Unforgettable: A Loveswept Classic Romance

by Cajio, Linda

  “Those damn security people!” Mac spat out. “All over the place, watching me, watching everyone. And always watching my boy. I knew I had to take him away. Nothing else would work. So I set the shed … I’m sorry, miss, but I had to, to get everyone away so I could get my boy.”

  “Take him,” James said to two of the security people.

  The guards turned away with the old man. All the horse people were silent, knowing how easy it was to go over that edge.

  Anne looked at Curtis. “Who’s with Battle Cry?”

  He grinned. “Safe enough with your security firm back at the barn.”

  “Glad you approve,” James said to the man.

  Curtis tilted his head. “Maybe. Put two and two together when Mac disappeared out of the barn tonight. Fire department’s been called, Anne. They should be here shortly.”

  With that, he nodded and walked away.

  “I suppose he’ll never really like me,” James said.

  “I hope not.” Anne wrapped her arms around his waist. “At least not more than as a friend. Curtis is gay. He’s also better-looking than I am.”

  “Naaa,” James said.

  Anne laughed.

  “I’m sorry about Mac, Anne.” He shook his head. “When I think of how I insisted he take care of Battle Cry …”

  “You didn’t know. I don’t think anybody picked up on the clues.”

  James nodded. “I refuse to feel guilty about buying Battle Cry. But looking back, it’s almost easy to see that Mac was the one. Clearly, it was an inside person, yet one who didn’t quite know what he was doing. And his very vocal blaming of himself for neglecting ‘his boy’ was too strong. He had nothing else to do but look after Battle Cry, so how could anyone get near enough to do some mischief?” James glanced toward the breeding shed, the flames already being extinguised. “Well, so much for a great idea.”

  She sighed. “Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?”

  “My heart couldn’t get any fonder,” he said in a low voice. He kissed her neck at the sensitive point just under her ear. “But abstinence stinks.”

  Anne burst into laughter.

  By morning James had had enough. The night, to his complete disgust, had been spent with the police and the fire department. Neither Anne nor he had had a choice on turning Mac over to the police, but they both knew the man’s punishment was not being with his beloved horse. They had allowed him to say good-bye to Battle Cry, but the animal had served his own brand of justice on the old man, turning away from him to his manger of straw as if he didn’t exist. Mac’s tears had been painful to see.

  James put the thought out of his head. It was over, and Anne was safe. Battle Cry too. Time to go back to his condo … and his lonely bed. The couch in Anne’s office was bad enough, but at least they were under the same roof. He’d have to do something.

  The moment he joined her and Philip at breakfast, he knew exactly what to do.

  “Marry me, Anne.”

  Cornflakes shot out of her mouth. He grinned as she swiped at them. “What?”

  “Marry me. I want to be here with you. I love you. Marry me.”

  “I …”

  Philip was grinning. “Say yes, Mom.”

  Anne grinned back, then turned to James. He could already see the answer in her eyes.

  “Yes.”

  He smiled, reaching across the table to take her hand. “I love you.”

  “I love you.” Her fingers were warm and tight around his.

  “Well, it’s about time!” Lettice pronounced, and walked over to the telephone.

  “Grandmother, you don’t have to call the papers now,” Anne said.

  “I’m not. My work here is done, and I’m calling for a moving van to take me back home.”

  “But you have only your clothes and the four things I allowed you,” Anne said.

  Lettice walked back over and patted her cheek. “When was the last time you were in the guest room?”

  “The guest room?”

  “It’s hardly four things now.”

  “More like forty,” Philip said, giggling. “Grandmother Lettice has been bringing stuff in here when you weren’t lookin’.”

  Lettice smiled triumphantly. “You were very impressive, child, but you’ve got a long way to go to beat a professional.”

  Anne flopped back in the chair. “That tablecloth, the brushes. That new table in the den.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Is there anything I know before you do?”

  “That I’m marrying you,” James suggested, laughing.

  “Oh, I knew that too,” Lettice said. “Ever since she threw up on you.”

  James turned to Anne. “You don’t suppose …”

  She grinned. “Naaa. I managed that one all by myself.”

