“You know all about pain, don’t you, Alex?”

He kept his head down, his hair shining in the candlelight from their dinner table.

Tabitha pressed on. “Losing someone doesn’t mean you can’t rejoin the human race.”

“I’ve already done that.”

“Have you, Alex? Have you dated? Kissed a woman? Had sex? Those are normal functions of a human, aren’t they?”

He looked up then and his gaze seemed to burn into her. She could feel her body temperature rising with every passing second. “Why do you care, Tabitha?” he asked in a husky voice. “Are you offering?”

Dear Reader,

Four special women shatter the barricades they’ve built around their dreams, in Silhouette Romance this month. Be it openly defying the life role set out for them or realizing their life’s ambition, these independent ladies represent the type of aspirational heroines we’re looking for in Silhouette Romance.

Myrna Mackenzie launches our newest trilogy, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, with Much Ado About Matchmaking (SR #1786) in which a woman who doesn’t think she’s special or beautiful enough for the worldly hero finally gets the courage to listen to her heart. The Texan’s Suite Romance (SR #1787) rounds out Judy Christenberry’s LONE STAR BRIDES continuity and features a woman who knows Mr. Right when she meets him but now must help him heal enough to let love back into his lonely life. When her screenplay is made into a movie set on her family’s ranch, one woman thinks she’s fulfilled all her dreams…until she meets one very handsome stuntman. Watch this drama unfold in Lights, Action…Family! (SR #1788)—the concluding romance in Patricia Thayer’s LOVE AT THE GOODTIME CAFÉ miniseries. Finally, Crystal Green wraps up the BLOSSOM COUNTY FAIR series with Her Gypsy Prince (SR #1789) in which a sheltered woman bucks her family’s wishes to pursue a forbidden love.

And be sure to come back next month when Elizabeth Harbison puts a modern spin on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.

Happy reading,

Ann Leslie Tuttle Associate Senior Editor

The Texan’s Suite Romance
Lone Star Brides
Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Books by Judy Christenberry

Silhouette Romance

The Nine-Month Bride #1324

*Marry Me, Kate #1344

*Baby in Her Arms #1350

*A Ring for Cinderella #1356

†Never Let You Go #1453

†The Borrowed Groom #1457

†Cherish the Boss #1463

**Snowbound Sweetheart #1476

Newborn Daddy #1511

When the Lights Went Out… #1547

**Least Likely To Wed #1570

Daddy on the Doorstep #1654

**Beauty & the Beastly Rancher #1678

**The Last Crawford Bachelor #1715

Finding a Family #1762

††The Texan’s Reluctant Bride #1778

††The Texan’s Tiny Dilemma #1782

††The Texan’s Suite Romance #1787

Silhouette Books

The Coltons

The Doctor Delivers

A Colton Family Christmas

“The Diplomat’s Daughter”

Lone Star Country Club

The Last Bachelor

JUDY CHRISTENBERRY

has been writing romances for over fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. She’s a bestselling author for Harlequin American Romance, but she has a long love of traditional romances and is delighted to tell a story that brings those elements to the reader. A former high school French teacher, Judy devotes her time to writing. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two adult daughters.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter One

Tabitha Tyler woke slowly. It was the first day of summer vacation, a day she’d dreamed of for several months now. She’d planned a day with no problems, no must-dos. Just peace and quiet.

The ringing phone shattered the stillness. She looked at her watch automatically. Nine-thirty. It must be one of her sisters. Had Tommie, the oldest of the triplets, gone into an early labor? Tabitha grabbed the phone.

“Hello?”

“Tabitha, it’s Mona.”

Mona Langston had been Tabitha’s publicist when last year she launched her exercise videos aimed at teenagers, the age level to whom Tabitha taught P.E. in school. They’d become good friends.

“You don’t sound so good, Mona. What’s wrong?”

“I’m in the hospital. I’ve been in a car wreck.” Before Tabitha could inquire, she added, “Both my legs are broken.”

“Oh, Mona, I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“I was hoping you’d ask. Tabitha, I have a new client who is moving me into the big time. His publisher recommended me because of the feedback from your tour we did last summer.”

“Congratulations, Mona, but that doesn’t tell me what I can do.”

“Think about it. I can’t take this guy on tour. And I’m a one-woman office. I don’t have anyone to replace me.”

“Is there any way you can delay the tour?”

“No! We’re supposed to leave tomorrow and be on the road for six weeks. It’s all planned. All you’d have to do is confirm the arrangements and have him follow the plan. You could do it, Tabitha!”

“Whoa! Wait a minute, Mona. I’m not a publicist.”

“Maybe not, but you’re beautiful and smart and good with people. Besides, I’ve done all the preparations. This is the easy part. And you’ll get to travel free on my company credit card.”

“But, Mona—”

“This is a big opportunity for me, Tabitha. It’s my chance to prove myself to New York publishers. Please say you’ll do it.”

“I—I guess I could, but what if I mess up?”

“You won’t. Pack your business suits and whatever else you need and come see me here at the hospital. I’ll give you the keys to my office so you can get the necessary papers. Don’t worry, it’ll be fun!”

Fun? The jury was still out on that, but it would be an experience. Besides, she had nothing holding her in Fort Worth…. “Okay. By the way, who is this person?”

“I talked to you about him. Dr. Alex Myerson. He’s the psychologist you wrote up a training plan for at the club.”

“Did Dr. Myerson follow my plan?”

“Absolutely, and he looks wonderful. He’ll easily impress all the interviewers.”

An all-expense-paid trip and a handsome guy? Tabitha smiled to herself. The summer was looking better already.

The next morning, dressed in her best suit, a red one that accentuated her blond hair, Tabitha arrived at the airport. In one hand she carried Mona’s briefcase, crammed with every detail of the tour. In the other, she held a publicity photo of her client, so she could recognize him.

She found him sitting in the waiting area by their gate. Mona was right. Alex Myerson was handsome, with light-brown hair, hazel eyes and a perfect body, thanks to her workout plan.

