“Bid on me...

I want to give you what you need.”

Matt Galloway, Texas’s most eligible tycoon, is the star Rachel Kincaid needs for the charity bachelor auction. But her scheme to recruit him sets their own passions blazing—even though he’s her friend and totally off-limits! And why is he back now when he was gone for so long? The truth may have her winning Matt for herself...or ending their romance for good.

USA TODAY bestselling author JULES BENNETT has published over sixty books and never tires of writing happy endings. Writing strong heroines and alpha heroes is Jules’s favourite way to spend her workdays. Jules hosts weekly contests on her Facebook fan page and loves chatting with readers on Twitter, Facebook and via email through her website. Stay up-to-date by signing up for her newsletter at julesbennett.com.

Also by Jules Bennett

What the Prince WantsA Royal Amnesia ScandalMaid for a MagnateHis Secret Baby BombshellBest Man Under the Mistletoe

Mafia Moguls miniseries

Trapped with the TycoonFrom Friend to Fake FiancéHoliday Baby ScandalThe Heir’s Unexpected Baby

The Rancher’s Heirs miniseries

Twin SecretsClaimed by the RancherTaming the Texan

Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction miniseries

Most Eligible Texan

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

Most Eligible Texan

Jules Bennett

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-07680-7

MOST ELIGIBLE TEXAN

© 2018 Harlequin Books S.A.

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, 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, without the express written permission of publisher.

® and ™ are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks marked with ® are registered with the United Kingdom Patent Office and/or the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and in other countries.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To single parents

trying to push through from one day to the next.

You are somebody’s hero and you’ve got this!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Extract

About the Publisher

One

An entire morning of pleasure reading plus an extra-large pumpkin-spice latte with a healthy dose of whip? Hell yes, sign her up.

Rachel Kincaid spotted The Daily Grind across the street and nearly skipped to the door. She had two weeks before she had to dive back into her textbooks and this was her first time out alone since giving birth eleven months ago.

Part of her felt guilty for leaving her precious Ellie, but on the other hand, she knew her baby was in the best hands back at the Lone Wolf Ranch under the care of her friend, Alexis Slade, and the host of staff members they had. The chef had taken quite a liking to Ellie and was always fussing over her.

Alexis had graciously invited Rachel and Ellie to stay in her Royal, Texas, home and Rachel desperately needed the gal-pal time. Alexis and her grandfather Gus had gone out of their way to make the two of them feel like part of the family.

Rachel stepped up onto the curb and pulled her cell from her boho-style bag. She’d just shoot off one quick text to make sure everything was okay. Although she was most definitely looking forward to this break, she was still a fairly new mom and a bit of a worrier when it came to her baby girl.

Just as she pulled up the text messages, Rachel plowed into the door.

No, not a door. A man. A broad, strong, chiseled man.

Large hands gripped her biceps, preventing her from stumbling backward. Rachel jerked her gaze up at the stranger she’d slammed into.

Familiar dark blue eyes stared back at her, no doubt mirroring her own shock.

“Matt?”

“Rachel?”

The last time she’d been in Matt Galloway’s arms had been at Billy’s funeral, and that had been just over a year ago. Other than a handful of texts immediately following, she hadn’t heard a word from her late husband’s best friend.

The pain from the void thudded in her chest. Matt had been her friend, too, and she’d wondered where he’d disappeared to. Why he’d dodged her for so long.

“What are you doing in Royal?” she asked, pushing aside the heartbreaking thoughts.

Last she knew he was still in Dallas making millions and flashing that high-voltage smile to charm the ladies.

Matt released her and stepped back.

“Hiding out,” he stated with a laugh. “I’m taking a break from the city for a bit and staying out of the limelight.”

Rachel couldn’t help but smile. “Ah, yes. I recall you being dubbed Most Eligible Bachelor in Texas. What’s wrong, Matt? Don’t want all the ladies chasing you anymore?”

Matt never minded the attention he received from beautiful women. In fact, Rachel had been interested in him at one time, but then Billy had asked her out, whisked her off her feet and, well...that was all in the past. She was moving forward now.

“Come in,” he said, gesturing toward the door. “I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.”

“Just like that? As if the past year of silence hadn’t happened?”

The words escaped her before she could stop herself. But damn it, she’d needed him and he’d vanished. Didn’t she deserve to know why?

Honestly, such a heavy topic was just too much to handle this early in the morning running on little sleep and no caffeine.

“You know, never mind,” she amended, waving her hand through the air as if she could just erase the words. “It’s good to see you again, Matt.”

She wasn’t sure what to feel or what memory from their past to cling to, as there were a great many. From meeting him and Billy for the first time at a college party, to the fun times they all had together, to the tragic death that had forever changed the dynamics between them.

Rachel pasted a smile on her face, though. She needed a day out, and running into Matt might just be what the doctor ordered. Even though he’d hurt her, she’d missed him, and she knew Matt well enough to know he had a reason for staying away. She just couldn’t fathom what could keep him at such a distance for so long.

“I don’t do coffee,” she stated as she passed him to enter The Daily Grind. “But you can buy my glorified milkshake.”

Matt placed a hand on the small of her back, a simple gesture, but one that had her inwardly cringing. Not because she didn’t want Matt to touch her, but because the electric tingle that spread through her was so unexpected. No other man had touched her in so long...

She wasn’t affected by him, she told herself. He was her friend, for pity’s sake. No, the reaction only came from seeing him again and the lack of human contact...the lack of male contact.

Ugh. This was so silly. Why was she letting such a simple gesture from Matt occupy so much of her mind?

“You’re going to get something pumpkin-spice with whip, aren’t you?”

Rachel smacked his chest as she made her way toward the counter. “Listen, I won’t judge you and you won’t judge me. Got it, Mr. Eligible Bachelor?”

Matt shook his head as he placed his order for a boring black coffee. Once Rachel placed her own order, the two of them found one of the cozy leather sofas in front of the floor-to-ceiling glass window.

The shop wasn’t too busy this morning. A few people sat on stools along the back brick wall, and the bar top that stretched along the brick had power stations, so those working had taken up real estate there.

Even though they were seated in the front of the coffee shop, Rachel and Matt had just enough privacy for their surprising reunion. She still couldn’t believe he was here in Royal. Couldn’t believe how handsome and fit he still looked. Okay, fine. He was damn sexy and she’d have to be completely insane to think he’d ever be anything but. The past year had been nothing but kind to Matt, while she figured she looked exactly how she felt: haggard and homely.

Rachel eased back into the corner of her seat and smoothed her hands down her maxiskirt. She wasn’t sure what to say now, how to close the time gap that had separated them for so long.

More importantly, she wasn’t sure how to compartmentalize her emotions. Matt had been her friend for years, but seeing him now had her wondering why she felt...hell, she couldn’t put her finger on the exact emotion.

“What are you doing in Royal?” Matt asked, resting his elbow on the back of the couch and shifting to face her. “You’re not hiding from some newly appointed title by the media, too, are you?”

