Книга - The Baby Claim

The Baby Claim
Catherine Mann


Their families’ are enemies. Their red-hot, one-night stand ended badly.Oil billionaire Broderick Steele was raised to hate his rival, Glenna. Even though she’s the sexiest woman he’s ever known. Then, amid mergers and scandal, they find an abandoned baby who could be Broderick’s or Glenna’s…







From a family feud...to a one-night stand ending in heartbreak.

Now will these rivals get a second chance at love?

Rugged oil tycoon Broderick has avoided temptation for years. But an abandoned baby forces him back into his ex-lover’s world. He needs Glenna. For the child, for himself...for untangling the ties that bind their families. For discovering who the baby’s father really is. But will their passion survive the truth?


USA TODAY bestselling author CATHERINE MANN has won numerous awards for her novels, including both a prestigious RITA® Award and an RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award. After years of moving around the country bringing up four children, Catherine has settled in her home state of South Carolina, where she’s active in animal rescue. For more information, visit her website, www.catherinemann.com (http://www.catherinemann.com).


Also available by Catherine Mann (#u431bca22-fd2c-5968-b986-6e38a3e5586f)

One Good Cowboy

Pursued by the Rich Rancher

Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO

His Pregnant Princess Bride

Reunited with the Rebel Billionaire

The Boss’s Baby Arrangement

His Secretary’s Little Secret

Visit millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk) for more information


The Baby Claim

Catherine Mann






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


ISBN: 978-1-474-07621-0

THE BABY CLAIM

© 2018 Catherine Mann

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


To Dad and Betty,

and the joy of a second happily-ever-after.


Contents

Cover (#ue30f862a-650b-5dd6-bcad-66838a2f1a29)

Back Cover Text (#ua1bc3812-b260-50fa-b70e-d0abc0ba1325)

About the Author (#u4a6a9b28-bebf-5f10-899a-8ab84c608df3)

Booklist (#u2f8102a3-8d10-56d5-b3b1-39cfc92c7c2e)

Title Page (#u12d9d672-ad50-5932-a317-2f839afbbbfe)

Copyright (#u8fa2bc41-ca38-5f33-8452-87f168c462f9)

Dedication (#udfdea042-b1ba-5ceb-bcbb-b4c8e1ac5ab1)

One (#u0438283d-e179-50bc-906c-31ec59b08bc1)

Two (#udf552830-0a5d-5af4-9503-3a585dc358a6)

Three (#u900ffe21-215f-5d31-b680-5a8bef1badf0)

Four (#u93587225-6db1-5aff-958f-8e6e13c931e3)

Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)


One (#u431bca22-fd2c-5968-b986-6e38a3e5586f)

“Do you live to infuriate me, or is it a pleasant pastime for when you’re not wining and dining the single females of Alaska?”

Glenna Mikkelson-Powers splayed her hands on her day planner to avoid launching herself from behind her mahogany desk to confront Broderick Steele.

Being so close to the man had never been a wise idea.

The sensual draw was too strong for any woman to resist for long and stay sane. His long wool duster over his suit was pure Hugo Boss. But the cowboy hat and leather boots had a hint of wear that only increased his appeal. His dark hair, which attested to his quarter Inuit heritage, showed the first signs of premature gray. His charisma and strength were as vast as the Alaska tundra he and she both called home.

In a state this large, there should have been enough space for both of them. Theoretically, they should never have to cross paths. But their feuding families’ constant battle over dominance of the oil industry kept Glenna and Broderick in each other’s social circles.

Too often for her peace of mind.

Even so, he’d never shown up at her office before.

She pressed her hands harder against her day planner and fixed him with her best icy stare. “I have an assistant. Zeke—the grandfatherly looking gentleman—can announce you. Or you can knock. At least attempt some semblance of a normal greeting.”

Not that anything about Broderick was in any way calm or normal.

“First of all—” he tossed his snow-dusted hat on her desk “—I do not live to infuriate anyone. Your assistant wasn’t out there.”

Glenna glanced through the open door and found his statement to be true. She repressed her inclination to roll her eyes anyway. Surely Broderick could have waited for Zeke to return instead of barging in here.

“Second...” He peeled off his leather gloves one at a time, revealing callused hands. A man of brawn, he also happened to have an extraordinary chief finance officer aptitude that had served his family’s business well. “...I am far too busy to have the sort of sex life you’ve attributed to me.”

That dried up any words she might have spoken, and made her stomach flip more than it should have.

“Third, Glenna, I have no idea why you’re acting like the injured party when I’m the one who had a bombshell dropped on my desk today.” He leaned closer, the musky scent of his cologne teasing her senses like breathing in smoky warmth on a cold day. “Although once we sort this out, let’s come back to the obsession you have with my sex life.”

Light caught the mischief in his eyes, bringing out whiskey tones in the dark depths. His full lips pulled upward in a haughty smile.

“You’re being highly unprofessional.” She narrowed her own eyes, angry at her reaction to him as she drank in his familiar arrogance.

Their gazes held and the air crackled. She remembered the feeling all too well from their Romeo-and-Juliet fling in college.

Doomed from the start.

And yet...those memories had never faded.

One weekend long ago. A passionate couple of days in her attic apartment. Fireplace blazing. Snow piling on the skylight.

Steam filling the shared shower stall.

Still, those two days were nothing compared to the love she’d felt for her late husband during her six-year marriage. The deep emotional connection, the respect they’d felt for one another. The work they’d invested in overcoming hardships.

And the grief they’d shared over their inability to conceive a child.

Her job was everything to her now. Glenna refused to put it at risk, especially for Broderick.

He was her rival. He wanted his family’s business to dominate the oil industry and she simply could not allow that. She was the CFO of Mikkelson Oil, and she’d make sure her family’s business came out on top.

His mesmerizing eyes and broody disposition would not distract her.

She eased back in her chair. “This is the last time I will ask you. What are you doing in my office?”

“Like you don’t know.” He dropped a large envelope on top of her day planner. “What would you call this?”

“Mail,” she said, giving herself time to figure out his game.

So much had been upended in the company since her father had died of a heart attack two years ago. So much loss. First her father, then her husband. She’d been left reeling. But if she allowed grief to consume her, Mikkelson Oil would lose out...to Broderick.

“Do you care to elaborate?” she asked.

He shrugged, his starched white shirt rustling against his broad shoulders.

“Printouts, technically, with some kind of bogus report on a stock share buyout. It makes no damn sense, but my people have traced it back to your office.”

She reached into a drawer, pulled out a manila envelope and placed it next to his file.

“Really?” She tapped the envelope. “Because I could ask you about a similar buyout. In reverse.”

His forehead furrowed before he dropped into one of the two leather club chairs in front of her desk. “Our companies are exchanging shares? That doesn’t make sense.”

She jabbed a manicured finger in his direction. “Your father is up to something and I don’t appreciate this push-back since my dad died. It’s sexist to assume we’re weaker without a man at the helm.”

Her shoulders went back defensively as she sat taller and straighter. She would not allow Broderick Steele or his father to intimidate her.

“You talk about sex a lot.” He tipped his arrogant head to the side and glanced at the yellow sofa tucked behind him. One damn look loaded with suggestion.

“Shut up and listen to me.” She barely resisted the urge to stamp her foot.

“I am. It’s fun to watch your cheeks go pink.” He clapped a hand to his chest. “And by the way, my mother always told me it’s rude to tell people to shut up.” A sardonic smile played along his lips.

“Rude? Talking about sex in a business meeting is rude.” She scooped up a brass paperweight in the shape of a bear that had belonged to her father. Shifting it from hand to hand was an oddly comforting ritual. Or perhaps not so odd. When she was a small girl, her father had told her the statue gave people power, attributing his success to the brass bear. After the last two years of loss, Glenna needed every ounce of luck and power she could get. “I’m not in line to join the Alaskan female dating population ready to fawn over you.”

