Fool Me Once

by Mona Ingram

  He tipped an imaginary hat. “That’s me, ma’am. Your all-American cowboy.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” She retrieved her hand. “You aren’t really a cowboy.”

  “Why not?” He cocked a dark eyebrow. “It’s one of the most honest professions in the world.”

  “Yes, I’m sure it is, but…” She stopped abruptly. “I’ve never met a cowboy before.”

  He grinned. “Then you should come to my ranch some time. Although I confess the real cowboys are the men who work my spread.” He shrugged. “Some days the only riding I do is the chair in my office.”

  Olivia nodded. “You have my sympathies. I’d be content if I never had to go near an office again. It’s… I don’t know… it’s suffocating.”

  He looked at her appraisingly. “I feel the same way. That’s what’s so great about living on a ranch. When they coined the term ‘wide open spaces’ I think they had Montana in mind.”

  She liked the way he spoke.

  “‘Big Sky’” She leaned against the bench opposite him. “When I first heard that term I envisioned skies so blue they hurt your eyes. Is it anything like that?”

  “It’s better.” His voice was like a caress. “Where I live, the Rockies dominate the western sky. When the light hits them just right, it takes your breath away.” He looked down at her. “Of course you could explain it better. You have an amazing gift for writing about what you see...what you feel.”

  “You’ve read my work?”

  “I just said I did.” His eyes flashed. “You don’t believe me, do you?”

  She regarded him coolly. Too many men before him had falsely claimed to read her work.

  “Boy, you’re tough. Okay. Let me think. I read your article a few months ago about the inner workings of casinos. You also wrote a very touching follow-up piece on Lockerbie and how that air disaster has changed the community. And more recently I read the stories about the Afghani women.” He shook his head and a subtle change came over him. “Although when I finished reading the last story I thought perhaps you should have called it ‘One Step Forward, Two Steps Back’, instead of the other way around.”

  “You understood!” She smiled up at him. “Thank you for reading between the lines.” She sobered. “It’s a strange, violent place.”

  Olivia saw a flash of pain in the dark eyes. “What was it like over there?” he asked, his voice little more than a whisper. “Was it rough?”

  Sensing that her reply was important, she thought for a moment. “Yes, it was rough, but I was so involved with the story that I can’t honestly say I noticed. The heat and the dust were unpleasant, but somehow when you believe in what you’re doing, you forget all about creature comforts. The most difficult thing was gaining the confidence of the women I wrote about, getting them to talk freely. Fortunately I had an excellent interpreter.” She smiled crookedly. “I apologize for not believing you. It’s just that…” she shook her head. “Never mind.”

  “Come on.” His tone was part teasing, part serious. “Don’t leave me hanging.”

  She pretended to study a spray of orchids, gathering her thoughts. “It’s just that I’ve met some people who pretend to have read my stuff when in fact it’s obvious they haven’t.” She regarded him openly. “What are you doing here, Josh?”

  “Alex invited me.”

  She waved away his reply. “No… I mean here. What are you doing in this greenhouse, talking to me? There are plenty of young women at the party who would welcome your company.”

  Something molten shifted behind his eyes. “I have no interest in those other women.” His eyes roamed boldly over her body. “Whereas you…you’re different.”

  Oh yeah…this one was dangerous. She tossed her head. “Don’t be ridiculous. You don’t even know me. Besides, you can’t just walk in here and throw a few compliments my way and expect me to fall at your feet.”

  “Oh?” A smile flirted with the corners of his mouth, and then moved to his eyes. “Why not?”

  Olivia’s thoughts churned. “Because I’m a grown woman who knows her own mind, and I’m not interested in a relationship right now.” She cringed inwardly. That speech was so pathetic!

  “Well that suits me fine, because neither am I.” He still lounged casually against the bench. “I simply want to hire you. I want you to pose as my fiancée.”

  Chapter Two

  A bucket of cold water would have had the same effect. As a matter of fact, it would have been preferable.

  “Excuse me?” Her eyes widened. “You want me to do what?”

