Should she pretend to be the woman he loves?

Working with new client and ex-lover Risk Boone is bound to be...enticing. So April Adams dons a fake engagement ring to ward off temptation. But when they’re stranded together at a remote lodge, there’s no running from their attraction—especially after Risk hits his head and wakes up thinking April’s his fiancée! Will she tell him the truth...or go along for the ride?

CHARLENE SANDS is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than forty romance novels. She writes sensual contemporary romances and stories of the Old West. When not writing, Charlene enjoys sunny Pacific beaches, great coffee, reading books from her favourite authors and spending time with her family. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter, write her at PO Box 4883, West Hills, CA 91308, or sign up for her newsletter for fun blogs and ongoing contests at charlenesands.com.

Also by Charlene Sands

The Slades of Sunset Ranch miniseries

Sunset Surrender

Sunset Seduction

The Secret Heir of Sunset Ranch

Redeeming the CEO Cowboy

Heart of Stone miniseries

The Texan’s Wedding Escape

Heart of a Texan

Boone Brothers of Texas miniseries

Texan for the Taking

Stranded and Seduced

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

Stranded and Seduced

Charlene Sands

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09262-3

STRANDED AND SEDUCED

© 2019 Charlene Swink

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 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.

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Version: 2020-03-02

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To my dear friends Mary and Richard.

Your friendship, love and support mean so much.

Here’s to more Palm Springs days and happy times!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Dedication

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

About the Publisher

One

April always knew her luck would run out one day.

In a town the size of Boone Springs, she couldn’t avoid River “Risk” Boone forever.

But she hadn’t expected to see the tall, handsome Texan walk into her real estate agency that morning.

Her stomach in knots, she gazed at him from across her desk. He tipped his hat back, his eyes a mesmerizing dark brown, his skin still as bronzed as it had been in his rodeo days. Wearing crisp jeans and a tan button-down shirt, his business casual attire and good looks turned heads in the Texas town founded by his ancestors. He’d turned her head once, too, and that had been a big mistake.

“Hello, April.”

The deep timbre of his voice, the way he drawled her name, gentle and sure, rang in her ears. On wobbly legs she rose from her desk. “Risk, w-what are you doing here?”

His brows arched as he looked her over from head to toe, a gleam in his eyes as if he was remembering the night they’d shared. Heat rose up her throat, and she was stunned Risk still had the ability to jumble her thoughts.

Clovie, her assistant and good friend, gave her a quizzical look from the desk adjacent to hers. Clovie knew something about her past history with him.

“I’m here on Boone business. I understand you’ve spoken with my brother Mason’s secretary about the Canyon Lake property.”

“Yes, that’s correct. I answered some of her questions about the lodge. But that’s as far as it went. I, uh, do we have an appointment?”

She knew darn well they didn’t. And she also knew darn well she wasn’t going to turn him away on some false premise that he needed to make one. She didn’t know why she’d asked that question, other than a bad case of nerves. It’s not as if she could ignore a member of the Boone family. The three Boone brothers were wealthy cattle ranchers and entrepreneurs. They owned much of the town.

“Never mind,” she said. “If you have questions about Canyon Lake Lodge, I can help you.”

He gave her a nod. “Apparently you did a great job talking up the lodge, because we’re definitely interested in finding out more about—” Risk stopped speaking. Oh God, he’d noticed the pain in her eyes, the frown she couldn’t conceal.

Two years ago, they’d spent one night together. She hadn’t expected diamonds and flowers afterward, but she had expected him to be there when she woke up in the morning.

“Listen, is there someplace we can talk privately?” Risk asked after a long pause.

Clovie piped up instantly. “I’ve got the bank deposit ready, April. I was just leaving.” She stood, gathering up a folder and hoisting her handbag over her shoulder. “I’ll stop for lunch and see you in an hour or so.”

“Okay.”

Clovie dashed out quickly as both watched her leave and shut the door behind her.

“Ask and ye shall receive.” April’s sardonic tone shifted Risk’s attention back to her. She was at a complete loss. Seeing him stirred up deep feelings of hurt and abandonment again. Mostly she hated that Risk Boone, the ex-rodeo champion, had treated her like one of his buckle bunnies when she’d believed they’d really connected that night in Houston. Though he’d once been her secret high school crush, the fantasy-come-true night they’d shared two years ago had turned into a bad memory.

“April, look, I’m here because you have the listing for Canyon Lake Lodge. I’m the new head of real estate acquisitions for Boone Inc. My brothers want to expand the business and like the idea of opening a lodge. I didn’t make an appointment because I wasn’t sure you’d see me. I owe you an apology.”

“You were afraid I wouldn’t want to see you?”

“Judging by the sound of your voice, I’m not far from the mark, am I?”

“Your apology is a little late in coming, wouldn’t you say?” She folded her arms across her middle, not in a show of attitude but to help brace herself. “That was quite some time ago.”

“I’ve been working out of town a lot these past few years. It’s not an excuse, but simply the truth.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Listen, I was in a bad place back then. I couldn’t stay. Shannon really messed me up and, well, I wasn’t ready for...you. I couldn’t give anything back. I guess—no, I know—I ran scared. And I’m sorry.”

I wasn’t ready for...you.

Oh God, what a silly fool she’d been thinking that talking openly and sharing confidences and making love throughout the night would mean something, when all she’d been to him was a one-night stand.

