Книга - Doctors in the Wedding

Doctors in the Wedding
GINA WILKINS









“We were rather rudely interrupted.”

“So we were. You seem to have dried off nicely.” He couldn’t help glancing downward to the front of her white peasant blouse. And since he happened to be looking that way, he might as well linger just a moment to admire the expanse of creamy, glistening skin revealed above the deep neckline, the deep shadow of cleavage, the tiny mole just above her …

She cleared her throat. “Um, Jones?”

With an unapologetic grin, he lifted his eyes. “Yes?”

“You’re being very bold, sir.”

Her tone was teasing, not offended, so his grin only deepened when he murmured, “You know how it is with us epic adventurers.”

“Sadly, yes.” She injected just the right amount of world-weary resignation into her tone to make him laugh.

Damn, but it was fun to be with her. The only real fun he’d had tonight.


Dear Reader,

Weddings are always ripe settings for fiction. Weddings so often involve drama and humour, joy and stress, smiles and tears. The most minor crises are magnified, and the pressure for everything to be “perfect” can lead to tension for everyone involved. So it seemed only natural that Dr Madison Baker wonders if the immediate attraction she feels for fellow wedding party member Dr Jason D’Alessandro is unduly influenced by their surroundings, or if their chance encounter could lead to a lifetime partnership.

Before I became a full-time writer, I made my living in advertising and photography. Serving as the official photographer at three weddings quickly convinced me that I’d rather write about weddings than participate! I was all too easily caught up in that futile quest for perfection and the stress was overwhelming for me, but those experiences have fueled my imagination ever since when it came to writing wedding stories. I remembered those three weddings and many others I’ve attended since while dreaming up challenges for Madison and Jason to encounter during their initial weekend together.

Spending time with the Baker family was so much fun for me. I loved getting to know the three physician siblings, Meagan, Mitch and Madison, and bringing them together with their own special “someones.” I hope you’ve enjoyed meeting them, too, and that you’ll be entertained by Madison’s adventures falling in love among the chaos of her best friend’s extravagant wedding weekend.

Gina Wilkins




About the Author


GINA WILKINS is a bestselling and award-winning author who has written more than seventy novels. She credits her successful career in romance to her long, happy marriage and her three “extraordinary” children.

A lifelong resident of central Arkansas, Ms Wilkins sold her first book in 1987 and has been writing full-time since. She has appeared on the Waldenbooks, B. Dalton and USA TODAY bestseller lists. She is a three-time recipient of a Maggie Award for Excellence, sponsored by Georgia Romance Writers, and has won several awards from the reviewers of RT Book Reviews.


Doctors in the Wedding

Gina Wilkins






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


As always, for my family, who are always there

for me and for each other. I’ve been so blessed.




Chapter One


A mysterious, smoky-eyed gypsy fortune-teller gazed back in surprise from the mirror’s shiny surface. Madison Baker blinked and looked again, just to make sure the reflection was her own. “I don’t know, BiBi. Maybe this costume is a little too much?”

“Too much what?” Bianca “BiBi” Lovato demanded, studying her longtime friend with a satisfied smile. “Too much cleavage? Too much leg? Too much sexy?”

“All of the above.” Twisting slowly, Madison eyed her reflection, wondering how the snug-fitting white peasant blouse BiBi had provided added the illusion of several inches to her average-size bustline. The very low, square-cut neckline with off-the-shoulder, short puff sleeves revealed more skin than Madison was accustomed to showing.

Her blond-highlighted hair tumbled from beneath a glittering purple head scarf to brush her bare shoulders. A burgundy corset accented with gold ribbons and threads laced tightly from just below her breasts to the top of her hips, making her waist look startlingly small above a cleverly draped purple sash. The flirty, ruffled skirt in burgundy, purple, gold and black was bunched high on her right thigh, baring her right leg almost to dangerous territory. Large hoop earrings swung from her lobes and bangle bracelets clinked with the movements of her arms. Ridiculously high heels on a pair of BiBi’s barely-there gold sandals added a good five inches to Madison’s already long legs. She was glad she’d made time in her hectic schedule for a mani-pedi earlier that week.

She lifted her arms a little higher, just to make sure everything that was supposed to be covered remained that way. The bracelets clanged gaily with the movement. “I like it,” she decided aloud. “It’s fun.”

BiBi clapped her hands. “I knew this costume would be fantastic on you. I’m so glad you let me pick one out.”

“I really appreciated your offer. I’ve worked like a crazy person the past couple of weeks—including two nights on call at the hospital—just to clear time off for your wedding festivities. There was no way I would’ve had time to find a costume. Nor did I have room in my luggage to bring it if I’d found anything.”

Corinna Lovato, BiBi’s younger sister and the maid of honor for BiBi’s upcoming nuptials, pushed lightly past Madison to claim the full-length mirror. “BiBi and I chose the outfits from our cousin’s costume shop. I love mine.”

Corinna did look fabulous in her alien princess garb, Madison had to admit. Sparkly gray shadow and charcoal liner made her almond-shaped dark eyes look big and mysterious against her flawless skin. False green lashes sprinkled with glitter swept her cheeks when she fluttered them. More glitter had been brushed over her cheekbones, throat and cleavage. Her dove-gray gown was floor-length, skintight and cut daringly low, cinched at the waist with an intricately detailed gold metal belt that matched the elaborate headpiece securing her dark hair. Long sleeves ended in flowing points around her hands, revealing nails polished in a gleaming jade.

“You look beautiful, Corinna.”

Corinna beamed over her shoulder. “Thanks, Maddie. So do you.”

“We all look gorgeous.” BiBi smugly included herself and Hannah Thatcher in the comment. BiBi wore a pink-and-red genie costume that bared her midriff and most of her cleavage, and displayed her legs through pinkchiffon harem pants. Her ebony hair was caught up in a saucy ponytail secured by a felt-and-chiffon genie’s cap. Hannah, who like Madison was in Dallas to serve as a bridesmaid in BiBi’s wedding, had been outfitted as a pirate wench in another low-cut peasant blouse, a short, tattered-hemmed skirt, wide leather belt and a snug faux leather weskit jingling with fake gold doubloons.

The costumes were hardly original, but no one could say they were bland, Madison thought with another glance at the mirror. She’d known when she’d given BiBi authorization to rent her a costume from BiBi’s cousin’s shop that the results would be … interesting.

Madison and BiBi had known each other since college, having met freshman year when they had been randomly assigned as roommates their first semester. By the second week of school, they’d been very good friends. Their complex, sometimes drama-filled but ultimately worthwhile relationship had survived four years of college in Louisiana, then they’d gone on separate paths afterward for the past seven years. Madison had attended medical school in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was now in the fourth year of her psychiatry residency program. BiBi had settled here in Dallas, Texas, to work as a physical therapist. They’d stayed in contact through phone calls, email and social-networking sites, and though they had seen each other rarely during these past busy years, their friendship continued.

Local friends of the engaged couple were hosting tonight’s festivities in a hotel ballroom on this Thursday evening before the planned Sunday afternoon ceremony. Mostly friends of Carl’s, BiBi had confided. A member of a wealthy Dallas family with long-standing ties to local civic and charitable organizations, Carl Burleson was an aspiring politician who cultivated contacts almost obsessively. He remained in touch with all his fraternity buddies from college and classmates from law school. He even knew where most of his graduating class from high school had settled, BiBi had added with a rueful laugh. The ones who could prove useful in the future, at least. Carl was a nice guy, and people were naturally drawn to his extroverted personality, but he made no secret of his ambitions.

The costume party tonight was the kickoff to a long weekend of planned events. Even though it was only the middle of October, BiBi’s wedding was as good an excuse as any to have an early Halloween celebration, their friends had insisted. BiBi had been thrilled. She never missed an opportunity to be the guest of honor at a party, no matter what the occasion.

Corinna adjusted the top of her dress, displaying just a bit more cleavage. She looked toward her sister as she asked wistfully, “Do you think he’ll even notice me tonight?”

BiBi answered immediately. “You bet he will. He’s probably going to take one look at you in this sexy costume and his jaw will drop to the floor. Isn’t that right, girls? How could any man not notice how gorgeous Corinna looks tonight?”

