The minute Ty saw Jessica he knew he was in trouble

She beamed a smile at him that reminded him of sunshine and picnics by the lake. He wanted to touch her so badly he had to stuff his hands into the pockets of his designer suit. Her gaze met his and he pulled at the confounded tie, wishing he could take it off.

His brother owned more suits than a clothing store. Ty had intended to choose his own clothes this morning, but he’d taken one look at Dex’s closet and gotten dizzy. He’d pulled out a few ties and shirts and tried to match them up, but Dex’s valet, George, had walked in and taken pity on him.

He wondered what Jessica thought of George’s selection. Even worse, he wondered what she’d think of him in his usual dusty jeans and battered Stetson.

What the hell was he thinking?

She would think he was just a down-on-his-luck rancher. He and Jessica belonged to two different worlds.

Dear Reader,

What a special lineup of love stories Harlequin American Romance has for you this month. Bestselling author Cathy Gillen Thacker continues her family saga, THE DEVERAUX LEGACY, with His Marriage Bonus. A confirmed bachelor ponders a marital merger with his business rival’s daughter, and soon his much-guarded heart is in danger of a romantic takeover!

Next, a young woman attempts to catch the eye of her lifelong crush by undergoing a head-to-toe makeover in Plain Jane’s Plan, the latest book in Kara Lennox’s HOW TO MARRY A HARDISON miniseries. In Courtship, Montana Style by Charlotte Maclay, a sophisticated city slicker arrives on a handsome rancher’s doorstep, seeking refuge with a baby in her arms. The Rancher Wore Suits by Rita Herron is the first book in TRADING PLACES, an exciting duo about identical twin brothers separated at birth who are reunited and decide to switch places to see what their lives might have been like.

Enjoy this month’s offerings, and be sure to return each and every month to Harlequin American Romance!

Happy reading,

Melissa Jeglinski

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin American Romance

The Rancher Wore Suits
Rita Herron

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Melissa Jeglinski,

for all her enthusiasm over this project!

And to Debra Webb, a great writer and friend who made it

even more fun! Hope we get to do more books together….

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rita Herron is a teacher, workshop leader and storyteller who loves reading, writing and sharing stories with people of all ages. She has published two nonfiction books for adults on working and playing with children, and has won the Golden Heart award for a young adult story. Rita believes that books taught her to dream, and she loves nothing better than sharing that magic with others. She lives with her “dream” husband and three children, two cats and a dog in Norcross, Georgia. Rita loves to hear from readers. You can contact her at www.ritaherron.com or P.O. Box 921225, Norcross, GA, 30092-1225.

Ty Cooper’s Cheat Sheet: How To Be Dex Montgomery

1 Wear fancy suits and darned uncomfortable shoes.

2 Refer to your grandparents as Grandmother and Grandfather Montgomery, not Gran and Pa Cooper.

3 Stop mooning over Dr. Jessica Stovall.

4 Quit looking for a Stetson on your head.

5 Drink Scotch and don’t eat red meat.

6 Use your right hand, not your left.

7 Don’t let your valet, George, guess you’re not Dex!

8 Try not to fantasize about the beautiful Jessica….

Contents

Prologue

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

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

Prologue

O’Hare Airport

What else could go wrong?

As if his godawful trip to Chicago hadn’t been bad enough, Ty Cooper glanced at the overhead screen and noticed his flight back to Montana had been delayed. Two hours.

More time to think about the deal that had slipped through his fingers this week.

He might as well settle in, have a drink and try to come up with some ideas to expand his cattle business. The investor he’d met with in Chicago had promised big things for the Coopers’ shrinking cattle market, but all that fancy talk across conference tables hadn’t seemed practical to Ty. Ty and the five generations of Coopers who’d run the Circle C were men who lived off the land, not men who wore suits, talked stock options and thought about marketing strategies. His grandparents had done without the niceties in life, and Ty wanted to give them all the luxuries they had never had. After all, he owed them so much….

A pretty little waitress smiled at him, and he tipped his Stetson, then laid it on his knee as she approached. He might be in a foul mood but Ty Cooper’s grandma had raised him right—a man always behaved like a gentlemen in the presence of a lady.

“Can I get you a drink, sir?”

“A beer’ll be fine, sugar. Whatever you’ve got on tap.” He winked. “I’m not picky.”

She gave him that funny grin, the same one everyone in Chicago had given him for the past week every time he’d spoken. They probably didn’t see too many real-life cowboys in the windy city. A few seconds later, the waitress left him a full cold mug and he sipped the beer while he studied the report from the investor.

There was no way he could make this deal work, he realized seconds into the reading. He had to face the grim truth; there would be no upgrading at the Circle C this year. Disappointment ballooned in his chest. He’d wanted to hire an extra hand so his grandfather wouldn’t have to work so hard. Pa Cooper was getting on in years. Ty worried he’d wear himself out. He also wanted his grandfather and grandmother to be able to spend more time together, take a trip, enjoy the good life in their golden years. Do things they had never done.

Frustrated, he glanced up, wishing he had a cigarette, but he’d given them up years ago, so he searched for the waitress’s smile again, the only bright spot in a dismal day. Instead, his gaze landed on a man across the room and he froze, his mug lifted halfway to his mouth.

The man looked to be his height, and wore one of those expensive dark suits with a red power tie. The hair on the back of Ty’s neck stood on end. Something about the stranger seemed familiar.

Eerily familiar.

Then the man turned and looked straight at Ty. Shock rode through Ty’s system, as it obviously did the other man. Ty could have been looking in a mirror. What the…? The man looked exactly like him. Same thick dark hair, only cropped a little shorter than Ty’s. Same dark eyes…same square jaw…same…everything.

The man suddenly pushed to his feet, his mouth gaping open momentarily before he snapped it closed. He strode toward Ty, his back ramrod straight. He stopped in front of Ty’s table, shifted his drink to his left hand and extended his right.

“Dex Montgomery.”

His voice even sounded like Ty’s, although he had a slight Southern intonation. Not much though. Judging from the man’s expensive clothes, he came from too much money and education to allow himself a true Southern accent.

Ty closed his work-roughened hand over the man’s smooth one. “Ty Cooper.”

The contact was brief, but something passed between them—energy that felt strange yet oddly familiar. As if they had some connection.

Ridiculous.

“Maybe you’d better sit down,” Ty said, grappling for an explanation.

The stranger tugged at his tie as if it was choking him and sat. “This isn’t possible. I mean…” He shook his head again. “I’m a doctor and even I’m at a loss for an explanation.”

Ty scrubbed his hand over his chin. He had no idea what to say, either. “You’re right, partner. It’s damned weird looking at your reflection in another man’s face. Maybe we’re related somehow?” A nervous laugh escaped Ty. “You know, distantly. Identical cousins or something.”

Dex Montgomery lifted one shoulder, then let it fall. “That’s possible, I suppose.” He hesitated, his eyebrows drawing together in thought. “Did you say Cooper?”

Ty nodded. “Of Rolling Bend, Montana. We have a cattle ranch called the—”

“Rolling Bend, Montana?” The man’s face paled.

“Yeah?” Ty’s stomach knotted. “You know the place?”

Dex’s gaze settled fully onto Ty. “My mother’s name was Tara Cooper. She was born in Rolling Bend.”

It couldn’t be. Ty signaled the passing waitress. “Ma’am, we’re gonna need another round here.”

She glanced at Dex, then started visibly when her gaze landed back on Ty. “Doubles for doubles,” she said with a giggle. “Are you guys twins or something?”

Dex glared at her and she scurried away. Ty almost told him to apologize, but he was too disturbed by this man’s statement. He leaned forward, unable to believe what he was about to say. “Tara Cooper was my mother.”

A choked sound, not quite a laugh, burst from Dex. “But my mother died when I was three months old.”

“My birthdate is May 21, 1970,” Ty countered. “My mother died in an accident with my father when I was three months old.”

“Oh yeah? Well, so did mine. But I don’t have any siblings,” Dex argued.

“Neither do I,” Ty retorted. “Well, except for two adopted brothers. Actually they’re my grandmother’s sister’s boys. She died when they were little and Gran took them in.”

