Small-Town Girl, Big-Time Crush

Amy Wilson longs to escape the pointed barbs and knowing looks that come with having a certain reputation in a small town. A temp job with CEO and rancher Jack Shepard seems to offer a way out, if only she can stay focused on her goal.

Former world-class athlete Jack is as relationship-phobic as they come, so he’s not worried that the soul-shattering kiss he and Amy shared will affect their working partnership. She’s a girl who’s going places, but Jack starts to wish that maybe he could tag along for the ride….

“You’re crazy.”

“I’m desperate.” Amy looked back at the house again. “Jack, I’ve felt stuck in this hick town for as long as I can remember.” She lifted a hand. “It’s my own fault, and I know that. You’d be helping me and I’d be helping you. Win-win.”

“So there’s nothing here at all?” He moved his finger back and forth, gesturing between the two of them.

She hesitated. “You want the truth or a lie?”

His lips twitched. “The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

“The truth is you’re a nice guy and a great kisser, but I have bigger fish to fry at the moment. If you’re worried about me getting all clingy and having expectations or something…don’t.”

He sat back. “Brutal honesty. I like it.”

“You won’t regret it, Jack,” she repeated. “You’ll see.”

He held out his hand. “Should we shake on it?”

Amy peeled off her glove and put her hand in his. The moment their fingers touched sparks zinged up her arm and made her catch her breath. Her gaze rose to Jack’s and she saw the same electricity reflected in his pupils.

“It won’t get in the way,” she assured him.

Dear Reader,

Her Rancher Rescuer marks my very first release for Mills & Boon American Romance, and the last in the Cadence Creek Cowboys series. Writing it was bittersweet: exciting times are ahead but it’s also hard to say goodbye to a series I’ve loved writing so very much.

I’m really excited to be writing new stories for the Mills & Boon American Romance line. It’s a perfect home for my ranchers and cowboys—strong men and equally strong women working the land and loving hard. But here’s something readers might not know. Ever since I sold to Mills & Boon in 2006, I’ve been a member of the HMB-Romance author loop, a group specifically set up for authors of the Mills & Boon Romance line. My only sad thought was that I’d now have to leave that loop behind.

When I said as much to “the girls,” it was made very clear that no one would be going anywhere. You see, we’re connected by so much more than the lines we write for. We’re family. We share our good times and bad, both in the business and in our lives. We trust each other. We love each other. I know for sure they’ve saved my sanity more than once and I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Cadence Creek Cowboys series, and you’ll follow me to my new home at Mills & Boon American Romance. We’ve got some great things planned….

With my very best wishes,

Donna

Her Rancher

Rescuer

Donna Alward

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A busy wife and mother of three (two daughters and the family dog), Donna Alward believes hers is the best job in the world: a combination of stay-at-home mom and romance novelist. An avid reader since childhood, Donna has always made up her own stories. She completed her arts degree in English literature in 1994, but it wasn’t until 2001 that she penned her first full-length novel and found herself hooked on writing romance. In 2006 she sold her first manuscript, and now writes warm, emotional stories for Mills & Boon.

In her new home office in Nova Scotia, Donna loves being back on the east coast of Canada after nearly twelve years in Alberta, where her career began, writing about cowboys and the West. Donna’s debut romance, Hired by the Cowboy, was awarded a Booksellers’ Best Award in 2008 for Best Traditional Romance.

With the Atlantic Ocean only minutes from her doorstep, Donna has found a fresh take on life and promises even more great romances in the near future!

Donna loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her website, www.donnaalward.com, or follow @DonnaAlward on Twitter.

Dedication

To the girls of the HMB-Romance loop…my writing family no matter where I go. Love you all.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Epilogue

Excerpt

Chapter One

“Amy Wilson is the last woman on earth I want to be with.”

Amy winced as those words came out of groomsman Rhys Bullock’s mouth. He couldn’t possibly know she was standing only ten feet behind him, but couldn’t he have kept his voice down so the whole guest list at the wedding reception couldn’t hear?

The day had been going so well. Callum Shepard’s wedding to Avery Spencer had been a gorgeous, Christmassy affair. The food at the golf club was delicious and Amy had been having fun at the dance. Until she’d seen the tension between Rhys and Callum’s sister, Taylor. It had been crystal clear to her that they were fighting their attraction. The two of them had been doing a strange mating dance throughout the whole planning of this wedding.

Only minutes ago Amy had caught the bouquet and Rhys the garter. They’d danced and, to her surprise, he’d held her close. But Amy had known exactly what he was thinking—or rather who he was thinking about, and it wasn’t her. It was as clear as the nose on her face that he belonged with Taylor and Amy had had no illusions as to why Rhys had been so cozy. It had been to make Taylor see what she was missing. Amy had willingly played along, happy to help.

What a fool she’d been to try to steer them in the right direction. She’d known that Rhys didn’t like her in that way. And neither did she—their one awkward date had proved that months ago. Still, the callousness of the harsh words hurt.

Tears of humiliation sprang to her eyes. But before she could sneak away and pretend she hadn’t heard a thing, Rhys and Taylor realized she was standing there. Taylor had the grace to look embarrassed. Of all the Shepard family that Amy had met, Taylor had been the most welcoming. She’d even invited Amy for lunch one day. Now Taylor’s pretty face was looking at her with apology etched all over it. Rhys’s face was inscrutable, revealing nothing.

“Amy...” Taylor started to apologize but Amy lifted her hand, cutting her off, unable to meet the other woman’s sympathetic gaze. This was all embarrassing enough, but she couldn’t stand pity. Poor Amy. Struck out again. Can’t hold a man, just like her mother, poor thing.

Amy’s lower lip trembled. She had to get out of here before she really embarrassed herself.

She spun on her heel and made a beeline for the bathroom. One of the stalls was unoccupied and she headed straight for it, going inside and latching the door. She put down the toilet-seat lid, sat down and bit down on her lip. Sometimes she really hated living in this town. Her breakup with Terry years ago had been bad enough. He’d broken her heart and nothing stayed a secret for long in Cadence Creek. Her past relationship with Sam Diamond had been the clincher, though. She’d really liked Sam. She’d been hurt when he’d broken it off and had been a tad too vocal about it.

She knew what people thought of her. A harmless flirt to be gossiped about and laughed at. Looking for love in all the wrong places. Serial dater. She could find a man but not keep a man. She’d heard them all. Besides, no one had forgotten how her dad had just up and left them years before. It had broken her mother. The legacy of his abandonment had followed Amy through to adulthood.

“Who was that?” a woman’s voice asked.

A low laugh. “Amy Wilson.”

There were a few chuckles. Nothing else had to be said.

She was not a bad person. She didn’t sleep around or go after unavailable men. She just...

She just had rotten luck in the romance department. And yet she kept trying and believing that one day the right guy would ride into town and sweep her off her feet. So much so that she knew no one would believe her motives for dancing with Rhys were altruistic, even if she swore it on a Bible. Well, it was the last time she tried to play matchmaker. She might have known it would be misconstrued.

She was done. And the population of Cadence Creek—males and females—could dry up and blow away for all she cared.

The door opened and closed again and she held her breath even though she desperately needed a tissue. After a few seconds two tissues appeared over the top of the door. “Here,” a man’s voice said quietly. “Blow your nose.”

“Oh, my God!” Her voice bounced off the porcelain fixtures as she leaped to her feet. “This is the women’s room! Get out!”

“I locked the door behind me. Blow your nose, Amy.”

She paused. She knew that voice. Not well, which was why it stood out. It was the groom’s brother, wasn’t it? Callum’s very handsome, very successful younger sibling. “Jack Shepard?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“How did you know I was in here?”

He hesitated before answering. “I heard what Rhys said. Saw you take off.”

She snagged the tissues from his fingertips and blew her nose—loudly. For another few moments the only sound was the reassuring thump of the DJ’s music at the dance, muffled through the walls. “Thanks,” she murmured. She and Jack had only bumped into each other a few times. He’d asked her to dance tonight, too. He was a nice guy. But to follow her into the ladies’ room? She frowned.

“Are you going to come out of there?” he asked.

“Maybe. When everyone else goes home and I can be humiliated in private.” Right now she preferred to lick her wounds in solitude. Gosh, even when she didn’t intend to, she found herself in the middle of a spectacle. Memories were too darned long around here. Repetitive.

“It’s not even ten o’clock. You could have a long wait.”

She hated that he was right. And that he sounded amused. “Then I’ll get my coat and slip away. It’s not like anyone will miss me.”

“Oh, now,” he chided, “that sounds a lot like you’re going to have your own pity party, and that’s no fun.”

