Rave reviews for New York Times
bestselling author
SUSAN MALLERY

Praise for Sweet Spot

“Mallery is in top-notch form as she takes troubled and stubborn individuals and portrays their emotional growth. Drama and trauma abound in this winner!”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“I strongly recommend Sweet Spot, especially to readers who like their family melodramas spiked with lots of laughter and hot romance.”

—The Romance Reader

Praise for Sweet Talk

“Sweet Talk is one sweet read! Susan Mallery delivers a deliciously satisfying first book in her new wonderfully written Bakery Sisters trilogy.”

—The Romance Readers Connection (4 ½ stars)

“Amusing, heartfelt and wildly romantic, Sweet Talk is the perfect romance.”

—Joyfully Reviewed

“Susan Mallery provides a powerful passionate backdrop to a fine contemporary romance.”

—Harriet Klausner

Praise for Accidentally Yours

“Mallery has once again proven to be a superb writer; romance novels just don’t get much better than this.”

—Booklist

“If you’re looking for heart-tugging emotions elaborately laced with humor, then Mallery is the author for you.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Praise for Tempting

“At turns witty and poignant, this hard-to-put-down book will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers.”

—Booklist, starred review

Praise for Sizzling

“[A] tasty dish…Mallery’s prose is luscious and provocative, and her characters worth following from book to book.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Sizzling is simply dazzling! You’ll laugh, you’ll hoot, you’ll raise your eyebrows, and yes, you’ll cry buckets, so have those tissues handy…. Highly Recommended!”

—The Romance Readers Connection

Under Her Skin
Susan Mallery

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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UNDER HER SKIN

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER ONE

“IT’S ONLY TWO million. Is that going to be a problem?”

Lexi Titan forced herself to smile. “Not at all,” she lied, wondering if John, her banker, had lost his mind. Two million dollars? She had to come up with two million dollars in twenty-one days? Oh, sure. She would just go home and dig around for loose change in her sofa. There had to be a million-dollar bill or two stashed under the cushions.

“You could always ask your father,” John said, studying the papers on his desk as if they were the most interesting thing in the world.

Lexi smiled. “Thanks so much for the information,” she said as she rose. Ask her father? Not likely. Even if Jed Titan was willing to bail her out, having to go to him would cause her carefully executed three-year plan to crumble and die. “I’ll get back to you.”

“Soon, Lexi,” John told her, standing and shaking her hand. “You only have three weeks to come up with the money or you lose everything.”

Having the ability to sum up the disaster of her life in a single sentence was quite the gift. She hoped John appreciated it.

“I’ll figure it out,” she told her banker. “Talk to you in a few days.”

John looked uncomfortable. “Actually I’ll see you tonight, at your sister’s benefit.”

Where he would spread the news of her failure far and wide? “Are bankers like lawyers? Do you have to keep this sort of thing to yourself?”

“Yes,” he assured her. “There’s a code of ethics. I won’t say anything.”

She hoped he was telling the truth. “Then I’ll see you tonight,” she said, pretending an enthusiasm she didn’t feel. She picked up her purse and walked out of the elegant office.

Frustration and annoyance hurried her along the carpeted hallway. She ducked out the nearest exit and found her car in the parking lot. Once inside, it was all she could do not to bang her head against the steering wheel. She could accept that bad things happened. What she hated was when they were her fault.

“You gotta be tough if you’re gonna be stupid.”

The familiar phrase, spoken in her head by a voice from the past, made her groan. She was in really big trouble and she had no one to blame but herself.

Thirty minutes later she’d left Dallas behind and entered the city limits of Titanville. She ignored the sign that told her to go thirty-five and sped down the divided road. The crap pile that was her life got a little deeper when she heard a siren behind her.

Lexi pulled over and lowered her window. She waited until the deputy approached her car, then pulled off her sunglasses and sighed.

“If you’re going to arrest me, could you rough me up a little first? Then I could sue the department.”

“Because it’s a slow week?” the deputy asked.

“I’m running a little short of cash.”

“How much are we talking about?”

“Two million dollars.”

Deputy Dana Birch whistled. “I have a new twenty-percent-off coupon from Linens ’N Things in the car, but I don’t think that’s going to cover it.” She glanced at her watch. “Want to talk about it? My lunch break starts in fifteen minutes. I can meet you at Bronco Billy’s.”

Lexi nodded. “That would be great. I’m going to whine, though.”

“I’m used to it.” Dana sounded cheerful. “Now stop speeding. You know that really pisses me off.”

“Okay. Sorry.”

Fifteen minutes later Dana slid into the booth across from Lexi. It was early, only eleven-thirty, so the place was still quiet. Lexi had spent the time waiting for her friend studying the various Clint Eastwood movie posters on the wall. Bronco Billy’s celebrated all things Clint. His movies played endlessly on TVs scattered around, T-shirts and DVDs could be purchased and the “Do you feel lucky, punk” sundae was a regional favorite.

Dana ignored the menu. “What happened?” she asked. “Someone rip you the wrong way during a bikini wax?”

Lexi pretended she hadn’t heard the snarky question. Normally she and Dana had a great time sniping at each other about their very different views on female beauty. Lexi owned a luxury day spa and believed in making the best of what a woman had. Dana considered using conditioner on her hair during her daily three-minute shower more than enough girly stuff for anyone. Lexi wasn’t sure Dana knew what mascara was for.

Dana wore her dark hair short, dressed in a uniform while at work and jeans and a T-shirt the rest of the time. They’d known each other since they were ten and Lexi had only ever seen her in a dress three times.

Dana leaned back in the booth. “Okay, you’re seriously upset. What is it?”

“I wasn’t kidding about the two million dollars. I need to figure out how to get it in twenty-one days.”

“Are you being blackmailed or something?”

That made Lexi smile. “You’re such a cop. No blackmail. Just me being stupid and greedy.” She sighed. “When I left my dad’s company to start my own business, I had that small inheritance from my grandmother. I got Venus Envy up and running but I was barely making it. I had no assets of my own, except my condo. Without the right balance sheet, being a Titan means a whole lot less than people think. Anyway, I was struggling. One day about two years ago, my banker called me. One of his clients was willing to loan me two million dollars for growth. The terms were simple—I would make payments. The guy didn’t even want a piece of the business. I used the money to buy the building and completely expand and redo my spa. It was a dream come true. But there was a catch.”

“There always is,” Dana said.

“The investor’s identity remained a secret and the loan was callable. He could demand full payment with only three weeks’ notice.” She shrugged. “The clock starts now.”

Dana swore. “Is it your dad? This sounds like something Jed would do.”

“I don’t know,” Lexi admitted. “I wondered that myself.” Jed Titan was a legendary Texas businessman. Had her father given her the loan only to call it back as a test?

“The reason I want to say no,” Lexi continued, “is that Jed isn’t subtle. If he was screwing with me, I think he’d tell me to my face.”

“Then who’s the guy?”

“I haven’t a clue. My banker won’t tell me.”

Dana snorted.

“What?” Lexi asked.

“Your banker. You have a banker. I know a little ATM machine by the grocery store, but we’ve never been more than friends.”

“Everyone in business has a banker,” Lexi said, but knew Dana didn’t believe her, even though she should. Everyone thought being a Titan meant something. Maybe it did—but whatever it meant, it wasn’t always good.

“What are you going to do?” Dana asked. “Seriously, I’ve got five thousand dollars in savings. You can have it, but I don’t think it’s going to help.”

“You’re sweet to offer, but no. That’s the irony. Everyone assumes the Titan girls are rich, but we’re not. Well, Skye has her inheritance from her mom but Izzy and I are just like everyone else. Living from paycheck to paycheck. Jed holds all the family money and he wants each of us to prove ourselves before we get a piece of the family business. That’s what the day spa was about for me. My grand plan to prove I could make it on my own. I’m not going to lose everything to some faceless jerk. I’ll figure out a way to get the two million. I’ll do anything. I don’t care what.”

Dana tapped the badge on her left breast pocket. “Careful there, little lady. You don’t want to break the law.”

“If I do, I won’t tell you about it.”

“Fair enough.”

The waitress appeared. They ordered burgers and fries, along with Diet Coke, because balance was important.

“I hate that I was stupid,” Lexi said when they were alone. “I hate that the most. I know better.” She sighed. “Okay, I’m officially not going to whine for the rest of lunch. What’s going on with you?”

“Your sister is a pain in the ass,” Dana grumbled. “Skye is having one of her fancy parties up at the house tonight to raise money for her foundation and expects me to attend. She knows I loathe that kind of stuff.” She rolled her eyes. “I have a friend who has a foundation. It’s like living in an alternative universe.”

“At least you can tell her no,” Lexi reminded her. “I’ll be required to attend. Not that I’m complaining. Maybe someone will drop a really expensive diamond necklace and I can pawn it.”

Dana raised her eyebrows. Lexi’s gaze dropped to the deputy badge again.

“Sorry,” she murmured. “You didn’t hear me say that.”

