Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager

BY

Charlene Sands
The Oilman’s Baby Bargain

BY

Michelle Celmer

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Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager by Charlene Sands

THE TEXAS TATTLER

All The News You Need To Know…And More!

Who remembers four years back, when Texas mogul Kevin Novak was happily married? Didn’t think there were many of us. But one has to recall the fervour of the rumour mills when his wife decided to leave her billionaire breadwinner. Everyone was taking bets to see who’d become the next Mrs Novak.

Except that was not an option – for anyone. The Novaks never divorced. Did the powerful Kevin refuse to finalise their estrangement? Or did he always have something else in mind? (He is brilliant, after all.) Because the little woman has finally returned!

The Oilman’s Baby Bargain by Michelle Celmer

THE TEXAS TATTLER

All The News You Need To Know…And More!

We all heard rumours that Mitch Brody had been plotting to help his brother marry the Texas senior senator’s daughter. He’d even gone so far as to “visit” Alexis Cavanaugh multiple times – wining and dining her in elaborate establishments. But when Lance Brody upped and married his mousy secretary, it seemed that the Brody/Cavanaugh merger was off.

Now, rumours abound that the still-eligible Brody brother is back romancing Miss Cavanaugh. Could there have been more to their meetings than one might have imagined? Perhaps the Cavanaughs are so desperate to marry into the Brody family it doesn’t matter which brother the groom is! Though we can certainly attest to Mitch Brody’s appeal – the man is quite the charmer. Or…could there be something to that noticeable “bump” beginning to appear at Alexis’s middle? Perhaps a Brody heir is on the way?

Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager

BY

Charlene Sands

Dear Reader,

I’m so glad to have been invited to write Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager as part of the MILLIONAIRE’S CLUB series along with five other fabulous authors.

Set in the fictional town of Somerset, just outside of Houston, my story features dynamic, handsome Kevin Novak (think David Beckham) and his beautiful, feisty, soon-to-be-ex-wife, Cara. It’s a story of true love and second chances. The two have been separated by distance and regret for four years, and when Cara returns to her home town to get a divorce, Kevin turns the tables on her.

That’s when the fun begins in Maverick County! While Kevin snares Cara in his trap, he becomes a victim of intense attraction and admiration for the wife who abandoned him early in their marriage.

I hope you enjoy the story from beginning to end. In fact, I’ll wager that you do.

Happy reading!

Charlene

CHARLENE SANDS resides in Southern California with her husband, school sweetheart and best friend, Don. Proudly, they boast that their children, Jason and Nikki, have earned their college degrees. The “empty nesters” now enjoy spending time together on Pacific beaches, playing tennis and going to movies, when they are not busy at work, of course!

A proud member of Romance Writers of America, Charlene has written twenty-five romance novels and is the recipient of the 2006 National Readers’ Choice Award, the 2007 Cataromance Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2008 Booksellers Best Award. Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine nominated her book Do Not Disturb Until Christmas as the Best Desire of 2008.

Charlene invites you to visit her websites www. charlenesands.com, www.petticoatsandpistols.com and www.myspace.com/charlenesands, to enter her contests, check out her new releases and see what’s up.

This book is dedicated to all of my friends and fellow authors on Petticoats and Pistols. I’ve never met a smarter, more wonderful, more gregarious group of authors. Thanks to Pam Crooks, Stacey Kayne, Cheryl St John, Kate Bridges, Linda Broday, Mary Connealy, Pat Potter, Karen Kay and Elizabeth Lane for being great Western blog pardners. Y’all make it fun!

The Millionaire’s Club

August 2010

Taming the Texas Tycoon Katherine Garbera & One Night with the Wealthy Rancher Brenda Jackson

September 2010

Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager Charlene Sands & The Oilman’s Baby Bargain Michelle Celmer

October 2010

The Maverick’s Virgin Mistress Jennifer Lewis & Lone Star Seduction Day Leclaire

Chapter One

Cara shut down the ballroom lights and stood in the middle of the floor of Dancing Lights, flanked by a wall of mirrors and elegant surroundings that she’d insisted upon when designing her studios. A smile emerged just as Elton John’s voice carried over the speakers. The song stirred up vivid memories and Cara slowly closed her eyes. She moved her hips, swaying to the rhythm and the poetic lyrics.

There’s a calm surrender to the rush of day When the heat of the rolling world can be turned away

An enchanted moment, and it sees me through It’s enough for this restless warrior just to be with you

And can you feel the love tonight

It is where we are

It’s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

And can you feel the love tonight

“Can you feel the love, Cara?” Kevin had said to her the day they’d married.

Kevin had brought her hand to his mouth and nibbled, his dark blue eyes piercing hers. She’d tingled with excitement from that single gesture. Cara had felt his love, with every heart-stopping glance, every tender touch and each tantalizing kiss.

“Yes, I feel it, honey,” she’d replied.

He’d kissed her lips, whispering, “This is our song, babe.”

They’d hung on to each other and sung the lyrics along with Elton’s smooth tones, moving to the music as their family and friends looked on. She thought she’d married her Prince Charming, her college sweetheart who could make her laugh one moment and sizzle the next.

Cara’s heart swelled thinking back on her wedding day, thinking of being in Kevin’s arms, of loving him for all she was worth and hoping for the same kind of happy life she’d wished for so many of her dance students through the years.

She’d had such big dreams.

“Why, Kevin?” she whispered in the silence of the Dallas ballroom.

Gorgeous Kevin Novak, with the penetrating blue eyes and short blond hair, had often been mistaken for David Beckham. She and Kevin had their own private joke about it since, with her curly blond hair and sky-blue eyes, she hardly looked like Posh Spice. Cara smiled briefly at the memory.

They’d had such good times in the beginning, until Kevin had decided building his real estate empire was more important than building their marriage. He’d become a die-hard workaholic, neglecting her needs in favor of the next big deal. He’d broken her heart—hearing their song again brought it all back. The happiness she’d hoped for with Kevin had eluded them. Cara still felt the ache in the pit of her stomach.

She’d moved on with her life, leaving Somerset to start a new life in Dallas, but she hadn’t escaped the deep hurt and anguish Kevin had caused.

Cara snapped her eyes open and stared at the fading shadows in the mirror. Her silhouette reflected back the new, confident woman she’d become. She was a businesswoman now, owner of a chain of dance studios, and a choreographer and dance instructor as well.

No longer that optimistic, hope-filled girl who’d wanted a life and children with Kevin, it was long past time for Cara to rectify her situation.

She punched off the CD player and headed to the phone to call the man she hadn’t spoken with in over four years. She’d waltzed around this issue long enough.

It was time to divorce her husband.

Kevin Novak chalked the cue stick with slow, deliberate twists, contemplating his next shot. He was one of the best pool players at the Texas Cattleman’s Club, but his pal Darius Franklin was making him sweat for the win. “You know darn well Montoya is responsible for setting the fire.”

Kevin bent over the carved-oak vintage pool table and took his shot, the solid orange cue ball angling into the corner pocket. He knew darn well Darius didn’t believe Alejandro Montoya was responsible for the damaging blaze set at Brody Oil and Gas. But he wasn’t above using distraction to earn a win.

“I don’t know that for a fact, Kev. The fire was definitely an act of arson, but I’m not pointing fingers yet.”

“Montoya has always been a pain in the ass.”

Kevin missed his next shot and Darius lifted his cue stick, eyeing the pool table. “True, but arson? That’s an accusation I’m not ready to make. It looks like a professional job and if that’s the case, I’d have to rule him out.”

“I say he’s guilty.” Lance Brody, another of Kevin’s old frat brothers from the University of Texas, chimed in. Kevin’s four best friends were all members of Texas Cattleman’s Club in Maverick County. They watched the game, sipping drinks and cajoling from the sidelines of the club’s game room.

“I’m with Lance,” Mitch Brody said, agreeing with his brother. “Montoya’s got an ax to grind.”

Justin Dupree nodded, taking a swig of beer. “I think Montoya is guilty, too. He’s got issues with Lance. Always has.”

Lance scoffed. “I have issues with him.” Their rivalry went back to high-school days.

Darius eyed the striped blue ball and took his shot. The ball rolled into the side pocket and Kevin winced.

“Nice shot.”

Darius laughed. “It hurt you to say that, didn’t it?”

“Like a knife in my heart.”

Darius shook his head. “You’re a sore loser, Kev.”

“I haven’t lost yet.”

And when Darius missed his next shot, Kevin went full throttle, unwilling to give an inch. His competitive nature wouldn’t allow a loss. He sank the next four solid-color balls, then the eight ball, winning the game.

Satisfied, Kevin shook his friend’s hand. “You gave me a run for my money.”

Darius slapped a twenty in his palm. “I’ll get you next time.” He lowered his voice, setting his cue stick into its case. “So you really think Montoya set the fire?”

“I’m thinking he did. I also think he’s behind blocking my project in downtown Somerset. He’s got it in for the Brody brothers and their friends. Wasn’t a coincidence to find the area I’d designated for a major development is being declared an historic district. He’s got to be behind the rezoning. It’s all a little too suspicious.”

Lance walked up and put his arms around their shoulders. “Come on, you two. Let’s forget about Montoya for a minute. We need to set a date for my wedding reception. Kate deserves more than the Las Vegas elopement she got.”

Kevin grinned. “Yeah, you really know how to impress a girl.”

Justin added, “Lance really pulled out all the stops on that one.”

