Harts of Arizona Series

by Yahrah St. John

  After they’d pigged out on hard salami, Brie, crackers, fruits and miniature dessert, they spread out on the blanket and Noah took Rylee’s advice and asked Chynna to the anniversary party. “So will you come with me as my date to the Golden Oaks Ranch’s thirty-fifth anniversary party this coming Saturday night?”

  Chynna smiled at Noah. “I would love to.”

  “Good, I’ll meet you in the foyer at six o’clock sharp.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  On Saturday night, as she got ready for her first official date with Noah, Chynna was a ball of nerves. Her stomach was in knots, and her palms were sweating. She’d never been this nervous about going out with a man before. Could it be because Noah was the first person she’d honestly cared about in years?

  She’d taken care to dress for tonight. With Rylee’s help, they’d ventured off the ranch for a few hours earlier that day to go back to the Canyon Ranch Spa. Chynna had informed the shocked hotel manager that she was checking out and would be taking all of her belongings. Although the woman seemed surprised by her attire of jeans, a plaid shirt and a cowboy hat, she was more pleased to see that after a week off the ranch, Chynna was unharmed and in good spirits.

  Chynna had needed her luggage because inside were several of the clothes she and Kenya had bought during their shopping spree, and one of the dresses was perfect for the ranch’s celebration that evening. It was a strapless, peach chiffon fit and flare dress that hit just above her knee. It was dressy without being too casual and simple enough not to be too flashy. She’d teamed it with dangling chandelier earrings and very minimal makeup, which was hard for Chynna. She was so used to being over the top that dressing down was somewhat of a challenge, especially with her hair. For concerts and club outings, it was the bigger the better. But for tonight, Chynna knew she wouldn’t catch Noah’s eye with her flare for the dramatic. Instead, she’d used some of Madelyn’s old-fashioned hot rollers and the result was her hair hung in soft waves around her face.

  Noah was used to seeing her hair in a ponytail or underneath a cowboy hat, so he was in for a surprise tonight. After a few spritzes of her favorite perfume, Chynna stared at herself in the mirror. Here goes.

  She made her way down the circular staircase and found Noah waiting in the foyer. He looked up at her as she descended, and Chynna felt as a giddy as schoolgirl going to her first dance.

  “You look amazing,” Noah said when she made it to the last step.

  “Thank you.” Chynna beamed. “So do you.” She knew most men preferred to be called handsome, but Noah truly was beautiful to her and not just because he was wearing a white tuxedo jacket and black pants. He wasn’t just handsome—he had a good heart too.

  He offered her his hand and together they walked into the living room where Madelyn, Isaac and Rylee were already gathered. Another young gentleman had joined the fold, and Chynna could only assume he was Rylee’s date. He didn’t at all appear to be Rylee’s type.

  “There you are,” Madelyn said as they entered, but she stopped when she saw Chynna.

  “Kenya, my darling, you look absolutely breathtaking.”

  “I would say so,” Jeremy had muttered, and Chynna watched Rylee jab him in the middle with her elbow.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Hart.”

  “And I see my son is accompanying you this evening?” Madelyn smiled at Noah and then back at Chynna.

  Chynna didn’t have to answer because Noah did. “Yes, Mother, and let’s just let sleeping dogs lie.”

  Madelyn smiled knowingly, “Of course, come in you two. Would you like a glass of wine? Isaac, pour Kenya here a glass, will you, love?”

  “Sure thing, babe.” Isaac reached over on the cocktail table to pour Chynna a glass.

  “Have you met Jeremy?” Madelyn asked, motioning to the man at Rylee’s side.

  “I don’t believe I have,” Chynna said, coming toward the couple.

  “Jeremy’s an old friend of the family,” Noah said.

  “And we’re hoping it will turn into something more,” Isaac said as he handed Chynna the wine goblet.

  “Daddy, please,” said Rylee, clearly exasperated by her family talking about her love life so freely. With her petite and slim figure, she looked darling in a one-shoulder jersey blouson mini-dress. Her spiral curls were pinned on each side of her face and hung down her back.