Right again. He really was being quite annoying. Except he’d come in here to make sure she was okay, and he’d given her tissues. She felt herself softening just a little. “Shut up, Jack,” she said mildly.

“Who gives a rat’s ass what Rhys thinks anyway,” Jack suggested. “You’re better off without him.”

Jack thought this was about Rhys? Of course. Jack was an outsider. Even today, as part of the family, he said and did all the right things but she’d noticed that he’d kept to the side a little bit, included but hovering just on the fringes, not getting too close.

And since he was new here, he definitely didn’t understand that the name Amy Wilson came with built-in context. “You might want to be careful expressing that opinion,” she replied. “Because Rhys has definitely got his eye on your sister.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like him. I’m just saying that you deserve someone who wants to be with you. Only you. Who can’t go on another day without you. Now, are you going to come out of there or not?”

Amy’s heart gave an odd thump. What Jack was cavalierly explaining was something she’d felt deep down for a long, long time. She’d always believed it—true love—was out there. She’d kept faith that not all guys were losers and deadbeats like her dad. That faith was what kept her from swearing off men. What kept her hoping each time she went on a date. Somewhere out there was someone who would care about her enough to stay.

Problem was, she was starting to think that true love existed all right—but just not for her. That she was somehow inherently flawed. There had to be some reason why things never worked out...why all the princes turned out to be frogs. Every relationship attempt had been a disaster. And through it all she’d smiled and tried to pretend it was no big deal. Tried to hide her hurt feelings by moving on....

God, that sounded so desperate.

“I’ll come out,” she conceded. She stood up and smoothed her dress, a little black number that skimmed her curves and made her feel pretty. Or at least it had. She gave her hair a shake, pasted on a smile. Then and only then did she click back the latch and open the door.

Jack was waiting, looking ridiculously handsome in his tuxedo and boots, the footwear a concession made to a wedding party filled with cowboys. Not a hair on his head was out of place. Jack’s features were nearly perfect, except for a small scar just in front of his right ear. He was, she realized, quite dreamy. Except she was giving up all the dreamy nonsense. Especially since Jack was a “here today, gone tomorrow” guy. As soon as the wedding was over it was back to the United States for him, back to running his empire.

“Put some cold water on your face. Touch up your makeup.”

She curled her lip at him, taken aback by the blunt orders. “My, aren’t we the bossy one.”

He shrugged as if he didn’t care at all what she thought. “You want to go back out there looking like that?” He pointed at the mirror.

She took a look at herself and frowned. Her eyes were rimmed red, and a bit of mascara had run, leaving black smudges around her lids. Plus she’d either licked or bitten off any remnants of her lipstick.

“Okay, good point.” She pulled a piece of paper towel out of the dispenser and turned on the cold water. Jack waited while she dabbed at her eyes, then made short work with a bit of concealer, a touch of mascara and a fresh swipe of gloss across her lips. Not quite flawless, but better.

She turned away from the mirror and faced him. “How’s that?”

“Much better.”

“Okay. Now I’ll go get my coat.”

“Really? You’re seriously going to run away?”

She raised an eyebrow. What else did he expect her to do? Right now all she wanted was a pint of chocolate fudge ice cream and her fuzzy pajamas. “Yeah, I am. Because I’m sick and tired of being the butt of everyone’s...whatever in this town.”

“Isn’t that a bit overstated?” He gave her a lopsided grin, looking absurdly boyish as he did so.

“Not a bit. I know what people say about me. I can do without a repeat tonight. What Rhys said was quite enough, thanks.”

Jack rested his hip on the edge of the counter. “Okay, so help me out here. I don’t get it. You’re nice, and funny, and pretty easy on the eyes,” he said. “Why the gossip?”

She looked away from his intense gaze, touched once more by his compliments. He’d just said she was pretty. Or at least...attractive. “I just don’t have a good dating track record. And this damned town is too small. Everyone knows everyone else’s business. You screw up once and they remember it forever.” And sure, she’d screwed up more than once, but had she ever done anything so very bad? No. Still, she was Mary Wilson’s daughter. Like mother like daughter, the gossipmongers said.

He nodded. “So every date, every failed relationship, every everything is cataloged and talked about?”

She felt her cheeks heat. “In the past I haven’t always been...ahem...as discreet as I should have been with my love-life woes.”

“You’re very self-aware.”

Somehow she got the feeling he was teasing her. “I can admit when I make a mistake. For example, I dated Sam Diamond for a while. You’ve met Sam.” Sam was also in the wedding party, along with his brother Tyson. Everyone in Cadence Creek knew Sam Diamond. He headed up Diamondback Ranch now. He was confident and successful and now married to Angela Beck. Even when they’d been dating, Amy had felt he was out of her league.

“Slight age difference?”

She blushed again. “We were both adults. Anyway, when he broke it off I wasn’t exactly complimentary about his, er, behavior. I’ve grown up a bit since then. Doesn’t matter, though. I’m painted with a certain brush and that’s how I’ll always be seen. It’s pathetic, really.”

“And so you rush off to public bathrooms when your feelings get hurt.”

She zipped up her little purse and avoided his eyes. “Ouch, Jack. And I thought you were here to help.”

“I am. All I’m saying is that you running in here caused a different sort of scene that put the focus on you and not Rhys.”

It bugged her that he was constantly right.

“So what’s your brilliant solution?”

He smiled and leaned closer, as if sharing a secret. “The moment I leave this bathroom people are going to think...” He let the thought hang, but it didn’t take her long to understand his meaning. They would think that the two of them were locked in there together, doing God knows what.

Her cheeks heated. They would think that she and Jack...that they were... As if her reputation weren’t tarnished enough! She pulled back, putting several more inches between them. “Oh, God. They are, aren’t they?”

“There’s not exactly a back exit or a window to crawl through.”

To illustrate his point, the door rattled, and a muffled voice outside said, “It’s locked.”

“Why did you have to come in here?” She paced in front of the mirror. “I could have just licked my wounds and snuck away.” That was her usual M.O., after all.

“Because I was worried about you.”

His answer stopped her short. When had anyone really cared about her feelings? “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Why should you care? You hardly know me.”

He nodded. “That’s true. But the few times we’ve been thrown together over the past few weeks, I’ve enjoyed your company. You’re a good dancer.”

“A good dancer?” Things were starting to feel a tad bit surreal.

“Yes, and you make me laugh. And I hate it when people aren’t treated fairly.”

“So you rode to my rescue.”

A strange look passed over his face ever so briefly, then was wiped away quickly by another charming smile. “I wouldn’t put it that way. I just wanted to make sure you were okay, that’s all.” He shrugged again. “I guess I didn’t think far enough ahead to actually getting you out of this predicament.”

It sounded so much like something she’d do that she couldn’t help it. She gave a little laugh, putting her fingers to her lips.

The door rattled again and Amy jumped. “You’re the genius hotshot. What are we going to do?”

Jack casually put his hands into his pockets as he thought. “Well, if they’re going to talk, why don’t we give them something to talk about?”

It felt like all the blood that had rushed to her face drained clear out. “If you’re proposing that we...in here...” Oh, my gosh. While the idea of a romantic interlude with Jack Shepard was more than intriguing, she wasn’t prepared for that. She didn’t do those sorts of things despite what people might think. Jack was a man of the world. He probably had women falling all over him all the time. World-class athlete turned business mogul? Yeah. And it wasn’t like she was a prude, but it was a long jump to hookup sex in a public bathroom.

He chuckled. “No, not that. Though to be honest it’s an alluring idea. What I meant was, come back to the dance. Dance with me again to show everyone it doesn’t matter. And then I’ll drive you home.”

That she didn’t dismiss the idea right away spoke volumes. Could she do it? Walk out of here with her head held high and ignore all the whispers? A little part of her said that she was treated the way she was because she perpetuated the perception. Why did everyone’s opinion of her matter so much, anyway?

No one would be expecting a strong, confident woman who didn’t give a damn. And she really wanted to be that woman for once in her life.

“We already danced twice,” he reminded her. “Spent time in a locked bathroom. All that will happen is that they’ll keep on believing what they already think to be true. And would that be so bad?”

“That I’m a chaser and a...”

Frowning, he put a finger over her lips. “Don’t say that word. Just don’t. You’re not.”

His finger was warm and firm against the soft flesh of her lips and for a long moment their gazes caught and held. He didn’t like what she’d been about to say. She wondered why. Wondered if he really did have a rescue complex. There had to be a flaw somewhere. Jack Shepard was just a little too perfect.

“Come dance with me. Otherwise you’re just running with your tail between your legs. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always preferred a good fight to a quiet retreat.”