  “Okay, so it wasn’t much as proposals go, but I’d like you to travel with me to the Mediterranean and act the part of my fiancée.” The dark eyes assessed her reaction.

  “Your fiancée.” She snorted audibly. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “I’m very serious.” He inclined his head toward the doorway. “Come on, let’s take a walk. At least hear me out.”

  Olivia glared at him, but her feet moved of their own will. “I don’t know…”

  He followed her out, and she could feel him watching her every movement.

  “I was on my way home.” She turned onto the path and he matched his gait to hers. The sun had set, leaving the countryside bathed in a surreal pink glow. Birds flitted from tree to tree, searching out a roosting site for the night. Josh remained silent, wisely allowing her time to digest his unusual proposition. Because that’s what it was…a proposition. How dare he refer to it as a proposal? Her spine stiffened.

  “I can’t see any reason why I’d agree to your…your idea.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “Anyway, it doesn’t make any sense.”

  “Maybe not to you.” He opened a gate, waiting for her to pass before slipping through himself and checking to ensure it was closed. “But it makes a lot of sense to me.”

  “Then by all means. Enlighten me.” They rounded the end of a hedgerow and her family home came into view.

  “I like to gamble.”

  “You and a lot of other people.”

  He looked at her impatiently, then continued. “As I was saying, I like to gamble. High stakes poker, to be more precise.”

  “What, no baccarat?”

  “Oh, I play baccarat as well, but I prefer poker.” He shot her an exasperated look. “Are you going to let me finish?”

  She rolled her eyes. “As far as I’m concerned you’re already finished. But sure, go ahead. Continue.”

  He bowed from the waist. “Thank you. You know, you’re rather hostile for a fiancée.”

  “I’m not your…” The whole conversation was so ridiculous, it was funny. She stifled a giggle. Where had that come from? “Go on,” she said as sternly as possible.

  “It’s really quite simple. I need someone who knows their way around the Casinos in places like Monte Carlo and Marbella. That’s you.”

  She stopped and looked up at him. In the fading light, his eyes were hard to read. “Josh,” she said, “you don’t need my help to lose your money. You’ll find any number of casinos willing to relieve you of your American dollars. Trust me.”

  “Yes, I’m aware of that. But you gained some amazing insight doing that article on casinos. You know from experience how things work. I’m interested in the private gaming rooms. The back rooms, as it were – away from the public spotlight. You have the connections to get me into those games.”

  “That may be true, but why would I even consider doing what you ask?” She held up a hand. “Never mind. Don’t answer that.” She slipped out of her sandals and picking them up she set out across the grass, heading for the main house. “I don’t even know why I’m talking to you.”

  “Yes you do.” His tone was suggestive, intimate almost.

  “I knew you were going to say that!”

  “See? We’re just like an old married couple already.”

  “Can’t you be serious?”

  With one smooth movement he reached out and caught her in the
circle of his arms. “All right,” he said, eyes searching her face. “You’re talking to me because deep down, the idea excites you.” She tried to pull back, but he held her firmly. “You’re unattached and your best friend has found herself a wonderful guy. You’re feeling left out and I’ve come along at just the right moment.”

  She lifted her chin. “If you thought I’d jump at the chance to run off with some good-looking, poker-playing rich American cowboy, you misjudged me. A lot.” She looked at him defiantly. “I suppose you also thought we’d have a little hot sex on the side.”

  A slow, lazy smile transformed his face. “The sex is optional, but I could accommodate you if you insist.” His grip tightened.

  “You insufferable bastard!” Olivia swung at him with a clenched fist.

  One hand snaked out, catching her by the wrist before she could strike him. He pulled her closer, his thigh lodged between her legs. For one irrational moment she wished that he would kiss her.

  She sucked in a ragged breath, trying to bring her traitorous emotions back under control.

  “Remember you’re the one who brought up sex, not me.” His eyes held hers, and then slid down to her mouth. “But the offer still holds.”

  He released her arm and she stepped back, surprised that her legs still supported her. “Don’t do me any favors.” She almost choked on the words.

  His eyes glittered, rooting her to the spot. “I’ll remember that.”