Though she had no idea who the sisters were talking about, Madison joined Hannah in assuring them that Corinna was definitely irresistible. Having an overprotective sister of her own, Madison recognized the fierce loyalty in BiBi’s expression. Whoever the object of Corinna’s desire happened to be, he’d better be wary of hurting BiBi’s little sister.

The way Corinna sighed suggested it was already too late for that. “Yeah, right. He made it clear enough that he’s not interested in me as anything other than a longtime family friend. I know I’m just wasting my time hoping he’ll change his mind, but still …”

“He’s a jerk,” Hannah suggested.

Corinna shook her head with a slightly sad smile. “That’s the problem. He’s totally not a jerk. He’s so kind and compassionate and thoughtful. I could tell it hurt him almost as much as it hurt me when I finally got up the nerve to ask him out and he had to tell me he wasn’t interested in me that way. I thought maybe he would see me differently after I came back to Dallas from those five years in Austin, but I guess he still just thinks of me as BiBi’s little sister. There’s never going to be anything between us.”

“Don’t give up,” BiBi said. “He’s not seeing anyone else right now, as far as I know—and trust me, I’ve asked around. Maybe he’s still stinging a little from the breakup with Samantha, but that was months ago. And he’s been really busy with work lately. Maybe seeing you around this weekend, looking so gorgeous and grown-up, will make him realize what he’s been missing out on.”

Losing interest in the conversation, Madison leaned toward the mirror to touch up her lip gloss. She had to admit she was a little tired. She felt as though she’d been running full speed ever since she’d landed at the Dallas airport a few hours earlier, and that after a very difficult month crammed full of work and fellowship interviews. As a medical resident, she was used to long, busy days, but she could feel her energy flagging. An evening of lying in bed watching TV actually sounded more tempting than a sure-to-be-rowdy costume party.

That thought took her aback—TV in bed rather than a lively costume party? She was only twenty-eight, for crying out loud.

What had happened to her? Of the three overachieving Baker siblings, she was the most relaxed, the most determined to have a life outside of work, the one who’d always enjoyed fashion and parties and music and fun. Yet as hard as she’d worked lately, she could barely remember the last time she’d just cut loose and had a blast.

Tossing her hair, she glanced toward the door of BiBi’s suite, where they had gathered to change into their costumes. BiBi’s other three bridesmaids all lived in the area and planned to meet them at the party, but BiBi had thought it would be fun for those staying in the hotel to primp together. And no one was arguing with BiBi this weekend, Madison thought with a stifled smile. The bride was in full diva mode, and no one had the heart—or the courage—to thwart her wishes.

Somewhat high-strung at the best of times, BiBi was a bundle of nerves and determination as the wedding she’d been planning for more than a year drew closer. Madison had already heard of a few tense moments between the bride and her wedding planner, the caterer, a couple of hotel employees and even BiBi’s long-suffering parents. As fond as Madison was of her friend, she was well aware that it would be a good idea to walk on eggshells that weekend, just to keep everything calm and comfortable.

“Well?” she asked, tucking her lip gloss into a hidden zippered pocket on her wide purple-waist sash, along with the key card to her room. “Ready to go show off how good we look?”

Corinna giggled and whirled away from the mirror, her chin lifted in determination. “Definitely.”

BiBi led the charge out of the suite, leaving Madison to close the door behind them.

The minute the friends stepped into the noisy, unconventionally decorated hotel ballroom, they were swept into a welcoming crowd of costumed revelers. BiBi hadn’t exaggerated about how many guests would be in attendance tonight. The room was packed, leaving only a smallish opening for a dance floor at one end near the DJ’s setup. BiBi and her bridesmaids were only a few minutes late arriving, but the festivities were already well under way. The music was loud, the booze free-flowing, the food plentiful and everyone seemed in the mood to have a great time. BiBi and Corinna were immediately absorbed into the crowd of their friends.

Someone pressed a mixed drink into Madison’s hand and she sipped it while surveying the creative mix of costumes in the room—at least, the ones she could see clearly. Some genius had decided that very dim lighting equaled Halloween atmosphere. Colored lights flickered around the dance area, which was still almost empty this early in the evening. The booming music required close proximity for individual conversations, blending into a cacophony of chatter and laughter.

Science fiction seemed to be the predominant theme of the evening. Na’vi, Vulcans, Jedi and assorted other recognizable sci-fi icons mingled among the more generic witches, vampires and pirates in the shadowy room. A very pregnant warrior princess waddled past, nodding to her with a smile. Hannah saw a group of friends and rushed off to speak to them, leaving Madison to fend for herself. Eyeing a nearby Borg flirting with a very busty Klingon woman, Madison chuckled as she lowered her glass after taking another swallow of the deceptively innocent-tasting brew.

“My parents would be right at home here,” she remarked to no one in particular.

“Seriously? Your parents would like this party?”

Surprised that anyone had even heard her amid the commotion, she turned in response to the male voice. A tall, lean man in a leather jacket, boots, khaki shirt and pants stood just behind her. A coiled whip dangled from his leather belt. His face was shadowed by a battered fedora, but she certainly recognized the costume. “Indiana Jones, I presume?”

Reaching up to nudge his hat with his thumb, he drawled, “At your service, ma’am.”

Oh, my. Turned out there was a very nice face hidden beneath the brim of that dashing fedora. Dark hair, dark eyes, olive skin, white teeth, just a hint of a dint in a strong, square jaw. Yum.

Remembering that he had asked her a question, she silently cleared her throat before explaining, “My parents met at a sci-fi convention in the ‘70s. My late father was an avid Trekkie, and mom still likes science fiction.”

He chuckled, and she took another quick sip of her drink. He was even more attractive when he smiled. She couldn’t help noticing that the right side of his mouth tilted into a hint of a dimple just at the corner of his lips.

“And what about your costume?” He lowered his dark gaze from her face to study her revealing outfit. “Are you portraying a particular character?”

She felt a funny little quiver follow the path of his survey all the way down to her exposed leg. Taking another sip of her drink, she shook her head. “Just a generic gypsy fortune-teller.”

“You’re much too stunning to be described as generic,” he commented, his deep tone intensifying her quiver to a full-blown tingle.

“Thank you. You look quite dashing, yourself.” She took another long swallow of the drink, looking up at him through her heavily darkened lashes.

“That drink looks good.”

She lowered the now-empty glass. “It was. Very good.”

“There are some tempting snacks on those tables across the room. Would you like to join me on a food raid, Esmeralda?”

Amused by his wording, she lifted an eyebrow. “Esmeralda?”

With a chuckle, he shrugged. “Sounds like a gypsy fortune-teller name to me.”

She hesitated only a moment before setting her glass on a tray and tucked a hand beneath the arm he offered with a flourish. “I’d be delighted to accompany you on a food raid, Dr. Jones.”

“Maybe after we eat, you can read my fortune in the champagne glass.”

A little giggle escaped her. “That’s tea leaves. I don’t think they’re serving tea tonight.”

“Then you can read my palm.”

She rather liked the image of cradling his hand in hers. “Maybe I will.”

His arm flexed a little beneath her fingers, and she felt the strength there. Obviously this man stayed in very good physical condition. He carried himself with an athlete’s grace befitting his choice of costume.

She supposed they should get around to introducing themselves eventually. But at the moment, it was so much fun pretending he was a globe-trotting archeologist and she a mysterious gypsy. Threading their way through the milling partygoers, they approached the tables. He nodded familiarly to several of the people they passed, a few of whom did visible double takes upon recognizing him. Either they hadn’t expected to see him there, or this was not the costume they would have predicted from him.

“Dude. Looking sharp,” someone said, tipping her off that the latter guess was likely correct.

“So, Jones—see anything that looks good?” she asked, studying the almost-dizzying array of sweets and treats on the snacks tables.

“As a matter of fact, I do.” He wasn’t looking at the food.

She savored the little ripple of sensual awareness that coursed down her spine in response to his tilted smile. It had definitely been too long since she’d spent an evening flirting with a charming stranger.

A colorful selection of more mixed drinks was displayed nearby. She plucked a tall, thin glass from the table and tasted the clear liquid appreciatively. “Mmm. Good. You should try this.”

He reached out to take the drink from her, holding her gaze with his when he lifted the glass to sip from exactly where her lips had just touched. “You’re right. That is good.”