She’d known about his two-year relationship with superstar actress Shannon Wilkes—the tabloids had made sure the entire country was well versed in the details of their relationship and scandalous breakup. Risk had been a rodeo celebrity at the top of his bronc-busting game, and Shannon had won a Golden Globe. They’d been paired as a super couple, until Risk took a bad fall from a bronc, injuring his shoulder and ending his rodeo career. Shortly after, Shannon broke up with him and immediately got involved with a top NFL quarterback, breaking Risk’s heart and humiliating him in front of the entire country—the life he’d known all but gone. “Twice Dumped” had been the headline, showing side-by-side photos of him grounded by the stallion and an unflattering pose of him and Shannon.

If only April hadn’t seen a recovering Risk guest hosting the Houston rodeo that day. If only she hadn’t bumped into him later at the hotel bar. If only he hadn’t been so vulnerable and open and kind to her that night, good sense might have prevailed. But they’d really connected that night, and his lovemaking led her to think impossible things.

But never in her wildest expectations had she thought he’d walk out on her the next morning without so much as an explanation, a note, a goodbye. It cheapened what might have been the best night of her life.

“Okay, I get it.”

Risk exhaled, seeming relieved. “You accept my apology?”

If he’d come exclusively to apologize, it surely would’ve meant more. “Risk, why don’t we just drop it and keep our personal lives out of this. Have a seat and we’ll get down to the real reason you’re here.” She couldn’t help the jab; he deserved it, and judging by the frown on his face, it hit the mark.

“Fine.”

They both sat down, and she pulled the file for the listing. She had one month left on her contract with the owner, Mr. Hall, and selling the $5.3 million lodge would put her struggling agency in the black well into next year.

“Let’s focus on the potential of the property,” she said.

He nodded, and his gaze roamed over the office, leisurely taking it all in. “But first let me say I like what you’ve done here. The place never looked this good when it was ole Perry Bueller’s shop.”

“Mr. Bueller was selling antiques. I had to modernize a bit, but I was hoping to keep some of the charm of the old place.”

April had opened her own real estate agency in Boone Springs one year ago with goals to be the premiere high-end listing company in the county. She’d worked for three years in adjacent Willow County learning the ropes and getting her feet wet, but when Perry Bueller decided to retire and sell this storefront property in the heart of Boone Springs, April knew it was time to take action to realize her dream of living and working in her hometown. She’d scraped together the money and transformed his rustic antique store into a modern-day office.

A teardrop crystal chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, beautiful mahogany bookcases hugged the walls and the computer-topped desks made of the finest polished cherrywood were all pieces generously gifted to her by Mr. Bueller, her late grandmother Beth’s dear friend.

“You’ve done well for yourself, April.”

She didn’t take Risk’s compliment lightly. April had worked hard, and it was nice to be recognized, but she had to keep it in perspective. She couldn’t allow herself the luxury of liking Risk again, despite his long overdue apology or his Texas charm.

The last deal she’d worked on had fallen through at the last minute. Six weeks of putting a deal together, all for naught. Her small agency couldn’t take another hit like that, and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sell the unoccupied lodge to the Boones. She had a mortgage to pay, a reputation to build and a desire so deep to make her dream a success, she wasn’t about to let her feelings about Risk interfere with her goals. “T-thank you.”

She gave Risk the file on Canyon Lake Lodge and pointed to the photos. “As you can see, it’s a great piece of property.”

“It’s remote.”

“I like to think of it as secluded, a perfect place for a getaway. The lodge is set back in the hills, miles away from traffic and the town. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s kicking back and relaxing or outdoor activities. The lake is amazing, and there could be horseback riding and fishing and boating. It’s a perfect place for vacationers to experience nature.”

“It gives rustic a whole new meaning. It’s overgrown. Looks like it’s falling apart.”

She held her breath. “Looks can be deceiving.”

“Or they can be dead-on.”

“There’s wiggle room for negotiation. And there’s an intriguing story behind the lodge’s history. I have the articles here.” She reached into her drawer and came up with a manila folder with articles written about the lodge from sixty years prior. “You can read up on it. The research is fascinating. I have no doubt the lodge could be marketed in a very appealing way when the time comes to book guests.”

She set the folder on the desk, and Risk flipped through the articles. “You’ve done your homework, haven’t you?”

“I always do.”

Risk looked up from the file just as she did, and their eyes met. A sizzle worked its way down to her toes. She was close enough to breathe in his scent, to be reminded of her fantasy night with him.

“I’m impressed,” he drawled in that special way he had.

She jerked back and fiddled with the papers on her desk.

“Mind if I take a better look at these articles?”

“No, of course not. Take them with you.”

He rose, and she came around the desk to walk him to the door. When she was standing beside him, he filled her space, and she swallowed hard. “I’d better get back to work. If you have any further questions or would like to see the property, don’t hesitate to call. The number is inside the folder.”

“Give me a day or two. I’ll definitely be in touch.”

“Okay, sure.”

“Oh, and April?”

She gazed into eyes that had softened on her. He seemed ready to say something but then shook his head. “Never mind.”

She closed the door behind him and slumped in relief.

After two years, she’d finally spoken to Risk Boone again.

And because of a possible sale to Boone Inc., she had to hold back on the choice words she’d reserved just for him to hear.

* * *

Normally April didn’t go out on a work night, but tonight was special. Tonight was her best friend’s birthday, and she couldn’t let the party go on without her. Jenna Mae turned the big three-oh today; it was monumental. So April donned her black party dress with silver rhinestone straps and met her friends for drinks at the Farmhouse Bar and Grill, a honky-tonk that was always bustling no matter the day of the week.

It was live band Thursday, and Jenna Mae kept glancing at the guitarist up on the platform stage. She was newly single after a disheartening breakup with a guy who didn’t know the ass end of a donkey. Jenna was better off without him, and April and Clovie had let her know it. Because that’s what friends did. When a storm was brewing, they got out their rain jackets and umbrellas and shielded each other as best they could.

