Stranded and Seduced

by Charlene Sands

  “I’m available anytime for my fiancée,” Risk said, striding out of a conference room. He had a big smile on his face. “April, sweetheart,” he said, ready to kiss her. She gave him her cheek, and he eyed her before giving her a peck.

  “Mr. Boone, I was just going to check if your meeting was over.”

  “Thanks, Dorothy. We just finished up and I spotted this beautiful lady waiting for me.”

  Again, he smiled at April, but she couldn’t return the gesture. His brows furrowed, and he looked puzzled by her appearance here and her cold greeting. Good. She wasn’t going to hide her head in the sand anymore. It was about time she stood up for herself.

  “Is there someplace we can talk?”

  “Sure, sweetheart,” he said, lowering his hand to her back. “Dorothy, no calls, please.”

  “Of course, Mr. Boone.”

  He guided her down the hall to his office. It was a sprawling ground-floor room with a wet bar, a massive desk and a suede sofa. There were photos of the Boone family when they were younger, black-and-white photos of his ancestors and awards and company logos on the wall. A bronze bust of his great-great-grandfather Tobias Boone occupied a stand in the corner of the room. She’d seen photos of that bust in various Boone holdings around town.

  The austere room didn’t seem to suit Risk, or at least that was the impression she got.

  “This is a nice surprise,” he said, taking her hands and tugging her into his arms. He kissed her lightly on the lips, and she immediately pulled away.

  He frowned. “April, what’s going on?”

  “I got a nice surprise this morning, too. Shannon stopped by the office. Did you tell her you weren’t going to buy the lodge for the company?”

  “What?”

  “You heard me.” She gave him the point of her chin.

  “I’m not sure I did.”

  “Did you tell Shannon you had no intention of buying the property?”

  He blinked several times, unable to mask his irritation. “Hell, no. I wouldn’t confide in her about that. All I said to her was that I’ve got a lot on my mind lately with Founder’s Day tomorrow and all. I can’t make a decision without discussing it with my brothers. It’s none of her business, and I told her that, too, as gently as I could.”

  April’s temper cooled a bit. “So, you haven’t made a decision yet?”

  He shook his head, his eyes softening on her. “No. And when I do, you’ll be the first to know. You’re gonna have to trust me, April.”

  That was just it. She didn’t know if she could truly trust him. Even though Shannon stretched the truth as far as it would go, April had believed her instead of giving Risk the benefit of the doubt. Despite his claims to the contrary, Risk might still have feelings for Shannon. Just a little while ago, she would’ve said the two deserved each other, but now she was torn, her emotions all mixed up.

  Risk gazed deep into her eyes. “And for the record, I missed you like crazy last night.”

  Her heart melted a little bit. She’d missed him, too.

  But somehow those words wouldn’t come.

  * * *

  The next afternoon, April, Clovie and Jenna stood on the sidelines of the Boone Springs High School football field, where hundreds of families had gathered for the Founder’s Day festivities. Carnival games were set up in each end zone, everything from ping-pong toss to balloon darts.

  Risk, Mason and Luke all took turns at a podium set up on the fifty-yard line, urging everyone to enjoy the day.

  Sizzling-hot grills were filled with burgers and chicken and ribs from vendors who’d donated to the celebration. People lined up for soft-serve ice cream and cupcakes provided by Katie’s Kupcakes. There was a sense of community and pride everywhere you looked.

  April watched Risk and his brothers interact with the kids running relay races. Every once in a while, he’d look her way, and their eyes would meet. There was no doubt she had strong feelings for him, but she was taking it slowly. Their official charade would be over tonight after the Founder’s Day Gala and so far Risk hadn’t mentioned ending their relationship or continuing with it. Both notions made her queasy.

  “C’mon, April. Let’s grab some junk food before your fiancé whisks you away,” Clovie said.

  “He won’t. He knows I want to spend time with you guys today.”

  “That’s right, you two have a hot date tonight.”

