Old friends, pretend lovers—from USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Orwig!

Meg Aldridge needs a fiancé. Her family’s demands that she marry have become unbearable. But a monthlong pretend engagement to her best friend, Gabe Callahan, should shut them right up. After all, they’ve been feuding with the Callahans for years.

Gabe’s willing to give up the ladies temporarily and focus his attentions on Meg. She’s his best friend; there’s no danger of complications. But a made-over Meg is wearing sexy clothes and makeup...and stirring up new feelings. Will a month of being lovers for appearance’s sake become a lifetime of the real thing?

The Rancher’s Cinderella Bride is part of the Callahan’s Clan series.

“Now, how can you possibly know about my love life?”

“Word gets around about you,” Meg replied, teasing.

“Well, what do you know,” Gabe said with a smile. “You’ve been discussing me with others.”

“Don’t flatter yourself—I may not be the one bringing up your name, you know.”

He laughed. “I better back off right now. I know you well enough to know when my teasing is getting to you.”

“You don’t know as much about me as you think you do. The last time you teased me I was fourteen years old.”

He tilted her chin up. “We’re in a spotlight from the security light. Just in case anyone is observing us, let’s make this look like the real thing.”

“No one in this neighborhood is paying attention to us.”

Gabe slipped his arm around her waist. “You know, Meg, we’ve never kissed.”

He leaned closer and her heart beat faster.

When his mouth brushed hers, heat swept through her. His arms tightened around her, drawing her against his hard length as his mouth covered hers.

Oh. She was in trouble.

* * *

The Rancher’s Cinderella Bride is part of the Callahan’s Clan series— A wealthy Texas family finds love under the Western skies!

The Rancher’s Cinderella Bride

Sara Orwig

www.millsandboon.co.uk

SARA ORWIG, from Oklahoma, loves family, friends, dogs, books, long walks, sunny beaches and palm trees. She is married to and in love with the guy she met in college. They have three children and six grandchildren. Sara’s one hundredth published novel was a July 2016 release. With a master’s degree in English, Sara has written historical romance, mainstream fiction and contemporary romance. Sara welcomes readers on Facebook or at www.saraorwig.com.

To my editor, Stacy Boyd, with many thanks for your friendship and editing.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Extract

Copyright

One

July

Gabe Callahan sat on the porch of his ranch house with his booted feet propped on a rail as he watched a red pickup race up the road and onto the circular drive in front of the house. Aldridge Landscape Design was in red letters on the side, against a white circle background. Having known the driver as far back in his life as he could remember, he couldn’t imagine what could have made her so desperate to call him, let alone to drive the two hours southwest from Dallas to his ranch. Unless she had been in Downly, the nearest town and only thirty minutes away from him. For Meg the drive would be longer.

As the truck screeched to a stop, he winced and stood, walking to the top of the steps. He waited there till Megan Louise Aldridge popped out of the pickup and charged toward the porch.

“Good morning, Meg,” he said, addressing her the way he had since she had been in preschool and he had been in the first grade. He nodded toward the pickup. “When are you going to learn to drive?”

She didn’t laugh or even smile at his usual teasing, so whatever the problem was, it was big.

“Let’s go inside,” he said quietly, realizing something was really wrong. That alone was startling because Meg was usually cheerful. At least the Meg he remembered. He hadn’t seen much of her the past few years.

“Let’s sit in the library,” he directed as he motioned her into the house.

As she walked beside him, he caught a whiff of the familiar lilac perfume she had worn since middle school. He gave her a sidelong glance. She hadn’t changed much. Though she was taller now, her long pale brown hair was still held back from her forehead by a blue headband—the same style hairdo she’d worn since preschool. Her hair had always been either caught by a headband or braided in pigtails. And once again, she wore no makeup. Frank, honest, sweet—that was exactly how he’d describe the Meg he remembered. And exactly how she looked right now.

Though these days they kept in touch mainly through social media and through the grapevine, back in the day Meg had been a great friend—and in the earliest years, his best friend. As kids, she had been there for him during the bad times and he had been there for her. All that despite a family feud that had put a wedge between the Callahans and the Aldridges.

Sometime after his high school graduation, they’d begun to drift apart, seeing each other less, and to his relief, as far as he knew, neither one of them had had as many problems as they’d had growing up. At least not until now. Something was definitely wrong in her life to send her to his ranch looking as worried as she did.

He closed the double library doors, glancing around a room that had three walls covered with shelves of books that he loved. From the day he moved in, this room had been his sanctuary. Crossing the room, he placed his hands on her slender shoulders. “It’s been a long time since we’ve really talked, Meg. It’s good to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you, too,” she said, giving him a tight smile.

“I appreciated you coming to the memorial service for my brother and sister-in-law.”

“I was sorry about Nathan and Lydia.”

“Thanks. We’ve both lost brothers,” he stated. “That isn’t why you’re here. I get the feeling something’s wrong.” He searched her eyes. “What is it? Do you need something from me?”

She looked directly into his eyes, and her expression was firm yet unreadable. Then she nodded. “Yes, Gabe, I need something. I need us to get engaged.”

The laugh burst out of him like a popped balloon. “Nice one.” He wasn’t used to Meg being the jokester in the relationship, but he enjoyed a good laugh as much as anyone.

But Meg didn’t laugh, or even smile. She merely stared at him and then said bluntly, “I want to get engaged to you for about a month. I want you to propose marriage.”

So she wasn’t kidding?

Not knowing what to think, he wiped away his grin and looked down at the floor while he pulled himself together. Then, frowning, he met her gaze once again. He could only manage one word. “Why?”

“To get my family off my back.”

The explanation may have made perfect sense to her, but he felt as if he’d come in on the second act. He had no idea what she was talking about.

Before he could ask her to explain, she went on.

“Of course, it wouldn’t be for real or for long. Just long enough to get my family to back off, settle down and let me live my life.” Now her eyes went wide and he saw the emotion in them once again. She was deeply troubled. “They want me to marry and I don’t want to get married. But they don’t seem to care. Mom and Dad are pushing me even when they know I don’t want this.”

“But everyone in these parts knows we’ve never been in love or even dated. Why me?”

“Because you’re my friend. I know we’re not as close as we were, but in a lot of ways, Gabe, you’re still my best friend. Who else would I turn to?”

“Meg, you’re my best female friend—” He paused and studied her. “In fact, you may be my best friend except for my brothers, and I’ve told you secrets I haven’t told them.” What was he saying? Instead of strolling down memory lane with her, he needed to talk some sense into her. He took her by the hands and led her over to two chairs. “Let’s sit and talk.”

Clamping her lips together, she sat. Leaning back in his chair with one foot on his knee, he gazed at her. She looked about the same as she had the last time he had seen her, over a year ago. She had on a baggy gray sweatshirt, worn, faded jeans and scuffed, dusty boots. From what he’d heard through the grapevine, her landscape design business in Dallas was growing and successful.

It felt good to see her again, to talk to her again. They’d always discussed their problems, but he had to admit, this one was a doozy. “Talk to me, Meg. What’s the deal? You have a nice family.”

“Not about this,” she said, frowning, worry filling her big, thickly lashed dark brown eyes. Really pretty eyes. That thought surprised him because he had never been physically attracted to Meg. She wasn’t his type of woman.

“I need your help,” she said, leaning forward and taking his hands in her dainty ones that were as cold as ice.

“You’re freezing,” he said, covering her hands with his. “Calm down. I’ll help you. Any way I can.”

“I hope you mean that,” she said in a low, intense voice. “Because I really need you to ask me to marry you.”

