THE COLTONS: COMANCHE BLOOD

Discover a proud, passionate clan of men and women who will risk everything for love, family and honor.

Sky Colton:

Hurt by love before, she only agreed to play Dr. Dominic Rodriguez’s fiancée out of overwhelming guilt. Can she survive this time with her heart still intact?

Dr. Dominic Rodriguez:

The no-smiles surgeon doesn’t get close to people—he can’t afford to as a doctor. But Sky Colton makes him laugh—and feel things he never wanted to….

Gloria WhiteBear:

The truth is out that she was the real wife of Teddy Colton—making the Oklahoma Coltons his true heirs. But this scandalous secret could prove deadly!

Grey Colton:

His great-grandfather calls him the lone wolf—but he feels he has more important things to do than chase after women….

Sky Full of Promise
Teresa Southwick

www.millsandboon.co.uk

TERESA SOUTHWICK

is a native Californian who has lived there most of her life. Having lived with her husband of twenty-five-plus years and two handsome sons, she has been surrounded by heroes for a long time. Reading has been her passion since she was a girl. She couldn’t be more delighted that her dream of writing full-time has come true. Her favorite things include: holding a baby, the fragrance of jasmine, walks on the beach, the patter of rain on the roof and, above all, happy endings.

Teresa has also written historical romance novels under the same name.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter One

“You don’t look like a home wrecker.”

The sound of the deep male voice turned Sky Colton quickly from the sales receipts she’d been totaling. She hadn’t heard anyone enter the store. Since Christmas the previous month, her high-end jewelry business in Black Arrow, Oklahoma, had been slow. Facing the tall, dark, handsome stranger, she wondered if sales were about to pick up. Along with her heartbeat.

Then his words registered. She folded her hands and rested them on the locked glass case containing her exclusive, original jewelry designs. “Home wrecker? If you’re not looking for a demolition company, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Right. And mermaids can do the splits.”

Sky studied him more closely. His worn black leather bomber jacket was at odds with the powder-blue, button-down collar shirt tucked into his jeans. She couldn’t help noticing his abdomen was washboard firm. No beer belly or love handles. His dark brown hair was cut conservatively short. It was the dead of winter, yet his olive skin made him look tanned. And she expected his eyes to be warm brown, like hot chocolate. They weren’t.

Instead they were dark blue and sizzling with anger. Why? What had she done to him? She’d never seen this man before. She was sure of it.

“I would remember you,” she said, then winced. Nothing like nourishing the ego of the man who was looking at her as if he wanted to stake her out on the nearest anthill. “If we’d ever met,” she added.

“We haven’t.”

“It doesn’t take a mental giant to see you’re annoyed. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Haven’t you already done enough?”

She straightened to her full five-feet-six-inch height, but that didn’t do much for her intimidation quotient. He had the advantage of another six inches and pretty much towered over her. Quite an attractive tower, she couldn’t help noticing. And if he weren’t so crabby, she might have been tempted to flirt.

“Look, Mr.—” She waited for him to supply a name, but he didn’t. She sighed. “The only thing I do is design and sell jewelry. I use Native American elements in my designs, which some people find mystical. But I’m not psychic. You’re going to have to give me more information if you expect me to undo any injustice you think I’ve done you.”

“I don’t think it. I know it.”

“What?”

He reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out two black-velvet jewelry boxes, then set them on the glass counter. Curiouser and curiouser, she thought.

Sky picked one up and opened it, noting her business logo embossed on the lid’s satin lining. The ring inside was definitely her own design and one of her favorites. It was a gold band that she’d created for Shelby Parker, a wealthy oilman’s daughter from Midland, Texas. She’d become engaged during the holidays to a man she’d known a short time and her fiancé had wanted the wedding arranged quickly.

After hearing about Sky’s designs from a friend, she’d had her chauffeur drive her from Houston to Black Arrow to personally commission wedding bands. Her fiancé hadn’t had time to buy her an engagement ring or to accompany her to shop for this very important purchase. Shelby had returned several times, to make adjustments to the designs and talk about her ideas for bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts. Always, the chauffeur had driven her, making Sky wonder if she were as flaky as a soda cracker or just afraid to fly.

Sky remembered the young woman chattering away while she’d roughed out some ring sketches. Then again when they’d discussed changes to the designs, Shelby had wondered about using gold as opposed to silver or white gold, and possibly adding precious stones. Now Sky struggled to recall snippets of the conversations. Shelby had said her fiancé was a well-known Houston plastic surgeon. His name was—

She could only recall that Shelby had joked about calling him Dr. StoneHeart. Sky couldn’t remember his real name and opened the other box, plucking the large men’s ring from it. Subtly etched into the gold were the initials D.R. She had the most inane thought about the irony of his initials spelling out his profession. Then, she looked up from the ring in her hand to eyes growing angrier by the second if the darkening blue around his irises was anything to go by.

“Dr. Dominic Rodriguez,” she said. She held out her hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Sky Colton.”

“I know,” he answered coolly.

“Shelby told me a lot about you.” Most of which she couldn’t remember.

“Interesting you associate your clients by pieces of jewelry.”

Sky didn’t much care for his tone. “I’ve seen enough medical dramas on TV to know that doctors identify their patients by symptoms or diagnosis. Frankly, my way is far more pleasant. Wouldn’t you agree?”

One corner of his mouth turned up, but that was her only indication that he was even the tiniest bit amused. “No.”

“My sincere and heartfelt congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Obviously you’re here because you’d like some changes on the rings. I can—”

“I’m here because there’s not going to be a wedding.”

Sky blinked up at him. “No wedding? But I don’t understand. Have you and Shelby postponed—”

“I believe the words were quite clear. But let me rephrase. The wedding is off. Permanently,” he added for emphasis. “I received a bill for wedding bands. And for groomsmen gifts in progress.”

Sky stared at him, mortified that she couldn’t stop herself from noticing how dangerously sexy he was. She sensed in him a leashed intensity that could change to passion in a heartbeat. If provoked. Or maybe she was overdue for an appointment with a shrink. For goodness’ sake, the poor man had just been dumped. Or had he? Maybe he’d called it off.

Studying the tension in his jaw and the stiff set of his shoulders, added to the angry gaze and sarcastic tone, she decided she’d been right the first time. Definitely dumped. And he wasn’t the least bit happy about it.

For good reason. He’d practically been married. But “almost” wasn’t a done deal. Why should that please her even a little bit? Good question, for which she had no answer. Since her own broken engagement, she’d managed to get on with her life by scrapping her girlish fantasies of marriage, husband, children. Now her goal was to build an already fast-growing business. It was counterproductive to be attracted to this man. Technically he might be available, but emotionally he was still attached to someone who was no longer attached to him. While Sky might think the woman shortsighted, or even blind, maybe mentally impaired if not downright stupid, the fact remained, he was hurt and angry.