“I didn’t ask you to, and there’s no need to threaten me with your version of brass knuckles. You’re safe with me.” Humor left his face and his expression became all business. “But since you’re as bemused by this data as I am, come with me to speak to your mother.”

“Of course. Let’s do that. We’ll have this sorted out in no time.”

The sooner the better.

She wanted Broderick Steele out of her office and not a simple touch away.

* * *

Broderick was pushing his luck with Glenna, but this woman got to him in a way no one else ever had.

When they were in college, he’d told himself it was the warring-families, forbidden-fruit thing that had drawn them to each other. Except, he still craved her.

Usually he kept those feelings in check by staying as far away from this particular blonde bombshell as possible.

But today he’d received disturbing paperwork about stocks changing hands.

“Are you ready to speak to your mother about this now? We need to know who on your board, or on mine, is messing with our companies.”

She looked up, her blue eyes as crystal clear as the Alaska sky after a storm. “Yes, absolutely, the sooner the better. She’s here today. I met with her earlier this morning.” Glenna nodded, rose and stepped to the front of her desk.

Holy hell. He damn near swallowed his tongue.

Her pencil skirt hugged her curves and set his imagination on fire. The suit jacket plunged, and even though a white blouse covered almost all her skin, that V... He forced his eyes away out of respect.

And to preserve his sanity.

“After you,” he said.

He worked to keep himself in check, to stay steady even though proximity to her sent him reeling. He followed her past a sitting area in her office with that yellow sofa and two chairs clustered around a fireplace.

She glanced over her shoulder, blond hair swishing in a golden curtain. “Mother’s office is two floors up. We’ll settle this. Not to worry.”

Without another word, she charged through the door, boot heels muted against the plush carpet. The wall of windows along one side of the corridor provided an awe-inspiring view of the mountains. It might be spring everywhere else in America. But here in Alaska, snow still capped the peaks.

Sunshine streamed through the windows and over Glenna. To keep his eyes off her swaying hips and the killer leather boots, he checked out the art on the other wall. Yet again he was struck by the differences between the Mikkelson corporate offices and his family’s building on the other side of Anchorage’s business district. The Steele headquarters had a more modern look, sleek and tall in a way that reminded him of his home state, like an ice sculpture filled with coal and grit and gold.

The Mikkelson offices harkened back to old-school Alaska, with a rugged elegance denoted by pelt rugs and wooden furniture heavy enough to remind people nothing fragile lasted in this land. To make it here, you had to be born of sturdy stock.

The file crinkled in his grip as they walked, reminding him why he was here. What did his father know? Broderick hadn’t been able to find him this morning, and he’d tried hard. Damn hard.

Lately, his dad had been distracted and inaccessible. Unusually so, and at the worst possible time. Bids were going up for the major pipeline from Alaska to the Dakotas. This wasn’t just about money or energy independence. It was also about keeping projects ecologically friendly, making sure the land they loved and called home was protected.

They were a family of engineers and ecologists, working like hell to present a balanced plan.

Broderick knew his reputation for being a cold bastard, but he didn’t see the point in getting emotionally invested in anything—or anyone—outside of work.

Something had gone haywire in him when his sister died. He understood it intellectually, but that didn’t make it easier to get past. Maybe if he hadn’t lost his mother at the same time, she might have helped him find his way out of the maze where he sabotaged relationship after relationship. Now his dating life consisted of women who had no interest in anything more than being casual.

Glenna often stated—emphatically—that she was all about her job. He understood. He was married to his work, too.

That’s why this ridiculous rumor of a merger had to be squelched.

“You don’t act like most number crunchers.”

He cocked his head to one side. “Practical, you mean?”

“I guess. You’re just so...outrageous. Illogical. Unpredictable.” She picked up her pace.

“And you are very much a buttoned-up numbers gal.” Heat fired inside him as he thought of a time he’d unbuttoned her, very thoroughly.

She seemed to read his mind. “Keep your eyes forward, cowboy.”

“Do you think I brought a hidden camera to steal secret formulas from your office?”

He met her eyes full on and found those blue depths too alluring. Something about them made words slip out before he could stop them. “I would very much like to know your secret desires.”

Her breathing deepened, her chest rising and falling quickly. She licked her lips. “I prefer we keep things all business. Do you think you can respect my wishes for at least the next half hour? If not, we’ll be doing this meeting via videoconference.”

He nodded, backing up a step, knowing he was playing with fire. Still, she was right about him being unpredictable. Despite the complications, he found himself plotting to press for more from her. Later, of course. Timing was everything.

“Of course I’ll respect your wishes.”

“I wish I could trust that,” she said softly, before walking to the elevator and pushing the button.

Her words stung. Did she think so little of him? He joined her at the elevator, watching her, musing.

She felt for a hairpin, tucking it inside a sweep of hair that pushed the golden length over one shoulder. Her pale pink nail polish was barely perceptible. Classy. Understated. Like her. “I can’t help but be concerned about you getting an insider’s peek at our business and financials.”

The elevator dinged, the doors slid open and she stepped inside.

He joined her in the circular enclosure, which provided a panoramic view of the harbor with a few boats still floating between chunks of ice. “Maybe you should worry about your files. There are all sorts of cloning devices for computers and—”

“I’ll have the security guards strip-search you on the way out.”

Just as he’d decided her word choice was accidental, she glanced back over her shoulder, blue eyes glimmering with mischief.

Heat spread and he moved to her side, ducking his head toward hers. “Will you personally supervise the search? Lucky for me I wore my favorite comic-character boxer shorts.”

She arched one delicate blond eyebrow. She’d always had a way of putting a person in his place quietly, succinctly. “You flatter yourself.”

“I dream, oh lady, I dream.”

She tipped her head, her eyebrows pulling together. “I have to ask. Do you treat all business professionals this way?”

“Only the business professionals I’ve already had an affair with. Actually, strike that.” He held up a hand. “Only you. Everyone else at work, it’s all business.”

“A poor choice during one weekend in college is not the same as an affair.” Her hands on her hips accentuated her curves in that killer power suit.

He ached to peel it off her.

Broderick clapped a hand to his chest. “You wound me. That weekend is my benchmark for all other relationships. Every woman falls short after you.”

Had he really said that out loud? It had almost felt like he’d meant it.

He was saved from pondering that uncomfortable thought when the elevator bell dinged. They’d reached their destination.

Glenna surprised him by pressing the button to keep the doors closed. “Your board of directors may buy your bull, but I’m not fooled by your smooth talk.”

She was right. Whatever he was doing with her, it had no place in the office.

But they were in the elevator. Alone.

He was not one to let an opportunity pass by.

He stepped closer, inhaling the scent of her. Almonds... Unexpected. Sensual. “What if I’m serious?”

Her eyes widened before she touched his elbow. “Then I am so very sorry you were hurt.” Her throat moved with a swallow. Then her elegant nose scrunched and she pointed a slim finger at him. “But I’m not buying that line about all women falling short. Now stop playing me and let’s speak to my mother.”

Glenna let the elevator open, then charged ahead of him around a corner to an empty receptionist’s desk. “I’m not sure where Sage is—”

Glenna’s young cousin Sage Hammond rounded the corner just then, smoothing her simple turtleneck sweater dress as she took her place at her chair. “I’ve been away from my desk. I was meeting with your assistant in the tech department. I’m sorry to have left things unattended. Your mother was busy with a call when I left.” She tapped the phone console, strands of her whispy blond hair falling across her shoulders. “But the light’s off now so she must be finished, if you wish to go inside.”

Broderick nodded. “Thank you, Miss Hammond.”

Glenna muttered, “Eyes off my cousin,” as she reached for the door handle of the next office.

Jealous? Interesting. “I don’t pluck wings off butterflies.”

Glenna’s sky-blue eyes shifted with something he couldn’t name, just briefly, then she turned away and walked into her mother’s office.

The interior held more of that Mikkelson charm. Antiques and splashes of light green filled the room, as if to bring life inside. Two walls of windows let sunlight stream into the corner office, and more rays poured through a skylight. Outside, the streets teemed with people, cars and even an ambling moose.

