”

“And I can have a driver waiting at the airport to pick you up and take you to the hotel,” Tara concluded. She clasped her hands together and smiled. “Please, Justin, say you’ll do it.”

“Seeing how my assistant has conspired with you, I don’t seem to have much choice.”

Tara turned to her and beamed. “Bless you, Kimberly Lindgren. I owe you one.”

“Not at all. I was glad to help.”

“You did a great deal more than help,” Tara insisted before turning back to Justin. “The woman’s not only a diplomat, she’s a genius, Justin. I wonder if you realize how lucky you are.”

“I’m beginning to.”

Something in Justin’s voice and the way he was looking at her caused Kim’s pulse to race. Mortified that he might realize how she felt about him, she averted her gaze. “I’d better go see about making those calls,” Kim told them.

“And I’ve got to go or I’ll never make it to that meeting on time,” Justin replied and began shoving papers into his briefcase.

“But we have to discuss your date package,” Tara informed him even as he snapped the briefcase shut and reached for his suit jacket. She followed him to the door. “We need to come up with something really special.”

“Get with Kim,” he told her. “She’ll know what to do.”

“I think dinner and tickets to the theater would be nice,” Kim suggested a few minutes later.

“Nice, but not special,” Tara informed her. “If a woman is going to bid top dollar for a date with Justin, we need to offer her something exciting.”

Just being on a date with Justin would be exciting enough for her, Kim mused silently. But then she was in love with him and had been for months now. Not that Justin had any clue about her feelings for him. He didn’t. And for that she was eternally grateful. After all, what could be more cliché than to have a secretary fall in love with her boss—a boss who didn’t even know she existed?

“Any ideas?”

Kim gave herself a mental shake and reminded herself to deal in reality. “How about one of those dinner cruises?”

“Hmm. That would be romantic. But I was hoping for something different,” Tara replied. She crossed her legs and began to tap one manicured nail against her chin. Suddenly her finger stilled, and, tilting her head to the side, she stared at Kim. “If you were the one going on a date with Justin, where would you want to go?”

Kim stiffened. Had Tara somehow picked up on her feelings for Justin, she wondered. “Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Really, Mrs. Paige, I don’t think—”

“Please,” Tara said, wincing. “Do you think you could manage to call me Tara? I’m guessing that we’re about the same age, but every time you call me Mrs. Paige I feel like someone’s grandmother.”

Kim’s lips twitched. “You don’t look like anyone’s grandmother.”

“I certainly hope not,” Tara told her with a laugh.

The woman was beautiful, glamorous, sophisticated. Everything that she wasn’t, Kim thought. And even though at twenty-four she was only a year younger than the other woman, Tara had already been married, widowed and had a child. Kim couldn’t help but think that life was passing her by quickly.

“So what would you consider a fun and exciting date?” Tara asked.

“I doubt that my idea of fun and excitement would appeal to the women who’ll be bidding at the auction.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m not like them,” Kim answered honestly.

“You’re a woman, aren’t you?”

“I…yes.”

“Then whatever appeals to you should appeal to other women.”

“But—”

“No buts,” Tara told her and stood. She gathered up her purse and gloves. “I’ve got to run. But why don’t you put a date package together that would appeal to you.”

“Like what?”

Tara shrugged. “I don’t know. Something that you would like to do if you were the woman going out on a date with Justin. Make it as simple or elaborate as you want.”

“But what if I choose something that’s all wrong?”

“You won’t,” Tara assured her. “Trust your instincts, Kim. Whatever you choose, I’m sure it’s going to be perfect.”

“Let’s hope you’re right,” Kim told her and wished she had as much confidence in herself as Tara seemed to have in her.

“I am,” Tara said with a smile and started toward the door. She paused, turned back. “Oh, I almost forgot. Are you doing anything Friday night?”

“No,” Kim replied cautiously.

“Great. I’ve purchased a couple of tables for the fund-raiser, so I have some extra tickets. Would you do me a favor and attend as my guest?”

“But Mrs.— Tara,” she corrected when the other woman gave her a reproving look. “That’s very kind of you, but I couldn’t possibly go.”

“Why not? You said you were free.”

“I am, but—”

“No buts. You deserve to enjoy yourself after all your hard work, and you’d be doing me a favor by going. Will you need a ticket for an escort?”

“Uh, no. That won’t be necessary.” It had been months since she’d been out on a date—and couldn’t even fathom whom she would ask to accompany her to something like this.

Tara beamed at her. “Great. Then I’ll see that a ticket is messengered over to you in the morning.”

Before Kim could argue further and tell Tara that she really didn’t belong at such an affair, the other woman was gone.

“Damn it!” Justin pitched the report he’d been reading onto the others on his desk. How he would dearly love to wring Robert Marsh’s neck. Unfortunately, he couldn’t because the man had covered his tracks well. Frustrated, Justin shoved away from his desk and wandered over to the windows that filled one wall of his office. Normally looking out at the skyline soothed him, helped him to organize his thoughts. Yet watching the shifting colors as the sun began its descent seemed to make him even more restless. Probably something to do with the gloomy weather that had played havoc with the city most of the day, he told himself.

Of course, this mess with Schaeffer hadn’t helped. It was going to take a miracle to launch the marketing campaign on time without blowing an even larger chunk of the budget. But somehow he had to find a way, Justin reminded himself. He simply had to. His family was counting on him. Sighing, he returned to his desk and dug in, determined to find that miracle.

More than two hours later, when he lifted his head, Justin gave a grunt of satisfaction. By shifting and scaling back expenses, he’d managed to make some progress and he’d done so without losing the integrity of the plan. Now, if he could bring the rest of the costs into line, he just might be able to pull it off. Rummaging through the papers on his desk, he searched for the file folder containing the billing costs on the marketing campaign to date. Unable to find it, he stopped and tried to recall when he’d had it last. He’d given it to Kim to check out the accuracy of some of the figures, he remembered. Maybe it was still on her desk.

Intent on finding the folder, Justin started out of his office only to stop cold at the sight of Kim. For once she wasn’t sitting at her desk, the picture of efficiency in her sensible heels and sedate business suit, hard at work. Instead she stood in her stocking feet with her blouse opened at the neck and her eyes closed while she stretched. And as he watched her extend and stretch her body, all thoughts of the missing folder and business went right out of Justin’s head.

In the six months that he’d worked with Kim, she had been the perfect assistant. Not only had she made the difficult task of taking over after his brother’s departure for Altaria a smooth one, but her people skills had proven invaluable to him. In all that time she had been poised, efficient, businesslike.