“Fortunately I don’t believe you’d do it. Look at the bright side. There will be a bunch of boring rich guys there. Maybe you can talk one of them into giving you a loan.”

“I’m not sure I’d want to give them what they would require for that kind of money.”

“There is that.”

Lexi brightened. “Come with me. It’ll be fun. You can mock everyone. You enjoy that.”

“No, thanks,” Dana said. “I have a date.”

“With Martin?” It was all Lexi could do not to roll her eyes.

“Why do you say it like that?”

“Because Martin is just like all the guys you date. He’s too nice and you boss him around.”

“I do not.”

“You do. You find these sweet, unassuming men who adore you and are terrified in equal measure. You completely control the relationship, then complain you’re bored. You need to find someone who will be more of a challenge.”

“So speaks the woman who hasn’t been on a date in six months. You’re not exactly an expert.”

“I have a career to think about. A business.”

Dana just looked at her.

Lexi dropped her head to the table. “That I’m going to lose in three weeks unless I come up with a miracle.”

“Your sister runs a charity. Go ask her for the money.”

“She won’t give it to me. She hordes it for disadvantaged children. You know Skye. She’s practically a saint. It’s annoying.”

“Tell me about it. At the very least, there will be good food tonight. You can bury your sorrows in appetizers with funny names. Just don’t drive drunk.”

Lexi straightened. “You so need a man you can’t push around.”

Dana grinned. “There’s no such animal.”

“There is and I can’t wait until you finally run into him. In the meantime I need to find a man I can push around. Or a miracle. At this point, I’d be very happy with a miracle.”

CRUZ RODRIGUEZ had never believed that cars and women had much in common. He loved cars—they were his life. But they couldn’t keep him warm at night…or in the morning. And even brand-new, they never smelled as good as a beautiful woman about to surrender.

He climbed out of his silver Bugatti Veyron and tossed the keys to the valet. The kid stood there, staring at his car.

“J-jeez. You’re gonna let me drive that?”

Cruz looked at the car. “You going to damage it?” he asked.

“No, sir!” The kid walked closer, reached out a hand to touch the side, then pulled it back. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Cruz grinned, then moved toward the massive house. Now it was his turn to stare at the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

Lexi Titan stood on the porch of Glory’s Gate, talking to a couple he didn’t recognize. Even from this distance he recognized her long blond hair piled on her head, the delicate, classic features of her perfect face. She laughed at something the woman said. The sound carried to him on the warm night air. It was a sound he remembered from a long time ago.

He knew all about Lexi—statistics were easy to come by and he’d taken the time to remind himself about her. But he also knew other things. Like the way her skin felt in the shadows and how her breath caught when she couldn’t help herself. That she hated her real name, and saying it would make her eyes narrow and her hackles rise. He knew pride was both her greatest strength and greatest weakness, that she played to win and unless her back was against the wall, she lost with a graciousness he’d never mastered.

She was old money and breeding. He was a guy who’d fought his way to the top. There were still plenty of social doors that were closed to him. Which was why he was here. He was ready to get those doors open…by force if necessary. And whether she knew it or not, Lexi was going to help him.

He took the half dozen or so marble stairs up to the front of the house, careful to keep several people between Lexi and himself. He didn’t want her to see him just yet. He would determine when and where they met. He would have the advantage. A less confident man might wonder if she’d forgotten, but he knew she hadn’t. No woman forgot her first time.

Once inside the house, he took a moment to admire the architecture of the structure. It had been built in the 1940s, when land was cheap and a man was judged by the power of his horses, the beauty of his women and the size of his house.

Twin staircases curved up to a second-story landing the size of an airport runway. The entry glittered with light that reflected on the black and white tiles. A grand piano hugged one of the curved walls because what was an entryway without a grand piano?

Although he’d never been to Glory’s Gate before, he knew that the twenty-foot-high ceilings were hand carved. He noticed that the seemingly impenetrable walls of the two living rooms and parlor actually rolled away, creating a massive space that easily held five hundred. Now he walked into an elegant room mostly done in gold and sage green, with touches of red. The center parlor had been set up with rows of armless chairs for the auction that was to follow the cocktail hour.

He’d come to be seen, to rub elbows with the Texas elite. To find a way in to their high-class society. A charity auction would allow him to announce his presence with subtlety and class. If he spent money here, he would be invited to other charity events. Over time, he would be accepted. At least that was the plan.

He went deeper into the room, ordered a Scotch, neat, from the bar, then looked at the people he knew by reputation alone. He knew the exact moment Lexi entered the room, was aware of her chatting with the guests. As he watched her move toward her sister, he wondered how she was going to react when she saw him. Lexi Titan could give him everything he wanted. There was only one problem—ten years might have passed, but he was sure that when she saw him she would be far more interested in killing him than offering help.

LEXI HUNG BACK until the senator had kissed Skye’s forehead and moved on. While she appreciated his great oratory skills, he was a known womanizer and she wasn’t in the mood to have some old guy patting her ass.

“Tell me why you do this,” she said by way of greeting. “Don’t you have enough money to do whatever it is you need to do with your foundation?”

Skye Titan, Lexi’s middle sister, took a sip of her champagne. “Do you want to know how many children go to bed hungry in America every night?”

“I’m having a bad day. Don’t make me feel small and worthless on top of that, please.”

“Sorry.”

The sisters hugged.

Lexi stepped back and studied Skye’s green gown. “You look fabulous. I resent the cleavage.” She glanced down at her own relatively flat chest. “I never got breasts.”

“They’re less exciting than you’d think,” Skye told her. “I didn’t think you’d come. You hate my charity events.”

“I don’t hate them. I support the cause. I’m not into all the small talk with the rich and powerful.”

Skye grinned. “I know it’s boring. But I need to raise the money. Just sending out a request for a check never works as well as throwing a party. How are you?”

Lexi thought about her desperate need for two million dollars, forced herself to smile and say, “I’m fine.” She didn’t, as a rule, lie to her sister, but this was different. There was too much on the line to risk telling the truth.

“You said you were having a bad day.”

“Just work stuff. Did Izzy come?” Izzy, Isadora, was their baby sister.

“Of course not,” Skye said. “Izzy hates these things more than you. She’s due back any day but for now she’s still on that oil rig off Louisiana.”

Working as an underwater welder, Lexi thought, wondering how it was possible all three of them were sisters. They couldn’t be more different.

“So who’s new on the party circuit?” Lexi asked. “Anyone flashing a lot of money they can’t explain?”

“Not really. Who are you looking for?”

Whoever was trying to shut down her business. The more Lexi thought about how she’d been offered the financing and then had it pulled out from under her, the more she felt set up. Had someone done it on purpose? Was she being played, and if so, by whom?

“I’m not sure,” she admitted, turning so she could scan the crowd. “Someone with a reason to—”

Her gaze slipped over well-dressed couples, groups in conversation, a man in a dark suit. The president of the second largest oil company was in the room, along with his wife.

Her attention returned to the man in the suit. There was something about him…something familiar.

He turned. If she’d been holding a drink, she would have dropped it. As it was, her heart probably stopped. Years had passed. If she’d had a calendar, she could have counted the time to the day. Maybe the hour.

She’d spent the first six months hoping to run into him. Literally. She’d been prepared to take him out with her car. The second six months she’d been more rational. More willing to be objective. She wouldn’t actually kill him—she would just wing him and call it even. Since then she’d managed to nearly forget about him. He was a mistake. She’d assumed their night together had meant something—it hadn’t. Their time together was a blunder women had been making since Ug had beckoned Ugette into his cave back in the Stone Age.

“Who are you looking at?” Skye asked, then followed her gaze. “Oh, yeah. Him. That car guy. Cruz something. He’s very wealthy. Car dealerships, a chain of auto parts stores and a race team. NASCAR and something else. I can’t remember. He offered us a huge donation. Do you know him?”

Not a question Lexi was going to answer, she thought as she looked around for an escape. But there was nowhere to go.

She wouldn’t react, she told herself. For all she knew, he wouldn’t remember her. What had been a significant event in her life had probably been nothing to him. She was merely cheap date number 157.

It had been ten years and they’d both changed. The guy she remembered had worn jeans and a T-shirt, not a custom suit and imported shoes. Not that his face was different. He still had the kind of smoldering dark eyes that made a woman want to lose herself forever. Well, other women. Not her.

She would act like he was a stranger, then she would excuse herself. He would never know how hot the humiliation from that night…and morning…still burned.

“Good evening,” he said as he approached, smiling at Skye. “I’m Cruz Rodriguez. Thank you so much for inviting me, Ms. Titan.”

Skye smiled. “You’re more than welcome. Call me Skye. I hope you brought your checkbook. I’ll be shamelessly begging for extravagant auction bids later. But first I have to thank you for your generous donation.” She looked at Lexi. “Cruz is offering a weekend in Daytona in a private house with two days of racing lessons with his top driver.”

