He’ll be hers…one way or another!

After years of rebellion, Lexy Worthington just did the unthinkable—she asked her father for a job. Now she’s been roped into finding a rodeo star for a promotional calendar. Bareback bronc rider Will Tanner is perfect. He’s under contract, his career is in decline, plus he’s a grade A hottie. And Lexy will drag him to Houston even if she has to hog-tie him herself.

Tanner isn’t making it easy. He’ll do whatever it takes to distract Lexy from her mission—even if it means playing hot ’n’ dirty. Now the road trip from hell has turned into a sizzling sexcapade. But this time, Tanner may have found the one ride he won’t be able to walk away from….

You’ll never get enough of these cowboys!

Talented Harlequin Blaze author

Debbie Rawlins keeps the cowboys

coming with her popular miniseries

Made in Montana

The little town of Blackfoot Falls

isn’t so sleepy anymore….

In fact, it seems everyone’s staying up late!

Get your hands on a hot cowboy with

#789 Alone with You

(March 2014)

#801 Need You Now

(June 2014)

#812 Behind Closed Doors

(September 2014)

And remember,

the sexiest cowboys are Made in Montana!

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to the world of Made in Montana! I think you’ll find this book a little different from the others. It’s a love story that takes place over the course of a road trip. Lexy Worthington’s job depends on getting stubborn-as-a-mule, sexy rodeo champion Will Tanner all the way from Montana to Houston, Texas, in time for a photo shoot he is dead set against.

First, he refuses to fly, then he insists on driving his old trailer (called Betsy) or the deal’s off. Short on cash, trust and patience, Lexy has no choice but to travel with him. If she can make it to Houston without strangling him, her future will be safe and secure, and if she never sees Tanner again, it’ll be too soon.

I confess, I totally fell in love with Tanner when he watched a young rodeo cowboy tweet his scores to fans. Tanner, a little wiser, and much older, realizes it might be time to hang up his spurs in this crazy new rodeo world of young bucks shunning beer for vitamin drinks and worrying about how to market themselves. What he ought to do is rest his weary bones and make himself a T-shirt that says “Real Men Don’t Tweet.” Poor Tanner, but lucky Lexy (and me), because he stole my heart at that moment, and steering him toward his happy ending was more fun than I can say.

I hope you enjoy the ride!

Love,

Debbi

Alone With You

Debbi Rawlins

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbi Rawlins grew up in the country with no fast-food drive-throughs or nearby neighbors, so one might think as a kid she’d be dazzled by the bright lights of the city, the allure of the unfamiliar. Not so. She loved Westerns in movies and books, and her first crush was on a cowboy—okay, he was an actor in the role of a cowboy, but she was only eleven, so it counts. It was in Houston, Texas, where she first started writing for Harlequin, and now, more than fifty books later, she has her own ranch...of sorts. Instead of horses, she has four dogs, five cats, a trio of goats and free-range cattle keeping her on her toes on a few acres in gorgeous rural Utah. And of course, the deer and elk are always welcome.

For Jolie and Jill, my plotting posse,

who listen to me whine

and know when to bring out the whip.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Epilogue

Excerpt

1

THE LAST THING Alexis Worthington wanted to do was beg for a job. Especially from her own father. She watched the numbers climb on the elevator as she rode to the top floor of the family’s downtown Oklahoma City building. Then she went straight to the ladies’ room to check that her updo was still tucked in and her conservative blue suit was lint free, and most important to meet with Norma, her father’s longtime assistant. She pushed open the door and relaxed for the first time that morning.

“Oh, my goodness, Alexis, look at you.” Norma, her auburn hair swept into the same French twist she’d worn since the nineties, shook her head fondly. “You’re looking more and more like your mother.”

“And you look younger than when I saw you last year. How does that work?” Lexy’s laugh broke into a cough when Norma nearly squeezed the breath out of her.

The woman stood barely five feet but she had strong, wiry arms and a steel will to match. She was the perfect assistant for Marshall Worthington and had stuck it out with him for over twenty years. Lexy only wished her own mother was as capable of going toe-to-toe with him.

Norma moved back to hold Lexy at arm’s length. “Why are you dressed like a funeral director?”

“Gee, thanks.” Lexy quickly smoothed back the tendril of hair Norma had dislodged. “This is an Armani suit and I think I look very professional.”

Norma sighed. “You do. You just don’t look like you.”

“Today isn’t about me,” she said quietly. This was about getting back in her father’s good graces. Eight years and he still hadn’t forgiven her for not going to Harvard.

“You have a point. He’s awfully stubborn.”

Stubborn wasn’t the word Lexy would have gone for. Infuriating. Ultraconservative. Controlling. But that wasn’t all he was, and she couldn’t afford to forget that he’d been a loving father. Until she’d chosen her own path.

God, she hated having to grovel. Hated it.

No, she refused to look at it that way. All she’d ever wanted was to join the family business and she’d prepared herself by learning the workings of the The Worthington Group inside and out. Besides, she was qualified and her father knew it.

She faced herself in the mirror and plucked a tiny piece of lint off the wool blazer. The damn suit had cost her a fortune. She wouldn’t have minded the expense if it hadn’t pushed her dangerously close to maxing out her last credit card. But she needed to appear confident, successful, even though Marshall Worthington would see right through her. It wouldn’t matter. Appearances meant everything to her father.

“We should go,” Norma said, squeezing Lexy’s hand before leading the way.

Together, they walked past a pretty, fresh-faced blonde manning the reception desk. “Remember the summer I spent sitting right there?” It had been the month between junior and senior year of prep school. She’d gone to the house in St. Thomas for part of her break. But she’d quickly grown bored and thought it would be useful to get to know more about the company.

“Of course I remember. Marshall couldn’t have been more pleased.”

Back then it seemed Lexy could do no wrong. Full of promise, competitive to a fault, she’d been Daddy’s little girl. The golden child. Until everything had gone to hell. “What’s with all the art deco?” The lobby had been the very picture of tradition, and now it was gleaming with chrome and lacquer.

“Harrison,” Norma said.

“Wow. I’ll give it to him. He must have been very convincing to win Dad over.” Lexy tried to not feel resentful. Bitterness would only derail her meeting. Besides, she had no right. She sure hadn’t given her brother’s feelings a thought when the attention and praise were centered on her. She’d been far too selfish, her sense of entitlement off the charts. Easy to see now, so at least she could be grateful for losing the blinders. Besides, she wasn’t looking to replace Harrison. She only wanted him to scoot over a little.

They’d reached her father’s office, his huge double doors still the same sturdy oak. She paused a moment, wondering if recanting would’ve been enough for him. Had she backed down and gone to Harvard like he wanted, would her life have turned out differently? Or would he have held it against her for daring to have her own opinion?

Sadly, her decision to go to Stanford had had nothing to do with sound reasoning and everything to do with Hunter Livingston. After dating him for six months they’d agreed to apply to Stanford together. It had never occurred to her that her father would object. And with such vehemence. Before she knew it, her innocent act of independence had escalated to full-blown rebellion.

Ironically, her relationship with Hunter hadn’t made it to freshman year. But the war with her father had quietly raged on.

“I assume he’s in there.”

“Yes. So is Harrison.”

“Are they just finishing up?” she asked, hoping she’d be meeting her father alone.

“No, I’m afraid your brother fully intends to stick his nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Lexy sighed. “So they’re waiting for me.”

Norma nodded. “It’s shameful, their treating this like an interview. You have as much right to help run this company as Harrison does. I haven’t spoken to your father for two days.” She slipped behind her desk, tugged down the hem of her black blazer and lowered her voice. “I don’t even know if the idiot noticed.”

That made Lexy smile.

Norma pressed the intercom buzzer with a manicured red nail, announced Lexy’s arrival, then released the button before her father could respond. Wonderful. That must’ve improved his mood.

“Don’t take any guff from them, you hear me?” Norma’s warning frown eased. “It’s good to have you back.”

Switching her purse to her left hand, Lexy murmured, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Norma’s expression fell. “That doesn’t sound like the girl I know.”

That headstrong idealist hadn’t been up to her eyeballs in debt. Still, the sadness in Norma’s green eyes got to Lexy and she pulled back her shoulders. “You’re right. I’m going to totally kill this,” she said, and smiled at the alarm in the older woman’s face. “It’s slang. And it’s a good thing.”

“Oh. Well, then, go kill it.”

Lexy paused, her hand on the doorknob. Maybe Harrison was sticking around to give her moral support. He was actually a pretty good brother most of the time. Okay, some of the time.

She found a smile the second before she opened the door. “Good morning, Father,” she said, not surprised to see him sitting behind his antique mahogany desk.

He nodded. “Good morning, Alexis. You’re right on time.”

When she didn’t immediately see Harrison, she thought Norma might’ve been mistaken. And then Lexy spotted him, sitting on the couch against the back wall, directly under the Monet. His relaxed posture couldn’t hide the frost in his eyes.

“Hello, Harrison, good to see you.” She tensed when he didn’t respond. So what...he felt threatened? Too bad. There was plenty of room in the company for both of them.

It would serve Harrison right if she sat with her back to him but they weren’t kids anymore. She settled in a chair that mostly faced her father without her position being rude to her brother. “The lobby looks great,” she said. “Nice, clean lines but still warm and inviting.”