  “Hey, what’s wrong with wanting some grandchildren running around here?” Isaac inquired.

  “I sure wouldn’t mind having kids,” Jeremy replied freely.

  Chynna could see Rylee’s obvious embarrassment and changed the subject. “So how many people are you expecting at the party tonight?” she asked, taking a sip of her Pinot Noir.

  “Oh, hundreds,” Madelyn said. “The mayor, city councilmen and members of the sheriff’s department are coming.”

  “And what about our wayward son?” Isaac asked.

  Chynna knew the Harts had a youngest son named Caleb, but he’d yet to show himself since her arrival on the ranch.

  “Caleb will come,” Madelyn replied somewhat testily.

  “Mama, I wouldn’t get your hopes up that Caleb will make an appearance,” Noah said from Chynna’s side. “I wouldn’t want him to let you down.”

  “Does he always do that?” Chynna whispered in Noah’s ear.

  “He’s the perpetual screw-up,” Noah replied quickly.

  “He knows how important this night is to me, to the family,” Madelyn said, defending her youngest. “He’ll show.”

  “If bull riding hasn’t killed him yet,” Isaac huffed underneath his breath.

  “Why don’t we start greeting our guests?” Rylee offered, to calm the situation between her parents. Whenever her youngest brother was mentioned, it always riled them up.

  “That sounds like a good idea,” Madelyn said as she swiftly placed her wineglass on the nearby cocktail table and headed for the door. “Are you coming?” She turned to her husband.

  “Of course, my dear.”

  “I’m going to go keep the peace,” Rylee said, heading toward the door. “I wouldn’t want Caleb to ruin a perfectly good evening. Let’s go, Jeremy.” She grasped him by the arm and pulled him away, leaving Noah and Chynna alone.

  “Your brother sounds like quite a hell-raiser, Noah,” Chynna said.

  “He is, and proud of it. But I don’t want to think about him tonight.” Noah pulled the wine goblet out of Chynna’s hand and set it on the wet bar. “I want tonight to be about us.”

  Chynna looked into Noah’s dark-brown eyes and knew that world had shifted. They were starting down a new path, and she couldn’t wait to see what was around the other corner.

  Noah watched Kenya as she mingled with the other guests and chatted politics with several of the councilmen. They all seemed in awe of her; she had a special star quality that seemed to bedazzle men and women alike. Noah had been star-struck the moment they’d met, and tonight was no different. She was radiant and she was his for tonight.

  “She’s stunning,” his father said from his side.

  “I know,” Noah replied huskily. He hadn’t been able to think of anything else since he’d seen her walking down the steps tonight. She’d looked like an angel with her hair in soft curls and wearing very little makeup. The truth of the matter was Kenya didn’t need it. She was naturally beautiful and the dress ... well, it was a dreamy confection of chiffon that showed off her elegance and grace. From someplace deep, he’d wanted to whisk her back up the stairs to his bedroom and finish what they’d started several days ago.

  Isaac Hart stared at his son. “You’re falling for her, aren’t you?”

  Noah blinked him back into focus. “What was that, Dad?”

  His father laughed. “You’re a goner.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You sure as hell do.
From the day you brought that girl into this house, your mother and I have been waiting for you to realize what’s been right in front of our faces.”

  “Which is?”

  “That Kenya could be the woman to make you forget about Maya.”

  “I don’t know if that will ever be possible, Dad.”

  “Sure it is,” his father huffed. “You just have to be willing to allow it and let her in.” Noah began to speak, but his father held up his hand. “Whoa there, let me talk for a minute.” He grasped one of Noah’s shoulders. “You and Kenya having a relationship does not change the fact that you loved and will always have a special place in your heart for Maya, but it’s time you moved on, son. And that woman,” he said, motioning with his beer bottle toward Kenya, who’d now gone out on the floor to dance with a seven-year-old boy, “is just the woman to do it.”

  He He.