Easy for him to say. She’d be here in town long after he was gone. She’d be the one going to a bleak and dismal home night after night when what she really longed for was some color and excitement. With a sinking heart, she realized tonight would only be more ammunition for those people who would make her a laughingstock.

She remembered the news reports in the sports pages after Jack’s ski injury. They hadn’t always been kind. They’d said something like “Fast on and off the hill.” Jack had faced a fair bit of nasty press in his day but he’d risen above it. She could do worse for a champion, she supposed.

And then there were Callum and Avery, the bride and groom, and Jack’s sister, Taylor, who’d been surprisingly nice to her at Avery’s wedding shower. And her boss, Melissa Stone, who’d given her a chance with her job. She was pretty sure that working with Melissa had snagged her the invite to the wedding in the first place.

But could she do it? Could she face them all with her head held high? It was a tall order, when she’d been aware of the whispers for years. Since she was ten and her dad had walked out. She’d heard the rumors that he’d left them for someone else. Had no idea if they were true or not, because her mother wouldn’t speak of him.

“That’s a crazy idea.” She still had the urge to collect her coat and flee. It would be easier....

“Probably. But if you run away, they win.”

And then he smiled, a conspiratorial sort of grin that climbed his cheek and warmed the depths of his eyes. Like they were in cahoots. And in that moment Amy realized that she didn’t just think Jack was okay. She really, truly liked him. He would be a good person to have on her side.

Her heartbeat quickened with nerves. “One dance, and then you’ll take me home?”

“Cross my heart.” He made the motion over his left breast and then held out his hand. “Shall we?”

She swallowed tightly, her throat constricting as she braced herself for whatever was on the other side of the door. “I’m game if you are.” The words sounded more sure than she really was.

She put her fingers in his and squeezed. Lifted her chin and shook her hair back over her shoulders. He returned the squeeze of her fingers, giving her confidence. She took a deep breath, let it out slowly.

Amy refused to look anywhere but straight ahead as Jack unlocked the door and swung it open. Half a dozen people were standing around, and out of the corner of her eye she saw someone from the club maintenance crew coming around the corner—presumably to unlock the locked door. She felt heat climb her cheeks but then Jack squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“Hey, how’s it going?” he asked the room at large, tugging her behind him. She gaped. How could he sound so casual? So effortlessly charming? She hurried to keep up with him, which was difficult considering his long legs and her high heels. She could feel the stares on her back and had the oddest urge to giggle. Considering all the times she hadn’t wanted to make a spectacle and had anyway, this moment was surreal and more than a little comical. She’d pegged Jack as a lot of things—handsome, charming—but she hadn’t considered him chivalrous. There really was no other way to describe his actions tonight.

She got her footing and evened out her stride, keeping her chin defiantly raised. Jack was right. This felt much better than slinking away as if she were guilty of something! The only thing she was guilty of was trying to help.

The song playing was a fast one, so Jack steered her toward the bar first. “Tonic and lime for me, champagne for the lady, please,” he ordered, and in seconds a glass of fizz was placed in her hand. “Cheers,” he said, touching his glass to hers. “Come on.”

He took her hand again and led her to the fringe of the floor. They paused and she took a long drink of champagne, enjoying the bubbles as they exploded on her tongue. The last time she’d had champagne it wasn’t real champagne at all but the cheap fizzy stuff from the liquor store that cost less than ten dollars a bottle and was far too sweet. This was drier, with a bit of bite, and tasted expensive.

And just like that she was reminded once more that Jack Shepard was a millionaire. Maybe even a billionaire. Not that he put on airs or anything, or threw his money around. It was easy to forget when he was here, in a place like this, dressed like all the other groomsmen. Truth be told, on a regular day 90 percent of the guys here would be in boots and Stetsons. Jack’s sporting goods empire was huge and he ran some sort of outdoor adventure ranch in Montana. He’d been an Olympic downhiller, just missing the podium in his one and only games before going on to make his mark in the business world. And she’d been locked in a bathroom with him for a good ten, fifteen minutes.

The nervous giggle she’d been holding in slipped out.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” she answered, draining her glass of champagne and looking longingly at the empty flute. It would be gauche to ask for another, but oh, my, it was delicious.

She noticed Jack give a nod to the DJ, and seconds later the song changed to something slower.

He took her hand and led her to the floor. His fingers gripped hers, his other hand placed firmly on the hollow of her back as he drew her close. In her heels, she only had to tip her head a little to have her lips at the bottom of his ear. “You are used to people taking your orders,” she observed as their feet began to move.

“Yes, I am. But only when I’m being reasonable.”

“Are you ever unreasonable?”

He lowered his chin and looked down at her, his expression unexpectedly serious. “Not as often as I used to be.”

Something delicious swirled around in her tummy. “You mean you’ve left your bad-boy days behind?”

“Mostly.”

She blinked. “Mostly?” What did that mean?

“Well, locking myself in a bathroom with you probably wasn’t the most reasonable move. Though I must say I did behave myself. Even you can’t deny that.”

She was about to laugh when he said, “More’s the pity.”

And the laugh died in her throat, replaced instead by an acute awareness of what could have happened in that bathroom. What everyone probably thought had happened....

“They were going to talk regardless,” he said quietly, his lips against her temple as he read her thoughts. “This way they talk about you sneaking away with me instead of locking yourself away crying over him.”

He was right. And she would rather that, than everyone view her as pathetic, as they normally did.

As his hand rode perilously close to her tailbone, she recalled the scandal that broke just prior to the fall that messed up his knee for good. There’d been a photograph of him and a woman.... His coach’s wife, if she remembered correctly. Had he been in love with her? Licked his wounds in private? What secrets was Jack hiding beneath his cool, confident exterior? There had to be more to the man than what she saw. No one was that perfect.

“Do you love him, Amy?”

“What? Who?” she asked, confused.

They danced along to the music, feet moving in perfect rhythm. “Rhys Bullock. Are you in love with him?”

“God, no.” The denial came swiftly to her lips. Rhys was attractive, and for most of the women in Cadence Creek, the ungettable get. They’d gone on exactly one date and while he was nice enough, they hadn’t clicked at all. Catching the bouquet had been pure chance. And Rhys hadn’t exactly pushed her away during the dance. Rhys was a challenge to the female population of Cadence Creek.

“Then why the tears?” Jack asked.

She met his gaze. “Truthfully? Humiliation. It’s not every day that someone claims you’re the last woman on earth they’d want to date. Now be quiet, eh? I have a lot more fun when we’re not talking.”

His eyes flashed at her. “Be careful, talking like that could get you into trouble.”

“You promised to be honorable.”

“I still have to drive you home. The night’s not over yet.”

Again, the curl of excitement wound through her as he flirted. She was under no illusions. There was no future with Jack. He was not a romantic prospect or a ticket anywhere, nor did she want him to be. But he was fun and interesting and different and exciting, and at this moment those were fantastic attributes. It beat the hell out of chocolate fudge ice cream and a ten-year-old chick flick on cable.

His arm tightened around her, pulling her closer against his length. He still wore his tuxedo jacket, unbuttoned, and her fingers pressed against the rich, thick material. She slipped her fingers beneath the lapel and felt the heat of his skin through the satiny material of his vest. “You have a lot of layers on,” she murmured, her lashes fluttering as the hand at her waist kneaded the top of her tailbone.

She was deliberately tempting him. After they’d already set out the ground rules.

“Say the word and they’re gone,” he answered, calling her bluff.

She kept silent.

“This is a killer dress,” he commented. “Little black dress sounds so simple. But it’s not simple on you.”

“Is there a motive behind your compliments? Or are you just keeping up the charade?”

“It’s the truth. You look beautiful tonight. The men of this town must all be blind if they can’t see it.”

She shrugged. “I’ve lived here all my life. I’m not a novelty.”

“They’re blind and stupid, then.”

She smiled. “You’re doing a good job, anyway.”

“A good job?”

“Of turning the situation around and puffing up my ego. You were right. A dance was a better idea than running off with my tail between my legs.”

“We only forgot one thing.”

“We did?”

“Well, yes. If you want everyone to believe you don’t give a damn about Rhys.”

Curious, she tilted her head up to meet his gaze. Suddenly she couldn’t hear the music, couldn’t see the other partygoers around them. She was oblivious to everything but Jack. The way he looked, all suave and debonair with his dark hair and bedroom eyes and broad shoulders. But more than that was the way he was looking at her. Like she was the only woman in the world. No one had ever, ever looked at her that way.