“Funny, guys.” Lance pulled a frown, but Kevin knew he didn’t mind their teasing. He’d found his soul mate in Kate and wanted to provide her a beautiful reception.

When the game-room phone rang, Lance walked over to pick it up. “Cara? Is it really you? It’s good to hear your voice.”

Kevin froze. All heads turned his way and he met with four pairs of curious eyes. Emotions washed through his system. A tic worked his jaw while he stood rigid and waited.

“Okay, I’ll get him. He’s right here.” Lance nodded his way, holding the phone up. “It’s…Cara. She wants to speak with you.”

Kevin strode across the room to take the phone. Before speaking, he turned to look at his friends, and with a quick gesture signaled them to continue playing and butt out.

The guys turned around and Kevin spoke into the receiver. “Cara?”

“Hello, Kevin.”

So formal.

God, he hadn’t heard her voice in four years. Not once. Not since she’d left him high and dry and made a new life for herself in Dallas. He’d kept up on her through friends and what little he’d read in the newspapers about her successful dance studios.

She sounded the same—sassy if not a little stiff. There was an awkward moment of silence.

“I guess it’s time for us to end it,” she said.

Images of Cara getting remarried immediately entered his mind. After four years, why else would she call? Had she fallen in love with another man?

Kevin didn’t know how he’d feel about that. She’d walked out on him and their marriage. She’d tried to file for divorce but Kevin had sent the papers back to her. He’d given her an ultimatum—if she wanted out, she would have to come back and face him.

“I’m coming to Somerset. I’d like to make an appointment with you to discuss the…divorce.”

“Fine.” Kevin’s lips tightened.

“It’s business, Kevin. You should understand that. I need an expansion loan for my studios. The bank recommends…Well, let’s face it. We both need to get on with our lives.”

It’s business.

How many times had he said that to her when he couldn’t make it home for dinner? When he’d come in so late that he’d plopped into bed beside her and held her tight until they’d fallen asleep? She’d wanted children and Kevin had asked for her patience. His business had come first, but only because he’d wanted to provide a good life for her. He’d made his millions, but she never understood that he’d done it all for her. And how had she showed him her undying love? She’d packed up in the middle of the night and left him. Just like that. After five years of marriage.

Damn her.

“I’m good with that,” he said. “When are you coming in?”

“Tomorrow?”

Kevin turned to find all four of his friends silently watching him. “Tomorrow is good. Meet me at the office at five.”

Kevin hung up the phone and contemplated his next move. Cara wasn’t going to get away with breezing into his life for a day to get her divorce. No, he wouldn’t make it so easy for her.

A plan began to formulate in his head and his lips lifted. “Cara’s coming to town tomorrow,” he said needlessly. “She wants to finalize the divorce.”

“I’ve seen that expression on your face before,” Darius said. “What’s got you looking so damn smug?”

“Nothing,” he replied innocently.

“Like the nothing that nearly got us expelled from UT? Remember when we stole Professor Turner’s prized Shakespeare bust from his classroom?” Lance asked, narrowing his eyes. “That kind of nothing?”

Kevin shrugged.

“I don’t like it,” Lance said. “You looked fit to be tied when she called, and now you’re looking like a fat cat who just lapped up a pint of milk.”

Kevin only smiled and finished his beer. “I’d better get going.”

“I feel for Cara already. That girl won’t know what hit her,” Darius added.

Kevin walked to the door of the game room, shaking his head. “That girl is my wife. And she deserves everything she gets.”

Darius shot him a warning look. “I always liked Cara.”

“Yeah,” Kevin said on a deep breath, before exiting the room. “So did I.”

As the elevator closed to take Cara up to Kevin’s office, she caught sight of herself in the doors’ reflective surface. She must have glanced in the mirror a dozen times before leaving her Houston hotel room, making sure she looked just right for her meeting with Kevin. On any given day she wore her curly blond hair pulled back in a clip, but today she let the curls fall to her shoulders freely, glossed her lips with a light berry shade and made sure she wore a soft sapphire dress that accented her figure and her blue eyes.

Because it wasn’t any given day.

Today, she’d see her husband for the first time in four years.

And a small part of her wanted him to see what he’d thrown away. She hadn’t wilted like a delicate flower when they’d separated. She’d been broken but not beaten by his betrayal of trust. He hadn’t cheated on her in the classic way, but he had shattered his vows by abandoning their love.

Cara had grown from that experience. Through her pain, she’d managed to create a successful business in a field she loved. She’d come here for Dancing Lights and that expansion loan she needed from the bank, but she’d also come for her own personal reasons.

She drew oxygen in as she exited the elevator and glanced around Kevin’s new office space. He’d certainly come up in the world, from his smaller office on the outskirts of Houston to this impressive space on the tenth floor of a downtown high-rise building.

She walked to the reception desk and waited for the receptionist to finish her phone call.

“May I help you?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m Mrs. Novak. I have an appointment…with my husband.”

The young woman’s eyebrows shot up, surprise evident on her face. Kevin had replaced a great many things since she’d left and apparently sweet, aging Margie Windmeyer, his loyal secretary, hadn’t fit in with the new decor.

Looking baffled, the receptionist paged through her appointment book.

“He’s expecting me.” Cara’s nerves jumped at the edginess in her tone. She wanted to get this over with.

“Yes, Mrs. Novak.” The receptionist gave up looking for her name on the books and pointed toward a set of double doors. “Right through there.”

Cara nodded and stared at the doors for a second. Then, with her slim briefcase tucked under her arm, she entered the office.

Kevin stood with his back to her, staring out the arched window behind his desk. Both hands tucked into his suit pants, she was treated to a captivating view of his tight backside. His physique hadn’t suffered through the years—that much she could determine right away.

As he angled toward her, his profile and the sharp, handsome lines of his face struck her with force. He turned fully around and stared at her, his gorgeous, piercing-blue eyes not giving anything away.

He cast her a half smile. “Cara.”

She stood in the middle of the large office, refusing to let her nerves go raw. It was a shock to see him. She couldn’t possibly have anticipated this moment—how she’d react to seeing him again. She’d imagined it a hundred times, but nothing compared to the reality. Seeing him brought back bittersweet memories of all they’d had and all they’d lost, which swept through her in a matter of seconds.

She got hold of her bearings and smiled a little. “Hello, Kevin.”

Kevin eyed her up and down, the way he used to when he wanted to make love to her. Heat swelled and coursed through her body, a remnant of what they’d once shared coming to light. Suddenly, the enormity of her mission here struck her. She would put an ending note on the last chapter of their marriage.

“You look…well.”

Kevin taunted her. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Cara held on to her defenses, despite the bitter way he offered up the compliment.

“Have a seat, Cara.” He gestured and she sat in a brown leather chair facing him.

Cara fidgeted with her briefcase, finally setting it on Kevin’s desk. She crossed her legs and tapped her fingers on the arms of the chair.

Kevin’s gaze fell to her thighs, where the material of her dress gathered. She refused to squirm under his direct scrutiny. But she wished he’d sit down.

“Are you getting remarried?”

His blunt question surprised her. She shook her head. “No.”

He nodded, folding his arms across his rigid body.

“It’s just time, Kevin. We need to move on. I’m planning to expand my business and I need to get a large bank loan.”

“You don’t want my name on anything legal, right?” His eyes narrowed on her.

“You’re a businessman,” she responded with patience, wondering what happened to the Kevin Novak she’d married. This man seemed so different, so dark and contemptuous. She’d never seen this side of Kevin before. “You know how it works.”

“Yeah, I know how it works.” His cutting, derisive tone sobered the moment even more.

Kevin finally took a seat behind his desk. He braced his elbows on the chair arms and steepled his fingers. “Don’t you find it strange that we’re sitting here in my office, speaking formalities?”

“Strange?”

The corner of Kevin’s mouth lifted in a wry smile. “Yeah, strange. Considering how we started out. Hot and heavy from the moment we laid eyes on each other.”

Cara recalled her college sorority sister’s birthday bash, with balloons and loud music and alcohol flowing. She’d taken one look at Kevin and fallen in love instantly. They’d spent the entire night flirting shamelessly. Cara had never been so aware of her own sensuality until that day. She and Kevin had blown off the party. They’d had a party of their own that night.

Heat crawled up her neck at the erotic memory. “That’s the past, Kevin.”

Kevin let her comment drop. He leaned back in his seat and stared into her eyes. “I understand your dance studios are doing very well.”

Cara’s heart sped up at his implication. She straightened in her seat and leaned forward a bit. “I’m not here for your money, Kevin.” She glanced around the elaborate surroundings. Exquisite Southwest artwork adorned the walls of his very tastefully decorated office. “Though I see you’ve become a huge success. That was always most important to you.”

Cara made her point and leaned back in her seat, content to put a name on the mistress who’d stolen her marriage from her. “I’m only here for your signature.”

“And you’ll get it,” Kevin said.

Oh, boy. That was easy, Cara thought, sighing silently with relief.

“Under one condition. I want something from you, Cara.”

So Kevin had terms. She’d be willing to hear him out. She wanted nothing more than to get this whole ordeal over and done with. “I’m willing to do anything, within reason.”

Kevin grinned a little too widely. “Considering you abandoned me and our marriage, I think my request is quite reasonable.”