  “Yeah, and I can’t wait for you to get all blinged up,” Jenna said. “Once Risk sees you in that gorgeous dress, it’ll be like, Shannon who?”

  “Shh.” April lowered her voice, looking around. “You never know who’s listening.”

  Clovie rolled her eyes. “At least Shannon’s not here. This isn’t her thing, I presume.”

  “I wouldn’t think so.” April was glad about that. One less bullet to dodge, since there were plenty of journalists here today reporting on the hundred-year-old town and the Boone legacy.

  “So what’ll it be, girls?” Jenna asked. “Ice cream, cupcakes or caramel apples?”

  “Ice cream,” April said, and the others agreed.

  As they walked across the field to the ice cream stand, Risk sidled up next to her, keeping stride. “How’s it going, ladies?”

  He spoke to all of them, but April felt his presence surround her, his overwhelming appeal kicking her in the gut. He seemed carefree, letting loose, his smile a thousand megawatts strong. He wore his jeans well, and a white T-shirt hugged his chest and biceps. His hair was wild from racing with the kids, dark strands falling into his eyes. He was breathtaking. Masculine. Sexy.

  “We’re having fun,” Clovie said.

  “We’re going for ice cream and then maybe a cupcake,” Jenna said. “You know, health food.”

  Risk chuckled, white teeth flashing in contrast with his tan skin. Even Jenna, who had not been Risk’s biggest fan, was affected, judging by her friend’s big smile. “That’s what the day is all about.”

  Then he turned to her. “April, can I steal you for a few seconds?”

  Her friends nodded. “We’ll meet up with you in a few. I’ll get your favorite,” Clovie said, and April held back as her friends got in line for ice cream.

  “Hi,” he said, putting his hands in his back pockets. He looked like rodeo Risk now, disheveled and, well, comfortable.

  “Hi.”

  He smiled, and she smiled back, her heart racing a hundred miles an hour.

  “I, uh, just wanted to let you know, I’ll pick you up at seven tonight.”

  “Okay. Are you excited? It’s a big deal for your family and all.”

  His lips twitched. “Fact is, I’m looking forward to being with you, April.” The sincerity in his voice nearly did her in.

  “M-me, too.”

  “Oh yeah?” Then he leaned in and planted a delicious kiss on her mouth. One she wouldn’t shy away from, one she’d been craving. As much as she wanted to spend time with her friends, she missed him. For the first time since this charade had started, she didn’t mind him showing her affection in public. He dazzled her with that kiss. After he walked off, she watched him until he vanished into the crowd.

  “Wow,” Clovie said, handing her a chocolate chunk brownie ice cream cone as she and Jenna returned. “You are in freakin’ love with him, April.”

  “Totally,” Jenna said. “I mean, I get it. He is pretty dreamy.”

  April sighed and took a bite of her ice cream.

  Her favorite flavor didn’t taste nearly as good as Risk had, but then, chocolate chunk brownie ice cream would never disappoint her. And she had to remember that.

  * * *

  That evening, April walked into the Baron Hotel ballroom on Risk’s arm, wearing a floor-length sapphire-blue gown. The dress was simple and elegant, showcasing her curves. She was a little self-conscious at how low the f
olds of material draped in the back, but Jenna had convinced her this was the perfect dress for her, and the shade made her sky-blue eyes really pop. She’d also tamed her curls a bit, giving her more of a sophisticated look.

  Risk, in an ink-black tux and newly grown beard, gave new meaning to dangerous and gorgeous.

  Luke, Mason, Drea, Lottie and Drew were already at the long head table. His family greeted them with smiles and hugs, and the warmth in their eyes hit home. They welcomed her as if she was really part of the family. Her stomach twisted up tight; she was on shaky ground. She had no idea what would happen after tonight. This was her last official duty as Risk’s fake fiancée.

  She put her sequined clutch down and looked around the ballroom filled with a hundred and fifty of the most prominent people in Boone Springs: landowners, ranchers, bankers and businessmen and women. They were all here because Tobias Boone had a vision. He’d developed that vision into a town that had grown and prospered. Now the Boones were not merely wealthy, but a source of inspiration to the folks who lived here.

