“Oh, Tori. You deserve so much more.

“You don’t need to settle for anything less than it all.” Nate took her hand, raised it to his lips and placed a kiss against her fingers. She felt the jolt all the way up her arm, saw the desire in his eyes. “I’m going to say good night now, before I get into any more trouble,” he whispered. With a squeeze of her hand, he released her, then walked down the stairs.

Tori fought to keep from calling him back and asking him to stay with her, to ease her loneliness. She closed her eyes and relived Nate’s kiss, the gentleness of his touch against her skin. What would it be like if she hadn’t sent the good-looking sheriff home tonight? As much as she tried to deny it, she wanted Nate Hunter. What would it be like to make love with him? She blew out a long breath.

That was a fantasy she couldn’t let come true.

A Taste of Paradise
Patricia Thayer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

PATRICIA THAYER

has been writing for sixteen years and has published nineteen books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion, Orange Rose Contest and a prestigious RITA® Award. In 1997, Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.

Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of thirty-two years, Steve, and her three grown sons and two grandsons—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251, or check her Web site at www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Epilogue

Prologue

“A merger for a marriage.” Jed Foster’s voice sounded confident, almost smug. “I have to admit you really came through, J.C.”

Tori’s breath stopped as she removed her hand from the doorknob and forced herself to listen to the conversation between her father and the man she would marry in the morning.

“I told you not to worry,” J.C. assured his future son-in-law. “The wedding is in less than eighteen hours and by the end of the month, your company will be part of Sherco. Tori, being married, finally gets her control of her grandfather’s stock. Between the two of us, we’ll have the majority shares. Now it will be up to you to convince Tori how to vote her shares.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard. I’ve been able to persuade her to see things my way for months.”

Tori felt sick, hearing the satisfaction in her fiancé’s voice. Her grandfather’s will had been ironclad. She had to be either thirty years old, or married before she received her inheritance.

She stepped back from the door, somehow found her way through the hotel lobby and into the ladies’ room. She sank against the sink and tried to slow her breathing.

Her marriage to Jed had been arranged as part of the two companies’ merger. All Jed wanted was to get control of her company shares.

Turning on the faucet, she splashed cold water on her heated face. How humiliating. Her father had actually bought a husband for her. Did he think she couldn’t find a man on her own? Well, why was she surprised? J. C. Sheridan liked being in control of everything, from the boardroom to his only child’s life.

Anger welled up, along with tears. He’d soon learn his reign was about to end.

Victoria Sheridan wasn’t going to let her father or anyone else manipulate her, because she wasn’t going to be around. She grabbed her purse and marched out of the hotel, leaving her wedding rehearsal dinner and future groom behind.

After retrieving her car from the valet, she climbed in and headed out of the parking lot. She didn’t know where she was going, only that she had to get away. She would no longer do the sensible thing—the calm thing. She had let her father convince her that marrying Jed was best for her.

But, hell, did she even love Jed? Did she even know him?

With only her honeymoon suitcase in the backseat, Tori stopped by the bank and withdrew the cash limit on the only credit card she had with her. The corporate credit card. When her cell phone began to ring, she turned it off and drove her car onto the freeway. North? South? Lord, she couldn’t even make a decision. Finally she turned south and began driving away from San Francisco, to parts unknown…and a new life.

Chapter One

Early one spring morning, Sheriff Nate Hunter was driving on patrol, minding his own business, when he spotted her. She was a beauty. His heart skipped a beat, then set off racing. There she was in the middle of the southern Arizona desert with the sun highlighting her curves, her perfect lines. Not to mention that low-slung body and all that polished chrome.

A 1966 classic, hardtop-convertible red Corvette.

Nate slowed his breathing as well as his patrol car, made a quick U-turn, and pulled up behind the Vette. He climbed out and walked along the desert highway toward the vehicle. Outside of being dusty, she looked in mint condition. Who would leave a car like this in the middle of nowhere? California plates. He copied down the numbers and soon discovered the problem. A trail of oily substance dotted along the shoulder of the road and ended under the back of the car. He groaned as he thought about the expensive repair bill.

Nate approached the passenger side, crouched down and looked in. In the driver’s seat he found a woman. Her head was tilted back, her eyes were closed and her long wheat-colored hair was draped against the white leather bucket seat.

Her slender body barely took up any room at all. His attention moved to her chest. The pink knit T-shirt fit snugly over her breasts, moving up and down with her relaxed breathing. She was asleep.

Nate rapped his knuckles against the window, but she didn’t stir. He leaned closer. She was young, maybe in her midtwenties, and attractive, with a pert nose and flawless skin. His body began to react like the hot desert heat and he glanced away to compose himself.

He tapped on the window again and this time, she awoke with a start. When she opened those big, golden brown, more-striking-than-any-he’d-ever-seen eyes, Nate felt as if he’d been gut-punched.

Tori Sheridan jumped and her eyes widened at the sight of the large figure standing outside her car. Panic surged through her. “Go away,” she cried, looking away from the broad-shouldered silhouette outlined by the sun.

“Ma’am, you can’t park here,” he called out. “It’s dangerous. Do you need help?”

Tori had been on the road for three days and in that time she’d had plenty of men who were more than willing to help her. If she’d been smart, she would have sold her Corvette and bought a sensible sedan. But she loved her car.

“If you don’t leave me alone, I’m calling the police.”

“Then you’ll get me,” he said. “I’m Sheriff Nathan Hunter.”

Tori looked again and recognized the tan-colored uniform; then the badge caught the sunlight. She reached over to roll down the window. “Oh, Sheriff, I’m sorry. A woman can’t be too careful.”