Cara went numb. She didn’t like the look on her husband’s face. “You forced my hand, Kevin. I hung on to our marriage for years, hoping. But you gave me no option—”

“And I’m giving you no option now. If you want your precious divorce,” he said, “you’ll have to agree to my terms.”

Chapter Two

Kevin watched Cara’s sudden panic when his request finally sank in. Momentarily silenced, Cara blinked rapidly, giving him a chance to really look his wife over.

He hadn’t realized what four years of separation had done to him. He’d never met a woman he admired more than Cara, or thought more beautiful or talented. Cara had it all. He’d always thought so, and everything he’d done, he’d done for her. He’d wanted to prove to her and her wealthy family that she’d married well. That he could give her all the things she deserved.

God, how he’d loved her.

Kevin inhaled sharply and Cara’s head snapped up. “You can’t be serious, Kevin.”

“I’m not joking.”

Cara stood abruptly and stared straight into his eyes. “No, I don’t suppose you have a sense of humor anymore.”

He caught a slight whiff of her exotic scent, the same fragrance she’d worn when they’d been truly man and wife. Memories of hot, erotic nights flooded his senses. Of her silky smooth skin against his flesh, her breath against his cheek, her soft, sensual body tucked under his.

He wanted her again. He’d given her no other choice but to accept his demand. He wouldn’t let Cara have the last laugh. “On the contrary, babe. I have a great sense of humor, when something is funny. This, however, isn’t funny.”

“It’s ridiculous! You want me to live with you for a week? Why, Kevin?”

Kevin arched his brows, but remained silent.

Her blue eyes sparked like raging fire when she caught on. She shook slightly and pointed her finger. “This is blackmail.”

“You owe me for walking out.”

Indignant, Cara raised her voice. “You walked out on us!”

Kevin’s gut tightened. “No, Cara,” he said with quiet calm. “I worked hard to give us a good start.”

Cara shook her head so hard her blond curls whipped across her face. “No, no, no. I won’t let you get away with that. I wanted you. I wanted a family. Children. You only wanted to amass a fortune. You were never there for me, Kevin.”

He shrugged. He’d heard this all before and he’d never agreed with her take on their marriage. He’d asked for one thing from Cara—patience. He’d wanted to give her the world. “So your solution was to run away?”

Cara backed up a step and lowered her voice. “I couldn’t do it anymore. I needed more from you.”

“And leaving Somerset solved the problem for you.” Kevin snapped his fingers. “Just like that, you were gone.”

A sharp, stinging pain sliced through his gut. Kevin didn’t think Cara had the power to hurt him anymore, but seeing her again brought back all the bitter memories. They’d argued the night before Cara had left and had gone to bed angry with each other, but that was nothing compared to the memory of finding that Cara had slipped out of the house before dawn, leaving only a note in her wake.

“It wasn’t as easy as you make it seem.” Cara’s pretty mouth turned down. She filled her lungs with a fortifying breath and opened her slim attaché case, pulling out the divorce papers. “If you’ll forget this nonsense and just sign the papers, you and I…”

“Will be done?”

Cara closed her eyes. “Yes. Please, Kevin. This is difficult enough.”

She got that right. It was difficult seeing her again. All the old, hurtful feelings came tumbling back. Her leaving had cut him deep and left him bleeding. He’d hidden his injury from those around him until he’d become numb inside, then bitterness had emerged. He’d spent the next few years resenting Cara Pettigrew and trying to wash away her memory with an occasional one-night stand, women who would never measure up. He’d refused relationships and poured all his energy back into his business.

Kevin shrugged off his pain the way he’d learned to, from years of experience. He stood his ground. “I told you, I want one week with you, Cara. One week at my penthouse. And then I’ll sign the divorce papers.”

Cara’s shoulders slumped. She shoved the papers back into the attaché case and snapped it shut. “I can’t do that.”

Kevin walked around his desk and approached her. Her eyes gleamed like diamonds and her skin appeared soft as a baby’s, but it was her very kissable mouth, tight as it was at the moment, that had him moving in even closer. He’d never gotten over his anger with her, but he’d also never gotten over wanting her. And now that she was here, he wanted one last fling with his wife.

Before he ended their marriage for good.

He touched her wrist and slid his finger tenderly up her arm. Goose bumps broke out on her skin and Kevin felt a moment of satisfaction. “If you want the divorce, you’re going to have to pay for it.”

Breathless, Cara looked deep into his eyes. “You’ve changed, Kevin.”

“I won’t deny it.”

Cara moved back a step and Kevin dropped his hand from her arm. She worked the inside of her lower lip in that adorable way that always made him hot for her.

“I’ll make you a counteroffer.”

Kevin smiled inside. He should have known his feisty wife wouldn’t give in without a fight. It was a trait he’d always admired about her. “I’m listening.”

“One night. You get one night and that’s all.”

Initially Kevin balked. One night wasn’t nearly enough to exact his payback. He wanted more time with her. His plan was to romance her into falling in love with him again. The ultimate revenge for dumping him would be in his rejection of her. Then he’d sign her divorce papers.

A thought struck and Kevin acted swiftly. “You’ve got a deal. If and only if you agree that our one night will be two weeks from tonight.”

“Two weeks? I can’t possibly—”

“That’s my offer. You stay in town for two weeks, and in exactly fourteen days you’ll have your divorce. Take it or walk away now with those unsigned papers, babe.”

Cara narrowed her eyes and crinkled her nose. She mulled it over for a few seconds, then finally gave him her uplifted chin. “Fine. But only because I need that bank loan. You’ve got me up against a wall.”

Her scent drew him closer. She looked so darn beautiful when she was indignant. He arched a brow. “Baby, I’ve had you up against a wall. Remember?”

Recollection replaced the surprise on her face and her features softened with the memory. Kevin wrapped his hands around her slender waist and tugged her against him, his fingers splayed across her backside.

“Kevin,” she whispered, before his mouth claimed hers.

Kevin could kiss and Cara fell into him for all she was worth. His expert lips teased and tempted her with little nibbles until sizzling heat built up. She tried a vain attempt to pull away, but Kevin only brought her up tighter, pressing her hips to his with a subtle grind that swept through her system. Her knees buckled, her heart slammed as the frenzied kiss overwhelmed her. She found it hard to breathe. And when she opened her mouth to take in oxygen, Kevin mated their tongues and the tantalizing thrill escalated.

He cupped her head in both hands and kissed her again and again, their breathing labored and intense. In the past, this kind of kiss had meant only one thing—a steamy night under the sheets. Kevin could always turn her inside out…

The sobering thought of his blackmail returned full force.

Damn him. Damn him. Damn him.

She didn’t want this. She didn’t want to be swayed by memories of hot, mind-blowing sex with her husband. She’d put those thoughts out of her mind, for the most part. She’d come here for a signature and instead got a near-orgasmic experience just from one kiss.

She pushed at his chest and broke off the kiss.

Kevin glanced at her lips, which she was sure were red and swollen, and smiled. “Two weeks is gonna be a long time.”

“We could finish it here and now.” Cara nearly died of mortification when Kevin noticed her glancing at the top of his uncluttered desk.

“Tempting,” Kevin said, his gaze raking her over. “But we made a deal.”

“Couldn’t we undo that deal, Kevin?” She prayed her plea came through sure and steady, instead of desperate.

Kevin stepped away from her and shook his head. “The way you undid our marriage? No, Cara. This time you’re not running away from me. In fact, I want you to have dinner with me tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Cara jammed her hands on her hips. Who was this man? Certainly, he wasn’t the man she’d fallen in love with and married nine years ago. “You can’t issue orders like that to me, Kevin. I’m not at your beck and call.”

Chagrined, Kevin scratched his head, acknowledging his mistake. “Sorry,” he said. “Guess I’m out of practice wining and dining a lady.”

His confession touched something deep in her heart. Furious with him as she was, it was nice to know that behind all his anger there was a glimmer of the man she’d once known. And to know that Kevin was out of practice with women instilled great comfort within her.

Kevin made a point of clearing his throat and beginning anew. “Cara, I’d like for you to join me for dinner tomorrow night. We have a lot to catch up on. And I could use your advice about something.”

Curious, Cara raised her brows. “My advice?”

“Yes, you always had a level head and you know the parties involved. I want to run something by you. Will you join me for dinner?”

After raising her curiosity level a notch, Cara could hardly refuse. “Yes, okay. I’ll have dinner with you. I’m staying at the Four Seasons.”

Kevin nodded. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” He moved to his desk to retrieve her attaché, and without pause laid a hand to her back and walked her to the door. Handing her the briefcase, he looked into her eyes. “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, Cara.”

Cara nodded, biting her lip to keep from making a snarky retort like, You’re blackmailing me into this. What choice do I have?

But in fact she did have a choice. She could’ve made up an excuse not to have dinner with him. Maybe that would have been the wiser move. Yet Cara had been curious, not only about the advice Kevin wanted, but to learn what had become of her friends in Somerset.

After leaving him, she’d lost touch with so many people and she’d always regretted that. Maybe it was time to renew those friendships while she was here.

Cara bounded out of Kevin’s office with a bounce in her step. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned her encounter going—especially succumbing to Kevin’s kiss the way that she had—but her goals were in sight.

And that was all that mattered to her.

Cara walked the distance to her hotel, willing to trudge the ten blocks in high heels rather than hailing a cab. It was a good way to cool off from Kevin’s melt-your-heart kiss and his blatant blackmail. She didn’t know which of the two disturbed her more.