It seemed the most obvious thing for a kiss to be the next step. They slid into it naturally, like they’d done it a thousand times before. Her head tilted slightly to the left, there was a first meeting of lips, then they opened a little wider as they tasted and explored. It felt strangely familiar and yet somehow brand-new. They kept it light, kept their hands where they belonged, especially considering they were in public. But it was a hell of a kiss all the same—the kind of kiss that made her toes curl in her platform pumps and goose bumps shiver over her skin. And when it was over her breath was coming a little bit faster than before. Wow.

“If there were ever any doubt...” he said, putting the final bow on the top by touching his lips to her temple in a tender and intimate gesture.

But his words made Amy go suddenly cold, like she was splashed with icy water. This wasn’t real. It was an act, a performance. A charity service. It was all about perception. Showing the town that she didn’t give a damn about Rhys Bullock and his insults.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

But Jack was smart. Especially for a guy. He squeezed her hand to get her attention. “You think because we let them see what we wanted them to see that it wasn’t real.”

“What a charming way you have with words,” she replied drily, her gaze sliding away.

“You think it was an act.”

“Wasn’t it? A lovely stage for me to save face for a few minutes. What’s in it for you, Jack? Something to keep you from being bored?”

His jaw tightened. Had she struck a nerve?

“Would that be so bad?”

She hated that the immediate answer that came back to her was no. The problem was there was no excitement in Cadence Creek. No adventure or challenge. It was always the same, day in and day out. She longed to get out, but every time she thought of escaping she thought of leaving her mother alone and couldn’t quite do it. As much as she got frustrated with her mom, she worried about her. Amy was sure Mary was depressed. And she hardly ever went out.... How could Amy possibly leave her to fend for herself?

“Well, it’s humiliation of a different sort.”

“News flash,” he said in a low voice. “Being with you is a great distraction. There are far worse things than holding a beautiful woman in your arms.”

“That might be nice if I thought you meant it.”

A wrinkle formed between his eyebrows as he frowned. “Amy, we danced twice tonight already. It was fun. There was eye contact and we flirted. Did it occur to you that maybe I didn’t like the thought of someone like you being in that bathroom crying over some guy who’s not worth it?”

“No.”

“No what?”

“No, it didn’t occur to me.”

“Why?”

“Because in my experience most guys don’t give a good damn about my feelings.”

“Then you’ve been hanging around the wrong men.”

“No,” she corrected, suddenly feeling like telling the absolute truth. “It’s me. I’m messed up and guys try to stay away from that kind of crazy.”

She was surprised when he burst out laughing. “What’s so funny?” she asked.

He looked down at her warmly. With—she would swear—affection. “Amy, I used to hurl myself down the side of a mountain at over eighty miles an hour. I like crazy. Besides, I don’t think you’re crazy at all. Misunderstood, maybe. But not crazy.”

That he could be so astute momentarily silenced her. The music faded and he moved his hand at her back, letting her go but still holding tightly to her right hand. “Are you ready to go now, or would you like to stay a little longer?”

She looked around. A few faces were staring in their direction, but not all. Some were at the bar, some were in groups talking, others were taking to the dance floor. The truth was she was tired of them all. All the familiar faces, all people who knew—or thought they knew—far too much about her. She couldn’t wait to get out of here. “I’m ready. My coat’s at the check.”

“You get it and I’ll join you in a moment. I’m just going to say goodbye to Callum and Avery.”

Of course. The bride and groom. His brother and new sister-in-law. Ignoring anyone who might want to speak to her, she made straight for the coat check. She was just tying the belt of her coat when Jack came up beside her, holding a bottle of champagne in his hand. “What are you...?”

He got his coat, tipped the coat-check girl and put a hand on her elbow. “I got the impression you liked the champagne.”

She couldn’t lie. “I did.”

“And that you might just happen to like me a little bit.”

“You’re not exactly a troll.”

He chuckled and opened the door to the outside. The frigid wind blasted against her, eating through the thin material of her stockings. He put his free arm around her and bundled her close as he led her across the parking lot to his rented car. “So leaving the dance doesn’t mean having to say good-night. I swiped a bottle from the bar. Come back to the B and B with me.”

Chapter Two

The B and B. Amy wasn’t exactly sure how much privacy they’d have there. And then there was the matter of what Jack expected out of tonight. She was tempted. Oh, so tempted. But she wasn’t the kind to spend a night in a man’s hotel room. Especially one she barely knew. She was more on the fairy-tale end of the spectrum when it came to romance, and not the fast and loose.

He opened her door and helped her inside, then jogged around the hood and got in, turned on the engine and let it warm up. It was better out of the wind but still cold, and she wished the heater would kick in.

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” she said, regretting having to say the words but determined to make a smart decision for once in her life.

“Why not?”

“For exactly the same reason nothing happened in the ladies’ room.”

“You’re not the casual-sex type.”

“You’re a risk taker. I’m not.” Even if at times she rather wished she was.... Maybe she would have let Cadence Creek see the back of her long before now. Some days she worried she was turning out more and more like her mother. Afraid. Stuck in a rut and never strong enough to get out. God, she hoped she wasn’t that person.

Heat began to surround her feet. Jack rubbed his hands together. “No sex,” he said. “I’ll make a solemn promise that this is not a hookup type of proposition.”

She tilted her head as she looked at him. “Then why? I mean...what’s in it for you?”

Their gazes locked for a few seconds and then he looked away. “Honestly? I’m looking forward to taking off this jacket and tie and just hanging out for a while. Not being ‘Jack, the Groom’s Brother,’ who says and does all the right things.”

Surprise rippled through her. Maybe Perfect Jack was just an act? Or at least covering the real Jack.... And boy, oh, boy, could she understand that.

“Look,” he said, “just come back, have a glass of champagne with me. I was on chauffeur duty today and abstained all night. We can just chill and then I’ll walk you home.” He gazed at her sharply. “You do live within walking distance, right?”

“Just off of Main, on Maple.”

“Scout’s honor, Amy. We won’t do anything you don’t want to do.”

That was just the problem. She didn’t know what she wanted. And if she had some of that champagne, she wasn’t sure how much willpower she’d have to turn away a man like Jack Shepard. The kiss on the dance floor was still front and center in her mind.

“An hour,” she finally said. “That’s all. An hour and a glass of champagne and then I go home and you go back to...”

Gosh, she didn’t even really know where he called home, did she?

“To my ranch in Montana.”

Montana. One summer she and her mother had taken a trip across the border through Glacier Park and spent a few days in Kalispell. It had been beautiful. They’d driven past this resort-type place that was huge, and she’d wondered what it would be like to stay there, order room service and look out at the mountains. Instead they’d gotten a room at a nationwide discount chain. It had still been fun, but even then, Amy had wanted more.

“I suppose you have a huge place there,” she said, blowing on her fingers as he drove out of the lot.

“It’s a working ranch. I bought it a few years ago with the idea of turning it into a corporate retreat. I spent some time in the area on vacation and really enjoyed the physical challenges, so I flew in my whole management team and we did this week-long team-building thing. It was so much fun I decided to have a go at it myself.” He smiled. “Now I consider it home. I still keep an apartment in Vancouver, but I’m not there much. Turns out I’m not much of a city guy when all is said and done.”

Jack was different when he talked about his ranch, more relaxed, animated. She got the feeling that this was closer to the real Jack than the man who had ridden to her rescue in the ladies’ bathroom.

“Do you wear the boots and hat and the whole nine yards?”

He laughed. “Of course. All our cattle work is done on horseback. We do a few drives during the year, not to mention the trail rides.”

She sighed. Just when she thought how different he was from the men she knew, it turned out he was the same, after all. After living her whole life in Cadence Creek, she was a little tired of the whole cowboy scene.

It took hardly any time to reach the town, and with a few quick turns Jack pulled up in front of the B and B. He grabbed the champagne and came around and opened her door, offering her his free hand.

The owners had gone to bed but Jack’s parents, Susan and Harry, sat up in the parlor, quietly talking and enjoying a glass of wine. Amy felt her face twist into a guilty expression the moment they stepped into the room.

“Jack, dear.” Susan suddenly noticed Amy behind him. “Oh, hello.”

“Hello, Mrs. Shepard.”

Parents were not part of the plan. This was the worst idea ever. She should never have gone along with it.

Jack put the champagne bottle down onto a side table and began unbuttoning his overcoat. “It’s a cold one. I invited Amy back for a drink. I hope that’s okay. Both of us were getting a little tired of the festivities.”

“Of course. We were just heading to bed....”

Harry’s brows were slightly raised, inquisitive. Jack grinned. “Why don’t you stay up and have a glass of champagne with us? It would give us all some time to just hang out and chill. It’s been a crazy few days.”