“Well, sleeping along the side of the highway isn’t exactly safe, not to mention being against the law. Would you please step out of the car, ma’am? And bring your license, registration and proof of insurance.”

Tori’s nervousness didn’t diminish with the officer’s attitude. Surely her father hadn’t alerted the authorities. No, J.C. couldn’t have known where she’d gone. Besides, she hadn’t done anything wrong. Deciding not to irritate the sheriff any more, Tori quickly opened the glove compartment and took out the required papers. She grabbed her purse, opened the door and climbed out just as a car sped by. The blaring sound of the horn pierced the silence, and Tori felt the officer’s strong grip as he jerked her away from the asphalt.

“You okay?” he asked her as he helped her to the other side of the car.

She nodded, and glanced up the road. “Shouldn’t you go after that car?”

“Why? He wasn’t speeding. You’re the one parked on the side of the highway.”

The desert sun beat down on her. It was going to be another scorcher. “Are you going to give me a ticket?”

He glared at her. “Do you deserve one?”

“No. I hadn’t planned to spend the night here, Sheriff.” She handed him the papers, then dug through her purse, found her wallet and tried to hand it to him.

“Take your license out, please,” he asked. Never taking off his sunglasses, he examined her insurance card and registration, then did the same with her license. “You’re a long way from home, Miss Sheridan.”

“I guess I am.” Why did she feel she’d done something wrong?

“What brings you to Arizona? Vacation or business?”

How about running away from home? “Would you believe I just got in my car and started driving?”

The sheriff glanced at her Corvette, then turned back to her. His mouth twitched as if fighting a grin. “Oh, I believe it. If I had a car like this…” He paused, then sobered. “You’ll need a tow truck.”

“I figured that.” She sighed. “I thought it was over-heating, but the car suddenly had no power when I stepped on the gas. I had to pull off the road. I was hoping that once it cooled down I could drive it again.”

“I think it’s more than just an overheated engine,” he said and motioned for her to follow him to the back of the car.

Tori watched the well-built sheriff remove his sunglasses and she finally got a good look at his face. He wasn’t classically handsome, but he had rugged good looks and piercing, silver-gray eyes. His dark hair was cut short under his wide-brimmed hat. When he looked at her, that intense gaze locked with hers, mesmerizing her.

Finally, he was the one who turned away. “This seems to be your problem.” He pointed to the ground behind the car. “See the trail of oil?”

“Please don’t tell me it’s the transmission.” She didn’t have much money left.

“I’m not a mechanic, but I know a few things about cars.” He paused. “It looks like your rear end.”

She didn’t want to sound ignorant, but she was when it came to cars. Her father’s mechanic had always handled the maintenance. But now Tori’s money situation gave her no choice but to ask, “Is that bad?”

“It can be complicated,” the sheriff volunteered. “You need to have a mechanic look at it. This car is too special to take any chances with. You’re a long way from home. Is there anyone you want me to call?”

“No!” The last thing she wanted was to go crawling back to her father. She was twenty-nine and it was time to handle things on her own. “There isn’t anyone.”

“How about we have your car towed into town then?”

It appeared that Tori didn’t have any other options. She didn’t have the money for car repairs, or much of anything else. There was less than a hundred dollars in her purse. And if she didn’t want J.C. to know where she’d gone, that was all there was going to be for a while. He was looking for her, she had no doubt. No one ran out on J. C. Sheridan without paying the consequences.

There had been dozens of cell phone messages from her father since that night she’d left town. He’d called so often she’d finally tossed her phone out the window after crossing the Arizona state line. Now, she was finally on her own.

Tori looked up at the sheriff. “I have AAA, but I could use some advice on where to take my car.” She would have to use the corporate credit card for the repairs. Something she’d managed to avoid since leaving San Francisco.

“Ernie’s Auto Repairs is good and he’s reasonable.”

“Where is Ernie located?”

“Haven,” he told her. “It’s a small town just about ten miles off this highway.” Then he smiled, showing off straight white teeth. Something stirred in Tori’s stomach.

“Don’t worry, the people there are honest. Of course, you will draw some attention.” The playful glint in the sheriff’s silver eyes made her feel as if he were talking about her. “You have what every red-blooded man wants. A classic ’66 Corvette.”

“Hey, Sam, how about a couple of iced teas?” Nate called as he walked Tori Sheridan through the doors of the Good Time Café. He escorted her to the counter because that’s where he usually sat most mornings for breakfast. She eased down onto a stool and he slipped onto the one next to her, unable to ignore her soft floral scent.

It was between the breakfast and lunch crowds, and the place was deserted. But his friend, Sam Price, looked a little frazzled as he hustled out of the kitchen.

“I’ll be there in a second.”

A stocky man, dressed in a uniform of white pants and a T-shirt with an apron tied low around his waist came into view. He set two glasses of tea in front of his only customers. “Oh, man, what a morning.”

“I take it you haven’t found a waitress,” Nate said, knowing Sam had been handling all the customers since Nancy Turner had left town to move in with her sister.

Sam shook his head, then turned to Tori and smiled. “Good morning, ma’am.”

“Sam, this is Victoria Sheridan. She had car trouble on the highway. Ernie’s having a look.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sheridan.” He held out his hand.

She shook it. “Please, call me Tori.”

Sam’s smile widened. “Well, if you aren’t a breath of fresh air on this hot day.”

Tori blushed and took a quick sip. “I don’t know about that, but this iced tea sure is doing a nice job of cooling me off.”

Nate wished he could say the same thing, but in more ways than one Tori Sheridan had been stirring up the heat since he’d stopped beside her car.