He pulled his hands back, but she grasped them tighter. “It’s temporary, very temporary,” she said quickly. “I think one month should do it. And it wouldn’t be a real engagement, of course.” She leaned closer and her voice took on a more earnest tone. “I need your help, Gabe. Please,” she begged, as if he had threatened to toss her out of his house.

He did what he did best. He tried to lighten the mood. “Hey, remember, you’re talking to me—best friends since forever.”

“I’m serious, Gabe, and I’m desperate.”

“I believe you,” he said, getting more worried.

She took a deep breath and looked as if she faced a firing squad.

“All of them—my parents and both sets of grandparents—want an heir. And they all want a grandchild.”

He shrugged. “Tell them that will happen in due time.”

“Time is part of the problem. They’re all getting older. You know Todd, my oldest brother, is career military and he’s in Afghanistan now and isn’t getting married anytime soon. Caleb, my married brother, has a good part in a Broadway play alongside his wife, Nora. They don’t want children to interfere with their careers,” she said, rattling off her reasons and sounding more panicky with each one. “And Hank is gone,” she said, a wistful note of sadness in her voice that made him want to offer sympathy again over her brother who was killed in a crash when he was flying his small plane. “My family is desperate for a baby and I’m the prime candidate.”

He managed to extricate his hands and sat back. “I get that, but—”

“There’s more. Someone wants to marry me and my family knows it,” she said, looking distraught and sounding as if she were caught in a huge calamity.

“Who wants to marry you?”

“Justin Whelton—fourth generation of successful Dallas lawyers.”

“I know Justin,” Gabe said, frowning and thinking he could see why she had no interest in marrying him. Gabe had known Justin as long as Meg had known him. Their parents moved in the same social circles and now that he and Justin and Meg were grown, they crossed paths at social events. Gabe didn’t like Justin and suspected he had done some underhanded things to win cases.

“Justin and I dated in high school. It meant nothing to each of us except convenience. It’s the same now, but the minute we went out a few times this past year both sets of parents came up with the idea that we should marry. Justin’s folks want him to marry because he has big political ambitions and they think being married would give him stability and better voter approval. And I’m the perfect candidate to be his wife as far as his parents and mine are concerned. I’ve told mine I don’t love him but they think we would fall in love because we’re apparently so compatible and we’ve known each other all our lives. My mistake was ever going out with him, just because he was a friend. There never has been any romance between the two of us, no more than there was any between you and me. We’re friends. Period. I don’t like to kiss him and we rarely have. How do you marry someone you don’t like to kiss?”

He couldn’t help it. Despite her seriousness, he chuckled.

“Gabe, don’t you dare laugh at me. It isn’t funny.”

“I’m not laughing,” he said, trying not to, “but I’m surprised Justin wants this if you won’t kiss him. If you and I get pretend engaged, will you kiss me?”

“I’m serious here,” she said, anger flaring in her big eyes.

He had to bite back another laugh and realized he shouldn’t tease her now. She was too upset to see humor in it.

“Yes, I’ll kiss you,” she said through gritted teeth and her cheeks turned red.

He couldn’t hold the grin that came that time.

“Gabe, so help me—”

Impulsively, he hugged her. “I’m teasing, Meg, and you know it. You just get so riled up that I can’t resist.” He released her, but not before he noticed she was soft to hug and far different from when she was a skinny middle school kid.

“His dad and grandfathers have offered him so many financial incentives—you can’t imagine.”

“That’s no incentive if the lady doesn’t like you. I’d think your family would listen if you firmly tell them you don’t want to marry him.”

“They’re not listening, Gabe. That’s the problem. They’re all pushing, including Justin, who thinks this would help his career. He’s laying the groundwork to run for the Texas legislature, but he wants to be in Washington and he thinks I would make—to quote him—‘the right kind of wife.’ What a reason to marry!” She grabbed Gabe’s hands again. “You can’t imagine the pressure my family is putting on me. Please, just think about a pretend engagement,” she begged.

He kept telling himself this was ridiculous, she was exaggerating and he wanted no part of it. But as she held his hands in hers, he looked down into imploring brown eyes and felt himself sinking into quicksand.

“I’m friends with Justin’s secretary, Gretchen,” she went on. “She told me Justin is planning to propose at the big anniversary dance this month at the country club. If I turn him down in front of all those people and our families, it’ll be dreadful.”

Gabe pulled back and stood up. “Dammit, Meg. Justin isn’t planning that because he loves you and wants a fun memory for you. He’s doing it to get attention for himself.”

“I know that.” Her eyes went watery and he was afraid she’d start to cry. “You’re not going to have to go through with marrying me. Just a pretend engagement for a month and then you can tell all your lady friends that it was a sham. I’ll tell them if you want.”

Shaking his head, he gave her a brief crooked smile. “Geez, Meg, I don’t have a harem. You don’t have to reassure anyone that I’m available.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You’ve never been dishonest or hidden things from your folks in all your life. How are you going to look them in the eye and tell them we’re engaged?”

She took a deep breath. “That’s worried me the most, but they are really pushing me to marry a man I don’t love, so I can do it and later I’ll apologize and remind them that they forced me into this and I was really desperate.”

“Ah, Meg, this isn’t like you and it isn’t like me. No one would believe us. Remember, we’ve never even had one date.”

“They’d believe me. You know they would.”

He stared down at her, the sinking feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. Much as he hated to admit it, she had a point. Meg was the most honest, frank person he had ever known, so a pretend engagement was so foreign to her way of living that people might never suspect it. But... “There is not another person on this earth that I know who could carry a pretend engagement off and get people to believe it, but I’m not sure you can, either.”

“Gabe, it would only be a short time and—”

“I still say people won’t believe us.”

She stood up, dug in a hip pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Opening it, she held it out to him. “They’ll believe it when I announce it with this on my finger,” she said.

He took the small box in his hand and looked down at a dazzling diamond ring. Then he looked at her. “Is this real?”

Her cheeks turned pink. “Of course not. I can’t afford a diamond like that, but if it were real, you could afford it.”

“Megan, your family doesn’t like me or my family. Except for you and your brothers, the Aldridges haven’t spoken to me for years.” The silly feud had seen to that. Decades ago, both their fathers had been business partners, until his dad had bought out her dad and caused a rift that had never healed.

“Don’t you see, Gabe? That’s exactly why my plan is perfect. If they think I’ve gotten engaged to you, they’ll back off pushing for marriage so fast,” she said with a grim determination in her voice. “Just one month, Gabe.”

He gazed into her big brown eyes and his spirits dropped another notch. “Ah, Meg, I just don’t think it’ll work. If it does, everyone will think I’ve gotten you pregnant.”

“I don’t care because in time, they’ll know that you haven’t. That’s no problem.”

“We’ve never had one date,” he insisted.

“So we start dating. Gabe, I’m desperate,” she cried.

Gabe patted her soft hand while he thought about what she had just told him. He had always promised her he would help her if she ever needed him, and he was letting her down now, when she needed him most.

Meg was relentless. Her barrage of persuasion persisted. “If we get engaged, everyone will talk about it and Justin and I will vanish from the center of conversations in our families.

“You ought to be at my house for dinner any night and hear them badgering me. My dad has offered to give us enough money to buy a house. My grandparents have offered the deed to one of the ranches they own. They’re so earnest. One set of grandparents will fly me and my mom to New York for me to have a makeover and buy an entire new wardrobe. It’s ridiculous.”