Leave it to Matt to fall back into their camaraderie as if nothing had changed between them over the last year. She’d circle back to his desertion later, but for now she just wanted a nice relaxing chat with her old friend.

“Afraid I’m not near as exciting as you,” she stated with a smile. “I’m visiting Alexis Slade, my friend from college.”

“I’m familiar with the Slade family. Are you alone?”

“If you’re asking if I have a man in my life, no. I’m here with my daughter.”

Matt opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, the barista delivered their orders and set them on the raw-edged table before them. Once they were alone again, Rachel reached for her favorite fall drink.

“I didn’t mean to pry,” Matt muttered around his coffee mug. “I don’t have any right to know about your personal life anymore. How are you, though? Really.”

“I’m doing well. But you’re not prying. We’ve missed a good bit of each other’s lives.” She slid her lips over the straw, forcing her gaze away when his dark blue eyes landed on her mouth. “Ew, what is this?”

Rachel set her frosted cup back on the table. “That’s not a pumpkin-spice latte.”

Matt laughed. “Because that’s not what you told them you wanted.”

“Of course it is,” she declared, swiping at her lips. “I always get the same thing at any coffee shop, especially in the fall. I’m a creature of habit and I’m pumpkin-spice everything.”

“That I definitely recall.” The corners of his eyes crinkled as he laughed. “But at the counter you ordered a large iced nutmeg with extra whip and an extra shot.”

What the hell? Bumping into Matt had totally messed up her thought process. Maybe it was the strength with which he prevented her from falling on the sidewalk, or the firm hand on her back as he’d guided her in. Or maybe she could chalk this up to good old-fashioned lust because she couldn’t deny that he was both sexy and charming.

And her late husband’s best friend. There could be no lust. Not now. Not ever.

“I’ll go get you another.” He came to his feet. “Tell me exactly what you want.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m just not used to leaving the house alone—I guess it threw off my game.”

Yeah, she’d go with the excuse that she was used to carrying a child and a heavy diaper bag. No way would she admit that Matt’s touch, Matt’s intense stare, had short-circuited her brain.

He pulled out his wallet. “Better tell me your order or I’ll make something up. Do you really want to risk another bad drink?”

Rachel laughed. “Fine.”

She rattled off her order and watched as he walked away.

Nerves curled in Rachel’s belly. She shouldn’t feel this nervous, but she did. At one time, Matt had meant so much to her—he still did. Yet she had no clue what to talk about and she certainly didn’t want the awkward silence to settle between them.

One thing was certain, though. Matt hadn’t changed one bit. He was still just as sexy, just as charismatic as ever. And he was the Most Eligible Bachelor in Texas. Interesting he came back into her life at this exact time.

* * *

Matt took his time getting Rachel’s drink. He opted to wait at the counter instead of having the barista deliver it. He needed to get control of himself, of his thoughts. Because Rachel Kincaid, widow of Billy Kincaid, was the one person he’d thought of a hell of a lot over the years...and even more so this past year. Yes, he’d deserted her, but he’d had no other choice.

And now she’d want answers. Answers she deserved, but he wasn’t ready to give.

He’d thought for sure the absence would get his emotions under control. He’d been hell-bent on throwing himself into his work, into a new partnership with his firm, and forging more takeovers in the hopes that he’d get over the honey-haired beauty that had starred in his every fantasy since they’d met.

Unfortunately, that hadn’t been the case. Perhaps that’s because he’d kept track of her. That sounded a bit stalkerish, but he’d needed to know she was alright. Needed to know if she was struggling so he could step in and help. From what Matt could tell, Billy’s parents, plus his brother and his wife, had made sure Rachel had all she’d needed. Insurance money only went so far, but Billy came from a wealthy family.

Rachel had sold her Dallas home, though. She’d moved out and now she was here. So what was her next move? Did she have a plan? Was she going to return to Dallas?

Insurance money would run out at some point and so would her savings. Matt couldn’t just let this go, not when she might need him. She’d be too proud to ever ask for help...all the more reason for him to keep an eye on her.

So many questions and he’d severed all rights to ask when he pushed her from his life. But for his damn sanity and out of respect for Rachel, he’d had no other choice.

Matt had known she’d had a little girl. She was a few months pregnant at the funeral and had already started showing. He recalled that slight swell against him as he’d held her by the graveside.

He’d honestly had no idea she’d be here in Royal, but like the selfish prick he was, he wasn’t a bit sorry he’d run into her. Now was the time to pay his penance and admit he’d dodged her, admit that he needed space. But one thing he could never admit was his attraction. That was the last thing Rachel needed to be told.

“Here you go,” the barista said with a smile as she placed the new frothy drink on the counter.

Matt nodded. “Thanks.”

The second he turned back toward Rachel, the punch of lust to his gut was no less potent than it had been the first time he’d seen her all those years ago. She’d always been a striking woman, always silently demanded attention with just a flick of her wavy blond hair, a glance in his direction. Hell, all he had to do was conjure up a thought and she captivated him.

And nothing had been as gut-wrenching as watching her marry his best friend...a man who hadn’t deserved someone as special as Rachel.

Rachel was, well, everything. But she wasn’t for him.

Matt wasn’t sure what was worse, staying in Dallas dodging paparazzi over this damn Most Eligible Bachelor in Texas title or being in this small town face-to-face with the one woman he could never have—the only woman he’d ever truly wanted.

A group of college-aged kids came through with their laptops and headed to the back of the coffee shop. Their laughter and banter instantly thrust him back to that party where he had first met Rachel. He’d flirted a little and was about to ask her out when Billy slid between them and whispered, “Mine,” toward Matt before whisking her away.

If only Matt had known how things would go down between Billy and Rachel...

“One extra-shot pumpkin-spice latte with a side of pumpkin and pumpkin whip on top.” Matt placed the drink in front of Rachel and made a show of bowing as he extended his arm. “Or something like that.”

Rachel’s laughter was exactly the balm he needed in his life. “Thank you, but that wasn’t necessary.”

“Was the bow too much?”

He took a seat next to her and couldn’t take his eyes off the way her pretty mouth covered the pointed dollop of whip or the way she licked her lips and groaned as her lids lowered. Damn vixen had no idea what she could do to a man. He wondered how many others she’d put under her spell.

“So, tell me all about this newly appointed title.” She set her drink on the table and tore the paper off her straw. “Are we going to get bombarded by squealing fans or camera flashes?”

“I sure as hell hope not.” Matt grabbed his mug and settled back into the corner of the sofa. “And I’d rather not discuss all of that. Let’s talk about you. What are you doing here in Royal? Other than staying with the Slades.”

Rachel held on to her cup and crossed her legs. The dress she wore might be long, but the thin fabric hugged her shapely thighs and shifted each time she moved. And from the way she kept squirming, she wasn’t as calm as her smile led him to believe.

“I’m working on finishing my marketing degree online and figuring out where to go from here.”

Matt didn’t like that there was a subtle lilt leading him to believe she wasn’t happy. The thought of her not moving on to a life she deserved didn’t sit well with him. Not one bit.