Harry nodded, as if satisfied. “Yes, it has. Your mother and I had quite a job getting Nell down for the night.” He nodded at a baby monitor beside him. “I wouldn’t say no to champagne. You open it while I grab some glasses, Jack. Kathleen showed me where she keeps them.”

While the men got the drinks, Amy took off her coat and hung it up on the antique coatrack in the corner, nerves tumbling around in her stomach. She’d met the Shepard children during the wedding planning, but she’d only really seen Mr. and Mrs. Shepard from a distance. Now she knew where Jack got his aura of success and Taylor got her class. It was intimidating as hell. “It was a lovely wedding,” she said to Susan, scrambling for something to say.

“Yes, it was. If I remember right, you work at the flower shop, yes?”

“I do, yes.”

“The flowers were beautiful. You did a great job.”

If nothing else, Mrs. Shepard was trying to be nice. “Melissa does all the designing. Though she has shown me how to do some simple arrangements.”

“Do you like it there?”

Amy shrugged. “It’s okay.” She smiled. “I actually like the business side of it better, but it’s a small shop. Know what I mean?”

Susan smiled. “Actually, I do. Not enough challenge to keep you going.”

“That’s it exactly.” Amy smiled. Jack’s parents weren’t anywhere near as intimidating as she expected. At least his mother wasn’t. Harry Shepard carried a distinct air of authority.

There was a loud pop and then glasses were filled. To Amy’s surprise, she and Jack sat on the sofa together and everyone simply chatted—about the wedding, about Cadence Creek, about Callum and Avery’s daughter, Nell. Clearly the elder Shepards were enjoying being grandparents. Finally Susan stifled a yawn. “Oh, my goodness. I think it’s time I went to bed. We’ve got to be up with the baby in the morning, and to see Callum and Avery off on their honeymoon.”

She stood and came to Jack, who also stood for a hug. “It was good spending some extra time with you, sweetheart. We don’t see you enough.”

“I know.” He grinned at her crookedly. “You should come down to the ranch for a week. I’ll take you zip-lining.”

Harry chuckled. “Maybe we will. I’d like to see your mother on one of those contraptions. Good night, son. And you, too, Amy. It was nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too,” she said, and meant it.

They hadn’t spent an hour sipping bubbly in Jack’s room, but in some ways this had been better. She’d felt welcomed and relaxed. It was, to her surprise, the perfect ending to the day.

They said their good-nights and Jack turned to her. “I suppose this is where I say I should walk you home,” he said.

“I suppose it is.” She stood and put her glass down onto a coffee table. “I’ll get my coat.”

“Not so fast,” he murmured, catching her hand when she would have turned away. He pulled her back so that she was in front of him. He put his hand at her waist, his fingers sliding along the soft material of the curve-hugging dress. “I was on my best behavior,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate. “I kept my promise, too. The least you can do is give me a kiss good-night.”

“I suppose it is only fair.” She smiled up at him. If nothing else, in the past few hours Jack had given her something that she hadn’t had in a very long time: acceptance. She hadn’t felt the need to be anyone other than who she was. Hadn’t felt pressed to meet any sort of expectation. Perhaps that was because the Shepards hadn’t been in Cadence Creek very long. Or perhaps it was because they were a genuinely nice, normal family.

And after tonight it was unlikely she’d ever even see Jack again. The least she could do was take a kiss to remember him by.

She tilted her face up and kissed him, and with far less reserve than she’d shown on the dance floor. His arms came around her and pulled her close; she twined hers around his neck and slid her fingers through his hair. They were as close as two people could be with their clothes on, pressed together at several contact points. Jack’s hands roved over her back and came to tangle in her long curls as he tilted her head back and took command of her mouth. He tasted like man and the rich, erotic tang of champagne.

If he asked, she realized, she might reconsider her earlier bargain.

“Do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked roughly. “If I didn’t have to leave tomorrow night, I think I’d actually consider seeing where this leads.”

“But you are leaving tomorrow night.”

“Yes.” He nibbled at her earlobe and her eyes rolled back in her head with pleasure.

“And you’re not coming back.”

“Well,” he said, and he kissed her neck just below her ear, “I’m back on Christmas Eve and gone again Boxing Day.”

“And spending it with your family.”

“Yeah.”

They kissed a little longer until they were both out of breath.

“Jack, you should take me home. This would be a foolish mistake.”

She stepped backward, her chest rising and falling with exertion, her body humming with arousal. Of all the times to be sensible...and yet she was somehow happy about her choice. She was nearly twenty-five. It was time she took control of her life rather than simply letting it happen to her, time she decided what it was she wanted and found a way to get it. She could start by not letting herself get swept away in a moment that would only be a dead end.

She’d figure the rest out in time. Changing your life was a big job for one night.

“You’re right. I’ll get our coats.” He stepped back and ran a hand through his hair. “But dammit, Amy, you are not an easy woman to walk away from.”

As he disappeared around the corner toward the foyer, Amy bit down on her lip and blinked a few times. Jack couldn’t possibly know that that was the sweetest thing he could have said to her tonight.

* * *

AMY COULDN’T STAND being in the house another moment.

It was Christmas Eve. It should have been a time for happiness and joy and presents and carols and hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps. Instead there wasn’t even a tree up at her house. A little-known secret—if Cadence Creek had any secrets—was that Christmas simply didn’t happen at the Wilson house in any way, shape or form. Not since she was ten years old and her dad had walked out on her and her mother on December twenty-third. Neither of them had seen him since.

It made Amy bitter. Naturally it had ruined that Christmas, but she didn’t see why it had to ruin every holiday since. But her mother was adamant. No tree. No turkey dinner, no Miracle on 34th Street.

As much as she understood, Amy refused to be Scrooged out of the holiday altogether. Tonight she would sing carols and look at the tree decorated at the front of the sanctuary and soak it all in for a blessed hour. She looked forward to this every year.

“Mom, why don’t you come with me? The service is so great.”

“Not this year, Amy.” Mary Wilson’s voice was tired. She looked up from her chair, where she was watching television. “You go and have fun.”

Amy went back into the living room and perched on the arm of the sofa. Since the wedding she’d been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking about what she wanted and the person she wanted to be. Something had changed in the moment she’d stepped out of the bathroom with Jack. Something good. Something...strong.

She’d been going to wait to broach the subject but the time felt right. “Mom, what would you say if I told you I wanted to go to school?”

Mary’s head turned, her program forgotten. “School? When? Where?” Was that fear Amy saw in her eyes? It only made her more nervous. Amy kept pushing for Mary to get out, but what would happen if she weren’t here anymore to give that nudge?

“Not far,” Amy assured her. “In the fall. I’ve been looking into college courses in the city. I’d have to get an apartment, but I wouldn’t be far away. I could come home lots. Every weekend.”

She wished she could tell what her mother was thinking. But years of hiding her emotions had served Mary well. Her face gave away nothing now that the initial shock was over. “You’re unhappy at the flower shop?” Mary asked.

Amy chose her words carefully. She didn’t want to put everything on her mother’s shoulders. It wasn’t about blame, though Amy did harbor some resentment for how she’d grown up in a cheerless house. At the same time, she understood. And she would never, ever want to add to her mom’s distress.

“I just can’t see myself staying there for the rest of my life, you know? I want more. I want...options. But I don’t want to leave you all alone, either.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

Amy frowned. “But I do worry about you. About you being alone. I wish you’d come with me to church. Maybe try to be a part of the community again. Don’t you think it’s time?”

Mary looked away. “Maybe another time. Just not today.”

Amy knew that look. It was the “discussion closed” look. Disappointed, she got up. “I won’t be too late,” she said quietly.

“Have a good time.”

The words sounded empty. There was no joy at Christmas, not in the Wilson house. And while Amy longed to get away, she was worried, too. Worried about what would happen to her mom if she were left all alone. At least now she left the house to work. Get groceries. What if that changed?

Amy walked to the church, taking deep breaths of the cold air and enjoying the sound of snow crunching under her favorite boots to shake her dull mood. The parking lot was already full and golden light spilled from the windows, welcoming her. She shook off the heavy weight of her talk with her mom and stepped inside into the warmth and cheer.

Then she spotted Jack.

He’d really come back to celebrate Christmas with his family, then. Something warm and lovely wound its way through her, making her smile. Jack had been a wonderful surprise at the wedding. She’d been at her lowest in the moment Rhys had uttered those words. To her it hadn’t felt like she was the last woman he wanted to be with—it had felt like she was the last woman anyone would want. That she had absolutely nothing to offer.

Jack had changed that. Oddly enough it hadn’t been his attention that had affected her so deeply. Or the way he’d kissed her and held her close—though that had been very memorable. It was how he’d brought her in, included her in his evening with his parents. As if she belonged. As if she were their equal. She’d never had that before.