“I’m still getting used to all that chrome,” Marshall said with just enough disdain to get his disapproval across. “I’ve promised to give it another month.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Harrison moved to sit closer to Lexy. “We’re branching out into new arenas. I feel it’s appropriate for the company to have a fresh face. Show we’re in step with the times, that we’re as relevant now as we were three generations back.”

“Good taste never goes out of style,” her father said, his censoring gaze switching from Harrison to Lexy.

Oh, yeah, this was starting out well. Both of them looking for her to be an ally.

“Tell me about the new directions you’re exploring,” she said, and saw a hint of a smile lift the corners of her father’s mouth. He must have liked the way she’d taken control of the conversation.

Harrison started in, suddenly brimming with enthusiasm. Until he was cut off with a raised hand.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Marshall’s frown emphasized the lines creasing his forehead and fanning out at the corners of his blue eyes. “I hope you have your résumé with you. And your transcripts. I’d like to see what kind of education Stanford provided.”

Her temper flared. She’d known this wouldn’t be easy but she’d hoped he wouldn’t be petty. “Really, Dad? You don’t know where I’ve been working or what I’ve been doing for the past three years?” Her annoyance was met with silence. “Either way, does it matter?”

He studied her for a moment, then hit his intercom button. “Norma, would you please send in coffee?”

Lexy dug into her briefcase as she took a couple of calming breaths. “Here,” she said, leaning forward to slide the papers across his desk. “My résumé and transcripts.”

She saw the ghost of a smile again and knew he was impressed that she’d stayed a step ahead of him.

At least now, for the most part, she could read him. As a child she’d been incapable of deciphering the peculiar mix of respect and frustration he seemed to feel for her. He admired her independence and strong will right up until she defied something he held sacrosanct.

From as far back as she could remember, relatives, employees—everyone—had commented on how much she was like her father. They were both smart, goal-oriented and driven.

But that’s where the similarities ended. Her father was dogmatic in the single-mindedness that propelled him through life. While she cared about the company, a lot more than her father or anyone else realized, there was more to her than the Worthington name. Yes, she’d do almost anything to protect their image, but she had her own line in the sand.

“I see you’ve had only one long-term job since graduate school,” he said, scanning the first page. “Why is that?”

“I wondered that myself after I’d interviewed nonstop for several months. I finally figured out it had to do with my last name.”

He looked up. “I hope you aren’t implying I interfered.”

“Not at all.” She smiled. “You didn’t have to.”

He held her gaze for a long disconcerting moment. If he cut the meeting short it would be her fault. Dammit, she’d promised herself she wouldn’t bait him. She needed this job more than she needed to be right.

After a brief knock, the door opened. Norma rolled in a coffee service, which she pushed toward the sofas and conference table.

“Not there,” Harrison said. “Here will be fine. We shouldn’t be much longer.”

Norma blinked, then looked to Marshall for confirmation.

Lexy had no idea if he’d responded nonverbally. Her gaze had gone from Norma to her brother. When their eyes met, the contempt that swept his features startled her. Why was he running hot and cold? She hadn’t done anything to him. Harrison had always been the yes-sir, no-sir type, waiting to express his scorn behind their father’s back. He’d applauded her defiance. Called her his hero.

“You still take your coffee black, honey?” Norma laid a hand on her shoulder.

Lexy looked up and smiled. “I wouldn’t turn down a squirt of agave if you have it.”

“Just so happens we do.”

Harrison gave Norma a stern look, which she ignored by pouring from the sterling-silver coffeepot that had been in the family for years.

“Since when do we have agave?” he asked, emphasizing the word as if it were a curse.

“Since I bought it, dear,” Norma said sweetly.

Lexy stifled a laugh. Harrison was clearly trying to make some sort of point, probably that Norma had gone out of her way for Lexy. But he was no match for the stalwart Norma, and he should’ve learned that lesson by now.

She passed out the filled china cups, and only then did Lexy dare to look up. And saw that her father also was holding back a smile. Their gazes met, briefly, and warmth filled Lexy’s chest. For one crazy moment she was Daddy’s little girl again, the two of them sharing a private joke.

“So...you were telling us why you haven’t been able to hold down a job,” Harrison said.

Lexy shot him an I’ll-be-damned-if-I’ll-answer-to-you look, which promptly shut him up. It had never mattered that he was older. She’d been stronger, more outspoken, and he’d rarely challenged her. Maybe that was the reason he felt threatened by her return. “Thank you, Norma,” she said, taking her first sip. “This is perfect.”

“Let me know if you need anything else.” She addressed Lexy, ignoring the two men, then pushed the cart to the side and left the office.

Her father’s attention returned to the résumé, his eyes giving nothing away when he finally glanced up. “An account exec? You must’ve been bored.”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.” Her own fault. That’s what he was thinking, and he wasn’t wrong.

“So what brings you back now?” He leaned back in his black leather chair and regarded her over steepled fingers.

“I’ve always wanted to work for the company. But you already know that.”

He smiled a little. “I thought perhaps you’d decided otherwise. After all, your call came out of the blue.”

“I was let go from Mattheson and Myers.” She leaned forward to set down her coffee. Knowing better than to risk marking the mahogany, she thought it fitting to leave the cup and saucer on her Stanford transcripts. It still rankled that he’d asked for them. “The company signed a new client who they believed would consider my employment a conflict of interest.”

“Ah. A former customer of ours, I presume?”

“I don’t know. They kept the name confidential.”

Harrison snorted. “So we’re the consolation prize?”

Lexy swiveled around to look him directly in the eye. “Is that what you think?”

“Don’t turn this back on me.” His face reddened. “I worked here every summer during college and grad school, then started full-time the day after I got my Harvard degree. And I’ve busted my ass for this company every day since.”

She knew he’d throw in Harvard. “You can work hard or you can work smart. I didn’t make that choice for you.” They’d engaged in a mild rivalry at prep school. She’d had the better grades, while he’d always studied much harder. She pressed her lips together before taking a deep breath. “Look, Harrison, I know you’ve earned your place here. I’m simply looking for the chance to earn mine.”

He blinked, then looked away.

Lexy knew her father was watching them. He’d encouraged their competitiveness as children. She hoped he didn’t still consider it a good idea. Ignoring him, she addressed her brother. “You mentioned branching out in other areas. Tell me about it.”

Harrison sipped his coffee, his brow furrowed, clearly torn over whether to trust her or not. The realization made her sad.

Finally, he cleared his throat, made eye contact again. “Sports. Equipment, outdoor gear, that sort of thing, but also team ownership. The consumer’s consciousness has been raised to return to American products. I’m sure you’re aware that we took several hits from the media over sending jobs abroad.” He shrugged as if his solution was a no-brainer. “What’s more American than baseball or football?”

She wasn’t sure what to say. This was quite a departure from their grassroots business of brand foods and paper products, and eventually, real estate. Not just that, but she didn’t understand how owning a sports team made the company more patriotic.

“Alexis, you look surprised.”

She turned to her father while she searched for the right words. The last thing she wanted to do was second-guess Harrison. “Frankly, I am. But it’s an interesting concept. I’d like to hear more.”

Her father’s laugh was brief and without humor. “You want to earn a place at The Worthington Group, then speak your mind. God knows you’ve never had any trouble before.”

He was right, and while she could grovel a bit, she wasn’t about to change who she was. “The public isn’t wrong. We should be keeping more jobs at home. Providing American jobs was part of the foundation this company was built on. That being said, I’m not clear yet as to how sports will complement the company’s brand.”

She didn’t bother to look at her brother. Tension radiated from him and she didn’t doubt he placed the blame for this farce at her feet. Then again, she could’ve blindly endorsed his plans in a show of solidarity. But that wasn’t in her nature. She liked to know the facts. Explore every angle. Make sure she was in control before facing off with Marshall Worthington.

“Tell you what,” he said, pushing her résumé toward her. “I’ll give you a chance to see for yourself. Harrison has someone working on a campaign for a men’s fragrance line that’s positioned to tie in to the sports theme. What is it—” he glanced at Harrison “—a cowboy calendar that women are supposed to vote on?”

“A calendar.” Lexy sighed. She couldn’t help it. Yes, the idea of a beefcake calendar made her want to gag, but equally revolting was her father’s lack of pretense. He was determined to drag her through the mud before giving her a serious position.

“That’s Karina’s project,” Harrison said, his voice tight and angry. “She doesn’t need any help.”

“Isn’t the photo shoot scheduled for next week?”

“Yes.”

“It’s my understanding that she has yet to sign the final candidate.”

Harrison frowned. He was probably thinking the same thing as Lexy. Why would their father even know something so trivial? “You did set stringent parameters.” Harrison set his cup and saucer down clumsily. “The top-seed rodeo stars aren’t convinced that endorsing a fragrance is a smart move. Yet.”

That in itself should’ve given Harrison his first clue, Lexy thought, but kept silent.

“I made it clear. We play in the big leagues or we don’t play at all.” Her father’s chilly gaze bore into Harrison’s.

Lexy’s eyes were the same color blue but she fervently hoped they never looked that cold and hard. “I still don’t understand what you want from me,” she said, even though she had the horrific feeling she knew exactly what he intended.

“You’ve always been quick on your feet, Alexis. And quite persuasive. A week should be sufficient for you to find an acceptable candidate so we can finally put this—” he waved dismissively “—business to rest.”