“How much longer do you have?” he asked.

Rachel slid her fingertip over the condensation on her glass. “One more semester and I’m done. The end can’t come soon enough.”

And being a single mother no doubt added to her stress. Surely she wasn’t strapped for cash. Her in-laws alone should’ve covered anything she needed that Billy’s finances couldn’t.

She’d been working on her degree when they’d met, but once she and Billy married, Billy had talked her out of finishing. Matt was damn proud she was doing this for herself.

He had so many questions, yet none of them he should ask just yet. Even though she smiled and laughed, he’d seen the hurt in her eyes, the accusation in her question when they’d been outside. Rachel deserved her answers well before he was allowed to have his.

Matt wasn’t going to leave Royal without making sure Rachel and her daughter were stable and had what they needed, at least until she got on her feet.

Well, hell. Is that why they were here? Because she didn’t have a place to stay? What about the home she and Billy had?

“How long are you hiding from your fan club?” she asked, pulling him back to the real reason he was in town.

Matt clenched his jaw. He wasn’t about to get into all the issues he had going on. The disagreements with his partner, the negotiations he had still up in the air, the fact he wanted to sell his 51 percent and start his own company. There really was no way to just sum up in a blanket statement all he had going on.

He would much rather keep their unexpected reunion on the lighter side. And now that they were both in Royal, Matt sure as hell planned to see her again. Fate had pushed them together for a reason and he couldn’t ignore that.

“I’m going to be here awhile. My grandfather’s old estate is on the edge of town. It’s sat empty for several years. Figure I should think about having it renovated and perhaps selling. For now, I’m staying at The Bellamy.”

The five-star establishment had been recently renovated into a luxurious hotel. Matt had requested the penthouse and had paid extra to have it ready on the same day he’d had his assistant call for the reservation. Money might have gotten him pretty much everything he wanted in life, but there was still a void. Something was missing and he had no clue what it was.

Rachel slid those plump lips around her straw again and Matt found himself shifting in his seat once more. He’d been in her presence for all of ten minutes and it was as if no time had passed at all. He still craved her, still found her one of the most stunning women he’d ever known. Still wondered what would’ve happened between them if Billy hadn’t been at that party.

Actually, there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t wonder. If he were being honest, most of the women he’d hooked up with were just fillers for the one he truly wanted.

Matt set his mug on the table, then leaned closer to her. “Listen, Rachel...”

“No.” She held up her hand and shook her head. “Let’s not revisit the past. Not quite yet.”

He stared at her for another minute, wanting to deal with the proverbial elephant in the room, and yet needing to dodge it at the same time.

Finally, he nodded. “Since we’re both in town for a while, I’ll treat you to dinner tonight.”

Rachel laughed. “I’m not the carefree woman I used to be, Matt. I’m a single mother with responsibilities.”

“Bring your daughter.”

Where had that come from? He’d never asked a woman and her child on a date. Had he ever even dated a woman with a kid?

He hadn’t. But none of that mattered, because no other woman was Rachel. Besides, he wanted to see Billy’s daughter. His best friend might not have been the world’s greatest husband, but he was a good friend and his child would be the last connection to him.

Rachel’s smile widened as she reached out and gripped his hand. “It’s a date.”

Matt glanced down at their joined hands and wondered why he’d just jumped head first into the exact situation he’d been running from. If he stayed around Royal too long with Rachel, he didn’t know how long he could resist her...or if he’d even try.

Two

“From the way you’re eyeing those photos, maybe you should consider bidding on your own bachelor.”

Smiling, Rachel glanced up from the glossy images all spread out across the farm-style kitchen table to look at Alexis. Each picture featured a single man in Royal who had agreed to step up to the plate and be auctioned for a good cause. All funds would go toward the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation, but each woman writing the check would be winning a fantasy date with one hunky bachelor.

Rachel and Alexis were still searching for someone who could be the “big draw” or headliner.

“I think I’ll just stick to the marketing and working behind the scenes and not worry so much about getting my fantasy date.” Rachel blew out a breath and flattened her palms on the spread of photos. She did some quick figures in her head of what she could donate and still live off of until she completed her degree and got a paying job. “Don’t worry, I’ll still write a check for the cause. There are so many great guys who agreed to help... I’m just not sure which one we should use as the main event.”

Alexis dropped to a chair next to Rachel and started sliding the images around. She picked up one, then set it aside, picked up another, dismissed it, too. There were so many options, from doctors to lawyers, ranchers to pilots. Royal had quite the variety of upstanding men. How were all of these hotties still single?

“The problem is these guys are all fabulous,” Alexis stated, her blue eyes searching all of the options. “You can’t go wrong with any of them. We do need the final man to be someone spectacular, someone the ladies won’t mind writing an exorbitant amount for.”

A small white paper with handwritten notes was paper clipped to the top right corner of each picture. The brief stats gave basic details of the bachelor: name, age, occupation. The overwhelming response from handsome, eligible men to help with the charity auction was remarkable. The Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation would no doubt get a fat check afterward.

Gus and Alexis had done all the grunt work lining up the bachelors and it was Rachel’s job to make sure word got out and women flocked with full purses to the biggest event of the year.

“We need to get these framed,” Rachel murmured, thinking aloud. “They need to be propped on easels and in sturdy wood frames to showcase all this glorious masculinity.”

They’d have to strategically set them around the outdoor garden area at the Texas Cattleman’s Club so the women could come early and get an idea of who they wanted to bid on. Once Rachel went to the site, she could better plan all the details of how to arrange things.

She had already made a mock-up of the programs that would be handed out at the door. The program featured the bachelors with their regular posed image, plus she’d requested something playful or something to show their true personality.

“I have a spreadsheet of the order I think they should go in,” Rachel stated. “Sorry, I know that’s not quite marketing, but I was up late last night and started thinking of the best way to advertise and then I started numbering them and—”

“I get it. Your OCD kicked in and you ran with it.” Alexis reached for her girlfriend’s hand and squeezed. “I’ll take any help I can get, and having you stay here is just like being in college. Well, with a child and less parties, but I love having you at the ranch.”

Rachel loved being here, as well. She had been feeling adrift, but when Alexis had invited her to Royal, she figured this was just the break from life she needed. Who knew? Maybe Royal would become home. The big-city feel with the small-town attitude of everyone helping each other was rather nice.

Plus, there was the bonus of her best friend living here. Ellie seemed to have taken to Alexis and Gus.

“Lone Wolf Ranch is gorgeous,” Rachel said, beaming. “I’m still excited you asked me to help with this auction. I think it’s going to pull in more money than you ever thought possible.”

Alexis pulled her hand away and blew out a sigh. “I don’t know. I’ve set a pretty large goal. This fund-raiser means more to me than just money. I want to honor my grandmother’s memory and make my grandfather proud of me at the same time. They did so much for me growing up.”

Rachel knew this was so much more than a show or a popularity contest. Alexis lost her grandmother to pancreatic cancer and all of the funds from The Great Royal Bachelor Auction would go straight to the foundation in loving memory of Sarah Slade.

