“In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve had a hard time keeping my eyes off you tonight.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m having a difficult time believing you would be interested in me.”

Hannah couldn’t be more wrong. “Why wouldn’t I be? You’re smart and savvy and pretty damn brave to raise a child on your own and finish college at the same time.”

“Keep going.”

Logan could … all night. “You’re a survivor and very beautiful, although you don’t seem to know that. And that’s not only hard to find in a beautiful woman, it’s appealing.”

“And?”

“Right now I’d like to kiss you,” he blurted out before his brain caught up with his mouth. “But I’m not going to.”

“Why not?” she asked, looking thoroughly disappointed.

“Because if I kissed you, I might not want to stop there.”

* * *

From Single Mum to Secret Heiress is a Dynasties: The Lassiters novel— A Wyoming legacy of love, lies and redemption!

From Single Mum

to Secret Heiress

Kristi Gold

www.millsandboon.co.uk

KRISTI GOLD has a fondness for beaches, baseball and bridal reality shows. She firmly believes that love has remarkable healing powers and feels very fortunate to be able to weave stories of love and commitment. As a bestselling author, a National Readers’ Choice Award winner and a Romance Writers of America three-time RITA® Award finalist, Kristi has learned that although accolades are wonderful, the most cherished rewards come from networking with readers. She can be reached through her website at www.kristigold.com, or through Facebook.

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To my fellow Lassiter authors, particularly Kathie DeNosky, my good friend and brainstorming buddy. I can always count on you to have my back, as long as you’ve had your coffee. Couldn’t have done this one without you.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Extract

One

What a way to begin the end of April—with limited funds and leaky plumbing.

Yet Hannah Armstrong couldn’t quite believe her sudden change in fortune. Twenty minutes after placing the 5:00 p.m. service call, and hearing the dispatcher’s declaration that they would try to send someone out today, her doorbell sounded.

She left the flooded galley kitchen and carefully crossed the damp dining-room floor that was littered with towels. After entering the living room, she navigated another obstacle course comprised of a toy plastic convertible painted shocking pink, as well as a string of miniature outfits that would be the envy of the fashion-doll world. “Cassie, sweetie, you have to pick up your toys before you can spend the night with Michaela,” she called on her way to answer the summons.

She immediately received the usual “In a minute, Mama,” which came from the hallway to her right.

Hannah started to scold her daughter for procrastinating, but she was too anxious to greet her knight in shining tool belt. Yet when she yanked the front door open, she was completely taken aback by the man standing on her porch. The guy had to be the prettiest plumber in Boulder. Correction. All of Colorado.

She quickly catalogued the details—a six-foot-plus prime specimen of a man with neatly trimmed, near-black hair that gleamed in the sun and eyes that reminded her of a mocha cappuccino. He wore a navy sports coat that covered an open-collared white shirt, dark-wash jeans and a pair of tan polished cowboy boots, indicating she’d probably pulled him away from a family function. Or quite possibly a date since he didn’t appear to be wearing a wedding band.

“Ms. Armstrong?” he asked as soon as she stepped onto the porch, his voice hinting at a slight drawl.

Considering her ragtag appearance—damp holey jeans, no shoes, hair piled into a disheveled ponytail and a faded blue T-shirt imprinted with Bring it On!—Hannah considered denying her identity. But leaky pipes took precedence over pride. “That’s me, and I’m so glad to see you.”

“You were expecting me?” Both his tone and expression conveyed his confusion.

Surely he was kidding. “Of course, although I am really surprised you got here so quickly. And since I’ve obviously interrupted your Friday-night plans, please know I truly appreciate your expediency. Just one question before you get started. What exactly do you charge after normal business hours?”

He looked decidedly uncomfortable, either from the question or her incessant rambling. “Anywhere from two-fifty to four hundred regardless of the hour.”

“Dollars?”

“Yes.”

Ridiculous. “Isn’t that a bit exorbitant for a plumber?”

His initial surprise melted into a smile, revealing dimples that would make the most cynical single gal swoon. “Probably so, but I’m not a plumber.”

Hannah’s face heated over her utterly stupid assumption. Had she been thinking straight, she would have realized he wasn’t a working-class kind of guy. “Then what are you? Who are you?”

He pulled a business card from his jacket pocket and offered it to her. “Logan Whittaker, attorney at law.”

A slight sense of dread momentarily robbed Hannah of a response, until she realized she had no reason to be afraid of a lawyer. She gained enough presence of mind to take the card and study the text. Unfortunately, her questions as to why he was there remained unanswered. She’d never heard of the Drake, Alcott and Whittaker law firm, and she didn’t know anyone in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

She looked up to find him studying her as intently as she had his card. “What’s this about?”

“I’m helping settle the late J. D. Lassiter’s estate,” he said, then paused as if that should mean something to her.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know anyone named Lassiter, so there must be some mistake.”

He frowned. “You are Hannah Lovell Armstrong, right?”

“Yes.”

“And your mother’s name is Ruth Lovell?”

The conversation was growing stranger by the minute. “Was. She passed away two years ago. Why?”

“Because she was named as secondary beneficiary should anything happen to you before you claimed your inheritance.”

Inheritance. Surely it couldn’t be true. Not after all the years of wondering and hoping that someday...

Then reality began to sink in, as well as the memory of her mother’s warning.

You don’t need to know anything about your worthless daddy or his cutthroat family. He never cared about you one whit from the moment you were born. You’re better off not knowing....