“You never intended to let me see this project through.” Harrison stood, flushed with anger. “Did you?”

Annoyance flashed across their father’s face. “Have you ever known me to vacillate? You asked, I said yes. The ball’s in your court. I’m even offering your sister to help you.”

“And if I don’t want her help?”

He leaned back, an amused gleam in his eyes. “Then perhaps I should give her your office and leave you free to run all the fool’s errands you want.”

Lexy stared down at her clasped hands. Could this meeting be any more dreadful? She couldn’t look at Harrison, even though she felt awful for him. Their father had always been a stern taskmaster, but he hadn’t been cruel.

Harrison had played the dutiful son, attended Harvard, resisted his odd penchant for women who many would consider tacky and inappropriate. After school he’d taken no time to blow off steam but immediately joined the company. He didn’t deserve this treatment.

Knowing this, she still said nothing in his defense. She simply allowed the silence to fester. Until Harrison left the office without another word. Only then did she look up. “Was that really necessary?”

“Don’t tell me you’re getting soft.”

That line in the sand? She could feel her toes right up against it. God, she really should tell him to keep his job, that she no longer wanted it. But she couldn’t face the growing list of creditors. “Fine. What’s next?” she asked, lifting her chin.

“Go to Human Resources and fill out the necessary paperwork. Then I suggest you get out there and find the right cowboy.”

Lexy didn’t say another word as she rose and let herself out. Human Resources? Really? For God’s sake.

Norma was waiting for her. “I knew he’d pull something like this,” she said, and waved a hand when Lexy smiled. “Of course I was listening. I had a feeling he was up to no good and I wanted to be prepared. Right after you called last week he asked me to check on the status of the calendar...which we both know he doesn’t give a tinker’s damn about.” She slipped around her desk. “When I told him they were having trouble finding the last man, he seemed mighty pleased. So I asked myself, what is the old goat up to?”

Lexy watched her pull a manila folder from her bottom drawer and then motion for Lexy to follow. They walked quickly to the elevators and got into the first private car.

“This man’s endorsement contract with us expires in just under two weeks,” Norma said, holding up the folder. “Harrison signed him for that ridiculous Sundowner accessory line that failed. But the guy is perfect. He’s a bareback bronc rider who’s won two world championships, gold buckles, million-dollar purses, the whole thing. I remembered him because my Henry is such a big rodeo fan. This Tanner fellow is over thirty and on the downslide right now so maybe he’ll do it.” Norma passed her the folder. “Worth a try.”

“Why didn’t you give this to the woman who’s in charge of the project?”

“Frankly, I’d hoped I was wrong and your father wouldn’t send you on a wild-goose chase just to show you who’s boss. It pains me to see him treat you this way.” She squeezed Lexy’s hand. “If it had turned out I’d misread Marshall, I would’ve given Harrison the file. But Karina?” Norma sniffed. “I do not care for that woman.”

Lexy grinned. “Norma, you’re the absolute best.” The elevator doors slid open and Lexy stuffed the folder into her purse. If her father expected failure, she couldn’t wait to disappoint him.

2

LEANING ON A cedar post and watching the last saddle bronc event, Will Tanner muttered a curse when he saw his friend go flying over the mare’s head. Charlie hit the ground, landing hard on his ass, but jumped up quick as a jackrabbit. The crowd roared from the stands, surging to their feet with applause when Charlie whipped off his hat and waved it. He’d been around the circuit for a long time and was a fan favorite, even when he was losing. Something that happened too often lately. Just like with Tanner.

“That ol’ guy sure can take a lotta punishment.” Clay stood next to him, one foot propped on the bottom rail. He reached in his jeans’ pocket, glanced at his fancy iPhone, then looked at Tanner. “You been busted up pretty good in your day. How many bones have you broken?”

In your day.

The words were as irritating as a yipping coyote.

Tanner squinted at the fresh-faced kid who was barely twenty. Probably only started shaving last year. Didn’t stop him from trying to grow one of those dumb little soul patches. “Enough,” Tanner said, turning back to see Charlie limp to the gate, watching for the scores to go up.

He was only thirty-four, a year older than Tanner, and had the good sense to announce that after this year he was done rodeoing. It was gonna be strange following the tour without Charlie. For over twelve years, even when they hadn’t traveled or bunked together, their paths had regularly crossed. But that’s the way it was with most of the veteran riders. They’d all played poker together, got drunk together and chased women. Until they started winning gold buckles and didn’t have to do the chasing anymore.

Clay’s thumbs worked feverishly on the cell’s keypad. Tanner still hadn’t gotten the hang of texting. Hell, half the time he couldn’t remember to turn on his relic of a phone. When he did, it usually needed charging.

“So where you headed next?” Clay asked, his attention focused on the small screen until he finished his message and stuffed the iPhone back in his pocket. He caught Tanner’s frown. “I was just tweeting my scores.”

Tanner nodded like he understood. This new breed of cowboy was something else. They drank protein shakes instead of beer, fretted over their exercise regimens and sat around discussing their marketability.

Damn, he was gonna miss Charlie. The two of them had both come from flyspeck towns and started young, before iPhones and Facebook and Twitter took over the world. Maybe they should retire together and make T-shirts and bumper stickers that read Real Men Don’t Tweet.

“Where did you say you’re going?” Clay asked again.

“New Mexico.” Tanner backed away from the railing, adjusting his Stetson and peering up at the clear Montana sky. He had a few hours before nightfall. Enough time to get on the road and find a place to park his trailer overnight. No sense sticking around. His scores couldn’t carry him to the next round. “You?”

“I’m riding in Wyoming in two weeks. My sister’s got a ranch in Colorado. I might hang out there in the meantime.” Clay jerked a look somewhere over Tanner’s shoulder. “Unless I get a better offer.” Before he could turn and see what had put the cocky grin on Clay’s face, the kid said, “Look sharp, old man. I believe that lady’s trying to get your attention.”

Tanner swung toward the parking lot in time to see a leggy blonde in skin-tight jeans wave. He smiled and waved back. Maybe he wouldn’t be so quick to leave tonight.

“No, not Ariel,” Clay said, unwrapping a stick of gum. “She’s waiting for me. The other one.”

“Where?” Unlike his stiff back and shoulders, his vision was just fine and he couldn’t see another living soul.

“Ariel’s kind of blocking her, but she’s behind the fence to the right.”

Tanner squinted and saw part of a female outline fading into the dark SUV behind her. She was on the short side, brown hair, pulled back, sunglasses taking up half her face and dressed kind of stodgy in a navy blue blazer and matching slacks. “What makes you think she’s waiting for me?”

“I figured she was looking to interview you for that AARP magazine.” Clay laughed.

Tanner knocked off the smart ass’s hat, then chuckled when Clay had to scramble to catch the Stetson before it blew too far. “It ain’t right you trying to make a man feel over the hill at thirty-three. You just wait...your time will come, kid. Sooner than you think.” At least it had for Tanner. If he stuck it out for two more years, half his life officially would’ve been spent rodeoing.

He had no regrets. Even if he’d had the money for college he wouldn’t have gone. His younger brother was the one with a head for learning, and he was glad he’d been able to send him to a good university. Doug had even gone on to law school, courtesy of Tanner’s winnings. He considered the money well spent.

“Why the hell did you have to do that in front of Ariel?” Clay brushed off the hat and set it back on his head.

Tanner slid another look at the blonde, her teeth gleaming an unnatural white. The shorter brunette had moved closer but the high chain-link fence prevented her from approaching. Other women had gathered near the exit, most of them buckle bunnies, but also a few moms trying to get autographs for their youngsters.

This was the part he dreaded lately. Signing autographs wasn’t a big deal. He’d never minded, especially when it was for kids, but it felt a lot better to scrawl his name when he was scoring high and taking home prize money. At other times it was a mob scene and all he wanted was to get to his trailer and let a hot shower pelt his aching body.

Today wasn’t bad. His shoulder hurt less than it had all week. Meaning he wouldn’t mind some feminine company. The redhead standing by herself caught his eye. She was just his type. Tall, lean, not too skimpy in the chest department, and he didn’t give one damn that her fancy Charlie 1 Horse hat and satin-trimmed Western shirt were just for show. He was gonna like her a whole lot more without them on.

“I’m taking off,” he said, keeping an eye on the redhead. He wanted to get to her before one of the other guys did.

“You’re not waiting for Charlie or Bryce?”

“Nah, they’re both headed for Texas.” Something Tanner had thought about doing. His grandparents lived in Texas but he’d seen them last month when he’d done some repairs around the ranch while enjoying Nana’s home cooking. He made a point of seeing her and Pop regularly. They were more like parents to him and Doug, taking them in after their mother had been killed. They hadn’t even asked for a penny of child support from his old man. Probably knew the bum wouldn’t have coughed up anything, anyhow. “See ya around, kid.”

“Yeah, sure.” Clay shot a look toward the fence. “Don’t even think about stealing Ariel,” he said with a faint grin that didn’t hide his worried expression.

“She’s too young for me.” Tanner clapped him on the back. “Anyway, I don’t poach.”

“Yeah, I know you don’t. Not like some of those other guys who have gold buckles.”