But the office itself was empty.

“Mom? I’m here with Broderick Steele. There’s been a misunderstanding, a rumor we need to clear up.” Glenna looked around. “I know she’s here. There’s her leather portfolio bag and her coat, even her cashmere scarf. She must be getting coffee.”

Or in the powder room? Glenna’s gaze flicked to the private bathroom.

Muffled sounds came from within, like a shower maybe, soft and indistinctive. Steam seeped from under the door as if the water had been running a long time. A moan filtered through. From an enjoyable shower? Or was that a sound of pain? He wasn’t sure.

Broderick backed into the sitting area, away from the line of sight of the bathroom. “I’ll step out so you can check on her. If you need any help, just say the word.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. Mom?” Concern laced Glenna’s voice. “Mom, are you okay?”

There was no answer.

Glenna looked at Broderick. “I hate to just burst in, but if she’s ill... If it’s an emergency...”

“Your call. Do you want me to leave?” Maybe health issues might explain the strange business behavior.

“How about you stay back, but nearby in case I need to send you for Sage.” Glenna tapped lightly on the door. “Mother, it’s me. Are you all right?”

He studied the top of his boots, keeping his eyes averted.

“Mother, I’m worried. I don’t want to embarrass you, but I need to know you’re okay. I’m coming in.”

When the doorknob rattled, Broderick glanced up and saw Glenna shaking her head. His concern ratcheted a notch higher.

“It’s locked.” She knocked harder on the door. “Mom, you’re scaring me. Open up. Please.” She reached into her pocket. “I’m going to use my master key to come in.” She opened the door—and squeaked.

She clapped a hand over her mouth, launching Broderick into motion. He rushed forward and rested a palm on her back, ready to help with whatever crisis might be unfolding.

Glenna pressed a steadying hand on the bathroom door frame. “Mom?”

Broderick stopped short. Blinked. Blinked again. And holy crap, he still couldn’t believe his eyes.

Glenna might have been surprised, but Broderick was stunned numb. He even braced his booted feet because his world had done a somersault.

Jeannie Mikkelson stood wrapped in a towel in the steam-filled, white-tiled bathroom, and she wasn’t alone.

An all-too-familiar figure edged in front of her—pushing Glenna’s mother safely behind his broad chest.

Confused, Broderick couldn’t stop himself from asking the obvious. “Dad?”


Two (#u431bca22-fd2c-5968-b986-6e38a3e5586f)

Pacing in her mother’s reception area, Glenna struggled to push through the fog of...confusion? Shock? She didn’t know how to wrap her brain around what she’d seen, much less put a label on it.

Her mother was having an affair with their corporate enemy.

Okay, so, technically, Glenna had done the same in college, but she and Broderick hadn’t held positions in the family businesses then. Even now they weren’t the owners and acting CEOs of both companies. They weren’t the parents who had perpetuated the feud with dinner table discussions of suspicions and rumors.

Back in college, Glenna had felt so guilty, like such a turncoat because of her attraction to Broderick. She’d felt that way just fifteen minutes ago in her office.

Now, she glanced across the waiting area at...the son of her mother’s lover, boyfriend, whatever.

This was so surreal.

And Broderick was still infuriatingly hot. But things were more complicated than they’d been before, which had been mighty damn complicated.

He rested one lean hip against a wingback chair, his booted foot tapping restlessly. Her cousin looked back and forth between them. Sage obviously sensed something was wrong, but she kept her lips pressed closed. She wouldn’t ask.

And she wouldn’t gossip. Very likely that had been a quality high on Jeannie Mikkelson’s list when she’d chosen her assistant.

Did Sage already know about the affair? And perhaps about whatever was going on with their stocks? If some hint of the relationship between the two oil moguls had leaked, that could explain the odd fluctuations in stock holdings as investors grew unsure, some selling off their interests while others scooped up more, based on their own hypotheses.

So many questions.

Starting with...how long did it take to throw on some clothes? Glenna winced at the thought.

The door to her mother’s office finally swung open, the Alaskan yellow cedar panel revealing her mom, with Jack Steele standing tall right behind her, a gleam in his green eyes. Protective. Territorial. An unrelenting look Glenna had seen before in his business dealings. But this was different. So different.

She shifted her gaze to her mom.

Her mother’s damp hair was pulled back in a clip, but otherwise there was no sign of what had happened. Jeannie Mikkelson was as poised and strong as ever. She’d run the corporation alongside her husband for years, and then taken the helm alone after his first major heart attack debilitated him.

She’d kept the business running at full speed through his entire health crisis and even held it together after that final fatal heart attack. The whole family had been rocked. But Jeannie? Glenna had seen her cry only once.

Her mother excelled at keeping her emotions under wraps.

So it was no surprise she remained unreadable now. This wasn’t about her mother having a relationship with someone other than Glenna’s father.

It was about her mom having a relationship with this man.

Jack Steele looked like an older version of his eldest son, with dark hair more liberally streaked with gray. He’d kept in shape, but age had thickened him. He was a character, similar to all three of his sons. He was executive and cowboy. And Alaskan.

One of the many headlines from his magazine profiles scrolled through her mind. The CEO Wore Mukluks.

Jeannie nodded toward her assistant. “Sage, could you hold all my calls and redirect any visitors?”

“Of course, Aunt Jeannie.” Sage already had her notebook tablet in hand and was tapping with delicate efficiency.

“This may take a while.”

“I’ll reschedule your eleven o’clock and send Chuck to take him out to lunch.”

Chuck, aka Charles Mikkelson III, was Jeannie’s son, Glenna’s brother and second in command of the company. Heir apparent to take over when Jeannie retired.

If she ever retired. Jeannie was still vibrant and going strong, only in her sixties.

“That’s the perfect plan. Thank you, dear.” Jeannie waved Glenna and Broderick into the office and Jack closed the door behind them, clicking the lock to ensure there would be no interruptions.

Glenna swayed and Broderick palmed her waist. She couldn’t help but be grateful for the momentary steadying, even as his hand seared her.

Jack raised one eyebrow before saying, “Let’s all have a seat.”

Glenna self-consciously stepped away from Broderick, the tingle of his touch lingering.

The Steele patriarch pulled one of the green club chairs closer to the other, then touched Jeannie’s arm lightly as she took her seat. He eyed the sofa, making it clear that Broderick and Glenna were to park themselves on it like two kids waiting to be put in their place.

Broderick still wasn’t speaking, although he settled beside her on the apple-green sofa. Glenna couldn’t get a read on him, but then her brain was jumbled again just by the simple brush of his knee against hers.

What the hell was it with the Steele men?

Her mother and Jack were now holding hands like teenagers. It was sweet—sort of—but still such a jarring sight. “Mom, I know this is your personal business and I don’t want to pry, but you have to understand how confusing this is, given our families’ histories.”

“I realize this is more than a little awkward, Glenna, and we’d hoped to talk to everyone as a family soon.”

Broderick tapped the file against his leg. “Talk to us about...which part? The relationship between the two of you, or is there something else you want to share? Something, say, business related.”

Jack’s thumb caressed Jeannie’s wrist. “We want you both to know that this has come as a surprise to us, as well. Nothing happened while either of us was still married. We were very happy in our marriages.”

Her mom leaned forward, reaching out to Glenna. “I loved your father, you know that. I still do.”

Jack cleared his throat. “Son, you understand how...difficult... How...your mother’s death...”

Looking over with a sympathetic smile, Jeannie squeezed his hand before continuing, “Jack and I have spent a lot of time together these past months dealing with different EPA issues and concerns with the economy.”

“But our companies are in competition,” Glenna pointed out, still not understanding the situation.

“Our companies were eating each other alive. We would have been at risk from a takeover by Johnson Oil United. Their CEO, Ward Benally, has been making acquisitions and filings on their behalf that are concerning. We decided, out of a love for what we’ve built and for our home state, that we needed to talk.”