And Ty had had a twin who had died at birth. At least he’d been told he had. What if…what if they’d lied to him? An empty hollowness clawed at him. But why?

Dex gestured vaguely. “Maybe there were two Tara Coopers in Rolling Bend.”

Ty moved his head slowly from side to side. “We’re the only Cooper clan in that neck of the woods.”

“I’m certain there’s some reasonable explanation,” Dex suggested.

Ty’s heart thundered. He had a sinking feeling he knew what had happened. But he didn’t like it. And judging from the shock on Dex Montgomery’s face, he wasn’t going to be happy about it, either.

“There is an explanation,” Ty said, his chest growing tight. “We’ve been had.”

THREE HOURS LATER and too many drinks to remember, they’d each learned a lot about their respective families. Ty lived on a sprawling ranch with a big close-knit family while Dex was a doctor who managed a huge medical conglomerate with his grandfather.

Finally, Ty convinced Dex of the only reasonable explanation. Dex Montgomery was not only his brother, but his identical twin. They’d both missed their flights home, but neither cared. Dex had phoned his financial advisor to brief her on his change of plans, and Ty had phoned his family, then his neighbor Leanne who’d planned to pick him up.

The stories of their parents’ whirlwind courtship, marriage and tragic deaths matched down to the dates. Dex was told, as Ty had been, that he had no other family. Ty could just imagine his grandparents’ reaction when his mother had married a banker’s son. Dex had been told nothing about their mother, Ty had been told zilch about his father.

“What I want to know,” Ty said, his tongue thick in his mouth, “is how the hell they decided who would take whom.”

For one long moment they simply stared at each other. Ty couldn’t believe his loving family had lied to him. An image of his twin nephews surfaced. They seemed to have a special bond; he couldn’t imagine anyone separating them. Yet that was exactly what his family had done to him and Dex. His family had pounded into his head ever since he could remember the importance of family and togetherness. He’d always felt a part of himself was missing, yet they had torn him away from his identical twin and told him he’d died.

Would he and Dex have had a special bond if they had been raised together?

On the heels of that disappointment, he wondered what his life would have been like if the other grandparents had chosen him? Would he be a different man today? Would he wear suits and make his living crunching numbers, sitting in countless boring meetings like those he’d had to endure the past three days?

He shuddered at the thought.

Dex cleared his throat. “My grandfather—”

“Our grandfather,” Ty corrected.

Dex frowned. “Yes, our grandfather Montgomery will go ballistic when he finds out we met. He likes control.”

“You think he was behind the separation?” Ty asked.

Dex nodded. “One-for-me, one-for-you—that sounds like his kind of scheme.”

“So what do we do now?”

Dex drained his glass. “We should show up together and stage a confrontation.”

Ty grinned. Both their families deserved to be shaken up. “You may have something there. I say we give ’em a taste of their own medicine.”

A flash of concern darkened Dex’s Scotch-hazy eyes. “What do you have in mind?”

Ty motioned to the waitress and then pointed to their empty glasses once more. “I’m talking about trading places, brother. For just a little while,” he added quickly. “Just long enough to teach our families a lesson. And we’d get to meet the other side of the family.” Ty had to admit he was curious about the Montgomerys. And his father. Maybe meeting them would help him feel closer to his dad.

Dex hesitated at first, but finally a smile slid onto his face. “Yes, that’s good. All we have to do is bring each other up to speed on how to act and what to do.” He flared his hands and inclined his head in a gesture of nonchalance. “It’s simple on my end. You leave the business decisions to the old man. I have a secretary and a financial advisor who take care of things at the office. They’ll keep you straight on the day-to-day schedule.” Dex paused. “If a problem does come up and you need to make a financial decision on your own, just use your own discretion. After all, technically you are a Montgomery, too.”

Only in blood, Ty thought. He had nothing in common with those ritzy people. Family meant everything to him. Money meant nothing, except it was a necessary evil, he reminded himself, if he was going to help his grandfather.

“What about the Coopers?”

“You shouldn’t have any problems either,” Ty assured him. “Between Chad and Court and the ranch hands, they can handle things at the Circle C. It’ll be good for both of us. We can get to know the other side of the family.”

Dex nodded. “All right, then. I guess I could use a little rest and relaxation in the country. Kick back and get away from the grindstone.”

Ty chuckled. He thought ranching would be restful? Hell, his brothers would probably wear him out. “Yeah, and I’ll enjoy sitting on my butt in the air conditioning for a change.”

Dex laughed. “We have ninety minutes before the next flights leave for home,” Dex said. “Let’s do it.”

Ty folded his arms across his chest. “You go first. I have a feeling your folks are a lot more complicated than mine.”

Dex ordered another round of drinks. “All right. Here’s everything you need to know in order to be Dex Montgomery.”

Chapter One

Jessica Stovall had cold feet.

Not in bed, as her ex-husband had once said, but cold feet about meeting Dex Montgomery. She was seriously considering turning her car around and heading as far away from the Atlanta airport as possible.

Had she actually volunteered—no insisted—she’d pick up Dr. Montgomery from the airport?

She must be a glutton for punishment.

Her 1985 VW Bug hit the curb as she parked in the short-term parking area, and she coasted backward, wincing when the gears ground together. She parked on a slight incline, then removed the rock from the floorboard and placed it behind the front wheel to keep the car from rolling. Someday, she had to get that emergency brake fixed. Her ex-husband had wanted her to sell the car a long time ago. But Nellie had been with her forever.

Just as she’d once thought her husband would be.

Only, Nellie hadn’t let her down the way he had. A hollow emptiness pulled at her, the old pain re-surfacing. He had left her when she’d needed him most. She kept Nellie because she needed to know something was constant in her life, that she wouldn’t lose everything.

She hopped out, crossed the busy crosswalk, dodged a taxi and stumbled into the baggage claim area where Dr. Montgomery’s financial advisor had told her to meet him. This morning she’d knocked on his office door, hoping to beg him to reconsider his decision about funding the new children’s wing at the hospital, but the doctor’s gorgeous assistant, Bridget Holmes, had greeted her with a cool smile instead. Bridget was supposed to pick up Dex, but she planned to call a limo service for him. Jessica had jumped at the chance to give him a ride. Since she’d gone out of her way to make a trip to drive him home, he’d have to feel indebted to her and listen to her spiel.

At least she hoped he’d listen.

Dex Montgomery, doctor turned entrepreneur, was a shrewd businessman and seemed to have a heart for nothing but stock dividends and flow charts.

Jessica was the opposite. She loved her patients, the children at the hospital who needed tender loving care along with medical treatment. And she intended to see that they received the best of both. After all, the kids were her family now. The only one she would ever have.

She couldn’t let them down.

According to Dr. Epstein, she only had two weeks to get the money, too, or the plans for the children’s wing would be cut off completely. Besides, there were a few children who desperately needed money for treatment now.

Gathering her composure, she straightened her suit jacket and searched the crowd flooding the baggage-claim area for Dr. Montgomery. She was a respected pediatrician, a woman who’d risen from poverty to make a good life for herself by caring for others and keeping them from suffering. She refused to let Dex Montgomery intimidate her or reduce her to a jittery female.

His six-foot-plus, Armani-clad self would appear any second. All she had to do was play nice, dig deep enough to unearth his compassionate side, and ask him for money.

Piece of cake.

Yeah, right.

Facing a firing squad might be easier than getting money from a Montgomery.

A DEEP SENSE of panic mushroomed inside Ty as the plane coasted to the runway. Two hours and a few drinks ago, this trading places idea had sounded like fun.

But now his beer-induced bravado had worn off and reality had hit with the force of a two-by-four.

This charade was a mistake.

He should get off the plane and book a return trip to Bozeman. And fast.

The plane screeched to a halt, rolled to the gate, and when the seat belt sign dinged, impatient passengers flooded the aisles, obviously anxious to return to their lives.

His stomach twisted. He should be getting back to his life—in Montana. Mending fences and herding cattle. Trying to figure out a way to improve things.

Not playing dress-up in this uncomfortable suit and choking tie. How did Dex stand it?