Tanner smiled, then strolled toward the exit. He knew who Clay meant but no way would he get into a conversation about it. None of his business. He kept to himself when it came to matters of politics, religion and sex. And Betsy. Anyone who knew him the tiniest bit knew better than to disrespect his fifth wheel. A lot of the guys drove around in fancy buses equipped with everything from satellite dishes to hot tubs. Some even had hired men or relatives to drive them around. Not him. He and poor rattling Betsy had been together for ten years now. And he had every intention of driving her to his last rodeo.

He slipped through the gate and got close enough to see that the redhead had a real nice smile and sexy green eyes that warned him he’d have to watch himself. Though he’d like to think he was too old and wise to do anything stupid, he’d been thrown off guard a time or two by a green-eyed female.

Before he reached her, two boys and their mom bushwhacked him. Nodding politely, he asked their names, and signed his across the bottom of a magazine picture taken of him at the San Antonio Stock Show. He’d always appreciated the fans, but nowadays, he prized their loyalty all the more. He let the boys inspect his buckle and answered a question about where he kept the gold ones while he slyly scoped out the redhead.

God bless her, that smile was aimed right at him. He smiled back and tipped the rim of his Stetson. She tossed her long hair. Always a good sign.

The boys were herded off by their mom but before he could move, three more kids cornered him. He got them squared away by answering more questions and signing their ball caps. He hoped no one else wanted anything because the redhead was starting to look impatient.

“Mr. Tanner?”

The voice came from behind. No one called him that. Just Tanner. He stopped and turned. It was the woman Clay had pointed out earlier. She looked overheated in the blue suit. Her face was flushed and her cheeks damp. She held a hand up to shade her eyes from the broiling afternoon sun, though he figured the big, dark glasses would’ve done the job.

“What can I do for you?”

“I’m Alexis Worthington,” she said, extending her hand. “From The Worthington Group.”

“Okay.” If that was supposed to mean something to him it missed the mark. He pulled off his glove. Her hand was small and soft.

“I called you earlier and left a message.”

He automatically touched his shirt pocket where his phone would’ve been had he remembered to bring it. “I haven’t turned my phone on yet today.”

Her arched brows rose above her glasses as if he’d committed a sin. “Actually, I left you a message last night, as well.”

“Don’t know why I didn’t get that one. I wasn’t drunk.” He glanced at the redhead and saw that she was distracted by someone or something in the direction of the arena. “Look, ma’am, I’m kind of in the middle of something,” he said and started walking again, hoping to catch the redhead’s eye.

The short brunette stayed with him. “I understand. When will you be free?”

“For what?”

“To talk.” She checked her wristwatch. “Let’s set a time.”

He got the other woman’s attention again, and smiling, she leaned a hip against a sleek silver convertible. Tanner hoped the car belonged to her. He wouldn’t mind a ride in that honey. She pushed off and straightened when he reached her, the tip of her tongue slipping out to moisten her glossy pink lips. Man, she was tall. At a good six feet, he didn’t beat her by much.

“You waiting for anyone in particular, darlin’?” He smiled, removed his hat and finger-combed his hair.

“Mr. Tanner.”

Red blinked, then frowned down at the shorter woman still nipping at his heels.

“What?” he growled. Hell, he thought he’d lost her.

“I’m trying to arrange a time for us to talk.”

“Lady, I don’t even know who you are. And you gotta stop calling me Mr. Tanner.” His father was still a fixture around the tour, and Tanner had the misfortune of running into him on occasion.

“Then I presume you go by Will?”

“No. Tanner. Just Tanner.”

The redhead let out a soft, delicate snort, and they both looked at her. Her lips started to form a pout. Much as he wasn’t fond of pouters, she had a fetching mouth.

He smiled, moved a little closer. “Would you excuse me for ten seconds, darlin’? I promise, just ten.”

“All right,” she drawled, sighing, and getting him excited when she leaned into him, her warm, sweet breath drifting along the side of his neck. “I’m Kimberly.”

“That’s a pretty name.” He fixed his gaze on the tiny dimple at the corner of her mouth.

“Hey.” The brunette pest touched his arm. “How about six?”

Dammit, she was like an irritating gnat you couldn’t get rid of. And she was crazy. “Tonight?”

“Yes.” She removed her dark glasses and squinted at her fancy gold watch. “That’s in two hours. Plenty of time to...” Her voice trailed off as she abruptly brought her chin up and turned to stare at Kimberly. “That line worked? You just met him and you’re going to— Look, I’m not judging. I’m curious.” Just as abruptly, she turned back to him, tilting her head and looking him up and down as if he were on the auction block. “Hmm, maybe this will work, after all.”

“I’m sorry,” he said to Kimberly. The blush staining her cheeks worried him. So did the way she jerked back when he touched her wrist. “I don’t know this whack job. We’ll ignore her and—”

Kimberly inhaled sharply. “Maybe another time.” She backed away, rounding the rear of the convertible and hurrying toward the arena gate.

“Nice.” Disgusted, Tanner stuck the Stetson back on his head as he watched the redhead of his dreams make tracks. “Thanks. Good job.” He turned to the brunette, hoping she’d embarrassed herself.

She was checking out his ass. “Clean you up a bit and this could work,” she murmured, then lifted her gaze and stared at him with eyes as clear and blue as the summer sky. “What?” she asked. “Her?” She cocked her head in the direction of the arena. “Oh, please, you can get laid anytime.”

He snorted. “From your lips to God’s ears.” He watched her dig inside a purse big enough to be a briefcase, then pull out a folder. “Who did you say you were?”

“Alexis Worthington.”

“Am I supposed to know you?”

“No, but you should be familiar with the company for which I work.”

For which I work. She was one of those. “And which company would that be?” This woman wasn’t from one of his sponsors. He only had two left and he knew their reps. He glanced down at her dusty conservative shoes, then swung a longing look after the redhead. But she’d already disappeared.

“The Worthington Group,” she said as if it was supposed to mean something.

“Yeah...so?”

“That doesn’t ring a bell?”

“Look, lady—” A pair of lanky kids ran up for autographs, stopping him from telling her to get to the point or get lost. He smiled, scrawled his name, jokingly asked them if they were bull riders. The question tickled them, like he knew it would, but mostly he wanted to drag out the conversation and annoy the proper and impatient Ms. Worthington.

“Is there someplace private we can talk?” she asked the second the kids ran off.

He spread his arms. “What’s wrong with my office?”

“Funny.” She didn’t even crack a smile, only glanced around the parking lot. “I have a rental car. We can sit in there and not be interrupted.”

“You still haven’t told me what this is about. Hey, wait a minute— I know who you are. You guys make that crunchy green alien cereal, right?”

“Not exactly our claim to fame, but yes, one of our divisions is responsible for the Out of This World brand.” She wrinkled her nose, and he hated to admit it, but she was kind of cute. “You’ll recognize the name of a former subsidiary. Sundowner Leather Accessories.”

“Oh, yeah, sure...they used to be one of my sponsors.”

“Technically, they still are.”

“I thought they went belly up.”

“No. We chose to discontinue the line.”

“Same thing.” He shrugged. “Just a more polite way of saying someone screwed up.”

She blinked, then continued to stare at him. “Where did you get your business degree, the local drugstore?”

“No kidding...you can get ’em there?” He grinned at her exasperated sigh.

Then he noticed two sweet young things standing off to the side, waiting, the taller one wearing a come-hither smile that eliminated the guesswork. Oh, yeah, maybe the night wouldn’t end up a loss. But only if he could get rid of Mary Poppins here.

“Tell you what...” He brought his attention back to the Worthington woman, again caught off guard by the color of her eyes. “Is it Alex?”

“Alexis or Lexy. Either is fine.”

“Okay, Lexy, how about I call you in a couple hours and we’ll set something up?”

“Right,” she drawled, glancing at the women. “Yeah, I’m not buying it.”

“I’m offended.” Rearing back, he gave her his best wounded expression. “You have my word.”

She let out a surprisingly unladylike snort. “Still not buying it.”

“Ma’am, a cowboy gives you his word, you can take it to the bank.”

She laughed. “You’re funny,” she said, sizing him up again, then gesturing toward the women. “Go ahead. I’d like to see you in action.”

Tanner stared at her. “You wanna what?”

“Come on, turn on the charm, give me a ten in the sex-appeal department.” She slipped her sunglasses back on and shooed him with her other hand.

“Are you nuts?” He shook his head, not sure what he’d do if she didn’t leave on her own. “That’s rhetorical, by the way, because, lady, you are certifiable.”

She smiled, her eyes now hidden behind the dark lenses. “Your fan club is starting to look bored. Better hurry.”

The rodeo had ended and people were pouring out of the arena and into the parking lot. His window of opportunity was shrinking. Though in truth, he’d lost heart for chatting up the two young ladies.

It finally dawned on him. Lexy Worthington wasn’t crazy, just manipulative. Determined. A potential pain in his ass. Better to get rid of her and be done with it. “All right, you win. What do you want?”

Her smile widened. “My rental is right over here.”

“Can’t you just spit it out?”

“I’d rather not,” she said, her gaze sweeping the swelling crowd. “This is business, and discussing it out here would be inappropriate.”

Unease itched the back of Tanner’s neck. Maybe he was in trouble. If Sundowner really wasn’t kaput he should still be wearing their logo on his shirt. He had on a belt they made and wondered if that counted.

