by Lori Foster
She landed against him, kissing his face, tumbling him backward onto the gravel-rough, weed-strewn, root-mangled ground. “Ow,” he said and held her close.
“Oh, Gray,” she breathed. “Crazy how it happened so fast, but you just said it so beautifully.”
“What’d I say?” He couldn’t think with her stretched out over him, her heart beating in time with his, a damned audience no doubt watching every move they made.
“Everything about you suits everything in me.”
“Oh, right. That.”
She laughed. “No, I was saying it to you.”
Forgetting the audience, Gray grabbed her shoulders and lifted her. “You love me?”
Her beautiful, devastatingly dark eyes answered before she said, “Of course I do. You heard Amber.” Her lips curled and she added with sassiness, “You’re a catch.”
He crushed her close, one hand in her hair, an arm across her back. His heart felt…explosive. As if it might punch right out of his chest. “I want you happy,” he said again with conviction. He wanted that more than anything.
“I am.”
Wanting to believe her, he asked, “Your career…?”
“I don’t know, Gray.” She kissed his throat, his chin, then nipped his bottom lip. “Somehow I’ll work it out. But I don’t want to give up you, this, just to chase a career I’m not sure I even want.”
He searched her face and believed her. She wanted to stay. With him. As she’d said, they’d work out everything else. And thinking that, he sat up but kept her on his lap. “We need to talk.”
“Gray,” she warned.
“I have to know you’re safe until I resolve the threat.”
“A vandal isn’t a threat.”
“A vandal who leaves cowardly notes and abuses a stray dog is.”
Her small hand settled against his jaw. “I’m not leaving you.” She turned her head toward her gathered family members and said louder, “I don’t care who knows about it.”
Gray was more than ready to insist when Shelby came awake with a start, bolting to her feet, ears up, eyes alert.
Sniffing the air.
“What in the world?” Lisa said, already moving off his lap.
“Hey, girl.” Gray stood and reached for the dog, but she stared off toward the weeds along the fence. Her lips curled in a snarl and, hunkering down, she began creeping forward.
Gray stared at the high weeds along the fence. “A critter, maybe?”
Shaken, Lisa shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
Suddenly Shelby lunged, filling the area with enraged barking as she ran. She went through a hole in the fence and Gray, running after her, went over the fence. He landed in prickly bushes and felt a scratch on his back, another on his leg. Behind him he heard Lisa yell and then the commotion as others followed.
Shelby launched herself and landed on a man holding a gas can. The can nearly dropped out of his hand, spilling everywhere as he attempted to protect himself.
In a matter of seconds Gray took it all in, and comprehension dawned. What looked like a very crude, makeshift bomb had been jammed up against the fence between a dead tree and a metal barrel full of debris, surrounded by dry brush. An oily path led to the man…and the spilled gas can.
The son of a bitch had planned a very big, loud fire.
Dangerous. Especially with so many people at the marina.
Enraged, Gray reached them, took Shelby’s collar and hauled her back from the man’s flailing fists and legs. Meaning it, he said, “Kick my dog, and I swear to God you’ll regret it.”
The man scampered back, breathing hard, his eyes a little wild. “Your dog attacked me!”
“Yeah.” He kept his eyes on the man, but said, “Good dog.”
Luckily, Shelby subsided, sitting down but still tense.
“Easy now.” He stared down at the man—the same man who had thrown a kid in a lake, who had argued with Lisa and then been left ashore when his date took off with her son in the boat. Likely the same man who had tied that damned rope too tight around Shelby’s neck. “I remember you.”
The man kicked out at him, inciting Shelby all over again.
And then suddenly Morgan was there, saying, “Jordan’s keeping Lisa back, and I’ve got the dog for you.”
Satisfaction brought a smile to Gray’s mouth. He didn’t look back to confirm what Morgan said. He trusted him.
Releasing Shelby, he reached for the man.
Panicked, the idiot swung the gas can in an awkward arc. Gray ducked—and then drilled him. One clean shot to the chin that took the guy’s feet out from under him. He went flat again, the can falling well out of his reach.
Suddenly Tucker snapped, “What the hell? Damn you, Morgan, why didn’t you tell me?”
“You were busy flirting with Kady. Besides, I wanted to let Gray hit him a few times first.”
Gray took advantage of that confession, hauling the man up and punching him one more time before Tucker bellowed, “That’s enough!”
Knowing the procedure, Gray stepped back and began explaining everything while Tucker put the man in handcuffs.
Lisa joined him then, half her family following along. She stopped by Shelby, kneeling down to hug the dog. Shelby glanced at her, licked her face, then stared with evil intent at the man being led away.
Shohn and Garrett had just walked the fence. “The gas is all along the base of the fence,” Shohn said. “Guess he planned a big fire.”
“Guaranteeing he’d get away,” Garrett said.
