“You’re a doctor,” she added for clarification, then flushed.

Perhaps her father had been onto something with all his “think first” admonishments.

“Not for tonight,” Noah said smoothly, taking her arm and moving them in the direction of the back of the house. “Tonight let me be simply the man in the black mask, who you enjoy kissing.”

“I do not, ah, did not—”

One look from those brilliant blue eyes stopped the protest. She couldn’t deny the explosive chemistry between them any more than she could control the shivers his touch elicited.

“Are you suggesting we pretend to be people we’re not for the evening?” Though she found the thought intriguing, Josie knew she must have misunderstood. There was no way this straitlaced, serious doctor would suggest something so daring.

An emotion she couldn’t quite decipher flickered in the depths of those amazing blue eyes. “Interested?”

* * *

Rx for Love: Just following doctor’s orders …

The Doctor’s Valentine Dare

Cindy Kirk

www.millsandboon.co.uk

From the time she was a little girl, CINDY KIRK thought everyone made up different endings to books, movies and television shows. Instead of counting sheep at night, she made up stories. She’s now had over forty novels published. She enjoys writing emotionally satisfying stories with a little faith and humour tossed in. She encourages readers to connect with her on Facebook and Twitter, @cindykirkauthor, and via her website, www.cindykirk.com.

To my dear friend Anita Evans, who reads all my books and always has a kind word to say. Who knew when we began working together all those years ago that we would become lifelong friends? Thanks for all your support. It means so much to me.

Contents

Cover

Introduction

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“I don’t even know you.” Josie Campbell gazed up at the tall, broad-shouldered man in bewilderment. “Why would I agree to go out with you?”

“How else can you get to know me?” Noah Anson shot her a charming smile showing a mouthful of straight white teeth. With jet-black hair, a just-short-of-olive skin tone and bright blue eyes, the effect was mesmerizing. Toss in the cashmere topcoat, dark hand-tailored suit and red Hermès tie, and, well, it was quite a tempting package.

From his confident demeanor, Josie surmised the man’s past efforts to pick up women had met with great success.

Tempting for most women, Josie reminded herself. Not for her, because of several reasons, including the most obvious. “You’re a stranger.”

“I introduced myself.” Noah spoke with barely suppressed impatience. He gestured with his head toward the counter. “If you require a personal reference, Cole will vouch for me.”

Cole Lassiter, owner of the Hill of Beans coffee empire, stood behind the counter. At the moment, the successful entrepreneur was busy instructing one of his staff.

Josie didn’t need a reference. Once Noah introduced himself, she’d recognized the name. He was the neurosurgeon who’d joined her father’s medical practice last year.

Though she’d been back in Jackson Hole for over a month, this was the first time their paths had crossed.

Just recalling how he’d introduced himself made her smile. Doctor Noah Anson. He’d obviously added the doctor bit hoping to impress her. What he didn’t realize was he’d have had a better chance by leaving it off. In her experience, physicians didn’t make good boyfriends or relatives.

“Thank you for the dinner invitation.” She offered a perfunctory smile and tried to ignore her reaction to the testosterone wafting off him in waves. “But I’m not interested.”

Josie offered no further explanation. She’d learned years ago that having a valid reason often made no difference to a man convinced his way was the right way, the only way.

Noah’s eyes, as blue as the Wyoming sky, sharpened. She swore she could hear the gears in that analytical mind of his whirring.

Finally, he nodded. “Understood.”

Josie was surprised by the easy acquiescence. She’d gotten the distinct impression Noah was cut from the same bolt of cloth as her arrogant father and brothers. She’d expected him to redouble his efforts and turn on the charm. Or, at the very least, press for an explanation.

Feeling oddly disappointed, Josie turned toward the door. “Have a good day, Dr. Anson.”

Before she could take a step, the latte was lifted from her hand. “Not so quickly.”

Josie whirled and found herself staring into those vivid blue eyes. Eyes that now held a hint of amusement.

She suppressed a sigh and forced a stern expression. “Give me back my drink.”

Actually, it wasn’t her drink at all. She still held her own caramel macchiato. Noah had grabbed her employer’s nonfat latte.

“There’s an open table by the window. I’m not through making my case.” Without waiting for a response the doctor crossed the crowded shop with long purposeful strides, Pauline’s latte in hand.

Josie shot a frustrated glance in Cole Lassiter’s direction. The man who, up to now, she’d considered a friend, merely lifted his shoulders. He appeared to be hiding a smile.

There was no reason she couldn’t simply order another drink and stroll out the door without a backward glance. An option certainly, though a rather cowardly one. And, other than running away from her family all those years ago, Josie had never been a coward.

Heaving a resigned sigh, she followed Dr. Anson across the small dining area.

Though dressed for the wintery weather in a red plaid coat, jeans and clunky winter boots, she sat in the chair he pulled out with a fluid grace born of years of yoga. She placed her drink on the table, then began unbuttoning her coat. “You’re going to buy me another latte. And within the next five minutes or I’ll be late for work.”

Noah grinned. “Of course.”

Her gaze met his. Time seemed to stretch and extend. He really did have a nice smile. Too bad it was wasted on her. Knowing he was associated with her father made her tread carefully.

“Dr. Anson, I’m sure you’re a perfectly likeable man. But I’m not interested in dating anyone at this time.” Josie lifted the macchiato to her lips and a rebellious streak that had been the bane of her father’s existence had her adding, “If you’re interested in meeting someone new, may I suggest the produce aisle at the grocery store on the highway? Word is, that’s a prime place in Jackson Hole for singles to connect.”

Though the smile remained on his lips, his voice took on a clip of annoyance. “I don’t have to prowl the aisles of a food market to find a date.”

“Of course you don’t,” she said with a cheeky grin. “You prefer coffee shops.”

To her surprise he laughed, a pleasant rumbling sound. Yet, when she started to rise, he reached out and grabbed her hand.

In the second it took Josie to jerk her fingers back, heat shot up her arm.

“You said five minutes.” His sexy, deep voice held a hint of the East Coast...and a challenge. “More than enough time to change your mind.”

Intrigued despite herself, Josie chuckled. “Arrogant much?”

“Confident. There’s a difference.” Noah took a sip of the nonfat latte and grimaced. “I have a proposition for you.”

Those blue eyes focused on her again, sending a shiver through her body. If he wasn’t a doctor, wasn’t in practice with her father, wasn’t—

Josie shoved the wistful thoughts aside. Hadn’t she learned long ago that wishing things were different, wishing people were different, didn’t change reality?

“First you ask me for a date. Now you have a proposition.” She settled back in her seat and kept her tone light. “This just gets better and better.”

“And this—” Noah shoved the nonfat latte aside and motioned to Cole for some coffee “—just gets worse and worse.”

His disgust with the drink made her smile.

“It’s not a proposition in the way you think.” He spoke in a low tone, his gaze fixed on hers. “I’ll explain.”

Hoping she didn’t regret the decision, Josie pulled the phone from her pocket and checked the timer. “Four minutes left.”

His dark brows drew together in puzzlement.

“I can’t be late for work.”

“Tell Pauline you were with me.” Noah waved a dismissive hand. “She’ll understand.”

Now it was Josie’s turn to be confused. “You know my employer?”

“Pauline Bettinger is my grandmother.”

Two weeks ago, Josie had not only accepted a part-time position as the wealthy widow’s personal assistant, she’d taken a room in the woman’s gorgeous home. While Josie knew that Daffodil Prentiss, a local hairstylist, was related to Pauline, she couldn’t recall Noah’s name ever being mentioned. “Does that mean you and Daffy are related?”

“Daffodil is my sister.”

With long straight blond hair and an ethereal quality reminiscent of a flower child from the 1960s, Daffodil could not have been more different from her brother. The hairstylist had arrived in Jackson Hole during the years Josie had been away. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you with Daffy.”

Noah’s expression remained guarded, his blue eyes intense. “We’re estranged.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Josie’s sympathy was sincere. She knew all about dysfunctional family dynamics and the pain of estrangement. That was why she’d come home to heal her relationship with her father and oldest brother.

“I’m determined to bridge the gap between us.” Noah’s jaw lifted in a determined tilt. “To do that, I require your assistance.”

Something in Noah’s eyes told her, regardless of the reason for the rift, the wall that existed between him and his sister brought him great pain. Josie steeled her heart at the tug it produced. “I make it a point not to get involved in family matters.”

“All I’m asking is you vouch for me. I’m hoping if you plead my case that might make a difference.”

Josie didn’t bother to hide her confusion. “I don’t even know you.”

“Exactly.”

Before she could ask for clarification, a young high school girl brought his coffee. Noah slipped the girl a twenty and told her to keep the change. The teen’s wide smile and effusive thanks made Josie give Noah the benefit of the doubt. Generosity wasn’t something that could be learned.