  “Mr. Boone, can we have a few photos of you with your new fiancée?” a reporter asked. Gosh, didn’t they have enough already? April had been photographed more these past ten days than she had in her entire lifetime.

  “Sure,” Risk said, snaking his arm around her back, the heat of his hand sizzling her bare skin. April plastered on a smile and posed for the camera. Others in the room took out their cell phones and began snapping pictures of them, too.

  The orchestra on stage began playing, the tunes light and easy.

  “I think that’s enough for now,” Risk told the journalist. “It’s time for a dance with this beautiful lady.” Risk led her onto the dance floor. “How are you holding up?” he asked, whispering in her ear.

  “About as well as can be expected.”

  He smiled and swung her into his arms. “It’ll all be over soon.”

  April didn’t know how to take that exactly, so she kept quiet as Risk whisked her around the dance floor, his hands firm and possessive on her back. “Have I told you how much I like you in this dress?”

  “Only three times.”

  “The night’s not over yet.” He grinned, bringing her closer, pressing a little kiss to her forehead. Risk could be charming and funny and nice, and tonight he was all three.

  Thirty minutes later, as dinner was being served and all the guests were seated, there was a commotion at the front doors of the ballroom. April couldn’t see what was happening, but she heard Lottie sigh loudly. “Oh no.”

  Then a sea of paparazzi parted, and Shannon Wilkes appeared, making a grand entrance, reporters following behind her like trained puppy dogs. April could see her clearly now.

  Shannon looked stunning.

  She wore a slinky black off-the-shoulder gown with horizontal slits running up and down the sides of the dress, showing off creamy skin and her incredible figure. Her auburn hair was in an updo that defined chic and fabulous, a delicate tiara on top of her head catching chandelier light. Her smile dazzled as she made her way to her seat at the front of the room. Five men rose quickly, each vying to pull out her chair.

  April turned her head to catch Risk’s reaction. He stared at Shannon, taking a big swallow, and when the superstar spotted him, she acknowledged him with a coy smile and a little wave.

  Risk gave her a nod then sipped his wine, and April got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  “I don’t know why you invited her,” his aunt Lottie mumbled.

  Risk rubbed the side of his face. “It’s no big deal, Aunt Lottie.”

  For whom? April wanted to ask. His family surely didn’t want her here. And he had to know how awkward this would be for her, having her fiancé’s ex showing up on such an important day. She feared Shannon was Risk’s Achilles’ heel. He had trouble saying no to the woman.

  “I couldn’t uninvite her,” he told April.

  “I...guess not.” Besides, April wasn’t his real fiancée, so what did it matter? “And like you said, it’ll all be over tonight,” she said quietly.

  Risk snapped his eyes to her, and she stared back at him. She was simply repeating the words he’d spoken to her earlier.

  “April.” Risk took her hand, and his tender touch caressed her heart. “Let’s talk about this later. Right now, I’d love us to simply enjoy the evening.”

  There was a plea in his voice and a sincere look in his eyes. What could she do? It was his family’s big night, and they were in the spotlight now. “I’m all for enjoying the evening.”

  He smiled and squeezed her hand. “Me, too.”

  After dinner, Risk took the podium welcoming everyone and thanking them for honoring Tobias Boone and the other Boones who’d come after him. He praised his ancestors, speaking a little about each one individually, and then turned his focus to the folks in the room who’d made contributions to the town by way of enterprise and service. It was a dynamic and often emotional speech that brought applause and tears and laughter.

  Risk looked over toward his family table. “And now, I’d like to invite my entire family up here for a toast.”

  Luke took Aunt Lottie’s arm and escorted her to the podium, while April hung back. But Drea approached her. “This means you, too, April.”

  April met Drea’s eyes, silently communicating her resistance, but Drea wasn’t having any of it. “The Boone fiancées are invited. If I go, you go.” She smiled.