He looked over and his face broke out in a smile when he recognized her. She gave a little wave and watched as he excused himself from the group he was in and came over.

“Hey,” he said, and to her surprise he gave her a quick hug. He smelled scrumptious, some sort of expensive cologne she didn’t recognize. “I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”

“Just about the whole town goes out for the local services,” she replied. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

“You’re here alone?”

She shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “My mom’s the exception to the rule. Long story.”

“You’ll sit with us, then.” He said it as if it were a done deal.

“Jack, you don’t have to do that. I’m a big girl.” She batted her eyelashes. “See? No tears. No rescuing of damsels in distress required tonight.”

Once again that strange expression washed over his face, but then he smiled brightly at her. “Well, that’s good news. But you can sit with us anyway.” He leaned in. “I’m the only one not paired up. I hate being a third wheel.”

She doubted that but it was also nice to know she didn’t have to sit alone. “Okay, then.”

“Let me hang up your coat.”

She grinned at him. “Are you trying to start more rumors?”

He laughed. “My mom taught me good manners, remember?”

“I’ll remember to thank her for it later.”

He took the coat from her hands and hooked it on a hanger. “So...how’ve you been?”

“Good,” she answered. “Busy.” It was true. The flower shop had been steady all week long. “Doing some thinking.”

“Oh, that sounds interesting.” He raised an eyebrow.

“I came to a rather radical decision, actually. I need to get out of here, Jack. What am I going to do, work at the flower shop for the rest of my life?”

“You’re getting itchy feet?”

She nodded. “I want to do something. I want to see places. So I’m taking the next eight months to build up my savings so I can move to the city and take classes when the fall term starts.”

They made their way slowly to the sanctuary door. “That’s great, Amy. Any idea what you’re going to study?”

She nodded. “Hospitality management. I like working with people. And I have good organizational skills. I think I could be good at it.”

“I can see that. You’re very good at the flower shop.” He stared at her for a few moments more and she wondered what he was thinking. She also noticed shadows beneath his eyes. Jack, for all his charming smiles, was exhausted. What was causing him to lose sleep?

“You don’t think I can do it?” she asked.

“On the contrary. Didn’t I just say so?”

The words were glib but there was an edge to his voice that confirmed her suspicion. “Hey, is everything okay with you? You look tired. A little stressed.”

“Funny you should mention that...”

At that moment his family made their way over and suggested they find their seats, so their conversation was halted until they found themselves packed into a rather full pew. She didn’t mind being close to Jack. In fact she’d thought about it perhaps a little too often over the past several days.

“Where’s Taylor?” Amy asked, opening the bulletin and scanning the order of service.

“We had dinner at the diner. I think she stayed to help Rhys and Martha clean up.”

“They’re still an item, then?”

He nudged her with his elbow. “You’ve been here all week. You’d know better than I would.”

She turned her head and met his gaze. “I’ve been avoiding the gossip mill. And from the look on your face, I’d say you know more than you’re letting on. Anyway, I was just making conversation.”

Jack sighed. “Sorry. You were right before. I’m touchy.”

“Any reason in particular?” She put down the bulletin and gave him her full attention.

“Labor issues. Or rather, lack of. One of my staff was in a bad accident this week.”

Amy put her hand on his arm. “Oh, no! Are they okay?”

He nodded. “Yes, thank goodness. Or she will be—in time. But it was serious. She’s got a broken pelvis, and the doctors say that she’ll be off at least three months.”

“Surely someone can fill in for her? A temp?”

Jack shook his head. “She basically runs the corporate retreat business at the ranch. I did what I could this week while I was there, but on Boxing Day I’m going back there again to get things settled. Once the holidays are over, we’ve got groups starting up again. Groups that have been booked for months. Finding a temp this week, with all the statutory holidays? Just about impossible.”

The service started and the lights dimmed. After several carols to set the mood, there was a brief message and then came Amy’s favorite part—“Silent Night.” Everyone was given a single candle in a holder, and as the choir started the first verse, the minister made his way down the aisle and lit the candles on the end. Wick was touched to wick until all the candles were lit and the congregation joined in for the second and third verses. Beside her, Jack relaxed, his warm, tenor voice joining in with the others.

And then it was over, the candles extinguished, and the lights came up. Chatter erupted as good wishes for the holiday were exchanged. Little children bounced with excitement, because now that church was over they were one step closer to Santa Claus. Jack chuckled as one particularly cute boy with little round glasses tugged on his father’s hand, claiming they had to hurry and get the cookies out so he could go to bed.

“Amy, good to see you again.” Susan came over and gave her a brief hug. “Do you have plans for the holiday?”

Once she got over the surprise of the affectionate gesture, Amy smiled. “Oh, just spending tomorrow with my mom. Keeping things quiet.”

“That sounds lovely.”

Callum and Avery joined them briefly, Callum carrying a sleeping Nell. “Merry Christmas, Amy.”

“You, too. Baby’s first Christmas. Pretty exciting at your house.”

“Yeah.” Avery smiled. “And it’s nice to have all of Callum’s family here. I see Taylor and Rhys made it.” She nodded toward the back of the church, where the couple was standing with Rhys’s mother, Martha.

To Amy’s mind, the way Avery paired their names together pretty much answered any question Jack might have had.

Jack turned to Amy. “How’d you get here?”

She smiled. “I walked. Got some fresh air.”

“I’ll drive you home.”

“Are you sure?”

He smiled back. “Of course I am. I do know where you live.”

Yes, he did. He’d walked her home before in the cold. Any lingering they might have done at her door had been cut short by the frigid wind and her freezing feet. But it hadn’t stopped him from leaning in and dropping a light kiss on her lips just the same.

They gathered their coats and he led her to his new rental car.

The heater hadn’t even really kicked in by the time they got to her house. Jack parked on the street and left the engine running. “I wish I could see you again before I go back, but with family obligations and the trouble back home...”

“I understand completely. It’s no biggie, Jack. I didn’t even think I’d see you again. Thanks for including me tonight.”

“I was glad for the company.”

“So you’re heading back on the twenty-sixth. Any idea what you’re going to do about your problem?”

He sighed. “Making sure Rosa’s doing okay and that her family has everything they need is the first thing. And then I’ll have to check I have the bookings straight and look at hiring someone to fill in.”

“Surely it won’t be that difficult. Is there an agency you can use?”

“Maybe, but Rosa’s a force of nature. She looks after the business but also does all the cooking and cleaning for our guests. I’ll probably have to hire two people to replace her.”

Amy looked out the window. A flurry was starting, little white flakes drifting to the ground. All along her street houses were lit up with lights—white ones, multicolored, inflatable snowmen and penguins—and every door held a wreath. But not hers. There was a glow from a single window but no flickering reflection of a Christmas tree or any hint of holiday cheer. She didn’t want to go inside. Wished she could be anywhere but here right now. Then felt automatically guilty about it.

“My mom’s not much for decorating,” she said quietly, knowing Jack had to have noticed.

“And you never thought to go about it yourself?”

She looked over at him. His features were illuminated by the dashboard lights. There was no criticism in his voice. In fact, Jack Shepard was probably the first person she’d ever met who didn’t seem to make any judgments at all. Maybe he’d been on the receiving end and knew how it felt. Once again she remembered the stories from the news. Speculation about the affair right under his coach’s nose. How much of it had been true? It was hard to believe he would have done such a thing. It just wasn’t Jack.

“My mom forbade decorating,” she answered, her voice barely above a whisper. “My dad left us at Christmas. She hates the holidays.”

“I’m sorry. That’s rough.”

“It was years ago. She should be able to move on. But moving on seems to be one thing neither of us are very good at. I swear, Jack, deciding to go away to school has taken such a load off my shoulders. And yet...”

“And yet she’ll be here alone. And you’ll worry about her.”

“Yeah,” she answered, relieved he understood.

He reached over and took her hand. “Do you want to come over to Callum’s tomorrow? I’m sure it would be fine with Avery.”

“No, that’s okay. I just wish...”

“You wish what?”

She sighed. “That I could get away for a bit. Just somewhere different, to really think about what it is I want.”

“Where you won’t be influenced one way or the other?”

“Or fall back into comfortable habits.”

Her gaze met his as a kernel of an idea took hold. He had a problem, and she was restless. What if they could help each other out?

“Look, things around the shop are always slow after Christmas. What if...” She took a deep breath. “What if I came down and helped you out for a few weeks? I’m pretty sure I could handle the admin you need done. It’d give you some breathing room before having to hire someone new.”

“You’re serious.”