“She would definitely be proud of you,” Rachel stated. “You’re doing great work.”

“I think you’re doing most of it. I’d seriously be overwhelmed without you.”

Rachel pulled all of the photos into a stack and neatened them up with a tap onto the table. “I’d say we make a great team.”

The back door opened and Alexis’s grandfather, Gus Slade, stepped inside. He swiped the back of his arm across his forehead and blew out a whistle.

“An old man could get used to walking in his back door and seeing two beautiful ladies.”

Rachel flashed him a grin. If Gus was about thirty years younger, she’d make him the headliner for the auction. The elderly widower was quite the charmer and his dashing good looks and ruggedness would make him a surefire hit. No woman could resist his thick silver hair and broad shoulders. The weathered, tanned skin and wrinkles around his blue eyes only added to his masculine appeal. Why couldn’t women age as gracefully?

“Where is the youngest lady?” Gus asked as he headed to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water.

“Ellie needed a nap,” Rachel replied. “She was rather cranky.”

“She’s a sweetheart,” Gus defended. “I get a little cranky when I need a nap, too.”

Rachel’s heart swelled at how easily Alexis and her grandfather just took in two stray guests as if they were all one big happy family. Rachel had only been in Royal a short time, but she already felt like this was home. She hadn’t really had a sense of belonging since Billy’s death. Staying in Dallas in their home hadn’t felt right. Especially considering the house they’d lived in had been purchased without her approval. He’d surprised her with it and she’d never really liked the vast space. The two-story home had seemed too staid, too cold.

She’d sold that house not too long ago and moved to a small rental house, much to the shock of Billy’s family. Speaking of, life had been even more stressful with her in-laws hovering and making it a point to let her know they’d be willing to keep Ellie for a while so Rachel could finish her degree.

Then Billy’s brother and his wife offered to take Ellie to make Rachel’s life “easier.” What the hell? She didn’t care about easy. She cared about her child and providing a stable future.

Ellie was the only family she had and Rachel wasn’t going to be separated from her for any amount of time. She’d give up her degree first. Ellie was her world...a world Rachel hadn’t even known she’d wanted until the time came.

Billy hadn’t wanted children and they’d both been taken by surprise when Rachel had gotten pregnant. Rachel had slid into the idea of motherhood and couldn’t imagine a greater position to be in. Billy, on the other hand, hadn’t gotten used to the idea before his death. In fact, that was one of the things they’d argued about right before he’d left that fateful day.

Rachel didn’t have many regrets in life, but that argument still haunted her.

“Well, I hope you both are saving your appetites for a good dinner tonight.” Gus’s statement pulled Rachel from her thoughts. “I’ve got the chef preparing the best filets with homemade mashed potatoes and her special gravy, and baby carrots fresh from the garden.”

All of that sounded so amazing. Any other night Rachel would welcome all those glorious calories. In fact, she’d enjoyed each meal their chef prepared over the past several days. If she hung around much longer she’d definitely be packing on the pounds.

“I actually have plans.”

Alexis and Gus both turned to her like she’d just announced her candidacy for president. Rachel couldn’t help but laugh at their shocked faces.

“I ran into an old friend earlier at Daily Grind and he asked to see me tonight. I’ll be taking Ellie, so don’t worry. You won’t be babysitting.”

Alexis waved her hands and shook her head. “Hold up. Forget the babysitting, which I’d happily do. You said he. You’re going on a date?”

Rachel cringed. “No, not a date. Matt is an old friend.”

“Matt who?” Gus asked, his brows drawing inward like a concerned parent.

“Galloway.”

Gus’s features relaxed as he nodded. “Businessman from Dallas, also a member of TCC. So, he asked you on a date?”

“No, it’s not a date,” she repeated, feeling like perhaps she shouldn’t have disclosed her plans.

“Matt Galloway. Oh, I remember him,” Alexis murmured. “A businessman from Dallas sounds perfect. How old is he now? Early thirties, right?”

“A few years older than me. Why do you say he’s perfect?”

Alexis’s smile beamed and she merely stared. Then Rachel realized exactly where her friend’s thoughts had traveled.

“No.” Rachel shook her head and gripped the stack of photos. “We have our guys and I’m not asking my friend to do this. I couldn’t. We just reconnected after a year apart and he was one of Billy’s best friends. It would just be too weird.”

Not to mention her heart rate still hadn’t recovered from their morning together. Part of her felt guilty for the way she’d reacted. Yes, her husband was gone, but was it okay to already feel a flicker of desire for another man? And one of her friends at that. Surely her sensations were all just heightened over their reunion. Rachel was confident the next time she saw Matt it would just be like old times when they hung out as pals.

And if that attraction tried to rear its ugly head, Rachel would just have to ignore it. A romantic entanglement between the two of them was never going to happen. Besides, even though a chunk of time had passed, Rachel still considered Matt someone special in her life. So, no. She couldn’t ask him to put himself up on the stage...especially considering he was trying to stay out of the public eye.

“You didn’t tell me he was named Most Eligible Bachelor in Texas,” Alexis exclaimed.

Rachel blinked and focused on her friend who had her phone in hand, waving it around. An image of Matt in a tux on the red carpet posing in front of some charitable gala had Rachel sighing.

“No, I didn’t tell you that. One of the reasons why he’s in Royal is to lie low.”

“Rach, no guy can look like this and have women ignore him. It’s not possible.”

“Looks like a perfect candidate for you to bid on, Lex,” Gus chimed in with a nudge to his granddaughter. “You’re putting in all this work—you should pick out a date, as well.”

The idea of her best friend and her other friend hooking up hit the wrong chord in Rachel. But what could she say? She had no claims on Matt, and Alexis was single. They both could do whatever they wanted...but Rachel wasn’t so sure she’d like it.

“Poor guy,” Gus added, leaning over to look at the photo. “It’s hell when the women are all over you and you have no place to hide. I feel his pain.”

Alexis rolled her eyes and laid her phone down on the table. “Ignore him. He’s a romantic. But let’s focus on Matt. Seems like he’s the perfect big name for our auction needs. Figured I’d look him up really quick and see how we can market him.”

As if he were cattle ready to go to the market. Rachel was fine discussing the other bachelors; in fact, she rather enjoyed using her creativity and schooling to make each guy stand out in a unique way. But something about the idea of Matt up for grabs really irritated the hell out of her.

Perhaps it was because Rachel knew for a fact that the female attendees would bid high on the very sexy, very wealthy Matt Galloway, but she didn’t want to give them the opportunity.

First, she’d feel like a jerk asking him when he’d been up-front as to his reasons for being in Royal. He was dodging this new title and clearly not comfortable with the added attention.

Second, the idea of women waving their paddles and tossing money for a fantasy date with Matt...well, she was jealous. There. She admitted it—if only to herself.

Why was she suddenly so territorial? She’d always found Matt attractive, always respected and admired him. How could she throw him into the lion’s den, so to speak, and expect not to have strong feelings on the matter? They were friends. She should feel protective, but there were other feelings swirling around inside her, and none of them remained in the friend zone.