“Very impressive,” Lexi murmured, doing her best not to look at the man standing so close to her. She could practically taste him. Not that she remembered what he tasted like. It had been years. An eon, practically. He’d been an inconsequential blip in her life. Nothing more.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should do introductions. Lexi, this is Cruz Rodriguez. Cruz, my sister Lexi Titan.”

His look was one of polite interest. Like she was the great aunt or something. As if they’d never met.

Great. He didn’t remember. She had spent days of her life, possibly weeks, planning revenge and even death and he didn’t remember. Wasn’t that just perfect?

He reached out to shake hands. Lexi desperately wanted to avoid physical contact, but there was no way to do that and still be polite. Damn her upbringing. She sucked in a breath, and allowed him to engulf her hand with his.

For a moment in time, she didn’t react. He was the stranger she wanted him to be. Then she looked at his face, at the strong line of his jaw, the firm, sensuous shape of his mouth and remembered what it had been like to be kissed by him.

Heat overwhelmed her. If she’d been twenty years older, she would have claimed a hot flash. Instead she had to ignore the tingling that nearly made her knees knock together and smile at him as if she didn’t feel a thing.

“Mr. Rodriguez,” she said coolly. “Nice to meet you.” She pulled back.

“Cruz, please.”

Interesting. That’s exactly what she remembered screaming around two in the morning.

“I’m Lexi,” she said, weighing his reaction. He didn’t even blink.

A woman in a dark suit approached. Skye saw her. “Excuse me, that’s my catering manager. Let’s hope there isn’t a crisis.”

Then she was gone and Lexi was alone with her past. She turned back to Cruz, only to discover he’d moved on. She was left standing by herself in the middle of the party.

CRUZ WATCHED LEXI circulate through the crowd. She was careful to keep an eye on him, while trying to seem as if she was unaware of him. He was doing the same, but he was better at the game. He’d seen her confusion, followed by annoyance that he apparently hadn’t remembered her. He’d also felt the fiery chemistry he’d enjoyed ten years ago. Knowing it still existed made his job easier.

She was exactly what he needed—a way into the closed society of the Texas elite. It was the next logical step in his success, and he would use Lexi to make sure it happened. All he needed was time to observe so he could calculate the best plan of action.

Opportunity came sooner than he expected. Cruz watched as Lexi greeted a middle-aged man with thinning hair and a widening midsection. They spoke as if they knew each other. Cruz moved closer, staying behind a column so they couldn’t see him.

“Your sister has already pointed out several things I should bid on,” the man was saying. “Skye is ruthless.”

“And determined. Just remind yourself this is for a good cause, John. Give in, because if you don’t, she’ll make you feel so guilty, you’ll never sleep again. It’s why I come to these events. It’s easier than fighting her.”

John laughed. “You’re probably right.” Then he turned serious, lowering his voice. “I hate to bring business to the party, but are you going to ask her for the money? Doesn’t Skye have plenty of her own from her mother and her late husband?”

Lexi stiffened. Cruz saw her shoulders tighten and her hands clutch her glass. “I don’t want to talk about that here.”

John glanced around, as if making sure they weren’t overheard. Cruz was careful to stay hidden in the shadows.

“Lexi, you’ve been my customer from the first day you decided to open your day spa. I’m the one who talked you into the loan you’re having trouble with. I don’t want you to lose your business. But you have to do something to get the money and fast.”

“I know that,” she whispered. “And I will. Going to Skye isn’t an option.”

“Two million dollars—that kind of money won’t appear out of nowhere.”

“Thanks for the update. If you’ll excuse me, I need to freshen my drink.”

She slipped away. John watched her go, as did Cruz. But while the older man looked troubled, Cruz was only pleased.

Life was all about timing. The right deal at the right time. The right conditions for the race. He believed in being prepared and then ready to attack when the moment was right.

Like now.

CHAPTER TWO

LEXI STOOD ALONE on the balcony at Glory’s Gate. She’d wanted to escape the crush of the crowd and find a private place to feel sorry for herself. Something that had lasted all of three minutes. She heard footsteps behind her and held in a sigh. So much for a little peace and quiet.

“You are looking especially beautiful tonight, querida.”

The man’s voice was low and sexy with the slightest hint of an accent. She recognized it, and him. Cruz.

She turned to face him, then wished she hadn’t. He stood closer than she’d expected, all tall and broad-shouldered, backlit by the light spilling through the large windows. The railing prevented her from retreating, and moving to the side seemed too much like admitting she was rattled.

“Mr. Rodriguez,” she murmured, then sipped her drink. She would play it cool. He didn’t have to know she wasn’t very good at the game.

He smiled, his teeth flashing in the shadows. “Now, Lexi. We both know we’re very much on a first-name basis.”

Her eyes widened. “What? Are you saying you remember?” She blurted the words before she could stop herself, then wanted desperately to claw them back.

He moved closer, which she hadn’t thought was possible, bent down and kissed the side of her neck. He barely touched her, but she had the impression of firm lips and warm breath. Heat and shivers raced through her, making her toes curl and certain parts of her want to beg.

“How could I forget?” he asked, his voice low and sexy.

Playing it cool be damned, she thought as she sidestepped him and put several feet between them.

“You didn’t say anything before.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to discuss our night together in front of your sister.”

He hadn’t even hinted, she thought, annoyed and reaching for mad. Anger was safe. Anger could protect her from tall, handsome men who stood too close and made her feel desperate.

“How thoughtful of you. Now we’re reacquainted. Why don’t you return to the party? The bidding will begin soon. You won’t want to miss that.”

“I’m not here for the auction, Lexi. I’m here for you.”

She’d never been a swooner, but a sudden faint seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately she was too practical and knew landing on the floor of the stone balcony wouldn’t be pleasant or pretty. Though those strong arms might lean in to catch her and…

Wait a minute. They hadn’t seen each other in ten years. He’d never once bothered to get in touch with her and she happened to know she wasn’t all that hard to find. The urge to swoon left quickly.

“You’re very smooth,” she said, taking another sip of her drink.

“Thank you.”

“I like the suit. Custom?”

He nodded.

“You wouldn’t have been invited unless you had plenty of money to give to my sister’s foundation. Her charity only extends to hungry children. Last time I saw you, you were racing cars for pink slips.”

“A hobby,” he told her. “I already had my business.”

“But it’s grown considerably,” she said, remembering Skye’s introduction. “You have it all. So why are you here, Cruz? Why now? We had one night, a very long time ago. Nothing more.”

It had been more to her, but he didn’t have to know that.

“Enough with the Spanish words and neck kissing,” she said. “What do you want?”

He leaned against the railing. “What makes you think I want anything except you?”

She wanted to believe. More specifically, her libido, and maybe pride, wanted her to believe. But the logical side of her brain pointed out that Cruz could have any woman on the planet. Why her? Why now?

She set her drink on the small table by the railing. “It was great to see you again. Enjoy the auction.” She turned to leave.

He grabbed her arm.

It wasn’t enough that she was going to lose her business. No. Fate had to get a good giggle over her very visceral, uncontrolled reaction to this man. She should get one of those Medica Alert bracelets. “In case of cardiac arrest, administer one kiss from Cruz Rodriguez.”

He stared at her. “Tell me about the money you need.”

She went cold inside. “How do you know about that? Who told you?” Was he the one? Was it possible Cruz was trying to screw with her business? But why?

“I overheard you speaking with your banker. I assume he’s your banker?”

“Yes,” she said absently. “John. He’s here because he knows everyone. Who else heard us talking?” She couldn’t let word get out. If her father learned about this…

“No one. You were alone.”

“Except for you.”

“Yes. Except for me.” His dark gaze seemed to see through her. “What’s wrong with your business?”

“Nothing,” she snapped, embarrassed he’d found out. “Look, I don’t want to talk about this. I appreciate the interest, but unless you have an extra two million dollars lying around, I need to get going.”

One eyebrow raised. “And if I do?”

“I’m not interested.”

“Are you sure?”

She folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t get it,” she said. “What are you doing? What’s the game?”

“Why won’t you go to your father for the money? He has plenty.”

“Not an option.”

“I can’t help you if you won’t talk to me.”

“I didn’t ask for your help.”

Noise from the party filtered out to them, but it was as if they were in another world. Just the two of them. She was aware of his breathing, aware of every part of him. He was a constant distraction, which made her crazy.

He stared at her, then nodded slowly, as if coming to a decision. “You know the senator who is here?”

“What? Sure. Be grateful you’re not female. He’d want to pat your ass.”

“I spoke to him earlier. Introduced myself. He was polite, then dismissed me.”

“He can be pompous,” Lexi said, feeling oddly protective of Cruz, which just went to show how very stupid her hormones could be.

“I could buy and sell him five times over, but that doesn’t matter. No matter how custom the suit, I’m still that kid from the barrio. But you know this world. You live in it.”

“Hey, I’m not like that.”

“But you’re one of them. Tell me why you won’t go to your father for the money you need.”

She wouldn’t have told him before, but now he’d exposed himself to her and she felt obligated to do the same.