So shell-shocked by the possibility that this had something to do with the man who’d given her life, Hannah simply couldn’t speak. She could only stare at the card still clutched in her hand.

“Are you okay, Ms. Armstrong?”

The attorney’s question finally snapped her out of the stupor. “I’m a little bit confused at the moment.” To say the least.

“I understand,” he said. “First of all, it’s not my place to question you about your relationship with J. D. Lassiter, but I am charged with explaining the terms of your inheritance and the process for claiming it. Anything you reveal to me will be kept completely confidential.”

When she realized what he might be implying, Hannah decided to immediately set him straight. “Mr. Whittaker, I don’t have, nor have I ever had, a relationship with anyone named Lassiter. And if you’re insinuating I might be some mistress he kept hidden away, you couldn’t be more wrong.”

“Again, I’m not assuming anything, Ms. Armstrong. I’m only here to honor Mr. Lassiter’s last wishes.” He glanced over his shoulder at Nancy, the eyes and ears of the neighborhood, who’d stopped watering her hedgerow to gawk, before turning his attention back to Hannah. “Due to confidentiality issues, I would prefer to lay out the terms of the inheritance somewhere aside from your front porch.”

Although he seemed legitimate, Hannah wasn’t comfortable with inviting a stranger into her home, not only for her sake, but also for her daughter’s. “Look, I need some time to digest this information.” As well as the opportunity to investigate Logan Whittaker and determine whether he might be some slick con artist. “Could we possibly meet this evening to discuss this?” Provided she didn’t discover anything suspicious about him.

“I can be back here around seven-thirty.”

“I’d prefer to meet in a public venue. I have a daughter and I wouldn’t want her to overhear our conversation.”

“No problem,” he said. “And in the meantime, feel free to do an internet search or call my office and ask for Becky. You’ll have all my pertinent information and proof that I am who I say I am.”

The man must be a mind reader. “Thank you for recognizing my concerns.”

“It’s reasonable that you’d want to protect not only yourself, but your child.” He sounded as if he truly understood, especially the part about protecting Cassie.

She leaned a shoulder against the support column. “I suppose you’ve probably seen a lot of unimaginable things involving children during your career.”

He shifted his weight slightly. “Fortunately I’m in corporate law, so I only have to deal with business transactions, estates and people with too much money to burn.”

“My favorite kind of people.” The sarcasm in her tone was unmistakable.

“Not too fond of the rich and infamous?” he asked, sounding somewhat amused.

“You could say that. It’s a long story.” One that wouldn’t interest him in the least.

“I’m staying at Crest Lodge, not far from here,” he said. “They have a decent restaurant where we can have a private conversation. Do you know the place?”

“I’ve been there once.” Six years ago with her husband on their anniversary, not long before he was torn from her life due to a freak industrial accident. “It’s fairly expensive.”

He grinned. “That’s why they invented expense accounts.”

“Unfortunately I don’t have one.”

“But I do and it’s my treat.”

And what a treat it would be, sitting across from a man who was extremely easy on the eyes. A man she knew nothing about. Of course, this venue would be strictly business. “All right, if you’re sure.”

“Positive,” he said. “My cell number’s listed on the card. If your plans change, let me know. Otherwise I’ll meet you there at seven-thirty.”

That gave Hannah a little over two hours to get showered and dressed, provided the real plumber didn’t show up, which seemed highly unlikely. “Speaking of calls, why didn’t you handle this by phone?”

His expression turned solemn once more. “First of all, I had some business to attend to in Denver, so I decided to stop here on the way back to Cheyenne. Secondly, as soon as you hear the details, you’ll know why I thought it was better to lay out the terms in person. I’ll see you this evening.”

With that, he strode down the walkway, climbed into a sleek black Mercedes and drove away, leaving Hannah suspended in a state of uncertainty.

After taking a few more moments to ponder the situation, she tore back into the house and immediately retreated to the computer in her bedroom. She began her search of Logan Whittaker and came upon a wealth of information, including several photos and numerous accolades. He graduated from the University of Texas law school, set up practice twelve years ago in Dallas, then moved to Cheyenne six years ago. He was also listed as single, not that it mattered to Hannah. Much.

Then it suddenly dawned on her to check out J. D. Lassiter, which she did. She came upon an article heralding his business acumen and his immeasurable wealth. The mogul was worth billions. And once again, she was subjected to shock when she recognized the face in the picture accompanying his story—the face that belonged to the same man who had been to her house over twenty years ago.

That particular day, she’d returned home from school and come upon him and her mother standing on the porch, engaged in a heated argument. She’d been too young to understand the content of the volatile conversation, and when she’d asked her mom about him, Ruth had only said he wasn’t anyone she should worry about. But she had worried...and now she wondered....

Hannah experienced a surprising bout of excitement mixed with regret. Even if she had solid proof J. D. Lassiter was in fact her father, she would never have the opportunity to meet him. It was as if someone had given her a special gift, then immediately yanked it away from her. It didn’t matter. The man had clearly possessed more money than most, and he hadn’t spent a dime to support her. That begged the question—why would he leave her a portion of his estate now? Perhaps a guilty conscience. An attempt at atonement. But it was much too late for that.

She would meet Logan Whittaker for dinner, hear him out and then promptly tell him that she wouldn’t take one penny of the Lassiter fortune.

* * *

At fifteen minutes until eight, Logan began to believe Hannah Armstrong’s plans had changed. But from his position at the corner table, he glanced up from checking his watch to see her standing in the restaurant’s doorway.