April finished off her first mango margarita as all eight girls swarmed around Jenna Mae at their table near the long, handcrafted Farmhouse bar. They were already an hour into the celebration; gifts had been opened and funny birthday cards passed around.

“Yum, this is delicious,” Jenna said, taking a big bite of her cupcake catered by Katie’s Kupcakes. “Thanks for this, April. I’m glad you’re here. Wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it, Jenna. You know that.”

Jenna put her arm around April’s shoulders. “I do know that. I’m just glad you moved back from Willow County when you did.”

“Me, too.”

“Are things getting any easier?” Jenna asked. “Sold any big-ass mansions lately?”

“I wish. Actually, I’m waiting to hear back on a potential huge deal. If I land it, it would keep the agency afloat into next year.”

The waitress came by with another round of drinks. April wasn’t a big drinker, but number two looked good, so she grabbed it up and took a sip.

“I hope it works out for you.”

“I’m beginning to have my doubts,” she mumbled. “My buyer was supposed to get back to me last week. And I haven’t heard a word.”

“Why not call and give him a nudge?”

“You won’t believe who it is.”

Jenna Mae grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the crowd. “Tell me.” Jenna was on her third drink, which might just be her limit. She wobbled a little when she walked.

April spoke in Jenna’s ear. “It’s Risk Boone. If you can believe that.”

Jenna knew all about her high school crush and fantasy night with Risk, and so it wasn’t surprising that her mouth dropped open. “No.”

“Yes. He was at the office last week. It was...awkward.”

“I can imagine. Man, you crushed on him heavily in high school. You’ve always had a soft spot for that guy.”

“Not anymore. Not after...Houston.”

“Really? Because I didn’t want to say anything, but he’s sitting at the bar right now.”

April couldn’t believe it; now her mouth dropped open. And her heart sped up. She had her back to the bar, and she casually turned to look over her shoulder. Yep, there was Risk, sitting on a stool, flanked by two women, one on each side of him. They were leaning against the bar top, engaging him in conversation. Typical. Women swarmed around Risk like bees to honey. He’d been a big celebrity at one time. It was crazy to think she’d been one of his hangers-on a couple of years ago.

“Oh wow, I’ve never seen him in here before,” Jenna said.

“No, neither have I,” she muttered. “When we spoke, he made it seem like he hasn’t been in Boone Springs much lately.” And April wasn’t a regular customer at the Farmhouse. She’d been too busy to go out during the week, and there was a diner closer to her office that delivered.

April was about to look away, a queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, only to discover that Risk didn’t seem to be listening to the women speaking in his ear. His eyes were on her through the reflection in the wide rectangular mirror behind the bar. She was caught in his gaze, her heart pumping hard. There was a moment of awareness, pure and instinctual, that sparked in her veins.

His lips twitched upward. Was he smiling at her?

Oh boy. She stared another half a second then grabbed Jenna’s arm. “Let’s get back to the table.”

A few minutes later, April polished off the rest of her drink as she chatted with her friends who were still seated and not cutting loose on the dance floor. Her head was a little fuzzy, she had a definite buzz going on, and the more she thought about Risk Boone not giving her the courtesy of a return call this week, the more it bugged her.

“I left him two voice mails about the lodge, and he never got back to me,” she told Clovie and Jenna. And now he was sitting at the bar smugly, watching her every move. How was she supposed to take that? “I’m gonna talk to him now, whether he likes it or not,” she said. As she began to rise, two hands came down on her shoulders, pushing her back down, Clovie from the right and Jenna from the left.

“Wait,” Clovie said. “I know that look in your eyes, April. You need to calm down. There’s still hope for the deal. You can simply, tactfully ask him what the delay is.”

“Clovie’s right,” Jenna said. “You’re a professional. Don’t blow it because you’re ticked off.”

April sighed and nodded, thinking it through. Risk was a rich, handsome hunk, but he’d also been a jerk to her. Still she couldn’t let her personal feelings about Risk deter her from her job. “Okay, you guys are right. I’ll do that.”

“And another thing you’re going to do is put this on.” Jenna slid a diamond cluster ring off her right hand. “From now on, you’re engaged.”

“I’m what?”

“You heard me, you’re engaged to be married. It’s just a form of insurance when dealing with Risk.”

“I can’t do that. That’s your grandmother’s ring.”

“It’s for a good cause. I know you’ll take care with it.”

“For heaven’s sake, Jenna. I can certainly speak with the man—”

“Whoops, looks like he’s heading this way.” Jenna pushed the ring onto April’s left ring finger. “Remember, you’re a professional. And you’re engaged,” she mouthed softly.

April’s head swam, and the next thing she knew, she was standing up facing Risk wearing a ring on her left hand and all the other girls had vanished onto the dance floor.

“Evenin’,” he said, the one word pronounced with enough charm to swallow her up. Suddenly, the ring on her finger didn’t seem too over-the-top. There was something about Risk that was too darn attractive. Wearing this ring just might be a blessing in disguise. “Do you have a minute to talk?” he asked.

“I, uh, sure. Here?”

Music blasted from the live band, the drummer’s rolling solo doing a number on her ears.

He shook his head. “It’s too loud in here. Take a walk with me outside?”

She needed to hear what he had to say, and actually having some privacy would be better to discuss business. “I, uh, sure.”

Risk led the way through the packed crowd and she followed behind him, bumping shoulders and ping-ponging through the patrons. A strong hand came out to take hers, and suddenly the bumping stopped, Risk forming a human barrier for her as he led her toward the door. As soon as she stepped foot outside, she shivered.

“Damn, it’s cold out here,” he said.

She couldn’t disagree. She’d left her coat inside the Farmhouse, and not even the dizzying buzz from her second margarita warded off the winter chill.