“Good morning, Dr. Myerson,” she said, smiling.

He looked up, letting his gaze cover her from head to toe. Then he muttered, “Not interested.”

Startled by his response, Tabitha stammered, “I—I beg your pardon?”

“I don’t know where you got my name, but I don’t want to make any new friends today. I’m leaving town.”

“Of course you are. With me.” Why was he acting so strangely?

He stood and looked down at her. “Lady, I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t even know you.”

“Didn’t Mona tell you?” Tabitha couldn’t believe Mona would forget that important part.

“Tell me what?”

“About the accident…and the tour.”

“The last I heard from Mona was a few days ago when she gave me my ticket for the first flight.”

Tabitha sat down hurriedly, not sure her knees could hold her. She pulled out Mona’s cell phone and dialed her number at the hospital. “Mona, you forgot to tell Dr. Myerson!”

“Oh, Tabitha, I took pain pills last night and fell asleep before I could call!”

“He’s here with me now, Mona. Can you explain to him what happened?”

She handed the phone to Dr. Myerson, who didn’t look as though he wanted to talk to Mona.

“Hello?” he snapped as he took the phone.

Tabitha sat wondering if this tour was to be the shortest one on record, ending only minutes after it had begun.

“We will now begin boarding Flight one-nine-eight to San Francisco. All first-class passengers are invited to board now, please.”

Tabitha stood and reached out for the phone. “I’m sorry, but we have to board now.”

He handed her the phone, not looking any happier than he’d been before he learned of Mona’s accident. He folded the newspaper he’d been reading, stuck it under his arm, picked up his laptop and headed for the gate without saying a word.

Okay, so the good doctor had major attitude.

Tabitha picked up her briefcase and followed him onto the plane. He might think he could ignore her, but he had another think coming.

Alex knew he’d been rude. But the events of the morning were a complete disaster. He hadn’t wanted to go on this tour in the first place, despite his publisher’s insistence.

After he’d met Mona, he’d finally agreed. A pleasant woman approaching fifty, Mona didn’t flirt or try to get too personal. In fact, she’d assured him she was only there to make his trip run smoothly.

Since this was his first foray into a real social situation since his beloved Jenny had died a year ago, Alex had been worried. Mona had put him at ease. He’d even stopped dreading the tour.

Until this morning.

When he discovered the sexy blonde in the sleek designer suit was replacing the comfortable Mona, he couldn’t speak, couldn’t look at her. He was going to spend six weeks with this woman? He wouldn’t survive. How could he get out of the tour?

His options faded as the plane pushed away from the gate. Panic built in him.

The blue-eyed blonde leaned over. “Are you a bad flier, Dr. Myerson?” There was sympathy in her voice, which made him even angrier.

“No, I’m not!”

Rather than retaliate, which he deserved, she put her briefcase on her lap and opened it, drawing out a folder on San Francisco. She ignored him as she read.

Finally he muttered in a low voice, “I’m sorry, Miss Tyler, but I’m not sure this tour should continue. Mona—I was comfortable with her.”

“I’m not surprised. Mona is a comfortable friend, isn’t she? But if she loses this tour, she’s afraid she might lose her business. That’s why I’m here. I just finished teaching and am now on summer vacation. This tour was not in my plans, but I’ll do my best to make it successful, if you’ll give me a chance.”

That was the longest speech of their short acquaintance.

Alex drew a deep breath. “I’m used to being left alone, but I still shouldn’t have been such a bear this morning. You took me by surprise.”

“I’m sure it was a shock. I’ll try to limit our interaction.” Her voice was cool, unemotional. “Mona received some likely questions for your first interview this afternoon. Do you want to read them, or shall I read them to you and let you practice your response?”

“I’ll read them,” he said, returning to his grouchy demeanor.

She handed him the paper without comment.

It only took thirty seconds for him to erupt again. “I can’t answer these questions!” he exclaimed and practically threw the paper in her face.

Catching the paper, she read the questions.

He turned his head toward the window, not wanting her to see how upset he was.

“Dr. Myerson, what is your book about?”

He turned around to stare at her. “You’re my publicist and you don’t even know what it’s about?” he thundered.

The stewardess popped up beside their seats. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes, we’re fine,” Tabitha said calmly. “But it would be nice to have something to drink.”

“Of course. What can I get you?”

“I’d like a diet cola. Dr. Myerson, would you care for something to drink?”

“Yes, thank you. I’d like an orange juice,” he said.

They sat silently for several minutes, then his companion reminded him, “I only agreed to go yesterday afternoon, Dr. Myerson. Certainly I’ll read your book as soon as possible. I asked about your book because I’m not sure why these questions are unacceptable.”

“Those are personal questions. I don’t talk about my personal life!” He wanted to be sure she understood where he was drawing the line.

“And why does your book draw these kinds of questions?”

“It’s—it’s about my marriage.”

“And you think your wife will object?”

He hesitated. Then he said firmly, “Yes.”

Bending over, he took a book out of his laptop bag. “Here. You can read on the plane.”

“Thank you. While I’m reading, you need to think of alternative questions that you think will best sell your book. We can’t leave an interviewer with nothing to say.”

He glowered at her, but her statement made sense. Reluctantly, he pulled out pen and paper and put down his tray. “Fine. I’ll write some questions.”

Tabitha feared Dr. Myerson’s book would be as difficult to read as he was to talk to. How Mona had thought it would do him good to be interviewed, Tabitha didn’t know.

She settled back in her seat and opened Making the Most of Life. Based on what she’d seen of him, she didn’t think the title was appropriate for this man.

Before she started reading, she checked the dust jacket for his bio. There was no picture and only a short blurb, saying Dr. Alex Myerson had been educated in the east, where he was awarded a Ph.D. He’d had a successful New York City practice before moving to Texas. A few words, Tabitha thought, just like the man himself.

Opening to page one, she began to read. It was hours later when she finally closed the book, her emotions stirred. The book was a personal exploration of the marital relationship between Dr. Myerson and his wife, Jenny.