Talk? Glenna couldn’t help but note, “Clearly you’ve been doing more than talking.”

After the words fell out, she winced at her own lack of diplomacy.

Her mother, however, laughed with a light snort. “Clearly. We were as surprised as you are.” She tipped her head to the side. “Well, maybe not literally as surprised as the two of you were when you opened that bathroom door.”

Jeannie’s mouth twitched at the corners, then laughter rolled out of her. Jack’s deep chuckles joined hers and they exchanged an unmistakably intimate look as they sagged back into the chairs, hands still linked.

For some reason, that moment made Glenna far more uncomfortable than seeing them in towels earlier. This was about more than sex. This truly was a relationship, a connection, something she didn’t have in her life anymore, now that her husband was dead.

She might not have been married as long as her mother, but Glenna understood the pain of widowhood. And her deepest regret beyond losing him? She didn’t even have a child of theirs to love.

Glenna pinched two fingers to the bridge of her nose, pressing against the corners of her eyes, where tears welled. So much loss. So much change. Too much for her to process.

Broderick inched forward and slapped the file down on the coffee table. “If we’re all done with laughing, let me get this straight. The data and rumors that point to a merger of our two companies are not rumors. You’re genuinely planning to dismantle both corporations, and you expect us all to join forces without input or discussion.”

“No,” Jack stated.

“Of course we don’t,” Jeannie echoed. “We’re all adults and we have always intended to treat you as such. Things just happened so quickly between us we haven’t had a chance to bring you up to speed.”

“But,” Jack interrupted, “we intend to. And soon. Very soon, son.”

Broderick frowned. “Please say you don’t intend to put us all in a room together, Dad.”

“Not for the initial discussion,” his father answered. “We are smarter than that.”

Good thing. Being this close to Broderick, even for such a short time, was interfering with Glenna’s ability to focus. And it seemed she would need to keep her wits about her now, more than she’d realized even a half hour ago. “Mom, what exactly do you have in mind?”

“We want to arrange family meetings separately first,” she explained, her blue eyes worried but resolute. “We’ll need to allow everyone time to process what we have to say.”

“But then...” Jack held up a finger in a lecturing style that made Glenna wince. He wasn’t her father. And he wasn’t her boss. Yet. “We fully expect everyone to accept our decisions.”

Broderick gave a hefty exhalation as he sat back for the first time. “Dad, I think you’re expecting a lot awfully fast.” He turned to Glenna. “I don’t know about your family, but my brothers and sisters? They’re going to blow a gasket.”

Glenna was completely in sync with Broderick on that point at least. Because expecting her siblings to end a decades-long family feud after a simple conversation, expecting them to accept what appeared to be a blending of the businesses, too?

Blow a gasket?

Understatement of the year.

* * *

Broderick had eaten in restaurants around the globe, with food cooked by the finest chefs, and he’d enjoyed every meal.

But none of them outstripped the cuisine here at Kit’s Kodiak Café in the little town outside Anchorage. The diner, a rustic barn type structure, was perched along the bay’s edge. The paned windows presented a clear view of a dock stretching out into the harbor, an occasional whale’s back cresting through floating chunks of ice. Inside, long planked tables accommodated large, noisy groups—like his family.

Menus crackled in front of the others, but he knew what he wanted, so his menu stayed folded. He flipped his coffee mug upright to signify java would be welcome. The waitress took their orders with quick efficiency and no pandering, another reason they all enjoyed coming here. Their family was well known in this café, but they appreciated not receiving special treatment.

He and his siblings had been coming to Kit’s since they were children. Their father brought them most Saturday mornings and sometimes before school so their mother could sleep in. He would bundle them up. Half the time, their gloves didn’t match, but they always had on a hat and boots as they piled into the family Suburban.

Broderick hadn’t realized then how his billionaire father was trying to keep them grounded in grass roots values by taking them to “regular Joe” sorts of places, the kind that played country music and oldies over the radio. The air smelled of home cooking and a wood fire. Back then, he’d thought the stuffed bear was cool, the music loud enough and the food almost as good as his mom’s.

And he still did.

As kids, the Steele pack had ordered off the Three Polar Bears menu. He’d taught his younger siblings to read their first words from that menu, even though they always ordered the same thing: reindeer sausage, eggs and massive stacks of pancakes served with wild berry syrup.

These days, he opted for the salmon eggs Benedict.

Their dad always said their mom had the hardest job of all, dealing with the Steele hellions, and the least he could do was give her a surprise break. He’d rolled out that speech at the start of every breakfast, and reminded them to listen to their mom and their teachers. If there were no bad reports, then they could all go fishing with him. Looking back, Broderick realized his father had done that so they wouldn’t rat each other out and would solve squabbles among themselves.

It had worked.

He and his siblings had a tight bond. A good thing, sure, but both a blessing and a curse when they’d lost one of their siblings in that plane crash along with their mom...

Even when the table was full, it felt like there was an empty place without their sister Breanna there. Sometimes they even accidentally asked for six seats.

Today, though, their uncle sat with the five remaining Steele children, pulling up an additional chair as he joined them.

Uncle Conrad, their father’s brother, hadn’t been a part of building the Steele oil business. He was fifteen years younger than Jack, and had been brought into the company after finishing grad school with an engineering degree. He’d been a part of the North Dakota expansion. The Steeles had started in Alaska and moved toward the Dakotas, and the Mikkelsons had grown in the reverse direction, each trying to push out the other.

Uncle Conrad reached for the coffee carafe as he scooted his chair closer to the table. “Where’s my brother? He’s been in hiding since those rumors started flying yesterday morning. Damn rude of him to wait so long to meet with us. Marshall, Broderick? Somebody?”

“I only just got here. I was out with the seaplane, surveying,” Marshall pointed out. The family rancher, he oversaw their lands, as well as doing frequent flyovers of the pipelines.

Conrad cupped his coffee mug in his hands. “You’d think he would have returned calls from his own brother.”

The youngest Steele sibling, Aiden, reached for the pitcher of syrup. “You would think so. It sucks being discounted because you’re the last in line.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. A thick lock of hair fell over his forehead. “Right, Uncle Rad?”

“Don’t call me that, you brat. You’re as bad as your brother here.” Conrad gestured to Broderick. “You both carry that sardonic act a little far. We’re your family. Tell us, Broderick, is it true that you and Glenna Mikkelson-Powers found your dad with...”

Conrad shuddered and took a bracing swig of coffee, then refilled his mug, emptying the carafe. He held up the silver jug and smiled at the waitress as she swept it from his hand on her way to another customer.

“I couldn’t begin to say what you’re all envisioning. And it was even tougher to see...” Broderick leaned toward his youngest sister.

“Tough to comprehend,” Delaney responded, spooning wild berries onto her oatmeal.

Naomi, the wild child, older than Delaney and the boldest, most outspoken sibling of the pack, leaned her arms on the table. “Was he really going at it with Jeannie Mikkelson?”

“In the shower?”

“In her office?”

The questions from both brothers tumbled on top of each other.

Broderick forked up a bite of salmon and eggs. “Sounds like you don’t need me to tell you anything.”

Naomi slathered preserves on her toast. “What the hell is up with Dad?”

Conrad lifted his coffee mug. “Oh, I think we all know what’s up.”

Delaney snapped her napkin at him before draping it in her lap again. “Don’t be crude.”

“He’s older, as am I—” Conrad waggled his eyebrows “—but not dead.”

“Eww.” Delaney pushed her oatmeal away, her dark eyes widening and her nose scrunching. “Too much information.”

A cluster of tourists walked by the table, cruise ship name tags on lanyards around their necks. The Steeles went silent until they passed.

Naomi tapped a pack of sweetener against her finger before opening it into her coffee. “Do you think that’s all it is? An affair with a Mikkelson, the forbidden fruit?” She slanted a glance at Broderick. “I mean, you had that—”

Broderick leveled narrowed eyes at his sister and mentally cursed himself for a drunken admission in a quest for advice.