“Let’s go sit in my car—it’ll be a lot warmer for you.”

“Is it too cold to talk out here?” Her teeth clattered as she said the words.

“In the parking lot?” He smiled. “You tell me.”

A blast of wind ruffled her curls, lifting them high in the air and chilling her to the bone. Goodness, she was being silly not wanting to be alone with Risk. She needed to make this deal, and not even having an unorthodox meeting in a client’s car should deter her.

“C’mon, my car’s over here.” Risk took her arm, drawing her close to his body, and the heat radiating off him kept her a bit warmer as they walked to his SUV. He opened the door for her, and she climbed into the passenger seat. “Put this over you,” he said, giving her the sheepskin jacket lying on his seat.

It did the trick immediately. The jacket was snug and warm around her shoulders and arms and was so long it partly covered her legs, too. “Thanks.”

He closed the door and wound around to climb into the driver’s seat.

And April found herself bundled up, sitting very close to Risk Boone, his male scent drifting her way, his presence filling the space inside the SUV.

* * *

“You look real pretty tonight, April.” Risk blurted out the first thing he’d noticed about her tonight as he turned to face her.

Her chin went up. “Thank you.”

“I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

“No, I didn’t expect to see you, either. But you promised me a call that I never received. What happened? I guess I wasn’t on your radar?”

Quite the contrary. After seeing April last week, he’d thought about her plenty.

He hadn’t known her all that well in high school, but when he’d seen her that day in the rodeo stands in Houston, after his life had hit an all-time low, she’d been one friendly face, one person from home he could relate to, and finding her at the hotel bar later that night had been pure luck on his part. They’d sat and talked for hours, and then things had heated up really fast in his hotel room.

“Believe me, you’ve been on my radar.”

Her head snapped up at that. Questions filled her eyes, and he wasn’t going to answer any of them. “I’m sorry about not returning your voice mails, but I haven’t had time to look at the articles about the lodge. The truth is, I was called out of town. A friend’s mother was gravely ill, and she wanted to see me. I felt compelled to go. She was a wonderful, gentle woman that I really cared about.”

“Cared? Did she pass on?”

He nodded. “Yes, I stayed in Atlanta for the funeral.”

Sympathy touched April’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”

He kept it to himself that it had been Shannon Wilkes’s mother who’d passed on. Shannon had been texting him for months, about her personal life being a hot mess, her career taking a bit of a hit and then her mother’s illness. Risk had resolved things with Shannon a while back. Though the scars were still there, he’d realized she wasn’t the right woman for him, yet he’d sympathized with Shannon over losing her mother. For the two years he’d dated Shannon, Mary had been like a mother to him, and they’d always gotten along. “Yeah, it was rough.”

April gave him a sympathetic nod.

After he ran scared that night in Houston, he wouldn’t have blamed April if she refused to work with him. The sale of the lodge was important to her, and he owed her a fair shake, at the very least. “Do you have plans day after tomorrow?” he asked her.

She looked at him skeptically. “Why?”

“Maybe we can drive out to the lodge and take a look at it. I’ll read the articles about the place tomorrow. Then I can see for myself if it’s doable.”

April’s eyes brightened. “Yes, I’d love for you to see the lodge. I’ll plan on it.”

“Okay, good. I’ve kept you from your friends long enough. Let me walk you back inside.”

“No, that’s not necessary.” She handed him back his coat. “Thanks anyway, but it’s a short walk. See you Saturday.”

She got out of his car, and he got out, too, and watched, his instincts telling him not to let her walk through the darkened parking lot by herself. And sure enough, when April was less than twenty feet away, a drunken cowboy approached her, blocking her passage, giving her grief and making crude suggestions. Her voice rose as she told the guy to back off, and then the cowboy began grabbing at her. Risk moved fast and was there in seconds, shoving the man’s shoulders, pushing him out of the way before he could lay a hand on April. “Buddy, get the hell outta here or you’re gonna be real sorry. Go sober up somewhere. Now.”

The man eyed Risk with contempt. Risk would be all too happy to nail the guy to the wall, but after a three-second staring contest, the cowboy stalked off.

Risk turned to April. She was shivering, this time in fear. He saw it in her eyes, too. “Are you okay?”

“I...will...be.”

He wrapped his arms loosely around her shoulders, bringing her into his warmth. “Come here a sec and calm down.”

“Thank...you.” She leaned against him, setting her head on his chest as if that’s exactly what she’d needed. “That was scary.”

“You handled yourself well.” He’d heard the tone of her voice, the gruff way she tried to warn the guy off. “You know, the Southern in me would never let a woman walk through a parking lot without seeing her safely inside, but then again, the female revolution has changed all that. I never know what to do.”

April pulled away from his chest to gaze up at him, the pretty blue of her eyes damn near mesmerizing. “You did good.”

He smiled, and she smiled, too, and something clicked in that moment, a spark that he hadn’t felt in a long time. He hadn’t met a woman who interested him in months, and now, suddenly, he was thinking about April that way. “I did?”

She gazed at his mouth and nodded. Was it an invitation? In that one second, Risk’s body twitched, and he tightened his hold on April. “You did,” she whispered.

He laid his palm on her cheek and felt her softness, witnessed the sweet look she was giving him. “April,” he said, right before leaning in to brush a soft kiss to her lips.

She moaned a little bit and gave in to the pleasure of his mouth. She tasted sweet and tangy, like a fruity drink, and he started remembering things about her that quickened his pulse.

Then out of the blue, April pulled away quickly, giving him a slight push on the chest. He backed off instantly. What in the world?

“Don’t.”

“Don’t? April, did I read you wrong?”