She’d had little power over Kevin’s kiss. From day one, she’d never been able to resist him. That’s why she’d stolen off in the middle of the night four years ago, fearing that if she’d told him her plans he’d convince her to stay. He’d make his argument, as he had so many other times, and kiss her into oblivion.

But she’d thwarted his blackmail attempt. Somewhat. She could take some satisfaction in that. He’d wanted a week with her when it was clear their marriage was over, and she’d offered him one night. Some might not think it a victory, but Cara knew how determined Kevin was and his compromise certainly meant a win, small as it might be.

Cara clutched her briefcase and thought of the divorce papers inside. Soon, she’d have the independence she needed to expand her business without relying on her mother’s money, which she’d managed to do so far. Since leaving Kevin, she’d looked forward to being her own woman and was proud of her accomplishments. Everything she’d achieved, she’d done on her own. Though her mother had offered to fund her dance studios, Cara wanted to make it on her own. So Cara viewed negotiating with Kevin to get him to sign the divorce papers as a business proposition—a means to achieving her goal.

“Soon, Cara-Bella,” she whispered, smiling at the nickname her dance instructors had bestowed upon her, claiming she danced like a princess.

Soon, you’ll have what you came here for.

As she moved along the sidewalk, taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Houston, gradually her steps slowed to a stroll. She calmed herself by window-shopping, glancing at the familiar storefronts, noting which had revamped their exteriors and which had gone out of business, replaced by newer, more upbeat trendy shops.

People moved along the sidewalks at a quick pace, but that didn’t stop her from spotting Alicia Montoya across the street, bogged down with several shopping bags. She waved, trying to get her attention. “Alicia!”

Alicia swiveled her head and saw her. Surprised, she smiled and waved back, then gestured toward the street corner. Cara met her there after crossing the street.

“Cara, it’s so good to see you!” She gave her a double-armed, shopping-bag hug.

Cara chuckled and knew the first moment of actual joy since coming to Houston. She hugged her back. “Alicia, I’m happy to see you, too. It’s been years.”

She and Alicia had become friends in her first years of marriage with Kevin, despite her brother’s objections. Alex Montoya didn’t want his family involved with any friends of either Lance or Mitch Brody. Both those men had been close to Kevin since their college days, along with Justin Dupree and Darius Franklin. Alex’s extreme hatred carried over to anyone involved with the five men of the Texas Cattleman’s Club.

“Yes, it has been. I wish we had stayed in touch,” Alicia said quietly.

“I’m really sorry about that, Alicia. I went through a hard time. Leaving my home and everything I knew…wasn’t easy. I needed to make a clean break.”

Alicia’s chocolate-brown eyes softened. “I understand. But you’re here now.”

“Yes, I’m here for two weeks. I’d actually planned on calling you, so I’m doubly glad I spotted you. Looks like you bought out the store.”

Alicia glanced down at the shopping bags she held. “I know, I went a little crazy. I don’t shop much, so I had some making up to do. Where are you staying?”

“In a hotel just down the street. Do you think we can get together while I’m here?”

“I was just going to suggest that. We can meet in Somerset for lunch.”

“Sounds great.” Cara handed Alicia her business card. “Here’s my cell number. I’m looking forward to it.”

Alicia smiled when she read the card designed with two dancing figures silhouetted by twinkling lights. “Dancing Lights. I like it, Cara. I’d heard you opened a dance studio.”

Cara shrugged. “All my gymnastics and cheerleading really paid off, I guess. We teach all kinds of dance at the studio. It keeps me out of trouble.”

Thoughtful, Alicia glanced at the card again. “I’ll call you at the end of the week. I have to meet Alejandro now. He’s expecting me.”

Cara nodded. She couldn’t send a greeting to Alicia’s brother. Not when he’d tried to break up her friendship with Alicia, simply because she’d married Kevin. Guilt by association didn’t sit well with her.

“Okay, I’ll see you soon. I’m really looking forward to it.” The sentiment held true—Cara wanted to renew friendships she’d allowed to dissolve when she’d left town. Alicia was a sweetheart and had lent a compassionate ear to Cara when her marriage had fallen apart. She’d love to get acquainted with her again.

Cara stopped in the food court of the Galleria and picked up an Asian salad for dinner before heading to her hotel. When she entered her room, she kicked off her shoes and sat down on the bed, exhausted from the turmoil of the day.

Not two minutes later, a knock came at her door. She groaned and lifted herself off the bed. “Yes,” she said, opening the door to a hotel employee.

“Mrs. Novak? This came for you. Special delivery.”

An “ohh” escaped from Cara before she realized it. The young man handed her a dozen black calla lilies and lavender orchids, beautifully arranged in a vase.

“Thank you,” she said and gave him a tip before closing the door. Admiring the lilies, she set them down on the dresser and plucked the card out.

She read the note. “I didn’t forget your favorite.” Tears stung her eyes for a second. She knew the exotic flowers were from Kevin. Cara had a thing for the unique-colored lilies and it had been the one extravagance she’d requested for their wedding.

Emotion stirred in her stomach and she flopped onto the bed. Staring at the ceiling, her throat constricted and she whispered in the silence of the room, “You didn’t forget, did you, Kevin.”

Kevin sank the putt and eagled the eighteenth hole, then pumped his fist once, twice, in a fair imitation of Tiger Woods. The TCC’s golf course wasn’t exactly a tournament course but Kevin was too happy with the turn of events lately to give a damn. He liked winning.

“Lucky shot,” Lance muttered with mocking disgust.

“Lucky, my ass. That’s pure skill, Brody. That makes five wins to your two, this month.”

“I had you beat until those last three holes,” Lance grumbled. “It’s as if you can’t wait to get off the course today.”

At the reminder of time, Kevin glanced at his watch. He had to stop by his office, change and get ready to pick up Cara.

“Got a hot date or something, Kev?” Lance’s mouth curled into a smirk.

Kevin set his putter into his golf bag. “I’m seeing Cara tonight.”

Lance whistled low and long. “Is there an inkling of hope for you two?”

Kevin glanced at Lance. “Not even a chance.”

Lance blinked. “You’re saying that you’re over her?”

Kevin gritted his teeth. Damn right, he was over her. No matter that seeing her yesterday had reminded him of good times they’d shared or that he looked forward to seeing her again tonight. “Yeah, I’m over her.”

“But you’re taking her out tonight, right?”

“Yeah, I’m taking her out.”

“Hey, just tell me to butt out, buddy. But I saw the look on your face yesterday when she called. You were hopping mad. And anger means you still care. And it also means that you’re up to something. I know you, Kevin.”

“I’m having one last fling with my wife before I sign the divorce papers,” Kevin said in his own defense. “There’s no crime in that.”

“Unless you have an ulterior motive.”

Kevin shrugged. “She’ll be here for a couple of weeks.” Thanks to his blackmail.

After stowing their bags on the back end of the golf cart, he and Lance settled in the seats, Kevin taking the driver’s side.

“So you plan on dating her, and then what?” Lance wouldn’t give up.

Kevin stared at him thoughtfully and exhaled. Every one of his friends knew how much Cara had hurt him when she’d left. Though Kevin wouldn’t openly admit his plan to anyone, it wouldn’t be hard for any one of his friends to put two and two together.

“You’re going to win her back and dump her, aren’t you?” Lance said, his face twisting in disbelief. When Kevin didn’t deny it, Lance shook his head. “Oh, man. Kev, if you have a second chance with someone special, take it. Don’t blow it, the way I almost did with Kate.”

Kevin tossed Lance’s words back at him. “This is the part where I say, butt out, buddy.”

He didn’t need a lecture. Ever since Lance had married Kate, he seemed to want everyone else to follow suit. Only Kevin wasn’t shopping for happily-ever-after anymore. He just wanted a little payback for all the heartache and humiliation Cara had caused him.

“Okay, fine,” Lance said. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Later that day, Kevin went to the office to look over some contracts before sending them to his legal department. He wanted a clear head when he picked up Cara. One of the things he’d learned over the past four years was to surround himself with employees he trusted, and delegate the work. He found that freed up more of his time for pleasurable endeavors, which lately amounted to a round of golf or a game of pool with his buddies.

Anticipation stirred his blood. Cara posed a greater challenge than beating Darius in pool or Lance at golf. And, hell, he had to face facts—he was looking forward to spending his nights with her again.

Just like old times, a voice in his head said.

Kevin left the office at five, drove to his apartment, showered, shaved and checked on the arrangements he’d made for his first date with Cara.

He arrived at her hotel room a little early and knocked on the door.

“Just a minute,” she called from inside.

Kevin smiled just hearing the lilt of her sassy voice.

She opened the door wide and whispered, out of breath, “You’re early.”

She fixed a silver hoop earring to her lobe, looking a little flustered but beautiful all the same in a black silky dress that showed off her long, shapely dancer’s legs. Her hair curled past her shoulders and was held up on one side by a crystal clip.

“You look gorgeous, Cara.” He stepped into the room.

Cara looked him up and down, surprise registering on her face. And before she could comment on his attire, he shook his head and added, “It’s a shame you’re going to have to take off all your clothes.”

Chapter Three

Dressed in jeans and wearing leather boots Kevin had provided, Cara sat upon Dream Catcher, the five-year-old mare who had been born at TCC’s stables when Cara had been living with Kevin. Though she had grown up with horses on her parents’ estate, Cara had forgotten how much she loved riding. She and Kevin had taken an occasional ride in their early years of marriage, before he’d been too obsessed with work to take the time.