  Olivia wondered if she’d come to regret that outburst. Josh Morgan was the most exciting man she’d met in years and there was no doubt in her mind that he’d be a fantastic lover. Maybe that’s why the idea of posing as his fiancée rankled. She’d never know where she stood in the relationship he’d just proposed. Then why did it appeal so much? She turned away from him and continued walking, her mind whirling with possibilities.

  His fingers brushed her elbow and she shivered. In sharp contrast with their heated exchange, his touch was gentle. For one crazy moment she wondered how his hands would feel on her body. She shivered again.

  “You’re cold. Come on, I’ll finish walking you to the door.”

  His voice was neutral, and she found herself wishing that the slick, smooth-talking Josh would return. She led him silently around the side of the house and slipped her sandals back on as they reached the driveway. He was right, she admitted to herself. The idea of accompanying him to the Mediterranean did excite her. A holiday alone didn’t hold much appeal right now.

  “Here we are.” She paused at the kitchen door. A carefully tended herb garden released pungent scents into the night air. Moths battered their wings against the light above the door. She looked up at him. “Josh, I…”

  “Olivia…”

  She spoke again. “You first.”

  He picked up her hand, and appeared to be studying it in the yellow cone of light. “At least tell me you’ll think about it.” He stroked the back of her hand with one finger, his touch both reverent and sensual. “I think we’d have fun together.”

  Every nerve ending in her body came alive, making her ache with longing. Why did he have to come into her life at this time? And how dare he pinpoint with such accuracy that she was alone and craving a diversion? She raised her eyes to meet his, reminding herself of his earlier words. He wasn’t looking for a relationship. Based on that, could she go with him? She didn’t know.

  She pulled her hand away. “You’re probably right. It would be fun. But right now I don’t think I’d be very good company.”

  “I can’t imagine you being anything other than delightful company.” He grinned. “You certainly know how to speak your mind. I like that.”

  The light shone down on his head, gilding his hair and casting his face into shadows. A crisp white shirt did little to disguise what could only be described as a magnificent torso. She knew instinctively that his body would be firm and tight. She swallowed hard.

  “I really should be getting in.” She reached for the door, but he already had his hand on the latch. Her fingers brushed his, sending a jolt of electricity zinging through her veins. “All right,” she said, opening the inside the door and slipping inside.

  “Then you’ll come?” Head tilted, he regarded her through the screen.

  “I meant that I’ll think about it. See you tomorrow.” She closed the door, praying that he couldn’t hear her wildly beating heart.

  * * *

  A damp mist hugged the ground the next morning as Olivia rode along the trail leading toward the stables of Haversham Hall. She’d had trouble sleeping last night, plagued by dreams of Josh. She’d finally given up around two in the morning and had crawled out of bed to sit by the open window, reliving every moment of her time with him. There was something about him. Beneath the casual, undeniably sexy exterior he was coiled as tightly as a spring. It was an exciting, disturbing combination. She’d finally gone back to bed and fallen into a sound sleep, but even now those impressions still lingered.

  The sun made an appearance over the hills to the east, bringing with it the promise of another beautiful day. She sighed audibly, wondering if she should ask Justine to help her decide about Josh’s audacious offer. Probably not. After all, Justine had enough things on her mind with the upcoming wedding. Besides, Olivia wasn’t sure if she wanted Justine’s input. Her friend’s decisions were usually tempered with a large dose of caution. Right now caution was the last thing she needed despite the warning bells that were ringing in the back of her mind. What she needed was to be with Josh again – to feel that shimmer of awareness that danced over her skin when she looked into his eyes.

  A smile of remembrance lingered on her lips as she rode up to the stable. “Thank you, Steves,” she said, handing the reins to the groom. “I’ll just run over to the house and see what’s keeping Justine.” She set off across the yard, speaking softly to the Irish setter who had wandered out to meet her.

  “Hello the house.” She entered the kitchen as the sun spilled through the windows. Alex was at the kitchen table, reading a newspaper.

  “Hello, Olivia. You’re up early. Off for a ride, are you?” His gaze drifted back to the paper.