She tightened her cold fingers around his hand, leaning closer, looking as if she would burst into tears. “Please. It’s just pretend, so it doesn’t matter how we feel about each other.”

No matter how many reasons she gave him, he still thought the ploy wouldn’t work. It would be disastrous and only make her family dislike him even more. And he wasn’t sure it would help her at all. In fact, the only one he saw coming out of this well was old Justin, who’d save face by not getting rejected during a dumb public proposal.

No, he thought, this was not a good plan at all.

Reluctance filled him. He squeezed her shoulder gently, her soft hair falling on his hand. He looked deep into her eyes and prepared to decline, no matter how much it hurt him to not be there for her.

But he couldn’t believe the words that came out of his mouth.

“I’ll be your pretend fiancé if that’s what you want.”

The words had just spilled out. Who was he kidding? He could never resist helping her.

“Oh, Gabe, thank you,” she cried, hugging him.

He wrapped his arms around her, still feeling as if she were the sister he never had. Except when he hugged her, it was a curvy woman’s body pressed against him and he had a fleeting curiosity about what she’d look like out of that shapeless sweatshirt she wore. She was soft and smelled sweet, the same lilac scent he’d always remembered. As a little kid, she’d told him her grandmother got her lilac soap. He released her and gazed into brown eyes and a big smile.

“You’re pretty, Meg. There ought to be all sorts of guys wanting to take you out.”

She shook her head. “Not anyone I want to go out with and not anyone I’d trust with a pretend engagement. I’m probably too bossy because I’m used to running my own business and giving orders.”

“I don’t recall thinking you’re too bossy.”

A brief smile flickered on her lips. “That’s because you’re bossier.”

“You never told me that. Well, maybe a time or two.”

“You can be as bossy as you want. Thank you, Gabe.”

“If we’re going to do this, and you want to stave off a public proposal at the dance, let’s get with it. Today is Thursday. I think we should have a first date this weekend if you can make it,” he said.

“I sure can,” she said, wiggling with eagerness that made him remember times in the past when she would get her way and be very happy. “Say when.”

“Saturday night,” he answered, wondering what she was pulling him into with this pretense and how much explaining he would have to do with some of his close female friends.

“Saturday it is.”

“How are you going to tell Justin about going out with me Saturday night?”

“I won’t have to yet because he’s going out of town this weekend on business. He’ll be back Wednesday and by that time, he’ll know we went out. Even one date with you will make him call off a public proposal.”

She turned to leave, but spun back around. “I almost forgot. Saturday night, do you want me to be at my house in Downly or my house in Dallas?”

“You have two houses?” he asked.

“It works out better with my landscape business. You probably don’t even know I’m not living at home with my folks anymore, do you? My maternal grandparents do that.”

“Which place is more convenient for you on Saturday?”

“Downly.”

“Then I’ll pick you up at your house in Downly. I need an address.”

“I’ll text you,” she said. Then her eyes narrowed as she looked at him with an expression he couldn’t read. “Do you think it’s going to be weird to ‘date’?”

“No. We’ve always had fun together and Saturday night won’t be any different.” He leaned into her, bumping her shoulder with his.

“I suppose you’re right.” She grinned at him, then came back with another suggestion. “Later, after a few dates, maybe I can stay at your ranch so it will look as if we’re serious, and sometimes at your house in Dallas, so I can go to work from there. It won’t be for long and I’ll stay out of your way.”

That might not be the best idea, but he couldn’t say no at this point. And actually part of him looked forward to seeing her more because she was always good company. “That’s fine if you want to,” he finally said. “I have big houses with plenty of room.”

Her grin turned into a full-fledged smile. “In case I forget to tell you this a thousand times over the rest of my life, thank you, Gabe. You always promised I could come to you for help and now you’re going to help me,” Meg gushed, her eyes getting a sparkle that made him feel a degree better.

“I don’t want a loveless marriage and I don’t want to marry Justin. None of them can understand it. When I marry, I want the love and closeness my grandparents and my parents have had.”

He knew she did. That was the kind of woman Meg was.

“Then I hope this ploy works, Meg. For your sake.”

“Oh, it will. You’ll see. We’ll convince my family and Justin’s, and they’re the ones who count. And then you can go on your way knowing you have been the knight to the rescue.” She patted his hand. “My wonderful, handsome knight.”

It might not be a role he was accustomed to, but he had to admit he was going to like it. But before he got knighted, they had a lot of work to do. He only hoped they’d pull off the charade as easily as Meg seemed to think they would.

While Meg had always been a good friend, there had never been anything romantic between them. Nor would there ever be. As great as she was, she wasn’t his type and he wasn’t hers. They were just too opposite. She was too staid and fearful of the daring things he liked to do. And then there was the feud between the older generations of their families. No, Meg wasn’t the woman for him and he wasn’t the man for her. But now they had to convince the world they were. He hoped this charade did not have to last long. He liked his other women friends and partying too much to be tied up in Meg’s pretense.

She still held his gaze as she said, “You are an absolute angel coming to my rescue.”

He laughed. “I’ve been called a lot of things, but ‘angel’ has never been one of them.”

She smiled sweetly at him and patted his cheek. “You’re definitely my angel.” She ran her hand lightly over the stubble on his jaw. “You’ve stopped shaving close. It gives you a rugged, devil-may-care look even more than before,” she said, tilting her head to study him. “I like it. You know, I wish Hank could know what a huge favor you’re doing for me.”

“If your brother knew, he would roll on the floor with laughter. But your family... They’re going to hate me when they learn the truth.”

“They don’t like you now because you’re a Callahan. This will get them to stop talking to me about Justin and start talking to me about breaking up with you. And Hank wouldn’t roll on the floor and laugh at us. He’d thank you and tell me to go for it because he wouldn’t approve of them trying to push me into a loveless marriage.”

She turned to leave again.

“I better run, Gabe,” she said. “Oh, I almost forgot. You keep this ring, and soon you can give it back to me to wear.” She thrust the small box into his hand.

“Sure, Meg,” he said, thinking he had to after all their years of friendship. She’d always been there for him when he was young and hurt by his dad. When his dad wasn’t around for graduation or games or awards or holidays, she had supported him and cheered him up. “I owe you this because you stood by me when I was ignored by my dad. He never gave me or any of my brothers his love, his time or his attention. It was worse for our stepbrother, Blake, because our father didn’t even acknowledge Blake as his son. At least I had your friendship when I was so hurt.”

She smiled at him as she walked out to her pickup. “That’s what friends are for, and you’re the best I’ve ever had.”

“I think you used that same line with me when you were nine years old,” he remarked drily and she laughed. She had a contagious smile, and under ordinary circumstances it would have been good to see her again, he admitted.

“I probably talked you out of some of those fancy marbles you used to have. I thought they were the most beautiful marbles ever. I still have them.”

“You always were easy to please so I guess I don’t have to rack my brain over where to take you to eat on Saturday.”

“This first time let’s go somewhere we’ll be seen and where people will talk about us.”

He grinned. “Whatever you want to get this show on the road. I’ll see you at seven Saturday night,” he said, opening the door to her pickup.

With a quick pat on his hand, she climbed in and he closed the door. “You know, there is a way you can cut the dating time in half and end your folks pushing you to marry.”

“What’s that?”

He placed his arm on the door and leaned in closer. “Move in with me.”

“That’s actually a wonderful idea, Gabe.”

He laughed. “I think we have different views of living together.”

She wrinkled her nose at him. “I’m just thinking of staying under one roof.”