The day Dream Catcher was born, Cara had rushed to the stables and the moment she’d seen the feisty little filly, she’d fallen a little bit in love. To sit upon the sweet mare and ride off into the hills of Maverick County with Kevin seemed almost like a dream.

The Texas sun lowered on the horizon and cast hues of orange-gold over the valley as they rode in silence. There was a quiet settle to the land, a peace like nothing Cara had experienced for a long time. She’d been so caught up in the fast pace of Dallas that she’d forgotten what it was like to be with nature. Kevin seemed to understand that, setting the slow pace and enjoying the scenery. There was an odd sense of comfort being here with him. She could almost forget his blackmail and his manipulation.

Almost.

She slid a glance his way and let go a little sigh. Looking just as comfortable atop a horse as he was cutting a deal in his downtown office, Kevin acclimated well. Dressed in solid Wranglers, a blue plaid shirt and black Stetson, her husband dressed down very nicely.

“You’re staring at me,” he said with a grin.

“Oh, you’d like to think so.” Caught, Cara averted her gaze, hiding her own grin.

“I know so. See anything you like?”

Cara sobered at his question. “I don’t know, Kevin. Do I?”

Kevin clucked his jaw a few times. “You need to lighten up, Cara. Enjoy the scenery.”

“And you think you’re part of that scenery?”

“Me?” he said, lowering the brim of his hat. “No, ma’am. I wouldn’t presume.”

Cara chuckled. Okay, maybe she should just lighten up. She didn’t like Kevin’s blackmail, but she could enjoy the ride. If for no other reason than that she was atop Dream Catcher on a glorious, latesummer evening.

“I see a whole lot I like,” Kevin said quietly, after a minute.

Cara sensed his gaze on her, and a burning heat crawled up her neck. She didn’t dare look at him. A lump formed in her throat. She didn’t trust herself to respond.

They rode in silence until the dirt path led them to a rise. “Wait here,” Kevin said mysteriously, and clicked his mare into a trot. He rode on about ten yards to the peak of the rise, then turned toward her. “Okay, come on up.” He gestured with a wave.

Dream Catcher followed the path in a trot, until Cara met Kevin at the top of the rise. Looking into his eyes first, then following the direction of his gaze, Cara gasped at the view below. “Oh, Kevin. This is amazing.”

A small, well-kept cottage on the TCC property was lit outside by at least a hundred pillar candles. A table, dressed in white linen, was set with fine china, crystal wineglasses and lilies of every variety.

“It’s beautiful.” Tears stung her eyes. Why couldn’t he have done something like this years ago when their marriage was shaky, when she needed attention, when she needed to know she was more important than his business? Oh, Kevin, she thought, why are you doing this now, when it’s too late? The question plagued her, but she pushed it out of her mind.

Lighten up, Cara. This is temporary.

“I’m glad you like it.” Kevin pushed his horse on, and Dream Catcher followed him down the other side of the rise. When they reached the cottage, Kevin dismounted. He walked over to Cara and reached for her. She slid down the left side of the horse into Kevin’s arms. He held her, their gazes entwined, as luminous candles lit the background.

“You were always gorgeous in candlelight, babe.”

Cara smiled, the compliment warming her heart.

Kevin tilted his head, the brim of his Stetson grazing her forehead. She braced herself for the kiss, tightening up inside in anticipation.

Kevin brushed his lips over hers in the lightest feather-touch of a kiss, then backed away. Cara blinked, a little surprised.

He took her hand. “Have a seat.” He guided her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. “I’ll see to the horses.”

She watched him take the reins of both horses and go behind the cottage. When he returned and sat down, a chef appeared at the table wearing a white coat and tall hat, a waiter standing just behind him. “I hope you enjoy the meal Mr. and Mrs. Novak,” the chef said.

“I’m sure we will,” Kevin returned, with a nod.

Cara sat quietly while the waiter served their first course, a little pastry puff filled with light cheese and raspberries. She took her first bite and closed her eyes. “Oh…this is heaven.”

When she opened her eyes, Kevin’s gaze was on her, watching her enjoy the pastry with a gleam in his eyes. “The chef came highly recommended.”

Cara was again tempted to ask, why was he going to so much trouble? But she’d already decided that she would just go with the flow and see where that would take her, so she remained silent on the subject. “I can see why. He’s already got my vote for Chef of the Year.”

Kevin poured them each a glass of wine.

“You said something about needing my advice?” Cara sipped her wine and the smooth liquid warmed her inside. “But you haven’t said a word about it yet.”

Kevin lifted his glass to his lips and sipped. “It’s not a pleasant subject, Cara. I hate to spoil the night, but yes, I do have something I’d like to tell you. It’s regarding Alex Montoya and the recent fire at Brody Oil and Gas. I think it was set deliberately.”

“You think Alex did it?” Cara’s voice elevated with disbelief. Sure, the Brody brothers had issues with Alex, and vice versa, from their teen years, but Cara never thought Alejandro Montoya capable of something as criminal as arson.

“I do, Cara. I’d like your opinion about this. Hear me out.”

Kevin gave a detailed description of what had transpired between Lance, Mitch and Alex through the years, and then added a final note about how Alex had managed to hamper his newest revitalization development. He explained how Alex had helped back a faction that had that particular area in Somerset declared historic, thus killing the project. “I have no proof regarding the fire, but you know everyone involved. What do you think?”

Cara shook her head. She thought about the accidental meeting she’d had with Alicia just yesterday. Alicia would be devastated if her brother was involved with the fire in any way. “My gut instincts tell me Alex wouldn’t do anything so drastic. It’s not his style, Kevin. Yes, I can see him behind the scenes, working to preserve the Somerset area. He may have even done that to spite you, but that’s not a criminal act.”

“No, it just caused me a major headache and financial losses.”

“You may not agree with me,” she said with a shake of her head, “but I don’t think Alex had anything to do with the refinery fire.”

“Okay, noted. You and Darius are the only ones. Lance, Mitch, Justin and I all think he’s behind it.”

Cara sipped her wine. “Maybe you’re not being objective. Maybe you want to blame Alex. Maybe you’re so pissed at him, you want him to be guilty.” Kevin winced and Cara continued. “Revenge can be sweet, isn’t that what you always said?”

“No, I never said that.”

Cara blinked and leaned forward. “Oh, sorry, that must have been the other husband I married nine years ago.”

“Must have been.” With a smug look, Kevin lifted his glass and finished off his wine. He poured himself another glass as the waiter cleared their dishes and brought the next course.

“So, is that all you wanted to ask me?” Cara dived into her asparagus salad, her appetite flaring to life.

“Yes.”

“Are you sorry you asked for my opinion?”

“No.” Kevin spoke with an earnest tone. “I always valued your opinion. That hasn’t changed.”

Cara sat back in her seat and stared into Kevin’s eyes. “You can be so charming—when you want to be.”

“I want to be. Right now. With you.”

Why? Cara didn’t understand it, but the voice in her head told her to go with it and enjoy these last few days with Kevin. Soon enough, their marriage would be over.

When they finished all four courses of the main meal, Kevin suggested they go inside the cottage for coffee and dessert. “The chef made us something special.”

“I should be full, but I can always fit in dessert,” Cara said, feeling the zipper of her jeans expanding a bit. She was slender and, at five foot eight, she could afford to eat a decadent dessert once in a while.

Kevin stood and reached for her hand. With fingers entwined, they entered the cottage, climbing the steps, their boots scraping the wooden floors. Cara made a quick tour of the quaint cottage, noting the rustic stone fireplace, cozy chintz sofa and several swag-draped pane windows. “It’s lovely here.”

“It was the groundskeeper’s home at one time. TCC let it go to ruin, practically. I renovated it and now it’s available—”

“For impressing your dates?” she blurted, in a teasing tone.

Kevin whipped around and grabbed her by the waist, bringing her flush up against him. “You have a mouth on you, don’t you?”

Cara pulled her head back to look at him fully. “You always liked my sassy mouth.”

Kevin’s gaze devoured her mouth. He cupped her head with one hand and pulled her close, his lips so near. “I still do.”

Cara’s heart pumped double time when he kissed her. He tasted of robust wine and warmth. He tasted familiar and fine. He tasted of all the sweet things in her life she missed. “Kevin.”

“I love it when you whimper my name,” he said between kisses.

“I didn’t whimper,” Cara protested mildly. Kevin cupped her derriere and tugged her in. Hip jamming hip, she felt his desire, rough against rough as their jeans brushed.

Kevin nibbled on her throat. “Really? Guess I’m gonna have to do something about that.”

There were times when Kevin hated his methodical mind and this was one of them. Every instinct he possessed told him to seduce Cara, here and now, and take advantage of the remote, romantic cottage setting. But Kevin had a plan in mind, and the culmination of that plan had to happen later rather than sooner.

He’d kick himself tomorrow for his damnable obstinate nature and pay the price of losing out on a wild night of sex with his wife. Yet all wasn’t lost. He needed more from Cara tonight and he’d take what little his plan allowed.

He nipped at Cara’s lips over and over, sweeping his tongue through her mouth with frenzied heat. A little tiny moan escaped her throat that sent Kevin’s straining erection into overdrive.

With an effort that took all of his will, he pulled away from her to look deep into her eyes. Her hazyblue surrender unnerved him.