“You’re a fast reader,” he said, snapping her from her thoughts.

“Yes, I enjoy reading.” She paused, trying to think how to pose the next question she had to ask. “Your book is wonderful. It’s also very personal. Don’t you understand why the interviewer might want to ask personal questions?”

His jaw squared and he stared straight ahead. “No personal questions.”

“May I see the questions you’ve devised?”

He handed over a piece of paper. Tabitha slowly read what he’d written. They demonstrated the man’s intelligence, if the book hadn’t already done so. What fascinated her was the difference between the man beside her and the man who’d written the book. The author had had such warmth, such caring. He and his wife shared such a beautiful existence, all because his wife had taught him to enjoy life.

Though wealthy, Alex was the product of a miserable marriage, which had provided him with a miserable childhood. He had studied psychology to learn to deal with his own problems in life. And because of his parents’ debacle, he’d determined never to marry.

Until he met Jenny.

“Your wife sounds like a wonderful person, Dr. Myerson. Are you sure she would object to all the questions about your marriage?”

“Yes, all of them.”

Tabitha sighed. Mona hadn’t warned her how difficult the man could be. She looked at his questions again. Taking out a pen, she made some changes that would personalize the questions a little more, but would not totally focus on the man’s own life.

Then she handed the paper back to him. “Can you live with these?”

He took the paper back and reread the questions with her changes.

Tabitha was patient, relaxing in her seat and sipping what was left of her soda.

“You’re not a dumb blonde, are you?”

“Shall I take that as a compliment, Dr. Myerson?” She was working awfully hard to satisfy this man. Mona really owed her!

“Yes. I misjudged you, Miss Tyler. Yes, I can accept these questions, as long as you explain to the interviewer that I do not want to talk about my personal life.”

“I’ll do the best I can, Dr. Myerson, but I can’t control these people.”

“Did you have that problem when you did your tour?”

“Absolutely. All the men wanted to discuss my sex life. All the women wanted to know what I ate, implying that I lived on watercress sandwiches.”

His chuckle seemed to surprise both of them, as if he hadn’t laughed in a long time. “I can see their point,” he finally said.

Gently, she said, “After reading your book, I can understand why they would want to ask you about your marriage.”

He stared out the window, saying nothing.

Suddenly, a horrible thought struck her. “Oh, no! You haven’t just gone through a divorce, have you? Because someone will find out and it will destroy the tour. Tell me now if that’s the case.”

Glaring at her, he shook his head. “That’s not the case!”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Then we’ll be all right, as long as you don’t lose your cool. If they ask you something personal, just steer it toward generalizations. I’m sure your wife won’t mind that.”

At that moment the flight attendant interrupted to serve them lunch. Tabitha abandoned any pretense of conversation. It was hard enough when she was concentrating on it, but she wanted to enjoy her meal.

Not surprisingly, Myerson remained silent too. She took the opportunity to sneak a glance at her companion and study him surreptitiously. His jawline looked as if it was chiseled from granite, hard and sharp-edged, and the firm set of his mouth added to his imposing look.

Still, she knew he had a sensitive side, though it had yet to show itself. Jenny, his wife, no doubt had brought it out in him. Was that it? she wondered suddenly. His moodiness was a result of missing her? She could help that.

“Dr. Myerson, if you want your wife to join you for part of the trip, I can arrange flights for her. Just let me know.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Really, Mona wants you to be happy, and after reading your book, it’s easy to see how close you are to Jenny, so I’d be glad to—”

“No, she can’t join me!” His voice was harsh again.

“Why not?”

She thought he wasn’t going to answer her question. But he finally did. “Because she’s dead, Miss Tyler. Now will you leave it alone?”

Mona certainly hadn’t told her that. “I’m sorry. When—”

“A year ago today.”

Alex hadn’t intended to tell anyone of Jenny’s death. He had kept his mourning to himself. Jenny hadn’t had family, and his didn’t care, so he’d tried to appear as if nothing had happened.

He’d begun the book a couple of months before Jenny had failed to return from the store one evening. That night several police officers had knocked on his door, telling him a truck driver had fallen asleep at the wheel and killed three people. Jenny was one of the victims. He’d finished the book as a posthumous tribute to his wonderful wife.

He was sure, however, that he couldn’t talk about Jenny during the interviews. He’d lose emotional control. And he didn’t want people to buy his book because they pitied him.

Staring out the window the rest of the flight, he said nothing to the young woman beside him. She was even more beautiful than Jenny, and unlike his wife she had the gift of life. He hoped she appreciated it.

When they finally left the plane, she offered to carry his laptop case for him, in addition to her own briefcase. Did she think grief had incapacitated him?

That thought angered him even more.

He didn’t want to think about his grief.

“No thanks,” he ground out. “I’m fine.”

“Very well.” She went down the aisle ahead of him. When they reached the walkway, she said, “I’ll meet you at the baggage claim.”

“Where are you going?” he demanded.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room. Did you want to accompany me?”

“No,” he growled. He’d deserved that response, he supposed. But she sure wasn’t Mona.

He already had his bags off the baggage carousel when she found him.

“Show me your bags and I’ll get them for you,” he said. It was his way of apologizing again.

“No need. I have a porter with me,” she assured him. “Oscar, these are Dr. Myerson’s bags, if you want to put them on the trolley.” A minute later she pointed to the carousel. “Oh, there they are. Those two tan bags. Thank you, Oscar,” she added as the porter snagged her bags. “Now we need a taxi, and we’ll be on our way.”

“Right this way, Miss Tyler,” Oscar said.

Alex frowned. She’d certainly gotten friendly with the man in a short period of time.

When they got in the taxi, after tipping Oscar, she instructed the driver on their destination. Then she turned to Alex.

“I thought we’d check into the hotel and have an hour or two to relax before we go to the interview. After that, you have the signing. We won’t get dinner until late, so I’ll order a snack for you. If you want to look at the room-service menu, you can tell me what you’d like.”