Three hours had passed since Ernie had arrived to tow her sports car. Nate had sent the pretty blonde off with the mechanic and gone back on patrol. Somehow a couple of hours later, Nate found himself stopping by the garage to check on her. When he found her sitting in the filthy repair office going through an old Sports Illustrated magazine, he just couldn’t leave her there. He suggested they go for a cool drink.

“I thought Tori would be more comfortable here,” he told Sam.

Tori had been surprised when the sheriff had showed up at the repair shop, even more so when he’d suggested a cool drink. She’d started to protest, but he’d easily convinced her they were only going a few blocks to the Good Time Café.

Tori glanced around the diner-style restaurant. It was all fifties decor, done in red and white, complete with booths and a long Formica-and-chrome counter with stools. Off in the corner was a jukebox and a small dance area. One of the first things Tori had noticed coming into the small town earlier was there wasn’t a single fast-food outlet in Haven. She liked that.

“You have a nice place here, Sam.”

“Thank you.” He cocked an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t want a job as a waitress, would you?”

Tori laughed. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m just passing through town.”

“Where you headed?”

She didn’t know. “Nowhere in particular. I’m just driving.”

“She’s got some nice wheels, too,” Nate said. “A ’66 Corvette. Red.”

“No way.” Sam laughed. “I had a Vette years ago, but mine was a black Stingray.”

“And you let it go?” Nate asked, amazed.

“Let’s just say it’s one of the things my ex-wife decided she couldn’t live without.” Sam shook his head. “A woman has no business coming between a man and his car. Stay single, son, and you don’t have to worry about those kinds of problems.”

Tori absently rubbed her ring finger, now minus the large diamond Jed had given her. She didn’t want to be accused of theft, so she’d taken the time to overnight the engagement ring back to him, along with a short note telling Jed to go to hell. She wanted nothing from either man, Jed or J.C.

Just then the door to the café opened and Ernie came in, dressed in his grease-stained overalls. “Ms. Sheridan,” he called.

Tori got up and met the thirtysomething mechanic halfway across the café, holding her breath, hoping that whatever was wrong with her car, it could be fixed cheaply.

“My suspicions were right,” he began. “It’s the rear end.”

Ernie had warned her earlier if that was the problem it wouldn’t be easily solved or inexpensive. “It’s going to be expensive,” she sighed.

He nodded. “That and it’s hard to find parts. Plus, it takes a lot of hours to put it back together.”

Great. What did she do now? Go crawling back to J. C. Sheridan? No way, even if she had to sell the car.

“Can you quote me a price?” she asked.

Ernie pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket with the estimate and handed it to her. A week ago, she wouldn’t have thought twice about the staggering amount, but now… And she already owed Ernie for the time it had taken him to tear apart her car.

“Thank you, Ernie. I’ll come back with you now and pay you for your time.” She went to the counter and took money out of her purse for her tea. Nate stopped her.

“It’s on me,” he said. “Let me know if I can do anything.”

Can you come up with a miracle? she asked silently, and smiled. “Thank you, Sheriff, you’ve done a lot already.” She raised her chin and followed Ernie out the door, wondering what she could get for a broken-down Corvette.

Nate wasn’t sure if he’d ever see Tori Sheridan again, but found he was glad when he got a call from Ernie asking him to stop by.

When Nate got out of the patrol car the mechanic met him in front of the garage. “What’s the problem?” he asked.

“Problem is right,” Ernie said. “Her credit card was declined, but they also asked that it be confiscated. What do I do?”

So, Tori Sheridan might look like money, but according to her credit rating, she didn’t have any. “Did you call the credit card company?”

“Yeah, first thing.”

Nate hated to ask the next question. “Are there criminal charges against her?”

“No. They just said that Victoria Sheridan isn’t authorized to charge on the account any longer.”

Nate couldn’t help but wonder who Tori had ticked off, her husband, her boyfriend, her boss? “Then, do what you’re told. Take the card.”

Ernie looked pained at the suggestion. “But what about the car that I took apart? And what if Tori is stranded? Man, she’s such a nice lady.”

As hard as he tried, Nate hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Tori Sheridan. But he didn’t need any more on his plate right now. He had to stay focused on his job, not on the pretty stranger who’d come to town needing help. He didn’t listen to his own common sense; instead he walked into Ernie’s office to talk with Tori.

“I’ve got bad news,” Nate began. “Your credit card was declined.”

Her honey-brown eyes widened as she jumped up from the chair. “That can’t be. There’s a twenty-five-thousand-dollar credit line on that card.”

Nate couldn’t comprehend having that kind of money at hand. “Maybe I should rephrase that and say that you just aren’t authorized to use the card any longer.”

“What?” Her voice was hoarse. “No, he wouldn’t do that to me.”

His protective instincts kicked in. “You sure there isn’t anyone you can contact? Could be a phone call would straighten this out.” What man in his right mind could strand this woman without any money?

“I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction,” she said angrily, then looked at Nate. “Oh, no! I don’t have any money. Not even enough to pay Ernie.”

“Then Ernie will have to hold on to your car until you can come up with the payment.”

Tori looked embarrassed. “That’s going to take a while, but I promise I’ll get him the money.”

“I believe you. Besides, that car of yours is worth a lot more than the price of the repairs. I’m sure Ernie wouldn’t mind holding it in the shop for a week or so. Would you, Ernie?”

“Oh, no, Tori,” the mechanic said. “It’s a beautiful car. I just hope I get the chance to fix it.”

Tori nodded. “I’ll have to let you know on that.”

This was where Nate usually got himself into trouble. He’d done his duty as sheriff and helped her off the highway. He didn’t owe Victoria Sheridan any more than that.

“Do you have any idea what you’re going to do?”