But what in the world happened? From what little she could recall of her conversations with the bride-to-be, Sky had the impression that Dr. StoneHeart was perfection personified. What had made her change her mind? Why had Shelby blown him off? Then Sky recalled the words that had alerted her to his presence when he’d walked in the shop. You don’t look like a home wrecker. What had he meant by that?

“Dr. Rodriguez, I have the impression you hold me responsible for something.”

“I do.” He laughed, a harsh sound and completely without humor. “Guess I won’t be saying that anytime soon. At least not in a church in front of a priest and witnesses.”

She held up her hands. “Let’s back up for a minute. You said the wedding is off. Why? What happened?”

“Don’t play dumb, Miss Colton.”

“I’m not playing anything, Dr. Rodriguez. I have no idea what’s going on. Would you care to enlighten me?”

“I’d like nothing better. Because of things you said, Shelby refused to marry me.”

“What I said?” Sky pressed a hand to her chest. “Look, Doctor, when she was here, I was working. We engaged in idle chitchat, not a bare-your-soul, heart-to-heart kind of conversation. I can’t imagine what I said that made her change her mind.”

“Think.”

Sky did. “She told me about you. That you’re a plastic surgeon. You help people feel better about themselves. That she was honored someone in such a noble profession would be interested in her. She had a lot to live up to. But she left out—” Sky stopped. She couldn’t believe what she’d almost blurted out. Shelby had neglected to mention her intended was a bona fide hottie.

“What?” he asked.

“Never mind. It’s not important.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. What were you going to say?”

Wild stallions couldn’t make her tell him. But considering the blue blaze in his eyes, she should come up with a substitute statement.

“She also mentioned that she calls you Dr. StoneHeart. Although based on your behavior since walking into my shop a few minutes ago, I can’t imagine why.”

One of his dark eyebrows rose, the only clue that her sarcasm had been noted. “I’m here to settle the bill for your services—including unsolicited advice you gave my ex-fiancée. What else did she tell you?”

“She talked about someone named Reilly Donovan.”

“Did she?” he asked, a gleam in his eyes that said he knew the name.

“Yes, I believe he’s the chauffeur,” she said, her eyes widening as her voice dropped dramatically on the last word. Uh-oh.

Things were coming back to her. She remembered a little more now. Shelby had also done some talking about the man who’d driven her here. About her intense, overpowering and completely unexpected attraction to the driver. There had been at least four long trips to Black Arrow, Oklahoma, from Houston, Texas. That was a lot of hours in the car—a really big, luxurious car. Lots of time to fill, to talk, to get to know each other intimately, to flirt, to generate doubts. But why did Dr. Perfect blame her?

“Now we’re getting somewhere,” he said. Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on the glass top of the case as his fingers laced together. “What about the chauffeur?”

Sky noticed his hands. Why in the world would she laser in on something like that when his voice was sharp enough to slice and dice an ice sculpture? But she couldn’t help it. He had nice hands, big with long, slender fingers. And strong-looking. And sensitive. The hands of a healer. And, she had a feeling, hands that would know a woman’s body and do all the right things in all the right places to elicit passion. The thought made her shiver.

Her only excuse for this behavior was that it had been a long time since Wes Keiler.

Sky met the doctor’s gaze, determined to maintain a cool, calm and collected facade even if it killed her. She’d bet the doctor knew some interesting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques.

“Shelby said the chauffeur was handsome,” Sky volunteered.

“Now there’s a recommendation for a happy life together.”

“Don’t knock it. Sometimes appearance is our only means of forming an opinion.”

“It seems Shelby formed a really good one of Reilly Donovan. She ran off with him. Because of what you told her to do.”

“I already told you I didn’t tell her to do anything.”

Frantically, Sky thought back to the last time she’d seen the other woman. She remembered a sparkle in Shelby’s eyes and a flush in her cheeks. The few times they’d worked together, the young woman had always been impeccably groomed. Every hair in place, makeup perfect down to expertly lined lips with color and gloss. Sky envied that. She kept her black hair shoulder-length, in a cut that fell into place after a quick blow-dry.

Now that she thought about it, during their last appointment, Shelby had been slightly agitated, not to mention rumpled. As if a man had run his hands through her hair and kissed off her lipstick. Uh-oh.

“She wasn’t herself the last time I saw her,” Sky said carefully. “But I made small talk. About how lucky she was—”

“Apparently, Shelby’s luck took her in a different direction. It didn’t lead her to me.” There was bitterness in a tone already liberally laced with anger.

“Oh. Maybe she just got nervous. If you talk to her and reassure her—”

“She left me a note saying she couldn’t marry me, after all, and asked me to take care of canceling all the wedding plans. And this bill for the rings,” he finished, holding out a familiar receipt.

Sky took it from him and her gaze dropped to the figure on the bottom line. It was a lot of money, but the bands she’d created were lovely, and gosh darn it, they matched perfectly. The time and materials involved didn’t come cheap. Now what? Ordinarily she could take back the merchandise and resell it. This set was magnificent if she did say so herself and the profit from it would help in her goal to start another store—maybe in L.A., New York or Dallas.

Before she could respond, the door opened and a male customer entered. With the arrival of the jilted bridegroom, Sky had forgotten this appointment. She’d agreed to design an anniversary gift for his wife.

“I’ll be with you in a moment, Clay,” she said. Then she met the doctor’s gaze. “Look, I can’t discuss this right now. I have a previous engagement.”

“That makes two of us,” he said wryly. “But there’s nothing left to discuss. I just returned the merchandise for refund. Our business is concluded.”

“We’re not finished. I need to give this matter some thought. Where can I reach you later?”

His eyes narrowed, but he said, “I’ll reach you.”

The next thing Sky knew he was gone. The tall, dark, handsome man was no longer a stranger. And she was destined to meet him again. She should have misgivings about it, but she didn’t. Which just proved that she was destined to be the subject of bad country and western songs: “Wanting Men Who Don’t Want Me” or “The Only Ring She’ll Get Is a Wring Around Her Neck.” Because there’d been nothing the least bit romantic or even positive about her encounter with Dominic Rodriguez, except that one small hint of a smile when she’d challenged him about knowing his patients by their ailments.

But for reasons she didn’t understand, she was looking forward to her next, probably last, and possibly explosive encounter with Dr. Dumped.