He nodded. He knew Mona had said she’d make his life easy, but somehow it bothered him that this woman was so in control over him.

Once they arrived in downtown San Francisco they entered a beautiful hotel, whose reception area looked out at an incredible garden. Miss Tyler came to a halt, gasping at the riotous color of the flowers. “How lovely!”

“Yes,” he said without thinking, “Jenny would’ve loved it.” Realizing what he said, he stepped back and frowned at his companion. “I mean, yes, it’s beautiful.”

She gave him a sympathetic smile and continued on her way to the reception desk.

It didn’t take much perception to notice all the men staring at his guide. Tabitha Tyler certainly took the attention in stride.

“Doesn’t it bother you that all the men are staring at you?” he demanded.

“No, I’m quite used to it.”

She must’ve seen the withdrawal from such arrogance in his eyes.

Laughing, she said, “Because I’m one of three. My sisters and I are triplets, Dr. Myerson. People have been staring at us since we were born.”

“Triplets? Do they look just like you?” he asked in astonishment. He couldn’t imagine three of Tabitha Tyler.

“Yes, except that we each wear our hair differently. Mine’s the longest.” She found the shortest line for registration and stood patiently waiting. “The hotel seems awfully crowded.”

“Probably a convention,” he said absent-mindedly, still picturing three of her.

“Don’t worry. I called and confirmed our reservations yesterday.”

When their turn came, Tabitha greeted the young man with a smile and gave their names.

“Welcome, Miss Tyler.” The clerk, who’d maintained his cheerfulness despite the swarm of incoming guests, typed on his keypad, then gave her a white-toothed smile. “We assumed, since you’re traveling together, you would prefer connecting rooms.”

Chapter Two

Alex stared at the man, not believing what he’d heard. Their rooms were going to be connected by a door? That simply wouldn’t do.

Beside him he heard Miss Tyler calmly say, “Is that all you have to offer?”

“Yes, ma’am, I’m afraid we’re totally booked,” the clerk returned. “But you’ll have easy access to your client this way. You know, we went to a lot of trouble to save these two rooms for you.”

“Very well,” the woman agreed.

Agreed? Was she kidding him?

Alex grabbed her sleeve. Through clenched teeth he whispered, “I won’t stand for this! I want a room alone.”

“But there are no other accommodations, Dr. Myerson. It’s all right. I won’t be barging in on you. All you have to do is close the door to my room and lock it.”

She signed the charge card receipt and received the two keycards the clerk handed her. In turn, she handed one of them to Alex. Then she gave the bellhop a tip and her room number. “Ready to go up?”

“Yeah.” He glowered at her as he spoke.

Keeping a smile on her face, she moved to the elevators as if everything was hunky-dory. Which only irritated him more.

“This isn’t going to work,” he muttered under his breath in the elevator.

“It will be fine, Dr. Myerson,” she insisted, whispering also.

The elderly woman in front of them turned to face them. “Young man, if you’re having second thoughts, you shouldn’t go in that room with her. After all, you’re a married man, aren’t you?”

Suddenly Miss Tyler wasn’t as calm as she had been. Her voice held an icy tone that frosted the elevator car. “We don’t need your advice, ma’am.”

“When he’s already doubting the wisdom of spending the night with you, I should think you’d be too proud to go ahead with your plans.”

Luckily the elevator stopped then on their floor. Without even a glance to the older woman, Miss Tyler took Alex by the arm and started out.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Alex wrenched his arm from her hold. “I don’t like to be touched!”

She stared at him, opening her mouth as if she was going to say something impetuously. Then she closed it and went down the corridor to their rooms. When he joined her, she said coolly, “I’ll keep that in mind, Dr. Myerson.”

She slipped the keycard in the lock and opened his door, standing back for him to precede her into the room. The suite had a small living room with floor-to-ceiling windows that presented a glorious view of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge.

“Oh, my! I’ve always heard about the beauty of San Francisco, but this is even more beautiful than I imagined.”

She swung around, a broad smile on her face, as if she expected him to join her at the window.

He ignored her. He wasn’t going to talk about the view, or how much she reminded him of Jenny. Until he was alone, he couldn’t regain his composure.

After a sigh, she walked over to the door and opened it to another door. “Here’s the connecting door, Dr. Myerson.” She checked her watch. “You have two and a half hours before you have to appear for the interview. When you’re ready for a snack, knock and let me know.”

After he nodded, she walked out to the hall, closing the door behind her.

A pristine king-size bed, drew him and he flopped down on his back. Damn! One day on tour and the woman was driving him crazy!

Not that he was attracted to her. Of course not! But sometimes she reminded him of Jenny. Those feelings were painful. When she’d touched him, he’d wanted to shake off her hold at once. There was some kind of odd chemistry between them, he had to admit. One he intended to avoid from now on.

A knock on the door grabbed his attention. He was relieved to realize it was the hall door. He opened it and found the bellhop there with the luggage.

“Come in,” he said, swinging the door wide. Then he knocked on the connecting door. When Miss Tyler opened the door, he nodded in the direction of the bellhop, who entered her room.

Alex closed the door and lay back down on the bed, but he had to get up only a couple of minutes later when someone knocked on the connecting door. He assumed the bellhop had forgotten something. When he swung the door open, he found Tabitha Tyler standing there.

“Yes?”

“If you won’t need me for an hour, I’m going up to the gym to work out. It relieves my tension.”

If she’d had any tension, she’d hidden it, except for her reaction to the busybody in the elevator. But her solution to relieving taut muscles appealed to him. Since Mona had put him on a fitness regimen, he’d learned the value of exercise. “Mind if I go up with you? I’d like to work out, too.”

Though she looked surprised, she nodded. “Of course. I’ll be ready in about ten minutes. Just knock on the door when you’re ready.”

He nodded and shut the door again. Then he hurriedly opened his bag to take out some workout clothes. He’d be able to handle the interview better after working out.

When he knocked on the door and she opened it, he realized his mistake. Tabitha Tyler in workout clothes was quite different from the sleek young woman in a designer suit. That suit had hinted at curves in all the right places. Her leotard and tights left nothing to the imagination.

