Five-Star Cowboy

by Charlene Sands

  “And was I part of that deal?”

  Trent walked around his desk and then leaned against it, bracing his hands along the edge. “Close the door, Julia.”

  She turned to slam the door then faced him again, folding her arms across her middle, too furious to move. She stood there, waiting, irked by his nonchalant posture.

  “Well?”

  “Were you part of the deal?” He took a minute to answer, his mouth tight, his eyes cold. “Yeah. I wanted you to work for me.”

  “So you sabotaged me!” She blew up, her fury unrestrained now. “Do you know how hard I worked on that Bridges account? Do you have any idea what landing that account would have meant to me?”

  “I’m paying you a very generous salary,” Trent said. “Nothing I did was illegal. The people at Bridges wanted this deal with Tempest. They’ve been pursuing us for years.”

  “What deal?” she asked, her fury mounting. He hadn’t even tried to deny any of it.

  “They’ll be putting their restaurants in our hotels in strategic cities across the country. We’ve been in private negotiations for some time now. I simply made that happen sooner than expected. Everyone stands to win.”

  “Except me!”

  “That’s a matter of opinion.”

  “Ha! You lied to me over and over again, Trent! You’ve nearly destroyed my reputation making me lose that account. I took this job on the rebound. We both know that. Tempest West is one hotel. If you call that winning then I’d rather be a loser and sign a contract with an entire restaurant chain.”

  Trent pushed away from the desk. “Now you have a binding contract with me.”

  Julia’s blood boiled. “A binding contract? You tricked me into this. I can’t believe you plan to hold me to that contract!”

  Trent let go a deep sigh. “It’s not the end of the world. I’m a businessman. I saw an opportunity and took it. We’d been leaning toward Bridges anyway. Eventually we would have made the deal with them.”

  Julia shook her head. “I don’t believe you.”

  “Believe it,” he said firmly, his lips thinning. “It’s the truth.”

  “No, the truth is, you’re ruthless and coldhearted! You used me to get what you wanted. We had a great time together after your brother’s wedding and when you left L.A., I never heard from you again until Tempest West got in trouble. Then out of the blue, you’re knocking on my door, bringing me orchid bouquets, wining and dining me, seducing me. That’s as low as it gets. I’m a bright girl but even I hadn’t seen that coming. You’re a first-class bastard, Trent Tyler.”

  Trent flinched and his nostrils flared. “Simmer down, Julia.”

  “I don’t think so. I’m at my boiling point now. You’ve hurt me, Trent.” Not only had he almost destroyed her professional life, he’d wounded her personally. She’d confided in him and he’d used that knowledge to injure her. When would she learn not to get involved with men she worked with? “You’re not denying any of it?”

  Trent blew out a breath. “No. It was a sound business arrangement.”

  She tossed her head back and laughed at the absurdity. “And I thought you were different. The cowboy with the slow hands and soft touch is nothing more than a corporate con artist. What a fool I’ve been!”

  He’d damaged her reputation, her ego and her heart. She’d never give him the satisfaction of knowing she’d almost fallen in love with him. She’d never trust him again.

  Trent took a few steps her way.

  “Stop!” She put up her hand and stood her ground. “Don’t, Trent. You’re not going to charm your way out of this one.”

  He halted his approach, his lips tight, his jaw twitching. “You agreed to the terms and signed the contract.”

  “That’s all that you care about, isn’t it?” She spit out the words. “Doesn’t matter that I signed under false pretenses.”

  “There’s nothing false in that contract. I didn’t force you to sign on the dotted line. Your job is to promote and market Tempest West and keep us in the black this year.”

  Julia lifted her chin. “Yeah, well…I’m not sure I’m willing to do that anymore.”

  “Darlin’, the contract is airtight. You’ve got no choice.” Trent cast her a smile that ordinarily would have her melting in his arms.

  “I could fight you on this.”

  “You’d lose. It would become public knowledge that you abandoned your contract when the chips were down. No one forced you to sign on with Tempest West. My deal with Bridges was legitimate and there isn’t one person there who wouldn’t agree.” He sat at his desk and leaned back in his chair. “Unless you want your reputation ruined, you’re staying.”