“While there is family money,” she began slowly, “my father controls it and he’s not exactly giving us a million-dollar allowance. He is Titan World Enterprises, not me. I had a small trust fund from my maternal grandmother, which I used to start my day spa. Other than that, the only money I have is what I make myself.”

She sighed and looked into his eyes, then wished she hadn’t. Staring into the dark depths made her want to lean forward and kiss him. Maybe more.

Maybe? Who was she kidding?

“Jed Titan is a controlling bastard,” she said, wishing it weren’t true. “A few years ago he sat my sisters and me down and explained he would be leaving Titan World Enterprises to one of us and only one of us. We have a finite amount of time to prove our worth in the winner-take-all game.”

She still remembered being horrified by her father’s words. He was making them choose—the family business and fortune that went with it, or each other. The unspoken part of the bargain was that the winner didn’t just get the money—she got Jed, as well. The father who had always made it clear his affection was conditional.

“My two sisters and I had been close, but once that happened, everything changed. I realized that working for my father wouldn’t get me far in the competition. So I quit and started my day spa. Skye runs her foundation and Izzy…” She frowned. “Izzy defies death on a daily basis. My point is, if I go to my father, I’ve lost my chance to run the company.”

And her father, because Jed only ever cared about winners.

“I made a mistake,” she continued. “I got greedy and stupid, which means I now have a two-million dollar problem. I was offered a loan by a private investor. He didn’t want a piece of the business, which was great for me. I took the money and expanded my spa. The note was callable. I have three weeks to cough up two million dollars or lose everything.”

She turned away. “Now you know my deepest, darkest secret.” She was already regretting the confession. “How are you going to use it?”

“I’ll give you the money,” he told her.

She spun back to face him. Was it possible he meant it? “You mean you’ll loan it to me.”

“No. I don’t want it back. I want something else.”

Wariness replaced excitement. “What, exactly, do I have that’s worth two million dollars to you?”

He dropped his gaze to her bare toes and worked his way up. The meaning was clear. Even though nearly every cell in her body began to cheer, she ignored the liquid wanting pouring through her, raised her chin and said, “I don’t think so.”

He smiled. “Not sex, Lexi. I don’t have to pay for that any more today than I did ten years ago.”

She flushed. “Then what?”

His dark gaze sharpened. “Access. You’re a Titan. Your mother can trace her bloodline back to the American revolution. I have all the money I need, but I will always be a poor kid from the barrio. I want better for my children.”

She understood the words, but not the meaning. “How can I change that?”

“Marry me.”

She gripped the cool iron railing to keep herself from falling over in a faint.

Married? He wanted to get married?

“For a year,” he added. “That should be enough time for me to gain access to your world. You can introduce me to your rich and powerful friends, including the senator. They’ll accept me because of you. At the end of the year, we part. For that, I’ll give you two million dollars.”

“You’re buying a bride?”

“A temporary one.”

Right. Because after a year he would leave her to marry someone he actually cared about. She might not approve of his plan, but she appreciated his honesty.

“Your idea is totally impossible,” she said.

“It’s a business deal. Nothing more.”

“It’s marriage. It’s an institution. It’s meaningful and significant and I won’t get married for money.”

He looked at her as if she were both foolish and naive. Maybe she was.

“It is a means to an end,” he said. “Nothing more.”

At least not for him, she thought, realizing that despite having spent a night in his bed, she knew nothing about Cruz. The man was a mystery to her.

No. That wasn’t totally true. She’d just learned he would do nearly anything to get what he wanted.

“My father would be impressed,” she told him. “He would appreciate the bold plan, the total disregard for convention or feelings.”

Cruz shrugged.

She didn’t bother pointing out that being like her father wasn’t admirable. She’d had a lifetime of trying to prove herself to Jed Titan. She wasn’t looking for his worldview in a husband.

And she wasn’t going to marry Cruz for two million dollars. She still believed in love and being with someone forever. She wanted the magic, the promise, the future. She wanted a man who thought she was the best thing that had ever happened to him. She wasn’t interested in being part of a deal.

Which meant she was back where she’d started—desperate, with nowhere to turn.

She thought about all she’d worked for over the years. The mind-numbing hours she’d put in at her father’s company, desperate to be good enough. The risk of starting something of her own. Of how she’d built the business up herself. The hours were just as long as they’d been at Titan World, but this time she’d been doing it for herself. She’d survived and then she’d thrived. Until she’d put everything at risk for the chance to be bigger and more impressive.

She’d acted to win and she’d lost it all.

Or had she?

Cruz had proposed a business deal she couldn’t accept. But was there an alternative? Could she make a counter offer? Something that got them both what they wanted? That’s how business was done. She’d learned that and more while working for her father. Some days she’d even been damn good at her job.

“I won’t marry you,” she said, straightening and squaring her shoulders. “Besides, being divorced will make you less appealing.”

He raised an eyebrow, as if asking how that was possible.

“Trust me. Those DAR mommas are very protective of their daughters. A divorced man is a risk—he might leave their precious angel. But a man with a broken engagement is simply a man who wasn’t caught by the right woman. I won’t marry you, but we can be engaged. That will give you what you want. Entrance into the best houses and an introduction to every impressive bloodline in Texas.”

“An engagement?”

She nodded.

“For a year?” he asked.

“Six months. It’s more than enough time.” It seemed too long as it was.

He leaned against the railing. “You’ll agree to an engagement for six months on the condition that I give you two million dollars.”

He wasn’t asking a question, but she said “Yes” anyway. Maybe to prove to herself that she meant it.

“Interesting,” he said slowly. “I have conditions.”

Good for him. She was going to have a heart attack. What was she thinking? An engagement for money? Her mother would be horrified. Not that she would consider an engagement without love a problem at all, but that she would get engaged to a man like Cruz. Which was probably his point.

“You will come live with me for the time we’re engaged,” he told her. “In my house. In my room and in my bed. I have a housekeeper and various caretakers for my property. I’m sure they gossip. Everyone must believe our engagement is genuine.”

Oh. My. God. “You mean sex?” she asked, barely able to form the words. “You want us to have sex?”

One corner of his mouth turned up. “Yes.”

Why on earth would he want to do that with her again? Last time, he’d left so fast, there’d been skid marks on the floor. Did he think she’d gotten better? Had he forgotten what it was like between them? Did he want to humiliate her again?

“Us living together is not negotiable,” he added.

“Then there’s no deal. I won’t agree to that.”

He shrugged. “As you wish.”

He turned and walked away.

Lexi watched him go. But instead of Cruz’s broad shoulders, she saw the front entryway to her day spa. The gleaming hardwood floors with the stain she’d chosen herself. The collection of cosmetics and skin care. She could smell the fresh flowers, see the guests in the relaxation room, feel the breeze from the lazy ceiling fans.

If she got a conventional loan, her father would find out. He would ask questions and learn she’d made a mistake. She would lose her chance at Titan World Enterprises. She would lose everything.

Or she could get the money from Cruz and win it all. Was that worth six months of her life?

Indecision made her stomach hurt. It wasn’t the engagement, it was the idea of sharing a bed with him. Again. Even worse, she understood his point. Staff would talk. If word got out they weren’t really engaged, there was no point in the deal.

Could she do it? Was it worth it?

“Then I have conditions, as well,” she called, doing her best to keep her voice from shaking.

He came to a stop, then turned back to her. One eyebrow raised.

“Fidelity,” she said. “If you expect me to sleep with you, you won’t sleep with anyone else.”

For the second time his gaze dropped to her feet before slowly moving up her body. “Do you think you have it in you to satisfy me?”

Not even on her best day, but that wasn’t the point. “I don’t actually care. That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.”

“You’re not in a position of power, Lexi. You need the money.”

“I need a loan,” she bluffed, aware that going to a bank wasn’t an option. “Anyone can give me a check, but there aren’t that many women who can give you what you want. I am in a position of power, Cruz. Fidelity is not negotiable.”

He nodded. “As you wish.”

Just like that? He was an attractive man, with an explosive sex drive, from what she remembered. “If you cheat, I walk and I tell everyone what you did. That will slam shut all the doors I opened.”

“Agreed. And you’ll do the same. Give up your men.”

“Sure.” There wasn’t anyone to give up. Sad, but true.

“At the end of the six months, we’ll part,” he said. “It will end.”

“I get that.”

“There is nothing you can say or do to make me stay.” One corner of his mouth turned up. “Some have made the mistake of falling in love with me.”

She wanted to roll her eyes. “I guess the advantage of your ego is the workout you get from carrying it around. You probably never have to go to the gym. Don’t worry, Cruz. You’re not all that. At the end of the six months, I’ll let you go and never look back.”

“Good. Then we have a deal.”

“I want one more thing. I want to find out who’s trying to hurt my company. The way this was done feels personal. I want to know who did this to me and why.”

“What makes you think I have access to that kind of information?”

“Every fiber of my being. You can find things out. I want to know.” She wanted to understand and then, because she was a Titan, she wanted revenge.

“Done,” he said and moved toward her. “Anything else?”