Her heart softened, but not enough to reconsider. She began to rise. “Well, I need to—”

Noah put a restraining hand on her arm. “I still have two minutes.”

A quick glance at the phone’s screen confirmed that fact. Resigned, Josie sat back down.

“Five dates.” Noah paused for a sip of coffee before continuing. “That should be enough time for you to get to know me. That way, when you plead my case with Daffy, you’ll feel confident I only have her best interests at heart.”

Though Josie knew this man’s family problems were none of her concern, she liked Pauline and Daffodil. And she was sympathetic to anyone who wanted to mend broken family ties. After all, wasn’t that the reason she’d returned to Jackson Hole?

“Why don’t you have your grandmother put in a good word for you?” Josie had seen firsthand how close the two women were and knew Daffodil respected her grandmother’s opinion.

“Gram attempted to mediate but her efforts caused a slight rift between her and Daffy that’s only recently mended. I won’t put her in the middle again.” A muscle in his jaw jumped. “Daffy—well, let’s just say she needs Gram to be on her side.”

“Even if that means Pauline can’t be on yours?”

“Yes.”

Her heart flip-flopped as she realized she and Noah had something in common. He was as much an outsider looking in as she was in her family.

She brought the cup to her lips and took a thoughtful sip. “I’d be willing to mention to Daffodil that I ran into you and you seemed nice.”

He shook his head.

“I promise to leave off the part about you stealing Pauline’s drink.” A smile tugged at her lips as she strove to lighten the mood.

His expression remained somber. “Daf would say you don’t know me. She’d be right. At this point, you and I are strangers.”

The misery in his eyes pulled at Josie. She had to resist the urge to reach over and give his hand a squeeze. “I hope you and Daffy resolve your differences, I truly do.”

“But you won’t help me.” His voice turned as flat as his eyes.

Though she told herself he didn’t deserve an explanation for her refusal, she felt as if she owed him something.

“It’s just I have enough family issues of my own.” Josie’s voice grew thick and she cleared her throat. “I simply can’t get in the middle of yours.”

* * *

Josie thought of Noah often over the next few days. She couldn’t stop thinking how he’d looked at her as if she was the only woman in the world.

She’d spoken with Pauline about the encounter with her grandson and his unusual request. A sadness had filled the older woman’s eyes as she’d confirmed the estrangement between her two grandchildren.

Pauline had surprised her by adding, “In her own way, Daffodil is as mule-headed as her brother.”

When Josie informed her employer she turned down Noah’s odd request, Pauline had nodded and said that was her choice. Josie was left with the uneasy feeling her employer wished she’d agreed.

They hadn’t spoken of the matter since that day. Pauline kept Josie busy with errands, correspondence and dress fittings. A prominent member of the hospital board, Pauline had been invited to attend a New Year’s Eve masquerade ball thrown by Dr. Travis Fisher and his wife, Mary Karen, and was eager to look her best.

The couple’s parties were well known. According to Pauline, the Fishers normally preferred casual events but this year they’d decided to go formal. Pauline insisted Josie attend as her plus one.

Josie felt a stir of excitement as the home in the mountains overlooking Jackson came into view. The large two-story house was lit up as bright as the sky on the Fourth of July. Silver glittery lanterns lined the walkway. The home’s front door had been festively decorated with black-and-white tulle and two silver masks.

Though limited parking required most attendees to park a good distance away on the side of the mountain road, Travis had hired several town cars to ferry the elegantly dressed partygoers from their vehicles to the front door.

As the sleek black vehicle approached the house, Josie saw men in tuxedoes and women in cocktail-length dresses and long gowns, all wearing masks, streaming through the front doors.

Seated next to her in the toasty warm town car, Pauline cast an admiring glance at the royal blue cocktail-length satin dress visible beneath Josie’s fur coat. “I know I said it before, but you look very lovely this evening, my dear. Your mask is...incredible.”

Her father, Dr. John Campbell, had given in to Josie’s pleas and bought her the mask on a family vacation in Venice. The trip had been a halcyon time before his—and her brothers’—expectations of her had become too much to bear.

Josie raised her fingers and touched the papier-mâché edge. Multicolored in vivid shades with a gold leaf finish, the mask was anchored to her face with ribbons the same color as her dress.

Pauline’s own mask was equally stunning. It had a silver leaf finish and was decorated with crackle glaze, macramé and Swarovski crystals. Her employer looked positively regal in a charcoal-colored gown that was the perfect foil for her silver hair pulled up in a stylish chignon.

“We’re going to be the prettiest girls there,” Josie declared and made Pauline laugh.

The two women entered the house arm-in-arm. After being greeted by their hostess, Pauline startled Josie by announcing she would meet her back in the foyer at twelve-thirty. According to her employer, mingling on their own would ensure they’d have much to talk about on their way home.

It seemed odd to Josie that the woman had asked her to come as her plus one, only to separate the instant they entered the home. Thankfully, Josie was comfortable being on her own. She’d had plenty of experience. For the past seven years she’d had only herself to rely on.

With head held high, she made her way through the spacious home, confiscating a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and a canapé from another. She gazed in open admiration at the black, white and silver balloons caught up in a shimmery net overhead, waiting to be dropped at midnight.

The great room at the back of the house brimmed with beautiful people of all ages and shapes, each wearing the requisite mask. As Josie wove her way through the crowd, her confidence received a boost when she became aware of several admiring glances being cast her way.

It might sound vain, but she knew she looked her best this evening. Although Josie hadn’t been able to banish all the curl from her blond hair, tonight the strands hung in loose waves down her back. Not an out-of-control corkscrew in sight. Her strapless blue dress flattered her figure and fair complexion. Three-inch heels made her legs look longer than they were and brought her height up to five feet seven inches.

Despite knowing her eyes would remain hidden behind the mask for most of the evening, Josie had taken extra time with her makeup. Hoping to do justice to the green eyes that were said to be her best feature, she’d applied a smoky silvery sheen of shadow and several coats of mascara with a heavy hand.

A burst of laughter drew her gaze. Josie’s red-painted lips curved upward at the sight of several couples engaged in conversation with a sandy-haired man she recognized as their host, Travis Fisher. He’d been busy attaching something to a black and white feather chandelier—obviously brought in for the occasion—when she and Pauline arrived.

Instead of standing in a quiet corner and sipping champagne, the proper thing for Josie to do would be to walk over and introduce herself.

She blamed her hesitation on the fact that this New Year’s Eve gala was far different from the parties she attended in Portland. In those years away, Josie had discovered she preferred smaller, more intimate gatherings. In fact, it had become a tradition for her to usher in the New Year with friends, fondue and kirsch-wine cocktails.

Knowing the time had come to heal the rift in her family hadn’t made leaving her friends and the life she’d built in Oregon any easier.

Of course, nothing said she couldn’t return one day. Yet when her gaze had once again lingered on the majestic Tetons, she accepted that this rugged country was her home and she was here to stay.

The party tonight was an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. But first she had to assuage her curiosity. When she asked Mary Karen what her husband had been hanging on the chandelier, the pretty blonde simply smiled and encouraged her to check it out herself.

Josie stepped closer and narrowed her gaze. A sprig of dark green leaves and berries hung from a dark feather directly above her.

Was that, could that be, mistletoe?

“Gram said I’d find you here,” a familiar masculine voice pronounced. “I’m happy you reconsidered.”

Josie whirled.

Brilliant blue eyes behind a dark mask was all she saw before Noah’s mouth closed over hers.

Chapter Two

Josie hadn’t attained the age of twenty-nine without being kissed. In fact her first kiss had come at the tender age of fourteen by the fifteen-year-old neighbor boy. But never had she been kissed like this.

It started slowly, a gentle melding of lips. Noah’s mouth was warm and inviting. Before Josie realized what she was doing, she’d stepped into him, winding her arms around his neck.

The instant his tongue pressed for entry, she opened her mouth. Fireworks exploded and her blood turned to fire. Suddenly, close wasn’t close enough. She wanted, no, needed, more, needed to be under his skin.

As she pressed against his body, hers soft where his was rock-hard, she heard him mutter a curse. She’d just slid her fingers into his hair when he took a step back.

“Too many people.” His gravelly voice seemed to come from far away. “We’ve got to slow this down.”

Get yourself under control.

Though he didn’t speak the words, she’d heard them all her life.

Even as Josie’s heart continued to slam against her ribs, she managed a careless shrug, grateful for the mask concealing her heated cheeks.

“I’ve always enjoyed mistletoe.” She gave a carefree laugh. “Perhaps a little too much.”