“Of course I’m serious. It would only be for a short time.” Her mom would be fine for a few weeks. It would be a good trial run.

He turned in the seat and faced her squarely. “I couldn’t officially pay you, you understand. Unless you have a U.S. work visa I know nothing about.”

He was considering it. She didn’t mind the work; she could file and type and answer phones and schedule things without blinking an eye. In return she’d have a few weeks in a Montana lodge, surrounded by snow and roaring fires and whatever else she could come up with. “It’d be like a vacation for me, I promise. You don’t have to pay me anything. I’ll do it in exchange for room and board.”

“You’re crazy.”

“I’m desperate.” She looked back at the house again. “Jack, I’ve felt stuck in this hick town for as long as I can remember.” She lifted a hand. “It’s my own fault, and I know that. You’d be helping me and I’d be helping you. Win-win.”

“I’m not sure desperation is the best motive here.”

Was he talking about her need to get away or the small matter of what had happened between them less than two weeks ago? They’d been all but plastered together on the dance floor and later in the parlor at the B and B. She wasn’t sure how to bring it up, but she felt one of them should.

“If you’re worried about there being atmosphere, don’t. That’s not why I’m going. I’ve sworn off men, remember?”

He laughed shortly. “I’ve heard that before.”

She put her hand on his arm. Even through his overcoat she felt the strength and warmth of it. There was no denying that Jack was strong and sexy as hell. No denying that her pulse had raced being held in his arms. But for once in her life she was focused on a goal. She wasn’t about to get distracted now. Not even by someone as amazing as Jack.

“It would be good experience for me. If I’m considering going into hospitality management, what better training could I ask for? If I like it I’ll be really sure. And it’ll be a good test run for my mom, too. It’ll take her some getting used to—being alone, that is.”

“So there’s nothing here at all?” He moved his finger back and forth, gesturing between the two of them.

She hesitated. “You want the truth or a lie?”

His lips twitched. “The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

“The truth is you’re a nice guy and a great kisser, but I have bigger fish to fry at the moment. If you’re worried about me getting all clingy and having expectations or something...don’t.”

He sat back. “Brutal honesty. I like it.” He ran a finger over his chin. “It would give me some breathing room. I have to be in Vancouver for meetings right after New Year’s....”

“There, you see?”

He frowned. “This all seems rather convenient.”

She paused for a moment. Listened to the air blowing through the heater vents. Looked out at the street, awash in Christmas cheer.

“I don’t want to be this person anymore,” she whispered. “For years I’ve done exactly what my mother has done—accepted my lot in life and done a fair bit of complaining about it. It’s not enough. Rhys said I was the last woman in the world he’d want to date. I don’t want to be the last woman in the world for anything or anyone. I want to do something. I want to learn how. I would give anything to have the confidence and competence of someone like your sister. I’ve got to start somewhere. Please, Jack. I promise I’ll do a good job for you. You won’t regret it.”

Jack stared at her, his eyes dark in the dim light of the car. He wasn’t joking or smiling. Maybe that was what she liked about him. He didn’t make fun of her, even when she made it easy for him.

“Can you be ready early on the twenty-sixth?”

“You set the time and I’ll be waiting.”

“And you’ve got a passport?”

“I do.”

“Then you’ve got a deal. I’ll call you with the details.”

“Perfect.” A smile broke out on her face. She was really going to do this. Something spontaneous, maybe even a little daring—at least in her small world. “You won’t regret it, Jack,” she repeated. “You’ll see.”

“I’m counting on it. Now get going. I’ve got to get back to the house and spend some time with the family.” He held out his hand. “Should we shake on it?”

Amy peeled off her glove and put her hand in his. The moment their fingers touched sparks zinged up her arm and made her catch her breath. Her gaze rose to Jack’s and she saw the same electricity reflected in his pupils.

“It won’t get in the way,” she assured him.

He pulled his hand away from hers. “Boxing Day morning. I’ll pick you up on the way to the airport.”

“See you then.”

He didn’t get out of the car this time, didn’t go around to open her door or walk her to the steps. It was just as well. New boundaries had been set.

She hurried up the patio stones to the front door and turned just in time to see him pulling away from the curb.

He wouldn’t regret it. She’d make sure.

Now she just had to break the news to her mother and pack her suitcase.

Chapter Three

Jack sincerely hoped he wasn’t making a colossal mistake.

He looked over at Amy, who kept staring out the window of the Citation. He hadn’t realized that she’d never flown before. When she’d said she had a passport, he’d assumed she’d traveled a little, but she remarked that she’d only had one for the odd trip across the border. When she’d discovered that he’d chartered a private plane for the trip, her usually big eyes got even bigger. And he’d thought she was about to swallow her tongue when he offered her breakfast once they were settled in the plush leather seats. It had only been coffee and croissants, but it didn’t seem to matter to her. Everything was an adventure.

Her innocent surprise and pleasure made him feel about ten feet tall. Which was weird because he wasn’t really into ego stroking. Maybe it was more that his life had gotten so busy that he tended to forget how special things were. He was worried about what was waiting for him in Montana. Amy was enjoying the journey.

Hmm. Maybe he needed to do a little more of that.

“What are you looking at?” he asked.

“Clouds. Isn’t that amazing? We’re above the clouds.”

“And when we start our descent, you’ll be able to see the ground. Mountains and everything.”

“This is so cool. I never dreamed we were taking a private plane.”

He chuckled and sat down beside her. “Hey, it’s not like I own it.” Though to be honest he’d considered it. He did enough traveling that it might be worth it. He could always lease it out to help cover the cost.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s yours or not,” she said. “It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”

Her smile was bright and contagious. She was going with him to help out, but he got the feeling that seeing her experience things for the first time was going to be fun. There were lots of things to do in and around the ranch. Maybe they could carve out some time for more than just work.

More than just work. The agreement was purely business, wasn’t it?

He wanted to think so. Amy had asked him if he had a rescue complex and he’d denied it, but her question had hit rather close to home. Maybe he did. It had been years since Sheila and the following scandal, but it still left a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d tried to help. Tried to offer Sheila a way out. Rationally he knew it wasn’t his fault she hadn’t taken it. It didn’t stop the guilt, though.

The truth was, he had stepped in at the wedding for two reasons. First, he’d seen the hurt on Amy’s face. She’d looked first surprised at Rhys’s put-down and then defeated, and he hated that. And then there was the fact that he was going crazy beneath the polite smiles and required happiness for Callum. Not that he begrudged his brother a thing. Avery was awesome and Callum’s daughter, Nell, was sweet. But it was a stark reminder of what Jack might have had if things had been different, and Amy had been the perfect distraction.

He’d played it cool back in Cadence Creek. Slowed things down the night of the wedding, hanging out with his parents instead of having a private toast for two in his room. Why, he couldn’t say. He was pretty sure that if he’d pressed the issue, things might have ended in the morning rather than before midnight. But there was something innately sweet about Amy. She hadn’t dug in her claws or tried to make the most of the situation.

And then there was the kiss. The one on the dance floor had whetted his appetite, a small amuse-bouche giving him a taste of what was to come. The kiss in the parlor of the B and B had been different. And still he’d shown restraint. Walked her home. Kissed her good-night at her door.

Then Christmas Eve had arrived and she’d been like a ray of sunshine in the midst of his stress. He’d convinced himself that they could just be friends. Especially when she came up with a very practical solution to his problem.

He frowned as he took another sip of coffee. They were going to be alone at Aspen Valley and now that they were on their way he was reminded of how very beautiful she was and how kissing her had left him wanting more. Much more.

Dammit. He was going to have to be careful, wasn’t he? There was helping and then there was getting in way over his head....

They arrived at the small airport in Whitefish before lunch and transferred into his SUV that he’d left parked. It had snowed on Christmas Day and while the highways were fairly clear, the side roads were more snow-packed and he took his time. The sky was a clear, clear blue, the perfect backdrop for the mountains in the distance. When they finally turned onto the lane leading to his place, he heard Amy catch her breath.

“This is so beautiful. How far until we get to your ranch?”

He grinned, relaxing more and more as they got closer to home. “We’re on it.”

“All this is yours?”

He nodded, enchanted by the awe in her voice. “Most of it. It extends down past the valley there,” he said, pointing. “We’re bordered by a creek on the south side.”

“How on earth do you look after it all? And run your company?”

He shrugged. “When I bought this place, I kept the foreman on staff, and most of the hands, too, to run the stock operation. They know way more about ranching than I do and so we all play to our strengths. I have a team in place to do the heavy lifting with Shepard Sports, so I can spend a lot of my time here.” He grinned. “I couldn’t give Callum a hard time about farming. I know exactly why he loves it. I’m enjoying the ranch far more than I expected.”