“Not a clue,” she answered dejectedly. “You wouldn’t have an empty jail cell?”

“Do you have enough for bus fare home?”

Tori’s pretty eyes suddenly lost their sparkle. “That’s the last place I want to go.”

That was when an idea came to him. He excused himself and headed down the street, back to the café to have a talk with Sam.

He walked into the empty restaurant and found his friend clearing a table. “Hey, Sam, you still need a waitress?”

“You know I do,” the older man said and carried a stack of dirty plates into the kitchen. When he returned he poured two glasses of iced tea and handed one to Nate. “Why? You need to moonlight to save up more money to buy the ranch?”

Nate didn’t need to be reminded of how he’d been scraping together every dime he had to be able to bid on his old homestead.

“I don’t think I’d do well on tips,” he joked. “I’ve given too many people around here tickets. No, I have someone else in mind. What do you think about hiring Tori?”

Sam cocked an eyebrow.

“It seems her credit card got declined. She’s stranded here.”

Sam shook his head. “They see you coming, don’t they? The soft touch.”

So he’d helped a few people and gotten a reputation. “Hey, I just figured since you needed a waitress and Tori needs a job, that it would be good for the both of you. But if you’re not interested…”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t interested. How do I know she’s reliable?”

“You don’t,” Nate answered. “You’ll have to take a chance. But what other choice do you have? There hasn’t been anyone else willing to work here.” Nate wasn’t sure that Tori wanted the job, either. “So, how ’bout it?”

Before Sam could answer, the woman in question walked through the door. She saw them at the counter and with her shoulders squared, she came toward them. “Sam, do you have a pay phone I can use?”

“In back, next to the rest rooms.”

Nate waited until she walked off. “Well, do you want a waitress or not?”

Sam breathed a long sigh. “I guess I could give her a try.”

Nate wasn’t finished, and he wondered if his next favor would push their friendship too far. “What do you say about letting Tori stay in the room upstairs?”

Sam didn’t say a word for a long time, then grinned. “Man, she’s really gotten to you. Sure, why not? If anything, I’d like to have her hang around just to see what develops between the two of you.”

Nate got up. “Nothing. I’d do the same for anyone.”

“I know. That’s your problem, Nate. You give to everyone. When are you going to learn to take?”

Nate froze. He’d learned all right. And he’d been paying for his selfishness ever since. “I will when I get the ranch back.”

Tori stood in front of the black pay phone for a long time. She didn’t want to call her father, but what choice did she have now? If she had thought this through before leaving town she wouldn’t be in this mess. She didn’t have her ATM card with her, and besides she was already sharing a joint account with Jed. The one credit card that had been in her small evening bag was the corporate one. Her other bank cards were at home and there was no way to get to them. And if she called the credit card company it would take too long to issue her a new one. So she had no choice but to call J.C. She had picked up the phone and begun to dial when she heard her name called out.

She turned to see Nate Hunter walking toward her. His large frame easily filled the narrow hallway. He looked intimidating in his khaki sheriff’s uniform, but his authoritative demeanor actually made her feel safe.

“I think I may have a solution to your problem,” he said.

It would take a lot to solve her problems, but she hung up the phone. “Did you find a bag of money in my car?”

He smiled and tiny lines crinkled around his silver eyes. Her stomach suddenly did a somersault. She doubted it had anything to do with being hungry.

“I wish. As he mentioned before, Sam needs a waitress for the morning shift.”

Tori blinked. A waitress? She’d never waited tables. “I don’t have any experience.”

“Sam’s willing to give you a try. And I hear the tips are pretty good.”

Tori felt her insecurities surface but she pushed them aside. Heck, she’d never worked for anyone besides her father. Waitressing had to be easier than working for J.C. “It sounds wonderful, and thank you, Sheriff.”

“Please, call me Nate.”

“Thank you, Nate, but I don’t have a place to stay and no money…”

“That’s not a problem, either.” His smile widened into a grin and she could barely manage her next breath. What was wrong with her? Just days ago she had planned to marry Jed.

“If you’re not too particular about the decor,” he began, “Sam says you can stay in the room upstairs. Then you can work and save up enough money to pay Ernie for your car and parts. I’m sure he’ll let you make payments.”

Tori had trouble handling all this kindness, these people who would accept a stranger into their town, into their homes. She blinked back tears of emotion. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I think yes is a good start.”

“Yes, I’ll do it. I don’t know how I’ll repay you.”

The sheriff stepped closer. “I can think of one way.”

She managed to swallow the dryness in her throat, almost afraid to ask. “What is that?”

“Let me drive your car once it’s fixed.”

She found herself laughing for the first time in days. “You got yourself a deal. And Sam’s got himself a waitress.”

Chapter Two

Fighting back a gasp, Tori glanced around her temporary home. The sheriff hadn’t lied when he’d said the room wasn’t much to look at. The walls were dingy beige and the floor was a worn vinyl covered partly by a mud-brown throw rug. At least there was a bed, or more accurately a frame and mattress.

Next to the only window sat a scarred dresser layered with several coats of paint, the last a pea-green. Along the far wall were several boxes labeled as restaurant supplies.

“What have I gotten myself into?” she breathed as she eyed the mass of cobwebs along the ceiling. Just then her appraisal was interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the stairs.

With a loud knock, Nate Hunter walked through the door. He nodded in greeting and held up her small suitcase. “I thought you might need this.”

Tori doubted her honeymoon trousseau would be practical for her stay in Haven. She blushed, recalling the skimpy silk-and-satin unmentionables that filled the bag, guaranteed to lure any man into her bed. Just days ago, Tori had had plans to seduce her new husband in the tropical island of Kauai, Hawaii.