The flicker in Noah’s eyes told Josie he’d caught her meaning. She was saying she’d have enjoyed any kiss under a sprig of berries and leaves.

As if to illustrate, Josie grabbed the hand of a man who was strolling past. Thick chestnut hair tumbled above a half mask of red and gold. When he inclined his head questioningly, she pointed upward.

Something about the quick flash of his grin was vaguely familiar. The stranger didn’t hesitate. He leaned close and placed his mouth against hers. Unlike her experience with the sharp-eyed doctor who stood watching, this lip-lock didn’t ignite even the tiniest of sparks. Of course, that could simply be because all the fireworks had been used up moments before.

Josie stepped back and offered the stranger a smile. “Have a nice evening. Happy New Year.”

“I’ll definitely be seeing you around.” Though his voice was slightly familiar, Josie didn’t care enough to try to place him. She’d made her point.

“You don’t have a clue who he is.” Noah’s voice sounded in her ear. Though he’d kept his distance while the kiss was in progress, he stepped forward the instant the other guy walked off.

Josie lifted one shoulder in a noncommittal shrug. “Does it matter?”

“He could have been your brother.” Noah took her arm and steered her out of range of the mistletoe.

Josie stiffened, then chided herself for being so gullible. “Benedict is a good three inches taller.”

“You weren’t thinking about that when you jumped the guy,” Noah pointed out.

“I didn’t jump—” she began, then stopped when she saw the twinkle in the neurosurgeon’s eyes. “Har. Har.”

“I’d have laughed if it had been Benedict.” Noah adroitly snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. “Even better...your father.”

Josie’s gagging noise made him chuckle.

She took a sip of champagne and gazed at him through lowered lashes. With broad shoulders, long legs and a lean athletic build, the man was made for black tie. The shiny dark strands of his hair, cut a bit too short for her taste, glistened like burnished walnut in the light of the chandelier.

The fingers wrapped around his own glass of champagne were long and elegant, much like an artist’s. Then again, she supposed Noah was an artist of sorts. Instead of a garret, his studio was a brilliantly lit operating room and his brush, a scalpel.

The reminder that she’d kissed a doctor with such unrestrained passion had her wrinkling her nose.

“Is something wrong with your champagne?” He glanced around as if searching for a waiter.

“It’s not the drink, it’s you,” she blurted then waited for the disapproving look.

Instead, Noah contemplated her as if she was a puzzle he was having difficulty solving.

“You’re a doctor,” she added for clarification, then flushed. Perhaps her father had been on to something with all his “think first” admonishments.

“Not for tonight,” he said smoothly, taking her arm and moving them in the direction of the back of the house. “Tonight let me be simply the man in the black mask, who you enjoy kissing.”

“I do not, ah, did not—”

One look from those brilliant blue eyes stopped the protest. She couldn’t deny the explosive chemistry between them, any more than she could control the shivers his touch elicited.

“Are you suggesting we pretend to be someone we’re not for the evening?” Though she found the thought intriguing, Josie knew she must have misunderstood. There was no way this straitlaced, serious doctor would suggest something so daring.

An emotion she couldn’t quite decipher flickered in the depths of those amazing blue eyes. “Interested?”

Josie sipped her champagne and tried to figure out what was really going on here...

“Are you here with someone?” His tone turned brusque. “Is that the reason you’re hesitating?”

“Actually.” Josie placed a finger against lips that still tingled from his kiss. “I’m trying to decide who—or what—I want to pretend to be.”

The fingers wrapped around her arm relaxed. He lifted the champagne flute with his other hand and took a sip. “You have any thoughts?”

“Let’s play pirates,” she suggested with a cheeky smile.

He choked on his champagne.

She merely smiled and waited for him to quit sputtering.

“Are you serious?”

“Totally.”

He rubbed his chin. While he pondered the suggestion—likely creating a pro-con spreadsheet in his head—she glanced around the room.

Josie assumed most of those in attendance knew the person behind each mask. It wasn’t that easy for her. She’d been away too long.

Until she’d run across Noah, she might as well have been playing blind man’s bluff. She still didn’t understand why her employer insisted they go solo. Unless...

Could her running into Noah have been part of a plan? Pauline had certainly made it clear she’d like it if Josie helped him. “Did your grandmother know you were coming tonight?”

His brows pulled together in puzzlement. “I don’t think so. Maybe. Why?”

“No reason.” She relaxed and waved a hand. “Back to the original question. Do you want to play pirates?”

“There are so many ways to answer your question. Are we talking pillaging and plundering or do you expect me to talk like a pirate? Say things like ahoy and matey?”

The look of horror on his face made her grin. “Yer correct.”

Okay, so maybe her own pirate accent was even worse than his, but Josie was already having fun.

Noah’s obvious reticence made the playacting even more enticing. The remainder of the evening suddenly took on a glossy sheen, like the pages of a magazine she couldn’t wait to devour.

Still, Noah resisted giving his agreement.

Shoving aside the thought that this man was just like her father and therefore someone to be given a wide berth, Josie extended her hand. “Don’t be an ol’ chumbucket, Cap’n. Put yer hand here and shake on the deal.”

* * *

Noah stared at the dainty hand with the pink nails. Just when he thought the evening couldn’t get any stranger, it did.

He took her hand. The feel of her skin against his put all sorts of thoughts in his head. Actually, the thoughts had been there since he’d first seen her tonight.

The vivid blue cocktail dress had drawn his gaze to her breasts and the legs that appeared to go on forever. Certain parts of his anatomy had immediately sprung to life.

When his lips joined hers under the mistletoe and she’d let out a breathy moan, he’d nearly lost it. Stepping back before he did something crazy like slinging her over his shoulder and going belowdecks to find a free bunk, had been the sanest thing he’d done all evening.

Why was he even considering going along with such a ridiculous suggestion? Pretending to be a pirate at a formal New Year’s Eve masquerade ball fell into the realm of a Saturday Night Live skit. “I’ve been thinking about your pirate suggestion.”

Her smile disappeared and wariness returned to her eyes.

The solid ground beneath his feet began to shift and crumble. Noah knew, just as surely as he knew that the body contained 100-160 ml of cerebral spinal fluid, that if he backed out now, she would walk away.

He shoved aside his reservation and his good sense. “Yer suggestion, it be a fine one.”

Noah wasn’t sure which one of them was more surprised by the sentiment. He liked games well enough as long as they had well-defined parameters and clear, concise rules. Rules and standard procedures gave life order. Noah concluded his agreement to Josie’s odd request illustrated that, contrary to what his family thought, he was very capable of being spontaneous. He could live on the edge. At least for one evening.

“I became a pirate because I love adventure,” Josie confided in a hushed whisper, as if imparting a great secret.

They reached the edge of the dance floor and he took her into his arms. They began to move in time to the music.

“There’s so much to see, to experience,” she continued in an earnest voice.

Maybe it was having her in his arms or the fact that they were wearing masks. Perhaps it was being surrounded by music and the enticing scent of flowers that made it remarkably easy to play along.

They spent several dances discussing various places, er, ports, they’d visited. She seemed surprised he knew so much about Portland.

“Edward Jamison, a friend from my fellowship days, grew up there.” Noah gave a nod of acknowledgment to a hospital trustee and his wife as he and Josie danced past them. “He’s now practicing in Chicago.”

“Great. Another doctor.”

Though her tone was light, he noticed how the mere mention of the practice of medicine had her stiffening. There was only one thing he could think to do to dispel the sudden tension.

He whirled about in an intricate spin until she was breathless.

“There’s a touch of pirate under that starched shirt.” She grinned in approval.

While Noah knew that wasn’t at all an accurate statement, he smiled and changed the subject.

“Your travels as a pirate have taken you far and near.” He spoke softly, making sure no one dancing nearby overheard him saying the word pirate. “I’m curious how you found your way back to Jackson Hole.”

Instead of tossing off some quick or clever response, she caught her lower lip between her teeth and appeared to carefully consider the question.

“Last year, a close friend—er, shipmate—was diagnosed with cancer. Not long after, I found a lump in my own breast.”

Fear, hot and swift, struck him. He controlled his emotions and forced a casual tone. “Was it—”

“Benign.”

With that one word, the knot that had formed in the pit of his stomach dissolved.

“My friend has a lot of stress in her life, some of it from unresolved family issues.”

The sadness in her eyes had him pulling her a little closer. He resisted—barely—the urge to remind her that cancer had many causes. As a doctor’s daughter and someone in the healing arts herself, that was something she doubtless knew already.

“Sasha’s diagnosis and then my own breast lump, well, it was a wake-up call,” Josie murmured, almost to herself.

He waited for almost a minute for her to continue before he prompted. “Because of your own family situation?”

“Yes.”