He needed to touch her and feel the softness of her skin, caress the firm mounds of her perfect breasts. Nothing was going to stop him, his plan be damned.

“Baby,” he murmured, licking the soft center of her throat. “Let me touch you.”

She trembled and whimpered helplessly.

Kevin kissed his way down to the first button of her blouse. With nimble fingers, he undid that button, then the next and the next. Her breasts, cupped in white cotton, spilled out, an invitation he couldn’t ignore.

He palmed her breasts and closed his eyes, relishing the remembered feel of her, the way she fit so completely in his hand. His thumbs simultaneously caressed both erect tips, her nipples straining against her bra, until Kevin freed them from the torture.

“Ohh,” she moaned, leaning closer to him with a need he knew he couldn’t satisfy tonight.

“You feel as good as you look, baby. As good as I remember,” he murmured.

Kevin bent his head and kissed the tips of her breasts, first one, then the other. Always responsive to his touch, she arched back and Kevin drew her deep into his mouth, suckling and teasing the rosy buds with his tongue.

He wanted to take her here and now, to ease the desire straining against his jeans, to begin to rectify four years of wanting her, despite his anger. It was hard to back off, to pull away from what she offered and what he wanted, but Kevin was determined to see his plan through.

“Did you hear that?” he asked quietly.

Breathlessly, she replied, “You mean the pounding of my heart?”

Kevin smiled and kissed her lips. “No, outside. Something spooked the horses. I’ll go check.”

Cara appeared a little surprised by his quick dismissal. He turned and walked out the front door. Behind the house, the horses calmly waited. Kevin leaned against the cottage wall, beside a hibiscus vine in full yellow bloom, and shut his eyes. “Harder than I thought,” he whispered.

He waited just a few moments, until his breathing slowed and his internal thermostat cooled down. Then he untied the reins of both horses and guided them toward the front of the cottage. Cara waited on the porch steps. “False alarm,” he said. “Must have just been a coyote howl off in the distance.”

Thankfully, Cara had buttoned her blouse and straightened her unruly, honey-blond hair. He only had so much willpower where his wife was concerned. He tilted his head and sighed, without falsity. “We should go. It’s getting late.”

Cara blinked a few times, then nodded. “Of course.”

Kevin helped Cara onto Dream Catcher and then bounded up onto his horse. They headed to the TCC stables in silence. Once they were safely back at the entrance, Kevin glanced at Cara. “We never had dessert.”

Cara broke her silence with an acknowledging light in her eyes. “We’ll have to lie to the chef and tell him it was fabulous.”

He dismounted, then reached for her and, once again, she slid down the horse and into his arms. Kevin stared deep into her eyes, holding her loosely around the waist. “It was fabulous.”

Cara searched his eyes. She had questions, but Kevin had only one answer. He kissed her soundly on the lips, tasting her once again. “Have dinner with me tomorrow night. I’ll make up for the dessert we missed.”

“How can you do that? I’m sure the chef is on to bigger and better things.”

He chuckled, knowing Cara was messing with him. “Easy. I know what you crave.”

Cara jammed her hands to her hips and shook her head in denial. “I bet you don’t.”

“Oh, no? Hot fudge over chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and a dozen cherries.”

“Tasty’s?” Cara’s smug expression changed to one of longing. “I haven’t had Tasty’s for—”

“Four and a half years? I took you there for your birthday, remember?”

A thoughtful look crossed her expression and she smiled sadly. “Yeah, I do remember.”

“So, how about it? Burgers and dessert at Tasty’s tomorrow night?”

Cara opened her mouth, then clamped it closed with a quick snap. He could always tell when she waged a war of decision in her mind.

“Don’t overthink it, babe. Just go with it.”

The comment opened her eyes wide and she made a quick decision. “Okay. But, Kevin,” she began in a solemn tone, “maybe we shouldn’t get in over our heads. We both know why I came to Somerset.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten.”

“G-good.”

“But I’m not making any promises.”

Cara’s mouth tightened into a frown.

Kevin planted a brief kiss over her down-turned lips. “Come on, I’ll drive you back to the hotel. You can think about Tasty’s all the way home.”

Cara didn’t think about Tasty’s all the way back to her hotel. She thought about Kevin. He’d touched her in ways she hadn’t allowed another man since they’d split up. Sensual images flashed vividly in her head. Her body still prickled. Nope, no man since had even made her feel like trying. Oh, she’d dated at times, but nothing had ever come of it.

Kevin had been sweet and attentive all night and just minutes ago he’d nearly made her forget her own name.

It’s Cara Pettigrew, she thought sourly. Not Cara Pettigrew-Novak.

She was still his wife, but in name only. She had stopped being a Novak four years ago.

Cara slipped out of her riding clothes, tugging off the new leather boots Kevin had given her. He’d remembered her shoe size, she realized. How many men would even know their wife’s shoe size?

“Remember why you left him,” Cara whispered in the quiet of her room. He’d been fun and loving for the first few months of their marriage and then he’d become obsessive and driven. For success? For money? For power? Cara wasn’t sure of his motivation, since he’d made a decent living and she’d never complained. She hadn’t asked for riches. She’d grown up wealthy. She’d seen how her own father had been driven and how much his obsession had hurt his marriage—and her. She’d been the daughter her father never had time for.

“Money doesn’t guarantee happiness,” she’d tell Kevin. But her husband hadn’t listened. His competitive nature made him want to prove his worth to Cara and her family. He wanted to measure up, she presumed, though she’d never once implied that he wasn’t enough for her.

When the hotel phone rang, Cara was grateful for the interruption of her thoughts.

“Oh, hi, Mom.”

Perhaps grateful was too strong a word. Her mom had been like a watchdog lately and she was the last person Cara wanted to speak with about Kevin. Especially after what had happened between them tonight. Ever since Cara had made her decision to divorce Kevin, her mother had been overly supportive.

“Did he sign the papers yet?”

Cara flinched. Her mother got right to the point. She couldn’t possibly tell her mother the truth, that she’d been blackmailed into sleeping with her estranged husband before he’d sign on the dotted line. “No, Mom. Not yet. But we had a…meeting tonight. Kevin is cooperating.”

“But, dear, I don’t see why there’s a problem. You’re not asking for much. Actually, you’re being quite fair with the settlement. What’s the holdup?”

What was the holdup? She didn’t know what purpose it served to hang around Somerset for two weeks, but she had to tell her mother something. “Well, Kevin is really busy.”

“He hasn’t changed,” her mother chimed in bitterly. “Just like your father.”

Cara swallowed that and continued, “Mom, you know I liked living in Somerset. I’m catching up with friends while I’m here. Taking a little vacation.”

“Dear, a vacation is relaxing in a villa in Siena, not begging for signed divorce papers from your husband. I’m worried about you, Cara. You’ve done so well for yourself in Dallas.”

“I was happy here, too, once upon a time.”

Her mother’s silence was quite telling. She couldn’t blame her for being protective. Cara had been hurt by the separation. She’d really loved Kevin, and no mother wants to see her child in pain. Cara understood all that.

“I know, dear, that’s why ending it quickly is better for you. It’s been dragged out long enough.”

“I agree with you, Mom. And I’ll get back to Dallas as soon as I can.”

“Well, all right. I hope to see you home soon. I love you, dear.”

“Love you, too.”

Cara hung up the phone and took a long pull of oxygen, thankful the conversation hadn’t lasted too long.

When the phone rang again, Cara let it ring four times. She was through talking for the day. All she wanted to do was climb into bed and get to sleep.

But her curiosity got the better of her. She picked up the receiver, hoping it wasn’t her mother on the other end with more pearls of wisdom.

“Hello?”

“Hi, baby.” The deep timbre of Kevin’s voice oozed through the phone line. “What are you doing?”

“I’m getting out of my…uh, getting ready for bed.”

“Yeah? Me, too. I just got out of the shower.”

The visual image of Kevin’s hard-ripped body wet from head to toe and wrapped in a skimpy towel swept through her mind. She mouthed a silent oh, thankful that the word didn’t slip out accidentally.

She cleared her throat.

“What do you wear to bed these days?” Kevin asked.

The question was so audacious, Cara laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“I would, Cara,” he said with quiet sincerity.

“Nothing.”

Kevin let go a sexy groan.

“Much. Nothing much. I mean, just an old Dancing Lights T-shirt.”

“I can picture you wearing that.”

“Kevin, why are you calling so late?”

“Had a good time tonight, Cara. Just wanted you to know.”

Cara nibbled on her lower lip. She squeezed her eyes shut, yet couldn’t shake off images from tonight of Kevin’s lips on hers, his mouth making love to her breasts, the tantalizing look of pure lust in his deep-blue eyes when he’d taken off her blouse. “Thank you.” She paused, then added, “It was a good night. I enjoyed riding Dream Catcher.”

“I thought you might.”

“Why are you being so sweet to me?” Cara blurted. She couldn’t figure out his motivation. “Our marriage is ending.”

Kevin didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, but there’s no reason we can’t be friends, Cara. No reason we can’t end this on a happy note.”

“Marriages usually don’t end on happy notes, sweetheart.”

He paused, and she realized she’d used his favorite endearment. “Ours could. We can be different from everyone else. So, are you picturing me dripping wet in my towel or what?”

Cara gasped and then laughed aloud. He’d caught her, but she’d rather die than admit it. “I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor after all, Kevin.”