“Tell me you’ll at least think about it.”

Rachel met Alexis’s pleading gaze. She was here to help her friend—they were actually helping each other—and this auction was a huge deal to the Slade family. How could Rachel say no when Alexis had opened her home and heart to Rachel and Ellie?

“I’ll see what I can do,” she conceded with a belabored sigh. “But I can’t promise anything and I won’t beg.”

Alexis squealed. “All I ask is you try.”

Gus rested a large, weathered hand on Alexis’s shoulder. “My granddaughter is all Slade. When she wants something, she finds a way to make it happen. So, which guy are you bidding on, Lex?”

Alexis rolled her eyes. “Stop trying to marry me off. I’m working on raising money, not finding a guy to put a ring on my finger.”

Rachel scooted her chair back and came to her feet. “Well, I’m pretty determined to help bring in all the money possible, but I won’t make Matt feel uncomfortable.”

“I understand,” Alexis said, nodding in agreement. “But, I’ll wait up so I can hear all about your date and see if he agreed to be auctioned.”

That naughty gleam in her friend’s eyes was not going to last. If Alexis knew all that Rachel, Matt and Billy had been through, she’d understand just how delicate this situation was. But she wasn’t wanting to get into all of that now. She didn’t want to revisit the ordeal that was her marriage and the gap of time she’d missed Matt.

“Feel free to wait up, but I assure you I won’t be out long. I have a baby, remember? Early bedtimes are a must.”

“Why don’t you leave her here?” Gus suggested. “It’s nice having a little one around, and she’s no trouble.”

Alexis stood up and patted her grandfather’s shoulder. “If that’s a hint, relax. It’s going to be a while before I give you a great-grandchild. I’m a little busy in case you haven’t noticed.”

Rachel didn’t miss the way Alexis’s eyes landed on the top photo...which featured the very handsome Daniel Clayton.

Alexis Slade and Daniel Clayton had once been quite an item, but they’d fallen apart and Rachel still didn’t know what had happened. Whenever Rachel brought up the topic, her friend not-so-subtly steered their chat in another direction. Eventually, Rachel would find out what was going on between her friend and the mysterious ex.

“What time is your date?” Alexis asked.

Resigned to the fact nobody believed her about the nondate, Rachel shrugged. “We kept it open. He realizes I need to be flexible with a little one. I’ll head over to his hotel room later. Once Ellie wakes, I need to grab a shower and we both need to get ready.”

“What are you taking?” Alexis asked.

“Taking?”

“A bottle of wine? A dessert? I’m sure we have something the cook has whipped up. She always has breads.”

Rachel shook her head. “I’m not taking anything. You’re letting that romantic streak show.”

“Just trying to help,” she muttered.

Rachel patted her friend’s arm. “I know, but I’ve only been a widow for a year. I’m not ready to rush into anything.”

Her marriage had started out in a whirlwind of lust and stars in their eyes. Rachel and Billy had lived life to the fullest and loved every minute of it. Then the pregnancy had slid between them and continued to drive a wedge through their relationship. They’d built something on top of shaky ground and hadn’t realized until after the fact.

Unfortunately, Rachel would never know if their marriage would’ve worked itself out. Would Billy have ever settled down and stepped into the role of loyal father and devoted husband?

Pain gripped her from so many angles, but she had to keep pushing forward for her sake as well as Ellie’s. Rumored infidelity and ugly arguments weren’t how she wanted to remember her late husband.

“I’m going to go check on Ellie,” Rachel told them. “She should be waking soon. Lex, I’ll get you a list of the order I think we should use for the auction. If Matt isn’t onboard, then Daniel might be our best bet as the big-name draw.”

Her friend’s lips thinned, her jaw clenched. Gus blew out a breath that Rachel would almost label as relief, and he had a satisfied grin. Whatever was going on with Daniel and Alexis—or wasn’t going on—was quite a mystery.

One thing was certain, though—Alexis was not a fan of having Daniel up on the auction block. Ironically, Rachel still wasn’t too keen on the idea of Matt being up there, either.

Because if that came to pass, one or both of them might just have to grab a paddle and place their own bids.

Three

Matt tipped the waitstaff a hefty amount for their quick, efficient service and for meeting his last-minute demands. He hadn’t known what to have for dinner for Rachel, let alone an infant.

Infant? Toddler? What was the right term for an eleven-month-old? He knew nothing about children and had never taken to the notion of having his own, so he’d never bothered to learn.

But he was interested in Rachel, and she and Ellie were a package deal that he didn’t mind. No matter the years that passed, no matter the fact she’d married his best friend, nothing at all had ever diminished his desire for Rachel. He’d hid it as best he could, often gritting his teeth and biting his tongue when Billy would be disrespectful to Rachel’s needs.

Once Rachel got pregnant, the two started fighting more, and Billy’s answer was to get out of the house so they both could cool off. Those times when Matt and Billy were at the Dallas TCC clubhouse shooting pool and drinking beer or even out on Matt’s boat on the lake, Billy never did grasp that running didn’t solve the problem. He never once acted excited about the pregnancy. He never mentioned how Rachel felt about being a mother. Billy’s life didn’t change at all and Matt knew Rachel hurt alone.

He also knew she’d been excited about the pregnancy, but how much could she actually enjoy it knowing her husband wasn’t fully committed?

Whenever Matt would mention anything to Billy about Rachel, the other man always told him to mind his own business and that he didn’t know what marriage was like. Valid point, but Matt knew how to treat a woman and he damn well respected Rachel.

Matt stepped back and surveyed the dinner he’d had set up on the balcony. His penthouse suite at The Bellamy had a sweeping view of the immaculate grounds, yet was private enough he felt comfortable bringing Rachel out here to talk.

He hoped this setting was okay. For some asinine reason he was a damn nervous wreck. What the hell? There had never been a woman to make him question himself or his motives. Even when he and Rachel had been friends before, the main emotion that always hovered just below the surface had always been forbidden desire.

But she was a different woman now. She was a single mother seeking out a fresh start, not some short-term fling with her late husband’s best friend. And he wasn’t looking for anything more than exploring the connection and seeing if this was just one-sided.

Matt needed to curb his desire. She wasn’t coming here for a quickie. He’d invited her as a friend...and unfortunately, he feared that was the category she’d try to keep him in. Being near her again only put his desires right on the edge, and he had to retain control before he fell over the line of friendship and pulled her right with him.

Even now that she was single, he still had no chance with her because he was known as a ladies’ man, the Most Eligible Bachelor in Texas, and Rachel was a sweetheart who wouldn’t settle for anything less than happily-ever-after.

Damn that title. It had been nothing but a black cloud over him since he’d been given the title some men would happily flaunt. He was not one of those men. He hadn’t even been able to go on a damn date back in Dallas without a snap of the camera or someone coming up to him asking for his autograph.

The final straw had been when he’d come home to his penthouse and a reporter was lurking outside his door. He’d fired his security guard promptly after that irritating inconvenience.