Hell, his brother had brought the deal to him. Right after Doug had passed the bar exam, he’d negotiated the contract with a Sundowner bigwig. It hadn’t amounted to much. But Doug had been eager to show his appreciation for Tanner’s financial help so Tanner had rolled with it.

“All right,” he said. “Lead the way.”

She nodded, shifted the gigantic purse to her other hand and turned. “It’s the white sedan right over—” She made a full circle, her gaze bouncing from one white car to the next. “This is absurd.”

“Take it easy. It’s a rental. Could happen to anybody.”

“What could?”

“I’m assuming you don’t know which sedan is yours.”

She whipped off her sunglasses. “I’m wondering why so many people would buy bland white cars.”

Tanner chuckled. “You remember the make?”

“It’s domestic. I think.” She looked at the plastic encased tag attached to the key. “Here’s the plate number. Right?”

He took her wrist and turned her hand so he could see better. Her skin was really soft and she smelled awfully good. “Tell you what...let’s go to my trailer, talk, have a beer. By then the lot will have thinned out and you can take whatever car’s left.”

Narrowing her gaze, she yanked back her hand. “I’m glad you find this so amusing.”

He grinned. “No sense getting worked up over it. I have a fifth wheel sitting across the street. It’s got plenty of room.”

“First, what’s a fifth wheel? And plenty of room for what?”

“Not what that warped mind of yours seems to have conjured.” It tickled him the way her cute little nose went up in the air. “But I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”

“Oh, we already have, Mr. Tanner,” she said, suddenly all sweetness. “For the next ten days, I own your ass.”

3

SURPRISE WASHED OVER Tanner’s face, and Lexy tried not to react. She needed to take control of the situation and not waste the lifeline Norma had thrown her. Time was important. She was operating on a tight schedule and an even tighter budget. The longer it took her to drag his butt down to Houston for the photo shoot, the more money it would cost her. Money she didn’t have. She didn’t even have a credit card with wiggle room as backup. All because of her idiotic pride.

“Well, that explains it,” he said, rubbing his shadowed jaw, his hazel eyes lit with amusement. “I saw you checking out my ass earlier. Seeing as how you think you own it, I understand why you felt the need to inspect it so closely.”

She allowed for a small smile. If he thought he could ruffle her, he was in for another surprise. She slowly circled him, making a show of ogling his broad chest and muscled forearms. For good measure, she tilted her head to the side while she studied the seat of his worn jeans. “Yes, you’ll do.”

Watching her from over his shoulder, he lifted a dark brow. “You having fun?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t call it that.” She continued all the way around while he tracked her with his interesting gold-and green-flecked eyes.

He had a strong chiseled jaw the camera would love, with or without the few days’ stubble. His brown hair was a bit long, touching the collar of his blue Western-style shirt. But it was a decent haircut and he had a great smile. It was possible she’d have to take him shopping before they showed up at the photo shoot, but by then her corporate credit card would have been issued. If not, she’d have to swallow her pride and hit up Norma for some cash. Something Lexy should’ve done in the first place.

She heard someone wolf whistle and looked up to see Tanner’s mouth tighten. A pair of cowboys were walking by and laughing, the taller of the two giving Tanner a thumbs-up.

“Okay, that’s enough,” he muttered, tugging his hat lower. “We either finish this conversation in my trailer, or we can part company right now. The latter being my preference.”

“Your trailer it is, then.” She briefly reconsidered. A crowded parking lot might be the better option. Tanner was bound to give her a hard time. Probably flat out refuse to have anything to do with the calendar or the fragrance line. Just like most of the other rodeo cowboys. But unlike them, Tanner would be in breach of his contract if he refused to play nice. Unfortunately, she had the feeling a guy like him wouldn’t care.

He started walking and she fell into step beside him. “Tell me straight up,” he said, giving her a sidelong look. “Am I in hot water with you people?”

“Not that I’m aware. Why? Did you violate the indecency clause?” Dammit, she was warm.

“No. Maybe.” He didn’t look too happy, perhaps even a bit guilty. “Explain what that means and I’ll let you know.”

Lexy hid a smile. “How about you tell me what questionable behavior is bothering you and I’ll let you know.”

He snorted. “I might be a simple cowboy but I’m not stupid.”

“I was teasing.” Good to know he was concerned about violating his agreement. She had no idea if there was a decency clause, but she saw no reason to share that with him. No sense handing him ammunition to wiggle out of his contract.

“Oh...so that’s you joking?” He mocked her with a pitying look. “You don’t cut loose much, do you?”

Ha, she could shock him in that department. Playing loose was partly why she was here, overheated and wearing a suit she hated, worried about her maxed-out credit cards and holding her breath every time the warm breeze carried a whiff of horse dung. And now she was being punished instead of sitting in a cushy corner office on the top floor.

They stopped twice for Tanner to sign autographs for kids who bombarded him with questions. The women seemed to like him, too, flashing him smiles and giving him suggestive looks that he fielded like a man accustomed to feminine attention. That was good, excellent. Lexy had seen several headshots of the men already lined up for the calendar. Tanner would have some stiff competition.

While he signed, she thought about taking a couple pictures of him against the stunning background of the Rockies. The hills leading up to the snow-capped peaks were as green as emeralds and would really show off his eyes.

Before she could get out her phone, he finished with the boys and was promptly intercepted by a cowboy trying to get Tanner to join a late-night poker game. He shook his head and kept walking until they reached a trailer parked behind a late-model motor coach. In fact, all the other RVs in the park were much nicer than Tanner’s. He opened the trailer door and didn’t even flinch at the annoying creak.

“I can’t recall how I left things. So enter at your own risk,” he said, yanking off his Stetson with a sweeping gesture for her to go first.

If he was trying to scare her off he’d be disappointed. She’d spent time in too many frat houses to worry about when she’d gotten her last tetanus shot. The first step was a tad wobbly, but she ignored the hand he offered and made it inside.

The place was roomier and neater than she’d expected. Though the kitchen and living areas were small, they were well laid out with appliances, cabinets and built-in furniture. At the far back she could see part of a bed.

“Home sweet home,” Tanner said, crowding in behind her, near enough for her to feel the heat from his body. “Ever been in one of these?”

“No,” she murmured, unsure which direction to go to give him room.

“I didn’t think so.”

“What does that mean?” She turned around to look at him, finding out too late he was even closer than she’d imagined. She bumped his chest with her right breast, then made everything worse by clutching his muscled arm for support.

He took it as a cue to put a hand on her waist. “You okay?”

“Fine.” She looked into his hazel eyes, the oddest thought niggling at her. He smelled good. Even though he shouldn’t, not after having ridden a bronc. The scent was vaguely familiar, an unexpectedly wonderful combination of leather and something spicy.

She leaned closer, her eyes drifting closed on a deep inhale. When she opened them, she found him staring at her.

“It’s kind of stuffy in here,” he said, his voice lower and rougher. “Why don’t you take off your jacket while I open windows?”

Her fingers were still wrapped around his arm, the tips digging into the hard, muscled flesh. She jerked back her hand. He seemed reluctant to remove his from her waist, letting his palm slide to her hip before he withdrew altogether.

“What is that cologne you’re wearing?” she asked, retreating into business mode and breaking eye contact. Feeling like an idiot, she moved to the small brown couch. “I can’t quite make out the scent.”

“Cologne?” He said it as if it were a cussword, prompting her to look at him again. He was fiddling with a window, and her gaze went straight to his butt. The man filled out a pair of jeans quite well...both front and back. “I wouldn’t wear that crap if you paid me.”

That snapped her out of her preoccupation. “Well, that’s a problem.” She really did need to lose her jacket before she passed out from heatstroke.

“How so?” After forcing the window open, he turned to her, his gaze lingering on her breasts as she struggled out of the blazer.

She could hardly object after staring at his ass. Which she unabashedly did again when he bent to bring two beers out of the fridge. He twisted off the cap and held one out to her.

“No, thanks. Water or iced tea would be great, though.” She glanced around for a place to hang the jacket, then just draped it over the arm of the couch.

He’d exchanged the unopened beer for a bottle of water that he passed to her. While she took a sip, he tipped the beer to his lips.

“Take the couch,” he said, straddling a chair at the table. “Stick to the right side. There’s a lump on the left.”

She twisted around to check it out before she sat.

“It’s clean.”

“That’s not what I was—” She sighed and sank into the cushion. This was the good side?

“You wanted to talk. I’m listening.”

Lexy met his watchful eyes. They seemed darker now, more green than gold, and for all his easygoing manner, she had the impression that he missed very little of what went on around him.

“I have something I need you to do. We,” she quickly amended. “The Worthington Group.”

“My contract was with Sundowner.”

“Your contract is actually with the holding company, and we have you for ten more days.”

“Ah, you own my ass I believe is how you referred to my indenture.”

Lexy smiled at the term he’d chosen. He possessed his own brand of charm and she could see why women found him attractive. Perhaps this silly errand wouldn’t be as big a pain as she’d expected. “Yes, that might have been an overly ambitious statement. However, it seemed appropriate at the moment.”

His slow grin made her heart speed up. He took another pull of beer, his eyes staying on her face even as his head went back. He lowered the bottle, then used the back of his wrist to wipe his damp mouth. “Where are you from?”

“Oklahoma.”

His brows went up. “Born and raised?”

She nodded. “Outside of Oklahoma City. Why do you seem surprised?”