“I’ve lost a lot of things, Cara.” His playful mood suddenly changed. “But not my sense of humor.”

Cara didn’t want to deal with the serious tone of his voice now. Sudden panic developed and she searched for an escape. “Kevin, I’d better get to bed.”

“Yeah, me, too. Sleep tight, babe. Dream good dreams.”

Cara nearly choked out a quick good-night. She knew what would fill her dreams tonight.

Good or bad, they’d be of Kevin.

Wearing nothing but a small towel.

The next day the image of Kevin stayed with her all morning long. Restless from those thoughts, Cara left the Four Seasons and walked the Houston streets, stopping in at boutiques along the way—she was bored with the few changes of clothes she’d brought for a trip she had thought would only take two days.

She’d told her mother she’d be taking a little vacation and, though she’d had to rearrange her entire schedule to stay on in Houston, Cara decided, a shopping spree would do her good. Why not enjoy the city while she was here?

By the end of the day, she’d filled two shopping bags with gifts for her dance instructors, a Gucci French flap wallet for her mother and several new outfits for herself, including a scarlet dress to match the new Valentino slingbacks she’d purchased.

The time had flown by. She had just enough time to rush back to the hotel and shower before Kevin came knocking.

It bothered her that she’d changed her clothes three times before her date with him for burgers at Tasty’s. Why was she trying to look pretty for Kevin?

But the minute she opened the door and saw the glint of appreciation in his eyes, she thought it was all worth it.

“Wow, you look great. Too good for Tasty’s.” Kevin toured her body up and down leisurely, and Cara knew a moment of satisfaction.

She’d tried on the dresses she’d picked up today, but decided instead on a pair of formfitting, black pants, very high black heels and a white, flowing, off-the-shoulder blouse belted at the waist with a gold-and-black twist rope. “Stop right there if you think you’re gonna weasel your way out of taking me to Tasty’s.”

“Okay,” Kevin said with a teasing twist of his lips. “If I have to. Are you ready to go or do you want to invite me in?”

He peeked over her shoulder and into her hotel room. His gaze focused on her king-size bed. Cara wasn’t about to let him in. Her husband was a dangerous man and she’d never been able to resist him when he smiled and spoke with charm.

Kevin still had a perfect body, broad of shoulder and slightly muscular, enough to show his strength without overkill. Four years hadn’t changed that. His grooming was impeccable, and darn if he didn’t look like he belonged on the cover of GQ.

Right now, his blue eyes gleamed with the kind of mischief that could get them both into deep trouble. She shoved at his chest lightly and pushed him out the door. “I’m ready for a burger.”

Kevin took her hand from his chest and entwined their fingers. He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “And I’m ready for dessert. It’s been a long time, Cara. I need to satisfy my craving.”

Chapter Four

Kevin helped Car a into his jet-black Jaguar, and then got in and started the engine. His Jag roared to life. All that power at his fingertips at one time had been a big turn-on. But now, Kevin looked across the seat to find his wife sitting beside him and he couldn’t think of a bigger turn-on. Cara, dressed for a casual date with him in her classy style, took his breath away.

He gritted his teeth with determination. He wasn’t going to make it easy for her to walk away from their marriage. Damn her, anyway. She’d been the primary reason he’d worked sixteen hours a day. She’d come from wealth, and his pride wouldn’t allow her to climb down that ladder to marry someone who couldn’t provide her the same sort of elevated life-style.

The success he’d achieved had been for her and for their marriage. But her patience had run out and she’d followed suit. He’d never forgive her for leaving him high and dry. The humiliation he’d suffered alone was reason enough for this retaliation. But it was more than that. He’d loved Cara. Really loved her. And she’d destroyed that love.

Cara glanced his way with a quizzical look. “You’re quiet.”

“It’s been a long day.”

Kevin snapped on the CD player and smiled. “Oldies, to get us in the mood.”

Elvis came on and Cara turned up the volume to “All Shook Up.” She knew all the words and sang along with the music. Her toes tapped in rhythm and she swayed her body back and forth. Graceful and elegant, Cara knew how to move.

He’d been resentful when he’d learned about her success with Dancing Lights, somehow seeing the studio as his competition. She’d moved from him to bigger things. Yet, from a purely professional standpoint, he secretly admired her acumen. She hadn’t used her family’s money for the start-up of her enterprise, but instead had taken out small-business bank loans to fund the studios. Now she was willing to end their marriage to expand her business.

Kevin pushed those bitter thoughts out of his mind. He was on a mission and couldn’t forget his game plan.

By the time they reached Tasty’s, his spirits had lifted and he grabbed Cara’s hand as they bounded up the steps to the fifties diner. They sat in a redvinyl corner booth and ordered cherry Cokes and Tasty Burgers.

The dated chrome jukebox stood in the opposite corner next to the long Formica lunch counter, and mini-jukeboxes anchored each booth. “Pick some songs,” Kevin said as he put two quarters in.

They both leaned in close to view the playlist. “Oh, look. They have one-hit wonders! ‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’ was one of my favorites.” Cara punched in its number, along with a few other obscure songs from the past.

“What do you suppose happened to these artists?” she asked, her expression thoughtful.

He shrugged. “They tried and failed. They probably went on to lead productive lives in some other field.”

Cara nodded. “One would hope. It’d be a shame not to do what you love to do, though.”

“Most people don’t, Cara. Most don’t enjoy the work they do. They simply have to do it to survive.”

Cara’s sky-blue eyes softened. “I feel extremely lucky that I found something I love to do.”

Kevin searched her expression for any sign of regret and found none. It irked him that she could dismiss their marriage so easily. “You were always good at everything you attempted.”

“Thank you,” she said. She sent him a smile that flattened quickly.

“What’s wrong?” Kevin asked, curious about her change of expression.

She shook her head and looked down at the tabletop. “Nothing.”

“Something,” he prodded.

She lifted her shoulders. “It’s just that, at times, I think I failed as…a wife.”

Floored by her admission, Kevin furrowed his brow. “Why?”

Emotions surfaced on her face and her eyes narrowed with pain. “I don’t know. Maybe because nothing I said or did kept you at home.”

Kevin leaned way back in his seat and studied her.

She continued. “My mother had the same issue with my dad. He was never home. Always working, until the day he died. You know he died of a heart attack. Fell facedown on his desk at the office.” Cara looked up for a second, holding back tears. “My mother said he died doing what he loved best.”

Anger bubbled in his gut. Cara had it all wrong if she was comparing her father to him. Their situations were entirely different. Cara’s father had had more wealth than he knew what to do with, while Kevin had had nothing and worked hard to bring their life up to a certain standard of living. He’d been determined to make his first million by age twenty-five.

For Cara.

Always for Cara.

“You think I didn’t love you enough?” Kevin asked. “That I wasn’t home because I wasn’t…what? Happy with you? Or because I found you lacking in some way?”

Cara shrugged. “It doesn’t matter now, Kevin.”

They’d had this argument before, but never with so much raw honesty. “I say it does—”

“Hey, Novak.” Lance walked in with Darius and both strode to their table. Kevin winced. He needed them here like a hole in the head.

Lance ignored Kevin and nearly lifted Cara out of her seat to give her a bear hug. “My God, you look great! It’s good to see you, Cara.”

“Same here, Lance.”

Darius moved in and gave Cara a hug, too, his low, easy voice greeting her. “You have brightened my day, woman.”

“Hi, Darius. How have you been?”

“I’ve got no complaints.”

Cara beamed seeing the two and, without invitation, both Lance and Darius took a seat, cramming Cara and Kevin into the booth. Kevin sat back and listened as Cara and his friends caught up on their lives.

The interruption actually was more beneficial than he’d originally thought, since it had lifted Cara’s mood. They’d gotten way off course with the discussion earlier and Kevin fully intended on charming his wife tonight. He’d been thinking about seeing her all day. And if nothing else, he could rely on a sinfully erotic chocolate dessert to get her in a risky frame of mind.

Cara had indulged herself fully, devouring obscene, hot-fudge cake while enjoying Kevin and his friends. She’d missed their friendship and remembered how much fun they’d all had in college. At the time, Kevin was the only one of the three men in a serious relationship. Now, the opposite was true. Lance had Kate, and Darius had Summer, while she and Kevin teetered on the edge of a divorce.

“They haven’t changed much.” Cara smiled, feeling melancholy on the drive back to her hotel.

“Those clowns? They’ll never change.” Kevin grinned.

When he stopped at a red light, he glanced at her, then leaned over to wipe a smudge of hot fudge from her bottom lip. “You’re messy.”

“Am not.”

Kevin licked the hot fudge from his thumb, making Cara squirm a little in her seat. His gaze focused on her mouth, and erotic thoughts entered her head.

“Oh, no?” Kevin’s voice went low and deep. “Then why do I have to clean you up?”

Puzzled, Cara squinted. “You don’t have to—”

“Yeah, I do.” He leaned in farther to cup her head in his hand and slanted his mouth over hers, his tongue doing a thorough swipe over her lips. Cara relished the liberties he took with her, enjoying every second of the kiss. When she began to kiss him back, savoring the moment, the car behind them honked.

“Darn it,” Kevin said, moving away. He glanced in the rearview mirror at the car behind them. “Hold your horses, buddy.” Kevin straightened in his seat and drove out of the intersection.

Cara’s chuckle had him turning her way.

“What’s so funny?”

“You haven’t changed your driving habits. Still arguing with everyone on the road.”