The one woman he wanted could never be his, even temporarily. Perhaps that was his penance for lusting after his best friend’s wife.

Matt looked at all the items he’d ordered. He might not know much about children, but he’d paid his assistant a nice bonus to make a few things happen within the span of a few hours and by just making some calls. Even from Dallas, the woman was working her magic here in Royal and had baby things delivered in record time. That woman definitely deserved a raise. She saved his ass on a daily basis.

With one last glance, he started having doubts. The balcony ledge went up waist-high on him, the wrought iron slats were about an inch apart. There shouldn’t be a problem with Ellie out here, especially with all the other paraphernalia to keep her occupied, but seriously, what did he know about this? Did she walk or crawl? Did she look like Rachel or Billy?

Nerves pumped through him and he didn’t like it. Not one bit. Matt never got nervous. He’d handled multibillion-dollar mergers and never broken a sweat, so it baffled his mind as to why he was getting all worked up.

Besides, what did he think would happen here tonight? Did he truly believe they could pick back up where they’d left off before Billy died? He’d deserted her due to his own selfish needs and worry he wouldn’t be able to control those wants. He’d had to push her away for both of their sakes.

Surely he wasn’t so delusional to think that she’d...what? Want to tumble into bed with him? He’d be a complete liar if he said he hadn’t fantasized about her since the moment they’d met. There was probably some special pocket of hell for men like him, coveting his best friend’s wife.

But Rachel had always been different. Perhaps it was her beauty or the way his entire body tightened with desire when she was around. Maybe it was the way she could go up against anyone in a verbal sparring match that he found so sexy.

Hell, he had no idea. What he was sure of, though, was that having her come to his suite and bring her child along might have been the worst idea he’d ever had.

No, the worst idea he’d had was letting Billy ask Rachel out first. That was where Matt had gone wrong from the start.

The bell chimed throughout the suite and he raked a hand over his cropped hair as he crossed the spacious room. There was no going back now, and he wasn’t about to keep second-guessing himself. Rachel was a friend; so what if he had her over for dinner?

Yet you want more.

He wished like hell the devil on his shoulder would shut up. Matt was well aware of exactly what he wanted from Rachel, but he respected her enough not to seduce her.

With a flick of the lock, Matt pulled the door open and every single best intention of keeping his thoughts platonic vanished.

The formfitting blue shirt that matched her eyes hung off one shoulder. Those well-worn jeans hugged her shapely hips, and her little white sneakers had him immediately thinking back to the younger version he’d first met. But this grown-up Rachel had a beautiful baby girl on her hip...a baby that was a mirror image of her mother right down to the prominent dimples around her mouth.

Matt had always been fascinated by Rachel’s mouth and those damn dimples. Every time she smiled, he’d been mesmerized.

“Come in.”

Geesh, he’d been staring and reminiscing like some hormonal teen. He was a damn grown man, CEO of a billion-dollar company, and he stood here as if he’d never seen an attractive woman before.

“Wow, this is one snazzy hotel.”

Rachel moved into the living area and spun in a slow circle. Her daughter still clutched her little arms around her mother’s shoulders.

“I thought the outside was impressive,” she stated. “But this penthouse suite is bigger than the apartment I’d been renting.”

Matt frowned. Why the hell had she lived in such a small space to begin with? He understood her emotional reasoning for selling the home she and Billy shared, but why an apartment? Could she not afford another home?

He had no right to ask about her financial standing, but that’s exactly what he wanted to do. Obviously this wasn’t something he’d get into with Ellie here.

“I figure this is a good place to hide while I’m in town,” he joked. “I can work from the offices at the TCC clubhouse and come back here and enjoy the amenities of the gym and sauna, and having dinner here is no hardship.”

Rachel patted her daughter’s back. “Then you can stay up here on the balcony and look down on the peons and paparazzi?”

“Something like that,” Matt laughed. “Actually, I had our dinner set up out there if you’d like to head out. The view is breathtaking.”

Rachel moved toward the open French doors. “I don’t know if it’s safe to have Ellie out here.”

As she stepped outside, she gasped as she took in everything he’d done. “Matt, my word! What didn’t you think of?”

Matt shrugged, wondering if he’d gone overboard. Hell, he hadn’t known what to do, so in those instances his default was always to do everything. His motto had always been “Better to have too much than not enough.”

“I wasn’t sure if she used a high chair,” he stated, stepping over the threshold to join her. “When I called my assistant for reinforcements, I told her to ask for the works. The guy came to set all of this up and asked how many kids I had.”

Rachel laughed as she turned and surveyed the spacious balcony. Matt couldn’t take his eyes off her or her daughter. He wasn’t even sure how to feel looking at Billy’s child, but when he saw that sweet girl, he really only saw Ellie.

Guilt slithered in slowly from so many different angles. He shouldn’t still have been lusting after his late friend’s wife, but there was clearly no stopping that. But he also shouldn’t be wanting to get closer to Rachel knowing full well that he wasn’t looking for a family or any type of long-term commitment.

Being married to a career didn’t leave much time for feeding into a relationship. Besides, he couldn’t lose Rachel as a friend. The risks were too high that that was exactly what would happen if he pressed on with his pent up desires.

Rachel still hadn’t said anything as she continued to take in everything. One area of the stretched balcony looked as if a department store had set up their latest display of baby gear. High chair, Pack ’n Play, play mat, toys, stationary swing...

“I don’t know the age for any of this stuff, so if you need something else let me know and I’ll call—”

“No.” Rachel turned back around to face him, her eyes filled with unshed tears. “This is... I don’t even have words. You invited me for dinner and thought of everything for Ellie.”

His gaze darted to the child in question. Her wide brown eyes, exactly like Rachel’s, were focused on him. She clutched a little yellow blanket against her chest and huddled against her mother for security. Something shifted inside Matt, an unknown emotion he couldn’t label and wasn’t sure he wanted to explore.

“She’s beautiful.” Matt turned his gaze back to Rachel as a shimmer of awareness flowed through him. “Just like her mother.”

She blinked and glanced away, never one to take a compliment. That had never stopped him from offering them. Even when the three of them had all hung out, back in the day, Matt would tell her she looked nice or he liked her hair. There hadn’t been a time he recalled hearing Billy compliment his wife, and Matt hadn’t been able to help himself. Billy had been a great friend, yet from everything Matt could tell, he had been a lousy husband.

But really, all of this was a moot point. Because regardless of the state of their marriage, Matt knew he shouldn’t be trying to make a play for Billy’s wife. He had regrets in his life, but this might be the most asshole-ish thing he’d ever done. Still, Matt had never backed away from what he wanted...and he wanted the hell out of Rachel Kincaid.

“Who else is eating with us?” Rachel asked as she stared at the spread he’d ordered.

“Just us. I ordered all of your favorites. Well, what I remember you ordering in the past, but I didn’t know what you were in the mood for.”

Rachel wrinkled her nose. “I’m a boring creature of habit. I pretty much stick with pizza, pasta or any other carb. This all looks amazing.”

