Stealing Her Best Friend's Heart

by Tara Randel

  “Not everyone,” she said, her voice quiet.

  “You’re right. And yes, I get that now.” He took her hand in his. Rubbed his thumb over her soft palm. How right it felt, sitting with her. There was nowhere else he’d rather be—cold, wet and glad to be alive. “As I was driving through town, I decided to check out the house before I left. Phil had finished up a job and I wanted to make sure he did it correctly.” He stared at the ravaged shell. “For all the good it did.”

  “What were you thinking running into the fire?”

  “It wasn’t out of control when I got here. I thought I could put it out. Save it—” his gaze held hers “—for you.”

  “Oh, Reid.” She reached up and gently stroked his cheek.

  “I know how much this place means to you.”

  “Houses can be rebuilt,” she said, but he didn’t miss the sheen of tears reflected in her eyes.

  He grabbed her other hand and held them both tightly in his. “I promise I’ll build a new home for you.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “I want to.” He squeezed her hands as if to make his point. “This time it’ll be a promise I keep.”

  She slipped one hand from his hold and laid it against his chest. “I understand why you weren’t at the community center.”

  “But what if I hadn’t stopped by the house? What if I’d just left?” He still couldn’t believe he’d nearly walked away from Heidi. “I won’t do that to you. Ever. I promise.”

  She glanced at him. “I believe you. I’ve always believed in you.”

  His heart swelled. He could look to all the times they’d shared together, as kids and now as adults, and hear the truth in her words.

  “When I saw the flames, I was at a crossroads,” he continued. “I could either drive away or save the house.” He rested his forehead against hers. “It was easy. I chose you.”

  A sniffle was her only response.

  “We can make this work,” he vowed. “But only if you want to.”

  She shifted, making space between them. “What about the family business? It’s been such an integral part of your life.”

  She didn’t say, more than me, but he heard the silent accusation nonetheless.

  “You are everything to me, Heidi. It took us both a ridiculously long time to figure that out. While I wouldn’t trade our friendship for anything in the world, I love you with all my heart.” He cupped her face in his hands and gently brushed his lips over hers. He heard her sigh and deepened the kiss. When he finally broke away, he saw the moonlight shimmering in her eyes. “All I want is you.” His voice caught. “If you’ll have me.”

  * * *

  A SOB ESCAPED Heidi’s throat.

  It was all too much—the fire, worrying over Reid and now, hearing his commitment. This was exactly what she’d wanted, so why was she crying?

  “Heidi? You’re scaring me.”

  She swallowed her tears and brushed the moisture from her cheeks. “Sorry. This night...it’s been a lot.”

  He dipped his head so he could catch her gaze. “So, you aren’t horrified that I love you?”

  She choked out a laugh. “Is that what that declaration was?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you should know I love you too.” She tilted her head as the truth sank in. “I think I always have.”

  Relief washed over Reid’s face. “Funny how we nearly let something like friendship get in the way of being in love.”

  Her throat went tight at the intensity of the moment. “I was so afraid I’d ruined things between us once I realized I was falling for you. Once I accepted the truth, I was a goner.” Her lips quirked up in the corners. “I mean, c’mon, who falls in love with their best friend?”

  “Us, apparently.”

  Her heart soared. How this man got to her. He always had. “I suppose you were right. All the signs were there. We were too caught up in our own past to see a future together.”

  “I’m glad we finally came to our senses.”

  Reid managed a soft laugh and wrapped an arm around her, hugging her tight. She rested her head on his shoulder, more at home in his arms than any place she’d ever lived in her life. “This is home,” she whispered.

  “Not much of one.” Regret laced his voice. “I wish I could have done more.”

  Her head popped up. “Are you kidding? You allowed me to talk my way into your remodel. Gave me hope that I would finally get the security I so desperately wanted.” She looked him straight in the eye as she voiced the sentiment in her heart. “The house was a symbol of what I thought I needed. Turns out, my dream was really to experience true love. And you gave that to me.”

  His smile lit up his face. “Guess I did.”

  “The fire didn’t destroy my dreams, Reid. You are more important to me than any four walls. Being in your arms is home for me.”

  He kissed her again, the stars shining down on them as they started a new chapter of their lives.

  “If you don’t mind taking me to Masterson House, we can use the bathrooms there to clean up, then maybe share a slice of Alveda’s pie.”

  “She’d love that.” Heidi bumped his shoulder with hers. “I’d love that too.”

  Despite all the turmoil of the night, Heidi had never been happier.

  “You know,” she said. “It looks like your grandmother got her way after all.”

  “True. For all her meddling, she was right about one thing.”

  “Just one?”

  Reid chuckled. “She knew the right woman was out there for me. I just had to open my eyes.”

  As they strode hand in hand to her car, Reid said, “So, how about a new proposal? One that includes a new house where you can have lots of input—”

  “Like there was ever any doubt.”

  “—and it’ll be a joint project. Seems like we make a good team.”

  She leaned over to give him a quick kiss. “So, we’ll be working together a lot more closely in the future?”

  His captivating smile thrilled her to her toes. “Sounds like the deal of a lifetime.”