  “The girl of my dreams.”

  They laughed together.

  Epilogue

  Anne watched the horses walk onto the track in single file. The third one shuffled along, its nose nearly touching the ground.

  “Rainbow’s Battle looks rarin’ to go,” she pronounced with great satisfaction.

  “He looks ready to fall asleep!” Lettice exclaimed. “And I bet a small fortune to win!”

  The others in the exclusive glass-enclosed owner’s box high above the stands of the racetrack looked dubious.

  “Twenty dollars is not a fortune, Lettice,” James said, putting his arm around his wife. “Besides, it’s his first race, so you’re showing him support.”

  Lettice grumbled, but subsided.

  Anne smiled up at her husband, knowing he was just as excited as she. Rainbow’s Battle, the first of the foals born from Battle Cry out of Lollipop’s Rainbow, wasn’t scheduled to do much today, but she and James were hoping their two-year-old would show the beginnings of the family talent.

  “Lettice Farraday, you get your fingers out of that pâté!” Anne scolded, spying her other two-year-old “playing” at the buffet table.

  The child grinned and put her pâté-loaded finger in her mouth. She immediately spit the hors d’oeuvre out. “Yuck!”

  “Then listen next time, my love,” Anne said sweetly as the child ran over and hugged her. Little Lettice had the Kitteridge blue-green eyes and the Farraday charm. She was gorgeous. Anne felt sorry for any boys who crossed her path. Her daughter would make their lives miserable.

  “I am brilliant,” the elder Lettice commented. “I doubt you two would ever have given me a namesake without my matchmaking.”

  Anne’s cousin Ellen groaned. So did Ellen’s husband, Joe Carlini.

  “She’s taking credit for them too,” Ellen said.

  “I take credit for everyone in this room,” Lettice said, giving her granddaughter the regal eye.

  A chorus of groans erupted at Lettice’s words.

  “No, Aunt Ellen, it’s true,” Philip said, grinning. He was in the throes of first adolescence, his twelve-year-old body gawky at the moment. But the promise was there in his blue-green eyes and ready smile. “Grandmother Lettice moved in and everything to get Dad and Mom together.”

  James ruffled his son’s dark hair. “You helped.”

  Everyone chuckled at Philip’s smile of pride. Anne exchanged a wry grin with several of her relatives. If it made Lettice happy to take credit, then they would all have to live with it. Still, her “matchmaking” schemes were growing with each retelling.

  “They’re in the gate!” Lettice shouted.

  Anne reached for James’s hand and squeezed it. The race was a half-mile long, and it would be over in less than two minutes.

  The buzzer sounded and the gate doors flung open. Horses shot out of the boxes. Rainbow’s Battle, startled, hesitated for a second. Anne’s heart sank. Races were lost in a-second. And ’Bow was running dead last.

  “Run, dammit!” her grandmother shouted, jumping out of her seat. She waved her arms frantically, caught up in the race. “Run, or I’ll turn you into glue!”

  It was as
if the horse heard, because he found an opening between the pack and went through it, pounding hooves churning up the dirt. Suddenly Rainbow’s Battle was in fifth place and threatening the two horses fighting it out for third.

  “Easy,” Anne murmured, racing with him. “Just see your way … that’s it.”

  The horse gained ground with every footfall. He was passing the fourth … the third … the second … He was a length behind the first …

  Everybody in the booth was up and screaming, including little Lettice, who had no idea what all the excitement was about. It was just fun. But Anne had ridden in many races, and saw the finish line looming ominously close. Rainbow’s Battle was racing like a true winner, but he would have to have all the drive and skill of his sires.…

  And then it happened. Rainbow’s Battle pulled even, then sped by the other horse. He crossed the finish line a half length ahead to win. The gift had been passed on.

  Anne threw herself into James’s arms.

  “Did you see him, Annie?” he exclaimed, spinning her around and kissing her soundly.

  “No, I had my eyes closed,” she said, laughing. “Battle Cry’s stud fees just went through the roof.”

  “It wouldn’t mean anything without you.” He smiled down at her. “I love you, Annie Farraday, and when I get you home, I’ll prove it.”