Behind the mask, her eyes were hooded.

“Is the pirate queen home to stay?” He kept his tone deliberately light.

“Perhaps.” The smile that lifted her lips didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Tell me, Cap’n, how did ye end up in this landlocked port?”

“Moving here gave me the opportunity to work with your father and, more importantly, my family was here.”

“You arrived what, about a year ago?”

He nodded.

“Do you plan to stay?”

It was a simple question. Undoubtedly she expected him to answer in the affirmative. Jackson Hole was a great place to live. Noah hesitated, thinking of the offer he had pending: the opportunity to go into partnership with his friend in Chicago.

Recently, he’d concluded if things remained at a standstill with Daffodil, it might be easier on both of them if he left town. But the decision to stay or go didn’t have to be made now. He had until March to give Edward his answer.

Although his friend was in a well-regarded practice in Northwestern, the group had recently voted to tie themselves to one of the large health systems. Edward wasn’t happy with the change. He wanted to go out on his own but needed a partner to share call. Noah was his first choice.

The deadline to accept or decline the offer was March 1. That was why Noah had decided to give reconciling with Daff one final, full-court press. If his efforts continued to be met with a brick wall, he could leave with the knowledge he’d done everything possible to bridge the gap between them.

“Noah?” Josie prompted. “It’s not a difficult question. Are you planning to stay?”

“Who knows what the future holds?” It was the type of ambiguous answer he detested, but an honest one.

Noah was spared from saying more when the man Josie had kissed earlier—psychologist Liam Gallagher—tapped him on the shoulder and cut in. Though it was a reprieve of sorts, as he left the dance floor, Noah realized he’d prefer to be subjected to Josie’s interrogation than turn her over to Liam.

“Looks like something is going on between you and my little sister.”

Noah didn’t bother to turn his head. The deep voice of Josie’s brother, Benedict, was as familiar as a member of his own family. Since Noah had arrived in Jackson Hole last year they’d worked closely on many cases requiring the talents of both a skilled neurosurgeon and Ben’s orthopedic surgery specialty.

When Noah had contemplated a move to the area, he’d been pleased to join a practice with surgeons of the caliber of Ben, Ben’s father and Dr. Mitzi McGregor, their associate.

Tension filled the lengthening silence, leading Noah to deduce the comment hadn’t been rhetorical. “Josie is a nice person.”

Ben’s gaze remained focused on his sister. “She’s a bit of a flake. I can’t see her being your type.”

The dismissive tone coupled with the sentiment shouldn’t have bothered Noah. Then why did he, a civilized man who’d never struck anyone in his life, feel like ramming his fist into Benedict’s face?

“That comment shows how little you know your sister.”

“You think you know her?” Ben gave a harsh-sounding laugh. “She disappeared right after her junior year in college. Sent this vague message that she had to find herself. It was almost a year before we heard from her again.”

Noah opened his mouth but Ben continued without giving him a chance to speak.

“We didn’t know whether she was dead or alive. My mother—” Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly “—well, the worry nearly broke her.”

The strain in his voice told Noah that Dori Campbell wasn’t the only family member who’d worried.

He couldn’t imagine what had possessed Josie to hurt her loved ones in such a way. He was certain her parents and brother only wanted the best for her. Just as he wanted the best for Daffodil.

If his sister had listened to reason, listened to him, she would have walked away from that loser Cruz Newton. She wouldn’t be divorced and paying off his debts.

“I can sympathize with your frustration. My sister never listened to me.” Noah clenched his jaw when Liam whispered something in Josie’s ear, making her laugh.

“Their lives would be so much better if they did.”

Noah nodded in agreement.

“You two look as if you’re plotting to take over the world.” Poppy Campbell slipped her arm through her husband’s.

“Not a bad idea. The world would be running smoothly if I was in charge.”

Ben’s comment made his wife laugh.

Dressed in a loose black sheath, Poppy was an attractive woman with sleek dark bob and green eyes. Her black-and-gold half mask suited her elegant style.

From the time Noah had joined the practice, Ben’s wife had been pleasant, if a bit distant. Ben had mentioned once that Poppy’s first husband had been a neurosurgeon and Noah had the impression he was paying for the other guy’s mistakes.

Poppy inclined her head. “Who’s the guy in the joker mask dancing with Josie?”

“Liam Gallagher,” Ben answered. “The poor sap can’t take his eyes off her.”

“She does look especially lovely this evening.” Poppy’s tone reflected affection for her sister-in-law. “Blue is a great color on her.”

Benedict simply shrugged.

The band launched into another slow number and Liam gave no indication of releasing his partner. That added to Noah’s mounting irritation, as well as the fact that the psychologist continued to hold the pirate queen a little too close for Noah’s liking.

“Excuse me.” Without waiting for a response, Noah strode to where Josie and Liam danced. He tapped the man on the shoulder. “I’m cutting in.”

The psychologist, who’d been smiling down at Josie, turned. His gaze shifted from Noah to Josie then back again. “Too bad. I’m not ready to give her up.”

“You don’t have a choice.” Noah lifted Liam’s hand from Josie’s shoulder and pulled her into his arms.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked in a throaty whisper as he whirled her far, far away from the astonished psychologist.

“Being a pirate.” Noah flashed a sardonic smile. “We see what we want and we take it.”

Chapter Three

As the minutes ticked down to midnight, Noah experienced a surge of regret. Spending time with Josie and playing their ridiculous pirate game had made the evening fly by.

The band finished the set and took a break, no doubt gearing up for the playing of “Auld Lang Syne” when the clock struck twelve.

“That is the strangest cake I can recall seeing.” Noah cocked his head and scrutinized the multilayered monstrosity that would soon be cut and served with champagne.

Jet-black layers alternated with pristine white ones and caught the eye first. A crooked clock on the front made one take a second glance. The glittery mirror ball made it difficult to look away.

“It’s so creative.” Josie’s tone was filled with awe. “I wonder who made it?”

“That would be me.”

Noah and Josie turned in unison.

A slender woman with wavy hair the color of burnished copper and eyes that appeared violet in the light held a glass of champagne. Like most in attendance, she still wore a mask. Edged in gold, the deep purple color matched her cocktail dress. Although flattering, the cut of the dress reminded Noah of something from an earlier generation.

The woman extended her hand to Josie. “I’m Sylvie Thorne. My business, The Mad Batter, is all about creating unique cake designs.”

They’d barely exchanged introductions when Josie’s gaze returned to the cake.

“I adore it,” Josie exclaimed. “It’s so unique. Do you do catering for smaller events?”

“Absolutely.” Sylvie took a sip of champagne. She appeared cool and collected but Noah saw the eager gleam in her eyes. “What do you need?”

“I have an event next week. I promised to bring the dessert. I need something that will serve thirty.” Something in Josie’s tone told Noah she wasn’t excited about the event. “I’d love to take one of your cakes.”

Noah held silent while Josie and Sylvie discussed details and made plans to connect on Monday.

Sylvie strode off after giving them both an impromptu hug.

A smile lifted Josie’s lips. “Sylvie and I are going to be good friends.”

“The two of you just met.”

“Sometimes you just know.” Josie gave a little laugh. “We have a lot in common. For example, we’re both new in town.”

“You grew up here,” he reminded her.

“That was a long time ago. The friends I used to have are married now. Some with kids. They have their own lives, different interests.” She lifted a shoulder in a light shrug. “You know how that is.”

He did understand. Almost everyone he associated with since moving to Jackson Hole was married or dating someone. At most gatherings he felt like a fifth wheel. He realized that was why tonight had been so enjoyable. It’d been nice having a fellow pirate at his side.

The thought made him smile. “Have you thought any more about my proposition?”

“You’re certainly persistent,” she said mildly.

“It’s a pirate thing.” He lifted his glass in a mock toast. “Whether searching for sunken treasure or convincing a beautiful woman to join forces with me, determination is key.”

“Well, Cap’n.” She looped her arm through his in a companionable gesture. “The answer is still no.”

Noah stiffened. “I don’t understand why—”

“Ten.” The crowd roared as the countdown to midnight began.

By the time shouts of “Happy New Year” rang out in the mountain home, he’d covered her mouth with his.

When her hands rose to rest on his shoulders, Noah realized he wasn’t going to give up. Eventually she’d agree to help him. For now, he could think of no better way to end one year and begin a new one than kissing a beautiful masked woman.

* * *

After the kiss ended, Josie had taken a shaky breath and willed her fingers to remain steady as she removed her mask. When she’d told Noah she needed to meet Pauline at half past midnight, he’d insisted they had time to share a piece of cake and a glass of champagne.