  * * *

  THE MEMBERS OF the Golden Matchmakers Club sat in the formal living room at Masterson House, Gayle Ann presiding over the meeting.

  Alveda fussed over the members, making sure they had hot coffee and a slice of her peach pie. The judge sat nearby, his gaze occasionally meeting hers with an intensity that made Gayle Ann self-conscious, an unusual reaction for her. Bunny Wright and Wanda Sue Harper sat on the couch, their heads together as they spoke in low tones. What were they up to?

  It had been two weeks since the fire. Reid had recovered from the smoke inhalation. But then, why wouldn’t he with Heidi taking such good care of him? The two never seemed happier and it was all Gayle Ann could do not to pat herself on the back for a job well done. She’d known deep inside that those two were meant to be together. It had taken the couple long enough to discover the truth for themselves, but it had been worth every minute to watch them fall in love.

  The judge interrupted her happy thoughts.

  “I heard through the grapevine that the fire inspector completed his report.”

  “The conclusion?”

  “Spontaneous combustion from the stain and oily rags not being disposed of properly. Apparently, Phil didn’t separate the materials enough when he was finished staining and the chemicals reacted. It was an accident.”

  Gayle Ann shivered. “Thank goodness it wasn’t any worse.”

  The judge raised one eyebrow. “The house was destroyed.”

  “Yes, but no one was hurt or worse, and the event brought Reid and Heidi together for good.”

  “There is that.” The judge chuckled and sipped his coffee.

  Footsteps echoed in the foyer. Bonnie and Arthur stopped at the entryway, viewing
the guests.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” Bonnie said. “We wanted to let you know that we’re leaving for the airport.”

  Gayle Ann smiled at her daughter-in-law. “You two have a good time.”

  Arthur came to her chair, bending over to brush a kiss over Gayle Ann’s cheek. “This time, we won’t come home until we’ve made some decisions,” he promised.

  They said their goodbyes, leaving the group alone again.

  “How is Arthur doing after the dustup?” Bunny asked.

  “Reid getting caught in that fire scared him,” Gayle Ann replied.

  Arthur had been inconsolable for days. It wasn’t until Reid sat down with him for a frank discussion that Arthur finally broke down and saw the error of his ways.

  “Nearly losing Reid caused him to take a good long look at their relationship. I’m pleased to say he finally has his priorities in place. His sons over the business.”

  “Who’s holding down the fort while Arthur and Bonnie are gone?” Wanda Sue asked.

  “Reid has agreed to oversee things on a limited basis. He still hasn’t decided if he’ll stay at Masterson Enterprises full-time. I can’t say I blame him.” Gayle Ann smiled. “But I know my grandson will figure it all out, especially with Heidi by his side.”

  “Heard he’s got a side deal going on to develop that new vacation resort up the mountain.”

  Gayle Ann shot the judge a curious look. “You hear a lot of things.”

  He shrugged. “Someone has to keep their finger on the pulse of this town.”

  “Which is why you’re a welcome addition to this group,” she teased.

  Again, he sent her a measured stare. What was going on with him?

  “Reid is already drawing up plans for that special acre of property he bought,” Alveda informed them. “It’s a beautiful spot, nestled in the woods with a view of Golden Lake.” A satisfied glint lit her eyes. “My girl Heidi has already laid out the house plans just as she wants them. She’s picked out paint chips, tile, countertops, you name it. There’s no way Reid will get a say.”

  “That’s because she has good taste,” Gayle Ann countered.

  “More like the boy is crazy for her.”

  “That works too,” Wanda Sue said with a chuckle.

  “Perhaps once the house is finished,” Bunny said, “there’ll be another wedding on the heels of Logan and Serena’s big day.”

  “I should certainly hope so after all the hard work we did.” Gayle Ann grinned. “I’ve already picked out a dress for that ceremony.”

  Alveda rolled her eyes. “Rushing things?”

  “No. Just congratulating myself on a match well done.”

  Alveda snorted.

  “Not without your help,” Gayle Ann conceded.

  The judge coughed.

  Gayle Ann reached over to pat his arm. “And yours too, Harry.”

  He nodded with satisfaction.

  The others in the group laughed.

  “So, any further comments on our first successful matchup?” Gayle Ann asked the group as she steered them back to the task. “There should be no doubt going forward that we are quite capable of leading our young ones down the path to love.”

  “I’ll be honest,” Bunny said after finishing off her piece of pie. “I had my doubts. But you managed to pull it off.”

  “Quite effectively,” Wanda Sue added.

  “We discussed it,” Bunny continued as Wanda Sue nodded. “We’re in.”

  “Excellent.” Gayle Ann couldn’t have been more pleased. “So, ideas for a new couple who needs our unique services?”

  Wanda Sue glanced at Bunny. When the other woman winked, Wanda Sue scooted to the end of her seat. “Let me tell you what’s going on with my daughter, Faith.”

  * * *

  For more romances set in charming Golden, Georgia, from Tara Randel and Harlequin Heartwarming, visit www.Harlequin.com today!

  Keep reading for an excerpt from A Cowboy’s Homecoming by Leigh Riker.