It was impossible to think with him invading her personal space. She took a step back. “I, ah, think that’s everything.”

“Good. You’ll have a cashier’s check first thing in the morning.”

So they were finished. They should seal the deal somehow. But he was moving closer again and shaking on it seemed foolish. Especially when he put one hand on her waist and drew her toward him.

She wanted to hold back. Being close to Cruz had never been her smartest move. She needed to keep her brain functioning. Protect herself at any cost. The man was—

He lowered his head and kissed her. A deep, hot kiss that claimed and took and stole her will. His lips were firm and warm. His mouth moved against hers. The movement itself wasn’t all that different, all that spectacular. She should have been able to resist. But this was Cruz and she couldn’t.

His arms came around her, but there was no need for him to pull her close. She went willingly, wanting to melt into him, needing to touch everywhere. His hard, muscled body provided a safe haven, while the heat of his tongue on her lower lip promised plenty of good times.

She parted for him, then shuddered as he slipped into her mouth. Sparks jolted through her. She clutched at his shoulders, then ran her hands up and down his back.

He tasted like Scotch and sin and sex. However deeply he kissed her, it wasn’t enough. It could never be enough. Heat surrounded her. She wanted to breathe in all of him.

Need pulsed in time with her rapid heartbeat. She ached with a desperation that terrified her. She knew that if he took her right that second, she would come until she was screaming with pleasure and she didn’t care who saw.

The image was so real she shuddered, then pulled back, afraid she would give in. That she would beg. She who had always been so carefully controlled in bed…except with him.

They stared at each other. At least he was breathing hard. She wasn’t the only one affected by their kiss.

“We’ll have an interesting journey,” he said. “You have a week to get your personal affairs in order. I’ll leave my address and a house key with the check tomorrow.”

Then he was gone, fading into the night, leaving her alone on the balcony of the house where she’d grown up.

If it wasn’t for the sexual hunger coursing through her body, she could almost convince herself that none of this had happened. That she hadn’t really sold, if not her soul, then at least her body, to Cruz Rodriguez for two million dollars.

“It’s the price of doing business,” she murmured to herself.

And what her father had always taught her. To get what you wanted, then you had to be willing to pay the price.

As long as it wasn’t more than just her time and her body. As long as she remembered to make sure it was never her heart.

THE HEADQUARTERS for Cruz Control were between Dallas and Fort Worth, on a ten-acre plot of land that Cruz could easily sell for ten times what he’d paid for it. Developers constantly came calling. He listened, then tossed them out. He was plenty rich, so he didn’t need the money, although he did enjoy having what everyone else wanted.

Behind the five-story building was the garage he’d always dreamed about when he’d been growing up. But the five bays had grown into twenty. There was a test course behind the garage, a separate area for experimental cars and the constant sound of engines. It was his favorite place in the world.

He stopped just inside the garage to survey what he had built. Sometimes he forgot where he’d come from, but this morning the past seemed especially close and vivid—as if he could reach out and touch the angry twelve-year-old kid he’d been. The kid who’d vowed he would do more than survive and get by. That he would make it and command respect everywhere he went.

He heard someone call his name. Manny, his manager and best friend, waved him over.

“The brakes are screwy,” Manny said with a grimace. “The design is a mess. I need to go over it again, unless you want to.”

“Not today.” Cruz felt too restless to pour over a design. That kind of detail work required concentration and he couldn’t seem to control his thoughts.

As much as he had believed and strived and worked his ass off for years, at fifteen or even twenty, he never would have imagined this.

He’d started small—barely fourteen years old and racing a stolen Corolla against a Ford Ranger for pink slips. Everyone had laughed at him when he’d pulled up in the white Corolla. He thought he could win in that? What they didn’t know is he’d watched the guy down the street work on the car for months. The owner had added a supercharger and bumped up the compression ratio.

Cruz had been careful to drive slowly so no one would guess what he had under the hood. He’d won easily, taking the Ford Ranger as his own. Fortunately that driver hadn’t been lying about ownership. Cruz’s pink slip—required to get in the race—had been faked.

Later that night, he’d returned the Corolla and had gone to work on the truck. Two weeks later he was back, racing to win and winning often.

“…transmission left,” Manny was saying. “Are you listening to me?”

Cruz shrugged. “Sorry, no.”

Manny, ten years older and always the wiser, cooler head in the partnership, looked at him. “What’s your problem?”

“I’m engaged to Lexi Titan.”

Manny grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into his private office.

“What?” Manny demanded. “Tell me you’re kidding. What the hell have you done?”

“Don’t sweat it. We have a deal. Nothing more.” He explained about Lexi’s need for a fast two million dollars. “It gives me what I’ve always wanted.”

Manny stared at him. “You already have everything.”

“Not quite. She’ll be my ticket to that world.”

“You don’t really care about high society. Those women bore you.”

“It’s not about the women,” Cruz said, remembering how the senator had dismissed him.

Manny shook his head. “So some guy shakes your hand and that changes everything? You don’t need this, Cruz.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Manny didn’t understand. He’d never wanted more than he had—a good job he enjoyed. He went home to a wife and family every night. Cruz wanted…more.

He wanted something more than he had. There was a nagging emptiness inside that he was determined to fill. Being part of a world that had always ignored him was a start. Finding the right woman with the right breeding and connections would cement his place there.

“This has nothing to do with Lexi,” he told his friend. “She’s a means to an end.”

“She’s a lot more than that and this is the wrong way to get her,” Manny told him. “She sounds more like the one you couldn’t have.”

Not in the way Manny meant, Cruz told himself. “Well, now I can get her out of my system. In six months, I’ll move on.”

“You’re making a big mistake. This is going to come back and bite you in the ass.”

Cruz grinned. “It won’t be the first time.”

Manny shook his head. “You don’t get it. You’re going to have to learn this the hard way. Good luck with that.”

“TWO MILLION DOLLARS,” Lexi said, passing the check across the desk to her banker.

John looked surprised. “That was fast.”

“I want this finished as quickly as possible. How long will it take until the paperwork is signed?”

“I’ll get it delivered today. You should have your copy by tomorrow.”

“Good.” Then she would be free of her mysterious and potentially devastating investor.

She still wanted to know who had tried to shut down her business, but that information would come. She knew Cruz would get to the bottom of it. Of course, that knowledge and the money had come with a price. She had six days until she had to move into his house, and more importantly, his bed.

And then what?

Not something she needed to think about today.

“Should I ask where you got this?” John asked, waving the check.

“You can ask, but I won’t be answering.”

“Fair enough. I’m glad you were able to come up with the money.”

“Me, too. Thanks, John.”

“You’re welcome.” He rose and they shook hands. “I’m sorry the investor was such a problem. He’s funded quite a few businesses through the bank and there’s never been an issue before. I’m not sure what happened this time.”

“It’s fine,” she said, knowing none of this was about John. Whoever the mysterious investor was, he’d wanted to take her down. Or at least scare her. But it didn’t answer the question of who or why.

THE CORPORATE offices for Titan World Enterprises took up a full city block in the Dallas financial district. The main lobby had been done in dark wood and marble, with huge murals depicting historic Texas events on the three-story high walls. Security guards protected those within and kept out the unworthy.

As a child, visiting Jed’s office had been a rare treat, one which Lexi had treasured. She’d enjoyed how everyone knew her daddy and, by association, knew her. She liked feeling like a princess. For those few, precious hours, her father acted as if she mattered. There was pride in his voice when he said she was his daughter. Strangers smiled at her, thinking she had to be someone special.

Once home, Jed returned her to the care of the current nanny and disappeared into his study. But while in the tall, impressive building, she was more than a child her father seemed to forget.

After college Lexi had come to work here—parking in her space, riding the elevator up to the junior management level, bypassing the main level. But every now and then she’d had reason to walk through the lobby and she’d remembered what it had been like to walk in when she’d been a little girl.

Now she moved to the security checkpoint and prepared to show her driver’s license. One of the guards there waved her through.

“Thanks,” she said, thinking that her father wouldn’t be pleased to know that family was treated differently. In his empire, privilege had to be earned. It wasn’t supposed to be a birthright.

She took the elevator to the top floor, where she was again waved through by the receptionist. The big desk in front of the double doors leading to her father’s office was empty, so she knocked once, then let herself in.

Jed Titan turned when the door opened. “You won’t believe it,” he growled. “I don’t believe it. Goddamn sonofabitch.”

At sixty-three, Jed was still a handsome man. Tall, commanding and powerfully built, he dominated any room, even one the size of a basketball court.

“What happened?” she asked.

He picked up a file from his desk and tossed it back down. “Doping. Doping! It’s beyond insulting. It’s a goddamn impossibility. Do they think I’m that stupid?”

Lexi didn’t understand. “Are you talking about your race horses?”

Jed stalked the length of the floor-to-ceiling windows, then turned back. “Damn straight. Who cheats to win? I want to win outright.”