Indeed he did. In the months after Sheila’s betrayal and his devastating injury, he’d been lost. His heart had been trampled on and his dreams of Olympic gold ripped away. Even building Shepard Sports hadn’t given him the fulfillment he’d expected. It was the ranch that had finally done it, where he felt like himself again.

“And the outdoor adventure part?” she asked.

“Satisfies my thrill quotient.” He laughed a little. “The trail rides and cattle drives we do from here. For other events I either hire locally or partner with other businesses. It’s good for the local economy.”

“Things like the zip-lining? Are you still a daredevil, Jack?”

He shrugged. “Maybe, just a bit. I like the adrenaline rush, you know? There’s that, and powder skiing, and rock climbing. There are other fun things, too, that are less hair-raising. You’ll learn pretty quickly. Scheduling and confirming those activities are going to be on your to-do list this week.”

She smiled back. “I feel like I’m in another world.”

He turned his attention to the road. It was odd how her words so accurately reflected how he’d felt the first moment he’d arrived here, too. Like it was a world so completely detached from his crazy everyday life.

The lane widened at a break in the trees and there was the house, two and a half stories of wood siding stained a dark cherry, and a wraparound veranda surrounded by pristine white snowbanks.

Home.

The tension seeped out of his body as the car crawled up the drive and around the circular driveway to stop in front of the house. There was something about this place. Something that spoke to the deepest part of him. Whenever anything went wrong, when business was too crazy and the demands never-ending, a weekend here was all it took to center him again. When he needed solitude this was where he came. It was his hideaway. Sacred. Even when guests had free run of the house, it was okay. It was like he was offering them a glimpse of his corner of heaven. He didn’t need to be greedy; he could share.

But to his recollection he’d never brought a woman here. Not that Amy was a woman in that sense. He just needed to keep telling himself that over the next several days.

He put the car in Park and shut off the ignition, then looked over at her.

“Holy crap,” she whispered, staring at the lodge. “This place is huge.” She turned to stare at him. “You own all this, and the apartment in Vancouver?”

He nodded. And he was on the cusp of buying another property, too, though that wasn’t quite a done deal and he hadn’t said a word about it to anyone but Callum. He’d had a meeting on the twenty-third, just before Christmas, and hopefully all that was left was to officially sign the papers and take possession once all the environmental inspections were completed.

“You really are rich, aren’t you, Jack?”

He raised his eyebrows, surprised at the blunt question. “Was there ever any doubt?”

She shook her head. “Not really, not with how big Shepard Sports is. But you just...well...you don’t act rich.”

He knew it was a compliment. And it was something he made a point of—not letting success go to his head or change who he was. His jaw tightened a little, remembering how it felt to be on the receiving end of a man who wasn’t afraid to throw his power and control around. Only then it hadn’t been about money. It had been something entirely different. It had been about possession and dominance and it had altered Jack’s life forever and in ways he hadn’t expected.

Sheila had come to him and shown him the bruises. Jack had been so angry. So filled with rage. She was a lovely, gentle woman who deserved better. And this was at the hands of the man who was responsible for Jack’s day-to-day training.

She’d convinced him to stay. That she needed him, and that he needed to train hard for the next Olympics. Their secret turned to more—to an affair—and Jack had been stuck firmly in the middle. He’d promised to find a new coach after the current season, to take her with him, keep her safe....

He’d let her down so badly. He frowned, pushing the memory of his failures aside. “Let’s get inside and get you settled, then I’ll give you the grand tour. Tomorrow we can run into town and pick up some groceries and other necessities.”

Together they got their bags out of the back and then Jack led the way up the steps and unlocked the door.

He watched as she crossed the threshold, put down her bag and gaped.

She was charming. There wasn’t a pretentious, fake bone in her body. It was marvellous, seeing things through her eyes as she took them in for the first time. The past was the past, he reminded himself, and couldn’t be changed. Maybe he’d lost the innocent, trusting part of himself but that didn’t mean it didn’t still exist in others.

His harsh introduction to reality had led him to the life he had now, and it was a good life. Sometimes he forgot how good, but he was reminded when he looked at Amy. She was enchanted, and by extension, he found her enchanting.

He found himself wishing they’d never struck the “no touch” bargain.

For better or worse, they were here. And for the next several days, he’d just have to keep temptation locked up. Amy had plans. Far be it from him to ruin them. This time he’d keep his promises. He wouldn’t let her down.

* * *

SHE’D NEVER SEEN a house like this in her life.

Directly in front of her was a wide-open great room with soaring ceilings, an enormous stone fireplace and heavy wooden beams. Stairs climbed to another level and a railing overlooked the open foyer, bedecked in swooping evergreen boughs and red bows. A Christmas tree sat in the corner, a good twelve feet tall if she had her guess. The furniture was rugged, constructed of heavy wood and sturdy fabrics, and suited the grandeur of the house perfectly. To Amy, it felt like a cross between a log cabin and a rustic castle.

“Sorry about the lack of heat,” Jack said from behind her. “Once I get the bags in, I’ll get a fire going in the stove.”

She spun around, still in awe of her surroundings. The fireplace faced the long sofa, but the huge flue also serviced a black iron stove on the opposite side. “You’re not going to build one in the fireplace?”

He shrugged. “The woodstove throws better heat. The fireplace is better for atmosphere.”

Clearly, he was siding with the practical here and away from having atmosphere with her. That was fine. Maybe in the evening she could light one and curl up with a book and a glass of wine....

Suddenly uncomfortable, she stepped farther inside so he could shut the door. It wasn’t right that she was picturing such an indulgent scene when the deal was she was here to work. Not have Jack wait on her or lounge around drinking wine that he’d bought.

“What should I do first?” she asked.

He chuckled. “Wait here while I bring in your suitcase. I’ll light a fire and take you on a tour of the house.”

He was back in moments, deposited her case next to the door and shrugged off his jacket. “You want to hang these up while I get the wood?”

“Sure.”

She hung up their coats and put her boots on a rubber mat then chafed her arms as she went farther inside the room. Jack kneeled in front of the heavy woodstove, adding little pieces of kindling until the fire caught. “There,” he said, sitting back a bit. “Another minute or two and I’ll add some logs. Once it really gets going I’ll turn the damper and before you know it we’ll be toasty warm.”

“Is wood your only source of heat?”

He shook his head. “Nope. The back of the house is south-facing and last year we put in solar panels. That’s how we heat all our hot water, which also does our in-floor heating. Cool, right?”

She nodded and smiled at him. “Or hot, depending on how you look at it.”

“There’s something to be said for reducing our footprint. I like the wood heat in the winter, though. I didn’t have the heart to take it out. But little by little we’ve been making some sustainable changes.”

“Oh?”

He stood up and brushed his hands on his jeans. “We expanded the vegetable garden, for example,” he said. “Most of the vegetables we serve come from right here on the ranch. The beef certainly does. We buy locally for whatever we can—chicken, pork, out-of-season produce. Jeff and I—he’s one of the hands—have talked about putting in a greenhouse, too. It would be awesome to have our own stuff during the winter.”

“Are you turning into a farmer like your brother, Jack?”

He crossed his arms. “I don’t know. Maybe. I love the sports thing and can’t see giving it up entirely. But this is home. It makes me excited.”

“You like to build things, face new challenges. You get bored easily, don’t you?”

The smile slid from his face. “That’s awfully perceptive of you, considering you don’t know me very well.”

“Contrary to popular belief, I’m good at reading people.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Give me an example.”

Was he upset at her for her insight? It seemed clear as day to her. He’d competed at an international level in his sport. When that had ceased to be an option, he’d built himself a business empire. Once that was well on the way, he’d bought this place. She wondered what he’d do when he got bored with it. Or did his jumping around from thing to thing keep him from getting too close to people? She got the feeling that there was Work Jack and Private Jack and not many people got to see the private side.

He wanted proof that she could read people? She smiled. “Well, for example, at the wedding when I danced with Rhys. I knew he wasn’t into me. What it looked like wasn’t real at all. He only got close to me to make Taylor jealous. To make her see what she was missing. He only had eyes for her and I knew it.”

“And it worked. They were arguing about you when he said what he did.”

“Yeah.”

He stepped closer. “You know, I think I’m pretty good at reading people, too. And you know what I think?”

He was only a few inches away from her. He wore a fleece pullover with a half zip that looked soft and cozy as anything. Even though the fire was beginning to throw some heat, she was still chilled. But starting to warm up a bit, simply having him so close to her. She had to tilt her chin to look up and meet his eyes. “What do you think?”

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