Because he’d never known anything else.

An ache, soul-deep, settled in Ty’s chest. Somewhere in midair, he had contemplated what his family had done to him and to Dex, and his shock had dwindled, turning into anger and hurt. His loving grandparents, the ones who’d drilled into him his entire value system, had lied to him, had denied him knowledge of his own brother and his other grandparents.

He wasn’t sure if he could forgive them.

Not only had they denied him knowledge about his father, but they’d robbed him of knowing his identical twin brother. What would his parents have thought if they’d known their boys had been split up after their deaths?

Maybe he would find out when he arrived, and maybe he’d learn a little about the man who’d fathered him.

And about why the Montgomerys had wanted nothing to do with him.

People rushed down the aisle, and Ty finally stood, reaching overhead for his beat-up duffel. Instead, his hand brushed over the soft leather garment bag Dex had shoved in his hands. He couldn’t forget that damn briefcase, either. Dex had gotten so riled when Ty had almost left it in the bathroom after they’d exchanged clothes, a vein had bulged in his forehead. Apparently, Dex guarded the hunk of leather, along with his cell phone, as if they were his life. Ty scoffed. The bag alone cost more than he paid his ranch hands in a day. He wiggled his cramped toes inside the custom-made Italian shoes and almost tripped. The stupid shoes gave no support to his ankles. He certainly couldn’t ride with them.

Of course, Dex didn’t need a horse; he had cars and limos and taxis.

No, Dex had money. The kind that could have helped the Coopers.

But Ty didn’t want their money. He simply wanted some answers about his past. The Montgomerys had given him up without batting an eye, and they’d written off Ty’s sweet, loving mother because she was a rancher’s daughter. Apparently they’d thought the Coopers weren’t good enough. Just as Paula had thought he wasn’t good enough for her.

The old pain haunted him.

I could never live on a ranch, she had said.

And he couldn’t live anywhere else.

Besides, Dex seemed to have some strange ideas about his wealth himself. What was the last thing Dex had told him? Be wary of everyone, especially the women. They all want me for my money.

Ty could only imagine. No one had ever wanted him for his money. But he had certainly been exploited by a woman. Again, he thought of Paula. Just the sound of her name brought back bad memories.

Yes, he’d better be on his toes.

The ones that were now pinched and aching inside Dex’s stiff Italian loafers. He slowly made his way out of the plane towards the gate. Thank goodness Dex’s financial advisor planned to meet him in baggage claim. He’d follow her lead and let her show him the ropes. And when he met his other grandparents, maybe he would understand how they could keep one grandson and throw away the other.

JESSICA WRUNG HER HANDS together, trying to calm her nerves as she saw Dex Montgomery’s tall, commanding presence rise above the crowd. The man was so darned good-looking he would stand out anywhere. His dark sexy gaze caught hers and a twitch of a smile actually pulled at the corner of his mouth, then he scanned the crowd without speaking.

Her stomach quivered, her pulse clamored and perspiration beaded her forehead.

She assured herself it was simply nerves.

She had too much riding on this project.

His chin lifted, and he strode right past her as if he didn’t even know her.

Sure, he expected Bridget, but did he have to pretend she didn’t exist? She called his name, fighting irritation, “Dr. Montgomery.”

He continued looking across the crowd, oblivious.

She threaded her way between an overweight man and some teenagers until she stood behind him. “Dr. Montgomery.”

He still didn’t respond, so she gently caught his arm. “Dr. Montgomery, I’m here to pick you up.”

His startled gaze swung back to her, a moment of heat splintering through her as he stared into her eyes. His ruggedly handsome face sent a flutter through her stomach, and his eyes were so dark they reminded her of chocolate kisses. She loved chocolate.

“Bridget couldn’t make it,” she said, shaking off the unsettling feeling. “Something about a business dinner. I offered to pick you up instead.”

He stared at her as if he didn’t recognize her, his thick dark brows drawn together. He’d let his hair grow, too, about a half-inch longer than she remembered, giving him a rugged, primitive appearance. He probably wouldn’t use an out-of-town barber, she thought, dismissing the slight difference and its effect on her. “Do you have more luggage?”

He shook his head, indicating the garment bag. “I carried on.”

She nodded. “Come on, then. I parked in the short-term lot.” He headed toward the MARTA sign and she frowned. What was wrong with him? He’d been in the Hartsfield airport at least a thousand times.

“It’s this way.” She laid her hand on his arm again. “Are you all right, Dr. Montgomery?”

He tipped his head and started toward the exit. “Yeah, just tired. It’s been a long day.” He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture she’d never seen him use. The movement spiked the ends, sending a lock over his high forehead. Somehow it made him seem vulnerable. “I fell asleep on the plane. I guess I’m not awake yet.”

“Yes, I heard your flight was delayed.” She led him through the doors toward her trusted VW. “Don’t worry. I’ll have you home in no time.”

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” Worry laced his deep voice. “After all, it’s awfully late for a woman to be downtown alone.”

Jessica faltered, surprised by his concern. Maybe Dr. Montgomery really had a soft side hiding beneath that steel business veneer. “No, I don’t mind at all. In fact, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you on the way.”

Trepidation filled her, but she gathered her courage. She’d just have to use the old trick her speech teacher in college had told her about—she’d picture him naked while she gave her sales pitch about the children’s wing. Then she wouldn’t be so nervous.

TY FELT NAKED without his Stetson.

Was that the reason this sexy little slip of a woman kept looking at him the way she did? Had he somehow already blown his new identity?

No, she couldn’t possibly know.

Except he hadn’t recognized her, and he obviously should have. But the noisy airport had his head swimming.

Who the hell was this knockout woman, anyway?

A co-worker? Friend? Lover?

She was a little bitty thing, probably about five-three, and she had enormous grass-green eyes and auburn hair with flecks of red and orange that reminded him of a Montana sunset. Soft pink lips created a pouty little mouth that begged to be kissed, and the outline of her jacket showcased breasts that would just fit into the palms of his hands. Heat curled low in his belly, the pool of hunger undeniable.

Taking a deep breath to gather his control, he followed her through the dimly lit parking garage, his eyes feasting on the sway of her hips and the way that dark-blue skirt framed her behind. She had shapely legs, too, as if she exercised regularly, although he couldn’t imagine her wearing dusty jeans or doing hard work on a ranch, like the women he’d grown up with, the type of country girl he’d probably marry one day.

This woman was more like Paula. Educated, prissy, soft.

He’d learned his lesson dating a city girl a long time ago. Once burned, twice shy.

“My car’s over here. I hope you won’t be too uncomfortable, Dr. Montgomery.”

A lover wouldn’t call him doctor, would she?

“We’ll just put your bag in the trunk.”

She stopped at an old red VW bug, or what he guessed had once been red. The paint had faded, giving it a splotched effect, and the sunlight had turned the red to a dull orange.

He’d expected a limo, or Bridget to show up in an expensive sports car or Mercedes. Then again, he didn’t really care. He was a humble guy himself.

His brother’s words rang in his head. Be wary of everyone, especially the women. They all want me for your money.

This knockout had said she wanted to talk to him on the way home. Judging from her ancient car, she probably had financial troubles. Had she offered him a ride because she wanted money from Dex?

And if so, how far would she go to get it?

Chapter Two

Ty wouldn’t mind being seduced by her, he admitted silently. But he would never mix a relationship with business, especially with a woman like that woman.

Besides, Grandma Cooper would paddle his behind.

God, he missed her and the family. They’d probably be planning a welcome-home dinner for him right about now; he could practically smell the steaks sizzling on the grill and taste the buttery home-grown corn and biscuits.

Would the Montgomerys have a special welcome-home dinner, too? With Dex’s favorite foods?

Worry knotted his stomach. He had no idea what Dex’s favorite food was. How would he pull this off? Could he really pretend to be someone he’d just met?

What did he really know about his twin brother?

Nothing, except the information he’d crammed into his brain those few hours they’d sat in the bar. He and Dex might share the same genes, the same face, but they were completely different men.

He wanted to get to know his brother better. When this was over, he would.

