by Lori Foster
She pulled free of his unsettling hold and sipped her coffee again. “Mmm. That’s good.”
“Why do you refuse to rest?”
“It’s my diner.” Violet didn’t want or need to be handled like fine china. “It’s my job to be there.”
“You have to take a vacation every now and then, right?”
“Well, actually...”
He sat back. “When was the last time you took off a week?”
An entire week? “Er...never?” She gulped more coffee, burned her tongue and cursed. “Look, the diner is my responsibility, okay? I can take the occasional day here and there, but not a whole week.”
Hogan studied her. “I want you to move in with me.”
Wow, what a switch! Quickly, she set down the cup before she dropped it. She opened her mouth, but with no idea what to say, she closed it again.
Did he mean permanently, as in she should sell her house? Or for a day or two? Maybe the week he wanted her to vacation?
When she remained silent, he said, “I like sleeping with you, waking up with you and sharing everything.”
She resisted the urge to leap on him and said with placid agreement, “I like it, too.”
“I never thought I’d want that with another woman. But here you are, and you mean so much to me.”
He didn’t say he loved her, but it was close. “Do you think maybe you’re just reacting to the danger from last night?” Not giving him a chance to answer, she said, “Because I know I am. I cried last night when I hate crying.”
“You cried with me,” he said softly. “Just me.”
He was the one she least wanted to burden. “And I’m still shaking.” She held out a hand to show him. “It’s all reaction.”
“Yeah.”
What did he mean, yeah? “I don’t want you to say or do anything that you might regret later.”
“I’ll regret it a lot if I don’t convince you to stay with me. We can get enough of your stuff today for you to get by, then get the rest later.”
She stared at him. “Get the rest?”
He shrugged. “I’m not trying to rush you, Violet. But yes, I want you here, with me.”
Her heart tried to thump out of her chest. “So we’d live at your house?”
“If you’re okay with that. Colt’s had enough changes, and Diesel is settled here. It’s nice having my brother right next door, too.”
That all sounded wonderful to her.
“Will you move in, honey?”
Reaction or not, she wanted to grab his offer with both hands and hold on tight. Nodding, she managed to squeak out, “Yes.”
Relief put a happy smile on his face. “Will you also take off a week?”
“Don’t push your luck, Guthrie.”
He laughed. “Going forward, let’s compromise on things, okay?”
“I suppose this compromise starts with me taking time off?”
“It’d be a big step toward trust, right?”
“Trust?”
“I trust you. Don’t you think you could trust me back?”
Violet almost slid off her chair. Hogan trusted her. She let that settle in, fill her up, and finally she smiled. After everything he’d been through, he’d still let her in.
“I’ve always trusted you,” she said. “Even when you were an ass, you were a hard worker and good brother and great dad. I figured that meant you were a great guy, deep down at least.”
Hogan laughed.
“Then when I screwed up with Joni, and you let me off the hook, I knew you were the best of men.”
“As the best of men, I swear I’ll take good care of the diner.” He scooped her up and into his lap, his mouth touching her nose, her temple, her chin. “I know what the diner means to you, Violet. I know it’s yours, that you’ve built it into a successful business with your own blood, sweat and tears. It’s a familiar, comfortable place loved by everyone in Clearbrook and beyond. I promise you, I’m not trying to take over and I won’t let anything slip through the cracks. I’ll—”
Violet leaned up and kissed him. “Compromise,” she whispered. “I’ll take off through Thursday, but I need to be there for the weekend.”
He appeared ready to argue, then changed his mind. “Guess I better take what I can get.”
Violet squirmed on his lap. “Well, as to what you can get...”
“You’re wounded, woman.” Holding her close, he came to his feet.
“Just my arm.” Bobbing her eyebrows, she said, “Every other body part is working just fine.”
“But Colt might come home anytime now. Not likely, but I wouldn’t want to chance it.”
Her face went blank. “I hadn’t even considered that.”
“You’re not used to living with a teenage son. But I am.” Hogan nuzzled her throat. “Monday through Friday he’ll be gone to school until the afternoon.”
“That gives us every morning.” With Monday feeling a long way off, she sighed. “Show me where I can store my stuff, and after you go to work, I’ll get Brooklin to drive so I can move over what I need right now. Toothbrush and change of clothes, things like that.”
“Don’t overdo it,” he told her, “but feel free to bring anything you want.”
In the two hours before he left for the diner, Hogan helped her get familiar with his house, showed her where to find anything she might need, and cleared out two dresser drawers and half the closet for her to use.
Then he helped her with her bath so she wouldn’t get her arm wet.
* * *
Over the next few days, Brooklin proved herself a true friend by helping her move in. With Colt’s added muscle, they even managed to rearrange the bedroom furniture to make room for her big dresser.
