The tempting smells of the barbecue were beginning to have the opposite effect on her. To get away from the cooking, she crossed the yard until she saw a friend.
“Sophie,” she called, catching up with her high school friend.
Sophie Beldon turned to wait, her light brown eyes friendly as she smiled. “This is a great party, Lila. Your family really knows how to do this. I think everyone in these parts looks forward to August because of your family barbecue. It’s legendary.”
“Thanks. They’ve been doing it long enough. It’s good to see you. Where are you headed?”
“Some quiet corner—if there is such. I’m getting looks and people ask all sorts of questions. Some act like I have the answers and just won’t say anything about Alex’s disappearance.”
“Sorry. That must be tough. You’re his executive secretary, so everyone probably thinks you know something about him. I’m sure everyone has been shocked to hear Alex has disappeared. Still no word?”
“Nothing. What’s bad—they don’t know whether something’s happened to him or his disappearance is something he has deliberately done. He had a quiet side where he kept things to himself. I’ve always thought of my boss as a man of mystery. Or it could be just circumstances where communication has failed and Alex thinks we all know where he is.”
“That seems impossible. You’d hear from him, I’d think.”
The blonde shrugged. “Who knows. You can’t rule out any possibility, but his disappearance has some people on edge.”
“Reasonably so, I’d say. You dealt with him daily. You should know the most about him,” Lila said, stopping in the shade of a tall oak to the east side of the house and away from the crowd.
Long lashes framed Sophie’s eyes while her brow furrowed. “I get looks from Nathan Battle, but Nathan’s fair, so I’m not worried about his opinion where I’m concerned. I really don’t have any idea about Alex and what’s happened to him.” She studied Shannon in silence a moment as if debating something. “I know I can trust you—I’m working now for Zach Lassiter. He’s Alex’s business partner.”
“I’ve heard Dad talk about him. From what I hear, no one seems to know much about his past.”
“Talk about a man of mystery—Zach is more mysterious than Alex was. I don’t think anyone knows much about Zach. I thought if I could get close to him, I might find out something about Alex’s disappearance.”
A chill ran down Lila’s spine. “Sophie, be careful. You have no idea what’s involved in Alex’s disappearance. It could be foul play. You really don’t know anything about Zach Lassiter and it sounds as if no one else in Royal does. What you’re doing might be dangerous.”
“I’ll be careful, and I don’t see how Zach can suspect my true motives. It’s a business. I can’t keep from wondering what he knows about Alex, because they worked closely together.”
Lila shook her head. “I don’t think you should take such a risk. Be really careful about what you do. You’re not a trained detective and you don’t know anything about investigations. Does anyone else know what you’re doing? Does Nathan Battle?”
“Heavens, no. You do now, so there’s one person who knows. I promise, I’ll be careful. I see friends headed our way.”
Lila turned to see three more friends she had been close to in high school and her private conversation with Sophie ended, but as she listened to the light chatter of her friends, she still had a nagging concern about Sophie. She wished she had urged Sophie to say something to Nathan, although Nathan and Amanda had recently married, so he might not have his mind on Alex’s disappearance. Still, Lila felt certain Nathan would advise Sophie to stay out of it and her friend might actually listen to him.
* * *
Later, lines formed at the long tables covered with food while servers at each end carved chunks of meat and ribs. Lila went inside to eat more fruit, passing up the steaming barbecue, knowing her dad saw to it that they cooked so much there would always be some leftovers if she wanted any later.
After dinner, fiddlers swung into music for more dancing and Lila enjoyed herself, dancing with many of the Texas Cattleman’s Club members who always attended the Hacket barbecue. She danced with Ryan Grant, one of the newest members. His tangled brown hair fell over his forehead as he concentrated on dancing. He was light on his feet, which didn’t surprise her, because she had danced with him before.
The next dance was with rancher and widower Gil Addison. She knew his four-year-old son, Cade, was with the other kids. Her parents always hired local nannies to watch the small kids during the barbecue. She enjoyed Gil in his quiet way and was sorry he was raising his son alone.
As soon as that dance ended, Sam’s twin, Josh Gordon, politely asked her to dance. She could sense the coolness and disapproval in spite of his invitation and she knew he was one of the club members who disapproved of her independence. She suspected he had asked her to dance as an obligation to her dad, the host.
Although Josh and Sam were identical twins, Lila could tell them apart without any difficulty. Sam’s hair was longer and he had a sparkle in his eyes, a more carefree attitude than his solemn brother.