He had to admit, he’d found her pretty damned attractive when he’d met her, from the top of her auburn ponytail to the bottom of her bare feet. She’d possessed a fresh-faced beauty that she hadn’t concealed with a mask of makeup, and she had the greenest eyes he’d ever seen in his thirty-eight years.

But now...

She did have on a little makeup, yet it only enhanced her features. Her hair hung straight to her shoulders and she wore a sleeveless, above-the-knee black dress that molded to her curves. Man-slaying curves that reminded Logan of a modern version of those starlets from days gone by, before too-thin became all the rage.

When they made eye contact, Hannah started forward, giving Logan a good glimpse of her long legs. He considered her to be above average in height for a woman, but right then she seemed pretty damn tall. Maybe it was just the high heels, although they couldn’t be more than two inches. Maybe it was the air of confidence she gave off as she crossed the room. Or maybe he should keep his eyes off her finer attributes; otherwise he could land himself in big trouble if he ignored the boundary between business and pleasure. Not that he had any reason to believe she’d be willing to take that step.

Logan came to his feet and rounded the table to pull out the chair across from his as soon as Hannah arrived. “Thanks,” she said after she claimed her seat.

Once he settled in, Logan handed her a menu. “I thought for a minute there you were going to stand me up.”

“My apologies for my tardiness,” she said. “My daughter, Cassie, had to change clothes three times before I took her to my friend’s house for a sleepover.”

He smiled over the sudden bittersweet memories. “How old is she?”

“Gina is thirty. Same as me.”

Logan bit back a laugh. “I meant your daughter.”

A slight blush spread across Hannah’s cheeks, making her look even prettier. “Of course you did. I admit I’m a little nervous about this whole inheritance thing.”

So was Logan, for entirely different reasons. Every time she flashed those green eyes at him, he felt his pulse accelerate. “No need to be nervous. But I wouldn’t blame you if you’re curious.”

“Not so curious that I can’t wait for the details until after dinner, since I’m starving.” She opened the menu and began scanning it while Logan did the same. “I’d forgotten how many choices they offer.”

He’d almost forgotten how it felt to be seated at a dinner table across from a gorgeous woman. The past few years had included a few casual flings for the sake of convenience with a couple of women who didn’t care to be wined and dined. Sex for the sake of sex. And that had suited him fine. “Yeah. It’s hard to make a decision. By the way, did you get your plumbing fixed?”

She continued to scan the menu. “Unfortunately, no. They called and said it would be tomorrow afternoon. Apparently pipes are breaking all over Boulder.”

With the way she looked tonight, she could break hearts all over Boulder. “Do you have any recommendations on the menu?”

“Have you had bison?” she asked as she looked up from the menu.

“No. I’m more of a beef-and-potatoes kind of guy.”

“Your Texas roots are showing.”

She’d apparently taken his advice. “Did you check me out on the internet?”

“I did. Does that bother you?”

Only if she’d discovered the part of his past he’d concealed from everyone in Wyoming. Almost everyone. “Hey, I don’t blame you. In this day and time, it’s advisable to determine if someone is legitimate before you agree to meet with them.”

“I’m glad you understand, and you have quite the résumé.”

He shrugged. “Just the usual credentials.”

“They certainly impressed me.”

She undeniably impressed him. “Have you eaten bison before?”

“Yes, I have, and I highly recommend it. Much leaner and healthier than beef.”

“I think I’ll just stick with what I know.”

Her smile almost knocked his boots off. “Perhaps you should expand your horizons.”

Perhaps he should quit sending covert looks at her cleavage. “Maybe I will at some point in time.” Just not tonight.

A lanky college-aged waiter sauntered over to the table and aimed his smile on Hannah. “Hi. My name’s Chuck. Can I get you folks something to drink? Maybe a cocktail before dinner?”

Bourbon, straight up, immediately came to Logan’s mind before he realized booze and a beautiful woman wouldn’t be a good mix in this case. “I’ll have coffee. Black.”

Hannah leveled her pretty smile on Chuck. “I’d like a glass of water.”

The waiter responded with an adolescent grin. “Have you folks decided on your meal?”

She took another glance at the menu before closing it. “I’ll take the petite bison filet, medium, with a side of sautéed mushrooms and the asparagus.”

Logan cleared his throat to gain the jerk’s attention. “Give me the New York strip, medium rare with a baked potato, everything on it.”

Chuckie Boy jotted down the order but couldn’t seem to stop staring at Hannah as he gathered the menus. “How about an appetizer? I highly recommend the Rocky Mountain oysters.”

That nearly made Logan wince. “I believe I’ll pass on that one, Chuck.”

“I second that,” Hannah said. “A salad with vinaigrette would be good.”

Chuck finally tore his gaze away from Hannah and centered it on Logan. “Can I bring you a salad, too, sir?”

No, but you can get the hell out of Dodge. “Just the coffee and a glass of water.”

The waiter backed away from the table, then said, “I’ll have that right out.”

“What an idiot,” Logan muttered after the guy disappeared into the kitchen.

Hannah frowned. “I thought he was very accommodating.”

“He definitely wanted to accommodate you and it didn’t have a damn thing to do with dinner.” Hell, he sounded like a jealous lover.

Hannah looked understandably confused. “Excuse me?”

“You didn’t notice the way he was looking at you?”

“He was just being friendly.”

She apparently didn’t realize her appeal when it came to the opposite sex, and he personally found that intriguing. “Look, I don’t blame the guy. You’re an extremely attractive woman, but for all he knows, we’re a couple. The fact that he kept eyeing you wasn’t appropriate in my book.”