He took a step forward and offered a smile. “You’re not boring,” he corrected. “There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want. I’m the same way. I see something I want, I make it mine.”

Damn it. He needed to calm the hell down. Hadn’t he told himself to get control over his desires?

But saying and doing were clearly two different things because he couldn’t stop himself. Rachel pulled out emotions in him he couldn’t even describe.

Her eyes widened. “Are you talking about food or something else?”

Matt shrugged, forcing himself to take a step back and not get her any more flustered. “We’ll discuss food. For now.”

Rachel moved to the Pack ’n Play and sat Ellie down. The little girl whimpered for a moment before Rachel pulled a doll from the diaper bag on her shoulder. Damn it, why hadn’t he taken that from her?

“Let me help.” He took the bag from her shoulder. “Damn, woman, what do you have in here?”

Rachel straightened and turned. “It’s amazing how one little person can need so many things. Diapers, wipes, butt paste—”

“Pardon?”

She laughed and went on. “I have an extra change of clothes in case of blowouts, food, snacks, toys, pain reliever for her swollen gums...”

“I don’t know if I want any more information about the butt paste and blowouts.” Matt set the diaper bag next to the door. “I’ll fix you a plate. The restaurant downstairs serves some of the best food I’ve ever had and I’ve been all around the world. I ordered their rosemary bread because when I called, they said they’d just taken it from the oven.”

“Well, you clearly know me,” she said with a wide smile that punched him with another dose of lust. “If it’s carbs, I’m in.”

“Do you still have a love for key lime pie?”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “If you mean do I still inhale it like it’s my job, then yes. I don’t even care about the added pounds. Key lime pie is so worth it.”

“You’re still just as stunning as always, Rachel. No pounds could change that.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her head. “I’m starting to see why you were the recipient of the most prestigious bachelor title. You’re still quite the charmer.”

He might try to charm other women—well, he didn’t try; he flat-out did charm them. But with Rachel, he wasn’t trying. He always spoke the truth, always wanted her to know her value and how special she was.

If you cared so much, you wouldn’t have let a year pass since seeing her.

“I’ve missed you,” she stated, as if reading his mind. “I miss our friendship.”

Friendship. Yes. That’s the only label their relationship could have, because she was a widow, a single mother and she wasn’t looking to jump back into anything. Honestly, he wasn’t looking to fill the role of Daddy, either, but that didn’t stop the fact he wanted Rachel as more than a friend.

Likely she’d thrown that out there as a reminder, but he dismissed the words. He’d respect her if she flat-out wasn’t interested, but he had to know. He had to know if she was interested in him. He needed to find out if she burned for him as much as he for her. Would she even want to attempt anything physical knowing he wasn’t ready for anything more?

Why did this all have to be so damn complicated? Oh, right. Because he’d spent years building and attempting to ignore these emotions.

“I’d better eat before she starts fussing,” Rachel told him as she went to take a seat. “There’s always a small window of opportunity and I rarely get warm food because I feed her first.”

Matt urged Rachel toward the table and pulled her chair out. “If she fusses, I’m sure I can hold her and entertain her while you finish, or I can feed her. Regardless, you are eating right now while it’s warm, and there will be no arguments.”

Rachel looked up at him and quirked one brow. “You ready to play Uncle Matt?”

Ouch. That stung. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to be called...then again, he hadn’t given it much thought. He was having difficulty processing much of anything with that creamy shoulder of Rachel’s on display and her familiar floral fragrance teasing his senses.

“I win over billion-dollar mergers before breakfast,” he joked. “I’m pretty sure I can handle a little person.”

Rachel snorted. “Don’t get too cocky. It’s harder than it looks.”

“I never doubted that for a minute,” he corrected. “Now eat. There’s plenty.”

Once she took a seat, Matt eased it closer to the table. He immediately started filling her plate with rosemary bread and Alfredo over penne and chicken, then filled her glass with pinot grigio.

“You put all of this together pretty quick considering you just asked me today.”

Matt set her food in front of her before taking a seat across the table. “Just a few calls and the right connections. Why wouldn’t I go all out for a friend I haven’t seen in a year?”

Her stare leveled his. “I’d think a cup of coffee or a stroll in the park would’ve sufficed.”

Matt reached across the table and squeezed her fingers. Her eyes immediately darted to their joined hands. “You have every right to be angry with me.”

“I’m not angry,” she retorted.

Matt raked his thumb across the silky ridge of her knuckles before easing back. He noticed she didn’t wear her wedding band any longer and part of him swelled with approval and excitement.

“Hurt then. You can’t lie to me, Rachel. Billy’s death did something to both of us.”

Like the fact he couldn’t be the one to console her. He simply...damn it, he couldn’t. He’d wanted too much for too long so he’d had to let her go and pray someone else offered the comfort she needed. Because if he’d had to hold her day after day, night after night until her pain had eased...

“I was hurt,” she admitted. “I still am, actually. Care to tell me why you just disappeared?”

“I texted.”

Such a lame defense, yet the words left his mouth before he could stop himself. Out of everything and everyone in his life, Rachel was the one he’d barely been able to control himself around.

“I don’t really want to dredge up the past right now. I want answers from you, but let’s not do it tonight.” She picked up her fork and offered a typical dimpled smile. “Billy was a big part of my life, but I’ve worked hard at moving on. I’m trying to make a future for Ellie and me. Always looking back isn’t the way to do that.”

He had to hand it to her. She’d hurt from her husband’s death, from Matt’s absence, from being thrust into being a single mother, yet she forced herself to trudge on.

“So, you’re finishing your degree,” he started, hoping to keep the topic on her life. “Where do you go from there?”

Rachel stabbed a piece of pasta and lifted a shoulder. “Right now I’m helping Alexis with the charity auction for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation.”

Impressed, Matt nodded in silent admiration. “What’s the auction? Do you have donations from area businesses?”

Rachel dropped her fork, pulled the napkin from her lap and dabbed the corners of her mouth. “We’re auctioning men.”

Matt stilled. “Excuse me?”

Those bright, beautiful eyes locked on his across the table. There was that mischievous gleam he’d seen from her in the past. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know more.

“We’re having a bachelor auction. Care to be Bachelor Fifteen?”

Four

Way to go. Nothing like blurting out her thoughts without easing into the request. Granted she’d promised Alexis she’d ask Matt for the favor, but Rachel probably could’ve done a better lead in.

“Bachelor Fifteen.”

The words slid slowly through his sultry, kissable lips as he set his fork down and continued to hold her gaze without so much as blinking. She really needed to not stare at his mouth, and she absolutely should not be imagining them on hers.

Rachel cringed. “So, we need another bachelor and we were wanting one that would be fairly popular, and you came to town, we’re friends, you’ve got that new title and...”

He sat still as stone.

“I’m rambling,” she muttered. “You don’t want the hype or the press. I get it. Forget I asked.”

Rachel focused on the potatoes on her plate. Carbs were always the answer, especially when she’d just verbally assaulted their friendship.