He leaned down. “Shucks, Meg, I’m thinking about staying in the same bed. We didn’t discuss that. We should have some fun with this deal.”

“Will you cool it? We’re not going to bed together,” she said while her cheeks turned pink and he laughed.

“I’ve sure had worse ideas.” He grinned and she shook her head, but she smiled at him.

“Stop teasing me. You haven’t changed any. See you later.”

Laughing, he watched her drive away and wondered how much Meg was going to complicate his life. She said this would only be a month and then it would be over. But the month was going to be interesting—Meg living in the same house with him. He was sure she was old-fashioned. And he would try to curb some of his teasing, but it was hard to resist getting a rise out of her. All in all, he looked forward to spending the time with her. How much had she changed since she had grown up?

He turned the velvet box over in his hand, thinking about the dazzling ring that was as fake as their engagement would be. Would a month’s pretend engagement really have any impact on his life?

Two

Meg closed the door of her small house in Downly, and glanced around at familiar surroundings without seeing any of them. She threw her arms up and spun on her toes, joy and relief overwhelming her. Gabe would help her. He was going along with the pretend engagement and she couldn’t wait for their first date.

A date with Gabe. The thought stirred tingles of excitement that surprised her. She didn’t want to feel any attraction to him. He was a wild man with wild ways. He loved the ladies. And he was not her type. Whatever excitement she felt over being with him would vanish, she was sure.

She poured a glass of water and stepped onto her patio while she thought about Saturday night. Saturday was a big day in the landscape business, but she could get off early. She wasn’t going to say no to any date Gabe suggested as long as it was soon. She knew she should head to work now, but she wouldn’t be able to focus on anything except jubilation that Gabe would bail her out of her problem.

She remembered how she had tried to cheer him up and comfort him as a kid when his dad wouldn’t come home or ignored Gabe when he was home. Through the years, Gabe had repeatedly promised that he would help if she ever had any problems and he’d insisted she promise she would come to him with them. That was all childhood history, but he had come through on his long-ago promises to her today.

She went to the room she had turned into an office. Shelves lined the walls with books, pictures, trophies, awards and stacks of papers. She crossed the room to pick up a small picture and looked closely at it. It was a snapshot of her and Gabe in her backyard. He held her pigtail in front of his face like a mustache while he grinned at the camera. She smiled as she looked at it. “Thanks for being my friend always,” she said to his picture.

She was going out with him Saturday night—their first date. But one where she needn’t worry about what to wear. Gabe wouldn’t care. Going out with him would be like an evening with one of her brothers. The thought reminded her of Hank again. Hank and Gabe had been close friends, and they were a lot alike. Hank had taken risks like Gabe did and had loved life on the wild side—flying, competing in rodeos, taking out party girls and never getting serious. Gabe was slightly older and her family felt he had been a bad influence on Hank. In the early years when her dad had worked with Gabe’s dad in their own business, both families had been close and Hank thought Gabe was great. Later, her family was so bitter over the way Dirkson Callahan had cut her dad out of the business that they stopped speaking to any of the Callahans and didn’t want any of their children to speak to them, either. While the grandparents felt the same as her parents, the feud had never carried over to her generation, and as much as possible, her generation had stayed friends with one another.

Her family wasn’t going to want her to marry Gabe, and with a ring on her finger from him, she expected them to stop pushing her to marry.

She hugged the picture. “Thank you, thank you,” she whispered, remembering when he had hugged her today. His broad shoulders and strong arms were a physical reassurance that made her feel safe, as if her problems were solved. She looked more intently at the picture. When had that skinny kid grown into a tall, strong man whose hug could make her feel that she was safe and all would be right with her world? He had grown up to be a good-looking guy, which she had never thought about before in her life.

“You’re definitely my best friend,” she whispered to his picture.

Still smiling, she placed the picture back on the shelf and went to her desk to check emails on her laptop.

Like her brother Hank who had been in commercial real estate, Gabe had gone into business with his older brother Cade in commercial real estate with a large office building in Dallas. She knew through the years they had oil and gas investments and business ties with Gabe’s stepbrother, Blake, who was a hotel mogul. She didn’t know whether Gabe spent more time in Dallas now or more time on his ranch. He could afford to do whatever he wanted.

Briefly, she concentrated on her emails, answering quickly and then gathering things to take to Dallas to her office, which was almost a two-hour drive away, depending on traffic. Before she left the room she blew a kiss toward Gabe’s picture. “My handsome knight to my rescue,” she whispered.

Relieved, happier than she had been in a couple of months, Meg gathered her things and left for her office, able to concentrate fully on business and work that she had planned for the day.

* * *

Saturday came swiftly and at the end of the day, she rushed home to get ready to go out with Gabe. She showered and dressed, selecting clothes that might get her noticed—not by Gabe but by other diners. She chose a pair of her fancy skintight jeans, her best black boots and a bright red sleeveless vee-neck shirt, and a matching red headband.

Gabe suggested they go to the best barbecue place near Downly, where they could have ribs along with some boot-scootin’ fun. Because many people from Dallas were there on the weekend, word would spread back to Big D real easily. Not only would that put the kibosh on Justin’s proposal, but she would have fun with Gabe in the meantime.

Promptly at seven she heard a car door slam and seconds later her doorbell rang. She hurried to open the door to Gabe, who wore a black hat, black shirt, jeans and black boots. He had never looked as appealing as he did at that moment because he was going to deliver her from a worrisome dilemma.

“Are you ready for a new adventure?” he asked, grinning at her.

“You can’t imagine how ready, you handsome cowboy. I want you to sweep me off my feet.”

“That sounds like my kind of task,” he replied as his gaze swept over her from head to toe. He whistled. “Wow, you grew up in the most delightful way. You look pretty.”

“Thank you. I hope I’m pretty enough for people to post our picture on all sorts of social media.” She reached for her keys. “I’ll show you my house sometime, but right now, I can’t wait to get out there and let every Texan possible see us together.”

“Slow down, Meg,” he said, laughing. “I promise, you’ll be noticed.”

Grabbing her broad-brimmed black hat, she locked up and left, walking beside him toward his shiny black pickup. “You know, I never noticed what a good-looking guy you are.”

His smile widened. “You’ve gotten what you want, Meg, so you can cut the flattery. Or are you buttering me up for more? I’ll tell you now—I agreed to a pretend engagement but I draw the line at a pretend marriage. I’m not the marrying kind, real or even pretend.”

“I wouldn’t think of asking you to do one more thing,” she answered with exaggerated politeness.

“I seem to remember a few instances when you turned on the sweetness and charm with a definite goal in mind.”

“You exaggerate, but that’s okay. With time your memory has embellished circumstances. I can’t tell you how happy I’ve been the last couple of days, and how relieved. I feel as if I’ve escaped prison.”

“Yeah, I’ve had a few relationships that I ended and then felt the same way,” he said with a smile.

She wrinkled her nose at him and shook her head. “Well, this is a once-in-a-lifetime dilemma for me. I will never again get myself in this kind of situation with a guy.”

“Watch what you predict. Life has a way of sending us all kinds of surprises. Did you ever think we’d be going out on a date?”

Shaking her head, she laughed. “I’m sure on this one,” she said as he opened the pickup door and she slid into the seat to watch him circle the pickup. He was good-looking, something she hadn’t given much thought to in past years. A Dallas magazine had listed Gabe as one of the top twenty most eligible bachelors in the area. But Gabe’s looks and sex appeal wouldn’t interfere with her plans.

Tonight she just wanted to have fun, to celebrate her freedom that was coming, freedom to live her life her way without a constant war with her parents and grandparents.