He wasn’t sure exercise would reduce his tension if Tabitha Tyler was in his line of vision.

Tabitha had taken one of her videos with her to the gym. After a quick warm-up, she put her tape in the video player and began her exercise program for aerobic training. Before she knew it, she’d drawn three or four other women who were following the video. When she finished the forty-five-minute tape, the ladies asked where they could get a copy.

Tabitha gave them the Web site where they could order the tape. Then she looked for her charge. Earlier he’d been working out on some of the machines, but now she spotted him jogging on the indoor track.

“Dr. Myerson?” she called and jogged onto the track to catch up with him.

“Yes?” he said, not stopping.

“I’ve finished working out. Are you ready to go back to the room?”

“No, I’ll be up in a minute.”

“What kind of snack would you like? I’ll order it before I get in the shower.”

“Surprise me,” he said abruptly.

She stopped jogging and stepped off the track, her hands on her hips. “Okay!” she muttered. The man was determined to be difficult. Fine, she’d please herself.

Once she’d reached her room, she checked the menu. They had a sampler tray of various hors d’oeuvres. Surely something on the tray would tempt Dr. Myerson, assuming he ever allowed anything to tempt him!

They promised delivery in fifteen to twenty minutes, so she hurried into the bathroom for a quick shower. With time to spare she was dressed in a blouse and tailored slacks, her hair already dried and curled with a curling iron. She’d learned to dress quickly when she was in college and constantly overslept.

The waiter delivered the sampler tray and several sodas. As soon as he’d left the room, she knocked on the connecting door. There was no answer.

“Great!” She didn’t know if he was there and in the shower, hadn’t come back yet or wouldn’t answer because he wanted to be left alone.

She walked over to the windows to stare at the city and bay. It was impressive.

Surprisingly, there was a knock on the connecting door. She spun around and hurried to it.

“Dr. Myerson, come in. Our snack is here.”

He too was already dressed, in a dark suit with a blue shirt. “I was dressing when you knocked on the door. Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said.

There was no smile, but at least he had developed some good manners. “No problem. I ordered a sampler tray to be sure I found something you’d like.”

“Thank you.” He helped himself to a drink and poured a diet soda for her.

She thanked him and sat on the sofa opposite his matching chair. They ate in complete silence. Finally, when Tabitha could stand it no longer, she asked, “Are you nervous about the interview, Dr. Myerson?”

“No.”

“Have you been to San Francisco before?”

“Yes.”

Tabitha sighed. Talk about hard work!

“When were you here?” she persisted, hoping to find some topic to talk about.

“I was here four years ago on my honeymoon.” This time his voice was steely, daring her to continue.

“I see. I didn’t realize how difficult this trip would be for you. We’ll need to leave in about half an hour. If you’ll excuse me, I need to do a little work before we go.”

She stood and moved to the table where she took out her files and thought about calling Mona. This tour was a disaster before his first interview!

Alex knew he’d been difficult. After she moved to the table, he stood and walked to the window, his hands in his pockets.

He needed to get himself under control. His behavior wasn’t going to bring Jenny back. Had he really thought if he didn’t share her death with anyone, it would be easier? If that was true, then he was worse than his patients.

If he kept his cool and did good interviews, more people might buy his book and understand about Jenny. He wanted people to know his wife, to appreciate the kind of person she was.

He didn’t want them to know how devastated he was.

After a quick glance at Miss Tyler, he went to his room. He needed to make sure his mind was organized.

And he needed to stop making Miss Tyler the enemy.

She’d done as Mona promised, made his trip more comfortable. And he hadn’t been very appreciative. For Jenny’s sake, he owed her an apology. But it was difficult. She was extremely attractive and he felt some kind of reaction when they touched. And when he watched her exercising.

So he didn’t want to touch her. But he could be more cooperative. He could use good manners, at least…couldn’t he?

Alex sat on the edge of his bed. He’d hidden away from the world since Jenny died. The only contact he’d had was with his publisher and then Mona, and a few patients he still had.

It wasn’t healthy. He knew that, but he’d shoved aside what he’d learned in his studies, as if none of it applied to him. But he’d been wrong.

One day spent in the real world was an awakening he didn’t welcome. But if he continued on the tour, he had no choice.

He had to come to terms with the reality that Jenny would never come back.

With her makeup applied and her jacket on, Tabitha drew a deep breath, prepared to face the dragon in the next room. Every time he spoke, she saw an imaginary flame come out of his mouth, warning her not to approach him. If he continued to behave in such a manner, she didn’t think his interviews would go well.

When she knocked on the door, Dr. Myerson opened it at once.

“We need to leave now to be sure we get there a little early.” She smiled, even though she expected no smile in return. Turning on her heel, she led the way to the door.

When they reached the elevator, she kept her distance, remembering his remark that he didn’t like to be touched. It still amazed her that he could’ve written that inspired book. She intended to reread it after the tour.

When they got in the taxi, she looked at her notes once more. “The interviewer is Helen Wilson, a life-styles reporter. I’ll give her the questions we worked on and talk to her about the limitations you want her to follow.”

“Thank you. I want to apologize for my behavior, Tabitha. And I hope you’ll call me Alex. It’s…unfriendly to remain so formal.”

Tabitha turned to her companion. He was staring straight ahead, his features devoid of emotion. She wondered if she’d imagined his words. “That will be fine…Alex.”

“I appreciate the patience you’ve shown.”

He was like a ventriloquist, speaking without moving his lips. She blinked several times. Then she said, “Perhaps you’ll tell my sisters that. Though I doubt they’d believe you.”

That response actually made him turn his head to look at her. “Your sisters? The other two of the triplets?”

“Yes. I’m the most impatient of the three of us.”

“I’ve thought about doing a study of multiple births,” he said slowly. “But most people don’t like to be studied.”

Tabitha smiled. “That’s because they’ve been stared at too often. We enjoy each other’s company, but when the three of us appear together, we have to deal with a lot of surprise and questions.”