She hadn’t realized how erotic it could be to actually share a piece of cake with a man. When his lips closed over that bite of cake and those glittering blue eyes met hers, she’d imagined that mouth closing over her nip—

Josie shoved the memory aside and refocused on her conversation with Pauline. After arriving home they’d taken seats in the parlor, a warm, inviting room where flocked wall coverings and rugs of the same deep green hue were accentuated with burgundy furniture edged in walnut.

Outside, snow continued to fall. Inside, the room was cozy with a fire blazing in the hearth. Pretty floral bone china cups held Pauline’s favorite blend of tea, African Autumn. The cranberry-and-oranges flavor of the herbal rooibos made for a soothing drink, especially with the addition of a dollop of honey. Josie felt the last of her tension ease as she took another sip.

The conversation on the drive to Pauline’s home had been laden with amusing anecdotes about the people her employer had interacted with over the course of the evening. Not once had Noah’s name come up.

When Pauline asked for a report on her evening, Josie chose her words carefully. “It was difficult to recognize people, because of their masks.”

She went on to tell Pauline about Liam and Sylvie, about running into her brother and Poppy. But when Pauline gazed at Josie over the top of her teacup Josie knew the moratorium on Noah Anson had ended.

“You’ve mentioned everyone but my grandson.” Pauline’s gaze turned sharp and assessing in the golden light of the richly appointed parlor.

“I ran into Noah. He was helpful. He pointed out several women and men who I wouldn’t have recognized because of the masks.”

It was a simplistic explanation but Josie had no intention of explaining something she didn’t understand herself...why she’d shared two very hot kisses and most of the evening with a man who was not her type.

“Did he ask you to help him reconcile with Daffy?”

“What do you think?” Josie’s droll tone had Pauline chuckling.

“My grandson is nothing if not persistent.” Admiration ran through the older woman’s words like a pretty ribbon.

“The man is a bulldog.” Josie sipped her tea. “He hammered home the same points he’d made previously.”

“What did you tell him?”

“No.”

Pauline lifted a perfectly tweezed brow. “Just...no?”

“It’s best to be simple and direct.” Even as the words left her mouth, Josie had to swallow a smile.

Keeping it simple would have been maintaining a distance. And kissing, well, locking lips, would never be part of any keeping-a-distance equation.

“I respect your right to make that decision.” Pauline lowered her cup and pinned Josie with the blue eyes her grandson had inherited. “And to change it, if you later decide otherwise.”

Josie smiled, tempted to tell Pauline that a surgeon was not her cup of tea. Because this particular surgeon was her employer’s grandson, she simply lifted the cup to her lips, took a drink and changed the subject.

* * *

The last place Noah wanted to be on a snowy night in January was at Benedict Campbell’s home watching a football game that had already been played. Only the fact that he’d already turned down numerous invitations had pushed Noah to accept this one.

As he trudged up the front walk he mused on what had been a disappointing year so far, beginning with Josie turning down his proposition for the second time only minutes after the clock had struck twelve. He’d been surprised. Heck, he’d been stunned. When he’d kissed her at midnight and she’d kissed him back with enthusiasm, he’d been certain of success.

What more could he have done to secure her cooperation? Hadn’t he played the pirate game? Danced with her to romantic ballads? Eaten cake and drunk champagne?

Her refusal shouldn’t have shocked him. He’d learned how unpredictable the female species could be, beginning back in high school with Sia Norton.

Sia, a perky brunette with a quick mind and big breasts, had made him so crazy he couldn’t even concentrate on his studies. She’d also confused the heck out of him with actions more emotional than logical.

It was the same with Josie. Instead of accepting an offer that made perfect sense and would be mutually advantageous, she’d thanked him for a fun evening and strolled off, mask dangling from her fingertips, lips still swollen from his kisses.

Noah shoved the thought of those few seconds of unrestrained passion aside along with his irritation over his unreturned phone call and text. He told himself if reuniting with his sister wasn’t so important, he wouldn’t be giving the baffling woman a second thought.

It was a lie, of course. Josie Campbell was like an itch that needed to be scratched.

Playing pirates. The thought brought a smile to his face as he rang the bell of the two-story home in Jackson Hole’s affluent Spring Gulch subdivision.

Even before the door swung open, sounds of laughter and conversation spilled out onto the porch. Noah squared his shoulders. It had been a long, tiring day. The last thing he felt like doing was socializing. He told himself he’d stay for an hour, then make some excuse to leave.

Poppy greeted him at the door, relaxed and smiling in a pair of gray pants and a red sweater. Several glittery bracelets encircled one wrist. If Noah hadn’t known she was pregnant, he’d never have guessed.

The smile she flashed was as warm and bright as the gems on her arm. Based on her previous coolness, her friendliness surprised him.

“Noah, I’m happy you could make it.” She ushered him in and pulled the door shut, closing out the brisk north wind. “I was hoping for better weather. Then again, this is Wyoming in January.”

She gave a little laugh and took his coat.

Noah forced a polite, interested expression. “Ben said you’re hosting a book club this evening.”

Actually, the book club was one of the reasons Noah had agreed to come tonight. When Ben mentioned his wife and the other women would be busy discussing their latest read, Noah had known he’d be socializing with just guys. This was one evening where he wouldn’t feel like a fifth wheel. And then there was the gourmet feast Ben had promised.

“We’re discussing The 48 Laws of Power this evening. But we’re eating first.” The twinkle in Poppy’s eyes told him she was well aware of exactly how he’d been enticed to attend. “If there’s time at the end of the evening, I’m hoping to bring out the portable mic and do a little torch singing. Do you sing?”

Noah froze. “Ben didn’t mention anything about singing.”

Poppy stroked the cashmere of his coat now folded over her arm. “Didn’t he? I’ll have to speak with him. It’s always nice for guests to be prepared.”

The only place Noah ever sang was in the shower, or in church, when he attended. “What’s torch singing?”

“Romantic ballads.”

Noah’s shoulders tightened. “I don’t know any.”

“No worries. We have sheet music.” She turned toward the hall then paused to gesture in the direction of the back of the house. “The men are to the right, women to the left. Dinner is in fifteen.”

Though Noah was certainly no coward, if Poppy hadn’t been holding his coat hostage, he might have thought about making a break for it. One thing he knew for certain. If there was any torch singing tonight, it wouldn’t be him center stage.

Even if Poppy hadn’t told him which direction to go, the high-pitched laughter and feminine voices—seeming to all talk at once—would have alerted him to stay to the right.

Noah had expected Ben’s home to be as precise and put-together as the man himself. But instead of elegant pieces of expensive furniture there were overstuffed sofas and chairs exuding a warmth absent from Ben’s office at the clinic.

His associate’s office reminded Noah of a page out of Architectural Digest. The light gray walls held signed prints. The rosewood furniture was all about style rather than comfort.

Poppy’s influence, he mused, as he rounded a corner and came to an abrupt stop. “Josie?”

For a second she appeared equally startled. She was dressed more casually than Poppy. Blue jeans hugged her long legs while a thin sweater in hot pink clung to her enticing curves.

She lifted a brow. “Are you stalking me, Dr. Anson?”

Affronted by the ridiculous accusation, he stiffened. “Most certainly not.”

If her widening smile was any indication, his haughty tone amused her.

She rested a hand on his shirtsleeve and gazed up at him with those clear blue eyes. He felt the sizzle of her touch all the way through the broadcloth.

“In case you haven’t figured it out, I was teasing.” Humor underscored her matter-of-fact tone. “I didn’t expect to see you here, that’s all.”

Noah gestured with his head toward the roar of male voices disputing a referee call. “Ben invited me over to watch the game.”

“The college championship? A game that was already played?”

He smiled, sharing the sentiment imbued in her dry tone. “He assured me the food would be top-notch.”

“He’s right about that.” Josie rocked back on her heels, no longer seeming in such a hurry.

For the first time he noticed what she wore on her feet. “Are those pink cowboy boots?”

She grinned, lifted a leg and held it out for his inspection. “Don’t you love them? Sylvie and I went shopping yesterday. She helped me pick them out.”

“Sylvie?”

“The Mad Batter.”

For a second Noah wondered if she was speaking some strange foreign language. That thought was far superior to the fear that he’d stepped through some rabbit hole and had lost his ability to process information. “Pardon?”

“The woman who did the cake for Travis and MK’s New Year’s Eve party,” she reminded him.

Noah finally recalled the quirky brunette with the violet eyes. “The cake was strange-looking, but I admit I never tasted better. Is she here tonight?”

Josie shook her head. “She’s not, but she made another cake for tonight. It’s super cute.”

When Ben had said the food would be top-notch, Noah had assumed a meal would be served. Now he wasn’t so certain. “Is that what we’re having...cake?”