“Is that why you came?” he asked.

Rachel immediately met his gaze. “What? No. I wanted to see you. I wanted you to meet Ellie. Earlier I was working on the auction and Alexis and I started talking and your name came up.”

Matt offered that cocky, familiar smirk. “Is that right?”

He was clearly intrigued by the idea of being the topic of conversation, but she wasn’t about to feed that ego.

“But don’t feel obligated to agree just because we’re friends. In fact, forget I asked.”

Rachel started to reach for her sweet tea just as Ellie let out a cry of frustration. Pushing back in her chair, Rachel came to her feet, but Matt was quicker. He stood and crossed to the Pack ’n Play, reached down and lifted Ellie out.

Unable to look away, Rachel stared at the way Matt’s large hands held on to her daughter. Ellie’s little mouth slid into a frown as she stared at the stranger. She reached up and patted her tiny fingers against his mouth.

“Here, let me take her.”

Matt shook his head as he made his way back to the table. “She’s fine. Enjoy your dinner and we can discuss this auction some more.”

Rachel eased back into her seat as Matt sat back down in his own chair. Immediately Ellie’s arm smacked Matt’s glass over, spilling his drink into his plate of food.

“I’m so sorry.” Rachel jumped up and grabbed her daughter before handing Matt her cloth napkin. “Let me go inside and get a towel. Go finish my plate and I’ll get this cleaned up—”

Matt grabbed her arm. “Relax. Nobody’s hurt here and it’s just a spill. Maybe we should go inside where Ellie can play on the floor and we can sit on the sofa and have dinner?”

Rachel wanted to gather her child and their things and leave to save further embarrassment, but she knew that would be rude after all the trouble he’d gone to. So against her better instincts, she nodded.

“I think she’s getting hungry,” she replied. “Let me feed her and then I’ll help clean and carry things inside.”

“Take care of her. I’ll take care of everything else.”

Rachel stared for a moment until she realized he was serious. She couldn’t help but think back to Billy, who hadn’t wanted kids, who’d been flat out angry over the pregnancy. Yet here was Matt offering to care for Ellie while Rachel did something as simple as eat her dinner.

She shouldn’t compare the two men. Sure they were friends, but they’d always been opposite. Billy had been the adventurer, the wanderer, which had been the initial draw for Rachel.

Matt was just around for a good time. He was content in Dallas, happy with life and work. He was well-grounded and only got away to travel to Galloway Cove.

Who wouldn’t be happy owning their own island? At this point in her life, Rachel just wanted to own her own home, not the house Billy had bought and not some place her in-laws wanted her to have. She wanted to do life her way.

Several moments later, Ellie had been fed. After cleaning her up, Rachel scooted the coffee table off to the far wall and left an open area for Ellie to play in without hitting her head on the furniture.

Matt came back in and quickly had their food all set up, acting as if an infant hadn’t just turned his steak and potatoes into tea soup.

“I’m really sorry about that,” Rachel offered as he sat on the sofa next to her.

“Why do you keep apologizing? Just because I don’t have children doesn’t mean I’m going to get angry over an accident.”

Rachel glanced down to Ellie who was quite content plucking the nose on the stuffed toy monkey. “I just never know how people will respond. Some people don’t like children.”

“I’ve never really seen myself in the role of a father, but I like kids. I mean, I highly doubt she knocked my glass down on purpose.”

Rachel settled her plate into her lap. “You can eat at the table, you know. You don’t have to sit here with me.”

All of this was too familial, and being in a situation like this with Matt only made her fantasize about things she could never have...at least not with this man.

“Tell me more about the auction,” he said, ignoring her previous statement.

“Matt, really—”

“Tell me.”

His gruff command had her pulling in a deep breath. “Alright. The bachelor auction is going to raise funds for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation. Alexis’s grandmother and Gus’s wife passed away from that. When Alexis invited me to come visit, I offered to help with the auction. I’m not quite finished with my marketing degree, but I’m thrilled to be doing something along the lines of where I want to be. Not only am I helping the cause—this will look great on a resume when I finish my degree.”

“They’re lucky to have you working on this,” Matt stated with such conviction she turned to him in surprise .

“You have a lot of confidence for someone who hasn’t seen me in a year.”

Matt finished chewing before he replied. “I know you, Rachel. Maybe better than you know yourself. You’re determined, headstrong and always looking out for everyone but yourself.”

His blue eyes locked with hers, causing a warm melting sensation to spread through her.

“Alexis couldn’t have chosen a better person for the job. You don’t need a degree to have compassion.”

She wasn’t even sure how to respond to such praise. She hadn’t been looking for a compliment. They finished their dinner in silence and Ellie played without interruption.

“Let me take the plates to the kitchen,” Rachel said, reaching for Matt’s empty dish.

“I’ve got it.”

“You’ve done enough. I can take care of this.”

His suite at The Bellamy was absolutely dreamlike. Rachel couldn’t imagine being a guest here. She’d never want to leave.

“I invited you.”

Matt took the dishes and headed toward the open kitchen area. Having a sexy man do domestic chores was something no woman could look away from. Added to that, the thin navy sweater he wore stretched beautifully across his broad shoulders, captivating her attention.

“You’re not doing anything except telling me more about the auction,” he stated. “What do I have to do as Bachelor Fifteen?”

Rachel laughed, more out of shock than humor. “You don’t have to put yourself up for auction. We have guys who will bring in the goal Alexis is hoping to raise.”

To Rachel’s surprise, Matt didn’t sit back on the sofa with her, but on the floor with Ellie. With one hand propped behind him, he rested his other arm on the knee he’d drawn up.

“So when a woman wins her dream guy onstage, or however you’re doing it—”

“In the gazebo at the TCC clubhouse,” she interjected.

He nodded. “Fine. So when a lady’s knight in shining armor steps from the gazebo and they gaze into each other’s eyes, then what?”

Rachel eased down to the floor as well and couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s probably not going to be that dramatic. But, the ladies are bidding on a fantasy date. Whatever that might be. One of our bachelors is a pilot, so the winner could also choose to be flown in his private jet to a nice dinner. All of the guys bring something different to the table, which is exactly what we want so we can appeal to a variety of women.”

“And their checkbooks.”

Rachel smiled and nodded. “Exactly.”

“How many bachelors have an island?”

“None.”

“Then count me in.”

Rachel jerked back. Ellie crawled to her and climbed onto her lap. “Just like that you’re offering yourself up?”

“It’s one date, Rachel. I’m not marrying anyone. If it’s for a good cause, and it is, I’m willing.” He handed Ellie her monkey when she wobbled closer to him. “I’ll match the donation of the bid made on me, as well.”

She couldn’t believe how easy this was. “You could just write a check if you’re only wanting to help financially.”

“Sounds like you don’t want me to be on the auction block,” he threw back with a quirked brow.

That’s precisely what she sounded like because that’s exactly how she felt. But she had no right, and she truly had no motive to keep him all to herself. Matt didn’t belong to anyone, especially not his best friend’s lonely widow.

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