“Okay, okay.” She opened another packet of sugar into her coffee. “Damn, everyone’s testy around here.”

“Well...” Delaney admitted softly, “I did get Dad on the phone, and while he wouldn’t give me details, he admitted they’re in love.”

A series of hissed breaths and heavy exhalations sounded, along with silverware clanking.

“Broderick,” their uncle interjected, “what do you think? You actually saw them together.”

“I would say Dad’s serious about her,” he answered without hesitation.

“You don’t think this has been going on for a long time? A very long time?” Naomi’s dark brown eyebrows, already plucked to high arches, went even higher.

“Could be, but they say their feelings caught them by surprise. I choose to believe them.”

“How serious do you think this is? Like...marriage? What’s going to happen to the business?” Marshall forked a hand through his loose brown curls, his face full of questions.

Delaney stirred the berries through her oatmeal before spooning up a bite. “Were you able to get details about their plans? Do they want to make changes to the company’s safety standards?”

Broderick shook his head. “We didn’t get that deep into the discussion. Dad said he wanted to speak to all of us at the same time Jeannie Mikkelson speaks to her children, but separately.”

Aiden pulled three more pancakes from the platter in the center of the table. “I’m still stuck on the fact our families hated each other for years.”

“Maybe just the fathers?” Delaney asked quietly.

Broderick shook his head. He knew differently, firsthand. He and Glenna both did. “Jeannie Mikkelson was as much a part of that business as her husband. She’s different from Mom.”

At the mention of their mother, his siblings went silent in a new way, leaving a heavier atmosphere around the table. None of them had really come to peace with losing her or their sister Breanna in such a violent and unexpected way. A plane crash into a mountain... There hadn’t been much left in the wreckage after the flames. Their father had been allowed to view the bodies, but he’d kept his children away.

Broderick could see the memories ripple across each face at the table.

Naomi finished chewing her toast and took a swallow of her coffee. “Maybe this group meeting with Dad will be a golden opportunity to get him to see that...hell, this is a mess for the business. The board will go haywire over this. The stockholders will react violently to the uncertainty.”

Broderick scrubbed his hand along his jaw. “You’re going to tell them to break up for the sake of profit? That’s not going to float, not with our dad.”

His youngest brother’s eyes went wide with a hint of fear, giving Broderick only a moment’s notice before a familiar voice rumbled over his shoulder. “What’s not going to float with me?”

His father.

Jack Steele had arrived.


Three (#u431bca22-fd2c-5968-b986-6e38a3e5586f)

Broderick carefully set aside his coffee mug as he crafted an answer for his father that wouldn’t send the old man—and the table full of edgy people—spinning.

His family had a way of letting their tempers fly. Especially since the peacemakers had died...his mother, his sister. These days, Delaney often tried to rein in family squabbles, but she was only one soft voice against a tide of pushy personalities.

Just as he was about to opt for a Hail Mary distraction instead of a logical plea, he was saved from answering when Conrad stood and pulled up another chair.

“Have a seat, Jack. You’re the man of the hour. We’ve all been on pins and needles, waiting to hear from you about your, uh, news.” Conrad clapped his brother on the back.

“Thank you for meeting me here on such short notice.” Jack waved to the waitress as he took his seat. “The usual order for me, please,” he called, requesting sourdough waffles, as he had for decades. The only difference lately? These days he topped the waffles with fruit rather than syrup.

They’d gathered at this table more times than Broderick could count, until it had become a de facto family dinner table. One his father loomed large over when sitting at the head.

Being Jack’s oldest son hadn’t been easy. Broderick’s father’s boot prints in the snow were large to fill and he cast a long shadow in the business world.

But damn it all, Broderick wouldn’t stand idly by and watch the Steele business be placed at risk. He knew Glenna felt the same about her family’s legacy.

Strange to be on the same side with her.

Broderick watched his father with analytical eyes. He wasn’t going to weigh in recklessly. He needed to wait for the right opportunity and choose his words wisely. The stakes were too high for misplaced speech. The fate of his company—and his place within the family business—depended on rationality, not impulse.

Conrad took his seat again. “Thank you for putting your clothes on for us. Poor Broderick here still looks like he needs a bracing drink.”

Jack scowled, his lips so tight his mustache all but hid them. “You can zip your mouth, brother.”

Conrad smiled unabashedly. “Do we really want to talk about zippers right now?”

Leaning back in his chair, Jack crossed his arms over his chest. “My sense of humor on this has run out. You’re being disrespectful to Jeannie and I won’t stand for that.”

“Fair enough,” Conrad conceded. “You have to understand we’re all more than a little stunned by what’s transpired.”

To hell with waiting. Broderick saw the opening to take control of this conversation, not only for his family’s sake but also for Glenna’s. “We grew up believing our families to be enemies. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard you curse both of them—Jeannie and Charles Mikkelson.”

“Things change,” Jack said simply, pouring a mug of coffee. The statement was casual, as normal as the black coffee he had drunk every day for as long as Broderick could remember. “I don’t have to explain myself to any of you, but I will say that Jeannie and I love each other. Very much. We intend to be married—”

“Married?” Aiden interrupted, his voice cracking on the word.

Everyone else stared in stunned silence, then looked at Broderick as if he’d kept a secret from them. Shaking his head, he pressed his fingers to his temples against the headache forming. He’d had no sleep, instead wondering how serious his father’s relationship with Jeannie really was, if it might wane with time. A litany of questions had kept him awake. Not to mention being tormented by visions of Glenna in that tight skirt every time he closed his eyes. Seeing her again had brought back memories, vivid ones.

“Yes,” Jack confirmed, in a no-nonsense tone, the kind he’d used on his children when they were younger, “married. Sooner rather than later, especially now that our secret is out. Jeannie and I discussed it at length last night, which was why we didn’t answer any of your phone calls.”

Broderick focused on a crucial word in his father’s answer. “Sooner?”

“Yes, now that you know, why wait for the perfect time to break the news? Jeannie and I had planned to tell our children in a more...prepared, controlled manner this weekend. But yesterday afternoon’s events forced our hand. Jeannie is speaking with her children now.” He glanced at Broderick. “As I’m sure you already know from talking to Glenna.”

The mere mention of the Mikkelson CFO drew a few raised eyebrows at the table. His siblings looked at him with sidelong glances, understanding that their father had tipped the balance of power in the conversation. Shifting slightly in his chair, Broderick pushed the image of Glenna and her sunset-blond hair out of his mind. Far away.

Broderick had no intention of letting his father distract them from the topic at hand. After all, the old man had taught that diversionary tactic to each of his kids.

Leaning forward with elbows pressed on the wood table, Broderick levied his own power. “Let’s stay on target, Dad. You’re here to fill us in on your engagement plans to a woman we thought you didn’t like. Do I have that right?”

“More than engagement plans. As I said, we are getting married.” His tone was as stern and certain as an Alaskan winter.

“A long engagement?” Broderick said it hopefully.

The extra time would give their relationship a chance to cool. Perhaps even allow Jack to see the madness of this whole situation. To really evaluate what this meant for their companies.

Jack’s eyes warmed, wistful and sentimental. Something Broderick hadn’t seen in his father’s expression since before the plane crash.

“Short engagement.”

“How short?” Naomi asked. She was more of a daddy’s girl than she liked to let on.

Jack waited until the waitress set his waffles in front of him and walked away before he continued. “Jeannie and I are getting married on my birthday. Surefire way I’ll never forget my anniversary.” A smile cracked his wind-weathered face and a slight chuckle escaped his mustached lips. Jack had clearly amused himself.

The hair stood up on the back of Broderick’s neck. A guttural, visceral reaction to the realization of what his father was saying. “Your birthday is—”

“In two weeks.” Jack’s chin dipped with a quick affirmation.

“Oh God,” Naomi whispered, but every member of the Steele clan felt the words echo deep in the pit of their stomachs.