Now, the only ideas she had for her ex-fiancé could get her arrested. And Jed wasn’t worth it. Tori bit back her anger and smiled at the sheriff. “Thank you. It’s not much, but it’s all I have.” With her quick departure and limited funds, she’d only managed a little clothes shopping at the discount stores.

“You’re welcome.” He glanced around the room. “Oh, boy, it’s worse than I remembered.”

Tori wanted to agree, but she was too grateful to have a place to stay.

“It’s fine,” she said. “Really, this is all I need. Besides, Sam has been nice enough to let me stay here. With a little cleaning…”

“It will still look bad,” Nate said ruefully.

Tori remained silent as she glanced inside the tiny bathroom that contained a stall shower, sink and toilet. She grimaced at the thought of the last time it had been cleaned.

Get a grip, girl. Tori looked back at the sheriff. “Like I said, a good cleaning and this will do just fine.”

Her only other alternative was to call her father. If she did, she’d be sleeping in a five-star hotel tonight. But she’d have to pay a price. No. She wasn’t going to give the man any more control over her. It was past time she handled her own life. Starting now.

“Do you think Sam could spare some cleaning supplies?” she asked.

“Sure.” Nate began to roll up his uniform sleeves. “Don’t touch a thing until I get back with some strong disinfectant and we’ll make this place livable.”

“Sheriff, no. There’s no need for you to help me. I’m sure you have more important things to do.”

“I know I don’t have to.” His piercing eyes bored into hers and her throat suddenly went dry. “As for more important things to do…” He checked his watch. “I got off duty twenty minutes ago. And I have capable deputies who’ll call me if they can’t handle things. Now, I’m going to get those cleaning supplies from Sam and help you. Is that all right with you?”

Tori swallowed hard, never so aware of the close quarters—or so aware that Sheriff Nate Hunter was a good-looking man with a killer dimple in his chin. It would be too easy to lean on him, and the last thing she wanted or needed was Prince Charming. No more fairy tales. If anyone was going to rescue her, she would do it herself—but maybe a little help with the cleaning wouldn’t hurt.

She finally nodded. “Just so you know, I’m adding more time to when you drive my car.”

A slow sexy grin appeared and her breathing stopped. “I’m easy,” he said. “I’ll work for Vette time.”

She doubted anything about this man was easy. “Don’t get too excited. First, I have to pay for the repairs. So you better hope I make some tips.”

The sheriff’s intent gaze moved over her and suddenly her cotton shirt and white capris felt as if they’d disappeared. “Oh, I have no doubt you’ll do very well,” he said, then turned and walked out the door.

Tori sank onto the stool and let out a long breath. Waitress. Tips. Car repairs. How fast her life had changed. A sudden sadness washed over her as she recalled that just days ago she was to have been married. Now she was flirting with another man.

The Sheridan-Foster wedding was supposed to be San Francisco’s society event of the year. Deep inside, Tori had never felt right about the marriage. She realized now that she’d never loved Jed, at least not the way a woman should love the man she planned to spend the rest of her life with.

It dawned on her that she’d let her father brainwash her into thinking she and Jed were perfect for each other. J.C. had said they had so much in common and Jed had been just as convincing. In truth, the marriage would have been advantageous for J. C. Sheridan and his business dealings. As usual, his daughter’s feelings were his last concern. Had her father ever loved her, or was her only value her stock shares? That hurt worst of all. Suddenly, tears filled her eyes and she couldn’t seem to stop the sobs that shook her body.

Nate heard Tori’s soft sobbing even before he found his way up the stairs with the bucket and mop. He wasn’t quite sure what he should do. He knew from experience with his sister that Tori probably wouldn’t want anyone to see her cry. But Tori was all alone. Would she go back to the man who had caused the sadness in her big brown eyes? Those sparkling golden-hued eyes had been Nate’s undoing, not to mention her pouty, kissable lips and thick, wheat-colored hair.

Nate quickly shook away the direction of his thoughts. He was the sheriff and should be checking for outstanding warrants, or if she was on a missing persons list rather than fantasizing about her.

It had turned out she had a spotless record; she’d never even had a traffic ticket. She lived in an exclusive area of San Francisco and drove an expensive car. Victoria Sheridan had high society written all over her. So why didn’t she have any money on her? Or anyone to call for help? Another snuffle came from the other side of the door and Nate’s chest tightened. He wasn’t an expert but he’d bet someone had broken her heart. A warning signal went up in his brain.

Stay away from her. You can’t take on another problem, especially not a female with problems!

Nate had given his heart once and it had been shattered. Allison Denton, the girl he’d loved all through college, had walked out on him when he’d needed her the most. She’d suddenly lost interest in him when he was no longer headed toward a pro-football career.

Since then Nate had guarded his heart but good. Yet he knew he couldn’t turn away from someone who needed his help. He made a stomping sound on the porch before he opened the door and walked inside. “Looks like we’re all set.”

Tori had managed to brush away the tears, though her red eyes were proof of her misery. But nothing took away from her beauty.

“Look, Sheriff, you’ve helped me so much already, I can’t expect…”

“As I mentioned before, it’s Nate,” he reminded her as he set down the bucket and went to her. “Tori, I know this place isn’t a perfect solution—”

“No, it isn’t that,” she interrupted. “It’s just there are things that… I can’t talk about…”

He arched an eyebrow and jammed his hands into his pockets, fighting to keep from reaching for her. “And that’s your business. I just figure there’s a guy involved. And if you had a fight, shouldn’t you try and talk to him?”