“I’ve had too much to drink tonight and I do appreciate you protecting me from that drunk, but yes, you read me wrong.”

She lifted up her left hand and wiggled her fingers right in front of his nose. “I’m engaged to be married, Risk.”

Two

Normally Risk was good at reading women’s signals but the other night at the Farmhouse, April had had him fooled. He could’ve sworn she wanted his attention. She’d looked at him, then at his mouth, as if she’d wanted to be kissed. Had it just been fear? Had she been grateful he’d come on the scene in the parking lot when he had?

April was a beautiful woman with sass and spunk.

And she was engaged to be married.

He’d remembered the chubby little girl she’d been, and when he’d met her again in Houston after he’d guest hosted the rodeo, her curvy body and pretty blue eyes had drawn him in.

“Risk, you’re deep in thought this morning.” Aunt Lottie poured him a cup of coffee and set the mug down on the kitchen table in front of him. Ever since his aunt had returned to Rising Springs Ranch, she’d doted on him and his two brothers, Mason and Lucas. Having an adventurous spirit, Aunt Lottie had been a world traveler always ping-ponging in and out of their lives, but after the death of their parents, she’d taken a more vital role with the family. And now was like a mother to him and his brothers.

Risk brought the mug to his mouth and sipped. “No one would ever call me a deep thinker.”

Lottie took the chair adjacent to him, bringing her coffee to her lips and shaking her head. “You’re a fine thinker, boy.” Aunt Lottie was the first to come to a Boone’s defense, unless of course they deserved a tongue-lashing, and then she’d be the first one to give it. “But something’s bothering you. Your aunt knows you boys all too well.”

“Nothing’s bothering me, really. I’m just baffled about something.”

About April. He’d been drawn to her the other night, the same way he’d been drawn to her in Houston. And that was precisely why he hadn’t looked her up again. Why he hadn’t pursued her after that night. It had been selfish of him, but he hadn’t been in any shape to deal with a woman who wasn’t a one-night-stand kind of girl. She’d been smart and sincere and compassionate. Once he figured that out, he’d run like hell. Not his finest moment.

“Care to tell me her name?” Aunt Lottie asked.

“Ha, nice try, Aunt Lottie. But it’s all good.” He winked and gave her his best smile.

“How’s Drew doing these days?” he asked.

His aunt had an on-again, off-again relationship with Mason’s future father-in-law, Drew MacDonald. It seemed the two of them never could get on the same page.

“I wouldn’t know. He’s barely talking to me.”

“Oh yeah? Lovers’ spat?”

Drew lived in the cottage on the Boone property. He was a recovering alcoholic, a good man who’d lost his wife some years ago. Maria had been Lottie’s best friend, and now the two were playing a cat and mouse game of hearts.

“Hardly. We’re barely friends anymore, Risk.”

“Well, why don’t you take some of those warm cranberry muffins you just baked and bring them to him as a peace offering?”

Aunt Lottie’s blond brows lifted, and her eyes sparkled. She was a pretty sixtysomething woman who had a lot of love to give, and right now she was considering his suggestion. “You know, that’s not a bad idea. And while I’m at it, I’ll pack you a basket of muffins and some things for your trip.”

“Thanks. It’s a long drive out to Canyon Lake Lodge.”

“Just give me a moment,” his aunt said.

Minutes later, after finishing up his breakfast, he heard the front doorbell chime and the housekeeper answer it. He rose, taking the basket Aunt Lottie had made up, and walked out of the kitchen to the parlor where April Adams was waiting for him holding a brown briefcase. Those curly blond locks of hers flowed past her shoulders, and even the tan winter coat she wore over a pair of pants and a sweater couldn’t hide her curvy body.

“Mornin’, April. You’re right on time,” he said, coming into the room.

“I always try to be.” She hoisted her chin up.

“I’ll be right with you,” he said.

He grabbed his sheepskin jacket, the one he’d lent April the other night, and showed her to the multicar garage attached to the house.

In the garage, he opened the passenger side door to his full-size SUV. He’d insisted he drive his car, and she was clearly not happy about it. April shot him a look and then climbed in. He waited while she buckled herself in and then handed her the basket.

“What’s this?”

“My aunt Lottie made us a care package for the road.”

“That’s...very sweet of her.”

“The Boones are nice people,” he said.

Her eyes started to roll, and then she seemed to catch herself. Risk almost laughed out loud when her expression changed to an innocent smile. The trouble was he liked April Adams. Too damn much.

Risk started the engine and pulled out of the garage. There were gray skies overhead, and a light drizzle cascaded down from the clouds.

With any luck, they’d drive right out of the rain to better weather up ahead.

* * *

The rain came down steadily now, giving the windshield wipers a good workout. Of course, the weather had to be gloomy; it would make it that much harder for April to show off the grounds in a good light to Risk. But she didn’t want to turn back. She couldn’t trust that she’d get Risk back out to Canyon Lake Lodge any time soon.

She stared out the window, trying to think of ways to enhance her sales pitch. The lodge had been listed with her agency for five months, and she only had the listing for one more month. That gave her only weeks to find a buyer. The Boones’ inquiry about the property had been the only real bite she’d gotten in all that time. She had to make this work, somehow. Risk hadn’t been overly impressed with the photos of the lodge, and that parking lot kiss had only put a strain on their professional relationship.

“Cold?” he asked.

“A little.”

He fiddled with a dashboard dial, and soon a flow of warm heat pushed out of the floor vents.

“Better?”

She nodded. “Yes, thank you. As long as it’s not too hot for you?”

He gave her a sideways glance. “I’ll let you know if it gets too hot.”