Shivering in the January wind, Dom waited on the sidewalk outside Sky’s the Limit Designs. It was located on Fourth and Main, just down the street from Black Arrow’s fire-damaged courthouse. She’d worked with the male customer who’d interrupted them until well past closing time.

From his car across the street, Dom had been able to clearly see through the windows as Sky had shown the man several pieces from her jewelry cases. Finally she’d pulled out a pad and made some drawings. The guy had left and she’d locked the door behind him, then put sheetlike coverings over the cases and did something with the cash register.

Dom had left his car and waited outside because—

He’d been on the outside looking in all his life? He shook his head at the ridiculous thought. Maybe as a kid, but not since making a name for himself as a doctor, a plastic surgeon who specialized in skin grafts and scar reduction for serious burn cases. Which didn’t give him immunity since he’d been burned by Shelby a few days before. Odd, but the thought brought less bitterness than he would have expected. Maybe there was good reason for his StoneHeart nickname. Or maybe meeting Sky Colton had blunted the bitterness.

Was that why he’d waited out in the cold instead of coming back tomorrow? Because he didn’t want Sky to get away? That was an equally ridiculous thought. She was a businesswoman. Where would she go? All he wanted was his deposit back and for her to write off the balance of the rings. In a long line of details to be handled following his broken engagement, this was the first. And most likely the easiest.

At least on the eyes. Sky Colton was not what he’d expected. For one thing, she was younger. Anyone dishing out advice to the lovelorn as she had should be at least fifty. And not pretty. A meddling person should definitely not have shiny black hair and gray eyes that turned stormy when she was agitated. Or oddly warm and inviting when she was amused. And finally the irritating buttinski who’d wrecked his wedding plans should not be able to make him smile. He’d caught himself just in time.

He didn’t want to smile. His orderly life was in chaos thanks to Miss Sky Colton. Things were a big mess and not just because he needed to cancel caterers, flowers, printed wedding invitations and the party to announce his engagement. There was the part that affected people he cared deeply for. Plans that had been a lifetime in the making. Frankly he wasn’t sure what to do about it.

After learning that his fiancée had eloped with her chauffeur, he’d been furious. She’d left him a note, along with unpaid bills and deposit receipts for wedding arrangements. But Shelby was gone. That left only Sky as the target for his frustration. He wasn’t proud of himself, of the way he’d behaved toward her earlier.

Part of his skill as a doctor came from reaching out to his patients and being able to connect with them on a human level. To understand what they were going through and ease their pain as he repaired damage to fragile flesh. But after rejection, his rage had simmered for several days without an escape valve. Until today. Sky wasn’t a patient and he’d reached out in anger.

Because of his brooding thoughts, it was several moments before he realized the lights in the shop were no longer illuminated. The door opened and Sky came out, closed and then locked the door.

Dom stepped out of the shadows. “It’s about time.”

“Good heavens!” She whirled around and the streetlight nearby showed her surprise. Pressing a hand to her chest, she took a deep breath then said, “In medical school, didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s not heart healthy to sneak up on a person that way?”

“Sorry.” He hunched his shoulders against the frigid wind racing down the neck of his shirt. “Let’s just say my common sense is in the deep freeze along with the rest of me.”

“You haven’t been standing out here all this time, have you?” she asked, incredulous.

“Not exactly. I was in the car for a while.”

“Casing the joint? Keeping me under surveillance? Because you thought I might try to skip town?” There was amusement in her voice.

“Along with medical dramas, I think you’ve been watching too many cop shows.”

“Maybe. This may come as a surprise to you, but skipping town never entered my mind. I’ve got a lot to lose.”

“Is that so?” he asked, wondering if losing a fiancée counted for something in her frame of reference.

“Look, reselling the rings could be problematic.”

“Why?”

“What are the odds an engaged couple will come in my store with the initials S.P. and D.R.?”

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

She frowned up at him. “Did you even check out those one-of-a-kind rings?”

He shrugged. “Why should I? It’s not like they’re a sensitive, calibrated medical instrument, or even a stethoscope.”

“Mister, from my perspective when you’ve seen one stethoscope you’ve seen them all.”

“I beg to differ. There are many differences, some subtle, some in-your-face.”

“Not unlike the jewelry I create,” she shot back. “However I didn’t identify you just by the ring I designed for you. It has your initials etched on the inside. At Shelby’s request. I’m not planning to hold my breath for a couple with compatible initials to fall in love with each other and the matching bands I designed for you.” She shrugged. “I might be able to buff out the letters on the inside, but it’s still not an item likely to move quickly. I can’t afford to keep them in my inventory for long.”

“I see. So you’re going to charge me?” He rubbed a hand across the back of his neck.

“I should,” she said, sighing. “Why should I take any responsibility for what your fiancée did? No one ever listens to me. It never even crossed my mind that she would. I was just talking with her, small talk. Generalities. Nothing deep and soul-wrenching.”

“So you said.” He looked down at her. “You don’t remember telling Shelby she should be excited about her wedding and new life as the wife of a doctor?”

“Vaguely.”

“Do you recall saying to my fiancée life is too short to waste any more than a minute on something that doesn’t feel right?”

“Kind of.”

“Did it come up in your general conversation with my bride-to-be that people should follow their hearts?”

“Well, by all means, take me out back and shoot me for dispensing words of wisdom.”

“So you do remember that piece of advice?”

“Sounds like something I might’ve said. What exactly was in the note Shelby left you?”

“That you told her all of the above and she decided you were right. Therefore she couldn’t go through with the wedding because her heart led her to Reilly Donovan and they were eloping.”

She looked up at him and in the moonlight her eyes seemed enormous. “I don’t know what to say except that I’m very sorry your wedding plans didn’t work out.”

In her gray wool slacks, black turtleneck sweater and matching long winter coat, she seemed so young. He was thirty-eight. Not old. But her fresh youthfulness made him feel ancient.

“Why do you think no one listens to you?” he asked suddenly.

“Hmm?” She blinked. “Oh. I have five brothers—three older and twins younger. I love them, but they just don’t have a lot of interest in the things that appeal to me.”

“Jewelry?”

She laughed. “For starters.” She tapped her lip with her index finger, drawing his gaze to her generous, sensual mouth. “But I usually get their attention when they need a get-out-of-the-doghouse gift.”

“Excuse me?”

“When they’ve done a bad, bad thing and the current woman in their life is ready to give them the heave-ho. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve come through for them in a pinch, I would be a wealthy woman. Jewelry has saved many a rocky relationship.”

“Except mine.” But he hadn’t been aware that his relationship was on the rocks. Thanks to Sky Colton. “So what are you going to do about the balance I owe on those rings?”