She stiffened. “Whatever relationship I had in the past is over,” Tori said sternly. “And talking about it isn’t going to change anything.” She stepped back from him. “So thanks for the cleaning supplies. I can handle things now.”

Nate decided not to push it any further. He made his way to the sink to fill the bucket.

She came after him. “What are you doing?”

The hell if he knew. “Around here it’s called being neighborly. Let it go at that.”

Tori looked at him with those huge eyes and he had trouble keeping his mind on what he was doing.

“Do you always get your way?” she asked.

That was a loaded question since he wanted to get his way with her. “One can always hope.”

It seemed impossible, but in less than a few hours they’d made the place livable. The walls still needed paint, but at least the rooms were clean. With the fresh linen Sam had brought up, Tori had made the bed so she had a place to sleep that night.

Nate stood back and surveyed his work. “It’s still not the Ritz, but I think you’ll be comfortable here.”

Proudly, Tori glanced around the clean, orderly room. The bed was neat and tidy and her clothes were arranged in the dresser drawers. The window was covered with a mini-slat blind, now missing the layer of dirt. The kitchen area had a chipped counter with two stools, a cabinet with mismatched dishes and a drawer of assorted flatware.

“This seems like paradise to me. Remember, I slept in my car last night.”

“Which I’m going to advise you not to do again,” Nate warned her. “You were lucky.”

“I’m lucky in a lot of ways. I have a place to live and a job.” She frowned. “But, Nate, I’ve never been a waitress before.”

He shrugged. “Sam’s pretty easygoing. He’s not going to yell at you if that’s what you think. Besides, I have a feeling you’ll catch on fast.” His gaze met hers. “What did you do in San Francisco?”

Tori didn’t want to say too much about her past life. It was nice that no one here knew her father. “I was an executive assistant for a software company.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Well, there aren’t any software companies around here. The closest would be in Tucson.”

“Believe me, I’m happy to have this job. I’m just nervous because…” She had never worked for anyone but her father, she thought. Lord, she’d led a sheltered life. “I’m new in town.”

“Well, I grew up here and everyone is pretty friendly.”

Including the town’s handsome sheriff, Tori thought. “We’ll see tomorrow morning when I mess up the food orders.”

His gaze grew softer. “Believe me, once you smile no one’s going to care what you put in front of them.”

At five forty-five the next morning, Tori checked her red-trimmed white uniform in the mirror. The fifties-style outfit had a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt that hit her just about at her knees. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and brushed her bangs across her forehead. On her feet, she wore the pair of new white tennis shoes she had purchased the day before.

If her father could see her now. No doubt he would feel this job was beneath a Sheridan. She might have thought the same thing a few weeks ago, but now she needed to survive in the real world.

Tori released a long breath to relax, but it didn’t calm her. She left the rest room and went to the counter where Sam, dressed in white uniform pants and T-shirt, was checking the coffee.

“You ready to start?”

“No!” she said. “I can’t remember everything you showed me.”

“I don’t expect you to,” he said. “There’s a lot to know.” He frowned at her. “Just remember to call out each order to me, except for the drinks. You get those. When the customers come in, just keep the coffee flowing. You’ll do fine.”

Tori nodded as Sam walked over and unlocked the café door. Within seconds several men came in and called out in greeting to Sam. She put on a smile to hide her terror. The men removed their cowboy hats and found seats at the counter.

“Hey, everyone, this is Tori. And don’t give her a bad time. I’d like her to stay around awhile.”

“Good morning, gentlemen,” she piped in as her face flamed. “How about some coffee?” She grabbed the glass pot and brought it to the patrons, filling the mugs that already lined the counter, and then took out her pen and notepad. “What would you like for breakfast?”

The orders came fast. Just as Sam had taught her, she called each order back to the kitchen. More customers arrived and squeezed into the booths. That was when Tori realized that she was out of shape. The two days a week she’d spent in the gym hadn’t readied her for this workout. She covered what seemed like miles between taking orders, refilling coffee cups and clearing tables. There were a few mishaps—broken dishes, mixed-up orders—but everyone was patient and friendly. Finally, around nine-thirty, the crowd thinned and Sam told her to take a break.

“But the tables need to be cleared,” she told him.

He waved her off. “They’ll wait.”

He filled two mugs and pointed to the stool at the counter. She sat, took a long sip of the warm liquid and sighed.

“Well, you ready to quit?”

“No. Why? Are you ready to fire me?”

“Not hardly. You did great. You’re bringing in business.”

His praise was a stimulant to her ego. “You mean this morning’s crowd wasn’t the usual?”

He shrugged. “Some were, but more came in to see the pretty new lady in town.” He took a sip of coffee. “Don’t get me wrong, I have a good weekday breakfast crowd, but Saturday isn’t usually this busy.”

Before Tori could comment, the door opened and Nate Hunter walked in. He looked big and sexy dressed in faded jeans and a light blue Western-cut shirt and boots, even more handsome than in his uniform, if that were possible. And it was.

He smiled and she realized she’d missed him since he’d left the apartment yesterday. “Good morning,” she said, starting to stand, until his warm hand touched her on the shoulder.

“No, don’t get up. I’ll get my own coffee.” He smiled at Tori. “Looks like you survived your first morning.”

“Yes, I did,” she said proudly. “Everyone was so nice and patient with me.”

His grin broadened as he leaned against the counter. “I bet that was a real hardship for them.”

Sam chuckled. “Duke Hastings nearly tripped over his tongue when Tori smiled at him.”

“Which one was Duke?” she asked.

“He sat at the end of the counter,” Sam offered. “The skinny guy in the red shirt with the stutter. I should have charged him rent. He hung around for nearly an hour.”

