Stallion Magic

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  He’s going beyond the call of duty

  Salt Lake City PD detective Noah Stallion is missing one thing: a soul mate. He doesn’t expect to find her at his fifteenth high school reunion. But reconnecting with Catherine Moore—his childhood crush, and now a beautiful and savvy businesswoman—brings back an onslaught of memories. And brings on a weekend of unending passion when they give in to their sizzling attraction.

  The guy voted Most Likely to Marry a Supermodel awakens a lot more than lust in Catherine, and saying goodbye is the hardest thing she’s ever had to do. Then pleasure and business collide when Noah reenters her life. With an obsessive stalker targeting the high-flying CEO just as she’s preparing to take her aircraft-leasing company public, Catherine is extremely vulnerable. But Noah can’t let the best thing that ever happened to both of them get away—no matter what the risk...

  She shook her head. “You must think I’m a crazy woman,” she said, her voice a loud whisper.

  “No. What I think is that I want to make love to you. And I think you want to make love to me. And if we make love, I think we both know that it’s not going to be a casual encounter that either of us is just going to forget about. So we need to regroup. That’s what I think.”

  His comment struck a nerve, and she nodded. “I should probably warn you that I’ve never done well with relationships,” Catherine said.

  Noah smiled. “Well, there’s a first time for everything.”

  She smiled back. “I really had a great time tonight.”

  “So did I.” He moved to her side and grabbed her hand, entwining their fingers tightly together.

  “Walk me to the door,” he said as he turned in the direction of the exit.

  When they reached the entranceway, Noah turned. His gaze danced over her face before he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek, his lips lingering. His touch ignited a raging flame deep within her.

  He pressed his hand to her cheek, his fingers trailing the line of her profile. She leaned into his palm, closing her eyes as she relished the intensity of his touch. And then he kissed her.

  Dear Reader,

  How exciting is this? More Stallions! Finding that new branch to the Stallion family tree came with some challenges, but I have so much love for this family that it was well worth the effort. And, of course, there could be no Stallion story without that foundation of family, friends and faith.

  Much like his Dallas cousins, Noah Stallion is the consummate big brother. He’s loving, protective and generous. He’s also a stern, no-nonsense taskmaster and he’ll melt your heart. He’s partnered with the indomitable Catherine Moore, a woman who knows what she wants and who won’t let anything keep her from achieving her goals. Together, they are fire and fire, so prepare for some serious heat!

  Stallion Magic embraces some of my favorite things and places, so I hope you’ll enjoy the journey.

  I cannot say thank you enough for your support. I am humbled by all the love you keep showing me, my characters and our stories.

  Until the next time, please take care and may God’s blessings be with you always.

  With much love,

  Deborah Fletcher Mello

  deborahmello.blogspot.com

  Deborah Fletcher Mello has been writing since forever and can’t imagine herself doing anything else. Her first romance novel, Take Me to Heart, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam Emma Award nomination for Best New Author, and in 2009, she won an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for her ninth novel, Tame a Wild Stallion. She continues to create unique story lines and memorable characters with each new book. Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah now considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.

  Books by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  Harlequin Kimani Romance

  In the Light of Love

  Always Means Forever

  To Love a Stallion

  Tame a Wild Stallion

  Lost in a Stallion’s Arms

  Promises to a Stallion

  Seduced by a Stallion

  Forever a Stallion

  Passionate Premiere

  Truly Yours

  Hearts Afire

  Twelve Days of Pleasure

  My Stallion Heart

  Stallion Magic

  Visit the Author Profile page at

  Harlequin.com for more titles.

  To Big Daddy

  For keeping me on track.

  I love you!

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 1

  Noah Stallion adjusted his necktie, taking one last glance at his reflection in the mirror that decorated the men’s restroom. The expensive designer suit he wore fit him well and as he stared at his reflection he couldn’t help but think that despite his initial reservations his investment in the silk garment had been well worth the money.

  He took a deep breath. This would be his third interview with the company who’d actually sought him out. He’d been surprised when the head of their Human Resources department had first called to inquire about his availability. She’d been fully aware of his credentials even though she’d never laid eyes on his résumé.

  Since he had not been in the market for a new job he hadn’t thought twice about hanging up on the woman. But she’d persisted, calling back to convince him to at least meet with their management team to discuss the opportunity. After some serious consideration he’d acquiesced but not before his two sisters had pointed out that blessings didn’t just drop in your lap without a good reason. That first meeting had led to this one, an interview with the company’s chief operating officer, and Noah still wasn’t sure if he was even all that interested in the position.

  As he exited the men’s room and moved back to the front foyer toward the reception desk he just missed colliding with an attractive woman, whose own attention was focused on her iPad. His reflexes were sharp as he grabbed her by the shoulders, preventing what could have been a painful accident. As he steadied himself, and her, she apologized at the same time as he did.

  “Oh, excuse me!”

  “I’m so sorry!”