  “And you prove it very well.” She tilted her head close and told him a little piece of news she’d been saving until the race was over. “I’m pregnant again.”

  Her husband’s lower jaw dropped open. She grinned and pushed it closed. She kissed him. “I love you.”

  Lettice Kitteridge watched the couple, and smiled.

  For Colleen, who likes

  Lettice as much

  as I do.

  THE EDITOR’S CORNER

  Welcome to Loveswept!

  With April showers fast approaching, we have some wonderful books for you to cozy up with. One of our most exciting releases is Megan Frampton’s e-original, HERO OF MY HEART, an emotional and powerfully erotic tale of love and redemption, where a tender vicar’s daughter and a tortured war hero discover that sin may be their only salvation. I love this story and I can’t wait for everyone else to enjoy it!

  We’re also excited by these fantastic classic releases:

  Sandra Chastain’s NIGHT DREAMS, a tender and seductive tale about a man with a tortured soul and the one woman who can heal him … and her sizzling PENTHOUSE SUITE, where a free-spirited beauty teaches a tight-laced businessman to listen to his heart.

  RELUCTANT LARK, the classic novel of love and loss by beloved bestselling author Iris Johansen.

  Karen Leabo’s thrilling HELL ON WHEELS, about two people chasing tornadoes – and flirting with danger.

  And two positively sizzling books from Linda Cajio: HE’S SO SHY, a charming tale where a love for the ages leaps off the silver screen … and DESPERATE MEASURES, where love creates the perfect recipe for success.

  If you love romance … then you’re ready to be Loveswept!

  Gina Wachtel

  Associate Publisher

  P.S. Watch for these terrific Loveswept titles coming soon: May brings Elisabeth Barrett’s scorching third Star Harbor book LONG SIMMERING SPRING, Toni Aleo’s exhilarating Loveswept debut TAKING SHOTS, Iris Johansen’s captivating LADY AND THE UNICORN, Sandra Chastain’s wickedly sensual stories, RUN WILD WITH ME and SCARLET BUTTERFLY, and Linda Cajio’s searing books, HOT AND BOTHERED and DANCING IN THE DARK … and ARRESTED BY LOVE, a special treat from Virna DePaul. In June, we’re excited about Ruthie Knox’s utterly fantastic FLIRTING WITH DISASTER, Toni Aleo’s blazing TRYING TO SCORE, Linda Cajio’s superb DOUBLE DEALING, Iris Johansen’s magnificent FOREVER DREAM and three more red-hot books from Sandra Chastain SINNER AND SAINT, SHOWDOWN AT LIZARD ROCK, and SCARLET LADY. Don’t miss any of these extraordinary reads. I promise that you’ll fall in love and treasure these stories for years to come….

  Read on for excerpts from more Loveswept titles …

  Read on for an excerpt from Sharon Cullen’s

  The Notorious Lady Anne

  Chapter One

  London, 1749

  Nicholas Addison tossed back a mouthful of flat champagne and watched the swirling mass of people on the dance floor with a jaded eye. If he didn’t have an important meeting in a few moments he would have left already. Hell, he wouldn’t have attended in the first place.

  “We’ve only just arrived. You can’t leave yet.”

  Nicholas switched his gaze from the dizzying dancers to his brother, Sebastian, Earl of Claybrook.

  Sebastian grinned but the amusement didn’t reach his tired eyes. “So what did Kenmar have to say?” he asked, referring to Nicholas’s earlier appointment with the marquess.

  Nicholas shrugged and looked around one more time. You never knew who could be lurking in the shadows. Listening. And he wasn’t taking chances. Not tonight.

  He took another swig of champagne and frowned when the alcohol hit his stomach like a round from a twenty-two-pounder. “He’s offering me a captain’s position on one of Hamilton’s ships. I haven’t given him an answer yet.”

  “So will you do it?” Sebastian asked quietly, looking around as well. If someone was lurking, Sebastian and Nicholas’s strange behavior would surely tip him off.

  Nicholas swirled another swallow of champagne around in his mouth but it didn’t wash away the indecision. The anxiety. “I’m to give him my answer in a few minutes.” He looked around for the marquess but the crush of people made it impossible to see even a few feet beyond him.