“Do you resent it?” he asked, showing interest for the first time.

“No, not exactly. We just get tired of feeling like circus freaks.”

“Did your mother dress you alike?”

“When we were little, she did. But when we got old enough to make our own decisions, that ended. Our closet was a free-for-all.” She smiled as she reminisced.

“I was an only child,” he said, frowning.

“I’m sorry. That must’ve been—” She caught herself and took a different approach. “Some people like that, though, because they’re the center of their parents’ attention.”

He didn’t respond.

She didn’t know why he changed back to his silent mode, but she regretted whatever she’d said that offended him. The taxi pulled to a stop and she mentally promised she’d apologize later.

Once they were in the television studio, she met Helen Wilson, an effervescent woman who swept everyone along in her wake.

“I’m so excited to meet Dr. Myerson. His book is so wonderful. It’s like falling in love all over again when I read it.”

“That’s a wonderful way to describe it, Helen,” Tabitha said, feeling better about the interview. “However, Dr. Myerson wants to focus on the applications people can find in his book rather than on the—the personal aspects.”

“Well, of course, he wants his readers to benefit from his wisdom. By the way, did his wife accompany him? I’d love to meet her.”

Tabitha carefully controlled her expression. “No, she didn’t.”

“That’s too bad, but Dr. Myerson will be quite enough for our audience. I’m sure he’s charming.”

Tabitha smiled, not showing her doubts about his charm. “Yes, of course. Shall I introduce you now?”

Mentally crossing her fingers, Tabitha led Helen over to Dr. Myerson. Alex, she reminded herself.

“Alex, allow me to present Helen Wilson, your interviewer. She loved your book.” She hoped her bright smile might induce him to warm up a little.

To her surprise, he took Helen’s hand and smiled at her, as if he were delighted to be there. Tabitha blinked, wondering if she was seeing clearly.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Helen. I love your beautiful city.”

“I know. I feel privileged to live here. Have you visited us before?”

“Yes, but it’s been awhile.”

“We’re glad you came back.” Helen tucked her arm into Alex’s and drew him with her to the set in front of the television cameras.

Tabitha had sucked in a sharp breath when Helen reached out and touched Alex, afraid his reaction would be unfriendly. Instead, one would think he escorted women around the town all the time.

Taking a seat behind the cameras so she could watch the interview, Tabitha prayed Helen kept the discussion away from Alex’s wife. In spite of the wonderful behavior he’d shown the interviewer, she wasn’t sure it would continue.

Half an hour later, she stood and applauded as did everyone on the set. Helen had asked the right kind of questions, and Alex had been more relaxed, more charming, than Tabitha had ever seen him. She walked over to shake Helen’s hand and commend her for the wonderful job she’d done.

When she turned to Alex, intending to repeat her compliments, he leaned close to her and growled, “Get me the hell out of here!”

Again, his facial features didn’t match his words. She was beginning to think she was dealing with a ventriloquist. Facing Helen again, she said, “I hope you’ll excuse us. We didn’t have time to get anything to eat beforehand, so we’re going to fit in a quick meal before the book-signing. But it was wonderful working with you this afternoon.”

“Of course, I understand. Have a great book-signing, Alex.”

He smiled and waved, but he was already on his way out of the studio.

“Are you all right?” Tabitha demanded when she caught up with him, fearing he might be feeling sick.

“Yes, but can we stop for coffee or something?” He continued to sprint forward.

“Yes, of course,” she said, frantically trying to remember if they’d seen any coffee shops in the area. And wondering why he was acting as he was.

When they exited the studio, they saw a coffee shop down the street and walked half a block to it.

“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get the coffee? Do you want decaf?”

“No, I need the caffeine,” he said roughly, avoiding looking at her.

Were they returning to their earlier cold war? Tabitha hoped not. She wasn’t sure she could handle six weeks of battle with Alex Myerson.

She ordered two coffees and two pieces of carrot cake. A little sugar might make it easier to get through the signing.

Carrying everything on a tray, she reached the table where Alex sat with his head in his hands. Again, she wondered what was wrong. The interview had been spectacular. She couldn’t imagine what had happened that would draw the devastation she saw in his body language.

Tabitha transferred the dishes to the table. Then she returned the tray to the counter and came back to sit down in the chair across from Alex.

He hadn’t raised his head. In fact, she didn’t think he’d moved at all since he’d sat down. “Alex, is there anything else I can get you?”

Finally, he looked up and said no, but his gaze didn’t meet hers.

She shoved his coffee and cake closer to him. “Do you like carrot cake? It’s one of my favorites.”

Instead of answering, he picked up the cup and took a sip of coffee.

Tabitha gave it another try. “The interview went really well. I think it—”

Alex raised his gaze to meet hers, fire in his eyes. With outrage in his voice, he shouted, “Stop!”

Chapter Three

Tabitha stared at him. “What? What did I do?”

“I thought I was doing the right thing, but it was a sell-out!”

She could see anger in his eyes. The man was in pain. Without thinking, she reached out to touch his hand, forgetting that he’d said he didn’t want to be touched.

He withdrew at once.

“Sorry.” Tabitha pulled her hand back, but she couldn’t let him sit there without trying to find out what his problem was. “Alex, please tell me what’s wrong. I can’t help you until you do.”

“I had promised myself I’d stop being difficult. I did the interview, trying to sell books. Then I realized I’d betrayed Jenny! I was using her to sell books!”

Tabitha drew a deep breath. There was no doubt that his anguish was real. After reading the book herself, she knew he and his wife had shared a deep love. Slowly, she said, “I thought you wanted people to know Jenny, to appreciate her.”

“I did! But—but the longer the interview went on, the more I—” He buried his head in his hands again.

“Alex, the reason you wrote the book is because you thought you had learned something that would help other people, right?”

He nodded.

“Well, if they don’t read the book, they won’t understand what you have to say. You didn’t betray Jenny. She would want your book to be a success even if she didn’t believe in what you wrote. But she did. It’s obvious in the book. She believed in you and loved you.”