“Well, I could have it for the main course and enjoy every bite, but—” she continued at his pained look “—there are others who insist on something more nutritious.”

Noah raised his brows.

“Lexi Delacourt is in charge of the entrée. She’s a gourmet cook. Veal piccata is on the menu tonight.”

Noah was acquainted with the social worker and her husband. Although Nick Delacourt’s specialty was family law, he’d helped Noah’s grandmother with several contracts related to her business interests. Noah had been impressed by the man’s savvy and attention to detail.

“Do you like veal?”

The question seemed to come from far away. He couldn’t take his eyes off Josie. Pretty in pink and sexy as hell in those tight-fitting jeans.

Noah stepped closer, placing a hand on the wall on either side of her, crowding her. She smelled sweet, like lilies. The barest trace of pink gloss shimmered on her full lips.

She made no move to get away, simply stared up at him with those clear green eyes.

He wanted to taste her, to see if that mouth really was as sweet as he remembered. He lowered his head, relieved when she made no move to turn away.

“Josie,” Poppy called out. “Was everything okay with Jack?”

“He was fine.” Josie slipped out from under Noah’s arms just as Poppy strode around the corner.

John William, known as Jack to friends and family, was Ben and Poppy’s very active two-year-old.

Poppy’s speculative gaze took in the scene. She smiled at Noah. “Did you get lost?”

“I ran into Josie,” Noah explained with an easy smile. “She was telling me what’s on the menu for this evening.”

“It’s always incredible when Lexi does the entrée.” Poppy placed a hand on her stomach. “I only wish I could enjoy food the way I used to.”

“You will again.” Noah spoke in the reassuring tone he used with his patients, then excused himself and continued to the back of the house.

“You didn’t tell me he was coming.” Josie kept her tone low, even when she was certain Noah was out of earshot.

Dear God, she’d almost kissed him again. What was it about the man? Whenever he was near, her good sense seemed to go on hiatus.

If Poppy noticed the hint of accusation in Josie’s tone, she gave no indication. She merely lifted one shoulder in an elegant shrug. “We’ve invited him over on many occasions. This is the first time he actually showed up.”

“My lucky night.”

“Is having him here an issue?” Poppy’s expression took on a look of concern. “If it is, I can talk with Ben and—”

“No.” Because Josie had spoken more sharply than she’d intended, she softened the word with a smile. “It’s just, for some crazy reason, when Noah is around the part of my brain that’s capable of rational thought goes haywire.”

They quickly reached the edge of the kitchen, where the other women were congregated. When Josie started to step inside, Poppy took her arm. “Do you like him? I heard you kissed him at the party Saturday night.”

Josie hesitated. She settled for waving a dismissive hand in the air, and forcing a casual tone. “We shared a kiss at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Noah is a nice enough guy, but not my type.”

Poppy cocked her head. “Exactly what kind of man is your type?”

For a second her mind went completely blank. She could hardly diss Noah without also dissing her brother Ben. Josie thought of the men who’d been at the party the other night. No one stood out. Surely there had to be someone she could use to defuse Poppy’s scrutinizing gaze.

“Liam Gallagher,” she blurted out.

While the child psychologist hadn’t made her heart beat the slightest bit faster when they’d danced, he appeared to possess many of the characteristics she admired.

“Liam.” Poppy’s perfectly painted red lips curved upward. “Good to know.”

The gleam in her sister-in-law’s eyes had Josie wondering exactly what she was planning.

Whatever it was, it didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was she’d gotten Poppy off the ridiculous notion that there was something between her and Dr. Noah Anson.

Chapter Four

It didn’t take any time at all for Josie to realize she should have kept her mouth shut. About everything.

The evening’s downhill slide began when the men piled into the kitchen to fill their plates with food from the sumptuous buffet.

Josie had been chatting with Mary Karen, a perky blonde who barely looked old enough to drink much less be the mother of five, when Noah strode into the room.

For a second she wondered if he planned to stay true to form and seek her out, but as he walked past with her brother, she realized they were deep in discussion about some new surgical technique.

Their total focus on the topic reminded Josie of the types of discussion that had occurred most nights around her parents’ dining room table. Her three older brothers, all aspiring doctors, and her father would discuss medicine as if it was the most fascinating subject in the world.

Her mother, God love her, would feign interest. There was a time—back when Josie had been desperate for her father’s love and approval—when she’d also listened attentively.

Occasionally, she’d forget her audience and bring up something she’d learned in yoga class. Although her dad hadn’t rolled his eyes, usually one of her brothers would make a joke. They’d all laugh. Eventually she’d quit sharing.

A heaviness filled her chest at the memories, an unwelcome sensation she hadn’t felt in a long time. Was she crazy for coming back and trying to rebuild a relationship? Perhaps it would have been better if she’d stayed in Portland and returned home only for the occasional Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday.

Though she’d come home to Jackson Hole filled with determination and enthusiasm, she had to admit she still had no clue what made her father and brothers tick. If she couldn’t understand them, how was she ever going to form a connection?

While adding a spoonful of each salad to her plate, Josie listened to Mary Karen chatter about her oldest set of twins, then found a seat at the large oval table.

Cassidy Duggan, owner of the Clippety Do-Dah Salon—and Daffodil’s boss—stopped on her way back to her seat to ask Josie who’d designed the cake she’d brought that evening. Cassidy was absolutely convinced her twin daughters would adore a unique cake for their upcoming birthday.

After giving the hair salon owner Sylvie’s contact information, Josie lifted the glass of iced tea to her lips, feeling as out of place as she’d been at the New Year’s Eve party. Did everyone in this book club have kids?

She let her gaze search the room, mentally cataloging those in attendance, and realized, yes. Tonight, everyone in attendance were parents. Except...

From across the room, her gaze met Noah’s. He smiled.

Blood flowed through her veins like warm honey.

Josie told herself she didn’t want Noah to sit in the empty chair beside her. Of course, it was a free country and if he happened to choose that seat, she could hardly ignore him. In her mind she began to plan all the topics they’d discuss, none of which involved teething, dance classes or children’s birthday parties.

Noah was still filling his plate when Poppy placed a hand on the chair next to Josie’s and announced, “There’s a spot for you over here.”

Josie shifted her gaze to find Liam Gallagher headed in her direction. She amended her earlier assessment. Apparently there were three of them without children here, not two. When she slanted a glance at her sister-in-law, Poppy offered a benign smile.

“You can thank me later.” Her sister-in-law leaned over and whispered in her ear.

Liam pulled out a chair and smiled warmly. “May I sit next to you?”

“Absolutely.”

Josie discovered Liam was an interesting conversationalist, full of humorous stories about all the places he’d lived before returning to set up practice as a child psychologist in Jackson Hole.

She attempted to keep Liam talking, even while casting surreptitious glances in Noah’s direction, but the psychologist refused to monopolize the conversation. To her chagrin, he kept redirecting everything back to her. He listened intently to whatever she said, so intently she felt as if she was in a therapy session and should request a bill at the end of the evening.

When Cassidy passed by them on her way to get a piece of cake, Josie seized the opportunity to redirect the psychologist once again.

“I heard Tim and Cassidy started dating after a bachelor auction,” Josie commented, praying Liam would take the ball and run with it.

“It’s true.” Liam rested an arm against the back of her chair in a casual gesture that had Poppy smiling in approval as she refilled their glasses of iced tea. “Actually, Tim was filling in for me that evening. I had a bad allergic reaction and couldn’t participate. Cassidy was the high bidder. They fell in love, got married and had a baby boy. The rest is history.”

“It’s strange how life works,” Josie murmured, thinking of her own journey back to Jackson Hole.

This time her gaze settled on her brother. She watched as he slipped his arm around Poppy’s waist and took a heavy glass pitcher from her hands. Whatever he whispered in her ear made her smile.

Benedict seemed different—softer—when he was around his wife. Still, his brusque words when she’d returned told her he hadn’t changed, not really, not enough. Not nearly enough.

“People don’t change.” The words came out on a sigh.

“They can.”

Josie inhaled sharply and jerked her attention back to her right. Instead of Liam, Noah sat beside her, a piece of cake and a cup of coffee in front of him.

“You’re not Liam.”

“Very perceptive.” He forked off another bit of cake. “This is excellent. Try a bite.”

Before Josie was even aware what was happening, the fork that only moments before had been in his mouth, was in hers. Shades of New Year’s Eve. The taste of butter and almonds and sugar melded in a sweet explosion.

“It’s very good.” She handed the fork back to him. “Now tell me what happened to Liam. Did you bury him in the basement?”

“I believe he grew tired of being ignored and went in search of greener pastures.”

“I wasn’t—” Josie paused, flushed.

She hadn’t ignored the psychologist, she thought defensively. Still, she had let her mind wander. It was a bad habit. One she thought she’d successfully broken.