Tanner’s broad shoulders moved in a slight shrug. “Your family ever been ranchers?”

“Quite a few generations back. Then they struck oil and eventually branched out into several different businesses.” Hard as it was to believe, he honestly didn’t seem familiar with the far-reaching Worthington Group. Most people would recognize the name. “I’ll get to the point. We’ll be introducing a men’s fragrance line next year and we’re looking for a spokesperson.”

She paused to take a sip of water. A second later, her stomach rumbled loudly, but she willed herself not to react. When she looked at Tanner again, it was as if another man had taken his place.

His mouth had pulled into a tight, thin line. Wariness and scorn darkened his eyes. “So...what’s it to me?”

“I’m not saying we’re asking you to be that person but—”

“Good.” He stood and started unbuttoning his shirt.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m gonna take a shower. Wanna join me?”

“Oh, so we’re back to you trying to scare me off.” So interested in his smooth, muscled chest, she almost missed his cocky smile.

“Definitely not what I had in mind.” He deliberately ran a gaze down her front. “Why not have a little fun before you go?”

“I’m not going anywhere without you.”

“Wanna bet?”

Lexy thought for a moment. Of course he was only taunting her but it could work in her favor. “Sure. Five hundred bucks. Unless that’s too rich for you.”

He got to the last button and yanked the shirt from his jeans. “I’d feel real bad taking advantage of you.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that.” She sounded too confident, she realized. The goal was to win that five hundred off him. Later she’d give it back, tell him she’d been joking, but she could use the cash now. Dear God...what had become of her? Her father would just— “Do we have a bet?”

He shrugged out of his shirt and she had to watch. He had a fine chest. Great shoulders, too, well-defined muscles bunching and releasing with the movement of his arms. When her gaze finally made it back to his face, he looked a little suspicious.

“You know I didn’t mean an actual bet,” he said, walking past her to drop his shirt into a basket near the bed. “But you seem all fired-up sure you can take five large off me. That’s got me curious.”

“And worried.”

He let out a short laugh. “Nothing you can say or do will make me pimp your perfume.”

“Men’s cologne.”

“Hell, call it whatever you want.”

“You haven’t even heard the details.” She’d noticed the three-inch surgical scar on the back of his shoulder. The other one below his ribs was jagged and definitely not left by a surgeon’s knife.

“Don’t need to.” Tanner unbuckled his belt.

“Really?” She leaned back, got comfortable and stared at his fly. Oh, he did not want to play chicken with her.

His only answer was to unsnap his jeans and pull the zipper down halfway.

“Let’s see what you got. I should know what I’m peddling.”

He narrowed his eyes, then laughed. “I knew you were a whack job from the get-go. I should’ve ditched you in the parking lot.”

“Yet here we are.”

Tanner studied her face, the amusement gone, replaced by annoyance. As though he couldn’t figure her out. “Last chance.”

She smiled and kicked off her shoes.

He unzipped the rest of the way, and receiving no reaction, pulled off his jeans. She hoped he couldn’t see her holding her breath and didn’t notice her relief when she saw the brown boxer-briefs. If he’d gone commando, she wasn’t sure what she would’ve done. No, not true. She would’ve stayed where she was, cool as could be. That’s what she chose to think, anyway. Because staring at him in the body-molding underwear wasn’t easy, either.

Will Tanner was really...something. No spare flesh, just muscle. His thighs, butt, calves, his...Lexy silently cleared her throat. The man was quite well-endowed.

“Very good,” she said, grateful her voice didn’t crack or climb several octaves. But damn, she had to stop looking. She pulled out her phone and concentrated on the screen, flipping from one picture to the next. “You should have no trouble getting a month on the calendar.”

He flung his jeans at the bed, then faced her full on. “The what?”

“The promotional calendar that will debut the fragrance and decide the spokesperson. Didn’t I mention it?” She looked up, undaunted by his dark, menacing expression. “We want you to be Mr. October.”

* * *

HE STARED IN stunned silence, and then laughed. “Who put you up to this? Charlie?”

“Um, no one. I’m really here on behalf of The Worthington Group.”

“I should’ve known right off.” Tanner shook his head, taking in her shapely calves and slim ankles. “You have too nice a body to wear that frumpy outfit.”

Her eyebrows arched with just the right amount of indignation. She was good. “This is an Armani suit.”

His birthday was in four weeks. Charlie always got the day right but not the month. Usually they just had a drink, but Charlie was probably trying to make a point that it was time for Tanner to follow him into retirement. He folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the bathroom doorjamb. “Go ahead. Skip to the part where you pull your hair loose and take off your clothes.”

She blinked, glanced at his chest, then let her head fall back, her lips slowly forming a smile as she stared at the ceiling. “This is just perfect,” she murmured to herself, then brought her head up. “I don’t know anyone named Charlie and I’m not a stripper.”

He kind of hoped that wasn’t true. It wasn’t only her pretty blue eyes that had stirred his interest. She had nice legs and breasts. He hadn’t seen her backside without the jacket yet, but he doubted he’d be disappointed.

“I won’t tell Charlie I guessed early. You go on and do your little act, darlin’. I promise I’ll enjoy it just as much as if it had been a surprise,” he said, extending a hand to help her off the couch.

She swatted him away. “You jackass. I am not a stripper.”

“I never said you were. I forget what they call people like you.”

“Pissed off.” She reached into that gigantic purse of hers and he expected music to start playing. Instead, she yanked out her wallet, then leaned back and studied him. “Are you putting me on? You can’t really think—” She sighed and flipped open the brown leather billfold. “Here.”

He took it, saw she had an Oklahoma driver’s license and hadn’t lied about her name. Before handing it back to her, he noticed that she was twenty-eight. “Well, damn, I was real fond of the stripper idea.”

“Now, will you put some clothes on so we can finish our conversation?”

He could feel the dust in his hair and the grit clinging to the back of his neck. “After I take my shower.”

She glanced at her watch, something she did a lot. Obviously she had somewhere else to be, which suited him fine if she was gonna keep harping on that men’s fragrance bullshit. “All right,” she said, “but you’ll need to hurry.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that.” He grabbed a towel off the shelf, then paused at the bathroom door. “You’re still welcome to join me.”

She rolled her eyes then started messing with her phone.

Grinning, Tanner ducked his head and entered the tiny bathroom. He’d had the trailer for going on ten years now, and sure, he would’ve preferred a bigger shower. And the bed was barely long enough. Some of the guys had teased him about holding on to the fifth wheel instead of getting something bigger and newer, especially after his two-year winning streak. Nah, he and Betsy had done just fine. She’d never given him a lick of trouble and she’d already outlasted two trucks. But then he’d never been the type who had to have the newest and brightest toy. New gadgets just made his head hurt.

Waiting for the water to warm up, he hung his towel, made sure he had enough shampoo and peeled off his underwear. He stuck his head out. She was still busy with her phone, texting, by the looks of it. Her hair wasn’t as tidy as before. Long loose curls fell around her face. The late sun came through the open window and picked up the shiny gold highlights.

She moved and the sunlight hit her face, glistening off her pale peach lips. His body’s reaction shouldn’t have surprised him. She was much prettier than he’d first thought. And his cock was definitely interested.

“Hey, Lexy.” He waited until she looked up. “I’ll leave the door open in case you change your mind.”

She ran a quick gaze over what she could see of his chest. “Yeah...thanks.” She smiled. “Not going to happen.”

Chuckling, he left the door partially open just to be ornery, then slipped under the spray. The warm water felt good on his tired muscles. He’d ridden in this annual rodeo every June for five years now and liked this particular trailer park. Not just for the convenient location but because of the water pressure. Pretty sad when he stopped to think about it. At the end of the day, a man ought to have more than a great shower to look forward to.

Man, he could probably write a travel guide to the best and worst parks from Montana down to the Tex/Mex border. Although except for a handful, they blurred together. It sure was gonna be weird when he finally quit and put down roots. Wherever that ended up being. At least he’d finally narrowed it down to a choice between two places.

Quickly he shampooed his hair, soaped up, then rinsed off. Ordinarily, he liked to spend a good fifteen minutes under the warm spray, but his thoughts had strayed back to Lexy. If she wasn’t here for some birthday bump and grind, he had to believe she was here on Worthington business just like she claimed. Which meant she probably wasn’t fooling about the calendar.

Shit.

That would be the damn day he’d stoop so low.

Kind of a shame that he had to get rid of her, but so be it. He reached for the faucet, twisted wrong and aggravated his strained shoulder muscle. He let out a loud groan before he could stop himself.

“Are you all right?”

Ignoring her, Tanner gingerly grabbed the towel from the hook and stepped out of the stall. He dried his face first. Then lowered the towel and saw her standing in the doorway, staring.

4

“OH.” LEXY DID an abrupt about-face. Lightheaded from lack of food, she flattened her hand against the wall. What on earth had she been thinking? People tended not to shower with their clothes on. Of course he was naked.

“You’re not gonna faint, are you?”

She heard the laugh in his voice. It didn’t help alleviate her embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I heard you groan and I thought maybe you were—” Oh, God, what if he hadn’t groaned. What if he’d been...moaning? “I don’t know what I thought,” she murmured, wishing she could disappear.

“It’s okay. No harm done. You can turn around now.”

“Are you dressed?”

“Sort of.”