The stunning auburn-haired woman next to him cranked the engine, then leaned outside the vehicle, removed a softball-sized rock from beneath her wheel and slid it behind the front seat.

“I have to get Nellie’s emergency brakes repaired,” she said.

He arched a dark brow. “Nellie?”

She nodded, a red blush creeping up her cheek to the auburn roots of her hair. “I named her in college.” She patted the scarred dashboard. “We’ve been together a long time.”

He couldn’t resist a chuckle. Should he offer to fix Nellie’s brakes for her? He was a decent mechanic; he’d fixed his share of farm equipment. Then again, did Dex know anything about cars?

Probably not. And if he did, Ty felt certain he didn’t actually work on them. Dex wouldn’t want to get grease on his expensive suits.

While the woman maneuvered her way through the parking-garage maze, Ty mentally reviewed the few things Dex had told him about himself. Dex had a medical degree, but he’d traded in his stethoscope for a computer. Now, he ran a huge medical conglomerate called Modern Medical Maintenance, Inc. which he’d affectionately called M3I. As if a man could be affectionate about a medical empire, Ty thought. The company owned a chain of cutting-edge facilities throughout the Southeast that sounded like they focused more on maintaining a profit margin than providing quality medical care.

Ty winced. Was he any better, though? He wanted more money to better the ranch.

Hell yes, he was different. He wanted to increase the ranch’s profits so he could make life easier for his family. But he’d never take advantage of people’s business problems or medical conditions to make a buck.

The VW hit a pothole, and he tried to adjust his legs in the cramped space, but his knees hit the dash and his head thumped the ceiling. The city air, the constant barrage of noises and the small space damn near suffocated him.

Oblivious to Ty’s discomfort, the woman wove into the fast-moving traffic. Even this late in the evening, cars flew by as if they were racing in the Indy 500. Ty searched his memory for the woman’s name. But Dex hadn’t mentioned anyone specifically, except for Bridget, his financial advisor.

A car slowed in front of them and several cars blasted their horns. Ty held onto the seat as more horns blared, and a man in a van rolled down his window, shouting obscenities. Lord help them if these maniacs ever came to Rolling Bend and got stopped by a cattle crossing. Where was everyone going in such a hurry?

Buildings and billboards raced by, along with skyscrapers as they drove through downtown Atlanta. A million lights glittered from high-rise apartments and offices, obliterating the stars he might have seen in the Montana sky. How did these people live without fresh air?

“Dr. Montgomery,” the woman began. “I know I mentioned this to you before, but I hope you’ll reconsider giving me the money.”

He gripped the seat edge. Maybe they did business like this in the city, but he was a Montana boy at heart. Sucking in a deep breath, he resorted to the pat answer Dex had told him to use.

“I’m sorry, Sugar, but all my financial decisions go through my advisor.”

“Sugar?”

Judging from the tone of her voice, Ty had committed a cardinal sin. “Miss—”

“It’s not Sugar or Miss,” she said in a tight voice. “It’s Dr. Stovall.” She flashed him an angry look, then pressed her pouty lips together.

He fidgeted in the seat, feeling like a fish out of water, dying on the dusty ground. What the hell had he gotten himself into? At this rate, he’d be discovered before he ever met the Montgomerys.

SO MUCH FOR being indebted, Jessica thought, fuming as she exited I-85 and veered through the Buckhead streets toward Dex Montgomery’s estate.

He’d probably been offended by her car. Or maybe he thought she was foolish for being so tenderhearted she’d actually named her car Nellie.

Heck, why had she told him that little bit of trivia?

She’d just been so nervous and for a minute, he’d looked at her as if he was actually attracted to her, like he would really be interested in what she had to say, so she’d thought she’d seize the moment before it seized her, and she’d started babbling.

Darn it, she’d promised herself no man would ever affect her this way again. Hadn’t she learned anything from her painful divorce? Jack had been a charmer, too. But looks didn’t mean a man had character or that he could accept flaws in someone else.

She didn’t even like Dex Montgomery; how could she let him rattle her so? For heaven’s sakes, he didn’t even use his medical degree to help people; he’d swapped it for stock options and boardrooms.

No, it wasn’t his potent sexuality. She was simply nervous because she’d hoped for his help in funding the hospital wing, and she had so much riding on his decision.

And he’d made the decision in a skinny minute without a single humane thought about whom he might be hurting. Why shouldn’t he? The man had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had never wanted for anything, while she’d struggled for every scrap of education and every recognition she’d achieved. And those poor families and their sick children…

She stopped at the entrance gate to the long wooded drive of his estate, cranked her window down, refusing to apologize as the glass squeaked and squawked. Finally, she turned to Dex, confused at the baffled look on his face as he stared at the security gate. She was tempted to leave him here and make him walk up the drive.

Then again, maybe he was simply tired tonight, and tomorrow would be different.

Yeah, right.

Still, she pasted on a smile, forcing herself to be professional. “Go ahead, Dr. Montgomery, tell your security to let us through so you can get home to your family. I know you must be anxious to see them.”

ANXIOUS was definitely the word, Ty thought, as he cleared his throat and tested his brother’s name—his new name for the next week or so—“This is Dex, and uh, Dr. Stovall.” He glanced at the doctor’s face, hoping to see some hint of forgiveness for his blunder, but she stared straight ahead as if he didn’t exist.

So, she was a doctor, albeit one with a rattletrap of a car. That didn’t mean she had to snub him.

He clenched his jaw, then realized he wasn’t thinking straight. She couldn’t be snubbing him because she had no idea he was Ty Cooper, Montana cowboy; she thought he was doctor/millionaire Dex Montgomery and she was mad because he hadn’t fallen into her trap and offered her money.

Remembering his mission for being here, his anger died. He couldn’t get involved personally with her or anyone else because he’d be going back to Rolling Bend soon. Besides, when she found out who he was, she probably would snub him. Just as Paula had years ago. She was too educated to pay attention to the real Ty Cooper.

No, he wouldn’t set himself up for that humiliation again.

She shifted into drive again, the little bug spinning gravel as she bounced up the paved drive beneath an awning of trees that lined the entrance to Dex’s house. It was too dark to see if the grass was green, but since it was May he supposed it would be. Thank God they had grass, and Dex didn’t live in one of those downtown postage-sized, cookie-cutter condos surrounded entirely by brick and mortar. He thought of the rolling hills, the mossy green valleys and the dirt drive to the Cooper farmhouse and felt a pang of homesickness.

Seconds later, he forgot it as he stared in awe at the mansion in front of him. The houses they’d passed were big enough to be hotels, but this one reminded him of the governor’s mansion.

How many people actually lived here?

Dex had mentioned his grandparents, a cook, a gardener, some kind of personal valet named George.

All people he didn’t know.

Whereas back home he had his grandparents, his adopted brothers Chad and Court, their wives Jenny and Brenda, and their kids.

Dr. Stovall pulled into the circular stone drive in front of massive white columns and Ty gulped. Would the people in this mansion be waiting for him with welcoming arms or would they recognize him as a fraud the minute they saw him?

Chapter Three

Jessica watched Dex Montgomery unfold his long legs from the front of her car, grab his Gucci briefcase and his Louis Vuitton garment bag, and frowned. How many hospital gowns could she buy for needy kids with the money he spent on one piece of designer luggage alone?

Irritated with herself for obsessing, she glanced up and saw him staring at his house, the oddest expression on his face. He shifted on one foot, frowning as if his feet hurt, then turned to her.

If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was dreading going into his own home.

He leaned into the still-open car door. “Thank you for the ride, Dr. Stovall.”

So, he’d been trying to formulate a thank you. Obviously a difficult task for him. Didn’t he even thank his servants?

A small smile tugged at his lips. “I’m sorry if I offended you when I called you sugar. It was just something I picked up on my trip.”

In Chicago. Where? From one of his love bunnies?

She’d heard women fell all over him everywhere he went, but she didn’t intend to be one of them.

“Forget it.” She fluttered her fingers to wave good-bye. “I’ll see you at the hospital.”

His dark brows shot up as if he was surprised at her comment, but he quickly slid a mask over his expression. “I’m looking forward to it.”