“But—”

“Am I right?”

“Yes.”

“Then you did exactly what Jenny would want you to do.”

“I didn’t think of it like that.” Alex straightened his shoulders. “Maybe you’re right.”

“I assure you I am. Now, eat your cake and drink the coffee.” She did the same, but she kept an eye on Alex. It appeared to her he’d panicked because he hadn’t discussed his wife or their marriage with anyone before. Today, he’d been forced to open up a little. And it bothered him.

Slowly, he calmed down, thanks to the coffee and cake. She hoped he’d be in shape for his signing, which would start in less than an hour.

When he’d almost finished, she said, “How would you feel about returning to the station to tell Helen the truth?”

His head snapped up. “Why would I do that?”

“People are going to find out that Jenny is dead. When Helen finds out, she’s going to feel that you lied to her. She did a really good job with the interview. If you take her into your confidence, she won’t be angry. She’ll be flattered.”

She thought he wasn’t going to answer. He merely sat there, staring over his coffee cup at an unseen spot on the wall behind her.

Finally, he said, “I suppose you’re right.”

He stood, looking down at her. “You’re going with me, aren’t you?”

“Of course.” She rose at once, but cast a longing look at the rest of her carrot cake.

They walked the half block back to the studio. Just as they reached it, Helen Wilson walked out.

“Helen,” Alex called.

She turned around and came over to them. “Alex, I thought you left long ago.”

“We did, but I—”

“I thought you were going to get something to eat.”

Alex frowned at Tabitha, as if suddenly debating the wisdom of her advice. “We were, but we decided to wait until after the signing.”

“I see. Then what—”

“I need to tell you something.” Alex was concentrating on what he had to say so much, Tabitha didn’t think he even realized he’d interrupted Helen.

“Yes, of course,” she said, moving closer.

“My wife is dead.”

“Dead? Jenny is dead?” Helen responded, sounding a bit alarmed.

Tabitha, sensing the woman’s train of thought, stepped forward when it appeared Alex wasn’t going to explain. “Jenny died a year ago, in a car accident.” She could see the alarm on Helen’s face slowly dissipate, to be replaced by confusion. Tabitha continued, “Alex had started the book while she was alive and finished it as a tribute to their love. He was afraid if he let people know she’d died, they might buy the book out of sympathy. And he also has difficulty talking about Jenny.”

“Well, of course, I understand.”

“You were so kind today, Alex didn’t want you to think he’d lied to you.”

“Oh, Alex,” Helen cooed, moving closer and taking his hand in hers. “You are so wonderful. Let me buy you dinner after the book-signing. We have so much in common. I’m a widow, you know.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I have to run now, but I’ll see you at the bookstore.”

Before either Alex or Tabitha could speak, she was gone.

Alex turned slowly around to stare at her. “That’s the last time I’ll take your advice!” he exclaimed.

“I didn’t expect her to—to immediately see you as a potential mate,” Tabitha protested.

“What? A potential mate? She’s at least ten years older than me!”

“Age doesn’t matter much these days.”

“It matters to me. Besides, I’m not looking for a woman.”

“I guess you could develop a headache when she arrives,” Tabitha suggested with a grin.

“I have a better idea,” Alex said, glaring at her.

“Uh-oh, I don’t think I’m going to like it.”

“Probably not. But you’re going with us.”

“No! I wasn’t invited!”

“I assumed she meant both of us.” He smiled at her, and then he pointed out that they needed to get to the bookstore.

Tabitha checked her watch and realized they only had twenty minutes before they were supposed to be there. The bookstore people had asked them to arrive half an hour early.

Once they were in the taxi, she tried again. “Alex, I can’t go with you. She didn’t invite me!”

“Either you go with me or I tell Helen I refuse to go with her, which will upset her.”

“It’s going to upset her even more if I play chaperone.”

“What would Mona do?”

“That’s unfair, Alex!”

“I think Mona would protect me from a man-hungry woman.”

“I think you’re a fraud, Alex Myerson. You handled Helen just fine in the interview. You can survive dinner with her.” She held her breath, hoping her challenge would convince him.

He looked at her and shook his head, a grin slowly forming on his lips. A very charming grin. No wonder Helen was after him.

“Fine! I’ll go with you. But you owe me, Alex. No more being difficult.”

“Agreed.” Then he drew a deep breath. “I really appreciate your getting me through this evening. I won’t fall apart again.”

“Just doing my job,” she said with a smile. “Though I’ll admit I was thinking about resigning earlier.”

He suddenly turned serious. “I’m glad you didn’t.”

When the taxi pulled up in front of the bookstore, Tabitha hurriedly paid the driver. Alex got out of the taxi and stood there, holding the door open for her. She scooted across the seat and stepped out.

“We’re right on time,” she announced. Taking his arm, she started toward the store. Then she remembered that he didn’t want to be touched and jerked her arm back. “Sorry.”

But Alex didn’t say anything.

In the store, Tabitha quickly found the manager and introduced herself as Mona’s replacement. “And this is my client, Dr. Alex Myerson.”

Alex shook the man’s hand.

“Welcome, Dr. Myerson. Your books are set up over here, near the door. We have a pitcher of water and glasses and black-inked pens, as you requested. Is there anything else we can get you?”

“No, I don’t think so. However, this is my first signing, so if I think of anything, may I have a rain check?”

“Absolutely. By the way, I saw your interview on the afternoon show. It was wonderful. We’ve been getting phone calls ever since the interview.”

“Really?” Alex asked, his eyebrows going up in surprise.

“Absolutely. We’re expecting a wonderful turnout.”

Alex looked at Tabitha, and she smiled encouragingly. She wasn’t sure he was happy about a large crowd.

Fifteen minutes before the signing was to begin, the store began to fill with women who surrounded the table where Alex’s books were piled high. Tabitha and Alex were sitting in the coffee shop that was part of the bookstore.

“You feel like starting early?” she asked. “You already have a crowd.”