The ripple of awareness turned into a tsunami. She snatched the glass back from him. He reached for a drink of his own. Their backs to the rest of the party, they stood close together while they filled their snack plates. It was necessary to stand that close, just so they could hear each other over the music.

Right.

She laughed when he slipped a pecan tart onto her already-full plate. “No more,” she insisted. “I can’t eat all of this.”

He eyed his own equally full plate with satisfaction. “I’m going to make a valiant effort.”

Turning away from the table, which was becoming crowded as other guests followed their example in helping themselves to the food, he peered into shadowy corners where seating had been arranged. “Where shall we take these?”

He was making the assumption that she would be eating with him. Fair enough. “Wherever we can find an empty space, I suppose. Not too close to the speakers, though. That music is really loud.”

“Werewolves of London” was the current selection, and every wailed “aaahoo” made her eardrums vibrate. She wished someone would turn down the volume a bit. And then she winced, deciding she was sounding old and stodgy again. She renewed her earlier vow to abandon herself to the party tonight. Starting with sharing decadent snacks with a handsome adventurer.

If he found her comment off-putting, he didn’t let it show, to her relief. “I have an idea. Follow me.”

Happily, she thought, staying close behind him as he wound his way through the costumed revelers. She didn’t even hesitate when he slipped through a set of French doors that led out to a cobblestoned courtyard.

Beautifully landscaped and discreetly lighted, the courtyard was small and quiet, fenced with wrought-iron. There were no tables, but several iron benches lined the sides. A pretty little fountain in the center of the circular garden added the soothing sound of splashing water to the tableau.

Madison was a little surprised that they were the only ones outside on this nice autumn evening. October had been accompanied by very warm temperatures in Dallas this year, and while the air had cooled with sunset, she was comfortable even in her off-the-shoulder blouse. She supposed it was still early enough in the party that the others weren’t yet ready to escape; or maybe no one had yet spotted the doors hidden among the over-the-top decorations.

Her companion nodded in satisfaction. “We can eat in peace here, if you don’t mind balancing your plate on your knees.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Maybe you can tell my fortune while we eat?”

So they were still in character. Fun. She glanced at his coiled whip. “Only if you promise to protect me if any evildoers try to attack.”

“It’s a deal.”

She chuckled and sank onto one of the benches, setting her drink on the wide arm. He sat beside her, leaving sufficient room between them that she didn’t feel uncomfortable but close enough to be companionable. She popped a shrimp puff into her mouth and sighed in satisfaction.

He dabbed at his mouth with a black paper napkin. “Good food. I had a sandwich for lunch—I think. It was so long ago, I hardly remember.”

She smiled. “Digging up mysterious artifacts keeps you that busy?”

“You have no idea.”

She wasn’t in any hurry to discuss work, neither her own nor whatever his job might be. That would only lead to talk about other everyday topics that would bring an end to this diverting charade. Of course she was curious about this man’s real name, what he did, how he knew BiBi and Carl—but she was content to savor the passing moments until they got around to that point.

“Did you get one of these chocolate-dipped apricots?” he asked.

She glanced at her plate. “No, I don’t think so.”

He held an apricot to her lips. “You should taste it. Really good.”

Her gaze locking with his, she took a bite.

The noise from the party drifted through the glass doors behind them, seeping into the quiet of the courtyard. A cool breeze toyed with her hair and brushed her cheek like a faint caress. Overhead, a misty gray cloud drifted across the face of the silver moon, adding to the fantasy feel of this beguiling encounter.

“Good?” he asked, his voice low, deep.

“Mmm.” She licked a spot of chocolate from her lower lip. “Very good.”

“You missed a spot.” Still looking into her eyes, he touched his fingertip to the corner of her mouth.

Feeling that contact all the way to her bone marrow, she lifted her eyebrows and spoke lightly. “I think you are flirting with me, Dr. Jones.”

His soft laughter was as rich and delicious as the chocolate. “I don’t believe it takes a crystal ball to see that, lovely Esmeralda. And my name is Jason, by the way.”

So she knew his real name now—at least part of it. And it didn’t affect the magic at all, she realized. “I’m Madison.”

He grinned as though acknowledging how amusing it was that they’d waited this long to get around to swapping first names. “Delighted to meet you, Madison.”

Her gold bracelets jingled when she set her almost-empty plate aside and lifted her drink to her lips again, watching him over the rim of her glass. She supposed she should get back to the party—she hadn’t participated at all, actually, and BiBi would surely wonder where she was—but how often did a girl get to sit in the moonlight with a fantasy hero?

“Speaking of crystal balls—” he set his own plate and glass aside “—you were going to read my palm after we ate?”

Looking up at him through her lashes, she drew a fingertip slowly down the center of his outstretched hand. “I see danger and adventure in your future, Dr. Jones.”

His lips twitched as though she’d said something wryly amusing. “Do you, now?”

“Absolutely.”

“And do I survive all that danger and adventure?”

“No question,” she assured him. “I can tell you are a man who is successful at any challenge he takes on.”

Actually, she thought she might be right about that, though she based the presumption more on intuition than mysticism.

Looking pleased by her words, he asked in the same light tone, “Do you foresee a dance with a captivating gypsy in my near future?”

She liked the idea of being held in those strong arms, nestled against that broad chest. “I’d be—”

But her acceptance was cut short abruptly when the French doors opened and a couple of partiers spilled out into the courtyard, laughing so loudly and freely that there was no doubt their humor was fueled at least in part by alcohol.

“Ooh, are you telling fortunes out here?” a giggly vampiress in too-little black fabric and too much red lipstick demanded of Madison. “Tell mine!”

“No, I—”

“Here, read my palm.”

The woman stuck out her hand toward Madison, then stumbled a little on her stiletto heels. The chubby caped hero with her caught her before she fell, but not before she knocked Madison’s glass out of her hand. Madison gasped as the cold liquid trickled down her blouse and between her breasts.

“Oops.” The other woman covered her mouth with one black-nailed hand, trying not to laugh but failing. “Sorry.”

Madison was already on her feet, as was her now-frowning companion. She was sure he was trying only to help when he reached out with his napkin to dab at her wet chest.

She caught his wrist, keeping him from swabbing any lower. “I’ll just slip into the ladies’ room and tidy up.”

“Oh, uh—” As if he’d suddenly realized what he was doing, he grimaced sheepishly and drew back his hand. “Good idea. I’ll clear away our dishes.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll find you later?” he asked as she moved toward the doors.

She sent him a look over her shoulder. “You can try.”

He grinned. “I’m always up for a challenge.”

Oh, wow, that grin was as dangerous as the whip hanging from his belt. She continued reluctantly toward the ballroom, resisting an impulse to fan her cheeks with one hand. Behind her, she heard the unabashed vampiress say loudly, “Come dance with me, Indiana. Old stodgy here doesn’t like to dance.”

“Hey!”

Leaving them to sort it out, Madison made her way through the mingling crowd toward the ladies’ room.

She was just finishing her cleanup when the restroom door opened and BiBi entered. Her genie hat was askew, and she paused in front of the mirror to straighten it.

“Some dippy woman on the dance floor just about knocked me off my feet,” she complained. “Waving her arms around like she was sending semaphore flag messages and calling that dancing. Didn’t even bother to apologize when she lurched off the dance area and into the group I was trying to talk to.”

“Let me guess—she’s dressed like a vampire?”

BiBi laughed wryly and looked at Madison’s drying blouse. “Yep. I don’t know her, she must have come as a guest of one of Carl’s associates. You’ve met her, I take it?”

“So to speak.”

“I don’t think it’s blood she’s been drinking tonight.”

“Not unless it’s ninety-proof blood,” Madison agreed ruefully, dabbing one last time at her blouse before tossing the paper towel into the trash.

“So where have you been? I haven’t seen you since we came down from my suite.”

“Just having snacks and mingling,” Madison evaded.

She wasn’t quite ready to share her evening’s harmless diversion with her friend. She didn’t want to risk having BiBi tell her that the debonair adventurer she’d flirted with in the moonlight was really a twice-divorced used car salesman with three kids he didn’t support and a reputation for running cons on gullible, overworked, romance-starved women.

She was amused by her own overwrought imagination. From hero to pig, she thought with a shake of her head. She imagined reality was somewhere in between. But for now, she’d like to keep the hero fantasy alive. Just for a little while longer.