Gabe drove to a log building with a long front porch. Rocking chairs and pots of blooming flowers created a relaxed, inviting ambience. Inside, lights were low, and ceiling fans turned slowly above dancers circling the floor as a fiddler and a drummer played. Gabe got a table at the edge of the dance floor where couples were already into a lively two-step.

“This is perfect. Everyone will see us at this table.”

“Unless someone is blind drunk, you’re probably right,” Gabe remarked drily. “Now order up. And relax, Meg. You’ll get what you want. You look ready to jump out of your skin.”

She laughed. “I’m so excited and happy. Let’s dance and then more people will see us.”

Laughing, he shook his head as he stood and took her hand. In seconds, he held her hands while she danced at his side in another fast two-step. He turned her around and when he caught her to stop her from turning again, he pulled her slightly closer. Flashing another smile, she looked up at him. “You adorable man. You’re the best friend possible,” she said, hoping she looked like a woman falling in love.

“Don’t overdo it,” he said, laughing at her.

“There’s no way to overdo what I feel, and since I want people to think I’m falling in love with you, I have to look as if I’m having the time of my life. Which I kind of am.”

“You’re shameless, Meg. I keep telling myself not to be flattered that you asked me to be your pretend fiancé, because any guy would have fit the bill. Except you knew that because of our friendship, I’d do this without any demands on you.”

“Not so. I wouldn’t trust any other guy. Besides, with another guy no one would believe me. But you fit all the qualifications. I’ve known you forever. You’re handsome, sexy, fun, popular, wealthy—”

“Stop with all the flattery. You’ve already got what you want. If I were all that you said, the ladies would be lined up at our table waiting to dance with me.”

“I’m surprised they aren’t, but they’re watching you, which means they’re watching us, which is good. Hey, you’re a good dancer, too.”

“Don’t sound so surprised. What do you think I’ve been doing on Saturday nights?”

“Well, you just seem so into planes, motorcycles and bull riding that I didn’t expect you to be so light on your feet.”

“Maybe you’re in for all kinds of surprises from me,” he said with an exaggerated leer that made her laugh.

“Bring ’em on, cowboy. I’m ready for some excitement in my life.”

“I told you before—and you know the old saying—watch what you wish for. That’s a challenge you just gave me, Meg,” he teased.

“I’m ready for you.” She twirled and came back beside him. “It’s fun to be with you again.” When he was about to protest, she said, “I mean it. You have to admit, it’s different from when we were little kids.”

“Is it ever, darlin’. And vastly better,” he said, his gaze drifting over her again, making her laugh and feel a surprising tingle.

The dance ended and he held her hand as they returned to their table. She stopped to say hello to some people on the way. As soon as they had ordered, she stood. “I’ll be back in a minute. I’m going to the ladies’ room.”

“Yeah, I know. You’re going so more people will see you.”

She smiled and left, knowing that Gabe would be good-natured about this fake engagement. Excitement bubbled in her and she wondered how much of it was knowing her problem would soon be a thing of the past—and how much was just pure excitement from being with Gabe.

When she returned to their table, they ordered and shortly had platters with piles of ribs covered in red barbecue sauce, a mound of curly fries and thick, buttered Texas toast. While they ate, she tried to catch up on his current life.

As they laughed over a recent incident, Gabe took a sip of his beer and when he set it down, he smiled. “You’re right—it’s good to be together again,” Gabe said.

“I’m surprised there’s no woman in your life right now, but I’m glad there’s not, otherwise you couldn’t have gone out with me. Why don’t you hold my hand,” she suggested. “That would look good.”

His grin widened. “This is the first time my date has told me how to come on to her.”

“Well, I just want you to look as if you’re falling in love and really want me. So far, with all the fun we’re having, we look just like what we are—two old buds out together.”

“Oh, darlin’,” he drawled. “I think I can get beyond just buddies without you having to coach me,” he said in a husky, breathy statement that was barely above a whisper. He stood, drawing her to her feet while he watched her intently. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulled her tightly against his side as they walked to the dance floor.

“Oh, my,” she said, gazing up at him. “That’s definitely on target.”

“Just wait, darlin’.” He leaned down to whisper into her ear, his warm breath stirring tingles that surprised her.

On the dance floor she turned to face him, winding her arms around his neck and gazing into his eyes as they moved in unison. Her satisfaction climbed over how well they fit together.

“Gabe, this is positively a dream come true,” she said, dancing closer so he could hear her over the music. “Tanya is here, Justin’s ex-girlfriend, and she’s seen me. She can’t stop glancing at me. When this dance ends, try to be near her and we’ll go talk to her. I’ll introduce you.”

“Dare I hope she’s the one in the skintight jeans and low-cut blue blouse that reveals a lot of her ink? No wonder his parents have focused on you. They’re not the type for tats and blouses with vee necklines to the waist. As adorable as you are, I’m surprised Justin gave in so easily.”

“I think I should feel insulted, but I don’t. Justin’s dad gave him incentives to give in. If he marries me, he gets a partnership in the firm after the first year of our marriage. If I’m pregnant, he gets an even bigger deal,” she said, shivering.

“No wonder you want out of that. Damn. My dad gets an F in fatherhood, but he hasn’t pulled anything like picking a wife for any of us.”

“Until this, my parents have been wonderful. So have my grandparents, and I love them all dearly.”

“We’ll head Tanya’s way. I won’t protest meeting her,” he said, dancing Meg her way.

The music stopped and she turned, smiling at Tanya and pulling lightly on Gabe’s hand. Tanya’s straight, waist-length blond hair fell loosely around her face. She wore a tight blue silk top with bling along the neckline that dipped in a deep vee, revealing half of a butterfly tattoo on the curve of her full breast. Curiosity filled her eyes as she watched Meg and Gabe approach. She glanced back and forth at each of them until Meg greeted her.

“Tanya, meet Gabe Callahan. Gabe, meet Tanya Waters.”

Smiling, Tanya touched the arm of the man beside her. “Hi. This is Bobby Jack Lawrence.”

As the men greeted each other, Gabe held Meg’s hand lightly. They talked a moment until the music commenced again and then Gabe pulled her to his side for a two-step.

“That was absolutely perfect,” Meg said. “I’m so glad we came here. I see Cassie Perkins from Justin’s office. I think she’s interested in Justin, so I’m sure she’ll get the word out around his office.”

Gabe looked down at her. “I didn’t know you could be so plotting and devious.”

“Only because I’m desperate,” Meg said. Then she became quiet, enjoying dancing with him and thinking the evening had been a huge success.

“How in the world did you get involved with Justin in the first place?”

“Friendship. The way I am with you. We go to the same places and see each other. We like the same things—symphony, opera, contemporary art. His folks were giving him a terrible time about seeing Tanya and we talked about that. I just didn’t realize what it would lead to and suddenly he was talking a marriage of convenience.”

“Lesson learned there, I suppose.”

“There’s no danger of our families trying to push you and me into a marriage of convenience. Actually, this ought to set family tongues wagging about us going out together and get Justin out of the conversation.”

“This fake engagement sure as hell isn’t going to endear me to any of your family.”

“I’m sorry about that, but they don’t like any Callahans anyway, so it isn’t like you’re losing their friendship.”

“Somehow, your logic doesn’t cheer me,” he said and she smiled.

It was after midnight when a number ended and Gabe spun her around, catching her and pulling her up against him. She looked up into his eyes and her laughter faded, her grin giving way to a sultry smile.