Her gaze momentarily wandered away and the color returned to her cheeks. “But we’re not a couple, and he wasn’t eyeing me.”

“Believe me, he was.” And he sure couldn’t blame the guy when it came right down to it.

She picked up the cloth napkin near her right hand, unfolded it and laid it in her lap. “If he was, I didn’t notice. Then again, I haven’t been out much in the past few years.”

“Since your...” If he kept going, he’d be treading on shaky ground. The kind that covered a major loss from the past. He knew that concept all too well.

She raised a brow. “Since my husband’s death? It’s okay. I’ve been able to talk about it without falling apart for the past four years.”

He definitely admired her for that. Even after nine years, he hadn’t been able to discuss his loss without flying into a rage. “I admire your resiliency,” he said, all the while thinking he wished he had half of her tenacity.

Chuck picked that moment to bring the drinks and Hannah’s salad. “Here you go, folks. Dinner will be right out.”

As bad as Logan hated to admit it, he was actually glad to see the jerk, if only to grab the opportunity to turn to a lighter topic. “Thank you kindly, Chuck.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

After the waiter left the area, Logan returned his attention to Hannah. “So it’s my understanding you recently obtained your degree.”

She took a quick sip of water and sent him a proud smile. “Yes, I did, and apparently you’ve done your homework on me, too.”

“I had to in order to locate you.” Thanks to J. D. Lassiter not providing much information when they discovered the annuity’s existence.

She picked up a fork and began moving lettuce around on the plate. “That old internet is a great resource for checking people out.”

He only wished she would thoroughly check him out, and not on the computer. And where in the hell had that come from?

He cleared his throat and shifted slightly in his seat. “I take it you’re satisfied I’m not some reprobate posing as an attorney.”

“Yes, but frankly, I’m curious as to why you relocated from Dallas to Cheyenne, Wyoming. That must have been quite a culture shock.”

He didn’t want to delve into his reasons for leaving his former life behind. “Not that much of a shock. You find cowboys in both places.”

“Were you a cowboy in another life, or just trying to blend in now?”

“I’ve ridden my share of horses, if that’s what you mean.”

She smiled again. “Let me guess. You were born into an affluent ranching family.”

“Nope. A not-quite-poor farming family. Three generations, as a matter of fact. My parents ran a peach orchard in East Texas and raised a few cattle. They’re semiretired now and disappointed I didn’t stick around to take over the business.”

“What made you decide to be a lawyer?”

He grinned. “When I wore overalls, people kept mistaking me for a plumber, and since clogged drains aren’t my thing, studying the law made sense.”

Her soft laughter traveled all the way to her striking green eyes. “Something tells me you’re not going to let me live that one down.”

Something told him he could wind up in hot water if he didn’t stop viewing her as a desirable woman. “I’ll let you off the hook, seeing as how we just met.”

“And I will let you off the hook for not giving me fair warning before you showed up on my doorstep.”

He still had those great images of her branded in his brain. “You know, I’m really glad I didn’t decide to handle this over the phone. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met you, and something tells me I would have regretted that.”

Hannah set down the fork, braced her elbow on the edge of the table and rested her cheek in her palm. “And I would have missed the opportunity to get all dressed up for a change and have a free meal.”

She looked prettier than a painted picture come to life. Yep. Trouble with a capital T if he didn’t get his mind back on business. “After you learn the details of your share of the Lassiter fortune, you’ll be able to buy me dinner next time.” Next time? Man, he was getting way ahead of himself, and that was totally out of character for his normally cautious self.

Hannah looked about as surprised as he felt over the comment. “That all depends on if I actually agree to accept my share, and that’s doubtful.”

He couldn’t fathom anyone in their right mind turning down that much money. But before he had a chance to toss out an opinion, or the amount of the annuity held in her name, Chuck showed up with their entrées.

Logan ate his food with the gusto of a field hand, while Hannah basically picked at hers, the same way she had with the salad. By the time they were finished, and the plates were cleared, he had half a mind to invite her into the nearby bar to discuss business. But dark and cozy wouldn’t help rein in his libido.

Hannah tossed her napkin aside and folded her hands before her. “Okay, we’ve put this off long enough. Tell me the details.”

Logan took a drink of water in an attempt to rid the dryness in his throat. “The funds are currently in an annuity. You have the option to leave it as is and take payments. Or you can claim the lump sum. Your choice.”

“How much?” she said after a few moments.

He noticed she looked a little flushed and decided retiring to the bar might not be a bad idea after all. “Maybe we should go into the lounge so you can have a drink before I continue.”

Frustration showed in her expression. “I don’t need a drink.”

He’d begun to think he might. “Just a glass of wine to take the edge off.”

She leaned forward and nailed him with a glare. “How much?”

“Five million dollars.”

“I believe I will have that drink now.”

Two

She’d never been much of a drinker, but at the moment Hannah sat on a sofa in the corner of a dimly lit bar, a vodka and tonic tightly gripped in her hand. “Five million dollars? Are you insane?”

Logan leaned back in the club chair and leveled his dark gaze on hers. “Hey, it’s not my money. I’m only the messenger.”

She set the glass down on the small table separating them, slid her fingers through the sides of her hair and resisted pulling it out by the roots. “You’re saying that I can just sign some papers and you’re going to hand me a fortune.”

“It’s a little more complicated than that.”

After having the five-million-dollar bombshell dropped on her head, nothing seemed easy, including deciding to refuse it. “Would I have to go before some probate court?”