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  A Cowboy’s Homecoming

  by Leigh Riker

  CHAPTER ONE

  “I missed my own sister’s wedding.”

  Scolding himself, Noah Bodine wheeled his roll-on suitcase down the Jetway into the terminal at Kansas City International Airport. Normally, he wasn’t one to engage in conversation at any stage of a trip, which provided a rare opportunity to decompress while in limbo, but he’d clearly been muttering on the plane, and the woman next to him had leaned closer to ask, “Did I hear you right?” So, out of politeness, he’d answered. Also, because she’d looked panic stricken during what had proved to be a rough flight.

  After that, his seatmate hadn’t said another word, even as the weather continued to deteriorate en route. But then, his explanation hadn’t been pretty, or excusable. Instead of being there on Willow’s special day to walk her down the aisle, Noah had left their middle brother to do the honors alone—on Christmas, no less. Who, other than Noah, could overlook something like that? What was he going to say to her?

  Little more than a week after the wedding, here he was, headed home on a Saturday, the only open slot in his January schedule, determined to apologize to his whole family.

  No matter how guilty he felt, he dreaded this brief weekend homecoming, especially with his brother, who wasn’t the forgiving type.

  Noah breezed through the terminal and out to the shuttle that served the car-rental agencies, suddenly wishing he’d stayed in his fifty-first-floor office overlooking Central Park. Or taken the company Gulfstream so he wouldn’t have needed to make idle conversation with a stranger, but the optics of using the plane for personal business weren’t any better than missing Willow’s big day. Besides, his VP of Marketing for J&B Cybersecurity had flown to London last night on their jet, getting a head start on the new year and the already-troubled branch office they were opening there.

  Yeah, in some circles Noah was a big deal these days, but not on the WB Ranch near Barren, Kansas, where he’d grown up. Surrounded by tough men like his dad—king of the hill there, and one reason why Noah wasn’t running the spread that would have been his birthright. As the eldest son, he’d chosen the skyscrapers of New York and the career he really wanted instead. Now a driven CEO if there’d ever been one, Noah also wanted two other things—to become even more successful and, although he had a current girlfriend, to avoid any deeper romantic entanglement. He’d been in love once.

  On the shuttle bus, he kept his eyes on his cell phone screen, scrolling for urgent messages. With his preferred status regarding the car, he wouldn’t have to wait in line. He would be on his way in minutes. Thankful for the valuable time this saved him on such a short trip, he hoped to get on the road before the weather really closed in. It was getting bad outside the bus windows, the snow coming down in large white flakes.

  At the car-rental agency, he was passing the busy counter, headed straight for the parking lot, when he did a double take and his heart picked up speed. As if he’d conjured her up, Noah looked closer at the slender, dark-haired woman standing at the head of the line, having an intense conversation with the agent. It was Kate Lancaster, all right.

  Of course, his chances of running into her closer to home were good—her ranch was next to the WB—but right here in the airport? He didn’t think she even traveled. Then Noah stopped thinking and came to a dead stop. He probably should have just kept walking, but he didn’t.

  “But you don’t understand,” Kate said again. “I need to get home.”

  Her voice had wobbled as she begged the agent at the counter. Always a
poor traveler, she preferred staying home these days—to the point of being labeled neurotic by some—and now, after that harrowing flight from LaGuardia, her trip had gotten much worse. So had the weather. If only she hadn’t gone to her college roommate’s wedding in New York. Hadn’t abandoned her four-year-old son for a few days. Kate had felt guilty the entire time.

  The huge city itself had been enough to make her pulse pound. So many people, so much noise when Kate craved the relative peace and quiet of Sweetheart Ranch. Her very own plot of paradise, an hour and a half’s drive at most from the spot where she was standing now.

  The harried agent didn’t look that sympathetic, but he said, “Sorry, miss. An hour ago, we had plenty of cars available, but this storm hit earlier than expected. Now everything we had is already on the road. I’m flat out of inventory.”

  Kate took another deep breath. She’d managed not to truly freak out in midair by envisioning home, counting the hours until she would be there again. The turbulence on the plane had never let up, the bar carts in the galley rattling with every pitch and roll of the airliner, and when they’d—finally!—descended through the heavy clouds that had turned from silver to lead to nearly black as the plane reached the Midwest and met the fast-moving storm, she’d prayed for a safe landing not to leave her little boy alone in the world. As they’d taxied to the terminal, Kate had watched the snow that began to fall, thick and heavy, from her window seat in coach. She gave thanks to be on firm ground again.

  Through the glass sliding doors to the street now, she could see the snow-covered pavement. No wonder one of the ranch hands hadn’t shown up to meet her in baggage claim, but Kate had hoped to be able to tuck Teddie in tonight, to reassure him that she wouldn’t leave again—as he assumed his daddy had left him. Rob’s loss still seemed like yesterday to Kate as well. On their own, she and Teddie hadn’t been the same in the past year. How could they be? Widowed now, a single mom, her boy without his father...oh, and she couldn’t forget their financial situation, which on a ranch could be like feast or famine. Kate struggled against fresh panic as the overhead lights flickered. Great, a power outage would send her raw nerves over the edge for sure.