He gazed back and took her hand. “That look should convince the most doubting spectator. If I didn’t know better, I’d be on fire now,” he remarked.

“Well, I’m thankful you didn’t laugh because that definitely kills the effect.”

“What I felt wasn’t laughter,” he said. The smoldering look he gave her made her tingle, which surprised her. How shocking that she found him so appealing.

“I think we can leave now,” he said, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close against his side.

She slipped her arm around his waist, looking up at him and smiling, as if they were about to go home and make love. She hoped that’s what others thought.

“That was fun, Gabe. You’re perfect for this. You would convince anybody that we’re a couple.”

“Anybody who doesn’t really know you,” he remarked drily. “Otherwise, I think there will be suspicion.”

“No, there won’t,” she assured him, supremely happy with the way the evening had gone and looking up at him as if she thought he was the most adorable man on earth. At the moment that wasn’t even pretend.

Gabe drove to her small home in Downly in an older part of town with tall shade trees. Her bright front light illuminated the porch, the surrounding flower beds, the steps, the walk and half of her front yard.

“That’s some porch light you have. Your house hasn’t been broken into, has it?”

“Heavens, no. I just like a light when I come home. It’s cheerful.”

He shook his head. “It’s like the one at the Hansons’ lumber yard at night. Well, I’d say tonight was a success.”

“Definitely. Next I think we should hit the country clubs in Downly and in Dallas. I’ll get dressed up so I look more like the ladies you normally take out.”

He laughed. “I don’t think old Justin stands a chance.” After parking his pickup, Gabe stepped out to open her door.

She waited, hoping someone she knew would drive by and see them. Getting out of the pickup, she looked around. “I don’t see anyone. My neighbors aren’t the curious type and no one’s ever on this street. Nonetheless, just in case someone is watching, I’ll hang on to you, and you can put your arm around me,” she said as he slipped his arm around her waist.

“This is a unique experience,” he said with laughter in his voice. “Even my first date didn’t tell me what to do and that was fifth grade.”

Meg shook his arm playfully. “I’m not telling you what to do—at least not the entire evening,” she added as they climbed the porch steps and turned to face each other. “Thank you, thank you. I am indebted to you and tonight was a roaring success,” she said, smiling up at him as his hands rested on her waist.

“Meg, this night is not over yet,” he drawled in a deep voice. He glanced around. “I feel like I’m onstage right now, under a spotlight.” He looked up at her porch light. “I take it Justin doesn’t mind the light.”

“There is absolutely no reason for him to. Besides, we haven’t gone out together in Downly.”

“Are you going to let me kiss you?” Gabe asked, his blue eyes twinkling. “I don’t think I’ve asked that question since my first date, either.”

Knowing he was enjoying himself by teasing her, she smiled. “Yes, I will, but I’m not going to bed with you.”

“Now you’ve flung another challenge at me that I’m going to have to deal with,” he said, flirting with her.

Still smiling at him, she shook her head. “That was no challenge. It’s an established, guaranteed fact.”

“Oh, Meg, sweetie,” he drawled, taking her hand and stroking it lightly while his eyes still sparkled, “you’ve done it now. I can’t wait for our next date. My reputation with the ladies may be on the line here.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. If you slept with me, no one would ever know it except the two of us. I know you don’t talk about your affairs of the heart,” she said, trying to keep from laughing and also aware that his light caresses were stirring surprising sizzles. How could Gabe cause any sizzles? He had always been like a brother. She gazed more intently at him, thinking that brother image was being melted away by every stroke on her hand.

“Now, how can you possibly know about my love life?” he asked.

“Word gets around about you.”

“Well, what do you know—you’ve been discussing me with others.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I may not be the one bringing up your name, you know.”

He laughed. “I better back off right now. I know you well enough to know when my teasing is getting to you.”

“You don’t know zip about the grown-up me. We haven’t spent much time together since I was a teenager.”

He didn’t respond to that remark. Instead, he was focused on something else. “Let’s go back to my question.”

She knew the one he meant. Are you going to let me kiss you.

He tilted her chin up. “We’re in a spotlight. Just in case anyone observes, let’s make this look like the real thing.”

“No one in this neighborhood will observe us,” she said, amused, curious about kissing him.

Gabe slipped his arm around her waist. “You know, Meg, we’ve never kissed,” he said, looking into her eyes.

She gazed back into vivid blue eyes that seemed to turn her insides to jelly. Gabe really was a good-looking man. When his gaze shifted to her mouth, to her amazement flutters tickled her insides.

He leaned closer, slowly, and her heart beat faster. When his mouth brushed hers, heat engulfed her. She closed her eyes, winding her arm around his neck. His arms tightened around her, drawing her against his hard length as his mouth covered hers and his tongue stroked hers.

She felt in free fall, her insides clenching while her heart pounded. She forgot everything except his kiss, his arms holding her tightly and their bodies pressed together. Tingles raced through her and she moaned softly with pleasure, sinking into a kiss that set her ablaze. Sliding her hand across his shoulders, she trailed her fingers over his nape and into his thick hair.

She had no idea how long they kissed. She only knew she didn’t want to stop. When he finally raised his head, he gazed silently into her eyes and she felt as if she were seeing him for the first time in her life.

“Wow,” she whispered. “Now I know why the ladies like you,” she said, trying to keep the moment light though she was stunned how his kiss had ignited such desire in her. She stepped back and from the look of him, he was as surprised as she felt.

“Thank you, Gabe, for tonight,” she said, or hoped she said. Her thoughts were still on his kiss and she fought an urge to walk back into his arms and kiss him again. “I had a wonderful time and we were seen by so many people.” She felt as if she was babbling, but she couldn’t think straight. Gabe’s kiss had scrambled her thoughts and she was trying to return to the world as it had been before he held her tightly and kissed her.

“I think this fake engagement is going to be easier to do than I first thought it would,” he remarked drily, still looking intently at her. “You and I wasted our time playing with marbles.”

“Not really. Our friendship was important. Tonight was perfect and a million thank-yous for agreeing to the engagement.”

“I’m beginning to look forward to it. I’ll call you. I’ll try to plan something where you’ll be seen by another segment of people you might know.”

“That would be excellent. I’ll get a fancy dress for the occasion. I’ll even wear makeup.”

He grinned and touched the tip of her nose. “I like you the way you are. You know, now I’m glad you called me for help, and believe me, I’m willing to help you.”

“Thanks. Calm down a little, Gabe.”

“After our kiss? I don’t think so, darlin’. Want to try again and see if we get the same result?”

She leaned closer and squinted her eyes to look at him as she poked his chest with her forefinger. “We’re not going to fall in love.”

The twinkle was back in his blue eyes. “You don’t think?”

“I know. You can’t get serious and I definitely will not get serious with you.”

“That doesn’t mean we have to avoid kissing, does it?”

“I know you’re laughing at me again. No, it doesn’t mean we won’t kiss. Maybe all the ladies you kiss fall in love with you, but I won’t, so yes, we can kiss.”

“I’m so glad to get your permission,” he said, his voice filled with so much laughter she had to smile. “You’ve given me another challenge, Meg.”

“Oh, no. Once again, that’s a fact. I’m not going to fall in love with you and you won’t with me. We’re definite opposites. Good night, Gabe. Thank you, and it was fun.”

“Oh, darlin’, was it ever fun,” he said, suddenly sounding sincere.

She turned to unlock her door. “I don’t think I’ll invite you in tonight. We’ll save that for next time, when I’ll show you my house.”

“Sure, Meg. I’ll call you,” he repeated as he headed toward the steps.