Broderick sagged back in his chair. He sure as hell hadn’t seen that coming. Anger simmered deep in his gut. He’d let go of Glenna after one of the most memorable weekends of his life because of family loyalty. Even now, when he should be concentrating, he could almost taste her full lips... And yet he had pushed their attraction aside. He’d given everything for the Steele mantra of Family Above All Else.

Where was family loyalty now?

The anger kept his mouth closed tight. He didn’t trust himself to speak and not say something he would later regret. His siblings had no such problems. Their shocked words tumbled on top of each other in a jumble that made it tough to gauge who said what.

Broderick pried his thoughts away from Glenna and back to the future of the Steele oil empire. “And the business leaks about stock sales? Does someone else already know about your relationship? If you’ve been meeting in the office, then others may already be talking. Dad, you have to know the implications to the fiscal health of both companies.”

“Yes, about that...” Jack sawed into his waffles and speared a bite. “We want to work with you all on a presentation to the board for our plans to blend the companies.”

Blend?

Blend the companies?

Normal businesses could blend. But this would be like combining flint and matchsticks. This was fire, an explosion—the end result possibly destroying everything they’d built.

The confirmation of Broderick’s worst fear since he’d learned of those damned stock purchases stoked the flames of his anger to a full blaze. In a simple sentence, a single revelation, his father was risking what Broderick had devoted his entire adult life to preserving and growing.

“Blending the companies? As in blending everything? You can’t just expect that we’ll—I’ll—accept that.”

Jack leaned in nose to nose with his oldest son, a gesture of dominance. “That is exactly what I expect. I’m still the majority shareholder in Steele Industries, and Jeannie is majority shareholder in her company, as well. The board may have concerns. You and Glenna may have concerns. But Jeannie and I have thought this through. It’s time for the feud to end. We are merging the companies. She and I are prepared do whatever is necessary to make that happen. You can join forces to make us a more powerful entity, or you can cash in your portion and I’ll buy it at fair market value. Your choice.”

“Think about what you’re saying, brother,” Conrad hissed in alarm, placing a hand on Jack’s arm. “Are you prepared to cut out your children? Your flesh and blood?”

Broderick was wondering the same thing. If his father expected him to surrender their company without a fight, then his old man was going to be very surprised.

Jack chewed thoughtfully. “I did not say anything about cutting anyone out. I said if anyone wants to walk away from the business, they can. Family will always be welcome in my home.”

Marshall spoke up. “And what about our jobs? Our family land, our heritage?”

“You’re getting ahead of yourself, talking about things we haven’t gotten to yet,” Jack explained, looking too much at peace, considering he’d overturned their whole world. “Restructuring will create opportunities, too.”

Restructuring? The word casually rolled off his tongue in the manner of someone mentioning that Alaska was cold this time of year.

The word knocked around inside Broderick’s head for all of five seconds before gelling into an image that would create utter chaos for the Steeles and the Mikkelsons, both personally and professionally.

“Dad, I’ve given this same talk to employees on their way out the door.”

His father smiled with a hard-nosed determination they’d all seen before. “Then that gives you an edge that will put you in the running to be CFO of the whole operation.”

Just when Broderick thought his world couldn’t be any more upended, he learned otherwise. Because his father had left no room for misunderstanding.

It was Broderick or Glenna for CFO. One of them would be ousting the other.

* * *

“I hope you don’t mind that I brought my puppy.”

Kneeling, Glenna nuzzled her face into the fluffy husky puppy sitting pretty in front of her. Her heart filled with tenderness for her pup, such a source of comfort and joy after her husband’s death.

Feeling the weight of eyes on her, she glanced up to find Broderick studying her intently from the other side of his office. Electricity danced in the air between them.

“I don’t mind a bit,” he answered. “What’s the little guy’s name?”

“Kota. As in Dakota.” She unhooked the leash and stood, monitoring Kota as he sniffed around the room. The dog sniffed the leather boots curiously. The husky pup stood at attention next to the sleek black chair, glacier-blue eyes trained on Broderick.

Clearing his throat, he walked around his desk to a minibar, pulled out a sparkling water that had been bottled locally from the Kalal glacier. The fizz and bubbles jumped around the glasses as he poured.

For a microsecond, she caught his gaze and it sent tingles down her spine, flooding her awareness. Images drifted into her mind that she knew she had to temper. This was business.

“Thank you for understanding. Kota was at doggy day care while I was at work, and even though I know he’s cared for, I still want him to know me.” She ruffled Kota’s black-and-white head.

“He’s a great pup, well behaved. You’re clearly doing a good job. I don’t mind at all,” Broderick answered. They’d been number crunching for an hour, so far all business, leaving personal matters undiscussed.

Never in her wildest dreams would Glenna have guessed that in the span of thirty-six hours Broderick would storm back into her life again and she would then be working with him.

But that had been her mother’s firm request after dropping her bombshell about the companies merging. She wanted a joint report.

“How did your meeting with your siblings and your mom go?” His whiskey-warm tones tingled through Glenna’s veins like a hot toddy on a snowy day.

Glenna focused on her puppy, who was staring up at her with ice-blue eyes, trusting and pure. “Well, that’s a complex question. I’m not sure we got a true read on things, since the conversation was on speakerphone. My younger brother’s plane had trouble making it in from North Dakota. Everyone on the line stayed quietly civil during the news.”

“That’s good, though, isn’t it?” Broderick said, leaning toward her.

She raised her eyebrows in answer and shrugged. “I’m cautious in saying for sure, because I fear an explosion could happen later.”

In person.

And that storm would be unforgiving, filled with emotion and lengthy, loud conversations that would send the dogs and cats at the ranch house fleeing under tables and chairs.

Ice clinked and drew her attention to Broderick, who was preparing their water glasses with slices of lime. Then he dumped the candy out of a crystal dish and filled the empty bowl with the rest of the water.

The thoughtfulness, the precious gesture for her pet, melted her heart faster than sun baking a snowman. “My oldest brother, Charles, sounded calm, most likely thanks to his wife. I could tell, though, his teeth were grinding on the other end of the phone. Trystan, well, he’s gruff but quiet, so who knows.”

“And your baby sister?” He placed the glasses and bowl on a tray before returning to the table in the corner, not a full-out conference table, rather more of a cozy meeting area. Not nearly large enough for her liking right now.

“Alayna’s a peacemaker. So unless I’m looking into her eyes, I don’t know for sure.” She reached for the glass, her hand brushing his. Crackles of awareness sparked along her every nerve. She took a quick swallow of water to cover her nervousness. “Thank you for this.”

“I’ve ordered food to be brought up. If you’re starving now the minibar has some granola bars—”

“This is fine. Thanks. I’ll wait.”

“I ordered extra. We have a long night ahead of us.”

Her gaze shot to his, searching for a double entendre, but his eyes were serious tonight. None of the teasing from that first day in her office was visible.

It had been a sobering three days since then. “I’m not sure how we’re supposed to do this.”

She jabbed a pencil into her loose topknot. “How do we work together while protecting the interest of both companies?”

“One company, if we can take what our parents said at face value.” He knelt to offer Kota the crystal bowl of water.

“I don’t understand how they expect the employees to get over decades of secrecy agreements and distrust. I’m not sure how we’re all supposed to get over it.”

“I don’t think we have a choice in the matter.” The tenor of his voice struck something in her.

Only the sound of Kota lapping water and icy rain beating against the windows cut through the silence.

She drummed her fingers along the edge of her laptop, still not sure how much to share in spite of what her mother had said. But Jeannie and Jack wanted a board of directors’ packet to reassure investors, and that would require Glenna and Broderick working together. “How did the meeting go with your father and your family?”

“Stunned surprise.”

She lowered the laptop screen, sliding back in her leather seat. “Not a surplus of congratulations, huh?”

“We’re all still in shock.”

“Less than an hour after the call, my sister-in-law and baby sister started sending out texts about organizing an impromptu shower or bachelorette party or something like that for the females in both families. Made me feel bad for not jumping on board with the congrats and felicitations.”