“No, but there are some stipulations.”

She dropped her hands into her lap and sat back on the cushions. “Such as?”

“You have to sign a nondisclosure waiver in order to claim the inheritance.”

“Nondisclosure?”

“That means if you take the money, by law you can’t disclose your connection to the Lassiters to anyone.”

She barked out a cynical laugh. “I refuse to do that. Not after living my entire life in the shadow of shame, thanks to my biological father’s refusal to acknowledge me.”

“Then you have reason to believe J. D. Lassiter is your father?”

Good reason. “Yes, there is a chance, but I don’t know for certain because I have no real proof. Regardless, I do know I won’t take a penny of his hush money.”

Logan downed the last of his coffee, sat back on the opposing sofa and remained quiet a few moments. “What does your future hold in terms of your career?”

A little hardship, but nothing she couldn’t handle. “I’m going to teach high-school human physiology and probably health classes as well.”

He released a rough sigh. “It takes a lot of guts to stand in front of a room full of teenage boys and talk about the facts of life, especially looking the way you do.”

Hannah appreciated his skill at doling out the compliments, even if she didn’t understand it or quite believe it. “I assure you I can handle whatever teenage boys want to throw at me.”

“I don’t doubt that,” he said. “But it’s not going to be easy. I know because I was one once.”

She imagined a very cute one at that. “Most men still retain some of those prepubescent qualities, don’t you agree?”

He grinned, giving her another premiere dimple show. “Probably so. Do you have a job lined up?”

That caused her to glance away. “Not yet, but I’ve had my degree for less than two weeks, and that’s when I immediately started the search. I expect to find something any day now.”

“And if you don’t?”

She’d harbored those same concerns due to the lack of prospects. “I’ll manage fine, just as I’ve been managing since my husband died.”

He sent her a sympathetic look. “That must have been a struggle, raising a child and going to school.”

She’d been lucky enough to have help. Begrudging help. “My mother looked after my daughter when necessary until Cassie turned two. I lived off the settlement from my husband’s work accident and that, coupled with Social Security benefits, allowed me to pay for day care and the bills while studying full-time. I obtained grants and student loans to finance my tuition.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, do you have any of the settlement left?”

She didn’t exactly mind, but she felt certain she knew where he was heading—back into inheritance land. “Actually, the payments will end in October, so I still have six months.”

He streaked a hand over the back of his neck. “You do realize that if you accept this money, you’ll be set for life. No worries financially for you or your daughter.”

If Cassie’s future played a role, she might reconsider taking the inheritance. “My daughter will be well provided for when she turns eighteen, thanks to my in-laws, who’ve established a million-dollar-plus trust fund in her name. Of course, I’m sure that will come with conditions, as those with fortunes exceeding the national debt are prone to do.”

“Guess that explains your aversion to wealthy people.”

Her aversion was limited to only the entitled wealthy, including Theresa and Marvin Armstrong. “Daniel’s parents didn’t exactly approve of my marriage to their son. Actually, they didn’t approve of me. It was that whole illegitimate thing. They had no way of knowing if I had the appropriate breeding to contribute to the stellar Armstrong gene pool. Of course, when I became pregnant with Cassie, they had no say in the matter.”

He seemed unaffected by her cynicism. “Are they involved in your daughter’s life at all?”

“Theresa sends Cassie money on her birthday and collector dolls at Christmas that carry instructions not to remove them from the box so they’ll retain their value. What good is a doll you can’t play with?”

“Have they ever seen her?”

“Only once.” And once had been quite enough. “When Cassie was two, they flew us out to North Carolina for a visit. It didn’t take long to realize that my mother-in-law and active toddlers don’t mix. After Theresa accused me of raising a wild animal, I told her I’d find a good kennel where I could board Cassie next time. Fortunately, there wasn’t a next time.”

Logan released a deep, sexy laugh. “You’re hell on wheels, aren’t you?”

She took another sip of the cocktail to clear the bitter taste in her mouth. “After growing up a poor fatherless child, I learned to be. Also, my mother was extremely unsocial and rather unhappy over raising a daughter alone, to say the least. I took an opposite path and made it my goal to be upbeat and sociable.”

He grinned. “I bet you were a cheerleader.”

She returned his smile. “Yes, I was, and I could do a mean backflip.”

“Think you could still do it?”

“I don’t know. It’s been a while, but I suppose I could don my cheerleading skirt, though it’s probably a little tight, and give it the old college try.”

He winked, sending a succession of pleasant chills down Hannah’s body. “I’d like to see that.”

“If you’re like most men, you just want to see up my skirt.” Had she really said that?

He sent her a sly grin. “I do admire limber women.”

A brief span of silence passed, a few indefinable moments following unmistakable innuendo. Hannah couldn’t recall the last time she’d actually flirted with someone aside from her husband. And she’d been flirting with a virtual stranger. An extremely handsome, successful stranger.

A very young, very peppy blonde waitress sauntered over and flashed a grin. “Can I get you anything, sir?”

“Bring me a cola,” Logan said without cracking a smile.

She glanced at Hannah. “What about you, ma’am?”

“No, thank you.”

“Are you sure?” Logan asked. “You wouldn’t like one more round?”

She was sorely tempted, but too sensible to give in. “I’m driving, remember?”

“I could drive you home if you change your mind.”

“That would be too much trouble,” she said, knowing that if he came anywhere near her empty house, she might make a colossal mistake.

“It’s not a problem.”