She nodded, then slid the car into gear and left him standing in his drive. Unable to resist, she checked her rearview mirror. To her surprise, his lips curved into a smile.

The damn man was flirting with her!

Dex Montgomery had never noticed her before; why would today be any different?

Had he undergone a personality transplant in Chicago?

TY WAS SURE he had blisters on his feet. Still, his aching toes couldn’t compare to the hollow feeling he had inside as he opened the door to the Montgomery house.

Was Dex back at the ranch now, being embraced by his loving family? Would Ty get the same warm reception here?

A moment of conscience attacked him for lying to the Coopers, but he shoved it aside. They had lied to him for thirty-two years.

It was time he knew the truth.

Time he met the other half of his family and learned about his father.

He opened the heavy mahogany door and slipped inside. The sound of his leather shoes hitting polished marble sounded foreign to his ears. The ornate entryway shimmered with soft light from the two-story chandelier, crystal teardrops glittering like diamonds above him. He swallowed, listening for the sounds of family, laughter, kids, his dog. Of dinnertime. But only silence greeted him.

A cold empty silence that made him pause and analyze his surroundings. Elaborate oil paintings of the Civil War mingled with rich colors on the wall, leading to a double curved staircase covered in white carpet. Geez. He could picture his muddy work-boot prints on the steps, and Angelica and the twins romping around with sticky, jelly-crusted hands and muddy shoes. This place was nothing like home.

“Mr. Dex?”

Ty started and saw a stately-looking man dressed in a black uniform approaching. This had to be George, his personal valet, and according to Dex, his friend. His thick gray hair and stiff posture didn’t look very friendly, though.

“We were expecting you earlier, sir. Long flight?”

Ty nodded. “Yes. Where is everyone?”

George automatically took the garment bag from him and gestured toward the right. “Your grandfather’s in his study, as usual. And have your forgotten your grandmother always plays Bunco on Sunday nights?”

“Oh, right.” What the heck was Bunco? They had a bunkhouse at home, but no game named after it.

“Mr. Dex, are you all right?”

“Yes.” Ty scrubbed a hand over his face, suddenly weary. The less he said the better. “The trip, you know. I lost track of time.”

George nodded curtly. “Very well. I wasn’t sure if you’d eaten but the cook prepared your favorite dinner. I’ll bring a drink and your meal to your suite if you wish.”

Ty stared at him in shock. The only time he’d ever been served on a tray was when he’d been sick as a kid. Gran Cooper had made him homemade vegetable soup with cornbread, and let him stay in bed and watch cartoons. She’d played Scrabble with him. He doubted they had homemade soup and cornbread here. Or that they played Scrabble. Or that anyone would appreciate the wood carvings he made. But his grandmother loved them. And Angelica had carried the eagle he’d carved to show-and-tell. “No, I’ll eat at the table with the family.”

George frowned again. “Sir, your grandfather already dined, and your grandmother will have hors d’oeuvres with the ladies.”

So, no family dinner. “All right. You and I can eat together.”

George coughed, looking uncomfortable. “Mr. Dex, thank you, but that’s most inappropriate. You know I always take my dinner with the staff.”

Ty’s stomach twisted. He was blowing this big time. George clicked his heels. “I’ll have your dinner waiting in the dining room in five minutes.”

He suddenly disappeared, his movements efficient. Ty shook his head in disgust; how was he supposed to know how to act with servants? At home, everyone joined in to help. They cooked together, ate together and cleared the table together. The men sometimes even washed dishes. It was the Cooper clan way.

But he wasn’t a Cooper here; he was a Montgomery and he had to act like one.

George would probably faint dead away if he walked into the kitchen to help wash dishes. No, he couldn’t give Dex’s personal valet a heart attack.

Was Dex having to learn to dress himself back in Montana?

Ty chuckled at the thought of his brother being that helpless and wondered how he would handle scrubbing pots at home. Would he have to clean the big cast-iron pan Gran Cooper used to fry chicken?

God, he wanted to get to know his brother better.

His stomach growled at the thought of Gran’s chicken and homemade buttermilk biscuits, reminding him he was starved. Unsure where the dining room was located, he wandered to the right, trying to remember the tidbits Dex had mentioned. Dex’s formal study occupied the first room, while his grandfather had his own private office upstairs off his suite. Apparently the house was so large they had separate staircases leading to their own wings.

Curious about his brother’s office and hoping it would tell him more about his twin, he slowly walked inside, amazed at the fine leather and the rich woods of the furniture. Decorated in hunter green and maroon, it was a masculine room that Ty might have felt comfortable in, except for the state-of-the-art computer system occupying the entire back corner. Two paintings of English hunt scenes hung on one wall flanking a brick fireplace which had obviously never been used.

Desperate for any information on his brother and his grandparents, Ty searched the desk and wall-to-wall bookshelf for family photos, but found none.

Odd. At home, his walls held dozens of snapshots of himself and his family members, of him and his neighbor Leanne. He wondered briefly what Dex would think when he met the girl next door, the girl the Coopers hoped he’d marry. He’d have to phone Dex and tell him to be nice to Leanne. She was just a sweet, innocent kid. He didn’t want her to get hurt. She had enough problems keeping her own ranch going, especially with her ill mother.

Although both their families had been trying to push them together, he and Leanne had been friends forever, and he couldn’t see her as anything other than a little sister. He was certain she felt the same way. Besides, he sensed that Leanne wanted to leave the ranch life for bigger dreams, and his life was home on the Circle C. Any woman he got involved with would have to love it, too. She would have to fit into his world of horses and cows and land. The ranch had been in the family for five generations; he wanted to make certain the legacy continued.

Dr. Stovall’s vibrant grass-green eyes flashed into his mind, but he banished the image. Nope, that woman definitely belonged here in the city with fine museums and fancy hospitals and other doctors. Just as Paula had.

He definitely did not.

JESSICA COULD NOT stand to go home. The little house she’d rented near the hospital seemed too quiet and lonely since her divorce. The reminder of all she’d lost was painfully vivid every time she looked at the vacant room she’d painted as a nursery. Although she’d covered the bright yellow with a taupe color, when she looked at the walls, she still saw the room the way she’d imagined it during the first weeks of her pregnancy.

At the hospital she stared through the glass at the babies in the maternity unit, her heart aching. If she’d carried her baby to term, it would be a year old now. She would be planning a birthday party. She and Jack might still be together, a happy little family.

It was something she had never had, but something she’d always wanted.

Her hopes had been dashed when she’d lost their child, yet she’d tried desperately to recover. Then the doctor had delivered the final blow. She had severe endometriosis and although she wasn’t yet thirty, she’d had to have a hysterectomy. Traumatic as that had been, she’d tried to move on with her life, telling herself there were lots of needy kids in the world they could adopt.

At first Jack had agreed. He’d even been understanding and promised her it hadn’t mattered.

But it had.

And eventually Jack had admitted it.

He wanted his own child, a son who would have the Thompson genes and carry on his name. Oh, he hadn’t been ugly or mean; he’d simply been honest. Just the way he’d been when he’d told her to get rid of Nellie.

He didn’t understand her sentimental attachment to the car. Maybe she didn’t, either. But Nellie was the first thing Jessica had owned that had been all her own. And no one would take it away from her. She had worked damn hard to get that car and everything else in her life. She would get the money for these kids. Of that she was certain.

She wiped a tear from her eyes, smiled at the chubby little Rivers baby boy, and squared her shoulders. She would not feel sorry for herself. There were children in the world, right here in Bethesda General, who were ill, who had to endure much worse suffering than she did. Children whose lives depended on expensive medical treatment; children who couldn’t afford it—the very reason she was so disappointed in Dex Montgomery, the reason she would approach him again tomorrow at the board meeting when he wasn’t tired and she was prepared, her data and business plan in hand.

More determined than ever, she headed down the hall toward the pediatric unit. Late at night, she usually found some sick child lying in a hospital bed who felt frightened and alone. She would see who needed her tonight. Then maybe she could sleep when she finally went home. Maybe she wouldn’t have nightmares of losing her baby.

And maybe she’d dream of a way to convince Dex Montgomery to help her.