“I need to apologize.” She began to rise but Noah’s hand on her arm had her sitting back down.

“I was kidding.” Noah took another bite of cake. “Liam received a call from his answering service. A patient was in crisis and he had to leave.”

“He didn’t say a word.” Josie wasn’t sure if she felt indignation or relief.

“He probably didn’t want to disturb your reverie.”

She swatted his arm, but Noah only grinned. The boyish smile had her going warm all over. For the first time since she’d walked through the door, she let herself fully relax.

After all, she had no desire to try to impress Dr. Anson with her wit and charm. Absently, she took a bit of her own piece of cake. It wasn’t simply good, it was stellar.

A bell sounded, a gentle tinkling.

Beside her, Noah cocked his head. “What is that?”

“Five-minute warning for the men to leave the kitchen.”

Noah forked off another bite of cake, seeming in no hurry to leave with the other men. “The hospital is holding a post-Christmas event for their medical staff Saturday night.”

“My dad mentioned something about it.” Josie gazed at him speculatively. “I told him it appears the medical staff isn’t very important to the hospital.”

He frowned, much the way her father had done. “What makes you think that?”

“Think about it. They made no effort to fit the party in during the actual holiday season.”

“They were being accommodating. Everyone is busy over the holidays. Attendance will be higher in January when there aren’t as many demands.”

The last thing Josie wanted was to engage in a conversation about anything medical. Still, recalling the experience with Liam, Josie kept her focus on Noah. Though, she had to admit, her attention rarely wandered when she was with Noah. But she knew if she got too close, she’d get burned.

Yet the intoxicating scent of his cologne, the square cut of his jaw and those intense blue eyes called to her at a primal level. Even more disturbing was the realization that it only took one flash of his smile to have something low in her abdomen tightening.

This physical attraction was what made him so dangerous. It would be too easy to get wrapped up in physical desire and forget one basic fact; this man was cut from the same bolt of cloth as her brothers and father.

“—go with me.”

Josie turned toward Noah just as Poppy announced the men needed to leave the kitchen so the book club could begin their discussion.

“Anson,” Ben called out. “Unless you’re going to join the ladies, it’s time to clear out.”

“Give me a call this week.” Noah squeezed her arm and rose. “We’ll work out the details.”

After placing his coffee cup and plate in the sink, he joined the exodus of men, leaving Josie to ponder how he’d managed to slip away without her having a chance to tell him no.

Well, she’d darn well decline his offer later tonight. Before he stepped one foot outside of this house, she’d make it clear there was no way she was attending any function with him, especially one of the medical variety.

* * *

“It’s Thursday.” Sylvie sat across the table from Josie at the Hill of Beans coffee shop. “The event is Saturday.”

Josie grinned at the baker. “Thank you for orienting me to the date.”

As she predicted, she and Sylvie were well on their way to becoming friends. Her gut told Josie she could trust Sylvie to be discreet. It was good to have someone with whom she could share her feelings. As much as Josie liked and respected Pauline, the woman was Noah’s grandmother.

“I’m going to call him today.” Josie picked up her phone from the table, glanced at the time, then set it down. “The yoga class I’m teaching at the church starts in an hour. I’ll call him after that.”

Sylvie took a sip of her latte. “Why not now? Get it out of the way.”

“Ben mentioned he and Noah have a big surgery today. If I call now I’ll just get his voice mail.”

The baker’s gaze remained focused on Josie’s face. “I’d say that would make this a perfect time.”

“Calling when I know he’s busy is a coward’s way.” Josie lifted her chin. “Contrary to what my brother thinks, I’m not a coward.”

A group of teenage girls tumbled into the shop, laughing and talking loudly, distracting her from the troubling thought.

“You don’t seem like a cowardly person to me.” Two lines appeared between Sylvie’s brows. “Why would your brother say such a thing?”

“They stopped by my parents’ house last night—Ben, Poppy and Jack.” Josie had felt a surge of envy at the sight of the happy family. “They brought over the ultrasound of the baby.”

“That’s cool.” Sylvie hesitated. “Isn’t it?”

“Everyone is so excited. Even my dad. Poppy and he have this great relationship. It’s almost like she should have been his daughter.” Recalling the big hug her father had given Poppy, Josie had to swallow past a sudden lump in her throat.

“I still don’t get the coward comment,” Sylvie persisted.

“Have you ever run away from something?” Josie asked her. “Because deep down you knew if you stayed you’d end up being talked into doing something you’d regret?”

“Yes.” Sylvie’s face went stark white. “I have.”

“Well, that’s why I left college after my junior year and took off.” Josie began to shred the napkin between her fingers. “I knew if I stayed I’d end up going to medical school like everyone else in my family. Only instead of loving it like they had, I’d hate it. I had to leave.”

“When you leave unexpectedly—” Sylvie’s gaze shifted out the window where snow fell in large picturesque flakes “—no matter how good the reason, most people will consider you a coward. What those people don’t realize is that making a decision to leave takes a lot of strength. It’s often easier—safer—to take the path of least resistance.”

Josie considered what Sylvie said and felt some of the weight lift from her chest. Here, finally, was someone who understood. “I would have hated myself if I’d have stayed.”

“As would I.” The sadness in Sylvie’s eyes told Josie she didn’t have the market on suffering.

“What happened?” Josie rested a hand on Sylvie’s arm. “If you don’t mind my asking.”

“Much the same as what happened to you. I was a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. When I realized it wasn’t going to work, it was best for everyone I left.”

“You left your...family?”

“My fiancé.”

Something in the baker’s eyes told Josie not to push for more. “I’m sorry.”

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” Sylvie lifted her chin, her violet eyes shimmering with determination. “But, like you, I was smart enough to know it was best to leave.”

Josie nodded. She only wished the thought gave her comfort. “Last evening, Ben tossed out that he hopes if they have a girl, she never treats Poppy the way I treated my mom.”

Sympathy filled Sylvie’s eyes. “Ouch.”

“My dad told Ben to drop it.” Josie pressed her lips together. “He didn’t, of course, arrogant jackass. Asked me why I didn’t just stand up for myself. He told me only a coward would run off and break her mother’s heart.”

Josie wasn’t sure what she expected Sylvie to say. Perhaps agree with her that her brother was a jerk. Or maybe soothe her by repeating she’d made the best decision possible. Instead, her new friend remained silent for a long moment.

“It’s hard for me to understand people who have such a different personality than I do.” She smiled at Josie. “I bet in Portland you surrounded yourself with men and women who pretty much viewed life through a common lens.”

Josie frowned.

“I do it, too,” Sylvie said before she could respond. “That’s why you and I became friends.”

The tension gripping Josie’s shoulders eased.

“It’s like my dad and brothers speak a different language,” Josie admitted with a rueful smile. “We look at the same situation and arrive at far different conclusions.”

A shadow passed over Sylvie’s face. “It’s very frustrating.”

“I want to understand them.” Josie lifted her hands, let them fall. “And I want them to hear—and understand—me. Sometimes I think I need an interpreter.”

Instead of laughing at the ridiculous thought, Sylvie’s expression grew thoughtful. “Yes. I believe that might be helpful.”

Josie gave a little laugh. “Too bad I can’t simply snap my fingers and conjure one up.”

“You don’t need to do that, not when you have the perfect person at your disposal.” Sylvie leaned back in her chair smiled. “Noah Anson wants something from you. You need something from him. From where I’m sitting, it’s a match made in heaven.”

Chapter Five

Saturday night, standing at the door to his grandmother’s house, Noah faced his sister. While he knew Daffodil frequently visited Pauline, it was rare for him to run into her here.

“Good evening, Daffodil.” He studied the younger sister who’d gone from worshiping him to not being able to stand the sight of him.

The pretty little girl had grown into a striking young woman. With her petite frame, blond hair straight and loose to midback, and big blue eyes, she could have been the poster girl for a 1960s flower child. The fact that she had a propensity for wearing all organic clothing only furthered that image.

Daffodil had been one of the top students at the boarding school where she’d been dumped after their parents’ divorce. After graduation, instead of going to college as he’d hoped, she’d become a hairstylist.

That had been the first in a series of mistakes she’d made, all because she’d refused to accept his guidance.

“Who’s at the door?” Pauline’s voice carried from the back of the house.

The fact that he was chilled while wearing a wool topcoat told him his sister must be freezing in her bare feet and loose-fitting cotton pants and collar-less shirt.

“It’s Noah,” Daffy called over her shoulder then stepped aside. “Come in.”

Her tone was deliberately careless, rather than rude. Still, Noah absorbed the punch.