“Not really. But I guess I could.”

She went to the manager, offering to start the signing early.

“That would be wonderful. We’ll get them in line if Dr. Myerson will do that.”

Tabitha waved Alex on. When he walked toward her, several women saw him and screamed out his name. Alex came to an abrupt halt, staring at the women in shock.

Tabitha crossed to his side. “Come on, I’ll protect you,” she whispered.

Careful not to touch him, and not to let any of the crowd touch him either, she ushered him to the table.

Once he was ensconced behind the wooden barrier, Alex seemed to relax. He greeted each woman and signed a book to her. There were even a few men in the line. He spent more time with them.

The signing was supposed to last an hour and a half, but Alex continued to sign as long as there were people there. Then the bookstore people asked him to sign a few extra copies for them to put on the shelves with an autographed-copy sticker on them.

Tabitha had seen Helen come in a while ago and she saw her check her watch every five minutes, seeming to grow impatient.

Tabitha grinned. Helen thought she was unhappy now, but wait till she heard her evening would include Tabitha as a chaperone.

Alex saw Helen as soon as she came in the bookstore. He could hardly miss her since she waved to him, calling his name while he was signing a book. Until then, he’d had his doubts about Tabitha’s interpretation of Helen’s intent.

Dressed in a silver lamé dress that dropped low in front, ensuring that he got a good glimpse of her décolletage, Helen was hunting. No doubt about it. Now he was grateful he’d convinced Tabitha to come along with them. After all it had been awhile since he’d dealt with an aggressive female.

In fact, it was only since he’d begun to work out, at Mona’s behest, that he’d had the form that attracted women. Jenny had loved him as he’d been.

He looked to be sure Tabitha saw Helen. Of course, her appearance wouldn’t surprise Tabitha. But he thought the dress Helen was wearing would be a lot more interesting on Tabitha’s svelte body. Thanks to her exercise regimen, she didn’t have an ounce of fat on her.

When he’d finally finished the signing, Helen appeared at his side.

“I didn’t think you’d ever get done.” A satisfied smile lit up her made-up eyes.

“Thanks to your wonderful interview, we had a crowd waiting,” he told her with a grin. “To show our appreciation, Tabitha is going to host our little dinner party tonight. The three of us have a lot to celebrate.” He hadn’t mentioned that to Tabitha, but he’d promise to reimburse her if she’d go along.

“Oh, but I—”

“Here’s Tabitha now. Tabitha, I was just telling Helen we owe this wonderful signing to her, so you wanted to take both of us out to dinner to celebrate.” He stared intently at her, hoping to quell any resistance.

“He’s absolutely right,” Tabitha assured Helen, relieving Alex’s concerns at once. “I made reservations for us at a lovely restaurant in our hotel.” She looked at her watch. “We’re going to have to dash. I’ll go flag down a taxi.”

Tabitha scooted off before Alex could stop her. He didn’t want to spend any time alone with Helen. Of course, Helen immediately began to complain, but Alex merely led her to the door, stopping only to thank the store manager, who was ecstatic.

Outside, he discovered Tabitha had already gotten a taxi and was holding open the door to the back seat. Alex assumed she’d follow them into the back, but she shut the door and got in the front seat with the driver.

Helen snuggled up to him and Alex had the vision of her leaving makeup tracks on his suit. He sought desperately for a subject of conversation, fearing she’d try to kiss him if he didn’t divert her.

“Uh, Helen, how long have you been a widow?”

“Several years. It’s hard to get back out there, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. What did your husband do for a living?”

“Not much. I was always the breadwinner. But I managed.”

He was getting no help from Tabitha, who was chatting with the driver as if she had no interest in the back-seat conversation.

“I love the cable cars,” he said as one passed by. “They’re so interesting.”

“Yes, they’re one of the perks of living in San Francisco. That and the view. Everywhere you look, you see the blue of the water. It’s magnificent. If you lived here, Alex, you’d be inspired to write all the time.”

“I think I’d be inspired to play hooky,” he returned.

“Oh, Alex, I’m sure—”

She never finished her remark, because as soon as the taxi pulled up in front of their hotel, Alex opened his door and got out. He breathed a sigh of relief…until Helen, now beside him, shot him a fluttery smile telling him he hadn’t discouraged her.

Tabitha came to his aid.

“Have you eaten at this restaurant before, Helen?” she asked, trying to distract the woman’s attentions.

“Of course. It’s part of my job to try the restaurants.”

Her tone was rather standoffish toward Tabitha, whom she clearly hadn’t forgiven for horning in on their date. But Alex smiled in gratitude.

“What do you recommend?” Tabitha asked her.

“They do fish well. Their crème brûlée is fabulous.” Then she shrugged her shoulders. “Actually, anything they serve is wonderful.”

“Good. I’m glad I chose well.”

When they reached the elevator to the penthouse restaurant, Alex held the door for both women. Then he moved to stand by Tabitha, leaving Helen on the other side of his chaperone.

“Do they have any decent restaurants in Fort Worth?” Helen asked, amusement in her voice.

“Why yes, we have a few.” Tabitha turned to smile at Helen. “Come for a visit and we’ll be glad to show you around.”

“Yeah, we can take her to Joe T. Garcia’s,” Alex offered. “It’s quite famous.”

“What do they serve there?”

“It’s a Mexican restaurant,” Tabitha explained.

“I think my palate might be a little too sophisticated for that kind of meal. That’s another of the perks of living here. Dining out is a unique experience.”

“Joe T.’s is pretty unique,” Alex assured Helen, a grin on his face. The lady was just a little too full of herself, he thought. “Or if you come in January, we’ll take you to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The hot dogs are pretty good there, too.”

Helen looked at him as if he’d said something shocking. Still, it was better than the melting looks she’d been sending him earlier.

“Alex is teasing, Helen. There are several nice restaurants there.”

“Here, there are thousands!” she snapped.

The elevator doors opened and they entered the restaurant. All along the perimeter were walls of windows overlooking the beauty of San Francisco.

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