“He was nice,” she said, remembering how shy he’d been. “And I spilled coffee on his eggs.”

Both men laughed. “I bet that made his day.”

“Well, he made mine.” Tori pulled the folded bills from her pocket, drawing Sam’s and Nate’s attention. “He tips very well.”

The following evening Nate sat on his mother’s porch enjoying the cool breeze. It was too hot to stay inside his apartment above the garage. Besides, he liked the view along peaceful Grove Street. He tipped his chair on its back legs, placed his boots on the white-spindled railing, and ran a razor-sharp knife over the small block of wood he held in his hands. His long-practiced strokes peeled away the unwanted layers, just as his grandfather had taught him years ago, making a figure take shape.

He thought back to the first time his grandpa had told him he was old enough to handle a knife, that had been the same summer he’d gotten to ride in the Double H Ranch’s roundup.

Over four generations of Hunters had lived and died on that land until the bank took the last of the Hunter’s Haven homestead away two months after his father, Edward Hunter, died. That tragedy hadn’t mattered to the bank officer. He’d foreclosed and sold the land out from under the family.

Luckily, his father had had life insurance so Betty Hunter and her family had been able to buy a modest home in town. It wasn’t the same. Nate didn’t like thinking about that time in his life and all the mistakes he’d made. And the last angry words he’d spoken to his dad before he’d walked out. Even ten years later, the guilt still haunted him. And next month, he hoped, he was going to get back some of what the Hunter family had lost.

Nate heard his name called and looked up to see old Otis Carl wave as he walked down the street. He called out in greeting, hoping the eighty-year-old didn’t want to stop and talk. Not that he didn’t like to visit with neighbors, but tonight he needed some alone time. He’d been on edge for the last few days. He blamed it on the heat, or maybe it was Haven’s pretty new resident and thoughts of what she was doing tonight. Damn. He pushed aside the intruding image of Tori.

It was the upcoming land auction that he needed to focus on. The Double H was being sold next month and he couldn’t stop worrying about scraping enough money together to make a competitive bid on part of the old homestead. The Double H rightfully belonged to the Hunters, and he planned to make it theirs once again.

He’d sure feel more secure if he had extra cash. If only his brother could pay him back the money Nate had loaned him to start up his construction business. Immediately, Nate felt guilty. He’d given that money to Shane three years ago with no strings attached. Besides, his younger brother didn’t have it to give to him. Everything he had was tied up in the Haven’s Paradise development. Shane probably wouldn’t show a profit until the first phase of homes were about to break ground. If there were no delays that still would be a few months off.

Nate knew his brother would help him if he could, he’d already offered to help remodel the ranch house. With luck that would happen next month, after the auction. Then, finally, Nate would be able to think about his life and his future. His mother was settled now, his sister would graduate from college next spring and Shane’s business was off the ground.

It was his time. It was time for him to start living his dreams. And Nate only wanted ten sections of land from the original homestead, Hunter’s Haven, the Double H Ranch. He smiled, remembering the story: his great-great-grandmother, Rebecca, had named the valley as soon as she’d arrived, as Jacob Hunter’s new bride, in this land surrounded by majestic mountains. Now Nate had a chance to regain some part of his heritage. He’d begin with a small herd of cattle, and maybe he’d train some saddle horses. It wouldn’t be an easy life. The ranch was fifteen miles out of town, but not completely isolated. He didn’t want to be alone, but it would take a special woman to want to live on a ranch. Again he thought about Tori.

Just then a patrol car came down the street, stopped in front of the house and Ryan Clark climbed out. Ryan was one of the newest deputies, not a year out of the sheriff’s academy.

“Well, there goes my night off,” Nate murmured. “Hey, Ryan. Is there a problem?”

“I stopped Kurt Easton about an hour ago.”

Great. “Just tell me you had good cause.”

Ryan nodded. “He was doing eighty on the old county road.”

Nate knew Easton wouldn’t be happy. He’d had run-ins with the lawyer and city councilman before. There was a time when Kurt Easton was a frequent patron of the local bars. A few years back Nate had caught the councilor staggering in the parking lot of just such an establishment toward his car. The councilman had intended to drive home. With his wife safely behind the wheel, Nate had let the man off with a warning and the belligerent Easton’s agreement to get himself some help. Nate hoped he had taken the advice.

“Was he under the influence?”

The deputy shook his head. “At first I thought so. He seemed a little lethargic, but passed the field sobriety test. He wasn’t happy and proceeded to read me the riot act about how he knew his rights.” Ryan straightened. “I followed procedure by the book. I took a step back and I informed the councilman to get in his car, or I’d take him into custody.”

Nate continued to work his knife. “Did you take him into custody?”

“No, he climbed in his car, but before he drove off, he told me to tell you that he’d be in your office the first thing in the morning to file a complaint.”

“Okay. I’ll handle it, Ryan.”

The deputy stepped up onto the porch. “Sheriff, I swear I went by the book.”

Nate had had several run-ins with Easton. His family had been in the valley nearly as long as the Hunters and about half that time they’d been feuding. At every opportunity Kurt Easton reminded Nate that his family had lost everything.

“I know you did, Ryan. I’ll take care of it in the morning when my shift starts.”

The deputy looked relieved. He was happy the sheriff would have the responsibility of dealing with one of the most prominent men in town. “Thanks, Nate.”

Nate kept slicing at the block of wood. “Just because he’s a councilman doesn’t give him any special privileges. He broke the law. Now, get back on patrol. You can start by driving by the construction site just to make sure things are quiet. You were off last week when someone threw a party down there. It was probably kids, but I’d like you to keep a close watch.”