His eyes twinkled. “Idiots. All of them.” When he looked at Cara, a deep, rumbling laugh emerged.

“All of them but you, right?”

“You got that right, babe.” His charming grin unnerved her.

Cara settled in her seat, still smoldering from that one red-light kiss and feeling light of heart at the same time. Kevin and chocolate had that effect on her.

Memories flooded her senses of all the silly, lighthearted moments they had shared during their courtship. Kevin had been entertaining and easy to be with. He’d been irresistible, too, and Cara found that tonight, all those traits that made up the man she’d loved had surfaced.

Kevin reached for her hand. “It’s early and a beautiful night. Want to take a walk?”

Cara didn’t hesitate. She’d enjoyed the evening and didn’t want it to end. “I’d like that.”

Kevin squeezed her hand and nodded. “I know just the place.”

Cara leaned back in her seat, trusting Kevin to entertain her. He’d been doing a good job of it since she’d arrived back in Houston. Though their marriage was over, this short time together would help them heal from wounds inflicted years earlier. Maybe this was the salve they needed to repair their injuries so they could move on with their lives.

Whatever the reason for her carefree mood, Cara wouldn’t analyze it too deeply. She was on vacation from life at the moment, a small black hole in time where she and her soon-to-be-ex husband could enjoy each other’s company without repercussions.

She’d forget his blackmail for the time being, shoving his motives out of her head. In less than two weeks she’d be back in Dallas, planning her new studio design, doing what she loved doing.

Kevin stopped the car on a dirt road that overlooked Somerset Lake. Brilliant moonlit waters glistened with sapphire illumination. Kevin got out of the car and opened the door for her.

The air felt heavy and warm, typical for a summer Texas night. Crickets chirped on and off and, in the space of quiet, the gentlest rippling of waves could be heard.

Cara swallowed hard as she took in the view. This was the place they’d come with all their friends, to have picnics and bonfires during the summer. This was their place, the spot right beyond the picnic tables, where she and Kevin had first admitted their love for one another.

Cara took Kevin’s offered hand and followed him down a dusky, bluebonnet-laden path that led to the water. She took each step with care. She hated trampling on the flowers.

“You’re not going to hurt them, babe. They look delicate, but they’re resilient.”

Cara had heard that from Kevin before, in much the same way, but not about bluebonnets. He’d spoken those words about her when they’d had arguments about his workaholic tendencies.

You look delicate, but I know you’re resilient.

Apparently, he hadn’t thought she could be hurt. Yet even the most durable of flowers had a breaking point.

“Why take the chance?” she said softly. When Kevin glanced at her, she shrugged. “I don’t want to destroy them.”

Kevin let the comment go and Cara doubted he caught her true meaning.

“Remember this place?” he asked.

“How could I not? We came here almost every weekend in the summer.”

“That was some summer, wasn’t it?”

She knew he meant the summer when they’d fallen in love. They’d been inseparable. She nodded slowly and held his hand as they walked along the lakeshore.

“Tell me what happened after you left Somerset.”

Cara took a long, slow breath. A cricket chirped a few times, before she was able to formulate the words. “I…It was hard, Kevin. The hardest time of my life.”

Kevin remained silent. He gazed ahead, refusing to look into her eyes.

“When I decided to start Dancing Lights, my whole world opened up again.”

Kevin’s mouth twisted, though he tried very hard to conceal his angst.

Cara didn’t want to spoil the evening by talking about a sore subject. “I’m sorry, but you asked.”

They walked along the little cove and reached a clearing by another group of redwood picnic benches.

“Care to show me a thing or two about dancing? You know I have two left feet.”

“Here? There’s no music. And you don’t have two left feet. As I recall, you have some pretty good moves.”

Kevin grinned with mischief. He clamped his hands on her waist and pulled her against him. “As I recall, you liked all my moves.”

Cara gasped, immersed in the gleam of his dark blue eyes.

“But I’m talking about dance moves, babe. I could use a refresher, since I’m inviting you to Lance and Kate’s wedding reception at the club. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you with my lackluster dance steps.”

Cara blinked in surprise. She couldn’t go to Lance’s reception with Kevin. It was one thing to see him for a few casual dates privately, but being on his arm at a formal affair would give the wrong impression and make her dream things she had no right dreaming. “You won’t have to. I can’t go.”

“How do you know? I haven’t told you the date yet.”

“Because,” Cara said, stepping away from him to look at the calm waters for comfort. Weddings always made her sentimental and she already had enough to deal with. She didn’t need a reminder of their utter failure. “It’s just that I think—”

“Shh, you think too much,” Kevin said softly, searching her eyes. “You’re so beautiful in moonlight, Cara.” He leaned in and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

Her insides melted at his gentle touch and she reached up on tiptoes to kiss him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Maybe it was this place and the memories it evoked, or maybe she’d just been too long without any real tenderness in her life, but right now, she needed to be with Kevin, kissing him and feeling like a woman again.

It wasn’t long before Kevin’s kisses turned her into Silly Putty, except there was nothing silly about the intensity he displayed. He pulled her along, walking backward until he sat upon the edge of a picnic table. He fitted her between his legs and continued to nibble on her mouth until he drew his lips downward to the base of her throat.

Pinpricks of excitement flew up and down her body. She tingled everywhere, breathing in his sexy cologne. The musky scent she recognized from years before drove her further into oblivion.

It was easy for him to untie her rope belt and pull her blouse down. With a groan of appreciation, he murmured her name and her heart rate sped up.

Kevin unfastened her bra with adept fingers and he pulled the garment away from her. “Damn it, sweetheart,” he murmured, the curse a soft and beautiful endearment.

Exposed from the waist up, the pushed-down sleeves of her blouse trapping her arms slightly, Cara could only watch as Kevin touched her breasts, caressing, weighing, cupping her with such tenderness, she wanted to cry.

He made eye contact as he flicked his thumbs over her nipples, toying with them and making her moan with pleasure.

“You still like me touching you,” he whispered, his torturous fingers breaking her out in a sweat.

She bit her lip and nodded. She loved the way Kevin touched her. He’d been the only man who could turn her on so fast, so furiously. But Cara gave as good as she got and she never let Kevin have the last word. “Seems to me,” she said, breathless, “you could put that mouth to better use.”

Kevin chuckled, then clamped his hands around her trapped arms and brought her closer. Her breast grazed his mouth and he teased her with tiny tongue swipes until her knees nearly buckled.

“Better?” he asked in a whisper and she nodded enthusiastically.

He filled his mouth with her, suckling and blowing hot breath over her breast. Her nipple stood erect and a rush of sizzling heat invaded her body. Everything below her waist throbbed.

Kevin was in no better shape. His body was rigid, the bulge of his desire pressed against her clothes. Crazy thoughts entered her head of making love to Kevin right here, out in the open, beside the lake where they’d first revealed their love for each other.

Kevin’s thoughts couldn’t have been far behind. He kissed her soundly and stood up, his manhood grazing her between the legs. “I need more, baby.”

Cara nodded and helped Kevin unzip her pants. He cosseted her close and slipped his hand inside. With nimble fingers, he pulled her panties aside and cupped her womanhood.

“Ohh.” His touch sent her mind reeling. She’d been so long without this, without Kevin bringing her pleasure.

Alone at the lake in the darkness, the night lit only by moonlight, Cara succumbed to Kevin’s ministrations. He slid his hand back and forth, his fingertips caressing her most sensitive skin. She rocked and swayed, and he kissed her while she moved over his hand.

“You feel so good, Cara,” he whispered over her lips. He slipped one finger inside.

Cara’s eyes closed. She surrendered to Kevin’s will. Every single part of her body tingled as he stroked her, slipping his finger up and down until she moved in rhythm like the music of a sexy samba. When she arched her back, Kevin followed her, sliding his lips along her throat, creating sensations that burned like a branding iron.

Whimpers of pleasure tumbled from her lips and Cara’s face twisted in ecstasy. “Oh, sweet heaven.”

Kevin cupped her breast with one hand and stroked her unmercifully with the other. Again and again, until Cara’s body rocked out of control.

“It’s so good, baby. Remember?”

Cara remembered. Kevin had always been an unselfish lover. But her thoughts stopped there, because she was too far gone to answer him. Her pleasure heightened and heightened, Kevin drawing out every quiver, every earth-shattering morsel of ecstasy, relentless in his pursuit.

Her muscles contracted and squeezed, her body quaked, and Kevin stopped his assault, allowing her to enjoy this moment on her own terms. He knew, oh, yes, how he knew to bring her the utmost pleasure.

Her orgasm came in slow, torturous, drawn-out bursts. Cara relished each mind-blowing second of shuddering release. Then slowly, slowly she came back down to earth.

When she opened her eyes, Kevin was watching her, his gaze smoldering with lust. “That was—”

“Heaven,” Cara whispered, not shy about her display.

Kevin shook his head. “The sexiest thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

Cara glanced down at his obvious erection. “Are you…okay?”

“I could make love to you ten times on this picnic table and not be satisfied.”

Cara squirmed, tempted by the erotic thought.

Kevin worked her zipper up and handed her back her bra. “But a deal’s a deal.”

Fully sated and feeling very lighthearted, Cara dressed. “A man of his word.”

Kevin inhaled a sharp breath. She knew how much he’d held back, for her pleasure. “Would have been safer to teach me how to dance.”

Cara couldn’t contain her smile. “Safety is overrated at times.”

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