“Have you been having fun?” she asked to take the attention away from her own activities.

BiBi beamed. “Oh, yes. Carl looks so handsome in his astronaut uniform—have you seen him yet?”

“Yes. He looks great. Did you choose his costume, too?”

“Of course. Everyone’s been toasting us, and telling us how great we look and how much they look forward to all the wedding festivities. I have to admit, I’m digging this bride thing. You probably aren’t surprised to hear that I’m loving the attention.”

Laughing, Madison shook her head. “Not at all surprised. But I’m delighted for you, Beebs. You deserve all the happiness you and Carl will have together.”

“Aw, thanks, Maddie.”

“So, what about Corinna? Has the alien princess captured her reluctant prince’s heart this evening?”

BiBi’s dreamy smile dipped into a scowl. “We haven’t even seen him tonight. I guess he decided not to come, or he got tied up at work or something. I thought he said he was staying here at the hotel to avoid having to commute back and forth from his condo on the other side of Dallas, but maybe he changed his mind, or isn’t checking in until tomorrow. Corinna’s disappointed, even if she is getting plenty of attention from other guys, and even though she’s pretty sure nothing’s going to happen, anyway. Maybe instead of encouraging her, I should be advising her to give up and try to find someone else. I worry that she’s going to get her heart broken.”

“I hate to say this, but it sounds to me as if he’s just not that into her. I mean, that’s what he told her, right?”

BiBi sighed. “Yeah. But this weekend could be the perfect chance for him to change his mind if he and Corinna spend some quality time together, you know?”

“I think it’s very sweet that you’re looking out for your sister,” Madison answered diplomatically. “I also think you’re seeing the world through very romantic eyes right now, understandably so.”

“Maybe you’re right. As a matter of fact,” BiBi added with a giggle, “there’s someone I want you to meet. I think he’s just your type. I can’t wait to introduce you.”

Wouldn’t it be interesting if the man BiBi had in mind was dressed as Indiana Jones tonight? Because, talk about her type …

“His name is Allen,” BiBi added with a toss of her ponytail.

Madison told herself she wasn’t disappointed. Of all the men in attendance at tonight’s party, what were the odds that Jason would have been the match BiBi had chosen for her?

Three women in colorful costumes swept into the restroom before Madison could politely assert that she wasn’t looking for a fix-up while she was in town. Descending on the stalls and mirrors, the newcomers greeted BiBi, who introduced them all to Madison. Their conversation effectively at an end, Madison and BiBi then headed back to the party.

Madison scanned for a battered fedora as soon as she entered the raucous ballroom. A squarely built soldier in a red coat, ruffled shirt, khaki breeches and a white, ponytailed wig stepped into her path, blocking her view. He studied her with bright blue eyes as he asked BiBi, “Who is this lovely lady with you this evening, Lady BiBi? Can you wrinkle your genie nose and convince her to give me a dance?”

Laughing at his foolishness, BiBi slapped the man’s arm playfully. “Allen, you’re so silly. We were just talking about you. Maddie, this is Carl’s cousin, Allen Burleson. Allen, this is Dr. Madison Baker, one of my dearest friends since college.”

Sweeping his tricorn hat into a deep bow, Allen grinned up at Madison. “Delighted to meet you. May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

Calling on the manners her mother had drilled into her from birth, Madison smiled brightly and gave him her full attention, rather than continuing to search the room as she was tempted to do. “Of course.”

The music was still fast and frantic, another novelty Halloween pop tune, but easy enough to dance to. Madison figured she could make a decent showing even in the ridiculously high heels BiBi had lent her.

“You’re dressed as a fortune-teller tonight, aren’t you?” Allen asked as he escorted her to the center of the dance floor.

“Yes. And you’re a British soldier. A redcoat.”

“That I am, my lady.” He chuckled and fixed his tricorn on his head, skewing the wig just a little. Managing not to wince at his very bad British accent, Madison thought wistfully of a weathered, wide-brimmed hat, resisting a renewed impulse to take just a quick peek around the room.

“So what’s your prediction for me?” he asked, leaning toward her to be heard over the music, his body beginning to jerk in a rather awkward man-dance.

Smiling, she swayed in time to the rhythm, eyeing his uniform meaningfully. “You’re going to lose.”

Allen heaved a heavy sigh. “The story of my life,” he said, mock mournfully.

He seemed very pleasant. Nice-looking, too. But her pulse didn’t race with his smiles, nor did she get weak-kneed at the thought of dancing closely to him. Maybe it was because of their more traditional introduction. Maybe had she met Jason the same way, he’d have seemed no more mysterious and fascinating to her than Allen. But then she pictured his gleaming eyes and flashing smile.

Okay, maybe not. Maybe Jason was every bit as compelling as he’d seemed.

Jason D’Alessandro felt as though he had two choices. He could head for the door and slip out of the party early, or hang around a little while longer in hopes of running into the fascinating gypsy again. He’d been pretty much pounced upon by Carl and his other friends the minute he’d walked back into the ballroom after eating, and he hadn’t been able to make a graceful escape since.

Across the room, Corinna caught his eye, smiled weakly, then turned away to continue a highly animated conversation with a woman dressed in a leopard-print catsuit. He sighed. That situation was truly awkward. He was fond of Corinna, but that was all there was to it. He couldn’t foresee his feelings ever developing into more, as he had made it clear to her in as tactful and considerate a manner as possible a couple of weeks ago. That conversation had surely been as painful for him as it had for her, and he still fretted about whether he’d chosen the right words. He just hoped she would finally accept the facts without being hurt—and without putting a wedge between two families who’d been connected for much longer than either of them had been alive.

He was tired. The booming music, mostly novelty Halloween tunes, was starting to give him a headache. At thirty, he was approximately the same age as the other party guests, but he was beginning to think he was too old for keg-and-costume parties.

It was rather a relief when the volume decreased and the music became background rather than prominent. A microphone reverberated, causing everyone around him to grimace and cover their ears. Someone laughed into it, and then a round of somewhat intoxicated toasts toward BiBi and Carl began. It sounded as though they could go on for a while.

Remembering that pleasant interlude in the courtyard earlier, he snagged another cocktail and slipped through the doors while everyone else was laughing at the string of suggestive jokes coming from the microphone. He’d take just a few quiet minutes, he promised himself, then he’d return to the party. Or maybe he’d come up with an excuse and leave for the night.

When he saw the beautiful gypsy standing in the courtyard, sipping champagne and gazing meditatively at the fountain, he decided maybe he’d stay awhile longer, after all.

The embedded lights in the garden played softly across Madison’s features, glittered from the gold accents of her colorful costume and reflected in her blue eyes when she looked up at him. Moonlight bathed her bare shoulders and silvered the soft waves of blond hair spilling from beneath her headscarf.

“Hello again, Dr. Jones.”




Chapter Two


Jason got a kick out of hearing Madison call him that whimsical nickname in her sultry, musical voice. Though he wasn’t usually a man who indulged in fantasy, he found it easy to slide right into the character of suave adventurer with her. “You don’t seem surprised to see me, Esmeralda.”

She smiled up at him from beneath her thick lashes when she took another taste of her champagne. “I am a fortune-teller,” she reminded him with a soft jingle of bracelets as she indicated her very flattering—and delightfully revealing—outfit.

“You never got around to telling mine earlier.”

“We were rather rudely interrupted.”

“So we were. You seem to have dried off nicely.” He couldn’t help glancing downward to the front of her white peasant blouse. And since he happened to be looking that way, he might as well linger just a moment to admire the expanse of creamy, glistening skin revealed above the low neckline, the deep shadow of cleavage, the tiny mole just above her …

She cleared her throat. “Um, Jones?”

With an unapologetic grin, he lifted his eyes. “Yes?”

“You’re being very bold, sir.”

Her tone was teasing, not offended, so his grin only deepened when he murmured, “You know how it is with us epic adventurers.”

“Sadly, yes.” She injected just the right amount of world-weary resignation into her tone to make him laugh. Damn, but it was fun to be with her. The only real fun he’d had tonight.

He motioned toward the open French doors, through which they could still hear voices, laughter and music. “You’re missing the toasts.”

She glanced that way, then lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug. “There will be plenty more this weekend. I needed a little break.”