“You have to remember that they weren’t blinded by the—”

“Right. Don’t remind me. I feel bad about my reaction. My mother’s an adult. She’s entitled to her own life. It’s just tough to turn on a dime and see this relationship positively, after a lifetime of our parents bad-mouthing the business practices of the other family.”

He flipped a pencil over and over, tapping it on the tabletop rhythmically. She watched it linger between his fingers, mesmerized by the small, controlled gesture. Only the challenge in his voice broke her trance. “The business practices? What exactly do you object to in the way we do business?”

“I’m not trying to pick a fight.” Her voice rose, and her puppy sat up, whining. “We’re going to have to sort this out.”

“No. We just have to come up with a cohesive plan for the financials that we can present to the board. Ways to combine assets while preserving jobs.”

She snapped her fingers for Kota to come to her. “And staying on track for a pipeline.”

He dovetailed on her thoughts. “Building it faster and safer, to pipe more and be competitive. It’s a matter of self-preservation. Our parents haven’t given us any choice.”

“Right, of course.” She stroked her puppy’s back, the fluffy texture of his freshly washed coat soothing.

And she could definitely use all the comfort she could get right now, being closeted in this room with Broderick. Her senses were on overload from the fresh cedar scent of his aftershave, teasing and tempting her every breath. Her body wanted him...but her mind rebelled.

She still grieved for her dead husband. She’d loved him during their marriage. She’d loved him through every conflict as they’d worked so damn hard on their relationship. Yet on an earthy level, her body ached for closeness with a man. With Broderick.

Inhaling, she shivered at the delicious tingle of his scent even as she resented the tightening of her nipples. “Do you ever want more than...this? The job, the office?”

“No,” he answered without hesitation. “Does that mean you do want more? What would that be?”

Was it just her wayward imagination or had his voice lowered to an intimate level on that last question? His eyes locked on hers with a heat that seared right through her.

Her heart slugged faster in her chest even as she fought for composure. A professional distance.

“Oh, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. My job’s not up for grabs.” She pulled the pen from her hair and pointed it his way. “And neither am I.”

She needed to remind herself as much as she needed to tell him.

Hands off Broderick Steele, she reminded herself.

“Why not? The wall’s been torn down.” He gave her a truly quizzical look, as if he was genuinely considering the idea and not just flirting.

Something about his tone made her wary. And very, very hot.

She breathed deep, too aware of her body’s every response to this man.

“No, no, stop right there. From the minute you walked in my office door three days ago, you’ve been filling what you say with sexual overtones.” She had to halt this line of discussion before she started questioning if maybe he had a point. “Now more than ever, sex between us would complicate things.”

“How so?” That sly grin formed dimples in his cheeks.

“You’re smarter than that.” She looked down, shaking her head while pretending to scrutinize his boots. “We don’t need to add more tension to an already strained situation. We’re not college students who’ve had a bit too much to drink at a party.”

“You’re right. We’re not rebellious kids. We’re adults who know exactly what’s going on. Our parents are getting married. We’ll likely have to share Christmas dinner year after year. That’s a fact.” He leaned closer to her, across the table. His musky scent mingled with the playful growl in his voice. “But there’s always the mistletoe.”

At the mention of such a cozy scene, the fire in her belly cooled. The image he painted was too...personal. “This isn’t funny. You’re sexy as hell, and clearly, I’m attracted to you. But I’ve lost enough. I’m not going to risk losing my job and my family, too.”

“I like hearing that the attraction is mutual.” He twined his fingers with hers on top of her puppy.

“Again, I will say, you’re a smart man. You had to know.” Her fingers curled for an instant before she pulled away.

“I didn’t, not for sure. You made a hasty run for the door all those years ago after what I thought was an incredible weekend.”

“It was...memorable,” she said, then rushed to add, “in a good way. But we can both see now how difficult that would have been. Think how impossible it feels to have your dad marry my mom. How tough would it have been back then after that impulsive weekend to combat our families’ feuds?”

“And after that you got married.” A flatness entered his voice.

“Yes, I did.” She tipped her chin defiantly, then tried to lighten the mood. “And you have to admit your reputation as a ladies’ man is well earned. Those tabloid articles can’t be all rumor.”

“The gossips are going to be busy enough right now with my father and your mother. I don’t think they’ll have time left over for the two of us.” He skimmed his knuckles along her cheek in a flash of sensation before returning to his computer. “Think about it.”

There was no missing the invitation in his eyes. The attraction echoed inside her. And as lonely as she’d been, her body ached for the simple touch of a man. This man.

But no.

With Broderick, it would be more than a touch.

And it would never be simple.


Four (#u431bca22-fd2c-5968-b986-6e38a3e5586f)

Jack Steele had known it would be tough getting his offspring and Jeannie’s adult children on board with merging their two warring companies. But hell’s bells, he hadn’t expected such a massive wall of bullheaded resistance.

His redwood mansion in the distance now, he settled deeper into the saddle, hoping the quarter horse’s rhythmic gait crunching through snow would settle his frustration. Riding had saved him from losing his cool more than once. In fact, riding had saved his sanity after his wife and daughter died in that plane crash. The open sky was his sanctuary, day or night.

Right now, the sun glistened off the snowcapped trees and mountains. Glistened off Jeannie’s hair as she rode beside him. He’d dreamed of taking her horseback riding once they could be seen in public together. Another reason he should be happy, but the world was topsy-turvy.

Jack gripped the reins loosely in his hands. He’d saddled up the Paint—Willow—for Jeannie. She was a natural. Just as he’d known she would be. The sunshine brought out the lighter shades in her golden hair, which was slipping free from the hood of her parka. She perched confidently in the saddle, the gentle curves of her slim body calling to him. The cinched waist of her parka. Her long legs that made him think of how much he would enjoy tugging off her boots, her jeans and silk leggings.

He would never forget that moment six months ago when they’d found themselves alone at a business conference in Juneau. He’d looked at her. She’d looked at him.

And the world had changed.

He’d felt it. Seen it echoed in her eyes. He’d asked her to have a drink with him. She’d said yes...and here they were. Together. Committed.

Clearing his throat with a breath of icy air, he returned his attention to the present. To the ride. His first with Jeannie. He could envision many more such outings in their future.

Once they settled the controversy between their children.

Damn it all. He scrubbed his gloved hand under the lamb’s wool collar of his coat. He and Jeannie were adults, for God’s sake. Their spouses had died years ago. He wasn’t ready to crawl in the grave, not by a longshot.

Maybe if he’d found someone else, someone without the surname Mikkelson... But life had always thrown him curve balls, and apparently, his love life wasn’t any different. Knowing how precious happiness was made him all the more determined to enjoy what he’d found.

He glanced at Jeannie as she swayed alongside him, so regally beautiful she threatened to steal his breath all over again. “Thank you for coming today, to my home.”

She smiled back at him. “Our home, soon.”

“That it will be.” He still couldn’t believe she’d agreed to leave her own home for his. “We could build a place of our own, if you wish, or if you think it would make things easier for your children.”

She scanned the stretch of land from his sprawling mansion to the seaplane bobbing on the lake. “This place is lovely. I promise I’ll be slow in putting my own stamp on things so as not to upset the Steele applecart.”

“It’s your home, too,” he said firmly. “Your choices are mine.”

Her exhalations puffed a cloud of white into the afternoon air. “If only it could be that simple. Are you sure you’re prepared for this fight? For what it could cost us?”

“Nothing in life has come easily for me or mine. My children are made of tougher stuff. Once they get past the surprise—”

“Shock,” Jeannie corrected.

“Well, that’s one way of putting it.” He couldn’t hold back his chuckle at the memory of Broderick’s and Glenna’s faces when they’d opened that bathroom door. “They certainly didn’t learn in the gradual way we’d planned.”

Jeannie laughed along with him, the sound of their voices floating together on the wind. Damn, he was getting downright poetic these days.