TY STARED at the massive mahogany table in the dining room in amazement. The entire Cooper clan could fit around it. Yet none of them would feel comfortable with the formal furnishings.

The dark-maroon wallpaper reminded him of heavy drapes he’d seen at a funeral home. A crystal water glass that probably cost more than his grandmother’s entire set of good dishes sat in front of him, and a short glass full of dark liquor—Scotch he presumed, since Dex had been drinking it at the airport—had been placed beside it. He reached for the glass and took a sip. A brush fire started in his throat, scalding his windpipe. Coughing, he grabbed the linen napkin, trying to hide his reaction when George slipped up behind him.

“Are you all right, sir?”

“Yea…yes. Thanks.”

“Your salad.” George handed him a plate of lettuce sprigs that looked like grass roots, followed by a saucer of something slimy.

Ty had no idea what the item was, but he didn’t intend to eat it.

“Your escargot with risotto,” George said, his shoulders thrown back with pride.

Escargot, Ty thought. Hadn’t Leanne told him once that escargot was snails?

He didn’t even eat cow tongue at home! Good grief, with the Montgomery wealth, they could certainly afford better grub. He’d starve to death if he had to eat like this. Irritated, he made a mental note to send Dex a freezer-full of prime hamburger and steak when he returned to Montana.

George stood stiffly by a long buffet, his body poised to jump to Ty’s every need. “Aren’t you going to eat, sir?”

“Um, I…was looking for the bisc…bread.” And the real food.

“Certainly.”

George returned with a basket of rolls, store-bought most likely, but at least Ty recognized them. Where was the butter?

He searched the table and saw a small china dish with pats of butter, so he slathered two pats on the bread. He inhaled it, only to catch George’s eyebrows furrowed.

“Is something wrong with the escargot, Mr. Dex?”

Yeah, it looks like it crawled out from under a rock.

“Sir?”

Ty could have sworn the man’s voice echoed in the huge empty room. How was he supposed to digest food, especially slimy creatures, with all this silence? Mealtime meant families talking and joking and arguing, rehashing the day on the ranch, kids throwing peas and clanging spoons, his dog Lady begging for scraps at their feet. After dinner Angelica would ride piggyback on his back, the twins would bounce on his knee. And sometimes he’d strum the guitar for a family sing-along on the porch under the stars.

Afterward, he and Pa Cooper would sit and talk—what did his Grandfather Montgomery do after dinner? Sip brandy in his study and read his stock reports?

He pushed the plate of snails away and stood. “Sorry, buddy, but I guess my stomach’s not up to speed tonight. I appreciate the supper, though.”

George made a tssking sound as if he assumed Ty had drunk too much, then took the plate away. “Very well, sir. Shall I draw you a bath?”

Ty nearly choked on the roll. There was no way in hell he’d let another man draw anything in the bathroom with him. “No, thanks.”

George nodded curtly, looking slightly offended as he rushed away with the plate. Ty grabbed two more rolls and stuffed them in the pockets of his suit so he wouldn’t wake up with his belly so empty it was hitting his backbone, then left to find his bedroom. Poor Dex; how did the man survive on these piddly rations?

Still, he tried to look on the bright side as he climbed the steps in search of his brother’s bedroom. Maybe tomorrow night he would be eating with the entire family and he’d learn more about them and his father. He’d be able to fool them better after a good night’s sleep.

Dr. Stovall’s face materialized in his mind—that is, if he slept at all instead of dreaming about that redheaded vixen all night.

Or if he didn’t give himself away first.

Chapter Four

Jessica woke slowly, a tingling sensation rippling up her arm all the way to her fingers. Slowly, she lifted the child snuggled next to her, slid her arm from beneath him, then flexed her fingers to rejuvenate the blood flow. Her watch read 5:30 a.m. They would be coming to prep Donny for surgery soon.

The three-year-old whimpered and opened his eyes. “Dr. Jesse?”

She gently pushed a lock of his blond hair away from his forehead. “What, sweetheart?”

“Stay till my mama gets here.”

Jessica smiled. “Don’t worry, I will.” Donny’s mother would come running in just as soon as she dropped her other two children at day care.

Then Jessica would have to run out in order to have time to shower and change before her eight o’clock appointments at her office. At eleven o’clock she had to break for her meeting with the hospital board. And Dex Montgomery.

“I scared,” Donny whispered, fat tears pooling in his eyes. “What they gonna do to me?”

Jessica squelched the tears flooding her throat, knowing she had to be strong for the little boy, then began to explain one more time the scary surgery he faced. He’d been born with a hole in his heart and the doctors had known they would need to operate eventually. They’d postponed it as long as possible. His prognosis looked good, but the surgery was costly, and his mother’s health insurance minimal.

Patients like Donny were the reason she lobbied for more money for the children’s wing.

“And when you wake up, your heart’s going to be fixed, just like brand new,” she finished softly.

She only wished Dex Montgomery’s heart defect could be repaired with surgery as well.

THE SOUND of a knock woke Ty from a deep sleep. He flexed and rolled to a sitting position in his brother’s big sleigh bed, surprised when he glanced at the clock and saw it was already 6:00 a.m. Geez, when had he slept so late?

Normally he crawled out of bed with the roosters.

He had to admit Dex’s bed was comfortable, but he missed his feather pillows.

George opened the door and peeked in, a tray laden with coffee and newspapers in hand. Ty’s stomach growled, wishing he had some bacon and eggs. He’d probably have that waiting downstairs. Maybe he’d get to eat with his grandparents.

He waited till George set the tray down before he wrapped the sheet around him and stood.

George stared at him with that pinched odd look again, as if he were wondering what planet Ty had stepped off. Dex probably walked around in front of the man in his underwear but Ty did not get naked with other men. He was not shy, but he had to draw the line somewhere with this ruse.

“Your workout clothes are on the vanity in the dressing room, along with today’s attire, sir.”

Ty picked up the cup of coffee and sniffed. It smelled odd, as if it had some kind of flavoring in it, like the almond extract Gran Cooper used in her pound cakes.

“I know you must have missed your special brand in Chicago,” George offered, his voice laced with pride.

Ty hated to offend him, but he could no more down the sweet-scented stuff than he could swallow those slimy snails the night before. “Actually,” he began, clawing through his hair. God, he missed his hat. “I think we need to get diverse,” he said, proud of his vocabulary. “I had some of that regular stuff in Chicago. Why don’t you buy some today?”

George’s brows furrowed. “Very well, sir.”

Ty lifted the lid of a tall silver container.

“Your protein shake,” George announced, implying it was his customary breakfast. “The cook added three raw eggs just as you like. Now, I’ll leave you to your morning routine.”

Ty grimaced at the thought of drinking raw eggs, wondering what his normal routine consisted of. At home, he’d eat a big breakfast, then work on the ranch till lunch with the sun beating down and the wide-open space calling his name.

His stomach growled again. “Oh, and pick up some good hamburgers and a steak or two while you’re at it, George.”

George’s mouth fell open, but he quickly snapped it shut. “You aren’t concerned about your cholesterol?”

Ty hedged. “I met with an investor who’s working with the beef industry. Thought I needed to sample some before I give him advice.” At least part of that was true.

George nodded. Apparently he understood business. “Hamburger and steak it is, Mr. Dex.”

“And get enough for my grandparents tonight.”

George halted by the door. “But sir, they won’t be dining here this evening. They have plans at the country club.”

Did they ever dine here? Ty wondered. “Well, when is the next family dinner?”

“I don’t believe they have one scheduled this week.”

They had to schedule family dinners? Now, he’d heard it all.

“Your grandfather said you could ride in with him today if you want. He’s leaving at eight-thirty sharp. Or you can drive yourself, if you want. The Mercedes is back from its grooming.”

They groomed their cars? Ty almost laughed out loud but accepted the offer. At least if he rode with his grandfather, he’d finally get to meet him.

The man who hadn’t wanted him or his mother.

Besides, he had no idea where his office was located or how to get there.

A FEW MINUTES LATER, Ty stood in the middle of a home gym that could have held thirty people. Everything in Dex’s room and closet had been in order, even the gym was neat and organized, the opposite of how Ty lived at home. Gran would like that about Dex; she was always fussing at Ty to clean up.