  “Don’t leave a chap in suspense, Nicholas. What will you tell him?”

  “I haven’t made my decision yet.”

  When the summons arrived to report to the marquess’s residence, Nicholas’s curiosity had been piqued. Bored, he accepted the somewhat terse invitation even though he knew he couldn’t not accept it. What Kenmar had proposed was the last thing Nicholas had expected and the one thing he wanted most—to command his own ship, to be out on the ocean where he belonged.

  But, as with anything in life that seemed too good to be true, it came with provisions. The shipping company had recently been under attack. Some suspected pirates. But not Kenmar. Kenmar suspected the owner of the company, a man named Daniel Blackwell, was purposely sabotaging the ships to gain the insurance money.

  Nicholas had inwardly winced when he read the insurance papers. The names scrawled at the bottom were some of the most highly placed noblemen in the country. A few even had the advantage of the king’s ear. If Blackwell was fleecing them of their money, the man was an imbecile.

  Nicholas leaned against the wall, desperate to escape the cloying perfume of the ladies, the boisterous boasts of the gentlemen, and the swirling couples on the dance floor. He’d never been a decent dancer, not even an adequate dancer, and with his barely healed leg, adequacy wasn’t a possibility. Not that he wanted to dance. No, what he wanted was to climb those stairs and exit the stifling house. But first he had to speak to Kenmar. First he had to make a decision.

  Sebastian slapped Nicholas on the back. “I’m certain you’ll make the right decision, brother.” He made to move away, hailing a friend across the room.

  “Sebastian.”

  His brother turned and raised a brow in inquiry. Nicholas was taken aback by the fatigue on Sebastian’s face. Small lines etched the corners of his eyes and deep grooves creased the sides of his mouth. A mouth that smiled little lately.

  “Thank you,” Nicholas said quietly.

  Sebastian smiled, erasing the serious expression that seemed to be a constant lately. “That’s what families are for, Nick.” His gaze flickered behind Nicholas. “Kenmar’s approaching.” Then he disappeared into the crowd, giving Nicholas only a few moments to prepare himself.

  “Addison.” Kenmar stopped beside him. An older gentleman who clung to the tradition of wearing a white wig in public, the man was well respected and a close acquaintance of the
king.

  Nicholas nodded. “Kenmar.”

  “Have you given my proposal any thought?”

  “I have.”

  Kenmar took a sip from his glass. “Before you give me your answer, I’ll have you know I received more information after you left this afternoon. Inside sources tell me Blackwell is launching a shipment of gold that’s to leave the colonies in a month or so. If you choose to accept this mission, I’ll need you to discover more about the gold. Where it’s headed and what it’s being used for.”

  “You don’t believe Lady Anne is behind the attacks?” According to Blackwell, the notorious female pirate, Lady Anne, was behind them.

  “I don’t believe Lady Anne exists.” Kenmar swirled the wine in his glass.

  The London papers were full of the lady pirate’s exploits. Young girls wanted to be like her. Men claimed to have bedded her. The elite whispered about her in their ballrooms and she was the major source of entertainment in what would otherwise have been an ordinary season of soirees and balls.

  Nicholas didn’t know anyone who’d actually seen Lady Anne, let alone met her. Whether she existed or not had been little concern to him. Until now.

  The prospect of the gold fascinated him. Hell, who was he kidding? The entire proposal intrigued him. He’d been away from the sea for two long years. It was time he regained his sea legs and this was the perfect opportunity.

  “I will do it,” he said. And the weight that had settled on his shoulders after his injury shifted.

  Kenmar nodded, his expression unchanging, as if he’d expected no other answer. “Be ready to sail in five days.” He put his glass on the tray of a passing waiter. “Now I’m off to the club. Have a good evening, Addison.” And he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Nicholas alone with his newfound trepidation and anxiety. But also with anticipation.

  “Do you find these things as boring as I?”

  His gaze collided with eyes the color of the sea on a clear day, a combination of blue and green. They smiled at him, those eyes. Crinkling at the corners and dancing with merriment.