“Yeah. Me, too. With all those people in there, it gets too stuffy inside.”

She nodded. “It is warm in there. It’s very nice out here.”

“Yes, it is.” He made it clear he wasn’t talking now about the temperature.

She smiled at him again. She had a very nice mouth. Beautifully curved, the lower lip full and soft-looking, gleaming with a subtle gloss that made him want just a little taste—though he suspected he wouldn’t be content to stop with a mere nibble.

The noise level behind him had abated somewhat. Music began to play, suggesting the dancing was starting up again. In contrast to the faster tunes of before, this number was slower, more relaxing. Maybe everyone else was getting a little tired, too, he thought with a faint smile.

Madison tilted her head in recognition of the tune. “‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,’” she murmured. “I love this song.”

The title summed up quite well the way he felt at that moment. It was unlike him to get so carried away.

“Let’s not waste the song,” he said, holding out his arm to escort her inside. “We still haven’t had our dance.”

She tucked her hand beneath his elbow, smiling up at him. Covering her hand with his, he didn’t immediately move toward the doors. His gaze lingered on her glistening lips.

Her brows rose. “Was there something else?”

“I was just thinking—any movie hero worth his salt would be unable to resist stealing a kiss in the moonlight from a beautiful gypsy.”

Her smile wavered, but he wouldn’t say she looked displeased by his impulsive comment. He was surprised the words had escaped him, to be quite honest. Something about this night, this party, this costumed encounter—or maybe something about this woman—brought out a flirtatiously playful side of him even he rarely saw. Especially lately, when he’d been so swamped with obligations and responsibilities that there had been little time for play.

If he were to make a guess, he would say Madison was as tempted as he to take advantage of that private moment. Her gaze held his, and he was certain he saw an answering spark of recklessness ignite in her deep blue eyes.

“Since we’ll only be a movie hero and a gypsy for a little while longer, maybe we shouldn’t waste the moonlight,” she said, confirming his suspicion.

His pulse rate kicked into a higher gear even as he grinned in response to her tone. Flirty. Fun.

In that same spirit, he pushed his fedora back on his head and touched his lips to hers. She tasted as sweet as he had predicted. He felt a jolt of hunger when her mouth moved softly beneath his.

He had intended to keep it casual. Just an innocuous brush of lips, a champagne-flavored impulse that would make them both smile when they remembered it later. Instead, he found himself lingering. The light touch became a firm press of mouth to mouth. Her lips parted, moist and inviting, and it would have taken a much stronger man than he to resist the opportunity to explore more deeply. His tongue dipped, hers welcomed, the teasing underscored by a smoldering heat that threatened to flare into something much more serious.

He slid a hand down her back, feeling the soft warmth of her through the thin gypsy blouse. He forced his hand to rest at the curve of her hip, though he would have liked very much to allow it to explore at will. As she had pointed out, this diverting charade would come to an end soon. He wouldn’t want to do anything either of them would regret tomorrow. With that thought, he started to lift his head, ordering himself to bring the kiss to an end much sooner than he would have liked.

She wrapped a hand around the lapel of his leather jacket and drew him back to her, making it clear that she was no more satisfied by that fleeting contact than he was. More than happy to satisfy her curiosity—not to mention his own—he covered her mouth with his again, making no pretense at playfulness now.

Madison blamed it on the moonlight. Maybe the champagne. Or maybe it was the enticing fantasy of kissing a dashing stranger in a secluded garden while one of her favorite songs drifted through the cool air surrounding them. Only a few feet away, dozens of noisy revelers danced, laughed, drank and ate, oblivious to the intimate tableau in the cozy courtyard.

How could she possibly have resisted taking advantage of this stolen moment?

Jason could definitely kiss. His lips were firm, warm, skilled. The kisses were thorough, but not presumptuous enough to make her in any way uncomfortable. Though he held her closely, sending a thrill of awareness all the way to her toes, she knew she could step back at any moment and he wouldn’t try to stop her. There was just enough restraint in his embrace that she understood he was leaving the progression to her.

She really should end it soon, but it was so nice to drift just a little longer in the illusion. She allowed her arms to slide around his neck, her fingers dipping into the thick, dark hair beneath his fedora. Her actions brought them even closer together, upthrust breasts pressed to muscular chest. She felt her insides go warm and liquid.

It took her a moment to notice the vibration between them, and then a heartbeat longer to acknowledge it wasn’t the embrace causing the sensation. When she realized Jason’s cell phone was demanding his attention from a pocket in his jacket, she reluctantly conceded that reality was insistently reasserting itself. With a slight sigh, she lowered her arms and took a step backward. Her high heels wobbled just a little on the bricks underneath her feet, but she kept her balance despite the weakness in her knees.

“Maybe you should answer that,” she suggested, keeping her tone even and breezy, as if kissing strangers was something she did on a regular basis. “It could be important.”

“They’re all important,” he muttered, his voice a little gravelly. He glanced at the phone, then shook his head. “It’ll wait. How about that dance?”

“I’d like that.” She walked beside him into the hotel, thinking that a slow dance would be the perfect way to end this unexpectedly enchanted evening. She would bet Jason danced as skillfully as he kissed. And she already knew exactly how good it felt to be wrapped in those strong arms. Heavenly.

The ballroom lights had been dimmed even more while they were outside, maybe to suit the more restrained and romantic music now drifting from the speakers. The dance floor was crowded with costumed hobgoblins and heroes pairing up as the party wound down for the night.

She’d been right when she’d predicted that Jason would be a good dancer. He was. And she further suspected that he would be very good at many other things. Unbidden images swirled slowly in her head, making her pulse flutter in her throat. There was a limit to how reckless she was willing to be tonight—but it didn’t hurt to fantasize a little while she swayed in Jason’s arms.

He smiled down at her. “This is nice.”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to the ranch thing tomorrow?”

She nodded. “That’s the plan.”

Thinking of how early BiBi expected everyone to turn out for the planned day at a local dude ranch, she glanced around at the still-partying crowd, wondering wryly how many would show up with bloodshot eyes and pounding heads. Considering how little sleep she’d had lately, she should probably turn in soon, herself, if she was going to get into the spirit of BiBi’s cowboy celebration.

“You’ll be there?” she asked, telling herself that would be as good an incentive as any to get her out of bed early.

“That’s the plan.” He chuckled as he quoted her.

To her regret, the song ended and she moved reluctantly out of his arms. Almost immediately, BiBi appeared at her side. Though BiBi smiled broadly, Madison knew her friend well enough to sense that she was displeased. Was BiBi annoyed that Madison was dancing with someone other than Allen, whom BiBi had decided was the ideal weekend match for Madison?

“Maddie,” BiBi said a bit too brightly, “Allen was looking for you. I think he wants another dance. And Jason, Carl was just asking about you. He wants to make a few more arrangements with all the groomsmen. He’s over there by the bar.”

“I’ll catch up with him in a few minutes,” Jason promised. “I was just—”

BiBi slipped her hand under Jason’s arm, giving a tug that looked gentle, but Madison suspected was quite firm. “I’ll take you over to him. I know he wanted to make sure he talked to you all tonight. Maddie, I think I saw Allen over by the desserts table.”

BiBi could not have been more transparent in separating Madison and Jason. It seemed a little odd to Madison—why was her friend so intent on setting her up with the groom’s cousin? Jason looked over his shoulder as BiBi towed him away, giving Madison a smile of resignation and mouthing the word later.

It wouldn’t be later tonight, Madison decided abruptly. She was really tired. Certainly not in the mood to dance again with Cousin Allen, not even to keep BiBi happy. Spotting Hannah standing near the exit, she headed that way. She explained to Hannah that she was really tired, having been post-call yesterday and traveling today. She was going to get some rest and be fresh for tomorrow’s early plans. Sympathetically, Hannah promised to relay the message to BiBi, wishing Madison a good night’s sleep.

It wasn’t rude that she hadn’t said good-night to Jason, Madison assured herself as she made her way toward the ballroom exits. It was simply in character for the role she had played tonight. A mysterious gypsy fortune-teller would fade into the shadows without a goodbye, right? The footloose adventurer he portrayed would expect nothing more.

And besides, she thought with a ripple of anticipation, she would see him again tomorrow. She couldn’t wait to find out if he looked as good on horseback as he did on the dance floor. She suspected he would.