He raised a skeptical eye at the equipment. He’d considered skipping this part of Dex’s routine, but didn’t want to draw suspicion to himself. Besides, he’d be relaxing the rest of the day, pushing paper behind a desk in some cushy air-conditioned office, signing his name, well, Dex’s name, to a bunch of forms. He’d be so bored he’d be napping by noon. Might as well stay in shape while he was here.

He recognized the stationery bike from TV and the weights. An old buddy from high school had owned a set; he’d wanted to build muscles and impress the girls. He recognized the treadmill, too, from some guy demonstrating it on the tube.

He benched his weight for a few minutes, then climbed on the treadmill. Thank God George had unearthed some tennis shoes for him; they were a hell of a lot more comfortable than those Italian things Dex wore. He wondered if he could wear the sneakers with his suit.

Nah, they’d probably notice.

He fiddled with the knobs for a few minutes, trying to figure out the machine, when the surface beneath him began to move. Slow at first. Not bad. He walked with the motion, trying to adapt to the rhythm.

Piece of cake, although he’d much rather be outside riding his horse Dodger. Studying the different speeds, he punched a few buttons and the motion sped up. Faster, then faster, then faster. He pumped his legs and arms, increasing his pace until he was running to keep up, but the machine sped up, and he felt his feet sliding out from beneath him. Suddenly his shoestring got caught in the rung, his foot was being dragged tighter, closer to the edge, and he thought his ankle was going to snap. He ran faster and faster, jerking his foot, trying to release it, but the motion continued, his toe came close to being ground in the machine, and his chest was aching as he tried to breathe.

“Mr. Dex?”

George’s shout alarmed him and he stumbled and lost the rhythm, then fell face-first against the bars. His nose hit the bar, his eye the handle. George rushed over and flipped off the machine. Ty struggled to breathe. Sweat poured off his body, his nose was bleeding and he thought he might have broken his toe.

“What happened, sir? Are you all right? Shall I call a doctor?”

The genuine concern in George’s voice brought Ty out of his stupor. He could imagine his brother laughing his head off when he found out that Ty had almost killed himself on his treadmill. And he was supposed to be a doctor.

He wondered how Dex was faring on Dodger.

JESSICA HAD JUST finished her first round of patients when Dr. Epstein, head of the hospital board, phoned. Her nerves instantly jumped to alert.

“Are you ready for the meeting today?”

Jessica took a calming breath. She was as ready as she would ever be. “Yes. I have all my information together.”

“I hope you can make this work. If we don’t get an answer in two weeks, the plans for the new wing will be dropped. We’ve already gone through all the charity funds for this year.” He hesitated, the sound of a pen clicking breaking the silence as he said good-bye.

Jessica hung up, thinking about the silent message behind his phone conversation. There were just too many families in need.

God, she ached for one of her own.

But if she didn’t swing this deal with Dex Montgomery, all the families who needed assistance for the remainder of the year would be left without.

And their needs far outweighed her own.

TY HAD SHOWERED and shaved when George knocked at the bathroom door. Ty barely managed to wrap a towel around him before the door squeaked open.

“I took the liberty of calling your barber, sir.” George poked his head in and tssked again, then pointed to Ty’s neckline. “I noticed your hair has gotten a little unruly while you were away.”

He was probably thinking it wasn’t the only thing that had gotten unruly, Ty thought. “Thanks. When do I go?”

George’s eyes narrowed. “Your stylist is waiting for you in your suite, sir, as usual. He’ll give you a trim before you go to the office.”

Ty nodded and waited until George left, then yanked on the velour robe hanging over the door handle. He didn’t know if he’d ever be comfortable having a man’s man in his life, much less in his bathroom.

He grimaced. He was going to blow this if he didn’t get his act together.

A few minutes later, he stared at the mirror in stunned silence. He had known he looked like his brother, but with his new haircut, he realized they were truly identical.

He wouldn’t have known the difference between Dex and himself if he didn’t know he was Ty.

But he was Ty, a Cooper, he reminded himself. A man who had always known exactly who he was and where he was going. A fifth-generation rancher who lived off the land.

Until he’d met his brother.

And learned about the Montgomerys.

Now, dressed in Dex’s fancy suit and ties, he wondered if he would ever be that same man again.

JESSICA GRIMACED as she hurriedly gathered her notes. The morning had been wild. Five ear infections, a four-year-old who’d stuffed a candy up his nose and a baby she’d had to put in the hospital for dehydration. Unfortunately, the three-month old had lost the last of its fluids on her lab jacket. Thankfully, the formula hadn’t soaked through to the suit she’d worn beneath, but the sour milk smell lingered.

Dex Montgomery would not appreciate her new perfume. It wasn’t exactly the two-hundred-dollar a bottle type he probably bought for his lady friends.

Her beeper chirped just as she reached the car. A moment of fear hit her when she read the hospital number. But she quickly jumped into Nellie and phoned the hospital.

“Dr. Stovall here.”

“Yes, this is Dr. Blankenship. You wanted me to call about Donny?”

Jessica’s breath caught. “Yes?”

“He’s through surgery and holding his own for now. The next twenty-four hours will tell.”

Jessica thanked Dr. Blankenship then hung up. She closed her eyes and said a prayer, then shifted Nellie into gear and headed toward the hospital for the board meeting. She’d stop by to see Donny and his mother after the meeting. Maybe she’d have some good news to tell them, that Donny’s bill would be taken care of by some extra funds coming in, and that Donny’s mother wouldn’t have to lose her house to pay for her little boy’s surgery.

Now all she had to do was convince Dex Montgomery and that barracuda business associate of his to help her.

TY STARED at his grandfather across the boardroom table, emotions churning through him. He’d hoped Grandfather Montgomery would embrace him when he’d met him at the car and he’d worried the older man would recognize him as an impostor, but his grandfather had simply nodded good morning, started his Cadillac and driven to the office. He’d barely even looked at Ty, much less noticed the difference. Ty should have been relieved, but he wondered if Dex and Grandfather Montgomery ever hugged or really talked about personal things. Who had Dex turned to with questions when he was growing up?

Then Ty had noticed the pipe on the seat and made his first mistake; he’d asked his grandfather what kind of tobacco he smoked. Grandfather Montgomery had frowned and replied that Dex knew he’d given up smoking thirty years ago.

Was that the only thing he had in common with this grandfather? The fact that they’d both smoked at one time?

No, he and Dex had his dark eyes, as had their father. He remembered the photo album at home. Grandfather Montgomery had probably had thick dark hair, too, but now slivers of gray were threaded through the dark brown, and it had thinned slightly on top. He was a tall man with a commanding presence and a voice that spoke with authority.

Ty felt no real connection and it bothered him immensely. Inside, something twisted. He wanted to impress the man, to get his attention and prove he was worthy of being a Montgomery. He fought the insecurities, yet he had felt the same way in those damn meetings in Chicago. And when he’d gone to the bank for the loan back home.

It was the same way he’d felt when Paula had published that stupid article about him. He’d met her when he was giving riding lessons at a nearby dude ranch when he was twenty-five. He’d fallen for her hard, only to find out later she’d been using him. Paula had returned to New York City and written an article for her journalism school, which had received an award and been published in a local magazine, complete with pictures, making him look like a clod with a run-down ranch. He’d not only been hurt but humiliated.

Did Dex feel this need to prove himself all the time? As if he had to win Grandfather Montgomery’s respect?

Could Ty have inherited his drive to want more from the Montgomerys? Could that ambitious need be the reason Ty had always wanted to expand the ranch?

Had Pa Cooper recognized Ty’s ambition as a Montgomery trait—was that the reason he was so strongly against it? Because he didn’t want Ty to become like the Montgomerys?

Grandfather Montgomery stood. “I believe our meeting is over, gentlemen.”