  Four

  B lackmail. Deception. Seduction.

  As the sun set on the horizon, Julia sank into the sofa in her suite and sipped on Merlot, her nerves shot, her body quaking. She thought about Trent and the lengths he’d gone to, to secure her skills for Tempest West.

  His lies and manipulations made her feel a fool, but nothing hurt her more than the way she’d succumbed to his charm. She’d been putty in his hands. He’d shown up on her doorstep a few weeks ago and all of her business sense had vanished. She’d been mesmerized and satisfied by a great lover. He’d blinded her to the truth. Maybe if she hadn’t been so vulnerable when he’d shown up, she might have figured it all out.

  Or at least been suspicious.

  But the tall, gorgeous, seemingly earnest Texan had her fooled.

  He was right about one thing though. As much as she may want to, she couldn’t abandon her position here. She needed a solid account for her resume. She’d lost the Bridges Restaurant deal and had no further prospects at the moment. She’d have to stay and make this work. She wasn’t a quitter, no matter the circumstances.

  She was professional and she’d signed a contract. Then there was Evan and Laney to think about. They were her friends. She wouldn’t want to cause a rift in their friendship by accusing Trent and causing trouble at Tempest West.

  Her answer was simple—do her job and steer clear of Trent at all costs. Sabotage flitted across her mind for a second, but Julia wasn’t built that way. Once she’d made up her mind to stay on, she’d do nothing but her best. Her career and reputation were on the line, just as much as Trent’s.

  An hour later, once she could formulate rational thoughts, she picked up her cell phone and auto-dialed Laney’s number. They’d known each other since grammar school back in Los Angeles, and nothing cheered her up more than speaking with her best friend.

  When Laney answered, Julia calmed just hearing her voice. “Mrs. Tyler? You’re the winner of a brand-new bouncing baby boy! Your prize will be awarded in exactly three months.”

  On the other end, Laney’s bright laughter settled Julia’s heartbreak a little. “Hi, Julia. I think I’ll take my winnings now. Can you manage that?”

  “Oh, I wish I could. Having a bad day?”

  “Not really. Just the usual. I’m a little tired tonight and Evan’s doting on me like a mother hen.”

  “How nice of him.” It was too bad that nice trait didn’t run in the family.

  “Hmm. I suppose,” Laney said. “True, my tummy’s getting as big as a beach ball, but I’m not an invalid. I read somewhere that it’s the first-time father syndrome. I’m not used to Evan, hovering. His eyes bug out when he feels the baby moving in my stomach.”

  “I wish I was there to see it.”

  “To see Evan’s eyes bugging out, or my stomach growing?” Laney asked.

  “Both. I miss you, Laney. I miss L.A.”

  “Oh, Julia. I thought you were thrilled to be working at Tempest West. And, well, after what you told me about Trent and you, I thought you and he, might have…”

  “We have a working relationship, Laney.” Julia wasn’t ready to tell her friend how she’d been manipulated. She wasn’t sure she’d ever tell her. Evan and Trent were close and Laney didn’t need any awkwardness in her life right now. She’d ju
st recently recovered from months of morning sickness. She didn’t want to dampen her spirits in any way. Julia was resigned to deal with Trent on her own—she’d complete her six-month contract then dash out of town, leaving the hotel and Trent Tyler in the red Arizona dust. “I do love the challenge of working here. It’s…a beautiful location.” That much was true, but Trent had ruined her excitement about coming to live here temporarily.

  Now, it was just another business arrangement.

  There was a slight pause on the opposite end of the phone. Julia hadn’t confessed to Laney about her brief whirlwind affair with Trent right after their wedding months ago, but she had confided to her about how Trent had swept her off her feet a few weeks ago, coming to her rescue with this job offer.

  Laney had always been perceptive when it came to matters of the heart. “Why don’t I believe you?”