  Noah smiled brightly. The beautiful woman met the look he was giving her with one of her own. Her brown eyes were wide and darted back and forth across his face as she stared. Her own face was flushed, color warming her dimpled cheeks.

  “Are you okay?” he questioned, concern tinting his tone.

  Her voice was rich, the alto timbre ringing warmly between them. “I’m fine. I should have been paying attention to where I was going. Thank you for catching me,” she said.

  Noah nodded. “I’m glad I could keep both of us from falling,” he said, his smile widening as he held the intense gaze she was giving him.

  She smiled back before breaking eye contact. “You have a good day,” she said as she eased past him and moved down the hallway.

  For a brief moment Noah forgot where he was and why he was there, wanting to continue to stare after her. The woman was stunning. As she sauntered down the hall he couldn’t help but admire the side to side strut of her full hips. The red pantsuit she wore flattered her voluptuous figure. Catching himself, he took a deep breath then quickly turned around, almost missing the look the woman tossed him over her shoulder.

  Noah moved to the reception desk. A young girl with deep blue eyes and a porcelain-white complexion greeted him by name. She then gestured f
or him to take a seat on a blue-and-gray-striped upholstered sofa. He took a step, then hesitated, turning back around.

  “Do you know who that woman was in the red suit? She headed in that direction.” He pointed behind him.

  The girl shook her head. “I’m sorry, Mr. Stallion. I didn’t see anyone, so I’m not sure who you mean.”

  “Oh, well,” Noah said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. He moved to take a seat. As he settled himself comfortably, he took a deep breath, holding it for a brief moment before blowing it past his full lips. Minutes passed as he waited, watching people come and go. A mountain of memories were suddenly spinning through his head, intruding on his thoughts about his interview.

  A lot had happened in the past year since his mother’s passing. Norris Jean Stallion had died in her sleep, quietly slipping away on her own terms. Much like she’d lived her life, there’d been little fanfare, her children not even knowing she’d been ill. With Norris Jean’s death, her youngest child, his sister Natalie, had found her way home for the first time in twelve years, reestablishing contact with her family. And then there’d been the discovery that they had cousins they’d never known about, a branch of Stallions on a family tree thought to have only been a mere limb. Family support suddenly extended beyond their Utah ties and the abundance of it had been phenomenal. Since then he’d married off his sister Natalie and imagined Naomi wouldn’t be too far behind. Now he was being offered an amazing opportunity and a beautiful woman had just crossed his path. Noah couldn’t help but smile, thinking just how good his life was.

  Noah extended his hand in greeting. “Frederick Ross, it’s good to see you again,” he said, a look of surprise washing over his expression.

  Frederick Ross smiled broadly. “Noah Stallion. It’s been a while. We’ve come a long way since our days at Bountiful High School.”

  Both men paused in a quick moment of reflection as Frederick gestured for Noah to take a seat. The former high school athletes were meeting in the boardroom of Fly High Dot Com, a multi-million-dollar aircraft leasing company. The high-end decor was a mix of polished woods and expensive leathers. Framed photographs of the company’s fleet of expensive planes decorated the walls.

  Noah slowly eyed the images one by one. He echoed the sentiment. “I don’t think either of us ever imagined going from that muddy football field at Bountiful to the likes of this.”

  Frederick nodded. “I know I didn’t but I’m glad we’re here. So, what do you know about our company?”

  “I know that Fly High has a worldwide fleet of over one thousand private jets. By far the largest of any other company. You’ve proven yourself to be an industry leader in safety and security. You employ a team of some seven thousand employees. You’re currently the number two private leasing company worldwide and well on your way to taking the top spot because of your exceptional customer service and your fly share programs.

  “Forbes named Fly High one of the top ten fastest growing companies and its owner the most elusive self-made millionaire next to that guy with the bio-tech firm in Georgia. In fact, the press has deemed Cat Moore the hardest interview to nab in history. So what’s he like to work for?”

  A wry smile crossed Frederick’s face. The chief operating officer tilted his head as he met Noah’s questioning stare. “Not at all what you expect. And I’m impressed that you did your homework,” he said.

  Noah nodded. He leaned forward in his seat. “I always come prepared and I know you’ve established an imposing security team. So I’m not sure how I can improve upon that.”

  “I need someone with your skillset to manage that team as well as help us expand as the company continues to grow. Your résumé is impressive. You have a stellar military background and your tenure with the Salt Lake City police department shows that you are more than capable of taking the lead. All you have to do is say yes and the job is yours.”

  The man continued to extol Noah’s virtues and the benefits of working for a private firm as opposed to his current government job. Then he made note of the starting salary and Noah’s eyes widened.

  “We have some negotiating room if you demand more,” Frederick said. “Management is looking to take the company public so we can negotiate stock options and a host of other benefits, including a company car and free air travel. You’ll be based here but we’ll require some of your time in our New York and Atlanta offices, so you’ll have to travel. I really believe you would be a great asset to our organization or I wouldn’t have recommended you.”