Was that an innocent comment? She never knew with Risk. But she had to give him the benefit of the doubt, since he’d been put in his place the other night after she’d told him she was engaged.

Thank you again, Jenna Mae.

They drove a few more miles in silence, and then Risk gestured to the basket. “Since Aunt Lottie packed us up some food, why don’t we have a muffin?”

“Sounds like a good idea.” She lifted the basket onto her lap and then folded back the lid. “Oh wow. Your aunt Lottie sure knows how to make a care package.”

“Why, what’s she got in there?”

“Well, let’s see. There’s about eight muffins, a coffee thermos, protein bars and two apples.”

A grumble rose from Risk’s throat. “She still thinks we’re twelve.”

“It’s sorta sweet that she cares so much.”

April picked up a muffin, peeled back the cupcake paper, removing it entirely, and handed it over to Risk. It seemed an intimate gesture, but it was easier for him to eat that way. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” A few bites later, the muffin was gone.

“Want another?”

He nodded. “One more will do. Make sure you have one, too.”

“Oh, I intend to.” April took a bite of her muffin. Warm and fresh, packed with cranberries, it was just the right amount of sweet and tart. “These are good.”

“It’s a family recipe. That coffee smells good.”

“Want some?”

The wipers were at top speed now, and April hoped Risk wouldn’t suggest they turn back.

“You first,” he said. “Have some. It’ll warm you up inside.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

She unscrewed the thermos and poured coffee into the cup. As she took a sip, the pungent aroma comforted her and made her smile. She handed the thermos over to Risk, and their fingers brushed again. “H-here you go.” The contact wasn’t lost on her. She quelled her racing heart and watched his throat work as he gulped down coffee.

Risk slid a glance to her left hand. “When’s the wedding?”

Whoa. She wasn’t really prepared to answer him. She’d hoped that wearing the ring was enough. Apparently she was wrong. “Uh, we haven’t set the date yet.”

“No?”

“No. A...a lot goes into planning a wedding, and my fiancé and I are very busy.”

“Does he have a name?”

“Everyone has a name,” she said rather evasively.

Risk scratched his chin. “So, you’re not willing to tell me? He must not be—”

“He’s amazing, okay? I met him when I was living in Willow County, and we’re very happy.”

“Bob? Bill? Toby? Or maybe it’s more like Hector or Bubba?”

Bubba? Lordy. She folded her arms over her middle but still couldn’t hold back a belly chuckle. “Risk, what are you doing?”

“Just making conversation. It’s a long drive to the lodge. Especially with the rain slowing us down.”

“Okay then, if you’re so willing to talk, why don’t you tell me about your love life?”

He grunted. “Or lack thereof.”

She raised her brows. “That’s hard to believe.”

“Tell me about it. After what happened with Shannon, I think I got gun-shy. No more permanent, all-in relationships for me.”

“Are you saying you don’t date anymore?”

He spared her a glance, his dark eyes meeting hers. “Now who’s being nosy?”

“Okay, you’re right. Forget I asked.” It wasn’t fair of her to ask such pointed questions of Risk when she’d barely given him the time of day about her fake engagement.

He was silent for a while. “The truth is, I haven’t had a date in three months, maybe longer. I guess I lost count.”

“I see. So, you must be really into your work, the way I am.”

Risk’s mouth twisted, and he gave his head a small, almost inconspicuous shake. “I’m trying to help out. The truth is...”

“What?” She gave him a pointed look.

“Nothin’.”

She let it drop, because anybody with eyes in their head could tell that Risk wasn’t the tycoon his brothers were. If he was, he wouldn’t have become a rodeo rider.

“What did you think about the history of the lodge?” she asked, steering the conversation out of personal territory.

“Kinda crazy...neither one of them wanted to give in for the sake of success.”

“So, you did read the articles.”

“I surely did. That brother and sister team mixed as well as oil and water.”

April nodded. “I don’t have a brother or a sister, but I would think one of them could’ve given in rather than see the lodge fail.”

“Yeah, those two were doomed from the get-go.”

It was sort of like her and Risk. Doomed from the beginning.

Luckily, because of the ring on her finger, all she had to think about was convincing Risk that the lodge was worth the investment.

* * *

Halfway into the drive, Risk turned to April. “The storm’s not really letting up. Let me know if you want to turn back.”

“No,” April said firmly. “I don’t think we need to. We’ve come this far.”

“Okay, fine by me.” Risk didn’t want to turn around, either. He wasn’t opposed to driving in the rain, and he was sort of enjoying the adventure with her. He’d been in a rut lately, trying to figure out where he fit in the world.

He liked listening to April’s melodic voice as she went into detail about JoAnna and Joseph Sutton, the twins who’d inherited the lodge some sixty years ago from their great-aunt. Her take on it was certainly more passionate and animated than any conversation they’d had before.

“JoAnna was a woman of the earth,” she said, “a free spirit who wanted to use the lodge as refuge for the enlightened of heart. She wanted bonfire parties and folksy dances, while Joseph was a hard-core outdoorsman who wanted to keep the rustic tone and promote it as a boating and fishing lodge.”

“Must’ve made for some crazy interaction between the guests,” he said. “Can you imagine the hunters and fisherman going head to head with the vegetarians? I’m sure it wasn’t pretty.”

“It was a total failure. Finally, they sold the lodge to a recluse. He liked the fact that it was remote, off the beaten path.”

“Is he the one selling the lodge?”

“No, he passed on. We’d be dealing with his grandson, Michael Hall. I can’t wait to show it to you. If we ever make it there.”

“We will, trust me,” Risk said, just as he hit a pothole in the road. The SUV bounded up in the air and landed with a huge muddy splash.

April gripped the handrail, color draining from her face.

“You okay?”