It could be if she didn’t proceed with caution. “I’m fine for now. But thanks.”

Once the waitress left, Hannah opted for a subject change. “Now that you know quite a bit about me, what about you?”

He pushed his empty coffee cup aside. “What do you want to know?”

Plenty. “I saw on your profile you’re single. Have you ever been married?”

His expression went suddenly somber. “Once. I’ve been divorced for eight years.”

She couldn’t imagine a man of his caliber remaining unattached all that time. “Any relationships since?”

“Nothing serious.”

She tapped her chin and pretended to think. “Let me guess. You have a woman in every court.”

His smile returned, but only halfway. “Not even close. I work a lot of hours so I don’t have much time for a social life.”

“Did you take a vow of celibacy?” Heaven help her, the vodka had completely destroyed her verbal filter.

When the waitress returned with the cola, Logan pulled out his wallet and handed her a platinum card to close out the tab, or so Hannah assumed. “Keep it open for the time being,” he said, shattering her assumptions.

Once the waitress retreated, Hannah attempted to backtrack. “Forget I asked that last question. It’s really none of my business.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “I’ve had a few relationships based solely on convenience. What about you?”

He’d presented a good case of turnabout being fair play, but she simply had little to tell when it came to the dating game. “Like you, I haven’t had time to seriously consider the social scene. I have had a couple of coffee dates in the past year, but they were disastrous. One guy still lived at his mother’s house in the basement, and the other’s only goal was to stay in school as long as possible. He already had three graduate degrees.”

“Apparently the last guy was fairly smart,” he said.

“True, but both made it quite clear they weren’t particularly fond of children, and that’s a deal breaker. Not to mention I’m not going to subject my child to a man unless he’s earned my trust.”

He traced the rim of the glass with his thumb. “It’s logical that you would have major concerns in that department.”

“Very true. And I have to admit I’m fairly protective of her. Some might even say overprotective.” Including her best friend, Gina.

Logan downed the last of his drink and set it aside. “I’m not sure there is such a thing in this day and time.”

“But I’ve been known to take it to extremes. I’ve even considered encasing her in bubble wrap every day before I send her off to school.”

Her attempt at humor seemed to fall flat for Logan. “You really can’t protect them from everything, and that’s a damn shame.”

His solemn tone spurred Hannah’s curiosity. “Do you have children from your previous marriage?”

He momentarily looked away. “No.”

Definitely a story there. “Was that a mutual decision between you and your wife?” Realizing she’d become the ultimate Nosy Nellie, she raised her hands, palms forward. “I’m so sorry. I’m not normally this intrusive.”

“My wife was an attorney, too,” he continued, as if her prying didn’t bother him. “Having kids wasn’t in the cards for us, and that was probably just as well.”

“How long were you married?”

“A little over seven years.”

She started to ask if he’d been plagued with the legendary itch but didn’t want to destroy her honorable-man image. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure the divorce process can be tough.”

“Ours was pretty contentious. But it wasn’t anything compared to losing someone to death.”

He almost sounded as if he’d had experience with that as well. “They’re both losses, and they both require navigating the grief process. I was somewhat lucky in that respect. I had Cassie to see me through the rough times.”

“How old was she when your husband died?” he asked.

“I was five months pregnant, so he never saw her.” She was somewhat amazed she’d gotten through that revelation without falling apart. Maybe her grief cycle was finally nearing completion.

“At least you were left with a part of him,” Logan said gruffly. “I assume that did provide some consolation.”

A good-looking and intuitive man, a rare combination in Hannah’s limited experience. “I’m very surprised by your accurate perception, Mr. Whittaker. Most of the time people look at me with pity when they learn the details. I appreciate their sympathy, but I’m not a lost cause.”

“It’s Logan,” he told her. “And you’re not remotely a lost cause or someone who deserves pity. You deserve respect and congratulations for moving on with your life, Hannah.”

Somewhat self-conscious over the compliment, and oddly excited over hearing her name on his lips, she began to fold the corner of the cocktail napkin back and forth. “Believe me, the first two years weren’t pretty. I cried a lot and I had a few serious bouts of self-pity. But then Cassie would reach a milestone, like her first steps and the first time she said ‘Mama,’ and I realized I had to be strong for her. I began to look at every day as a chance for new opportunities. A new beginning, so to speak.”

The waitress came back to the table and eyed Hannah’s empty glass. “Sure I can’t get you another?”

She glanced at the clock hanging over the bar and after noticing it was nearly 10:00 p.m., she couldn’t believe how quickly the time had flown by. “Actually, it’s getting late. I should probably be going.”

“It’s not that late,” Logan said. “Like I told you before, I’ll make sure you get home safely if you want to live a little and have another vodka and tonic.”

Hannah mulled over the offer for a few moments. Her daughter was at a sleepover, she had no desire to watch TV, and she was in the company of a very attractive and attentive man who promised to keep her safe. What would be the harm in having one more drink?

* * *

“I should never have ordered that second drink.”

Logan regarded Hannah across the truck’s cab as he pulled to a stop at the curb near her driveway. “It’s my fault for encouraging you.”

She lifted her face from her hands and attempted a smile. “You didn’t force me at gunpoint. And you had no idea I’m such a lightweight when it comes to alcohol.”

Funny, she seemed perfectly coherent to him, both back in the bar and now. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Just a little fuzzy and worried about my car. It’s not much, but it’s all that I have.”

He’d noticed the sedan had seen better days. “It’s been secured in the valet garage, and I’ll make certain it’s delivered to you first thing in the morning.”