  Noah’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “You recommended me? I’m surprised.”

  “Don’t be. I actually ran into one of your brothers and he told me what you did. After a little research I knew you’d be the perfect fit.”

  “I’ll need some time to think about it,” Noah said, his mind beginning to race.

  Frederick nodded. “You’ll receive a formal offer from us in the next forty-eight hours. Then I can give you another seven days to mull it over. But after that I’ll need an answer.”

  “I appreciate that,” Noah responded.

  “So, are you going to the class reunion?” Frederick questioned, changing the subject. He leaned back in his leather executive’s chair, folding his hands together in his lap.

  Noah shrugged, his full lips pulling into a warm smile. “I’ve been thinking about it. It’ll be good to see everybody again.”

  “I was thinking the same thing although I’m not sure that I’ll be in town that weekend. But if I can work it into my schedule, I think I might stop by. It’ll be good to pound fists with the guys again.”

  For a few brief moments the two men walked memory lane, recalling their days together on the football and track teams. Both were laughing heartily when Noah glanced down to his wristwatch.

  “I hate to do this but I need to get back to the station. It was good to see you, Frederick. I appreciate you offering me this opportunity,” Noah said again. “I’ll be in touch.”

  Both men came to their feet and shook hands. “I really hope you’ll come on board,” Frederick reiterated. “I promise that working here will be quite the experience.”

  “You’ll hear from me soon,” Noah promised.

  Walking to the elevator, the old acquaintances were still knee deep in conversation when the door opened on the conveyor. Noah stopped short when he caught sight of the beautiful woman from earlier. Once again she was lost in the digital screen of her electronic device.

  * * *

  Catherine Moore stepped out of the elevator. She came to an abrupt stop as the two men moved in front of her. She took a quick glance one way and then the other before settling her eyes on Noah Stallion’s face. A bright smile widened across her own.

  “Why do you look familiar?” she questioned, eyeing Noah curiously.

  “We did just run into each other. Literally,” he said, amusement crossing over his expression.

  She shook her head, tossing Frederick a brief look. “No, we’ve met before. I’m sure of it.”

  Frederick laughed. “Noah Stallion, allow me to introduce you to Cat Moore, CEO and owner of Fly High Dot Com. Catherine Moore, this is Noah Stallion. You probably remember him from Bountiful High School. We all graduated together.”

  Noah’s eyes widened, surprise registering on his face. “Catherine Moore? Head cheerleader, Catherine Moore?”

  “Now that was a long time ago!” Catherine laughed. She repeated his name once and then a second time, hesitating briefly as she tried to put more familiarity to the face. She finally nodded. “Noah Stallion. Our senior year you played football for the Bountiful Braves, second string quarterback, right? Everyone used to wonder how you made the team.”

  “I was quick and fast on my feet, that’s how I made the team,” Noah said as he shook his head.

  Catherine nodded, the memories coming back to her. “Actually, you were really good. People wondered why you didn’t play before senior year. So, why didn’t you play before then?” she asked
.

  He smiled. “Family obligations.”

  She nodded, studying the look that glistened in his dark eyes. “You were kind of nerdy with glasses back then. And really thin!”

  Noah laughed. “I was not that thin.”

  Her eyes skated the length of his body, and she thought that he’d definitely filled out quite nicely. She bit down against her bottom lip, her eyes glistening as she lifted her gaze back to his. “Didn’t we have a class together?” she asked.

  “We actually had two classes together. Biology and Spanish. You sat two rows behind me in Miss Garcia’s Spanish class.”

  Catherine’s smile widened. “Miss Garcia! I did not like that woman!” she exclaimed.

  Noah chuckled with understanding. “I don’t think many of us did. But that was a long time ago.”

  Catherine extended her hand to shake his. His grip was strong, his palm and fingers warm and soft. His touch was electric, sending a shiver of heat down her spine. She took a deep breath before speaking again.

  “Well, it was nice to see you again, Noah Stallion.”

  “The pleasure was all mine, Catherine,” he answered, his smile warm and endearing.

  Frederick patted him on the back. “We’ll talk soon, Noah,” he said.

  Catherine and Frederick both stood watching as the elevator doors closed on Noah’s exit. She then turned her gaze toward Frederick. “Catching up with your old pals now?”

  “Something like that. He was interviewing for the security position.”

  She nodded, finding that tidbit of information interesting.

  “Are you going to the high school reunion? Noah was just saying that he might go and I was thinking about it.”

  Catherine shrugged her narrow shoulders. “I really hadn’t thought about it. Too much on my mind with the IPO process. Speaking of, how are we doing with all the reports the underwriters need?”

  “Still on schedule.”

  She nodded, then without another word, headed in the opposite direction.

  Behind the closed doors of her office, Catherine moved to the window, hoping for one last glimpse of Noah Stallion as he maneuvered through the parking lot to his car. She caught sight of him just as he reached his vehicle. She stood staring as he removed his suit jacket and laid it on his backseat.

 
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