The first thing she did after closing herself into her hotel room was to kick off the stiletto sandals and let her poor, aching feet sink gratefully into the carpet. She yanked off the headscarf and threw it onto a chair, pushing a hand through her hair. The purple waist sash went next. Little by little, she was transforming back into herself.

Stripping down to her panties and strapless bra, she tossed the costume over the back of the chair and reached for a nightgown, replaying the evening’s events in her mind. She fancied that her lips still tingled a little from the impetuous kisses, and it was a nice feeling she wanted to hold on to for a while longer. Not that she expected anything serious to come of the flirtation, even if she spent time with Jason again tomorrow at the dude ranch.

Tonight had all been in fun, just a little extra entertainment at the costume party. Yes, he’d been charming and amusing and so darned sexy her toes had curled when he’d smiled at her. She’d been disappointed when BiBi had carried him off, but she hadn’t intended to take their encounter any further tonight; as much as she enjoyed flirting, it wasn’t her style to hook up with strangers.

Tossing the strapless bra onto the chair with the abandoned gypsy garments, she hummed beneath her breath, “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” Every time she heard that song in the future, she would think of stolen kisses with a sexy stranger. And she was quite sure she would smile in response to the lovely memories.

Tired to her toenails, she crawled into bed a short while later, her teeth brushed, her face scrubbed clean of the sultry makeup, all traces of the gypsy fortune-teller gone now. And if she dreamed of kissing a dashing adventurer in the silvery moonlight—well, that would just be the ideal way to complete a near-perfect evening.

Jason was not particularly surprised to find that Carl’s brief message for him could have waited until later. Nor when BiBi just happened to bring Corinna over to join them before Jason could wander off in search of Madison again.

BiBi wasn’t the only one in the Lovato or D’Alessandro families who had recently decided that Jason and Corinna made a lovely couple. He had lost count of how many pointed hints had been aimed at him from all sides since Corinna had moved back to Dallas after completing pharmacy school in Austin. Even his elderly paternal grandfather had declared that Jason should ask the girl out. She was pretty, she was smart and she was the granddaughter of Vinnie D’Alessandro’s lifelong friend Savio Lovato. Vinnie had been hoping to see a match between his family and Savio’s for the past two generations.

Vinnie was just going to have to keep hoping, Jason thought with a slight shake of his head.

He wondered how much Corinna had been influenced by that family manipulation. Though they had been acquainted since childhood, he was six years her senior and they hadn’t spent much time together, actually. She didn’t even know him on a truly personal basis. Whatever her idea of who he was and what he wanted for the future, he would bet she was mistaken for the most part.

He refused to be nudged and prodded into a relationship with a woman just to please their families. If or when he chose to get seriously involved with anyone—something that hadn’t tempted him since he’d broken up with his last serious girlfriend almost a year ago—he wanted it to be entirely his choice, and based on more than a comfortable acquaintance. He wanted sparks. Sizzle. Magic, he thought, startled by his uncharacteristic musings.

Even as he told himself he was being ridiculously romantic, he found his mind filled with the image of a pretty blond gypsy. Their moonlight kisses had definitely sparked and sizzled. He fancied he could taste her on his lips. It wouldn’t have been hard to convince himself that she did, indeed, have magical powers.

But maybe that was the liquor speaking, he told himself with another shake of his head, setting down the glass someone had just handed him.

“A new song is starting,” BiBi exclaimed with obviously feigned innocence. “Carl, we should dance at least one more time before we call it a night. Jason, have you had a chance to dance with Corinna tonight?”

He had just opened his mouth to say his good-nights, but BiBi had put him on the spot now. He didn’t blame Corinna; there was no mistaking the chagrin in the look she gave BiBi. But because so many people were waiting for his response, he smiled blandly and held out a hand. “Of course. May I have this dance, Corinna?”

She nodded and accompanied him to the dance floor, which was beginning to thin a bit as the hour grew later. “That Old Black Magic” was just beginning to play from the speakers. Great, Jason thought with a sigh. A slow song. Why couldn’t it have been “The Monster Mash?”

Corinna gazed up at him from beneath her long, sparkly green lashes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know BiBi was going to order you to dance with me. This must be very awkward for you.”

“Not at all,” he assured her, lying through his teeth. “Have you had a good time tonight?”

She tossed her head a bit. “I’ve had a great time,” she said a bit too enthusiastically. “I’ve danced so much my feet are numb. And I’ve met some very nice people. Friends of Carl’s, mostly.”

Male friends, she might as well have added. He hoped all her new friends were as nice as she’d said. And that she would fall head over heels in love with one of them, and have her feelings returned.

He still refused to believe Corinna had strong, serious feelings for him—again, she just hadn’t spent enough time with him for that to develop—but maybe she had a little crush. After all, he was somewhat older, and a doctor, which some people found impressive, and their families had probably made him sound like a real catch to her. He supposed he should be flattered, but it was inopportune, especially this weekend with so much of the family milling around watching them. And when he’d already met someone else he would like to spend more time with during the next few days, without worrying about Corinna and BiBi glaring at him every time they spotted him with Madison.

The music ended. He dropped his arms in secret relief and took a step backward. “Your sister has a lot of activities planned for the rest of the weekend. Sounds like she’s going to keep everyone busy until the ceremony.”

Corinna nodded, her expression shuttered. “You’ll be at the ranch tomorrow?”

“Are you kidding? BiBi would track me down if I didn’t show up. I’ve got someone covering for me at the clinic this weekend, so I’m free to do my duties as a groomsman, whatever that entails.”

He was very glad Carl had asked his brother, Curtis, to serve as best man. With Corinna serving as maid of honor, she and Curtis would be the ones walking together during the ceremony. Jason wasn’t sure who he’d be paired with for the ceremony, but he was relieved that he wouldn’t be escorting Corinna down the aisle and making the older family members sigh wistfully at the symbolism.

Now if only she’d tell her older sister to back off.

He hoped it wouldn’t be too uncomfortable for him to spend more time with Madison tomorrow. One way or another, he was definitely going to try.

Accustomed to getting up early for work, Madison was wide awake at six-thirty Friday morning. As tired as she’d been the night before, she was rather surprised to wake fully recharged and ready to go.

The vans to the dude ranch were scheduled to leave at nine. Judging from how quiet the halls were outside her room, she would bet most of the other wedding guests were sleeping off last night’s party, perhaps planning room service breakfasts before gathering in the lobby as BiBi had instructed. A breakfast buffet was served downstairs for hotel guests, but Madison wasn’t hungry yet. She was in the habit of going for an early run before breakfast.

A quick check of hotel amenities let her know a gym was available for guests, along with two indoor pools—one for swimming laps, the other designed for family use. Deciding she’d swim a few laps in lieu of her run, she donned the simple black suit she’d brought with her, covered it with a T-shirt and yoga pants and slid her feet into sandals. Pulling her honey-blond hair into a loose ponytail, she tucked her key card into her smartphone case and carried it with her as she headed for the elevator.

Waiting for the car to arrive, she found her thoughts drifting to the man she had met last night, and whom she would be seeing again on today’s outing to the ranch. Jason had been devastatingly handsome in his dashing costume, but she’d bet he looked just as delicious in jeans and boots. She was definitely looking forward to finding out.

Thinking of spending more time with him filled her with such anticipation that she couldn’t help feeling a bit like a giddy schoolgirl. It was a nice feeling, she decided, one she hadn’t felt in much too long. She was long overdue for a fun flirtation. It was good for her to stay in practice, she thought with a quiet laugh.

Because it was so early, she encountered only a few industrious souls heading for the workout room. The lap pool was across the hall from the gym. She pushed open the glass doors and stepped into the humid warmth. Surrounded by gleaming tiles and inviting chairs, the big pool dominated the solarium-styled room. The scent of chlorine tickled her nose. Glass walls overlooked the parklike grounds of the hotel. Glass panes above revealed the pale blue, early-morning sky of an autumn day that promised to be clear and comfortably temperate.

Only one other person was in the pool, a man swimming laps with strong, steady strokes designed more for fitness than fun. He stayed on one side of the long pool, so she didn’t think there would be any problem with her swimming on the other side. She kicked off her sandals and pulled her T-shirt over her head. Her functional black one-piece was form-fitting, but modest enough that it didn’t bother her to strip out of her yoga pants in preparation for her swim. Maybe the other swimmer would finish soon and she’d have the pool to herself for a while.