As he drove away, she closed and locked the door and leaned against it, lost in memories of his kiss. How could his kiss have been so sexy? Her lips still tingled and she wished she could have gone on kissing him. Had she gotten herself into a predicament with this fake engagement?

It had never occurred to her she would have the slightest sexual response to Gabe. She had never even thought about kissing him. She had known him all her life without that happening and she hadn’t given it a thought.

Till now.

Tonight he had turned her world upside down. And she no longer saw him the way she had before. Would she ever in her life see him again without that hot, tingling response she felt?

Gabe would be aiming for seduction. As he said, he liked a challenge. He also liked the ladies and parties...and a daredevil lifestyle that took her breath away, because it was the same as her brother Hank’s lifestyle had been, and that wild living had gotten him killed.

Surely she wouldn’t succumb to Gabe; she wouldn’t go to bed with him. She had known him all her life and would never run the risk. One hot kiss wouldn’t make a difference.

Except his kiss was different from all other kisses she had ever experienced. Not that there had been lots of different guys, but she suspected if there had been, Gabe’s kiss still would have melted her. “Mercy me,” she groaned. The man was sinfully sexy, and she suspected she’d never view him the way she once had again.

What was she saying? She could not be attracted to Gabe. Absolutely not! Kisses were one thing. Falling into bed with him was another.

She moved through her house, switching off lights and going to her room. She just needed some sleep. But when she crawled into bed, sleep was the last thing on her mind. She lay there, gazing into the darkness, her lips still tingling and memories burning their way into her thoughts. She may not want to admit it, but she still wanted to kiss him again.

She sat up in bed. “I’m not going to fall into bed with you,” she whispered in the darkness. That wild, woman-chasing cowboy would be nothing but heartbreak. It was just one month. One month wasn’t a long time. Surely she could resist him for that long. It could be a lot of kisses though, because it wasn’t going to be just weekend dates. She planned to stay at his house with him. She’d simply have to guard her heart and keep kisses to a minimum.

Did she have the willpower for that? She suspected it was going to be difficult to resist him. He wouldn’t have trouble resisting her, so maybe there was nothing to worry about. She just had to take care, remember who he was and how he felt about a serious relationship, and that wild lifestyle he had. He raised rodeo bulls for a living—big, mean, thousand-pound animals. He liked to compete in bull riding. He flew his own plane. He had a motorcycle and a sports car. And he loved the ladies and parties. There wasn’t a serious bone in his body.

She had to make each date move things along to convince her family and Justin that she and Gabe were serious. The minute Justin was out of her life, she would thank Gabe and send the sexy hunk on his way.

When had Gabe changed to a “sexy hunk” from the friendly kid she grew up knowing? She hadn’t been around him in the past few years because they moved in different circles after school. She knew a lot of local ladies loved going out with him. She paid little attention when one of her friends talked about wanting to date him. Such conversations left her slightly amused at most. But his kiss wasn’t amusing. It was sexy enough to wrap around her heart and carry it away.

She punched her pillow behind her, feeling suddenly uncomfortable. “You may be my knight to the rescue, Gabe Callahan, but you’re going to be trouble,” she said in the dark, empty room. Moonlight spilled in the window. All she could see was Gabe’s blue eyes and his cocky smile. “About six feet, three inches of sexy male and you’ve already rocked my life. We’ll kiss, but I will not go to bed with you. I mean that,” she whispered, and sighed. She knew she’d better stick to that conviction if she wanted to get through this pretend engagement with her heart intact.

She sighed again, getting up and opening a bottom drawer to rummage through sweaters. She pulled out a raggedy brown bear and shook it. Gabe had given it to her on her ninth birthday. “Why didn’t he stay the way he was when he gave you to me?” she asked the bear. “A nice kid I had fun with instead of this sexy man who makes me want to keep kissing him all night.”

She hugged the bear that she had loved ever since receiving it, even taking it to college with her.

She went back to bed and sat cross-legged, putting the bear in front of her. “I will get through this engagement and Gabe and I will have fun like we always have. I will not go to bed with him and when the month is over—or hopefully, sooner—I will thank him, give him a big present and we’ll go our separate ways. I am not going to fall in love with him like one of his women he’s had an affair with.” She poked the brown bear with her finger. “I promise and you’re my witness.”

She’d bet anything that Gabe hadn’t even thought about their date or their kiss or anything else about her. He was probably wishing this month would zip on past. Either that or peacefully sleeping.

She’d asked him to take her somewhere fancy next time and told him she would look more like the women he usually dated. Right now, she was a million miles from that look, but wonders could be achieved with the right makeup, a new hairstyle and some knockout clothes.

She told herself that if she changed her look, more people would notice her, would see her with Gabe and believe their engagement.

Who was she kidding? She knew the real reason for wanting to change.

She was already annoyed with him for treating her as if she were a kid while she was having to fight an attraction to him. She’d make him see her as the grown woman she’d become.

After all, wouldn’t it serve him right if he had a little fight of his own to deal with?

Three

Late Saturday night after he was home, Gabe sent a brief text asking Meg to go to a dinner dance at the Downly Country Club in honor of its renovation. She sent a return text immediately, accepting his invitation.

He thought about their deal—a month-long fake engagement. Her request had surprised him. But it was her kiss that had stunned him, and from the wide-eyed look he had received, she had been as shocked as he had. He had never expected kissing Meg to be anything except sweet and he had been amused when he’d teased her about it beforehand. He’d expected his request to throw her into a quandary, that they’d have a sweet kiss and that would be all there was to it. He had never envisioned what had actually happened. Maybe he should have guessed because he’d had a sexual reaction to her at the ranch, but he’d never dreamed kissing her would be akin to a nuclear meltdown.

Her searing kiss had shifted their relationship forever. He would never again view her the same way he had before. With that kiss he wanted her in his bed.

His common sense rejected that possibility completely. She was still Meg, still his best friend, still Hank’s big sister. She was earnest, sweet, trustworthy, intelligent, and if she had a real relationship he was sure she would be into commitment and marriage. He suspected that had never really happened. They had lost touch through her college years and he didn’t know if she’d had boyfriends, but he would bet the ranch there was no guy in her bed on a regular basis at any point in time.

Meg was the type to equate love, kisses and bed with vows, marriage and home.

Regardless, the woman had caused him a sleepless night. She had him all wound up and wanting to hold and kiss her. That reaction still stunned him. He’d never thought about kissing her and never for one second expected any kind of positive reaction on his part. Now Meg’s steamy kiss was something he had to deal with in the coming month.

Just remembering her kiss could put him in a sweat. He wanted to pick up the phone and ask her out tomorrow night and seduce her. But that would make him a sneaking, dirty rat who could no longer be called her best friend, and he would feel like the jerk of the year if he didn’t propose to her. Neither outcome looked good.

He hadn’t imagined what he’d felt and it wasn’t because he hadn’t been out with a woman in a long time. And it wasn’t faulty memory. As impossible as it seemed, Meg was hot and sexy.

He had thought, as sweet as Meg was, this fake engagement might get tedious before a month was over. Now his worries had swung the other way. Now this fake engagement might be too tempting to resist seduction.

He didn’t like Justin and was happy to see that she wanted to break off seeing him. But now he could understand why Justin was all for this marriage of convenience.

Gabe groaned. “Damn, how will I get through a month with her?”

He thought he would plan to be out of town on business a lot of the time. A month wasn’t long. At least it wasn’t long until he thought it would mean thirty nights when he might be with her, kissing her, having to resist temptation. He put his head in his hands.