She gave him an unsure nod.

He reached for her hand clutching the seat and gave it a slight squeeze. “We’ll be fine. The SUV can take it.”

She slid her hand from his and slunk back in her seat, warily folding her arms across her middle.

There wasn’t much else he could say, so he shut his trap. It was better to forget the solid connection he’d felt when he grabbed her hand a few seconds ago. She was pretty and intelligent, and touching her quickened his pulse. For a man who hadn’t had sex in a while, it was dangerous territory.

And he wasn’t forgetting about that engagement ring on her finger. No, sir.

Rain pelted the windshield, and he concentrated on driving through the storm, the wipers giving him glimpses of what was ahead. He came to a low-lying bridge just around a curve in the road and slowed the car as the long wooden planks rattled under the tires. “It won’t be long now,” he told April and took a right-hand turn down a tree-lined road. April’s face relaxed in relief.

A minute later, the road separated into a three-foot-wide ditch. “Holy crap.” He swerved instantly, missing the biggest part of the gouge in the road, but luck wasn’t with him. The car hit the very edge of the gap, and the front end plummeted into a gully of mud. He hinged his arm out to stop April’s momentum, while her seat belt did the rest.

“You okay?” he asked her.

“Yeah, I think so.” Color left her face. “W-what happened?”

“The rain washed away a good chunk of the road. It came up so fast, I couldn’t see it, but I think we’re on the edge of the ditch.”

“Are we stuck?”

“Afraid so. The good news is GPS says the lodge is less than a mile away.”

She sat silent for a few seconds. “And you can’t get us out of the ditch?”

“Unfortunately, I left my superhero cape back at the ranch. We can’t just sit here. We might sink farther into the ditch. Gather up your things, April.”

He needed to make sure she was safe, and that meant high-tailing it to the lodge before the storm worsened. “We need to make a run for it. I’ll get out first and help you. We’ll call for help when we’re safely at the lodge.”

He gathered up a few essentials from the back of the SUV and dumped them into an old duffel bag he kept in the back. When he opened his door slightly, a wild gust of wind blew it open the rest of the way. He jumped down into a foot of mud, his boots catching the brunt of the ooze. Tossing the bag over his shoulder, he made his way around the back end of the SUV and opened the door for April. “Got what you need?”

She tucked her briefcase and her purse under her coat and nodded.

Risk reached for her, his hands firmly on her waist, and lifted her out of the car, holding on tight and twirling her around until they were clear of the ditch entirely before he set her down. “Ready to go?”

“I’m ready.”

“Okay, let’s get out of here.” He took her hand and they trudged along the waterlogged road toward the lodge.

* * *

April had never been this soaked in her life. The mile sprint had her breathing heavily, but she was in good enough shape to keep up with Risk, who kept a tight grip on her hand. They hopped over potholes and dodged floating debris and then, finally, the sight of the lodge loomed like a big beautiful refuge. She hadn’t been happier to see anything in her life.

Minutes later, they took the wide river-rock stairs together and landed under the protection of a covered veranda. Rain ceased to pelt them now, and the low veranda walls broke the wind gusts.

Risk stood by the double-door entry. “You have the key?”

Shaking from the cold, she opened the briefcase she’d kept as dry as possible and handed Risk the key. “H-here you go.”

He opened the door and gestured for her to go inside. She’d been here twice before and remembered the layout. Risk followed directly behind her, a consoling presence after the ordeal they’d just been through. For a moment there, when the earth parted and the car careened into the ditch, she’d feared for her life. But Risk was there beside her, making her feel safe. Right now, it went a long way in reassuring her.

“Stay here while I check out the place and see if the power’s on.”

“It’s supposed to be. Mr. Hall is keeping the electricity on through the sale.”

Risk nodded and took off while she stood there, shivering. She scanned the interior of the main lobby. It had a floor-to-ceiling river-rock fireplace and settees positioned around the large room. Thick wood beams crisscrossed the tall ceilings, and black iron chandeliers hung from various points in the room. Though the room was cold, it was shelter from the raging storm outside.

“Looks like the storm knocked the power out,” Risk said upon his return. “But there’s some firewood here on the hearth, and I’m sure it’s enough to keep us warm until the storm clears.”

A puddle of water formed at her feet, droplets dripping from her clothes, her coat, her hair.

“I think that’s a good idea.”

“Give me a second to get a fire going.”

While he was building a fire, she removed her coat and foraged inside her drenched handbag for her cell phone. Checking the screen, she wasn’t surprised she had no service. Even on a good weather day, the cell service out here had been spotty. Now, it seemed nonexistent. She imagined the same was true of Risk’s cell.

She walked over to the massive fireplace, where Risk was stacking logs. She found a magazine lying on one of the tables and rolled it up. “You can use this for kindling.”

“That’ll work.”

She slapped it into his palm and shivered again. “I don’t suppose you checked your phone yet.”

“The minute we got inside. No service. You?” He tossed the kindling under the logs and lit it up.

“Same. Nothing.”

Just then the kindling caught, and a small fire crackled and flamed. The burst of color also lent warmth, and she scooted closer to the new blaze.

Risk turned to her. “We should get out of our wet clothes. Get dry.”

She blinked. She couldn’t believe he’d suggested it. “How do you suppose we do that?”

“Peel ’em off.”

“That’s not what I meant. I don’t have a change of clothes.”

“Neither do I. But there’s got to be towels or bedding or something we can wrap ourselves up in until our clothes dry out.” He gave her an up and down glance. “Unless you want to shiver yourself into pneumonia.”

Uh, no. She didn’t want to do that, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Risk caught her dumbfounded look and shook his head.