Someday, once she settled somewhere to begin her practice, she would have a house with a pool and these early-morning laps would be commonplace for her. She had always enjoyed a good swim.

She stepped onto the pool steps and descended into the waist-deep water. Noticing her, the man completed a lap, pushing a hand through his dark, wet hair as he dropped his feet to the bottom of the pool and stood, beads of water glistening on a beautifully sculpted expanse of chest. She took just a microsecond to admire that attribute before she glanced surreptitiously at his face—and then froze in surprise.

“Jones?”




Chapter Three


The nickname had escaped before she could replace it with his real name, illustrating she still thought of Jason as the fantasy man from last night. She should probably work on that or risk disappointment. Reality couldn’t possibly be as ideal as last night had been—though she had to admit he looked pretty darned perfect standing there all wet and sleek.

He whipped his head around, then broke into a grin. “Esmeralda. Good morning.”

Oh, heavens, did Jason look good naked! Okay, he wasn’t really naked, considering he wore a pair of dark swim trunks, but near enough that her overactive imagination had little trouble filling in the blanks. The pool water was kept at a comfortable temperature, but she felt overly warm as she gazed at him and tried to think of something witty and halfway coherent to say.

“Guess I’m not the only early riser,” he commented, wading in her direction.

“I’m in the habit of getting up early for work,” she admitted, trying to keep her eyes on his face. “Usually I go for a run to wake me up, but I thought a swim would be nice this morning.”

Okay, hardly witty, but at least coherent. Although she wasn’t sure she could remain so if he didn’t stop looking at her that way. The open appreciation in his gaze was definitely flattering.

“I like to start the day with physical activity, myself.”

She wondered if he’d intended the double entendre, or if she was getting carried away with their flirting. Deciding the latter was true in any case, she motioned toward the open expanse of pool. “I hope I’m not disturbing your swim.”

He gave her one of his patented smiles. “Only for the better. Don’t let me keep you from your exercise. I planned to swim a few more laps, myself.”

His grin triggered a renewal of their playfulness from last night. Mischief crowded out self-consciousness as she swept a hand through the water and asked in quiet challenge, “Think you can keep up with me?”

Something flared in his dark eyes as he waded a step closer to her. “I’d certainly like to try.”

“I’ve been told I’m hard to catch.” She reached out to brush a drop of water from his cheek, trailing her fingers along the firm edge of his jaw to the faint indention in his chin. She pressed one fingertip into that shallow hollow and imagined letting the tip of her tongue follow the path her fingers had just taken, ending with a little bite just there… .

As if reading her thoughts in her expression, he shifted closer to her. She snatched her hand away and turned to dive into the water, striking out with firm, steady strokes to begin her first lap. She heard a laugh and a splash behind her, but didn’t stop to look back. She had issued a challenge, after all. And she did not like to concede defeat.

It took only half a lap for him to draw up beside her. He made no effort to surge ahead, though she conceded in resignation that he could have if he’d tried. Instead, he kept pace with her, nearby but staying out of her way. She didn’t know how long he’d been swimming before she’d joined him, but he showed no signs of tiring. The man definitely had stamina. Not that she’d had any doubt he was in excellent shape. She had a very clear memory of every muscle she’d felt while pressed against him last night.

If being that close to him fully clothed had been such a memorable experience, she could only imagine what it would feel like now—wet flesh to flesh. For just a moment, her strokes fumbled, losing her rhythm so she had to make an effort to get back into sync with him.

“Okay?”

“Fine,” she sputtered, and swam a little faster to relieve a sudden surge of hyper energy.

Her endurance was beginning to flag a few laps later, and Jason must have noticed. She felt a hand on her leg, a tug on her ankle. Considering the electricity she sensed between herself and Jason, she wouldn’t have been surprised if the water conducted a shock when their skin made contact. Or maybe it had, explaining the tingle coursing through her body when she lowered her feet to stand and face him.

“I’d love to stay longer, but I have a few calls to make before we leave for the ranch,” he said with visible regret. “Guess I’d better go take care of them.”

She nodded, reminding herself she would be seeing him again soon—though it would be different when they were surrounded by other people rather than alone here together. “I should get ready, too. BiBi would strangle me if I’m late.”

He chuckled. “None of us have the nerve to annoy BiBi, especially this weekend.”

“Ah. So you know the bride as well as the groom,” she teased.

He nodded. “I’ve known them both for years.”

It would be tempting for her to grill BiBi later for more information about Jason, but that seemed rather impolite. Besides, BiBi would want to know all the details and would probably make more of Madison’s interest than was justified, not to mention that BiBi had picked out someone else to keep Madison company this weekend. All in all, it was better—and definitely more fun—to just keep this flirtation a little secret between herself and Jason.

She turned toward the steps. “I’ll see you at the ranch, then, if not before.”

He caught her arm, and though he was barely touching her, she was still as affected as she’d imagined by the flesh-to-flesh contact. Honestly, Madison, get a grip, she scolded mentally. One would think she’d never had an instant connection with a handsome man before. Okay, maybe she hadn’t experienced anything quite like this, but still, there was no need to get so carried away.

“Was there something else you wanted to say, Dr. Jones?” she asked, keeping it light.

His gaze focused on her smile. Was he, too, remembering last night’s kisses in the moonlight-bathed, aromatic garden, wondering if they would be just as powerful here in this brightly lit, chlorine-scented room?

Something beeped from a small table near the end of the pool, and Jason released her arm. Madison told herself it was just as well they’d been interrupted. She could only imagine the gossip that would ensue if she were seen kissing Jason in the pool after meeting him only last night.

“That’s the alarm I set on my phone to remind me of the calls I have to make.”

“I’ll see you later, then.”

He reached out to trail a wet fingertip down her cheek. “I look forward to it,” he murmured.

Her body temperature rose another few degrees. She swallowed a sigh as she watched him climb the steps out of the pool, water streaming from his lean, toned body, his trunks molded over a very tight butt.

The laughing glance he gave her over his shoulder let her know he was fully aware she was watching him. She grinned and dove back into the pool.

When she left the pool room a short time later, her limbs were pleasantly tired, and her tummy reminded her that she should have breakfast soon. The day ahead seemed especially inviting now. She’d thought the ranch excursion sounded like fun, anyway, but the anticipation of spending time there with Jason was especially appealing. She couldn’t wait to see him on horseback.

Hannah stepped out of the workout room at almost the same time Madison entered the hallway. Exchanging cheery good-mornings, they moved together toward the elevator.

“Have you eaten breakfast yet?” Hannah asked.

Madison glanced at her watch. A quarter to eight. Plenty of time yet before the nine o’clock departure. “No. I’m going to shower and dress, then head down to the breakfast buffet before we leave for the ranch.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll meet you down there.”

Madison pushed the call button. “I can be ready in half an hour.”

“Same here.” Hannah pushed back a strand of hair that had escaped her red braid during her exercise session. “I thought I saw Jason D’Alessandro leaving the pool room a little while ago. Did you meet him?”

Though this was the first time she’d heard Jason’s last name, Madison nodded. “I met him at the party last night.”

“I met him last night, too. BiBi introduced us. I think you were dancing with Carl’s cousin at the time. Jason seems like a nice guy. Good-looking, too.”

“Yes, he is.”

“I can see why Corinna is so hooked on him.”

Madison almost stumbled stepping into the elevator. She righted herself quickly, punching her floor button with a little more force than necessary. “Umm, Corinna?”

“Yeah. He’s the guy she and BiBi were talking about last night. Didn’t you know? Apparently, Corinna’s had a thing for him for ages. From what I’ve gathered, their families have known each other for, like, generations, and everyone thinks Jason and Corinna would be a perfect match. You know, both living here in Dallas, him being a doctor and her a pharmacist, both from big Italian families.”

Madison stared hard at the numbers flashing above the elevator door. Jason was a doctor? “Hmm.”

“But I don’t know, watching them together last night? I’m not sure BiBi’s right that he’ll change his mind about Corinna. He was nice to her and all, but there didn’t seem to be any chemistry between them. He treated her more like a cousin, or a kid sister, maybe.”

“Hmm.”