Thanks to a special version of the Advice Anonymous column in the Trickle, everyone knew what had happened and that she was staying with Hogan. The author of the column made her out as a hero, describing her as coolheaded, fierce and a great defender.
That’s when Violet figured out who wrote it.
For a fact, she knew Hogan, Colt and Nathan hadn’t authored the advice pieces urging women to chase them down, and no one else had been on the scene—except Brooklin.
Violet didn’t say anything to her. She enjoyed the column too much to chance making Brooklin uncomfortable about it.
Visitors stopped by to check on her, often with flowers, and soon the house was overflowing.
Neither Colt nor Hogan complained; they just doted on her, showing her in a dozen different ways how happy they were to have her with them.
She and Hogan slept together each night, and each morning after Colt left for school, they indulged each other.
Diesel kept her from being lonely when both the guys worked. He rarely left her side, except for when he slept with Colt. Each evening when her guys got home they told her how the day had gone.
It was a surreal time, wonderful but very different from what she was used to—since she usually worked sunup to sundown. She liked being busy, so by the time Friday arrived, her arm felt much better and she was anxious to get back to her normal routine.
She and Hogan rode to the diner together. A lot of progress had been made in the upstairs area and they were all set for their grand opening.
Of course, when she went out back to talk to Hogan, she noticed the outdoor stage right away. Prepping for the bigger crowd expected, Hogan loaded his grills.
Violet nudged him. “What’s up with the stage?”
He kept his gaze on the grill, saying, “Nathan and the band are going to play for our grand opening. Nice, huh?”
The band had performed at Screwy Louie’s many times, so that still didn’t explain things. “They’ve never used a stage before.” Usually they set u
p their equipment around trees and tables and made do.
“Maybe he’s trying to impress Brooklin.”
“Hmm. Maybe.” She put that aside as she oversaw their new signature burger, the Colt. Because of his part in handling Russell’s intrusion, Violet had insisted.
Colt laughed every time they mentioned it.
It was a big juicy burger with all of Colt’s favorite toppings. She expected it to be a hit, and the perfect way to introduce the feature.
The upstairs looked amazing and a new spotlight at the outside stairs helped showcase the additional entrance. Charish would help tonight, directing the young people to the special area.
Violet had expected a crowd, but the number of people filling the diner, the upstairs and the yard exceeded her expectations. By seven o’clock, she was ready to happily collapse. When the music started, she and most of the other guests moved to the outdoor area.
People were everywhere. She beamed with the pleasure of it. If this kept up, she thought, expanding the space might be a good idea.
“Always thinking ahead,” Hogan whispered near her ear, as if reading her mind. “I like how you do that.”
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” She opened her arms and turned a circle, taking it all in. “First you with your sinfully delicious ribs, and now that awesome area upstairs.” She threw her open arms around him. “You’ve been great for business, Hogan.”
He kept her close. “Have I been good for you, too?”
She filled her lungs with the joy of it. “You’ve been amazing for me.”
“Amazing enough to make it permanent?”
Good grief, would he always throw her for a loop?
Crowds literally swarmed around them. Nathan and the Drunken Monkeys wrapped up their song with a loud crescendo. People applauded.
“Way to keep me in suspense,” Hogan said with a grin. Then he kissed her.
Not a quick peck, either, but a toe-curling, tongue-sliding, damp-heat kiss that turned her knees to noodles.
Soon as he let up, Violet gasped, “I moved in. Did you think it was temporary?” Good thing she hadn’t put her house up for sale yet.
As if he’d read her mind, he said, “But we still have two houses. And we’re not married.”
Her knees gave out and she clutched at him to keep from falling. “Marriage?” she croaked.
“I love you.”
Oh my God. He said that like he wasn’t confessing something monumental. Violet nodded fast. “I love you, too.”
“Tell me you’ll marry me. Quick. I only have about fifteen seconds left.”
Was the marriage proposal going to expire? She had no idea, but blinded by the sudden tears, she whispered, “Yes, I would love to marry you.”
Hogan kissed her hard and fast. “Stay put, okay? This is for you.”
“What—”
Just then, Nathan announced, “Come on, Hogan. Let’s get the show going.”
Violet stared as Hogan stripped off his Barbecue Master shirt and laid it over the chair. The crowd went nuts, especially when he pulled a cowboy hat out from under his table and slapped it on his head.
Completely off balance, Violet grabbed the chair to steady herself.
Until Hogan started for the stage, she hadn’t realized he wore cowboy boots.
Putting her hand over her mouth, she laughed. What in the world!
Bounding onto the low stage and smiling toward Violet, he said into the mic, “She said yes.”
The cheers erupted into a deafening roar.
Colt came to stand beside her. He wore a cowboy hat and boots, too. Putting his arm around her, he said, “I’m glad you’ll be official, Violet.”
She nodded and whispered, “Me, too.”
The music started, and other than moving away from the mic, Hogan stayed put.