Still furious, Gray nodded. “It’d be hard to pursue him if we had to go through flames to do it.”
Garrett surveyed everything, then rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m thinking you’ll have to close the marina for a day so we can burn it off. Better that we do it before some kid gets more than he bargained for playing with matches.”
“Agreed.” Gray stared at Lisa. She hadn’t yet come to him. “Lisa?”
She stayed by Shelby but looked up at him. With her cousins and uncles around her and other family crowding in, she said, “So I don’t have to go back to my house.”
Damn, but he loved her. He didn’t look at anyone else, never broke eye contact with her. He just smiled. “No, you don’t.”
“This is one of those times,” Morgan said, “when not being the cop is a good thing. Tucker will be tied up for hours with that ass, and you’re free and clear.”
“Yeah.” Gray went to Lisa, pulled her up and against him and then kissed her silly.
He vaguely heard her brother say, “I feel like I should be protesting this.”
“Do,” Amber said, “and she’ll annihilate you.”
It wasn’t until Shelby leaned against his leg that he managed to end the kiss. With one hand on Shelby’s neck, the other at Lisa’s waist, he said, “I love you.”
She nodded, smiled. Blinked back a few tears. “I love you, too.”
There was more murmuring about fast, but Gray ignored them all.
Shohn spoke up. “Does this mean you’re staying?”
Gray was about to tell him not to pressure her, but Lisa said, “Yes!”
And then her family did so much cheering and carrying on that he couldn’t get anything said. Men were shaking his hand, women were hugging him. He got separated from Lisa while the congrats went around.
He’d just gotten to her when Amber threw herself against him, squeezing him tight. For a slight woman, she had her fair share of strength.
Laughing, Gray accepted the hug until she dropped back to her feet. The second she freed him, he pulled Lisa close again.
“We’re alone,” Amber said to the two of them, “so I have a couple of things to say to you.”
Lisa leaned into his s
ide. “Beware, Gray. She has that intense look in her eyes that means she’s about to shock us.”
Amber started to speak but pulled back. “Do I really? I mean, I’ve heard that before. That I give myself away.” Hands on her hips, more to herself than anyone else, she muttered, “Maybe that’s why I can’t catch Noel off guard.”
“Noel?” Gray asked.
“Noel Poet,” Lisa explained. “He’s a firefighter with Garrett, and Amber’s boyfriend.”
Amber snorted. “He’s never even kissed me, so how could he be my boyfriend?”
“My guess?” Gray smiled at her. “You probably scare the poor guy.”
Amber looked thoughtful for a moment, then dismissed that notion with a shake of her head. “I don’t scare you, right?”
“No.” Because he’d only have peripheral involvement with her, through Lisa. But if he’d ever thought to get close to her, then hell, yes, she would scare him.
“There. I’m not scary at all.”
“If I could make a suggestion?” Gray waited until he had the attention of both women. “If you want to kiss him, make a move. No reason you should have to wait.”
“Hmm. You know, you could be right. If he was here today instead of on duty, I’d give it a shot just to see his reaction.”
Gray grinned. Yeah, he believed her. Amber Hudson wouldn’t shy away from many things—definitely not a man.
She shook her head. “So anyway, back to you guys. I was waiting, holding back until—”
He and Lisa both laughed.
“—I knew for sure you’d be working it out.” She winked at Gray. “You haven’t disappointed me. I don’t even think you needed the incentive of the other guys I brought around to get you motivated.”
Gray wasn’t surprised to learn that had been her ploy. “When it comes to Lisa, believe me, I’m very self-motivated.”
“So I see.”
“Amber,” Lisa warned.
Amber leaned to look beyond them, around them, then she said, “High five, cuz.”
Confused but compliant, Lisa smacked palms with Amber.
“Sometimes,” Amber told her, “a one-night stand turns into forever. I’m proud of you! You went for it, so kudos to you.”
Lisa went mute and Gray frowned. “How…?”
Waving a hand, Amber explained, “I knew where Lisa had traveled, and after grilling Gray when I first met him, I knew where he’d been. The timing lined up, so it seemed obvious to me, especially after seeing the two of you together. But don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”
Gray rubbed his face. Yeah, she was scary, all right.
“Now, about you staying in Buckhorn.” Amber smiled at her red-faced cousin. “Have you thought about working remotely? Casey does it sometimes and he said all you’d really need is reliable internet, a quiet place to work, some meeting software and voilà! Cybermeetings, instead of face-to-face, are the in thing. You work out all the deets in online meetings, then limit your travel to a few days a month. What do you think?”
After a few expectant seconds when Lisa looked thunderstruck, she grabbed Amber, squealing as she hugged her.
Amber laughed with her. “So you like the idea?”