“You’ve done too much already,” she said. “I really could have called a cab.”

In reality, he hadn’t been ready to say good-night, although he couldn’t quite understand why. Or maybe he understood it and didn’t want to admit it. “Like I told you, it’s not a problem. You don’t know who you can trust these days, especially when you’re an attractive woman.”

She gave him a winning grin. “I bet you say that to all the women who refuse a five-million-dollar inheritance.”

“You happen to be the first in that regard.” Absolutely the first woman in a long, long time to completely capture his interest on a first meeting. A business meeting to boot. “I’m hoping you haven’t totally ruled out taking the money.”

“Yes, I have. I know you probably think I’ve lost my mind, but I do have my reasons.”

Yeah, and he’d figured them out—she was refusing on the basis of principle. He sure as hell didn’t see that often in his line of work. “Well, I’m not going to pressure you, but I will check back with you tomorrow after you’ve slept on it.”

She blinked and hid a yawn behind her hand. “Speaking of sleeping, I’m suddenly very tired. I guess it’s time to bid you adieu.”

When Hannah reached for the door handle, Logan touched her arm to gain her attention. “I’ll get that for you.”

“Whaddya know,” she said. “Looks like chivalry is still alive and well after all.” She followed the comment with a soft, breathless laugh that sent his imagination into overdrive.

Before he acted on impulse, Logan quickly slid out of the driver’s seat, rounded the hood and opened the door for Hannah. She had a little trouble climbing out, which led him to take her hand to assist her. Weird thing was, he didn’t exactly want to let go of her hand, but he did, with effort.

He followed behind her as they traveled the path to the entry, trying hard to keep his gaze focused on that silky auburn hair that swayed slightly with each step she took, not her butt that did a little swaying, too.

Right before they reached the front porch, Hannah glanced back and smiled. “At least I’m not falling-down drunk.” Then she immediately tripped on the first step.

Logan caught her elbow before she landed on that butt he’d been trying to ignore. “Careful.”

“I’m just clumsy,” she said as he guided her up the remaining steps.

Once they reached the door, he released her arm and she sent him another sleepy smile. “I really enjoyed the evening, Logan. And if you’ll just send me what I need to sign to relinquish the money, I’ll mail it back to you immediately.”

He still wasn’t convinced she was doing the right thing in that regard. “We’ll talk about that later. Right now getting you to bed is more important.” Dammit, that sounded like a freaking proposition.

“Do you want to come in?” she asked, taking him totally by surprise.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Actually, it sounded like a great idea, but he was too keyed up to honestly believe he could control his libido.

She clutched her bag to her chest. “Oh, I get it. You’re afraid you’re going to be accosted by the poor, single mom who hasn’t had sex in almost seven years.”

Oh, hell. “That’s not it at all. I just respect you enough not to put us in the position where we might do something we regret, because, lady, being alone with you could lead to all sorts of things.”

She leaned a shoulder against the support column and inclined her head. “Really?”

“Really. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve had a hard time keeping my eyes off you tonight.” He was having a real hard time right now.

She barked out a laugh. “I’m sorry, but I’m having a difficult time believing you would be interested in me.”

She couldn’t be more wrong. “Why wouldn’t I be? You’re smart and savvy and pretty damn brave to raise a child on your own and finish college at the same time.”

“Keep going.”

He could...all night. “You’re a survivor and very beautiful, although you don’t seem to know that. And that’s not only hard to find in a beautiful woman, it’s appealing.”

“And?”

“Right now I’d like to kiss you,” he blurted out before his brain caught up with his mouth. “But I’m not going to.”

“Why not?” she asked, looking thoroughly disappointed.

“Because if I kissed you, I might not want to stop there. And as I’ve said, I respect you too much to—”

Hannah cut off his words by circling one hand around his neck and landing her lips on his, giving him the kiss he’d been halfheartedly trying to avoid.

Logan was mildly aware she’d dropped her purse, and very aware she kissed him like she hadn’t been kissed in a long, long time—with the soft glide of her tongue against his, bringing on a strong stirring south of his belt buckle. He grazed his hand up her side until his palm rested close to her breast, and he heard her breath catch as she moved flush against him. He considered telling her they should take it inside the house before someone called the cops, but then she pulled abruptly away from him and took a step back.

Hannah touched her fingertips to her lips, her face flushed, her emerald eyes wide with shock. “I cannot believe I just did that. And I can’t imagine what you must be thinking about me right now.”

He was thinking he wanted her. Badly. “Hey, it’s chemistry. It happens. Couple that with a few cocktails—”

“And you get some thirty-year-old woman acting totally foolish.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to feel foolish or ashamed, Hannah. I’m personally flattered that you kissed me.”

She snatched her bag from the cement floor and hugged it tightly again. “I didn’t give you a whole lot of choice.”

“You only did what I wanted to do.” Trouble was, he wanted to do it again, and more. “For the record, I think you’re one helluva sexy woman and I’d really like to get to know you better.”

“But we’ve just met,” she said. “We don’t really know anything about each other.”

He knew enough to want to move forward and see where it might lead. “That’s the get-to-know-each-other-better part.”

“We don’t live in the same town.”

“True, but it’s only a ninety-mile drive.”

“You’re busy and I have a five-year-old child who is currently in school, plus I’m looking for a job.”

He remembered another search she should be conducting, and this could be the key to spending more time with her. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you all night.”

“Have I taken total leave of my senses?”

He appreciated her wit, too. “This is about your biological father.”