It wasn’t possible, Lexi thought. Jed took good care of his horses. They lived like kings in their fancy stables, with the best of everything. He would never cheat or allow someone else to cheat. He wouldn’t want the win tainted with the possibility. He would fire anyone who did differently. First he’d probably beat the crap out of him.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Some random testing came back yesterday.” He jerked his head toward the folder on his desk. “When I find out who did this, I’m going to rip him apart with my bare hands. Then I’m going to make him sorry he was born.” He faced her. “You know what’s the worst of it? I had some Chinese business folks visiting me. I took ’em out to the stables to show them what it’s like here in Texas. I wanted to impress them with my fancy horses and what we’re doing there with the breeding program. And right in the middle of that, I got the news.”

He swore again. “Ruined everything. I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, but I knew what they meant. They’re not interested in doing business with someone who cheats. I wouldn’t be, either. I lost the deal. Lost it right there.”

Lexi didn’t like the sound of that. The timing was too perfect. It was as if someone was trying to screw up the meeting for her father. Or was that her looking for trouble where it didn’t exist?

“I’m sorry,” she said.

He shrugged. “It happens. I don’t mind losing out for good reasons, but this…When I get to the bottom of it, I’ll make whoever did this wish his mama had drowned him when he was born.”

Or worse, Lexi thought, knowing Jed wouldn’t rest until the problem was solved.

He returned to his desk and sat down. “This isn’t why you came by, Lexi. What can I do you for?”

She took the leather seat across from his and knew she had no idea how he would react to her news. He wasn’t the kind of father to hug her and wish her the best, so she wasn’t expecting that. But the possibility of him throwing a fit seemed high. “I’m engaged.”

Jed leaned back in his chair. His dark blue eyes didn’t flicker. “Anyone I know?”

“Cruz Rodriguez. He owns Cruz Control.”

“Rich?”

“Yes.”

“Mexican?”

“He was born in this country.”

Jed grunted. “You know what I mean and the fact that you avoided the question means yes. If he’s the one you want, I’ll check him out and make sure he can afford you.”

Which was just so typical. “I’m hardly a financial burden. My business is very successful.” At least it was now that she’d paid off the loan.

“I don’t want you marrying some jackass who’s only in it for the money.”

She thought about Andrew and understood her father’s concern. “I don’t want that, either.”

“Then as long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Seriously? That was all he was going to say?

“I’m happy.” Or at least content. The deal was for six months. She could endure anything for that amount of time. Then she remembered how Cruz had kissed her and knew enduring wasn’t really the right word.

“I thought you might be angry,” she said, still surprised everything had gone so smoothly. “You arranged Skye’s marriage.” Jed enjoyed making things work out the way he wanted. He wouldn’t let a little thing like his daughter’s personal feelings for a man get in the way.

“You’ve always been more independent than your sister. Would you marry anyone I told you to?”

“No.”

“So why would I waste both our time?”

She was surprised he knew her that well.

“Business is good?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“You still think you made the right decision, walking away from my company?”

“While I was here, I was only ever Jed Titan’s daughter. I needed more than that. I would think you would understand.”

“I do, little girl. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

“My panties aren’t in a bunch.”

He grinned. “Have you told your mother?”

“I’ll send her an e-mail.”

“What will her skinny-assed Yankee self think of her daughter marrying a man like Cruz Rodriguez?”

“I have no idea.” Lexi figured her mother had given up the right to offer opinions or suggestions when she’d left her only child and never once looked back. Lexi had been three at the time.

“Wish I could be there to see the explosion.”

“There won’t be an explosion. There won’t be anything.” That would require emotion and feelings. Two things her mother discouraged. It made Lexi wonder why Cruz had any interest in society like that.

“You’re right,” Jed said. “Congratulations. Tell my secretary what you want for an engagement present and she’ll order it.”

A familiar echo of all those years when she’d been growing up. Jed had instructed his daughters to tell the nanny what they wanted for Christmas so his secretary could order it. Santa hadn’t been on the agenda at Glory’s Gate.

Lexi wondered why she had to love her father. Jed wasn’t especially loveable. Her life would be a whole lot easier if she could simply see her father for who he was and not care beyond that. Wanting the impossible—him to love her back—made everything complicated.

“I’ll check with Cruz,” she said as she rose. She walked around the desk and kissed her father’s cheek. “Goodbye, Daddy.”

“’Bye. I’ll let you know when I’ve checked him out and seen whether you’ve picked a good one.”

“Oh, joy.”

He laughed, and she walked out.

Once in the thickly carpeted hallway, she released the breath she’d been holding. Her father had accepted the news more easily than she’d anticipated. Now she had to explain her make-believe engagement to her sisters, and that wasn’t going to be so easy.

CHAPTER THREE

LEXI REVIEWED THE contracts from John, releasing her from the loan. She was free…at least of financial debt. There were other bills coming through and time was ticking. She was going to have to move into Cruz’s house soon.

She opened her top desk drawer and looked at the plain white envelope tucked inside. There was a key and an address, nothing more. She had no idea what his house looked like and she’d been too chicken to drive by. She would see it soon enough…and putting off the inevitable seemed like a good idea.

It wasn’t the living with him that had her waking up in the middle of the night—not that she’d ever lived with a man. It was sleeping with him. Or rather, not sleeping.

She was both terrified and excited. Terrified because of what had happened before and excited because no one had made her feel the way Cruz did. Just thinking about his hands on her body, his tongue driving her to madness, was enough to melt every cell in her body.

On the other hand, it had been ten years. Maybe she was simply imagining how good it had been. Maybe it had been ordinary. As that night had been her first time, she hadn’t been able to compare it to anything. Maybe being with Cruz wasn’t all that.

A girl could only hope.

The door to her office burst open and Skye stalked inside, followed by Dana. Her sister waved a newspaper.

“Did you know about this?” Skye demanded, her green eyes snapping with annoyance. “Oh, wait. You do know about this because it’s about you. But did you tell your own sister?” She slapped the newspaper on Lexi’s desk. “Or did I have to read about it just like everyone else?”

Lexi had no idea what she was talking about. She glanced down, then gasped when she saw a picture of herself next to a picture of Cruz, along with a very large headline, announcing their engagement.

Annoyance flooded her. How could he do this without telling her? But she already knew the answer. He wanted to make sure she didn’t change her mind. He didn’t trust her. After pulling a stunt like this, he would have reason to watch his back. But first she had to deal with Skye. What on earth could she say to explain any of this?

“I’m sorry,” Lexi said as she stood and walked around her desk. “I meant to tell you.”

“Sure. And that makes it all better. I know things have been a little tense lately but I expected more from you. What happened? Did doing your laundry get in the way?”

Lexi led her sister to the sofas at the far end of the room. Dana trailed along, looking more curious than upset.

They sat down. Lexi mentally scrambled to figure out how to explain what had happened. She’d known she was going to have to deal with this, she just hadn’t expected it to be today. When she got a hold of Cruz, she was going to verbally beat the crap out of him.

“Do you want something to eat?” she asked. “I could order tea and sandwiches.”

Dana made a gagging sound. “Not for me. I hate that whole-grain bread you use. It’s sticks and twigs.”

“It’s healthy,” Lexi told her.

“I don’t care about food,” Skye snapped. “You can’t feed this out of me and if you could, herbal tea and vegetarian sandwiches wouldn’t cut it.” Her mouth twisted. “You got engaged and you didn’t tell me.”

The anger was easy to deal with, but the hurt made Lexi feel small. “I’m sorry,” she said, touching Skye’s hand. “I’m really sorry. Everything happened so fast. I was going to tell you. I had no idea that Cruz would put an announcement in the paper. I never wanted you to find out this way.”

“But you only met him last week. At my party. I introduced you.”

Lexi ducked her head. “Um, not exactly. Cruz and I have known each other for a long time. Ten years.”

As much as she wanted to explain why she’d gotten engaged, she couldn’t. Jed had fundamentally changed their relationship when he’d put them in competition with each other for the inheritance. Lexi wanted the company and Skye wanted Glory’s Gate. Until that was decided, they weren’t on the same team anymore.

Jed could have easily broken up his estate, leaving them each what they wanted, but that wasn’t his way. He enjoyed setting his daughters against each other. It was a new form of sport for him.

Lexi avoided looking at Dana, whose curious expression meant more questions later. While she couldn’t tell the whole truth, she could explain part of it. Maybe that would be enough.

“I first met Cruz when I was in college. I went with a group of friends to a party where we’d heard some guy would be racing for pinks.”

“Pink slips,” Dana said when Skye looked confused. “You race for ownership. If you lose the race, you lose your car.”

Skye’s eyes widened. “Who would do that?”

“Guys are idiots,” Dana said with a shrug. “It’s a macho thing. So that’s how Cruz got his start, huh?”

Lexi nodded. She didn’t know much about his past, but she’d had the occasional quirk of curiosity and had searched for his name on the Internet a few times. He’d started with nothing and had grown his business into an empire.

“All the guys lost their cars to him,” Lexi said. “They were furious. The girls were more interested in Cruz than anything else.”