  “It is beautiful here,” she repeated, skirting the real issue. “But we need to get down to business. I’m throwing you a baby shower in six weeks remember? Can you e-mail me your guest list, hon? I’ve rented out a room at Maggiano’s,” she fibbed. “And I’ve arranged to be back in town for the entire weekend.”

  “Yum, Maggiano’s. I’ll eat Italian for two! I’ll get that list to you today, Julia. This is very sweet of you. I know how busy you are.”

  “I’m looking forward to it, Laney. I want my future nephew to have lots of great gifts when he arrives.”

  “It’s so exciting. I know I’ve got several more months, but I can’t wait.”

  They ended the conversation on a happy note and Julia poured herself another glass of wine. When a knock sounded at her door, she walked over and opened it.

  Trent stood on the threshold, his gaze touching hers.

  “Checking on your investment?” she asked, leaning on the doorjamb, sipping Merlot.

  “Something like that. You didn’t return to work today.”

  “I took the afternoon off,” she said coolly. What could he do, fire her? “Don’t worry. I’ll be up at the crack of dawn, plugging away to make all your dreams come true.”

  Holding his impatience at bay, the tall, dark-haired Texan filled the doorway and took a sharp breath. She wished she was immune to him, but with her emotions so tangled, one touch from him could make her crumble. At the moment she hated him, vowing she’d never let him get close enough to touch her ever again.

  “Maybe I was worried about you,” he said.

  “Maybe snow will fall on the Arizona desert.”

  He let go an aggravated sigh. That tic worked his jawline again. “You know,” he began, “it doesn’t have to be this way.”

  “Oh, I think it does,” Julia said, refusing to give him an inch. “In fact, it’s the only way it can be between us now.” Trent deserved every bit of her disdain.

  “Okay, fine, Julia. Be in my office first thing in the morning. We have plans to discuss.”

  He turned and walked away before she could slam the door in his face.

  Tomorrow, she’d have to discuss Laney’s surprise baby shower with him. They’d have to work side by side, fixing the problems at Tempest West.

  But tonight, she could simply fall into bed and forget she’d ever met Trent Tyler.

  Trent hadn’t met a woman he’d wanted more than Julia Lowell—any other female would surely pale in comparison. She sat across his desk with her head down, diligently laying out her plans to improve the status of Tempest West. He noted the dark curling lashes touching her eyelids, a soft full mouth grazed with cherry lip gloss and a slender kissable throat. Her long hair caressed her shoulders and touched the scooped-out neckline of her red business suit.

  She wore that color like no other, and those sandals…? She’d worn them deliberately to torment him.

  She hadn’t walked into his office this morning with a sourpuss, feeling sorry for herself. She’d come in holding her chin high, her eyes filled with determination. She’d kicked herself into business mode, giving Trent time to admire her gumption and her beauty.

  “These are my preliminary plans. What do you think of them?” she asked, point-blank, and making eye contact.

  Trent nodded. “I think you’ve got a handle of what needs changing around here.”

  “Tempest West is special. It’s not just a resort—those are a dime a dozen. We need to give our clientele an unforgettable experience. Something they can’t get anywhere else. It’s going to be exclusive, by invitation only, in the beginning. That’s a risk, Trent. Are you willing to take it?”

  Julia had smarts. Trent recognized that in her, even as he’d covered his body over hers and made her moan his name the first time they’d been together. Yet, she could very well be setting his hotel up to fail.

  He’d put all of his trust in her when she’d first arrived. But now that she knew the truth about his hiring her, would she still give him one-hundred-percent loyalty and dedication?

  He narrowed his eyes. “Is this the same plan you’d been working up before our conversation yesterday?”

  Julia took no offense at his question. She straightened in her seat and cast him a thin-lipped smile. “We had great sex, Trent. You used me professionally. I’m furious with you, but I’d never compromise my principles. I believe in fair work ethics. So, if you’re asking if I’d throw you to the dogs out of spite? The answer is no. This is the same plan I had formulating in my head since I arrived here.”

  “I had to ask.”

  “Granted. Now, what do you think about my ideas?”