When he told her he would go along with the fake engagement, he hadn’t given a thought to kissing her. Now he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Saturday night he needed to keep a clear head and not do anything he would regret later. He had to keep one thought paramount in his mind: Meg was the marrying kind, and if he ever took her into his bed, he’d have to marry her for real.

And that was the one thing that could never happen.

* * *

After a restless night, the last thing Meg needed was a day with her family. But the next day, after joining her family at church, she took a homemade peach cobbler to her parents’ house for Sunday dinner.

As they sat around the dining room table, eating slices of tender roast beef and mashed potatoes with brown gravy, the topic she was loath to hear came up.

“I saw Justin’s mother last night and she said he was out of town. If we’d known, you could have gone to dinner with us last night,” her mother said.

“Thanks. I ran into an old friend and we went out last night,” she said, glancing around the table. Her dad didn’t react; he was concentrating on his meal, the gray in his light brown hair shining in the dining room chandelier. He still wore his best brown suit and tie from church. Carlotta Aldridge, her paternal grandmother, sat on his right. Carlotta’s short, straight brown-and-gray hair hung just below her ears. She was the grandmother who had spent hours reading to Meg when she had been small. Carlotta wore her favorite color, a frilly pink dress. Next to her was Meg’s paternal grandfather, Mason Aldridge, whose thick gray hair was slightly curly above his long, thin face. He had been a rancher all his life and it showed in his weathered brown skin and rough, callused hands. He had taught Meg to ride a horse and take care of her pets.

Seated beside Meg was her maternal grandmother, Lurline Wills, whose round, jolly face had bright blue eyes and a perpetual smile. Meg and her brothers called her Lolo. Meg’s maternal grandfather was Harry Wills, another oil and gas man who had worked with her dad most of her life and was as angry and bitter as her dad toward Dirkson Callahan. They were all talking, set to enjoy another delicious Sunday feast, and she was going to end their peaceful Sunday gathering.

“Who’s the old friend?” her mother asked, passing hot rolls around the table. “Here’s honey. Also raspberry jam,” she said, passing small dishes.

“Gabe Callahan and I went out. It was fun to see him again,” Meg said, taking a roll and aware all conversation had stopped and the room had gone silent.

“Oh, dear. Megan, we don’t speak to the Callahans,” Grandma Lurline said, frowning and pushing her glasses up on her nose to stare at Meg. “We haven’t spoken to any of those dreadful Callahans for years.”

Meg glanced around the table and smiled while everyone else frowned. Both sets of grandparents sat scowling at her. “Gabe and I have always been friends. We had a very good time,” Meg said cheerfully. “And we do speak to each other. As a matter of fact, we’re going out again next weekend.”

Her mother dropped her fork. “Oh, no. Megan, you can’t do that.”

“Of course I can,” Meg replied. “I’ve got a date with him.”

“What about Justin?” her dad asked, his face getting red.

She took a deep breath. “I’m not dating Justin. I’m sorry if spending a little time with Gabe upsets all of you, but I have my friends and Gabe isn’t responsible for what his father did or does. Dirkson Callahan hurt his sons, so don’t blame Gabe for his dad’s actions. And as for Justin—I’ve said all along, I am not interested in Justin and he isn’t interested in me. We’re not getting engaged or married. We’re finished.”

“Justin and his family think you’re serious,” her mother said. “Justin has said you are both talking about marriage and making plans. That’s what Francis told me.”

“That isn’t my view because we’re not making plans.” She picked up her fork and speared a slice of meat. “Mom, you, Grana and Lolo have worked hard fixing a wonderful Sunday dinner. Let’s enjoy this delicious roast.”

For an instant, all of them stared at her in silence and then her mother smiled. “You’re right. We can talk about it later. We did work too hard on this to let it get cold and go uneaten,” she said, smiling at the others. The grandmothers nodded as her mother picked up two bowls to pass around the table. “Here are fresh squash and sliced tomatoes from Dad’s garden.”

Conversation picked up again and Meg relaxed, talking about the dinner and the garden, and avoiding any mention of Gabe or Justin.

It was late afternoon when she got in her car to go home and her mother came rushing out the back door.

“I wanted to talk to you before you go,” she said after Meg rolled down her window. “I hope you rethink seeing Gabe Callahan. You know our families don’t get along.”

“Gabe and I had a good time. We’ve been friends forever,” she said. “I’m going out with him next weekend.” Difficult as it was, she faced her mother, realizing the woman had more gray hairs streaked in among the brown hair around her face. Meg felt a pang because she was going to worry her family, but she had to worry them or end up married to a man she didn’t love.

“You know what kind of man Gabe Callahan is,” her mother said. “Besides being Dirkson Callahan’s son, he’s got a reputation for being wild and taking risks. He was a terrible influence on Hank. Your father is so unhappy to hear you’re going out with him.”

Meg smiled at her mother. “I love you and I love my family with all my heart, but I have to live my life. I had a good time with Gabe and I want to see him again. Sorry, Mom, if no one in my family is happy with me, but I can’t date someone to please my family.”

She patted her mother on her arm. “I’m not marrying Gabe next weekend. I’m just going out with him. And he moves in the same social circle Justin does. Now stop worrying. It’s just an evening with a friend.” She gave her mother a smile. “I better head home because I have a busy week ahead. Thanks again. Dinner was wonderful.”

Her mother stood waving as she drove away. Meg sighed with relief because she felt another hurdle was over. Her family knew she was going out with Gabe.

* * *

Monday afternoon she received a text from Justin saying he wouldn’t be in until late Thursday night and asking her to dinner Friday. She declined, telling him she had a benefit to attend with one of her friends. Instead, she made plans to meet him at the café for a quick bite Thursday night. Suspecting he had heard about Gabe, she wanted to make their breakup official then. She was anxious to break the news to him about Gabe and she didn’t want to spend an entire evening with Justin to do so.

She hadn’t heard a word from Gabe, but she hadn’t expected to. This was a favor he was doing for her and there wouldn’t be any reason for him to call to talk. She smiled at the thought. He probably wouldn’t give a thought to her or his agreement until the end of the week.

Tuesday night Meg sat in her Dallas house and planned Saturday night at the formal country club where she and Gabe would be seen by Justin, his family and her family. She hoped Justin would be there with someone else. He hadn’t gotten around to asking her and she was certain he expected her to attend with him. That was, he would until she broke the news to him Thursday night. Meanwhile, she still needed to get a dress for Saturday night, and her makeover.

She smiled in anticipation. Soon she would be free of her family’s meddling, thanks to Gabe. Now, if she could just resist his kisses, all would be well. No wonder half the eligible women in the county liked to go out with him.

Thursday afternoon after work when she drove home, she was surprised to see Gabe’s black pickup in her driveway. Curious, she parked in her garage, took a glance at herself in the rearview mirror before she got out and smoothed her plaid cotton blouse and faded jeans. She wore scuffed brown boots and she had a navy band holding her hair back from her face—everything about her as plain as ever, she thought. She walked out to find him waiting near the gate that led to the back door. As she looked at him, her pulse jumped. In his black Stetson, jeans, black boots and a Western-style blue cotton shirt, he looked every inch the rancher he was. He also was handsome enough to be a celebrity. Slight dark stubble shaded his jaw, giving him a rugged touch that added to his appeal. How could she have gone all those years without noticing how handsome he was? He took her breath away now just standing still and doing nothing. And the closer she got, the better she could see the fantastic, thickly lashed blue eyes that made her heart beat faster.

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