She sighed. “As much as I could use that money, I can’t in good conscience collect it from you. There’s that whole thing about not kicking someone when they’re down.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” He folded his arms over his chest. “I wish all the other wedding arrangements I’ve got to abort could be taken care of as easily.”

Especially in regard to his family, specifically the female members, who would be profoundly disappointed. What was he going to tell his mother? Not to mention his grandmother who’d come all the way from Spain?

“What else do you have to do?” she asked, pulling her coat more snugly around her as the wind kicked up.

“Look, it’s freezing out here. What do you say we go somewhere warm and I buy you dinner?”

She eyed him speculatively. “You’re not planning to slip a little poison in my grits, are you?”

“Now why would I do that? And just how do you think I could pull it off?” he asked, humor tugging at him again.

“My cousin Willow’s friend, Jenna Elliot, is a nurse. By association with her I’ve learned that nurses and obviously doctors have access to drugs. Have prescription pad, will prescribe.”

In spite of his resolve to resist her humor, his mouth curved up. “Did your nurse friend tell you we doctors take an oath to use our powers only for good?”

She laughed again, a merry, cheerful sound. “It’s just, you were so bent out of shape when you came in the shop earlier, I just can’t help wondering why you’d want to take me to dinner.”

He became less angry and more intrigued the longer they talked. On top of that, an idea began to form. It was unconventional, but he had a very immediate problem on the cusp of becoming a crisis. Desperate situations called for outside-the-box solutions. With her help, he might be able to get from Point A to Point B and spend a minimum of emotional energy.

“Let’s call dinner a thank-you for writing off my bill,” he finally answered, taking her elbow. “Besides, I’m in desperate need of a woman.”

Chapter Two

“Hold it right there, Doc.” Sky pulled her arm from his grasp. “I’m not that kind of girl.”

“No. Wait. You’ve got it all wrong.”

Starting to shiver, she turned up the collar on her coat. “I hate to tell you this, but after a statement like you just made, there’s no right way to take it. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”

“Look,” he said, holding his hands up in surrender. “You’re going to catch your death out here and I’ve taken an oath to save lives. Let’s go someplace warm where we can talk. I’ve got a proposition for you.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel better—how, Doctor?” She held up her index fingers and made a cross.

“My name is Dom.”

“Okay.”

“I swear it’s not what you think. If I’m lying—”

“What?” she asked.

He shifted his feet on the sidewalk. “Give me a second. I’m trying to come up with something that will convince you of my sincerity.”

“How about if you’re lying I turn my five brothers and four big, burly male cousins loose on you. And before you answer, I should warn you, my family is in law enforcement. My father is retired army and then a security consultant. One of those burly cousins I mentioned is the sheriff of Black Arrow. My brother Jesse is with the National Security Agency and Billy is a major in the army. They both know three hundred ways to kill a man with their bare hands. Then there’s my brother Grey—a judge. After the rest of them get finished with you, he could send what’s left up the river for a really long time.”

By the time she finished, he was laughing. Sky blinked, then stared. She couldn’t believe the difference. He went from angry austere doctor to approachable human male in zero point three seconds. Her heart kicked into a lively cha-cha as she noted what a very attractive smile he had. He’d been a hunk-and-a-half a minute ago. Now he was off the scale.

“You think I’m kidding?” she asked.

She was stalling, trying to sidestep the emotional danger she’d unwittingly unleashed. If she were smart, she would turn on her heel and leave him in the dust. She didn’t want to be attracted to a man. Especially one who was on the rebound—a fact for which he blamed her. But she wasn’t smart. She stood there and continued to bask in the warmth of his smile until it faded.

“I don’t think you’re joking.” He shook his head, but humor still lurked in his eyes and turned up the corners of his mouth. “I believe you have contacts in law enforcement.”

“So you want to make me a proposition and you don’t need a woman, right?”

“Wrong. I want—actually, I need to talk to you. If you’re offended by what I have to say, bring on the family testosterone.”

“All right then. But you don’t have to buy me dinner.”

Sky trusted this man. Maybe because Shelby had talked about him as if he had wings, a halo and walked on water. Could it be that medical school training in bedside manner helped generate trust in patients? Whatever it was, except for one notable exception when her heart had been the only casualty, she was a good judge of people. Sky knew there was nothing to fear from Dominic Rodriguez.

She angled her head toward the second story above her shop. “My apartment is over the store. I’ll cook dinner for you.”

“You don’t have to do that—”

“You don’t think I can cook?”

“No, I—”

She sighed—loudly. “You’re just digging yourself in deeper, Doctor.”

“I meant no offense.” He blew out a long breath, creating a smoky cloud of white between them. “I’m sure you’re a fine cook. It’s just I don’t want to put you to any trouble.”

“No trouble. I like to cook. It’s relaxing. Besides, it’s Friday night. Restaurants in town will be crowded and we’ll have to wait. We can be warm and cozy in no time and I’ll whip up something that will fill that empty place in your tummy before you can say code blue.”

“Code blue?” he questioned, lifting one eyebrow.

“I watch TV.”

“So you said.”

“This way, Doctor,” she said, walking down the alley between her store and the one next door.

“Can’t you get upstairs through the shop?” he asked.

She glanced over her shoulder. “No. My cousin Bram—”

“The sheriff?”

“Yes. Bram and my dad checked out everything for security purposes. Since my business is expensive jewelry and a possible target for robbery, they both agreed my apartment should be inaccessible from the store. Just in case.”

“Good point. But you still have safety precautions?”

She nodded. “A security system approved by Bram and Dad. Also lots of insurance.”

“Actually, I meant your apartment,” he clarified.

“I have a separate system upstairs and lots more insurance. No need to worry your pretty head about me.” And he did have such a pretty face. But she didn’t for one minute believe he was worried about her.

She turned right at the end of the brightly lit alley and led the way up the wooden staircase on the outside of the three-story, red-brick building. At the top, she took the key ring from the pocket of her coat and unlocked the door. After flipping on the lights, she punched numbers into a keypad on the wall, waited for the all-clear beep, then closed the door.

“Home sweet home,” she said, removing her coat and hanging it on the wooden tree in the corner. “Can I take yours?”

He nodded, then shrugged out of his leather jacket and handed it to her. It was warm from his body and smelled pleasantly of cologne mixed with man.

“Thanks.” Looking around her living room, he said, “Nice place you’ve got here.”

“I like it.”

The apartment was spread out over two floors. Upstairs were three bedrooms and two baths, plenty of space for a home office and a guest room if needed. The main floor, where they now stood, was comprised of a living room, dining area off the kitchen and service porch big enough for her washer, dryer and freezer. Her sofa and matching love seat were upholstered in a floral print of green, coral and beige. A glider covered in a coordinating fabric took up a corner of the room with a brass table lamp beside it for reading.