  Chynna glanced up to find Isaac and Noah staring at her as she danced with the young boy. The conversation looked intense, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it, because Noah left his father standing at the edge of the dance floor and joined her.

  “May I cut in, little man?” Noah asked, looking down at her escort.

  “Huh?”

  Noah bent down to the boy’s height. “Well, I was hoping I could dance with the young lady here,” he said, glancing up at Kenya.

  “Is that alright with you, Miss Kenya?” the boy asked respectfully.

  “Yes, that’s fine, Andre.”

  “Okay, then,” the boy said. “Save a dance for me later.” He winked and rushed off the floor to join his family, seated at a table nearby.

  Noah wasted no time in grasping Chynna’s hand, pulling her into his arms and gliding her toward the center of the floor. “I guess I’m not the only man you’ve got wound up.”

  “Do I have you wound up?” Chynna inquired, her eyes wide with false innocence.

  “Like a clock.”

  Noah laughed and Chynna’s nerves instantly began to dissolve. Being in Noah’s arms felt natural, as if she belonged there. It helped that Noah was a great dancer and spun her around and dipped her with ease. Eventually the music died down from the fast and furious line dancing to something soft and slow. That’s when Noah slowed the pace, and they swayed gently to the music.

  Chynna hazarded a glance at Noah, and he was staring down at her with such warmth she wanted to melt in a puddle at his feet, but he held her tight. One of his hands explored the hollows of her back while the other lightly stroked a wayward curl out of her face. He showered her with kisses, first on her forehead, then her jaw, before reaching her lips. When he did, he planted a tantalizing, slow and aching kiss across her lips.

  She couldn’t believe it. He was kissing her with his whole community watching; but she didn’t care. She gave herself up to his persuasive mouth. The kiss was soft and sweet and held promise of a final mastery that was yet to come, but Chynna was certain she wanted to find out.

  When he lifted his head, his eyes were dark and cloudy with passion. “You’re so beautiful, Kenya,” he said. “My sweet Kenya.”

  Hearing Noah say her sister’s name made Chynna feel terrible for keeping the secret of her true identity from him. At the time, it had seemed like a smart idea, but she could have never imagined that the sexy rancher who’d rescued her would come to mean more to her than any man had in a long time.

  So what now? Did she risk telling him the truth and enduring his wrath?

  Noah kissed her again, and this time he slightly lifted her off her feet, making Chynna forget all about telling him the truth. She just wanted to bask in the moment of having this man adore her, for him to see her as more than just a pop icon or sex goddess. He saw in her the beautiful, strong, capable woman she knew she was.

  With one of Noah’s arms wrapped around her waist, they eventually left the dance floor. Chynna was eager for some time alone with Noah. Perhaps in his room again. But they were interrupted by a matronly woman and her husband. The clear look of disdain on the woman’s face was evident, and Chynna tried not to recoil.

  “Noah,” the woman said.

  Noah stiffened beside her, but finally spoke. “Mrs. Jackson.” He removed his hand from around her waist. He nodded his head to the man at her side. “Mr. Jackson.”

  Who is this woman and why is Noah pulling away from me? Chynna could feel the moment between them slipping away. Why does this have to happen now?

  There was an awkward silence between all parties before Noah realized his social faux pas and said, “Allow me to introduce Kenya James.”

  Chynna offered her hand to the woman, but it was ignored, so she quickly snatched it back. Chynna tried to stay calm, but it was hard given the woman’s obvious hostility toward her.

  “H-How are you?” Noah attempted conversation.

  “We’re still grieving,” the older man beside her answered as his wife shot Chynna poisonous looks.

  “But clearly you’ve moved on,” Mrs. Jackson spat.

  “Hannah!” Chynna heard the warning in the man’s voice beside her and that’s when it hit her. These were Maya’s parents, and Noah was making out with her in the middle of the dance floor where everyone could see.

  “I’m sorry if it upsets you. Truly I am, but I won’t apologize for moving on with my life,” Noah responded softly.

  Chynna was happy to hear Noah defending their growing relationship. He wasn’t ashamed of being with her.