  April had no choice. All eyes were on the family, so she rose from her seat. Risk met her halfway, taking her hand and bringing her to stand beside him. The entire family raised their flutes of champagne, and Risk asked the rest of the guests to join in.

  “To our ancestors, our friends and neighbors, and especially our loved ones, here’s to another hundred years of prosperity for Boone Springs.”

  Risk touched his glass to hers, and their eyes met. His were gleaming with pride. Risk had it all. He seemed genuinely happy, and that happiness rubbed off on her. She was living in the moment with Risk, not knowing what was going on inside his head, where this would lead, but he’d been right. They should enjoy the evening, and as the orchestra began playing, she went willingly into his arms.

  It felt so right, so wonderful having Risk guide her along the dance floor. “It was a beautiful speech, Risk.” She was touched by his sincerity, his gratitude to the townsfolk, his strong sense of family.

  “Not too mushy?”

  “No, it was spoken from the heart.”

  “Thank you.” She laid her head against his shoulder and snuggled in, her body fitting with his perfectly. She liked dancing with him this way, as if there were no one else in the room. These past few days she’d felt a shift in their relationship, a deep mutual desire, but even more, they seemed to really like each other. Considering they’d run the gamut of emotions from hatred and resentment to fury and heartache, that was saying something.

  Three dances later, she was floating on cloud nine, Risk sneaking in brief kisses as they flowed to the music. Then he sighed, regret dulling his dark eyes. “I should probably mingle with the guests,” he said grudgingly. “Will you join me?”

  She hated to break the connection. She hated to share him with anyone, but he had a job to do tonight, and she understood that. “In a few minutes, after I use the ladies’ room.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you soon.” As she moved away, he held on to her hand, his fingers brushing over hers until the contact was finally broken and they stared into each other’s eyes. It was poignant and real.

  And then photographers were there, catching their special moment. Risk didn’t blink—he didn’t seem fazed by the cameras. Had he known they were there, waiting to snap pictures? Was that the reason he’d been so attentive to her?

  April made her way into the hallway and ran into Lottie and Drew. They didn’t look too happy with each other.
“Excuse me,” she said politely.

  “April, you’re just the one to settle this.” Drew gestured for her to come closer, and she took some tentative steps toward them.

  “Please tell Lottie what a fool thing she did by chasing after that dog. She could’ve been killed right there on the street. And she put you in danger.”

  April looked at Lottie’s face, which was hot with color. “I’m sorry about that,” she told April.

  “I’m fine, really, Lottie. No harm done.” She didn’t want to get in the middle of this, but Drew was blocking the way and Lottie seemed upset.

  Drew sighed. “I held my tongue at your birthday celebration, but I can’t keep it in any longer. When are you going to start acting your age, Lottie?”

  “And when are you going to stop acting older than yours? I swear, Drew, sometimes you’re no fun.”

  “I’m no fun because I don’t want to see you get crushed on the street? What in hell were you thinking, woman?”

  “Don’t you dare cuss at me, Drew.”

  Drew’s veins popped out of his neck. “Good Lord, Lottie, I wasn’t cussing at you, just the stupid things you do.”

  Tears welled in Lottie’s eyes. “Now I’m stupid.”

  Drew looked at April, completely at a loss. He tossed up his arms. “I give up.”

  With that, he turned around and walked off, leaving the two of them in the hallway.

  “Stubborn man,” Lottie muttered then broke down in tears.

  April wrapped her arm around Lottie’s shoulder and walked her to the ladies’ room. “He’s acting that way because he cares about you.”

  April grabbed tissues from the restroom countertop and sat Lottie down on a settee. “Here you go.” She handed her a tissue then sat beside her. Luckily, they had the room to themselves.

  Lottie dabbed at her tears, catching her breath quickly. “Sorry, I usually don’t break down like that, but that man frustrates me. He’s trying to change who I am.”

  “I know it seems that way, but remember he’s a widower. He’s already lost a wife, and I don’t think he wants to lose you, Lottie. Maybe that’s why he’s reacting that way.”