Hannah laughed self-consciously. “I shouldn’t be gossiping about them. Just an observation.”

The elevator bumped to a gentle stop and Madison moved toward the opening doors in relief. “I’ll meet you downstairs in half an hour, Hannah. That should give us just enough time to eat before we’re supposed to join the others in the lobby.”

“Okay, see you down—” The elevator doors closed behind Madison before Hannah could finish the sentence.

Moving robotically, Madison walked to her door and shoved the key into the slot. She muttered a curse beneath her breath when she realized she’d inserted the card upside down. Turning it over, she tried again, then shoved the door open.

Wouldn’t you know, she thought wistfully, closing the door behind her, that the one man who’d brought out the reckless fun in her since … well, almost longer than she could remember … was the one man who was totally off-limits this weekend?

It wasn’t as if she’d expected anything serious to come of her flirtation with Jason, anyway, she assured herself, heading for the shower.

But, oh, it could have been a fun three days.

Two buses had been secured for transporting the guests to the dude ranch some twenty miles from the hotel. BiBi and Carl had invited the entire wedding party, several of their family members and a few miscellaneous others to attend, for a total of about forty people, as far as Madison could determine. BiBi insisted that the men should load into one vehicle and the women into the other—and again, no one argued with her. She was practically giddy with excitement about the entertainment she had arranged for her guests. Apparently the ranch specialized in hosting wedding parties, family and class reunions, company retreats and other such gatherings, and had offered a long list of activities for BiBi and Carl to select from.

Madison had dressed for the day in a three-quarter-sleeved, scoop-neck green T-shirt with jeans. The temperature was predicted to climb into the high seventies, and it was already too warm for a jacket, so she had tucked a thin sweater into her tote bag in case she needed it that evening. She didn’t own a cowboy hat, but she’d worn a pair of brown leather boots that were vaguely Western in style. It had been a few years since she’d been on horseback; she only hoped she’d remembered enough of the basics so she didn’t embarrass herself.

She’d arranged her honey-blond hair into a tidy French braid to keep it out of her face during the day’s activities. Maybe she’d spent a bit more time than usual with her makeup—trying for a casual, but flattering look—but that was only because she knew BiBi’s crowd wouldn’t be caught dead without mascara and blusher. She certainly hadn’t primped with anyone particular in mind, she assured herself sanctimoniously.

When she saw the other women, she was glad she’d made the effort, whatever her motivation. Texas women were fussy about their hair and makeup, BiBi had always said, and that was in evidence today. Though jeans and Ts or button-up cotton shirts were the primary garments of choice, she saw a few shiny Western shirts festooned with rhinestones and appliqués, and enough new pairs of pointy-toed boots that she didn’t doubt some of the guests would be limping a bit through the next day’s events.

The bus seats were plush and roomy, but still rather cramped for the very pregnant woman who sat next to Madison. Madison remembered seeing her at the party last night, though they had not actually met.

“I’m Madison Baker,” she said with a smile, raising her voice just enough to be heard over the excited chattering around them.

The other woman, a strawberry blonde with a face that was probably round even when she wasn’t in the last stages of pregnancy and green eyes that were friendly despite the faint shadows beneath, introduced herself in return. “I’m Lila Polanski. My husband, Tommy, is an old friend of Carl’s. He’s serving as an usher Sunday. Are you one of the bridesmaids? Sorry, I should know that, probably, but I don’t know BiBi or her friends very well.”

“Yes, I’m a bridesmaid. I’ve known BiBi since college. Do you live here in Dallas?”

“No, Tommy grew up here, but I’m originally from Wisconsin. We moved to Houston a couple years ago for Tommy’s job. We drove up for the wedding. Tommy thought a day at a dude ranch sounded kind of cheesy,” she added in a stage whisper, glancing around to make sure BiBi wasn’t within hearing range. “But I think it will be fun. Not that I can participate much.”

She patted her protruding tummy with a mixture of pride and impatience.

Madison chuckled. “When is your baby due?”

“Next month. Our first. A boy.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. Do you live in Dallas?”

Madison explained that she, too, had traveled for the wedding weekend, and they passed the remainder of the ride chatting congenially. Lila was a talker who tended to share a bit too much information quite freely with strangers. Madison liked her, though, and enjoyed the conversation. Madison’s job never came up, and she saw no need to mention that she was a doctor. ob-gyn was not her specialty, and she wasn’t prepared to answer a string of medical questions from the eager mommy-to-be. Better just to be another wedding guest, she thought.

She didn’t know whose idea it had been for the men to stand around the bus door and help the women descend the steps onto the graveled ranch parking lot. It seemed to be taking the back-to-the-Old-West theme a bit too far, with the strapping cowboys offering assistance to the fragile ladies, but she told herself not to take it so seriously. Today was all in fun. Maybe she’d gotten a little too sensitive about gender issues in medical school, where there were still a few deeply ingrained biases toward male doctors, even though women made up nearly half of modern medical school classes. When two men rushed forward to assist Lila Polanski, Madison told herself that it really was sort of nice that Southern gallantry still existed, despite the old-fashioned gender implications.

A man in a well-worn brown hat, a denim shirt rolled back on the forearms, jeans and boots that were definitely not new stepped up when she moved into the bus door. He held out a hand to her, tilting his head back so she could see his face beneath the brim of his hat. Her breath caught hard.

She’d been absolutely correct earlier. Jason D’Alessandro looked damned good in Western wear.

Realizing she was holding up the women waiting behind her to get off the bus, Madison placed her hand in Jason’s. It would have been rude to ignore his friendly offer of assistance, especially with other people watching. Among them, she realized, BiBi and Corinna, who stood nearby chatting with other guests, but still surreptitiously watching Jason.

She was glad the sparks that flew when her bare palm pressed against Jason’s existed only in her own overactive imagination. Or was he aware of them, too? She thought she heard his breath catch when his fingers closed around hers, but maybe that, too, was just something she imagined. Reminding herself that he was off-limits, she withdrew her hand quickly, meeting just a little resistance when she pulled away, as if he had been reluctant to release her.

BiBi rushed forward, almost dragging a tall, lanky cowboy with her. The man wore neatly pressed dark jeans over tooled leather boots, a tan denim shirt with colorful floral embroidery up the front and across the back yoke, a bolo tie and a battered hat with a feathered band. Madison figured he was so stereotypically dressed that he must be an employee of the dude ranch.

BiBi proved the guess to be correct. “Everyone, this is Buck. He’s our ranch host for today, so if anyone has any problems or questions, he’s the man to ask. Right, Buck?”

He agreed congenially, then made a short welcoming speech outlining the activities planned for the day and urging everyone to feel free to ask any ranch employee for assistance as needed.

“And now let’s all load up on the wagons,” he said, indicating three large open wooden wagons, each with a driver holding the reins to a pair of sturdy-looking horses. “We’re about to head back in time to a real Old West ranch experience.”

Madison heard a few muted snorts from some of the men in the party—probably men who had either grown up on real ranches or had at least some familiarity with them. BiBi had insisted she knew this was basically an amusement-park version of ranch life, but she didn’t care. It was going to be fun, she’d said. And fun was what her wedding weekend was all about. She’d also admitted to her girlfriends that she was looking forward to seeing her citified lawyer fiancé on horseback. Just because Carl had grown up in Dallas didn’t make him a cowboy, she had added with a laugh. And since several of her wedding guests were from out of state, like Madison, BiBi wanted them to have a true Texas experience.

Once again the men stepped up to help the ladies onto the wagons. Again, it took two—her husband and another volunteer—to get Lila onto a bench. Madison privately wondered if it had been a good idea for Lila to attend this outing, but Lila seemed so genuinely excited to be here that she supposed no one had the heart to suggest she stay behind.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jason moving in her direction, but another man stepped between them. “There you are, Madison. You slipped away from the party so quickly last night that I didn’t have a chance to say good-night. It’s good to see you again today.”

She forced a smile. “Hello, Allen. Nice to see you again, too.”

Carl’s cousin had dressed as enthusiastically for a ranch visit as he had for the costume party. His hat, boots, tooled-leather belt and embroidered red shirt all looked new, though his jeans looked to have had some use. “I see you’re still a red shirt,” she commented.

He laughed. “So I am. Last night I wore the colors of the losing army and now this. If I were appearing on an episode of Star Trek





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