Ryan nodded. “Sure. ’Night, Sheriff,” he called as he headed back to the patrol car.

Nate watched him go, knowing what he had in store in the morning. There was no doubt that the fifty-something lawyer would be waiting for him, hoping he could stir up some trouble for a Hunter.

“Was that Ryan Clark?” His mother’s voice broke the silence of the quiet night.

Nate glanced up as the tall slender woman came out the screen door. Betty Hunter had turned fifty-five this year, and although she had a few gray hairs mixed in with her light brown, she looked years younger. She’d taken up running ten years ago after her husband had died suddenly of a heart attack. Along with a healthy diet and teaching at the elementary school, that had helped to keep her youthful figure.

“Yeah, he had a question,” Nate said, running his knife over the wood in the dimming light.

“It’s finally starting to cool off.” She took the chair next to his. “What are you starting on now?”

“I’m not sure,” he said, though already a design was forming in his head.

“Whatever you carve, it will be beautiful.” She smiled. “I’ve told you a hundred times, you should sell those figures.”

“Then I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. How could I relax if I had a production line going?”

“I’m not talking about a production line. But you could make extra money, maybe it could help you with your goal.” They both knew she was talking about the ranch.

He stopped his knife. “I’m sheriff, Mom. I don’t have the time.”

“Nathan…” she began, then paused. “I know you have a lot on your plate right now, probably too much. And maybe that’s my fault. I’ve relied on you too much since your father’s death.”

“Mom, I only did what Dad would have wanted. You needed me. Shane and Emily were still kids.”

“But you gave up so much. And you’ve helped Shane start his business and Emily…” Her voice grew hoarse with emotion. “I never could have afforded college for her without your help.”

“I wanted Em to have the same chance to go to school that I did, even if she plans to go work in Hollywood.”

“There’s still time to change her mind, but God knows she’s stubborn,” his mother said, turning her attention back to him. “I only wish I could help you have your dream.”

He didn’t like it when his mother got sentimental. He stood. “I’m happy, Mom. I’ve got a good job and family.”

At one time he’d had a lot of dreams. Nate thought back to college, when he was a wide receiver trying to make it to the pros. He nearly did, too, until he’d gotten hurt, then suddenly he wasn’t in demand any longer.

So the injured hometown boy returned home, but only for as long as it took his leg to heal. Even when his father had asked him to stay and help out with the ranch, Nate wanted out of Haven, and he took off to the sheriff’s academy. No sooner had he graduated and was about to take a job in the Phoenix area, than his father died of a heart attack. Nate rushed home to help his mother and younger brother and sister. But he couldn’t keep the bank from taking the Double H. They all moved into town and he took the deputy’s job. Four years ago he’d run for sheriff. Maybe if the townspeople had known he’d been a selfish bastard, he wouldn’t have won so easily.

Over the last few years, he’d realized that he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. His family’s roots were deep in this valley and he wanted the ranch back. He owed that much to his father, especially since he was the reason Ed Hunter had mortgaged the property in the first place—to help pay for his son’s college education.

His mother’s voice interrupted his reverie. “What about the Double H?”

Yes, that was his one remaining dream. In its run-down condition, the old place wasn’t worth much to anyone but him. Nate hoped to be the only bidder at the auction, praying he could get the ranch pretty cheap. Funny, for years all he’d wanted was to travel the world. Now he couldn’t think about living anywhere else.

His thoughts returned to Tori. Her sudden arrival had brightened his mundane life. But that was about as far as he was going to take it. She’d probably hang around a few days, then call a friend and be gone. It was a good thing. A woman like Tori wouldn’t be happy in a small town like Haven. He’d bet his next paycheck that she was San Francisco society. Just look at the car she drove. Still, he was impressed by how hard she’d worked to clean up Sam’s apartment, and how she hadn’t once complained after her first grueling day waiting tables at the café. And he hadn’t missed how good she looked in her uniform, nor had any of the other male patrons.

“I hear there’s a visitor in town,” his mother said.

Nate shrugged, not wanting to show too much interest. “Tori Sheridan. She’s staying until her car is repaired.”

“Is that why she’s working for Sam?”

Nate frowned. “You seem to have a lot of questions about someone who’s just passing through.”

“Mary Orwell told me about the new waitress.” She shrugged. “It isn’t often we get new people in town.”

“Mom, she’s won’t be around long. Tori has a life back in San Francisco.” And probably a man who cared about her, he thought.

“Maybe she’ll stay for a while if she meets someone special.”

“I know what you’re thinking, Mom. And I’m going to put an end to your hopes. I’m not interested in getting involved with anyone. I helped Tori when she was stranded on the highway and helped her get a job with Sam. That’s all. Even if I were interested, I have nothing to offer a woman right now.”

“Son, you have a lot to offer,” his mother insisted.

“Oh, yeah. An apartment over my mother’s garage, and soon all my money will be tied up in buying and restoring a run-down ranch. Besides, it’s been so long since I’ve gone out on a date, I probably wouldn’t remember how to carry on a decent conversation.”

His mother stood and kissed him on the cheek. “Since when is conversation the main priority?” With a wink, she turned and walked back into the house.

Nate groaned in frustration as he leaned against the pillar and stared out at the quiet street. For the past two days, he’d fought to keep his mind off Tori Sheridan and had failed miserably.

For the first time in a long time, he was interested. But something told him that she was running from someone. His protective instincts kicked in where Tori was concerned, making him want to slug the guy who had caused her pain and made her cry. It would be wise for him just to back away and stay clear of the pretty stranger.

But this time Nate wasn’t thinking about doing the wise thing. All he could think about at this moment was having breakfast at the Good Time Café tomorrow.

Chapter Three

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