  “I thought I was. Where’s Justine?”

  “She’s gone back to bed. Asked me to tell you she wasn’t feeling well and that she hopes you’ll come over for a visit this afternoon.” Looking up again he shot her a puzzled look. “But I thought you were riding with Josh. He’s down at the stables now, waiting for you. I told him he could ride Luther.”

  “Josh?” Her breath quickened. He must have been inside the stables when she arrived.

  “Yes, Josh. You know…tall, broad-shouldered chap. You met him yesterday, or so he tells me.”

  “Is that so?” Olivia planted her hands on her hips. “And what else did he tell you?”

  “Nothing.” Alex looked at her sharply. “What are you getting at?”

  “I don’t know.” She sat down with a soft groan.

  “What is it? He peered impatiently over the top of the newspaper.

  “What do you know about him, Alex?” Olivia hated herself for asking, but she had to know. “What’s he really like? Have you been to his ranch in Montana?”

  Alex lowered the paper slowly. “I met him when I did my military service. We did some joint exercises with the American Special Forces unit. Josh was tops in all disciplines.” He smiled wryly. “And he could charm the birds out of the trees. But no, I’ve never had the time to go to Montana. We manage to get together about once a year, usually when I’m in New York or on the West Coast.” He paused. “I must say, this current visit was a bit of a surprise. He called up and asked if he could pop out for a visit. Why do you ask?”

  “Because he’s off to the Mediterranean in a few days, and I’m thinking of going with him.”

  Alex reached for his coffee cup and seemed disappointed to see that it was empty. Olivia recognized that he was stalling for time, organizing his thoughts. She waited.

  “I would tru
st Josh Morgan with my life. I want to make sure you understand that.”

  Olivia sensed what was coming.

  “But getting involved with him is something else altogether. Not a wise idea, Olivia. He’s wealthy, he’s charming, and women can’t seem to get enough of him. He’ll break your heart.”

  She nodded, but she wasn’t really listening to his warning. “Special Forces? Isn’t that the equivalent of our SAS?” Her antennae had popped up at the mention of Special Forces. Could there be a story here?

  He sat back and looked at her and for a moment it was as if he were somewhere else. Then his eyes focused on her again. “They’re a special breed of men, Livvy. They have their own set of rules.” He toyed with his cup. “Having said that, I have to tell you I admire him greatly. But my advice is, don’t get involved.”

  “Who said anything about getting involved?” She forced a light laugh. “That’s the last thing that interests me.” She rose and poured more coffee into his cup, resting her hand briefly on his shoulder. “Thanks, Alex. Thanks for helping me to make up my mind.”

  She stepped out into the warmth of the rising sun. This scenario was getting more interesting by the moment. She made a mental checklist. Charismatic American. Wealthy rancher. High stakes poker. Former member of America’s elite Special Forces. Her nose twitched, the way it always did when she sensed a potential story.

  She walked slowly down the steps, her decision made. It was a perfect morning for a ride. Long strides took her to the stable where she hesitated for a moment before stepping into the comparative gloom.

  “Good morning, Olivia.” His voice curled around her like a lover’s arms, awakening every fiber of her being. Dammit, why did he have to affect her like this? He stood between two horses, holding their bridles loosely. He turned to her horse. “She’s a beauty,” he murmured. The horse whinnied softly in response. It was impossible! He’d even charmed her horse.

  “I know I’m imposing, but I have to return to London today to take care of some business. This seemed like a good time to see if you’ve made a decision.” He waited for her to mount, and then swung up into the saddle. Impressed with his ability to handle Alex’s temperamental horse, Olivia watched him covertly. In spite of his size, he moved easily, his hands gentle but firm on the reins. Smiling to herself, she led the way, giddy with the sweet smell of the morning air and the undeniable appeal of the man riding beside her. Riding in companionable silence, he matched his pace to hers. They reined in on a rise overlooking rolling farmland. In the distance, a tractor made the first cut around the perimeter of a hay field. From this vantage point, it resembled a child’s bright toy.