She led the way to the kitchen through the dining room, which was decorated with an ornate oak table with the ball-and-claw feet and surrounded by four chairs. A matching hutch took up most of the one wall.

In the kitchen doorway, she stopped to flip the switch, illuminating the spotlights in the ceiling. “Can I get you something to drink? Beer? Wine? Coffee? Tea?” Me?

Please God, if there was any justice in the world she hadn’t just said that out loud.

“Beer would be great.”

“Coming right up.”

Whew! What was it about this guy that unnerved her so? Enough to invite him up to her apartment. Her personal code of conduct was three dates, minimum, before a guy got the green light to enter her personal space. She hadn’t known Dominic Rodriguez three hours and already she was breaking rules.

The refrigerator was on the far wall with a cooktop beside it. The narrow room had countertops on both sides, with a divided sink and disposal bisecting the one on the left. The window above gave her a view of the city of Black Arrow, now lit up for the night.

The heels of her low black shoes clicked on the tile as she walked to the fridge and opened the door.

She leaned over and grabbed a bottle, then straightened and shut the door. When she glanced at him, satisfaction coursed through her as his gaze quickly lifted from her backside. Then she saw an approving look steal into his eyes.

A shiver of awareness skipped up her spine, along with pleasure that he approved of what he saw. But why? She wasn’t interested in him and didn’t especially care whether or not he was interested in her. She chalked it up to ego. It wouldn’t do hers much good to catch him perusing her alphabetized spices in the rack beside the built-in oven instead. She walked the length of the kitchen to where he stood in the doorway.

“Here you go.”

Handing him the longneck, she wondered what it was about a man lazily leaning a shoulder against the wall that she found so darned masculine and appealing. He’d rolled the long sleeves of his shirt to just below his elbows, then folded his arms across his broad chest. He could be posing for an ad in a magazine. But he was no male model. He was a doctor who nipped and tucked and made people look like models.

“Thanks,” he said, saluting with the amber bottle. “Are you going to join me?”

“You wouldn’t be trying to get me drunk, would you?”

“Perish the thought. That three hundred ways to kill a man is an effective deterrent.”

“Smart man. Besides that deterrent, it’s hard for a tipsy cook to whip up a decent meal.”

Turning away from the sexy sight of him casually filling her doorway, she took a plastic-covered baking dish from the fridge and pressed buttons on the oven to preheat.

“That’s what you call ‘whipping up a meal’?”

“Sure.” She glanced to the side and tossed him a grin. “I just whipped it up this morning. Spinach-and-cheese-filled pasta with tomato sauce and herbs.”

“Sounds good.”

“It is.”

She set the timer, then threw together a salad and garlic bread. The only thing left, and she’d been putting it off because it meant breaching his space in the doorway, was setting the dining room table. Here goes nothing, she thought, gathering plates, utensils and napkins.

Sky couldn’t decide whether it was fortunate or not that she had to brush past him to get the job done. The very male scent of his cologne was unmistakable and did funny things to her stomach as she passed. If that wasn’t bad enough, she was close enough to feel the warmth of his body, making her wonder how she could have been so cold when he’d stood so very near her outside on the sidewalk just a short time ago.

She finished setting the table. “Okay, now we just have to wait until the food is heated. Want to sit in the living room? It’s about time to start digging out of that hole you got yourself in.”

“Which one was that?”

“You dig so many you can’t remember how you offend people?”

“Ordinarily, no. But since I met you—”

“To refresh your memory it was the comment about desperately needing a woman, compounded by the proposition you want to make me.”

“Ah, yes.”

Sky let him precede her into the living room. Not because she was a Martha Stewart clone concerned about her hostess reputation. She wanted him to pick a couch first so she could sit on the other one, as far away from him as possible. He chose the eight-foot sofa, so she settled herself at a right angle to him on the love seat.

“Shoot,” she said. “Why are you desperate for a woman?”

“Actually it’s your fault.”

“Don’t start in on me again,” she warned.

“Wouldn’t dream of it. But I find myself without a bride.”

“What does that specifically have to do with me? Can’t you simply move on? I did—”

“What?”

“Never mind. We’re talking about you. In your situation, the best thing is to not look back.”

“My situation means dealing with my mother. Let me give you a little background and maybe you’ll understand.” He rested his elbows on his thighs, holding the bottle in both hands between his knees.

“Okay.” She sat back and crossed her legs, trying not to notice the second in his seemingly endless repertoire of masculine poses.

“My parents emigrated from Spain when my mother was pregnant with me. My father was a doctor, studying to take his medical boards so he could start a practice in this country. But he was killed in a car accident.”

“Oh, dear. I’m so sorry.”

Sky leaned forward and put a hand on his forearm. She knew it wasn’t a recent tragedy for him, but still felt compelled to offer sympathy. For her that meant touching him. Words only conveyed so much. A reassuring squeeze did far more.

For just a moment he covered her hand with his own. It was the strangest combination of cold and heat. The feeling sizzled up her arm and she pulled her fingers from beneath his palm.

“Because my father had wanted his child to be a U.S. citizen and grow up here, my mother refused to go back to Spain even though her mother urged her to come home. She had no marketable skills, so she cleaned houses.”

“A very courageous, industrious woman.”

He nodded then took a swallow of his beer. “She put me through college and medical school, supporting us by working as a housekeeper for very wealthy families. The money was pretty good, but every spare cent went for my education. If anyone knew the value of that, it was my mom.”

“You must be grateful.”

“Yeah.” His intense, blue-eyed gaze met her own. “I owe her everything. She gave up a lot for me. The only thing she ever wanted for herself was to travel and to see the world. But she couldn’t afford trips and tuition, too.”

“She sounds like a wonderful mother.”

“If not for the sacrifices she made, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“I agree. But I don’t understand what that has to do with needing a woman.”

“Patience. I’m getting there.” He let out a long breath. “I worked hard to not let her down. Then I was lucky enough to catch the attention of Houston’s best plastic surgeon. He offered me a partnership and the opportunity to take over a thriving, prestigious medical practice at his retirement. My own reputation grew fast and for a while now, money hasn’t been a problem.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard there’s mega bucks in nips and tucks.”

“Who knew you could rhyme and be witty at the same time? There’s more to plastic surgery than that, but let’s save it for another conversation.” He rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. “I tried to get my mother to retire or at least let me send her on a trip. Or both.”

“And?”

“She’s very independent.” He shook his head. “She said she couldn’t have any fun until I was married and settled down.”

“Subtle,” she said wryly.