  “H-How could you?” Tears began to form in the older woman’s eyes, and she blotted at them with a handkerchief she’d put in her purse. “It hasn’t been that long.”

  “It’s been over two years.”

  “Seems like it was just yesterday,” Mr. Jackson said.

  “I understand,” Noah said. “But it’s time. If you’ll excuse us.” He returned his hand to the small of Chynna’s back and led her away from the still-grieving couple.

  Once they’d gone a safe distance, Noah pulled her away from the crowd. “I’m sorry about that,” he said. “Those were my in-laws—Maya’s parents.

  “I figured as much.”

  “Mrs. Jackson had no right to treat you that way. It was incredibly rude.”

  “She’s still grieving.”

  “That’s no excuse. But I appreciate your understanding.” Noah stroked her cheek. “You’re really a special person, Kenya.”

  “And you’re an amazing man.” Chynna reached out and touched the strong line of his jaw.

  “What do you say to some time alone?” Noah asked.

  “I’d like that,” Chynna said through mascara-coated eyelashes.

  Noah grasped her by the hand and led her toward the main house.

  Chapter 12

  “I need more heat!” the director of Chynna’s newest video yelled at Kenya as she tried to act sexy in front of the camera in what wasn’t more than a halter bikini top with some bootylicious shorts. Kenya was so embarrassed at the obvious sexploitation that she was having a hard time pulling off the video. She’d been unsuccessful in convincing Eli to change the vision.

  She’d tried to contact Lucas, but he’d been out of the office. Now here she was in the middle of the night, filming this video. She was supposed to dance in the streets with her backup dancers and then frolic around in the pool with some model she’d met for all of five seconds. She was an actor and could do it; she just hated the image it presented of her sister.

  “Cut!” the director said. “We’ll take a break, and in that time, let’s hope that our star here gets some chemistry with her leading man.”

  Eli, who’d been sitting in the background, stood back watching her while Deacon came forward.

  “A word,” Deacon said, grasping Kenya by the arm.

  “What?” Kenya said, pulling away. She didn’t need a pep talk from Deacon right now. More than anything, she
had to act like Chynna and blow him off. “I’m doing as he asked. What’s his problem, anyway? He’s not out there wearing next to nothing.” She didn’t wait for Deacon’s response and instead stomped back toward her trailer.

  Deacon was hot on her heels and rushed inside behind her. “What’s your problem lately, Chynna? You’ve never been embarrassed before. You have a great body and truth be told, it’s what everyone has come to expect from you.”

  “And does that make it right?”

  Deacon stepped back and stared at Kenya. He seemed to be warring with himself for a quick comeback, and when he couldn’t figure it out, he said, “Listen, let’s just get through this video, and we’ll talk to Eli about changing the concepts for the future videos.”

  Kenya was surprised that he’d conceded the point, but she was sure it was just in the name of getting the video shot. “Fine.”

  “Let’s go.”

  “I’ll be out in a minute,” she said. She needed time to collect herself. She was going to have to use every ounce of the acting techniques she’d learned to get through this night; otherwise, Chynna’s entire team would figure out that she wasn’t the real deal if they hadn’t already begun to suspect that.

  “So you know what you need to do?” Eli asked Lamar Hobbs, Chynna’s lover and former backup singer turned R&B bad-boy, from his limo sitting outside the mansion where they were taping.

  As soon as Chynna had begun mouthing off on set, Eli had known he had to get her back on track. She was becoming much too mouthy and opinionated for his taste lately. Bringing back Lamar, the former love of her life, was sure to sex her up and have her off-kilter for a long time to come.

  “Yeah,” Lamar replied. “I got this.” He knew exactly how to get through to Chynna. She’d always been putty in his hands. He knew how to hit all her buttons that would trigger the sexy Chynna James Eli needed.

  Kenya sat in her trailer in her robe, waiting for the call back to the set. She was eating a plate of grilled chicken breast and veggies that Fiona had brought, thanks to Deacon’s close eye of watching her diet, when the trailer door swung open.