As she danced with Josh, a fast number where they had no physical contact, she wondered what his reaction would be when he learned that he was going to be an uncle.
As soon as the dance ended and she had politely thanked him, Josh disappeared into the crowd. She turned to face Sam Gordon.
ISBN: 9781460316719
CANYON
Copyright © 2013 by Brenda Streater Jackson
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From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson, comes a new trilogy starring three Westmorelands who are impossible to resist: Zane, Canyon and Stern
Stern Westmoreland never makes mistakes—until he helps his best friend Jovonnie “JoJo” Jones with a makeover…for another man. Now Stern wants JoJo for himself. Their attraction is undeniable and there’s only one way to test it: one long, steamy night together as much more than friends!
Praise for New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Brenda Jackson
“Brenda Jackson writes romance that sizzles and characters you fall in love with.”
—New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Lori Foster
“Jackson’s trademark ability to weave multiple characters and side stories together makes shocking truths all the more exciting.”
—Publishers Weekly
“There is no getting away from the sex appeal and charm of Jackson’s Westmoreland family.”
—RT Book Reviews on Feeling the Heat
“Jackson’s characters are wonderful, strong, colorful and hot enough to burn the pages.”
—RT Book Reviews on Westmoreland’s Way
“The kind of sizzling, heart-tugging
story Brenda Jackson is famous for.”
—RT Book Reviews on Spencer’s Forbidden Passion
“This is entertainment at its best.”
—RT Book Reviews on Star of His Heart
* * *
Stern is part of The Westmorelands series: A family bound by loyalty…and love! Only from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson and Harlequin Desire!
* * *
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Dear Reader,
I love writing about the Westmorelands because they exemplify what a strong family is all about, mainly the sharing of love and support. For that reason, when I was given the chance to present them in a trilogy, I was excited and ready to dive into the lives of Zane, Canyon and Stern Westmoreland.
It is hard to believe that Stern is my twenty-sixth Westmoreland novel. It seemed like it was only yesterday when I introduced you to Delaney and her five brothers. I knew by the time I wrote Thorn’s story that I just had to tell you about their cousins who were spread out over Montana, Texas, California and Colorado.
It has been an adventure and I enjoyed sharing it with you. I’ve gotten your emails and snail mails letting me know how much you adore those Westmoreland men, and I appreciate hearing from you. Each Westmoreland—male or female—is unique and the way love conquers their hearts is heartwarming, breathtaking and totally satisfying.
I love writing stories where best friends fall in love. In this story, Stern and JoJo are best friends who understand each other and want the best for each other. I enjoyed how they finally realize their relationship is based on more than a close friendship—it is grounded in true love.
I hope you enjoy this story about Stern and JoJo.
Happy reading!
Brenda Jackson
Books by Brenda Jackson
Harlequin Desire
*A Wife for a Westmoreland #2077
*The Proposal #2089
*Feeling the Heat #2149
*Texas Wild #2185
*One Winter’s Night #2197
*Zane #2239
*Canyon #2245
*Stern #2251
Silhouette Desire
*Delaney’s Desert Sheikh #1473
*A Little Dare #1533
*Thorn’s Challenge #1552
*Stone Cold Surrender #1601
*Riding the Storm #1625
*Jared’s Counterfeit Fiancée #1654
*The Chase Is On #1690
*The Durango Affair #1727
*Ian’s Ultimate Gamble #1745
*Seduction, Westmoreland Style #1778
*Spencer’s Forbidden Passion #1838
*Taming Clint Westmoreland #1850
*Cole’s Red-Hot Pursuit #1874
*Quade’s Babies #1911
*Tall, Dark…Westmoreland! #1928
*Westmoreland’s Way #1975
*Hot Westmoreland Nights #2000
*What a Westmoreland Wants #2035
Harlequin Kimani Arabesque
ΔWhispered Promises
ΔEternally Yours
ΔOne Special Moment
ΔFire and Desire
ΔSecret Love
ΔTrue Love
ΔSurrender
ΔSensual Confessions
ΔInseparable
ΔCourting Justice
Harlequin Kimani Romance
ΩSolid Soul #1
ΩNight Heat #9
ΩBeyond Temptation #25
ΩRisky Pleasures #37
ΩIrresistible Forces #89
ΩIntimate Seduction #145
ΩHidden Pleasures #189
ΩA Steele for Christmas #253
ΩPrivate Arrangements #269
*The Westmorelands
ΔMadaris Family Saga
ΩSteele Family titles
Other titles by this author are available in ebook format.