A corner of his wonderful mouth lifted for a moment. “For a long time now my mother and grandmother have made no secret of the fact that, in their opinion, I should be married.”

“Mothers are like that.”

“That’s what she said. Her exact words were that I couldn’t possibly understand. It’s a mom thing and unless I had a uterus, I would just have to take her word for it.”

Sky laughed. “I think I would like your mother. She and your grandmother must have been pretty excited when you got engaged to Shelby.”

He nodded. “A whirlwind engagement. It all happened fast, just before the holidays. I wanted to give them two gifts—the news of my engagement and a cruise to Greece.”

“Wow.” Sky felt her eyes grow wide. Not bad.

“I wanted a small wedding so we could make the arrangements quickly. Shelby agreed. The plan was to bring my grandmother over from Spain. She would accompany my mother on the trip and when they returned, we’d have the wedding.”

“What did they say when you told them it was off?”

“Nothing.”

“The woman who wished you a uterus said nothing?”

“I haven’t broken the bad news to her yet.”

“Dom, you have to break the news to her,” she said, astonished. “And your grandmother, before she makes the trip for nothing.”

“It won’t be for nothing if things work out the way I hope. I want to send my abuelita—my grandmother—on the cruise, too. My mom would love it. And my abuelita hasn’t traveled much, either.”

“Now that you won’t be settled down and married, will they go?” Sky asked.

“If I can get through the party, they won’t find out.”

“What party?”

“The one to announce my engagement. My mother wouldn’t take no for an answer. She insisted her only son have a formal engagement party before she leaves on her cruise.”

“That’s dishonest. You have to tell them the truth. Surely if they know how much it means to you for them to have fun—”

“That’s just it. Even if I can convince them to go under the circumstances, my mother’s first trip will start out on a downer. Because of you,” he added pointedly.

“Me?” She heard the timer go off in the kitchen and stood. “Thank your lucky stars you were just saved by the bell.”

Instead of looking angry or off balance, he merely appeared confident and self-satisfied. “Wasn’t that the signal to start round two?”

Sky marched into her kitchen and grabbed oven mitts then lifted the steaming baking dish out of the oven to a hot plate. “I’m going to say this for the last time. It’s not my fault.”

But she couldn’t suppress the guilt trickling through her. Along with a question that had no answer. If she’d kept her mouth shut and her opinions and advice to herself, no matter how relevant, would his bride-to-be have run off with the chauffeur?

“So you didn’t suggest Shelby follow her heart? Or tell her life is too short to waste a minute with anything or anyone who doesn’t feel right?”

“I already confessed. And it’s good advice, if I do say so myself.” Sky had a bad feeling about the way this conversation was going. A diversion would be good. “Dinner is served. Because I promised. After that I think it’s time to say good-night.”

“Don’t you want to know why I need a woman?”

“No.”

“You’re not the least bit curious?”

“Not a single inquisitive bone in my body.”

“You’re not a good liar, Sky.”

“There’s a news flash. Sit down and eat, Doctor.”

“I need a fiancée.”

“And that pertains to me, how?”

“Just to get through the engagement party.”

“Dom, that’s only postponing the inevitable. You know what they say.”

“No. What?”

“‘Procrastination is a crime…. It only leads to sorrow…. I can stop it anytime…. I think I will tomorrow.’ It’s better to come clean. A clear conscience cuts down stress levels and will help you live longer.”

“Thanks for the diagnosis. Normally I would heartily agree with you. But I know those two stubborn women. If they’re not convinced my wedded bliss is just around the corner, they’ll refuse to take the trip. And I know how badly my mother has wanted this. On the other hand, if I throw a party, convince them I’ve never been happier and can’t wait to marry the woman of my dreams, my mother and grandmother can go on the cruise without a care in the world.”

“Shelby was the woman of your dreams?” Sky asked, her voice small, her guilt compounding by the second.

“My mother would have thought she was perfect. Her family has money. She went to all the right schools. Traveled,” he said pointedly. “She’s the kind of woman my mom kept house for and grew to admire. Beautiful, independent, educated. Able to take care of herself. Do her own thing and let her significant other do his. Stay in the background while he works. She would have been the perfect doctor’s wife.”

The ideal mate for Dr. Perfect until Sky had put in her two cents and kiboshed his dream and carefully laid plans. What she wouldn’t give for a do-over where she kept her mouth firmly shut.

“So what do you say?” he asked.

“I say you’re crazy.”

“This isn’t a psych evaluation.”

Sky shook her head. “It will never work. There are a hundred things that could go wrong. Maybe more.” She rested a hand on her hip. “Aren’t there laws against this sort of thing? Fraud? Alienation of affections? It’s a really bad idea.”

“I’m not asking for your opinion.”

“Then what are you asking?”

“Will you be the woman? My woman.” He looked heavenward for a moment, and let out a long breath. “What I mean is, will you be my fiancée?”

Maybe she was crazy, too, but for a split second she wished he were asking for real. To marry him. How insane was that? “I won’t dignify that with a response.”

“I’m not looking for dignity. A simple yes or yes will suffice.”

“I can’t do this, Dom.”

“Do I have to remind you it’s your meddling that cost me a fiancée? Think about my mother, a courageous woman who sacrificed everything for me. It’s my chance to do something nice for her. With your help. Before I have to lay the bad news on her that I’m not getting married, after all. You owe me, Sky.”

“When you said you needed a woman, I thought you were talking about something else.”

“Like what?” he asked, his mouth curving up to let her know he knew what she meant.

“Sex. I thought you meant sex—as in ‘he needed a drink and he needed a woman.’ Not necessarily in that order.”

“And you still invited me to dinner,” he reminded her, his deep voice brimming with laughter.

She sighed. “Yeah. We should both have a psych evaluation. Maybe we can get a group rate.” Shaking her head, she met his gaze and sighed. “Sex would have been so much simpler.”

Chapter Three

“Yes, but sex won’t solve my problem,” he pointed out, blue eyes gleaming.

“Then you’re certainly different from the average man.”

“Thank you.”

Sky couldn’t believe she’d brought up sex. Was she hoping to distract him from his crazy scheme? Or trying to veer his focus to something more personal? Not happening. Frankly, she would rather he keep trying to turn her into the great pretender. Since she already felt like the family black sheep who didn’t fit in, why not pretend to be someone else?

Besides, the idea of getting naked with sexy Dr. Delicious was better than chocolate without the calories, not to mention the benefits of the cardiovascular exercise. Unfortunately, sex wasn’t heart smart in the long run. She had tried to fit in with Wes, but he’d wanted her to be something she wasn’t. Fortunately she’d found out just before marrying him. At least Dom was up front about what he wanted. That was refreshing.