Lexi still remembered how he’d looked that day. Tall, dark and dangerous-looking. He’d had an easy smile that promised things she wasn’t sure were legal. His laugh had made her break out in goose bumps. The sun had seemed to follow him, basking him in a golden glow as if it, too, wanted to be close enough to touch.

She’d been unable to stop looking at him and he’d seemed interested in her. But she’d been unexpectedly shy and unable to flirt with him like the other girls.

“Cruz started talking to me. I didn’t know what to say or how to act, so I said I wanted to race him.”

“You didn’t!” Skye sounded horrified.

“Impressive,” Dana murmured. “What happened?”

“I was completely inexperienced.” Lexi shook her head at the double entendre. “I’d never even gotten a speeding ticket. I lost by a lot and he took my car.”

“That’s not very nice,” Skye muttered.

“It’s how he made his living,” Dana pointed out. “Lexi’s pretty, but not that pretty.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“You know what I mean.”

Lexi did. Her car had been a new Mercedes, worth about sixty grand. What guy would give that up to win the girl?

“That night I saw him at a party. We started talking. I was humiliated about losing the car, so I asked for a rematch. He kissed me instead. That’s where it started.”

“You slept with him?” Skye stood and put her hands on her hips. “You slept with him after he took your car?”

“You keep surprising me,” Dana said. “Good for you.”

It had been better than good—until the next morning. Not that she was going to tell them that. “In the morning I got scared and ran,” she lied. “I knew it was a mistake.”

“And he came after you,” Skye said with a sigh.

Lexi didn’t know how her sister had gone through an arranged marriage, been widowed, raised a child on her own and still managed to be such a romantic.

“Something like that,” Lexi murmured, knowing the truth was very different.

The next morning, she’d awakened feeling all tingly and connected to Cruz. He’d looked panicked. She’d seen it in his eyes, in the way he’d scrambled out of bed as if terrified of being trapped by her.

She’d been hurt and furious in equal measure. Until then, she’d always been the prize.

It had taken every ounce of self-control and pride to stand there naked, offer a cool smile and words that she would never forget.

“Don’t worry, Cruz. Girls like me don’t date guys like you. We only screw them for fun.”

He’d been surprised and possibly hurt. It had been impossible to know. His expression had cleared and she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. She’d dressed quickly and left, feeling hurt and humiliated.

Over the next few months she’d done her best to convince herself that Cruz didn’t matter. That she was lucky to have escaped—he wasn’t anyone she would want to be with. But she’d been unable to forget him.

“There’s always been something between us,” she said, knowing it was true, but not in the way her sister would take it. “Last week, at your party, we spent the whole night talking. We realized we’ve been in love with each other all this time.” When had she become such a good liar? she thought with a sigh.

“We got engaged. It was an impulse, but not one I regret. What I do regret is hurting you, Skye. I’d never do that willingly. I liked having the engagement as a delicious secret to think about all by myself, but I should have thought it through. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

“Would you have told me before?” Skye asked. “Does this have to do with Jed?”

Dana looked between them. “No switching topics,” she said calmly. “Fight about Cruz and nothing else.”

Until recently, Lexi and Skye hadn’t needed a referee, Lexi thought sadly. Damn Jed and his games.

“It’s not a power play,” she said quietly. “I swear.”

Skye stared at her, as if trying to decide if she was telling the truth. Finally she sighed. “I guess I understand. You fell in love. It’s pretty amazing, if you think about it.”

Lexi glanced to her left and saw Dana rolling her eyes.

Skye hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks. I’m happy, too.”

“Wow. Engaged. I wondered when you’d let your guard down enough to fall for anyone. I thought you were too scared to love, especially after Andrew, but all this time you’d already given your heart to someone else. It’s amazing.”

Actually it was a crock, Lexi thought, wondering if her sister really thought of her as keeping up her guard. Lexi didn’t think that was true. She mostly didn’t connect with men because…because…Well, there were plenty of good reasons she couldn’t think of right now.

Skye squeezed her hand. “We need to celebrate. I want to throw you a big engagement party.”

Lexi pulled free. “Wait a minute. We don’t need a party. At least not right away. Let me get used to the idea of being engaged.”

“Don’t be silly. I’ll do all the work. After all, that’s what I do, right? Throw parties. Throw parties and raise my daughter. It’s not like I have a real job.”

Lexi frowned. “What’s wrong? Why are you saying it like that.”

Skye grabbed her purse. “I’m not. Sorry. But this is good. All good. Congratulations. I can’t wait to meet him again and tell him he’d better plan to make you very happy. You deserve that, Lexi.”

The sincerity in her sister’s words made her feel crappy. “Skye—”

Her sister started for the door. “I need to get home before Erin gets off the bus. This is wonderful. I’m genuinely happy for you, Lexi. We’ll talk soon.”

And then Skye was gone.

Dana stretched her arms along the back of the sofa. “The weird thing is, she means it. She is happy for you. If not for the crap your dad’s putting all of you through, it would be great. Too bad everything you said is a lie.”

Lexi sank back on the couch and closed her eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you do. Come on. Skye’s a dreamer. She’s sweet and giving and would almost never believe anything bad about you. I’m a whole lot more cynical and I’ve known you since we were both ten years old. You waited for a guy? All this time? I don’t think so. It’s not in your nature to pine. You go out and get what you want.”

This was the second assessment of her character in less than ten minutes and she was equally surprised by what Dana thought. Lexi tried to be strong and in control but always felt she fell way short.

“I believe you did sleep with him,” Dana continued. “And that you’re engaged, but the rest of it? No way.”

Lexi opened her eyes and looked at her friend. “You don’t want to know.”

“Is it illegal?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“A simple no would have been too difficult?” Dana grumbled.

Lexi smiled. “It’s not illegal.”

“Then what?”

“Then I’m not going to tell you. You’re my friend and I love you, but no. Not this time. Cruz and I are engaged. That’s enough.”

“It’s not even close to enough.” Dana leaned toward her. “Are you in trouble? Any kind of trouble?”

Lexi appreciated the support. “No. Not even a little.” Thanks to Cruz. “Danger maybe, but not trouble.”

Dana’s eyes narrowed. “What does that mean?”

“Have you ever seen Cruz Rodriguez?”

“No.”

“He’s the walking, breathing definition of temptation.”

“Which shouldn’t be a problem if you’re engaged.”

Good point. “Let’s just say I don’t want him to know that he has that much control. Can I borrow your truck? I’ll need it to move my stuff into Cruz’s place.”

“You’re going to be living with him?”

Lexi believed the exact words had been something like, “In my house and in my bed.” Which made her want to fan herself. “Uh-huh,” she said.

“That doesn’t sound like you. Besides, won’t your shiny new fiancé be helping?”

She had no idea. “He’s, uh, going to be out of town. I want to surprise him.”

“You’re not a good liar. What will you be moving?”

“Just clothes and personal stuff.”

“No furniture?”

“Not right away.” Actually she had no idea what to take, but clothes seemed like a good place to start. “He can help with any big pieces I decide to keep,” she said, knowing it wasn’t an issue. She would hold on to her condo so she would have a place to go when the six months were over.

Dana looked as if she wanted to argue but instead she said, “I’ll help you move and I’ll be the one driving my truck.”

“Because you don’t trust me with your baby?”

“Damned straight.”

“But it’s just a truck.”

Dana winced. “That’s why you can use it but you can’t borrow it.”

WHEN DANA LEFT, Lexi hurried to her purse, where she dug out Cruz’s business card. He’d scrawled his cell number on the back. She punched it in and waited impatiently until he answered.

“Rodriguez.”

“What were you thinking? That’s some stunt you pulled. It’s bad enough that you did it, but you didn’t even warn me. I hadn’t told my sisters yet. You hurt Skye. I can forgive a lot of things, but not that.” Izzy wouldn’t care one way or the other, but Skye was sensitive.

“What if I hadn’t told my father?” she continued, her voice rising slightly. “Trust me, you don’t want to deal with Jed Titan when he’s at the business end of a gun.”

“You about finished?” Cruz asked.

“I’m just getting started.”

“Good. I’ll be there in ten minutes. You can yell at me in person.”

He disconnected the call before she could tell him that didn’t work for her.

She slammed down the phone, then marched to her private bathroom where she ran cold water on her wrists and double-checked her makeup. She hated that she cared about how she looked to him and called herself names as she put on more lip gloss.

Why her? Why had he picked her? She didn’t have Skye’s gorgeous curves and feminine features or Izzy’s zest for life and adventure. She was a classic, cool blond. Or as Andrew had so eloquently put it, an ice queen. Cruz was all fire and passion. So why her?

Did it matter? She’d gotten what she’d wanted—a bail-out. She still had a shot at winning Titan World and her father’s affections. In six months, she would be free of Cruz. Until then, she would endure. She was good at that.

Her assistant buzzed that he’d arrived. Lexi ignored the sudden clenching of her stomach, the weakness that invaded her knees, and made her way to the front of her spa.