Her cheeks were burning. She still felt a little woozy. The last thing she’d eaten were the early-morning cheese crackers at the Will Rogers Airport.

“I’m assuming you’ve seen a naked man before.”

“No. Never.” She pushed away from the wall and turned around. “I’m single.”

Tanner wore a grin on his face and a towel wrapped around his hips. That was it. “You’re pretty good,” he said. “Remind me not to invite you to a poker game.”

“I’m not lying. Where I come from lots of women and men take purity pledges. We’re saving ourselves for marriage.” She kept her eyes level with his, as if she couldn’t bear to look down at all his nakedness. She threw in a bit of lower-lip nibbling. The drama classes she’d taken to spite her father seemed to have paid off.

Tanner’s wavering smile and uncertain frown gave her some satisfaction. “I’ve got to get to my clothes,” he said, motioning that she needed to move.

“Yes, of course.” She averted her gaze, mostly to keep from bursting into laughter, then kept her head down all the way back to the couch. The trouble was, she wanted another peek before he got dressed. “We don’t have a lot of time,” she said and glanced toward the bed. But he’d already put the dividing wall between them. “Our flight is in three hours. I’m assuming you can leave your trailer here?”

Several long seconds later she understood the term “deafening silence” on a whole new level.

“Our flight?” He emerged from behind the wall, zipping up a fresh pair of jeans. No shirt. No boots. His hair damp and messy. “First of all, I’m not going anywhere with you. More to the point, I don’t fly.”

“It’s a commercial plane. It’s not as if I’m asking you to take a puddle-jumper.”

“I don’t care what you call it. If it’s got wings and leaves the ground, I don’t set foot on it.”

“Oh, please. Now I know you’re baiting me. Who doesn’t fly in this day and age?”

He jerked a thumb at his very nice chest. “Me.” She watched wistfully as he grabbed a black T-shirt. “I’m not alone. A lot of people don’t fly. You and your little purity circle probably have your own set of back-up wings, so no problem for you all.”

That almost made her laugh so she was glad he pulled the shirt over his head. Though she’d miss the view. The man took care of himself, the ridges of muscle across his belly and shoulders nicely defined but not bulky.

“Have you tried a mild tranquilizer?” she asked. “You know, say, an hour before a flight.”

Walking past her, he grabbed his beer. “I’ll save both of us a whole lot of time. No. That’s your blanket answer for the next two minutes, or however long it takes for you to get your cute little backside out of my trailer.”

“You don’t know what I’m going to ask.”

“Don’t care. It’ll all come down to no in the end.”

“Sorry, but you don’t have that option.”

He rinsed the bottle, dropped it in a receptacle and glanced out the window. “The parking lot is almost empty. Your rental should be easy to find.”

Her patience slipped. She didn’t have time to baby him. “Did you ever read your contract with Sundowner?”

“Course I read it,” he muttered, turning to frown at her. “At least my attorney did.”

“As an aside, you might think about hiring a new one. Because he left you wide open.”

“What do you mean?”

“The minute you signed, you didn’t only climb into bed with Sundowner but with every arm of The Worthington Group. Which meant you agreed not to accept sponsorship from any company considered a competitor. That list is quite long.”

Animosity darkened his face. “Nice business you work for. Or own.”

“I don’t own any of it.” She had to look away. The contract had been horribly one-sided, nothing she would’ve participated in, but that wasn’t stopping her from using it to her advantage. “Perhaps your anger would be better directed at your attorney. The agreement also means you can’t turn down the photo shoot.”

“You let me worry about my attorney,” he said, the curtness in his tone luring her gaze back to him. He stared out the window, the tic at his jaw working frantically. “You’d mentioned the contract expires in ten days.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“This promotion thing you’re doing can’t possibly be wrapped up that soon.”

“No, but if you’re selected as the spokesperson, the offer will be quite lucrative and—”

“I don’t give a shit about the money.” He turned a glare on her. “I’m not the guy for this fragrance crap. You have to know that,” he said, his expression easing as he spread his hands. “There’s a new crop of ambitious, young cowboys out there making names for themselves. Go talk to them. I guarantee you’ll find at least one who’ll be willing to hawk your cologne.”

Dammit, she was feeling guiltier by the minute. She couldn’t tell him he was a last resort. “I’m afraid they—we want someone with a couple championships under his belt. A man who, like yourself, has been with professional rodeo awhile and has a name—”

He muttered a curse. “Even without a fancy business degree I know that any one of those young bucks with their Facebook and Twitter and whatever else they use would be a lot more marketable than a guy like me.”

“Not necessarily.”

“Come on. You’re a smart woman. You’ve done your homework. Five years ago I was the winning ticket. Now?” He shrugged a shoulder. But his reaction was in no way nonchalant. His jaw had tightened and he wouldn’t look at her. “I’m months, maybe weeks away from calling it quits. Saying adios to rodeo.”

“Seriously?”

He swung a puzzled frown at her. “I’m scoring low, spending more money than I’m winning, had two surgeries already and I’m thirty-three. Getting too old for this game.”

“Lots of guys older than you are still riding,” she said, hating the trace of defeat in his voice.

Tanner reacted as if she’d slapped him. Plowing a hand through his hair, he brushed past without looking at her. “It happens to everyone sooner or later so do me the courtesy of dropping the pity.”

“I wasn’t...” Lexy closed her mouth, aware she couldn’t trust herself not to confess it was guilt, not pity that she felt.

She breathed in deeply, really despising what this trip had come to. Why she’d imagined getting Tanner to Houston would be easy, she had no idea. Part of the problem was that she hadn’t expected to like him. She’d left Oklahoma City assuming he’d be just another cowboy like the ones who’d already turned down the proposition, except Tanner had no choice. He’d honor his contract by doing what she told him, then they’d part ways, and that would be that.

But she did like him, and yes, there was a little bit of pity roiling inside her, yet she was forcing him to do something he strongly objected to only so she could prove herself. Actually, this foolishness proved nothing. It was her father’s petty way of humbling her. So they were both using Tanner.

No, this was on her. She could stop this charade right now. Refuse to exploit the lousy contract his attorney had been too stupid or lazy to negotiate.

She watched a very grim Tanner sit on the edge of his bed and pull on his boots. If only she could explain to him that all he had to do was show up for the photo shoot. She’d be forever grateful and he could walk away free and clear. After she got paid, perhaps she could even give him some money for his trouble. The thought made her uneasy. He wouldn’t appreciate the offer. He’d said he didn’t care about money, and she believed him.

Her maxed-out credit cards and unpaid student-loan notices flashed before her eyes. Unfortunately, right now, money was her key motivation. “Whether you have any interest in the calendar or not, you understand that you must show up for the photo shoot. If nothing else, it’s a good-faith effort on your part.”

“See, I don’t get that. I’m telling you I want nothing to do with your new cologne, and the second my contract expires I’m done. So why waste everyone’s time?”

She shrugged. “Don’t shoot the messenger.”

His lips moved, and though she couldn’t hear him, she could well imagine what he was muttering to himself. He tugged the hem of his jeans over his boots and stood.

A glance at her watch made her breath catch. “I brought a copy of your contract in case you had questions.” They couldn’t afford to miss their flight. Staying over a night translated to expenses her credit card couldn’t cover. “If you have trouble with the legalese, your attorney will verify what I’m saying.”

Every time she mentioned his attorney Tanner looked as if he wanted to strangle her. She didn’t understand what that was about but she kept quiet, pulled the folder out of her purse and passed it to him.

He stared at it. “I remember one thing. You people agreed not to interfere with my riding schedule. I have two events coming up. No way I can make it to Houston and back in time.”

“Where are you scheduled to ride?”

“Iowa.”

Tempted as she was to ask him the date, she already knew he was playing loose with the truth and making him more defensive wouldn’t help her cause. “That’s a month from now.”

“Yeah, but there’s Wyoming before that.”

“No.” She shook her head. “I already checked.”

“How?”

She held up her phone. “Online.”

“But...” He looked confused, angry and maybe even embarrassed because she’d caught him lying. “You couldn’t have checked every rodeo lineup.”

“I didn’t. I looked up your name on Google. If you’d like, I’ll show you what comes up.”

“Jesus.” He glared at her phone as if it were the enemy. And then looked at her the same way. “A man can’t have privacy anymore.” He tossed the folder on the couch and then picked up a magazine off the side table and looked underneath. Next he dug into a plastic bin filled with packaged cookies and crackers.

He found his phone, an older model that she doubted had internet capability. She watched him hit speed dial and hoped he was calling his attorney. Maybe then Tanner would understand that he had no choice, and they could still make the flight paid for out of the corporate account. Same thing for the car. Anything that deviated from the plan would cost her money she didn’t have.

She went to the window and glanced at the parking lot across the street. Finding the rental wouldn’t be a problem, but she wanted to give him some privacy. Or at least the illusion of privacy. “Doug, call me as soon as you get this,” Tanner said. “It’s important.”

Dammit. He’d obviously had to leave a message. If he stubbornly waited to talk to the attorney, she’d be screwed. “I’m assuming that’s your lawyer. Does he return calls promptly?”