“Calling you different isn’t necessarily a compliment,” she said wryly.

“You’re changing the subject. What about this—I’ll pay for the rings after all. Will you help me out then?”

“It’s not about money. Dom, I feel obligated to point out again that this is wrong. Deceiving your mother. And your grandmother. It’s like tampering with the laws of nature. It’s like unleashing the powers of the universe. Maternal powers. Times two. Messing with the woman who gave you life and the woman who gave her life.” She shook her head. “That’s the double whammy. It’s a scary thing to do. I just don’t know—”

“You’re stalling. And being overly dramatic.”

“I bet you’re one of those doctors who doesn’t believe in alternative medicine, aren’t you?”

“I’m a doctor whose objective is to help the patient feel better using whatever works. If that method is deception, then I guess it can be filed under ‘the wrong thing for the right reason.”’

“The end justifies the means?”

“Why not? I told you, I use my powers only for good.” He folded his arms over his chest. “What do you say? Mine is a just cause.”

“But when they get back from the trip, you still have to tell them the wedding isn’t going to happen. It’s what they want most in the world.”

“It’ll happen,” he said. “I just need to find another bride.”

“Silly me. What was I thinking?” she said, smacking her forehead. “Of course brides just grow on trees.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. All I need is time to look for someone.”

“Like you’ve got tons of time.”

“What does that mean?”

“Your fiancée told me she didn’t have an engagement ring because you couldn’t find time to shop. And you couldn’t find a few hours to come with her to put in your two cents on wedding rings. What makes you think you’re going to have the spare time to find another woman to marry you?”

“Can we focus on one problem at a time, please? Or would you like to continue to borrow trouble?”

“If it will prevent you from putting me on the spot, I can keep it up indefinitely.”

One dark eyebrow rose. “Are you going to help me or not? Yes or no.”

“I can’t just give you an answer off the top of my head. It’s not that simple.” She sighed. “There’s a lot to think about. I just don’t know.”

“I’m going back to Houston on Sunday. Is tomorrow enough time to make a decision?”

“It will have to be.”

Sky had no idea why she hadn’t simply told him no. Right then and there. No way, no how. Not in this lifetime. But it was too final. And somehow, the simple, two-letter, one-syllable word to end this crazy scheme once and for all would not come out of her mouth.

Procrastination is a crime; it only leads to sorrow. Tomorrow she had to tell him she couldn’t impersonate his fiancée. Then tell him goodbye forever. She didn’t know when or how it happened, but she would certainly be sorry about that.

The following afternoon Dom paused in the doorway of the Black Arrow Courthouse and surveyed the ravaged building. Black soot covered the interior walls. Evidence of water damage was testament to the efforts it had taken to put out the fire he’d been told had happened several months before.

A little while ago he’d stopped by Sky’s shop to see her, but she hadn’t been there. The older woman behind the counter who introduced herself as Sky’s mother, Alice, had told him where her daughter could be found. She’d volunteered the information that Sky was taking the opportunity to say goodbye to her brother before he left for Washington.

As he wandered through the courthouse, Dom noticed that the damage seemed to be confined to several rooms containing records. The caustic smell of smoke permeated the building and tickled his throat.

Voices drifted to him. He followed the sound, which led him to a wing off the main building and a courtroom untouched by the fire. The bench, witness chair, defense and prosecution tables and spectator seating had suffered no ill-effects that he could see. As her mother had said, Sky was there with three men.

He stopped in the doorway and watched from behind the spectator chairs. With their backs to him, the group continued their discussion, the sound of their conversation echoing loudly in the empty room. Two of the men were roughly his height, which made them about six feet tall. Both had dark hair like Sky’s. He’d bet they were two of the “big burlys” she’d warned him about last night and he wondered which one knew three hundred ways to kill a man.

The third guy had different coloring. As Dom stood there, he heard the man say, “Bram, why don’t you take care of arranging for damage estimates on the courthouse, the newspaper office and Black Arrow Feed and Grain. When you have a bottom line, send it to my father.”

Bram ran a hand through his short black hair. Even from this distance the sheriff’s badge on his tan shirt was visible. As were the leathers around his waist that included a big gun. “Look, Rand, I know you’re family. But this isn’t your problem. Or your father’s. I’m sure Joe Colton has better things to do.”

So he was Rand Colton, Dom thought. He’d heard of the wealthy Coltons of California. Apparently Sky was somehow related.

Rand held up his hand. “It is our problem. My uncle Graham is responsible. Someone in the family is always cleaning up after him, usually my father. Graham is furious about the fact that his father Teddy was never legally married to his mother. But he only hired Kenny Randolph to find and destroy birth records and any other documents linking the Coltons here in Oklahoma with Teddy Colton. Graham wanted money, not mayhem. Although that’s what you get when you hire a convicted felon, he never intended for anyone to get hurt or for property to be damaged. Someone from my branch of the family caused the problem and we intend to make it right. Family sticks together.”

“I second that,” Sky chimed in.

“My father sent me here to take care of it.” Rand turned sideways, revealing his grin, then he looked at the other two men. “No one says no to Joe Colton Senior. I don’t want to hear any more about it.”

“Whatever you say,” Bram said, nodding. “Frankly we’re still in a state of shock about the inheritance. Still trying to figure out what to do with it. No thanks to Kenny.”

Rand nodded. “Jesse, when you get back to Washington, can you use your spy-guy expertise to get a lead on Kenny?”

Jesse nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.” He looked at Sky. “Did you distribute that mug shot of Kenny to the rest of the family? Everyone needs to know what he looks like and keep their eyes open.”

“It’s taken care of,” she assured him. “But he’s long gone by now.”

“Don’t be too sure, little sister. None of us can afford to let our guard down. He attacked Willow, so we know he’s not above harming a woman.” He glanced at Bram. “You did check out the jewelry store and her apartment above for security?”

Bram nodded. “Along with your father. Uncle Thomas agreed the system is state of the art. He insisted on having it monitored. If it’s tripped, help will be there in minutes.”

Jesse looked at her. “Maybe you and I need to go over some of those self-defense moves I showed you—”

“We’ve got company,” Rand said, looking suspiciously at Dom.

“Hi,” he said. The three men turned as one to watch him move closer. Maybe he could use some self-defense moves. He noticed the color that crept into Sky’s cheeks when he met her gaze.

Three speculative gazes slid to her as Sheriff Bram Colton said, “I don’t recall seeing you before.”

“Just got into town yesterday,” Dom explained. “I’m a friend of Sky’s.”