“April, you’ve got nothing to worry about with me. That ring on your finger might as well be a chastity belt. I’m only suggesting we don’t catch our death of cold in these wet clothes. Should only take an hour or so to dry them.”

She stared at the blaze burning bright orange, the glow rapidly growing. Risk was right, and boy, she hated to admit it, but the fire would dry out their clothes in no time. And that comment he made about her engagement ring hit home. She believed he’d be true to his word. “Okay. Let’s see if we can find something to wrap up in. There’s a master bedroom and a few other rooms on the ground level. I think Mr. Hall said he stays over once in a while.”

“Sounds good to me.” Risk walked over to where he’d dropped his duffel and came up with a utility lantern flashlight. He pulled the handle, and the light came on, flashing a halo over six feet of the room. “We’ll use this only if we need to. Want to save the charge for tonight.”

“Tonight?”

Risk turned to look her square in the eye. “The storm’s going strong, and we’re stuck. It’s doubtful we’ll get out of here today.”

Thunder boomed, making her jump. She hadn’t really thought that far ahead. “Won’t someone come looking for us?”

Risk shrugged. “Don’t know. Most around here must think this place is empty. No one’s lived here for years, right?”

She nodded.

“And with the rain coming down in buckets and the car sunk in the mud...”

“Oh.” A few seconds ticked by. “What about your family? Will they come looking?”

Risk smiled, his deadly dimples making an appearance. “My brothers know I’m smart enough to get out of the way of the storm. Wouldn’t be the first time I didn’t make it home at night.”

April bit her lower lip. “I see. And your aunt?”

“Goes to bed kinda early. She probably figured I’d get in late.”

That left Clovie. She was the only one April had told about this trip. And she wasn’t due in the office until Monday afternoon.

It was her own fault for getting in this predicament. She should’ve postponed the meeting when the weather turned bad or at least asked Risk to turn back when the storm first hit. Now, she had to spend the night...with him. And soon they were going to get naked.

“Don’t worry. We’ll make do. We have some food, thanks to Aunt Lottie.”

“You brought the basket?”

“Yep.” He pointed to his duffel. “Now, let’s go find us some warm things. Which way?”

She pointed to the passage to the left and then followed Risk down a murky hallway to a big double door. “This is the private master bedroom.”

Risk opened the door, and they peered inside to a bedroom filled with just enough light to see a king-size bed made up with blankets and a quilt. They stepped into the room and began rummaging through a chest of drawers, and it was like finding a trove of precious treasures. They found extra blankets and sheets and candles. The furniture was large and sparse, made of solid wood. A fireplace sat against the far wall, and one big window faced out to angry gray clouds and pounding rain.

Risk grabbed two of the blankets and a big sheet. “This should do for now. You want to get out of your clothes in here? I’ll get mine off in the lobby.” He handed her the blanket, not really waiting for a reply, and walked out of the room.

She made quick work of peeling off her clothes, shoes first. She’d have to put her modesty on hold out of necessity. Just thinking about putting on dry, warm clothes again, undies included, made her heart sing.

She gathered up her clothes, wound herself up good and tight in the big blanket like a fruity roll up, and made her way to the lobby. Risk, casually wrapped in his blanket, had already set out a sheet for them to sit on between the two settees close to the fire. His clothes were laid out on his half of the hearth. She remembered he was a boxer kind of guy. Images popped into her head of that one night they’d had together. It had been pure magic, but that magic had vanished like a swift bird in flight the very next morning. No matter. She forced her gaze away from his clothes and proceeded to lay out her pants and top on the hearth. It was hard to be discreet with her undies no matter how she tried to conceal them, so she gave up and laid them out at the far end of the hearth. They’d be the first to dry anyway, comprised of far less material than her other clothes.

She took a seat facing the fire, allowing the warmth to seep into her skin. “Ah, this feels so good.”

Risk gazed at her soaking up the heat and smiled. “Gotta admit this is a first for me.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“Being naked, enjoying a fire with a beautiful woman and not—”

“Don’t say it, Risk.” She shook her head. “Don’t say it.”

“And not having anything to offer but muffins and protein bars.”

That was so not what he was going to say, but she smiled anyway. “Right now, a protein bar sounds pretty good.”

His head snapped up. “Are you hungry?”

“I could eat.”

“I’ll get the food.”

As he rose, the blanket around his shoulders slipped, exposing his granite chest and an incredible amount of sinewy muscles. Firelight glowed over his face and upper body, and she reacted with a sharp breath. It wasn’t fair for a guy to look so darn good.

Luckily for her, she’d learned a hard lesson with him, so no amount of good looks could take away from what he’d done to her. He hadn’t had the good grace to tell her face-to-face that he wasn’t available in any way, and his abandonment had really hurt.

When she was six years old, her father had deserted her and her mother. That’s when she’d begun eating heavily. Even though her rational brain knew Risk’s actions were all on him, a part of her had reverted to that plump little girl who’d been abandoned by her father, the chubby girl who’d been invisible to most, as if people looked right past her, not really seeing her for the person she was.

But today, Risk was on his best behavior and he’d made her feel safe—as safe as a woman could feel, being naked under this blanket, having a meal with an equally naked-under-the-blanket guy, sitting by a luminous fire.

“Here you go,” he said, bringing the food basket with him. “One protein bar coming up.” He tossed it to her and as her arm came up to catch the bar, her blanket dipped, exposing her shoulders and, maybe, a teeny tiny bit of her cleavage.

Oh boy.

Risk’s brows rose. He hadn’t missed a thing.

A deep sigh escaped his lungs as he fell back against the base of the settee and bit into his protein bar. Still chewing, he glanced into the fire. “Maybe you should tell me all about this fiancé of yours.”

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