As always, just walking through her place of business made her happy. The high ceilings and dark wood moldings gave the space an elegant air. She greeted staff members as she passed them in the hall. Jeannie, on her way to give a facial, seemed ready to collapse under the weight of a couple dozen towels.

“You all right?” Lexi asked, grabbing an armful.

Jeannie straightened. “Thanks. Mrs. Miller is coming in and she has this thing about wanting extra towels in the room. She doesn’t use them—she just wants them where she can see them.”

Mrs. Miller was a regular. Weekly manicures, bi-weekly pedicures and facials, massages. Fake tan in the summer.

“Better extra towels than a yappy dog that pees everywhere,” Lexi told her with a grin.

“Oh, but then at least the towels would get used.” Jeannie laughed then ducked into one of the treatment rooms.

Lexi continued toward the main entrance, passing through the relaxation room. Three sofas and several overstuffed chairs filled the area. Women in thick robes sat with mugs of herbal tea as they either waited for their treatments or enjoyed a little quiet time after they were done. Soothing music played in the background while a junior staff member offered magazines and cut fruit.

Lexi paused to glance back at the long corridor. Nearly all the treatment room doors were closed, with discreet “occupied” signs hanging next to them. It was midweek and they were nearly at capacity. If nothing else, at least her business life was going well.

Cruz stood by the check-in desk. He should have looked out of place. Instead he lounged by a glass case filled with cosmetics and appeared completely comfortable, in a sexy, masculine way. Every female eyed him with a curiosity that did more than undress him. It served him up for breakfast and demanded they do it again.

Lexi found herself feeling oddly possessive, which was crazy. She should only want to yell at him for what he’d done with the announcement.

He looked up and saw her, then smiled with such pleasure that her entire nervous system tingled.

“Lexi,” he said as he approached, taking both her hands in his and lightly kissing her. He pressed his lips to her ear and whispered, “If you keep looking at me like you want to see me as roadkill, no one is going to believe we’re engaged.”

“Well then, they really won’t believe it after I take you to the woodshed and beat some sense into you,” she said back, keeping her voice low.

He straightened and grinned. “I look forward to you trying.” He released one hand and tugged on the other. “Come on. I want to show you something.”

She allowed him to lead her outside.

The sun was bright and high in the big, blue sky. She had to shade her eyes to see the parking lot. At first she didn’t notice anything different. There were the usual assortment of guest cars, most of which were expensive imports that…

Her gaze settled on a silver-blue Mercedes. She recognized the car and the color because both had been special-ordered for her birthday, and her father had been very unhappy when she’d explained the vehicle had been lost. In truth, Jed had been more angry that she hadn’t won the race than that she’d virtually given away an expensive car. He’d reminded her that if she was going to be stupid, she needed to learn to be tough.

Her anger at Cruz faded as she approached the car. It couldn’t be the same one. Not after ten years. Could it? Had he really kept her car all this time?

“Seriously?” she asked, glancing at him.

He shrugged. “Sure. I gave it to my housekeeper to drive. I got her something new, so you can have this back.”

Okay. So much for feeling special.

She opened the driver’s side door and slid onto the seat. Everything was exactly as she remembered. She rubbed her hands along the steering wheel then turned to look—

A small Tiffany’s box sat on the passenger seat. It was square and the right size for a ring. An engagement ring.

Because they were engaged now.

Lexi stared at the box. When she’d been a preteen, she’d spent hours daydreaming about falling in love and getting married. She’d imagined this moment over and over. Sometimes the faceless man of her dreams had proposed over dinner at the top of a tall building in a dark restaurant with candles everywhere. Sometimes it was on the beach, at sunset, or in Paris. But never had it been by a casually placed box left on the passenger seat of an old car.

“Open it,” he said.

She did and stared at the cushion-cut stone. Three carats, she would guess, with another carat or so of smaller stones on the shank. Flawless. Perfect. And without any meaning at all.

She took the ring out of the box, then stepped from the car.

“Put it on,” he told her.

She would. In a second. When the disappointment wasn’t quite so sharp and pressing.

It was a deal, she reminded herself. Just a business transaction. This wasn’t about her girlish dreams or falling in love or any of those things. The romance would come later…with someone else.

She slid the ring on. It fit perfectly.

“Thank you,” she said, forcing herself to meet his gaze. Not that she could tell what he was thinking. “It’s beautiful.”

“It suits you.” He studied her hand. “You can keep it. After.”

After the six months were over. “Traditionally the woman is supposed to return the ring unless the groom-to-be breaks the engagement or cheats. At least I think that’s how it goes.”

He grinned. “Already forgetting those fancy lessons on manners?”

“Some. As a kid I spent a few weeks every summer with my mother. The visits were more like classes than anything else. Plenty of instruction.” Lots of coldness. Her mother hadn’t been especially cruel or unkind, she just didn’t believe in displaying affection or coddling, as she called it. Hugs were unnecessary in her world.

“Skye spent a couple of years in a Swiss finishing school,” she continued. “She would know for sure. You could ask her.”

“No, thanks.” He took her hand in his and rubbed his thumb over the ring. “You can keep the car, too. Sell it.”

“Give it to my housekeeper?” she asked.

“Sure.”

“I don’t have one.” She pulled her hand free, mostly because the feel of his skin on hers was too distracting and she needed to be able to think. “Why did you put the notice in the paper?” she asked.

He shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I wanted to get things moving along. You’d cashed the check. Why wait?”

“You thought I might back out on our deal. I wouldn’t do that.”

“I didn’t think that.”

He had to. Why else would he be in such a hurry to tell the world they were engaged?

“What do you know about a guy named Garth Duncan?” he asked.

She frowned, trying to place the name. “Not much. I’ve never met him. He’s wealthy. Has a lot of businesses. Doesn’t do the party circuit very much. He lives somewhere around here. Why?”

“He’s the one who made the original loan. The callable one.”

“What? Why would he do that? Why would he invest in my spa in the first place and then try to bankrupt me? I’ve never met the man.” The way things had been handled felt so personal. “This doesn’t make any sense.”

“I agree. I’ll do what I can to find out more. Garth Duncan is a private man. It’s going to take some digging and time. But I’ll find out what you want to know.”

“Thank you,” she said, confused by the information. Why would a stranger want to hurt her?

“All part of the deal,” he reminded her. “And I’m sorry about the announcement. I should have thought it through.”

There was something about the way he said that. She shook off her questions about Garth. “Because it’s making trouble for you, too?” She could only hope.

“My mother. She read it and now she wants to meet you.”

His mother? As in…his mother? “Um, no.”

“You don’t have a choice. We’re engaged. She lives in Houston. We’ll drive down and have lunch.”

“No we won’t. I’m not lying to your mother.”

“I’m lying to your father.”

“That’s different. Your mother is probably nice.”

“She’s a lot of things. You can discover each and every one of them when you meet her at lunch.”

Suddenly the diamond ring on her left hand felt very heavy. Lexi sighed. “I’ll have to check my schedule.”

“You do that. And you have less than four days left to move in.” His dark eyes gave nothing away. “Until Saturday night.”

“You’re very anxious to claim what’s yours.”

One corner of his mouth turned up. “I know.”

She wanted to tell him she needed more time. That while she could easily move into his house, she wasn’t ready to be in his bed. They were practically strangers. They couldn’t sleep together. Except they’d been strangers that first night and it hadn’t mattered at all.

“I’ll be there,” she murmured. “A friend is helping me move.”

“What kind of friend?”

She rolled her eyes. “Her name is Dana and she’s a deputy, so don’t piss her off or she’ll arrest you.” She put her hands on her hips. “I said I wasn’t seeing anyone and I’m not. I wouldn’t lie about that.” Besides, why would he care? Or was it a guy-pride thing?

“I believe you.”

“Obviously not, if you’re asking all those questions.”

He touched her cheek. “You have a temper. I like that.”

“Then you’ll be a very happy man. I’m a pretty crabby person.”

That made him laugh. “I doubt that, querida.”

He leaned in and kissed her. Just once, for a heartbeat. Then he straightened and pressed a set of keys into her hand. “For your car.”

She watched him walk away.

Not sure what to make of any of it, she got back in the car and started the engine. It sounded good—as if someone had taken care of it. Probably Cruz’s housekeeper, she thought grimly. Although the woman had apparently been incredibly clean. There wasn’t a mark on it and no sign of—

Her gaze fell on the odometer. The car had only been a few months old when she’d lost it to Cruz. She’d driven to California and back with her girlfriends, then to college and home a few times. She didn’t remember the exact mileage, but it had to have been under ten thousand miles.

The odometer read 8962.

There was no way someone had been using this car, she thought, beyond confused. But it had been kept in good working condition. Had Cruz really kept her car all this time? It was the only answer that made sense, except it didn’t make sense at all. Why would he do that? He could have sold it and made thirty or forty thousand, easy. Maybe more. If he hadn’t wanted the car, why had he raced her in the first place? And why was he returning the car to her now?

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