Ignoring her, Tanner hit another number. He drummed his long, tanned fingers on the counter while he waited, not once sparing her a glance. “Helen,” he said, his tone more pleasant. “You’re right, darlin’. I can smell that cherry pie clear up to Montana.” He paused. “You know where Doug is?” Squeezing his eyes shut, he pinched the bridge of his nose. “How long?” Tanner sighed and stared past her toward the window. “I already left one, but if you hear from him, tell him he’s gotta call me ASAP.”

By the way he fidgeted, it was obvious he was impatient to get off the phone, but his voice never gave him away. Lexy assumed Helen was the attorney’s assistant, and Tanner exchanged several more pleasantries with her before he disconnected the call and flung the phone on the couch.

While Lexy waited for the temper in his eyes to settle, she moved to look at the pictures he had taped to his fridge. She suspected it might take a while. He kept rubbing the back of his neck and for a second glanced at the contract copy she’d brought but he made no move to pick it up.

Reminding herself patience was her only ally at the moment, she leaned in for a closer look at the pictures. The more faded photo was of a mountain lake, the other was taken on a beach with a fishing pole stuck in the white sand. That was it. No people were in either photo.

“Give me your number,” he said finally. “I’ll call you as soon as I hear from Doug.”

“When do you expect that to be?”

“No idea. He’s on vacation in the Bahamas.”

She nearly choked. “Oh, no. No. Uh-uh.” She shook her head, paused, told herself to breathe. “No. We can’t wait around.”

“Take it easy.” Curiosity flickered in his eyes. “He’ll call me back.”

“But we have a flight to catch.”

“Look, no matter what happens, I’m not getting on a plane. So get that out of your head.”

She took another deep breath to counter the panic tightening her chest. “You really can’t fly? It’s not just a ploy?”

“Nope.”

God help her, he was telling the truth. Her brain’s mad scramble in search of a solution made her dizzy again. More likely it was her empty stomach. She hurried to the couch and fished in her purse for a mint or hard candy.

“You okay?”

“I will be.”

“You look kinda pale.”

“I haven’t eaten since early this morning. I need a sugar boost.” She found a peppermint disc that she tried to unwrap but her hands shook.

“How about orange juice?” He didn’t wait for an answer but brought a jug out of the fridge.

“This is so stupid. Dammit.” Why couldn’t she get the dumb wrapper off?

“Here.” He swapped the candy for a glass of juice.

She accepted it with both hands, afraid the tumbler might slip. If the tremor wasn’t bad enough, now her palms were clammy.

Tanner sat next to her on the couch. He wrapped a hand around hers and helped guide the juice to her mouth.

Embarrassed, she took a tiny sip, then tried to break away from him. “I’m okay. Thanks.”

“Can you take a bigger one?” he asked, his roughened fingertips gentle on her skin as he urged the glass back to her lips.

She could smell him again, the same mysterious mix of leather and spice with the added hint of soap. It must be his shampoo that smelled so good. The heat from his body warmed her, making her drowsy and stirring the impulse to lay her head on his shoulder. It seemed like a lifetime ago since she’d had a decent night’s sleep. Always worrying about money and bills. He waited patiently for her to drink more of the juice before he slackened his hand and let her lower the glass.

“You could be coming down with something.” He pressed the back of his fingers to her cheek much like a mother would do to her feverish child.

“I’m not.” Lexy laughed, leaning away from him. “I’m really not.”

He lowered his hand and stood. “I didn’t mean to get in your face. Old habit. Sorry.”

“Do you have kids?” she asked, the sudden thought oddly disturbing.

“Nah, a younger brother. He kept me up more than a few nights. You feeling better yet?”

She nodded, then chugged down more of the juice . “No flying, huh?”

Tanner folded his arms across his chest. “You can ask me a hundred times but it won’t change my answer.”

Lexy swept a gaze toward the back. Only one bed and the couch was lumpy. But what choice did she have? “Then I guess we drive.”

* * *

WHILE HE WAITED for her to turn in the rental car, Tanner tried his brother again. And again, no answer. But at least he got to leave a more satisfying message. Much as he still wanted to strangle Lexy, he hadn’t been willing to use certain cusswords in front of her.

He watched her leave the rental office carrying a bag she’d taken from the trunk. Years of conditioning made him want to jump out and help her with it, but he forced himself to stay behind the wheel of his truck. No sense making things easier for her. What he needed was for her to recognize this standoff between them for what it was, cut her losses and let him be.

The crazy thing was she had to know he’d try to run the clock on his contract. So much could happen on a road trip, even if he didn’t stoop to sabotage. Which he wasn’t above doing if it came down to the wire. And he’d wager she knew that, too. So why the dogged determination?

He tensed when he saw her stop and use the back of her wrist to blot her forehead. Two hours until sunset but it was still warm, and she’d had nothing but the orange juice. She shifted the bag to her other hand.

“Shit.” Tanner opened his door and got out. His longer strides closed the distance between them before she made it two steps.

“What are you doing?”

Without a word, he took the bag from her. It wasn’t heavy but he felt better giving in. No, he wasn’t happy with this new thorn in his backside but he didn’t have to be a bastard. Rather than opening the trailer, he stowed the bag on the truck’s backseat. Lexy watched for a moment, probably making sure he hadn’t tossed her things in the bushes. Then she went around to the passenger side.

He followed her in case she needed help getting into the cab. The step-up wasn’t easy for someone short. She just stood there as if making the climb was too much for her, and he revisited the notion that she might be playing him. Trying to gain his sympathy while she dug in her claws. But then he saw that she’d only stopped to take off her blazer.

She turned her head and caught him eyeing her flat belly and jutting breasts. “Did you need something?”

“You want help getting up there?” he asked, motioning with his chin.

Draping the jacket over her arm, she inspected the step-up. “I think I’ll be fine.” She flashed him a smile. “But thank you.”

He managed to get behind the wheel before she settled into her seat, and tried not to notice the lacy pink bra exposed by the gap in her blouse. “It’s not too late,” he said, looking straight ahead and turning the key. “You can still fly to Houston and I’ll meet you there.”

“No, I think we should stick to our plan.”

Our plan, his ass. His first choice had been to drop her off at the airport. Second, he’d suggested she keep the rental and follow him. But no, she’d insisted on sticking as close as possible. And when he’d told her he wouldn’t negotiate, she’d threatened him. Asked him if he could afford being hit with a lawsuit for breach of contract.

Oh, she’d looked contrite as all get-out, explained it wasn’t her decision. Personally, she would never take legal action against him. He still wasn’t sure he believed her. His brother would be able to advise him. Though Doug hadn’t done such a bang-up job on the contract terms. And with all the money Tanner had doled out for law school. Yeah, that pissed him off.

As soon as he’d gotten them on the highway, he glanced over at her. “You really think your company would sue me?”

“I don’t know. Probably.” She turned to look out her window. “They have quite an impressive legal department.”

“You always say they. You’re a Worthington. Isn’t it your company, too?”

Her smile seemed forced. “My father runs The Worthington Group.”

“Not fond of the old man, huh?”

“That’s not true.” She shot him a withering look. “Why would you say such a thing?”

Tanner set cruise control and leaned back. “Your body language.”

“Pay attention to the road and not me.”

He laughed when she flapped a hand, motioning for him to move the arm he’d stretched out behind her head, even though he wasn’t touching her. “Okay, sore subject. I get it. I’m not fond of my old man, either.”

“I didn’t say— I’m not engaging in this conversation with you.” She folded her arms across her chest, hiding the gap...and pink bra. “Oh, wait, I don’t have to explain. You being such an ace at body language.”

“You need something in that belly of yours. Maybe some food will give you a more pleasing disposition.”

Lexy slid him a long look. “I’m fine. We need to make use of the daylight.” She took out her phone and started working away. “I assume I won’t have internet the whole time we’re on the road. Do you have a map?”

“What for?”

“Um, the usual purpose. Figure out where we’re going.”

Tanner smiled. “Don’t you worry. I know exactly where we’re headed.”

And she damn sure wasn’t gonna like it.

5

A BUMP WOKE LEXY. She opened her eyes but it was already dark, not even a hint of moonlight to help her get her bearings. The truck had been a surprisingly smooth ride but she felt the uneven change in the road and guessed they’d left the highway.

“Where are we?” She saw a blurry glow up ahead. “Is that the trailer park?” She picked up her phone from where she’d dropped it on her lap, held it up and flipped on her Bic app.

Tanner swung a sharp look at the flickering light. “Is that—you’ve got to be kidding.”

“What?” The truck’s headlights bounced off trees and shrubs flanking the narrow stretch of road. Gasping, she clutched her armrest when a reflective pair of eyes appeared directly in front of them.

Tanner protectively flung his arm out as he slammed the brakes. Her upper body lurched forward in spite of her fastened seat belt. They stopped short of hitting the startled doe, but it took Lexy a few moments to calm down from the near miss. And the fact that her breasts were pressed against Tanner’s muscled arm.

She touched his hand. “I’m all right. Thanks.”

His alert gaze had remained on the deer, who still hadn’t moved. He slowly turned his head, saw the problem and lowered his arm. “She’s got her baby with her,” he said, returning his attention to the animal.

“Where?”

“Right there next to that juniper tree.” He leaned close, using his chin to guide her. “That fawn isn’t more than a few weeks old.”

Seconds later her vision adjusted to the murky shadows that hid the little one. “Oh, she’s adorable.” A sick feeling threatened to ruin the moment. “We almost killed her mother.”

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