That seemed to sober her up. “What about him?”

“Just wondering if you have any details about his life.”

She sighed. “I only know that my mother hooked up with some guy who left her high and dry when she became pregnant with me. According to her, he was both ruthless and worthless.”

Some people might describe J. D. Lassiter that way. “Did she ever offer to give you a name?”

“No, and I didn’t ask. I figured that if he wanted nothing to do with me, then I wanted nothing to do with him.” Her tone was laced with false bravado.

He did have a hard time believing J.D. would be so cold and uncaring that he would ignore his own flesh and blood no matter what the circumstances. “Maybe there were underlying issues that prevented him from being involved in your life.”

“Do you mean the part about him being an absolute bastard, or that he was married?”

Finally, a little more to go on. “Do you know that to be a fact? The married part.”

“My mother hinted at that, but again, I can’t be certain.”

“Then maybe it’s time you try to find out the truth. You owe it to yourself and to your daughter. Because if J.D. is actually your father, you have siblings.”

Hannah seemed to mull that over for a time before she spoke again. “How do you propose I do that?”

“With my help.”

She frowned. “Why would you even want to help me?”

“Because I can’t imagine what it would be like to have more questions than answers.” In some ways he did know that. Intimately. “And since I’m an attorney, and I know the Lassiters personally, I could do some subtle investigating without looking suspicious.”

“It seems to me you would be too busy to take this on.”

“Actually, I have a light caseload this week.” Or he would as soon as he asked his assistant to postpone a few follow-up appointments. “But I would definitely want you to be actively involved in the search.”

“How do you suggest I do that from here?”

Here came the part that would probably have her questioning his motives. “Not here. In Cheyenne. You could stay with me for a few days and I’ll show you the sights and introduce you to a few people. You could so some research during the day while I’m at work.”

Hannah’s mouth opened slightly before she snapped it shut. “Stay with you?”

He definitely understood why that part of the plan might get her hackles up. “Look, I have a forty-five-hundred-square-foot house with five bedrooms and seven baths. You’d have your own space. In fact, the master bedroom is downstairs and the guest rooms are all upstairs. We could go for days and not even see each other.” Like he intended for that to happen.

“Good heavens, why would a confirmed bachelor need a house that size?”

“I got a good deal on the place when the couple had to transfer out of state. And I like to entertain.”

“Do you have a harem?”

He couldn’t help but laugh for the second time tonight, something he’d rarely done over the past few years. “No harem. But I have five acres and a couple of horses, as well as a gourmet kitchen. My housekeeper comes by twice a week and makes meals in advance if I don’t want to cook.”

“You know how to cook?” she asked, sounding doubtful.

“Yeah. I know my way around the stove.”

She smiled. “Mac and cheese? BLT sandwiches? Or maybe when you’re feeling adventurous, you actually tackle scrambled eggs?”

“My favorite adventurous meal will always be Italian. You’d like my mostaccioli.”

She loosened her grip on her bag and slipped the strap on her shoulder. “As tempting as that sounds, I can’t just take off for Cheyenne without my daughter. She won’t be out of school for five weeks.”

“Is there someone who could watch her for a few days?” Damn, he almost sounded desperate.

“Possibly, but I’ve never left Cassie alone for more than a night,” she said. “I don’t know how she would handle it. I don’t know how I would handle it. Besides, I’m not sure I could accomplish that much in a few days even if I did decide to go.”

He might be losing the battle, but he intended to win the war. “You could drive up for day trips, but that would require a lot of driving. If you stayed with me a couple of days, that would give us time to get to know each other better.”

“Residing in a stranger’s house would require a huge leap of faith.”

He closed the space between them and cupped her face in his palm. “We’re not strangers anymore. Not after you did this.”

He kissed her softly, thoroughly, with just enough exploration to tempt her to take him up on his offer. And once he was done, he moved away but kept his gaze locked on hers. “There could be more of that if you decide you want it. Again, no pressure. I’m just asking you to think about it. You might have the answers you need about your heritage, and we might find out we enjoy each other’s company. Unless you’re afraid to explore the possibilities...”

Logan realized he’d hit a home run when he saw a hint of defiance in Hannah’s eyes. “I’m not the cowardly type, but I am cautious because I have to be. However, I will consider your suggestion and give you my answer tomorrow.”

“Do you mind giving me your number? So I can call and let you know when your car’s on its way.” And in case he needed to further plead his case.

She dug through her purse for a pen and paper and scribbled down the information on the back of a receipt. “That’s my home and cell number,” she said as she handed it over. “Feel free to send me a text.”

As Logan pocketed the paper, Hannah withdrew her keys, turned around and unlocked the door with a little effort, then walked inside without another word.

Logan was left alone on the porch to ponder why being with her again seemed so damn important. He had his choice of beautiful women back in Cheyenne, although most hadn’t come close to capturing his interest like Hannah Armstrong.

He could chalk it up to chemistry, but he inherently knew that was only part of it. He did appreciate her keen sense of humor, knock-’em-dead body and those expressive green eyes that could drop a man in his tracks. He appreciated her all-fire independence and that she had the temperament of a mother bear when it came to her kid. In some ways, that attracted him more than anything else. But above all, she’d experienced the loss of a loved one. Their true common ground.

Hannah might understand his grief because she’d lived it, but if he told her his story, would she see him in the same light? Or would she turn away when she learned the truth?

Only time would tell if he’d find the courage to confess his greatest sin—he’d been partially to blame for the death of his only child.

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