Love did that to a man.

He reached for the reins to Jeannie’s horse and guided both animals to a stop. He reached out to stroke back Jeannie’s hair and tuck it into her hood, then cupped her neck. “What we’ve found together is a gift.”

Her blue eyes glistened with tears and she touched his wrist, squeezing. “One I didn’t expect to have again.”

“And one I’m not giving up,” he said without hesitation.

“Even if it threatens your business?”

“Even if it threatens yours?”

“Ours,” she answered with a smile. “Like the houses.”

“Exactly.” He slid his hand down to grip her waist, then lifted her from the horse and onto his lap.

“We are a team now.” She looped her arms around his neck, leaning against him. “This is real.”

“Yes, my dear, it is very real.” As real as his growing need to have her right now. But this was more than an affair. He loved her. “Our families need to get on board with our engagement. No more separate explanations, separate family meetings. They have to learn how to be together if the business merger stands a chance at working.”

“You’re right.” She kissed him once, twice, enticing as hell. “And the sooner the better. For them as well as for us, because I love you, Jack Steele.”

“I know you do. I love you, too, lady.” He hugged her closer, securing both sets of reins in his fist. “And you know what else?”

“Do tell?”

“I want you. Right now.”

And lucky for them, the plane hangar was very, very close.

* * *

Glenna clutched the edge of her chair. She was in the glassed-in sunroom at the Steele family lodge for their first big co-family gathering. It was so surreal.

Not that it was a completely blended family get-together. The women sat on different sides of the room, based on family affiliation. Glenna and Alayna stayed closer to their mother, along with their sister-in-law, Shana. Whereas the two Steele hostesses, Naomi and Delaney, stood like bookends near the wet bar, so alike in appearance even if opposite in temperament, Naomi being a partying wild spirit, Delaney an intensely serious green-issues crusader.

The men were outside, horseback riding on a sunny day that melted snow into a glistening display. It could have been a gathering at Glenna’s mother’s home—her parents’ home—except more than double the people were present.

Through the window she could see her two brothers riding expertly alongside the five Steele men. But Broderick drew her eyes most today, his Stetson a hint higher than the others since he was so tall. His collar was flipped up, with the lamb’s wool against his ears. His hand held the reins loosely, confidently.

Broderick’s bay quarter horse, Abacus, demanded nearly as much attention as his rider. They were a matched set. Dark, muscular—commanding. Even the way the bay tossed his mane said something of his wild, albeit tempered, nature. The two moved like one, almost as if Broderick’s soul had been fused to the bay. Every response, every turn seemed to happen from instinct.

Was there anything this man couldn’t handle?

Glenna’s hand dropped to Kota, stroking the puppy’s fur for comfort. Each touch of his coat soothed her ragged nerves.

She’d thought about Broderick’s proposition again and again throughout the night. But they weren’t two strangers meeting for the first time, with no entanglements. He had to understand they couldn’t just resume where they’d left off long ago.

But if she were meeting him for the first time?

Her gaze wandered back to the sight of him tall and strong on horseback. Her stomach lurched with awareness—and apprehension.

Yes, even if she were meeting him for the first time right now, she would still run. Because truth be told, this attraction was more than she could risk. Her emotions had to be off-limits. Losing her husband had already decimated her heart.

Glenna drew her attention back to the rustic luxury of the sunroom, a room that was the direct opposite of the Steeles’ sleek office space. Fat leather chairs and sofas filled the expansive, light-filled room. Rafters soared upward, dotted with skylights, as well as lantern-style lights for the long winter nights. One stone wall held a fireplace crackling with flames. Elk antlers hung above the mantel. The wet bar was laden with snacks and drinks.

The room was packed with wary women, gathered at the edict of Jeannie and Jack.

Glenna’s sister-in-law, Shana shot to her feet. “We’re going to play a party game. I reached out to Naomi and we’ve come up with some icebreakers to help us all—” she gestured weakly “—get over the newness of this.”

Well now, wasn’t that diplomatic? Kudos to Shana.

Jeannie waved from a log-style rocking chair. “Please, not one of those wedding shower games where we all end up wearing silly hats covered with bows.”

Glenna’s baby sister winced. “Or please say we don’t have to tell lies and truths and guess. I never win those because people can always tell when I’m lying.”

Edgy, Naomi stood, wearing brown leather leggings with a thick Sherpa vest. “We’re going to play the dating game.”

Alayna frowned, peering around the room at each woman. “But she’s already engaged, and she’s already married, and I suspect that she—”

“No,” Naomi stated, “this is a different sort of dating game. I’ve been consulting with a company that helps people write their bios for online dating sites—”

Her sister chuckled. “You’ve done what?”

“You heard me, Delaney. Guys in particular have a tough time expressing themselves with words, so they ask for help. It’s like marketing or editing. I have some samples and we’re going to figure out who’s for real and who’s a poser.”

Shana gathered her thick caramel-colored mane and tossed it over her shoulders. “Like the kind of guy who hangs out in a bar and claims to be an astronaut.”

“Great example.” Naomi walked to a corner table with the laptop computer connected to three wide screen televisions. “The names have been changed to protect the guys. Now are we ready to play the game?”

A dating game? Glenna would rather do the polar bear plunge, jumping naked into icy water. But she said, “Let’s get started.” So they would be done all the sooner and she could go home, away from this awkward gathering and the tempting view of Broderick as his horse galloped along the fence line.

Shana clapped her hands. “Good. Here are the rules. One point for every warning sign, five points if you can catch an outright lie.”

Delaney’s expression said she was clearly not sold yet. Glenna wasn’t, either; her eyes kept returning to the window, to the wild scenery and the precision with which Broderick moved with his horse.

“I was thinking for each correct guess, pick your poison for someone or yourself—a champagne Jell-O shot or a chocolate truffle?” Shana suggested.

Forcing herself back into the present moment, Glenna decided to be helpful. “Where are the truffles and alcohol?”

Naomi and Shana each swept a silver cover off a platter just as the wide screen televisions hummed to life. Each TV went to split screen, with multiple profiles.

“Oh, oh!” Her cousin Sage’s hand shot into the air. “Well, this is easy enough. I see five guys with creepster in their profile name. Like ‘Legman.’ Four guys reference their penis length.”

“Eww.” Alayna shook her head. “And there are two with ‘hard’ in their name.” Both she and Sage rushed to the minibar and popped an assortment of champagne Jell-O shots and truffles into their mouths. They savored them with closed eyes, yums and mmms.

Glenna crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “Do guys really think we go for that level of slime?” She pointed to another screen. “The guys on the left side appear real.”

Yes, for the moment, she would play this game and drink a little champagne, then she’d be on her way.

Her eyes went to Broderick again. She wasn’t in any condition to be in the same room with him once the men came back inside. She’d spent so much time with him this week, she couldn’t handle being in this house with him surrounded by family. It was too close to the cozy mistletoe image he’d painted for her back in his office.

Naomi nodded. “Well done, future stepsister. Help yourself to the treats.”

Stepsister? Glenna made a beeline for the champagne shots. Another mark on the why-anything-with-Broderick would be infinitely complicated. The sweet, slippery shot with a kick sent a delicious tingle along her senses. Yes. Just what she needed. This would be her treat of choice for the duration of the game.

Especially if she expected to get through an evening with Broderick and keep her sanity.

“I’m sure there are good ones out there, too. Honest ones.” Glenna considered another shot, just for the hell of it.

“We could do a percentage chart of how many there are, and I’m guessing it will all average out. The point here is to be wise, ladies. Be wise.”

Naomi snorted. “Or stay single.”

Shana laughed. “Cynic.”

“Realist.” Naomi waved to the minibar. “Please help yourself to the food before the men return.”

“What?” Alayna stood, swaying a little, clearly a drinking lightweight. “That’s it?”

“Would you have preferred a male stripper?” Naomi’s laugh was hoarse and deep. Genuine. Glenna liked her honesty.





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