BRENDA JACKSON
is a die “heart” romantic who married her childhood sweetheart and still proudly wears the “going steady” ring he gave her when she was fifteen. Because she believes in the power of love, Brenda’s stories always have happy endings. In her real-life love story, Brenda and her husband of more than forty years live in Jacksonville, Florida, and have two sons.
A New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy-five romance titles, Brenda is a recent retiree who now divides her time between family, writing and traveling with Gerald. You may write Brenda at P.O. Box 28267, Jacksonville, Florida 32226, email her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.brendajackson.net.
To my husband, the love of my life and my best friend, Gerald Jackson, Sr.
Happy birthday to all the members of the 1971 Class of William Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida. You know what milestone we hit this year and we are still the greatest. Ichiban!
To my good friend Linda Reagor. Thanks for the hunting lesson. I appreciate you!
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
—John 15:13
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Epilogue
Excerpt
One
“Stern, what can a woman do to make a man want her?”
Stern Westmoreland, who had been looking through the scope of his hunting rifle, jerked his head around at the unexpected question, nearly knocking the cap off his head.
He glared at the woman beside him who was staring through the scope of her own rifle. When a shot rang out, expletives flowed from his lips. “Dammit, JoJo, you did that on purpose. You asked me that just to ruin my concentration.”
She lowered her rifle and frowned at him. “I did not. I asked you because I really want to know. And if it makes you feel better, I missed my target just now.”
Stern rolled his eyes. So what if she had missed her shot now? Nothing had stopped her from taking down that huge elk yesterday when he had yet to hit anything, not even a coyote. On days like this he wondered why he always invited his best friend on these hunting trips. She showed him up each and every time.
Lifting his rifle and looking through the scope again, he drew in a deep breath. He knew why he always invited JoJo. He liked having her around. When he was with her he could be himself and not a man trying to impress anyone. Their comfortable relationship was why she’d been his best friend for years.
“Well?”
He lowered the scope from his eye to look at her. “Well what?”
“You didn’t answer me. What can a woman do to make a man want her? Other than jump into bed. I’m not into casual sex.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“What do you find funny, Stern? It’s okay for you to be into casual sex but not me?”
Stern stared at her in astonishment. “What in the heck is wrong with you today? You’ve never been into drama.”
JoJo’s expression filled with anger and frustration. “You don’t understand, and you used to understand me even when nobody else did.” Without saying anything else she turned and walked off.
He watched her leave. What the hell? JoJo was being temperamental, and in all the years he’d known her she’d never been temperamental. What in the world was going on with her?
Deciding he wasn’t in the mood to hunt anymore today, he fo
llowed JoJo down the path that led back to his hunting lodge.
* * *
After a quick shower, Jovonnie Jones grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator, pulled the tab and took a refreshing sip. She needed that, she thought as she left the kitchen to sit outside on the wooden deck and enjoy the picturesque view of the Rocky Mountains.
A few years ago Stern had stumbled on this lodge, an old, dilapidated place that sat on more than a hundred acres of the best hunting land anywhere. In only two years, with the help of his brothers and cousins, the building had been transformed into one of beauty. It was a perfect hunting getaway. It offered black bears, deer, fox and other wildlife, but this was mainly elk country.
The lodge had been a good investment for Stern. When he wasn’t using it, he leased it. It was a huge two-story structure with eight bedrooms, four full bathrooms and wooden decks that wrapped all the way around the house on both the first and the second floors. The common area included a huge kitchen and dining area and a sitting room with a massive brick fireplace. Plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows provided breathtaking views of the Rockies from every room.
She eased down in one of the outdoor cedar rocking chairs. Even after her hot shower and cold beer, she was still feeling frustrated and angry. Why couldn’t Stern take her seriously and answer her question? It should work in her favor that she was best friends with a man most women believed to be the hottest thing on legs. Stern got any woman he wanted. If anybody ought to know about a woman’s appeal, it should be him.
JoJo chuckled, remembering. In high school, girls would deliberately pretend to befriend her for no other reason than to get close to Stern. It never worked for long because once Stern learned the truth he would drop them like hot potatoes. He refused to let anyone use her. To him, friendship meant more than that. If those girls didn’t want to be her friend because of who she was, then he wanted no part of them.
Brenda Jackson The Westmoreland Collection: ZaneCanyonStern Page 35