He didn’t like feeling helpless and ineffectual. That was exactly how he felt around Daffy. Dealing with her was incredibly frustrating. No matter how calmly and logically he responded, she bristled.

At this rate, they’d never reconcile. Though Noah knew plenty of men with little or no contact with their siblings, Pauline and Daffodil were basically his only family. Though he maintained a cordial relationship with his parents, they both had new spouses. He and Daffy had long ago been relegated to their past.

Daffodil gestured with one hand. “Gram and Josie are in the parlor.”

“Perhaps you and I could grab dinner one night?” Noah suggested.

Daffy turned toward the stairs. “I don’t think that’d be a good idea.”

“Look, Daff.” Noah placed a restraining hand on her arm. “Forget that I was right about Cruz. That knowledge gives me no pleasure. As far as I’m concerned, that’s in the past.”

His sister jerked her arm back. Anger flashed in her eyes, but for a moment, a second, Noah caught a glimpse of another emotion. One that looked like regret.

Then she was gone, a blur of blue and yellow disappearing up the staircase.

Noah waited until his sister disappeared from sight before strolling into the back parlor. His grandmother had a cheery fire blazing in the hearth. She sipped a cup of tea while Josie sat on a nearby settee.

Josie wore a dress of cherry red for tonight’s medical staff festivities. Sexy, razor-thin heels of the same color completed the look.

She’d pulled her blond hair back in a twist that showed off a slender elegant neck and ears that shimmered with tiny ruby teardrops.

“Noah.” Pauline rose and opened her arms to him.

When he stepped close, his grandmother rested her hands on his forearms and studied him.

Though in her midseventies, Pauline could pass for a woman ten years younger. An active, vital widow, she was relaxed and comfortable in her own skin. A pleased look filled her blue-gray eyes.

“Some men are made to wear black tie,” she pronounced, then turned to Josie. “Don’t you agree, my dear?”

His date for the evening rose in a single fluid movement. “I agree. Your grandson looks quite dashing this evening.”

“As much as I’d love for you both to stay and visit, I don’t want you to be late for the party.” Pauline’s smile widened to include Josie. “The way you look tonight, Noah is going to have to fight to get one dance with you.”

Josie’s face colored with embarrassment. “Oh, Pauline.”

“Gram is right,” Noah said, finding the thought irritating, which made his words clipped. “That dress is very...”

Provocative was the word that came first to his mind, but he substituted “lovely,” which didn’t do the dress, or her, justice.

Pauline walked them to the door and brushed a kiss across Josie’s cheek. “I won’t wait up.”

The gesture of affection, directed toward someone his grandmother hadn’t known all that long, surprised and puzzled Noah.

He opened the door to his Range Rover and helped her inside, inhaling the sweet, tantalizing scent of her perfume.

Strictly business, he reminded himself.

Noah wheeled the car from the curb. “I was surprised to see Daffodil.”

“Pauline invited her to spend the night.” Josie slanted a glance in his direction. “Daffodil is fighting a cold and your grandmother is convinced she isn’t getting enough sleep. I think she wanted to give her granddaughter some TLC.”

“Gram likes to baby Daffodil.” Noah turned onto the highway in the direction of the Spring Gulch Country Club. “I don’t understand why Daffy doesn’t live with Gram. It’s expensive to rent or buy in Jackson Hole and Gram has plenty of room.”

“I didn’t move in with my parents when I moved back,” she pointed out.

Noah inclined his head. “Why didn’t you?”

“I thought it’d be too hard for us to relate as adult to adult if I was living under their roof. It’d be too easy for us to fall back into a parent-child role.”

“Yet, you live with my grandmother.”

“She offered me a room at a fantastic rate. Plus, she’s not my parent.”

Noah pondered Josie’s assessment. His sister was obviously determined to be seen as an adult. Since she was now, what, twenty-six, it made sense. Which meant he needed to adjust how he responded to her. He only wished he knew how to do that...

“You love your sister.” Though Josie spoke the words as a statement, he heard the question.

He pulled the vehicle to a stop under the elaborate stone overhang frontage of the Country Club, answering her before he stepped out. “Of course.”

She slipped from the passenger side after a valet in gray pants and long topcoat opened her door.

Rounding the front of the vehicle, Noah handed the keys to the smartly-dressed man, then took Josie’s arm. Though the area under the overhang was dry, those heels of hers were wicked and it didn’t take much imagination to visualize her taking a tumble and sustaining a head injury.

Once inside they checked their coats, then strolled down the large foyer to the ballroom past huge planters overflowing with fresh flowers. A sweet scent filled the air. Up ahead the sound of big band music accompanied by the clink of fine crystal and laughter could be heard.

“I’m not good at these things,” Noah confessed. As a teenager, he’d enjoyed the challenges of math and science rather than sports and parties. As a young adult, his career path had taken up his time and energy.

Oh, he’d become socially adept but he’d never found anyone he trusted enough to share his deepest emotions. For him, trust came hard. The way he saw it, opening himself up to someone was tantamount to giving them a hand grenade along with instructions on how to pull the pin.

His high school girlfriend had taught him this lesson when she shared with her friends everything he’d told her.

“I prefer smaller events.”

Noah pulled his thoughts and attention back to the beautiful woman at his side.

Josie stopped at the edge of the ballroom and glanced around the room filled with men in black tie and women in cocktail attire. “There will be a lot of people we both know here tonight so it should be...fun.”

He wondered who she was trying to convince. Noah lifted a brow.

She swatted his shoulder. “Yes. Fun.”

“If you say so.”

“Think about it. Who I don’t remember, you’ll know. And I can give you the scoop on anyone who’s grown up here.”

Her prediction held pinpoint accuracy. Noah had attended a number of these events since his arrival in Jackson Hole last year. Each time, he’d smiled at the appropriate moments, made casual conversation with colleagues and then headed home. Enjoying himself, specifically having fun, hadn’t been on tonight’s agenda.

While he’d had previous conversations with Mayor Tripp Randall, and his wife, Adrianna, there was much he hadn’t known about the couple. Over dinner he learned “Anna” was a good friend of Ben’s wife, Poppy, and that Tripp had been a hospital administrator on the East Coast before returning home to Wyoming.

“Jackson Hole is really a big small town,” Josie commented as the four of them chatted amiably. “Everybody knows all the news practically before it happens.”

Anna Randall offered a rueful smile. “That’s so true. I’d heard all about you and Noah spending time together at the New Year’s Eve party so I wasn’t surprised to see you together.”

“My darling wife hears everything.” Tripp gazed at her with fondness. “I count on her to keep me up-to-date.”

Anna colored. “I’m not a gossip.”

“Of course not, sweetheart.” Tripp quickly backpedaled, his expression contrite. “I simply meant—”

“—that as a midwife, you keep your finger on the pulse of the community.” Josie offered Anna a warm smile.

“Exactly right. You’ve got yourself a sharp one, Anson.” Tripp gestured with his head toward Josie. “Better watch yourself.”

Noah gave Josie an assessing glance and smiled. He needed her help reconciling with his sister. The fact he found her easy to be around was an extra bonus. Yet, Tripp was right. He needed to watch himself around her.

Anytime he’d ever lost his head over a woman, his well-ordered world had been thrown into chaos. He’d vowed not to put himself in that position again.

It was a promise he meant to keep.

* * *

Josie could be impulsive. She readily admitted the weakness. Deciding that Noah Anson was exactly who she needed if she was going to reconcile with her parents and brother might, on the surface, appear impetuous. But she was convinced—or almost convinced—it was the right decision.

When Noah pulled her into his arms for some pre-dinner dancing, she decided this was her opportunity to hammer out the details of the “deal” she was prepared to propose.

The problem was, when his arms slid around her and he pulled her close, strategizing became the last thing on her mind. She fit against him perfectly, the top of her head just under his chin.

His chest was broad, his arms strong. For a surgeon, physical endurance was almost as important as knowledge and talent. Standing for long hours, maintaining control of motor skills was essential. But now, with Noah’s arms around her, Josie was only conscious of how good he smelled and how safe she felt in his arms.

For a woman who’d prided herself on handling every aspect of her personal life, the realization she could so easily relinquish control—even on the dance floor—was vaguely disturbing.

Not disturbing enough, however, to pull out of his arms. She let herself relax, determined to enjoy the evening. When her friend Sasha had become ill, Josie had been reminded that each day was a gift to be treasured.

The call to dinner in the adjacent ballroom sounded and Josie moved with Noah to the other room. It would have been easy to become separated but Noah kept a hand on her arm.

After gazing over the sea of round linen-clad tables, she turned to Noah. “Is there assigned seating?”

“Not tonight.” Tripp came up behind them. “If you don’t already have a table chosen, there’s still room at mine. Right over there, where Anna is already seated.”

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