Nathan and the Drunken Monkeys started playing.
Her eyes widened. “I recognize that song!”
“Good.” Colt kissed her cheek, stripped off his shirt and headed for the stage. Charish, along with a whole group of friends, egged him on.
While singing “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,” Nathan unbuttoned his shirt, shrugged it off and donned his own hat. Brooklin sat near the stage and she whooped—along with all the other women.
As if on cue, Sullivan and Jason emerged from the crowd, both already shirtless, jeans slung low, their hats tipped forward to hide their faces.
Lexie and Honor bounced and cheered.
Violet couldn’t stop laughing. Far as surprises went, this was the best. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so tickled.
And that proposal? She hugged herself to contain the utter joy.
When all the guys were onstage, they lined up and started to dance.
She laughed until she doubled over, loving the show, loving life.
Loving Hogan Guthrie.
The audience began to clap in time to their movements so that everyone seemed involved.
The tears overflowed, happy tears.
When at last they finished and the raucous applause began to fade, Hogan again took the mic. “One Friday night each month will be ladies’ night. I can’t guarantee a show every time—”
He had to wait for the protests to end before he could continue.
Wearing a huge smile, Hogan said, “—but Violet has some great ideas on how to keep you all happy.”
That brought out renewed celebration and a chant of her name.
“Come on up here, Violet.”
She tried to shake her head, but suddenly Kristy was there, urging her forward. And once she was close enough, Hogan took her hand and brought her up.
Grinning, Hogan said again, “She’s going to be my wife.”
The place went nuts.
He calmed them down, saying, “One more dance, and this time, any guy who wants should join in.”
The band immediately stripped off their shirts, even though two of them looked much better with them on. Their hats, a mix of straw and felt and, for Stan, decorated with a big feather, had everyone chuckling.
Nathan set a big box off the edge of the stage. “Help yourself to some hats, boys.”
She looked at Hogan, and he whispered, “Costume hats. Cheap, I promise.”
Aww, even now he had her bottom line in mind. “It’s an amazing idea,” she said, impressed and madly in love.
There was a general rowdy removal of shirts as men flaunted their not-so-impressive chests and wore the comically small cowboy hats in a variety of black, brown and white.
Nathan said, “Don’t forget your hardworking servers, okay? Show them some appreciation.”
Kristy, busy refilling drinks, gave him a thumbs-up.
When Nathan fired up another fast-paced country song, Hogan led Violet in a dance on the stage.
Sullivan went after Lexie, Jason after Honor. Colt abandoned them for Charish, and Nathan brought Brooklin up to join them.
It was, by far, the best night of Violet’s entire life.
With his hands holding her hips, Hogan gently swayed them, saying close to her ear, “I know it doesn’t make up for missing dances in school. But I promise you, going forward we’ll fit in lots of fun.” He brought her closer, slow dancing even though the music raced. “Not that I ever want to neglect your diner.”
“Our diner,” Violet said, leaning back to smile up at him. “We’ll share everything, okay?”
Hogan studied her face, half smiled and nodded. “I’m a lucky man.”
It amazed her that he could think so after all he’d been through. She stopped dancing. “I’m sorry that the past was so hard on you, but I’m glad life eventually brought you to me.”
Hogan glanced out at Colt dancing with
Charish, surrounded by his friends, then to his brother, who laughed with Honor. When he smiled down at Violet again, he said, “Being here, now that I have you, I wouldn’t change a single thing.”
And that, more than anything, told Violet that the past was where it needed to be, no longer a part of their lives.
* * * * *
Look for Lori Foster’s next sizzling book, CLOSE CONTACT, from HQN Books.
For the men of the Body Armor security agency, the only thing more dangerous than the job they do is the risk of losing their hearts.
Read on for an exclusive sneak peek from CLOSE CONTACT by Lori Foster.
New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster returns with an explosive new series featuring sexy bodyguards who will do anything to protect the ones they love!
Get to know all the bodyguards in the Body Armor series!
Close Contact
He’ll do anything to break through her defenses—and protect her day and night.
Hard Justice
Playing it safe has never felt so dangerous...
Under Pressure
He can protect anything except his heart.
Order your copies now!
Full of witty banter, hot neighbors and everlasting love...you won’t be able to put this one down! Get ready to be swept away with twice the heat, twice the conflict and twice the romance in
Don’t Tempt Me
Available now!
These MMA fighters may be hot in the ring, but wait till they meet the women who are ready to show them some steamy moves of their own! Your bookshelf won’t be complete without all the stories in the stunning Ultimate series!
Hard Knocks (e-novella)
No Limits
Holding Strong
Tough Love
Fighting Dirty
Complete your collection!
www.LoriFoster.com
* * *
Did you know that Harlequin My Rewards members earn FREE books and more?
Join
www.HarlequinMyRewards.com
today to start earning your FREE books!
* * *
Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!