Bridget, Dex’s financial advisor curled slender, manicured fingers over his and smiled. Ty had immediately recognized her from Dex’s description. Only, Dex had described her as efficient, brilliant, organized and attractive, while Ty’s impression differed. She was a waif-thin woman with steel-gray eyes, short brown hair that resembled a man’s cut, and a voice that hinted of arrogance. He had no idea what his brother found attractive about her; she was so skinny a good stiff Montana wind would blow her over.

Had she and Dex been involved personally?

And why had his brother never mentioned Dr. Stovall?

“Thank you for coming,” Bridget said, nudging Ty to stand. She shook each of the men’s hands and he followed suit. The two Japanese men owned a small medical building which M3I had just purchased for a million dollars. He had listened to his grandfather crunch numbers, Bridget present flow charts, and he’d simply nodded, grateful they had things under control.

He had no idea what they had just said.

Was he ignorant compared to Dex? Uneducated—

“That was a steal,” Bridget whispered.

For a million, the foundation must be built of gold, Ty thought.

“Dex, we have another meeting.” Bridget’s sharp high heels clicked on the floor. “The hospital board at Bethesda.”

“Don’t worry, it won’t take long,” Grandfather Montgomery added.

“Nos never do,” Bridget said with a laugh. “I just hope that Jessica Stovall doesn’t get emotional the way I’ve heard she can do.”

Jessica…yeah, he liked that name. He could imagine her getting emotional, passionate. Whispering his name in the dark…

“Dex can handle her,” Grandfather Montgomery said. “Can’t you?”

Ty nodded curtly, stifling the ridiculous fantasy.

“Come on, Dex,” Bridget leaned over and whispered in his ear. “We’ll ride over together and have some time alone.”

A seed of worry sprouted inside Ty. What the hell did she mean—time alone? Were they involved? If not, did Dex want them to be?

“Uh, I’m riding with Grandfather. There’s something I need to discuss with him,” Ty improvised.

“We’ll all ride together,” his grandfather said in a commanding voice. On the way to the car, Ty struggled for something to say, and prayed he wouldn’t reveal himself on the ride over.

THE MINUTE Jessica walked into the boardroom, her gaze latched onto Dex Montgomery. His dark eyes raked over her, a subtle look of hunger flashing in their depths. Seconds later, his financial advisor slipped so close to him a pencil couldn’t be wedged between them.

Jessica shook her head. She must have imagined his reaction to her.

He was obviously involved with the barracuda.

Telling herself it didn’t matter, she jerked her attention back to the hospital board, greeted each one in turn, shook Charles Montgomery’s hand, Bridget’s, then Dex’s and pulled out her reports.

“We’ll get right to the point,” Dr. Sheffield, head of the board, said. “Dr. Stovall is here to present information regarding the new children’s wing that has been proposed.” He gestured toward Jessica.

Picture Dex Montgomery naked, picture him naked, Jessica silently reminded herself. Then you won’t be nervous.

She stared directly at him and saw his clothes disappear, his big, dark, broad shoulders being unveiled. Dark hair would taper down to his flat stomach, then V downward…

She shook the image away, disgusted with herself.

That image did nothing to calm her nerves. Picturing the sexy man naked only sent her blood pressure skyrocketing.

Chapter Five

As the board meeting heated up, Ty jerked at Dex’s boxer shorts which had been riding up inside his pants leg. Thankfully on the way to the hospital Grandfather Montgomery had received a call on his cell phone and had lapsed into a business conversation the entire ride, saving Ty from conversation. He’d experienced relief at first, but by the time they arrived at the small hospital, annoyance had kicked in.

Pa Cooper had always been there to sit on the porch and talk to, listening to whatever problem Ty had faced throughout the day.

Everything except the subject of his father, he realized.

What if he really had wanted to discuss something important with Grandfather Montgomery? Did he have to schedule a conversation the way they did their family dinners? Was this the way Dex’s life had always been, every minute thriving on mergers and acquisitions, with no time to talk about personal matters?

Jessica, no, Dr. Stovall, cleared her throat and he jerked his attention to her slender legs and curvy body. With an air of confidence, she lifted a chart and listed the various programs needing funding and the financial requirements necessary to make them work. The terms and astronomical figures Ty heard made his head roll.

Ty had allowed Dex’s financial advisor Bridget and his grandfather to bulldoze their way through the last meeting. He’d watched completely lost, as if he’d been dropped into a foreign country where everyone was speaking some strange tongue. He fully intended to let them do the same at the hospital board meeting as well. He could handle ornery bulls and the spring roundup of thousands of cattle, but the thought of making a decision about thousands, no millions of dollars, involving life-altering medical procedures scared the bejeezus out of him. At home, if a neighbor was in trouble, the surrounding ranchers pitched in to help. Here, they swooped in to take over the poor soul’s company at the lowest price possible so they could selfishly sell it at the highest.

But Dr. Stovall’s passion for her work intrigued him. He felt ashamed for the way he’d treated her yesterday. No wonder she’d been ticked when he’d dismissed her so curtly—he’d thought she intended to seduce him for selfish reasons, when she’d obviously wanted to plead with him to help sick kids, her kids she called them.

And although he’d never been a man who liked suits on women, her dark-green one brought out the green in her eyes, and hugged her body perfectly. He wanted to peel that suit right off. The jacket gaped open to reveal some lacy underthing that reminded him of the underwear he’d seen in a catalog Leanne had once received in the mail. He couldn’t imagine his tomboy neighbor buying it, but his body hardened at the way the lace stroked Jessica’s cleavage when she moved.

Forget it, Ty. She thinks you’re Dex. Besides, she’s not your type.

“These children need our help, gentlemen,” Jessica said, dragging him from his lusty thoughts. “Without it some of them may not receive medical treatment at all.”

His heart twisted at the agony in her eyes.

“There is funding in place,” Grandfather Montgomery interjected. “The Montgomerys contribute to several charities that work with these families as well.”

“It’s not enough.” Jessica’s honeyed voice rang with conviction, her breasts rising with her breath. “Bethesda Hospital is located in a low-income area and draws patients from transient families, immigrants and homes where most single mothers not only work at a minimum-paying job, but also have poor health insurance.”

“That is their choice,” Grandfather Montgomery stated. “We already provide one fund for those in need; we simply can’t give out free services to every one who comes crying.”

Ty sat up straighter, his pulse kicking in at his grandfather’s cold comment. Jessica Stovall’s Irish blood roiled within her. Fire and worry blazed from those fiery green eyes.

“Most of these people are not crying for handouts, Mr. Montgomery. They’re hardworking families who’ve fallen on hard times. Their children have been struck with diseases and illnesses that, unfortunately, require lengthy and sometimes extensive medical procedures which cost an exorbitant amount of money.”

“Dr. Stovall, we’re aware of the problems,” Bridget piped in, “but our company must also maintain a certain financial level in order to operate—”

“You’re operating fine,” Jessica snapped, sending a furious look at Bridget. “Your doctors drive fancy cars and play golf on Fridays while these children suffer.”

Jessica yanked out photographs and began to spread them on the table. “Just look at this little boy. Donny is three years old and has a congenital heart defect. He underwent open heart surgery just this morning.”

Ty saw the faces of his twin nephews in the pictures, and his gut clenched at the thought of one of them undergoing something so frightening. The medical costs would virtually wipe out the Coopers’ ranch.

“There’s a child with leukemia who needs chemotherapy, and this little girl named Ashley was burned and needs skin grafts. Her parents died in the fire that injured her, so she has no one to care for her except an aunt with several children and financial problems of her own.” Color darkened Jessica’s cheeks as she became more impassioned. “Do you want to deny children chemotherapy or surgery, deny them the possibility of seeing another birthday or force them to go through life severely scarred so you can pay your doctors more or put a little more profit in your wallets?”

“Dr. Stovall,” Grandfather Montgomery said sharply. “That is enough.”

Ty snapped, “Yes, it is.” He stood, placing both hands on the table, his eyes glazed as he stared at the precious children’s faces. Jessica had spread out a dozen more photos and he wondered what their stories were, but couldn’t bear to hear any more. He imagined how his family would feel if Angelica or the twins needed medical help they couldn’t afford and no one stepped up to offer assistance. “You’re right, these children are important. We’ll find a way to make it work, Dr. Stovall.”

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.