Dom couldn’t help thinking this was like a scene from a B Western, where the handsome stranger walks into the saloon. He wondered if Sky thought he was handsome and was surprised when he realized it mattered to him that she did.

He remembered her remark last night about sex being less complicated. He wasn’t so sure, but it would probably be dynamite. Studying her now, he noted that flushed cheeks were the only clue that she was uneasy. Otherwise, she was serene and sophisticated. Dressed in a slim black skirt, high heels and a cream-colored sweater that smoothed over her gently curved hips, she looked refined and feminine. Every inch the up-and-coming businesswoman. It was a bonus that she was sexy as hell.

“Dr. Dominic Rodriguez, this is my brother Jesse, my cousin Bram, and Rand Colton, my newfound cousin.”

Dom shook hands with the men, then met Bram’s black-eyed gaze. “I couldn’t help overhearing, Sheriff. Mug shot? I heard you talking about the thug hired by the other branch of the family. But why is Sky involved in distributing his picture?”

“She volunteered.” Grimly, Bram looked at the other two men. “The whole family has a stake in catching the creep. He assaulted my sister Willow and damaged several buildings here in town while he was gathering information about us,” he said ruefully. “When Graham finally gave up the scheme, Kenny was hung out to dry and he swore to get even with all the Coltons. He’s a slippery little weasel and he’s wanted for a lot of bad stuff. Until we put him away for good, we all have to watch our backs.”

“I see,” Dom said. There was enough testosterone in this room to sink a boatload of bad guys. And it was rubbing off on him.

He studied Sky, her clear eyes, creamy skin, shiny black hair. She stood straight and proud and fearless. For reasons he didn’t understand, that made him want to keep her close to him so he could protect her. Whoa. What was that all about? She didn’t need him. The thought bothered him and to save his soul he couldn’t figure out why.

Still, she was probably right. This Kenny scumbag was no doubt long gone. He’d be an idiot to show his face anywhere near a Colton—especially since the family was littered with lawman types.

Jesse cleared his throat. “Sky, we’re finished here. If your friend—”

“We’re not friends exactly. More business acquaintances.”

Studying her carefully, Jesse’s eyes narrowed. “Any business I should know about?”

“Down boy. Don’t make Dom defend himself. He’s a doctor and needs his hands for surgery.” She looked sadly at her brother. “But I have to go. It’s time for me to get back to the store. And you have a plane to catch. I guess this is goodbye.”

“Yeah.” He pulled her into a bear hug. “Take care of yourself, sis. Stay out of trouble.”

“You know me.”

“Yeah. So I say again, stay out of trouble.”

She laughed, then stepped away. “I love you. Take care.”

“You, too. Don’t worry about Kenny. We’ll get him. Besides, he wouldn’t dare show up around here. So you’ll be safe in Black Arrow.”

“I know.” She kissed his cheek, then stepped out of the circle of his arms. “Say hi to Samantha for me. His new wife,” she said to Dom.

At least someone managed to pull off a wedding, he thought.

“Congratulations.” He held out his hand.

“Thanks,” Jesse answered, squeezing his palm—hard.

Dom nodded. “Nice to meet you. All of you,” he said, shaking hands all around.

“’Bye guys,” Sky said, raising her hand in farewell as a chorus of deep voices responded.

Dom followed her outside where the cold Oklahoma day forced her to stop and put on her black coat. The sun was shining and the sky was blue, but the cold wind turned her cheeks and the tip of her cute turned-up nose red.

“How did you know where I was?” she asked, flipping up the collar of her coat.

“Your mom.”

She nodded. “Of course. I don’t even know why I asked. She fills in for me at the shop all the time. When I need backup.”

Interesting choice of law enforcement lingo. But the majority of her family was in that line of work. “Can I buy you lunch?”

She shook her head. “I’ve already used up my lunch hour on family business.”

“You wouldn’t be trying to duck me, would you?”

“What was your first clue?”

“Since you’re the boss, you should be able to take as much time off as you want. Especially with your mom as backup. You know. That whole force-of-nature thing you told me about. Seems to me your business is in good hands.”

“Pretty good logic. But there’s one flaw in your theory. What makes you think my mom doesn’t have to be somewhere?”

“Does she?”

“No. She’s a retired schoolteacher. And since my dad retired from his security consulting business she’s been looking for reasons to get out of the house. Too much togetherness, I suppose. But I don’t want to take advantage. I told her I would be back in an hour.”

He leaned a shoulder against the post holding up the sidewalk overhang. “There’s this handy little invention. You may have heard of it. It’s called a telephone. Many are portable and can be used from any location where there’s cell reception.”

“You’re a real comedian,” she said, but started laughing. “I have one of those handy, dandy gizmos. But I don’t choose to use it. I choose to get back to work.”

“So you are running away from me.”

“That would be cowardly.”

“If the shoe fits.” He lifted one eyebrow. “Have you made up your mind yet? You said you’d sleep on it. Are you going to help me out?”

She turned worried gray eyes on him. “I think it’s a bad idea, Dom.”

“It’s a good idea.” He angled his chin toward the fire-damaged courthouse. “You said yourself that family sticks together.”

She slung her purse strap over her shoulder. “Explain to me how deceiving your mother and grandmother is sticking together.”

“It’s for the greater good.”

Equal parts of exhilaration and irritation coursed through him. Debating with her was more stimulating than anything he’d done in quite some time. Her gray eyes turned darker as anger swirled in their depths—like a stormy sky about to let loose. He found himself holding his breath in anticipation.

“It’s a lie and that’s wrong.” She shook her head. “No matter how you try to whitewash it, it’s just plain dishonest. Truth, good—deceit, bad.”

“That all depends on how you look at it.” He shrugged. “I say they’ll thank me for it.”

“At the same time they’re giving me the hate glare.”

“You won’t be around to see it.” He felt a prick of something that could only be disappointment at the thought of her not being around, as in he wouldn’t see her. “Look, Sky, bottom line, it would mean a lot to me if you would do this favor. I need an answer. Will you or won’t you be my fiancée?”

As he asked the question, two older women walked by. They stared questioningly at Sky. She looked as though she wanted the earth to open up and swallow her. “Hi, Hazel. Hello, Ruthanne.”

“Who’s the handsome stranger?” the silver-haired woman asked.

“A friend,” Sky answered. “Nice to see you both,” she said as they continued down the sidewalk. When they were out of sight, she glared at him. “Now see what you’ve done? Those two are the biggest gossips in Black Arrow. In an hour, everyone in town will think I’m your fiancée.”

“What a coincidence. I’ve got an engagement party that needs a fiancée. How about it?”

“Can we talk about this later? And privately?”

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