  Trent scrubbed his jaw, the day-old stubble grating against his fingers. His mind shifted to a few days ago, when Julia had straddled his lap, shaving him with smooth careful strokes until he couldn’t take it another second. He’d tossed her onto the bathroom counter, wrapped her legs around his waist and drove his body deep into her soft folds, the shave long forgotten.

  He let go a sigh. “I’m willing to take the risk. It’s a great idea.”

  This time Julia smiled wide, her eyes bright. “I’ll get working on the new marketing slogan for the hotel. We need something catchy that will go hand in hand with the theme of Tempest West. It’s going to take some thinking.”

  “Let me know what you need from me.”

  Julia glanced at his mouth. A flicker. A quick look that had Trent wondering how long she’d stay angry with him and deny them both those long, hot, sexy nights in bed.

  “I work best alone, Trent. When I have something, I’ll bring it to you for your approval.”

  He nodded, his eyes dipping down to the collar that sat low on her chest, teasing him with a hint of cleavage.

  “Fair enough.”

  They stared at each other for a long moment.

  Then Julia commented, “You’re not going to apologize for what you did to me, are you?”

  He might, if he thought she’d land in his bed tonight. “No.”

  She nodded with resignation, only the slightest tremble of her lips giving away her contempt. “We need to talk about Laney and Evan’s baby shower. Laney thinks I’m giving it in six weeks.”

  Trent looked at his appointment book. “I’ve got appointments the rest of the day. Meet me for dinner tonight and we’ll discuss it.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t. Fit me in sometime else.”

  “You can’t or won’t?” he asked.

  “Won’t.” Her delicate chin lifted. “Besides, I have plans for the evening.”

  Trent slammed his appointment book closed.

  “I’m not available to you after working hours.” She smiled. “Keep that in mind from now on.”

  Trent got her message loud and clear. There was a funny thing about claims like that. Once issued, Trent would do everything in his power to change the fact.

  She gathered up her papers and set them in a manila folder then rose. She was halfway to the door when she turned. “Tell me, Trent? Is there a sign painted on me somewhere that says, ‘Take advantage of me’?”

  Trent rose and walked arou
nd his desk, holding her gaze. “All I see is a gorgeous, sexy woman with brains and talent, darlin’.”

  Julia put her head down before meeting his eyes again. “I’m afraid it’s too late for charm, Trent.”

  She walked out of his office, leaving him to wonder what kind of plans she had tonight.

  And with whom?

  Julia sat atop a sturdy bay mare that Pete assured her was the gentlest horse in their string. He rode beside her as they made their way out of the stables heading west to the far edge of Crimson Canyon.

  “There are some places so beautiful out here that the paying guests never get a chance to see,” he said.

  “That’s what Tre—uh, Mr. Tyler told me. Why do you suppose that is?” Julia asked. Saddle leather squeaked and stretched as Julia adjusted her rear end in her seat.

  Pete shrugged. “It’s remote. Some areas are more dangerous than others. When we take them on a guided tour, we stay on certain tried-and-true paths for safety’s sake.”

  “That doesn’t sound like Trent Tyler. He wants everyone who comes here to experience the land.”

  “It wasn’t his idea. We had an incident here when the hotel just opened.” Pete shook his head. “Some folk think they’ve got riding skills they don’t. One man thought he could climb up a ways on Shadow Ridge. He wanted a bird’s-eye view of the canyon. He pushed his horse and made it partway up, when a big old red-winged hawk swooped down and spooked his mount. The guest was thrown from his horse. His pride was injured more than anything, yet he blamed the management for not putting up warning signs. He threatened to sue for our neglect. Mr. Tyler calmed him down and talked him out of suing. Since then, we give guided tours only and stick to these paths.”

  “What a shame,” Julia said, looking in awe at Shadow Ridge, the steep awe-inspiring crest of Crimson Canyon.

  “Prettiest land you’d ever want to see.”

  “It must be something because I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than what I’m seeing out there now.”

  “Take my word on it.”

  “I’d like to see it.” Julia smiled at Pete. “Take me there.”