“I love the idea!” Lisa gave her cousin a big smooch, then held her away. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it. I mean, I’ve been involved in cybermeetings for different clients. I’ve just been so stressed, and then Gray was here, and…” Winding down, she said, “You’re a genius.”
“That’s what I keep telling people.” She held up her hand and Gray high-fived her as well. “My work here is done. Oh, how I love a happy ending.” Clearly pleased with herself, Amber moseyed off.
Gray brought Lisa around for a quick kiss. “You think that would actually work?”
“As Amber said, it’s the in thing. My company wants me, so I think they’ll be all over it.”
He searched her face and had to ask, “It’ll make you happy?”
“You make me happy. Shelby makes me happy.” She inched closer. “Keeping my job but losing all the travel will make me happy.”
He grinned. “Then I’m happy, too.” He touched her face. “And since you’re compromising, what do you think about me doing the same?”
“How?”
“I’m not rushing you, I promise. But I want to marry you, and when we do—”
“Gray.” She threw herself against him, bounced a little, then grabbed his face and kissed him.
Gray didn’t mind the interruption, not with Lisa holding him tight, bubbling with excitement. But as the kiss ended, he grinned and asked, “Is that a yes?”
“Yes!”
Happiness threatened to take out his knees, but he stiffened his legs and kept her close to his heart. “We won’t need two houses. Doesn’t matter to me where we live, so either I’ll rent out my house and Shelby and I will live with you, or you can sell your place and live here with us. I know it’s small, but I thought it was just going to be me. Now that it’s us, you and me and Shelby, we can remodel or add on.”
She covered her mouth.
Gray hurried to say, “Or we can keep both and worry about it later. Or buy something new. Or build, or—”
“Gray.” She said his name this time with tears in her eyes and a trembling smile. “Yes to marrying you, yes to having only one house for you and me and Shelby, but I honestly don’t care which one.” She inhaled, brushed a tear from her cheek. “Yes to loving you.”
“And yes to staying in Buckhorn?”
“It’s my home,” she whispered. “I’ve always enjoyed it, but now that you’re here, I never want to leave.”
Together, they turned to head back to the gathering of her family. Lisa spotted Amber saying something to Adam while Adam tried to shake his head and refuse.
Lisa grinned. “It looks like my brother might be next on Amber’s radar.”
“Good. He’s a nice guy. He should be happy.” When Lisa slanted a dubious look up at him, Gray said, “What? She does good work. I trust she’ll do right by him.”
Lisa laughed over that, but she didn’t deny it. Amber had been helpful, not that either of them had really needed a nudge.
Mingling into the crowd of Lisa’s big family, with her at his side, Gray recognized the truth. He’d left behind his old life and all the strife. He’d have been happy with the slower lifestyle, the change of pace.
Instead, he’d gotten so much more.
Because now, he had it all.
* * * * *
ISBN-13: 9781488086083
First published as A BUCKHORN SUMMER by Harlequin HQN in 2013
This edition published in 2017
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Buckhorn’s
favorite bachelor has finally decided to tie the knot in a sizzling new novella… Don’t miss this fan-favorite tale from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster, originally titled A Buckhorn Bachelor.
Adam Sommerville always thought he had it all—great family in a close-knit community, worthwhile job as a high school gym teacher, and no shortage of women eager to be on his arm. But it seems his luck has suddenly run out. Because Buckhorn’s most renowned bachelor has decided it’s time to settle down—and the one woman he wants is determined to view him as a friend…and nothing more.
Hiding her true feelings from Adam has been a full-time job for the past five years, but librarian Isabella Presley is determined not to be the latest heart he breaks. The best way to get over her attraction is to find someone else to date—even if it means asking Adam for flirting tips to help her land the perfect guy. But when Adam sets out to convince her the perfect guy is him, will she face her fears for a chance at forever?
Originally published in 2016
FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
KISS AND MAKEUP by Taryn Leigh Taylor! A hot shade of lipstick calls for a hot, sexy guy…
Makeup artist Chloe Masterson is flying home for her sister’s wedding and catches the eye of the hunky suit sitting beside her on the plane. Turns out Ben has the exact same last name, and everyone assumes they’re married. When they get stuck in a hotel room together, Chloe decides it’s a sign for her to make the most of the error. But as their lies begin to snowball, Chloe and Ben find it harder and harder to separate reality and fantasy…
Originally published in 2015
Adam
Lori Foster
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER ONE
ADAM SOMMERVILLE STROLLED around the perimeter of the carnival, keeping watch on the kids and checking out the different games and rides while also steering clear of the clingier ladies. Being an almost-thirty-year-old bachelor from a leading family in a small town made him prime pickings. Even in the fun atmosphere of the carnival, the sunny June weather, and the crowds who’d turned out to support the elementary school, he wasn’t safe from marriage-minded ladies. Especially when members of his own family conspired against him. Many of them figured it was past time for him to settle down.