A Taste of Romance: Four Original Harlequin Novellas: The Reaper's HeartThe Good GirlAny Man of MineSecret Agent Seduction

by Michele Hauf

  Haley bit her bottom lip. At first he thought she was going to cry, but then he saw that she was trying to hold back a smile. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better. How could you possibly know?”

  “You ever have a dog?”

  “A cocker spaniel. A long time ago.”

  “You mean to tell me you didn’t know when that hound was up to no good or was nosing around for some extra attention?”

  She grinned. “Always.”

  “It’s no different with horses. Once you get to know ‘em, you can tell when they’re mad or scared or plain bored. But this here, ears forward, blowing her breath at you, that’s not unique behavior. Those are things most horses do when they want to be friends. Go ahead, pet her neck if you want.”

  “Really?”

  He almost withdrew the offer when Haley took her hand from his. Why couldn’t she use her free hand to pet Gypsy?

  “Oh.” She gasped at the blast of warm breath the mare blew in her face. Laughing, she stumbled back and wrapped her fingers around his forearm.

  Josh understood horses a whole lot better than he did women, but he knew Haley had just made it clear she liked him. Maybe even trusted him. “Can you keep a secret?” he asked, moving his mouth close to her ear and inhaling her sweet feminine scent. After her nod, he said, “Horses don’t give a hoot about perfume. Gypsy can’t stand the sight of that Courtney woman.”

  Chapter Three

  Haley let out a loud laugh that embarrassed her. She clamped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. Her feelings toward Courtney were certainly no mystery at this point. Despite the fact that the wicked witch of San Diego deserved more than a snicker behind her back, Haley had been raised better.

  She cleared her throat, realized that she was hanging on to Josh’s arm and promptly released him. “Why did you tell her it was her perfume?”

  “I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.” He shrugged, his hazel eyes lit with a hint of mischief. “Gypsy isn’t too fond of her voice, either.”

  “Now you’re making stuff up.”

  “No, ma’am. Horses are sensitive and smart. They can take a person’s measure faster than we can. And in my experience, they’re rarely wrong.”

  Their gazes met and held. She knew exactly what he was doing, and she appreciated it more than she could express. She turned back to the mare, though she would’ve rather stared at Josh. He had a very masculine and symmetrical face that had appealed to the artist in her the first moment she saw him. Nice body, too. Broad shouldered, slim hipped.

  She stroked the side of Gypsy’s neck, delighted that the horse seemed to really like the attention. “Do you know what kind of flights they have out of Kalispell? Or anywhere else that’s close?”

  “Why?” His sharp tone startled her. “You have three more days here.”

  How did he know? Even she had to stop and think about how much vacation she had left. He was right, though. She hoped he couldn’t see how thrilled she was that he’d kept track.

  “Don’t get me wrong...I love it here,” she said. “Montana is beautiful.”

  “But?”

  Haley sighed. “Before I booked the trip I read a bunch of reviews for the Sundance. Everyone raved about it, even the women who came alone.” She hesitated, unsure why she was telling him so much. “I thought I’d fit in better.”

  “If you don’t mind me saying so...” He paused until she looked at him, then gave her a slow teasing smile that no man had ever given her before. “I’m glad you don’t.”

  “Oh.” She didn’t know how to respond.

  “What I’m trying to say is that you’re not like the others, and in my opinion, that’s good.” Looking as if he regretted his words, he fiddled with his hat, pressing the rim between his thumb and forefinger, and moving backward. “Guess I should get back to work.”

  “No.” She took a quick breath. “I mean, I understand you have work to do, but...oh...” She was doing it again, jumping in before thinking. On the verge of saying something that could be misconstrued. It was a bad habit that pushed people away. And now Josh was looking at her, waiting, and she would end up blowing this, too. “Thank you,” she said simply.

  He studied her for a moment, and she could see in his expression that he knew there was more. “I hope you don’t leave. Ignore those women...don’t let them cheat you out of anything.”

  Haley got that he meant to comfort her, but it was embarrassing that he knew she’d been an idiot, and for nothing, because they’d shunned her anyway. Just as her coworkers did. Manhattan was almost three thousand miles away but still the same story. She’d never belonged among the ambitious sophisticated women in her office. Their clothes, makeup, social life, everything seemed effortless for them. Sometimes it felt as if everyone in the world knew the secret to living but her.

  She smiled at Josh, wishing she had the guts to ask if she’d see more of him if she stuck it out. “I did bring my sketchbook, and the scenery is awesome.”

  The tension seemed to leave his shoulders. It was tempting to believe it was because he really did want her to stay, but that was just magical thinking.

  “I saw your sketch of the McAllisters’ house against the Rockies,” he said. “You’re good. Better than good. It was amazing.”

  “You saw... How?” Now she was confused. Stunned, actually. He couldn’t have seen the sketch, and yet, obviously he had. “When?”

  He shoved a hand through his curly brown hair, shifting his gaze very quickly to Gypsy. “Yesterday... On the porch. You’d set your pad down while you poured yourself some lemonade.”

  “Oh. Right.” Why didn’t she remember seeing him? She’d probably been too busy trying to get an invite to town from Courtney and Linda. God, no more. She was done trying to curry favor.

  “You must be a professional artist.”

  “I used to think so.” She shrugged. “I have an art degree from Pratt Institute.”

  “So what, you have gallery showings around the country or only in New York?”

  Haley laughed. “Nothing so glamorous. I’m a graphic designer for an advertising agency, meaning I draw a lot of boring interiors for print ads.”

  “Isn’t that a waste of your talent?” His earnest frown melted her.

  “That is so sweet I could kiss you.”

  She froze when she realized what she’d said. She hoped he knew not to take it literally. Although... Her gaze touched on his well-shaped lips, the slight trace of stubble on his dimpled chin and strong jaw. She wouldn’t mind if he made a move. Left to her, nothing would happen. She couldn’t take any more rejection.

  Gypsy whinnied and butted her head against Haley’s idle hand.

  She jerked, the realization of how long she’d been staring at Josh registering in small mortifying degrees. He seemed unfazed, and in fact, stared right back at her with a yearning in his eyes that was both exhilarating and terrifying. She shifted her attention back to the mare, but it was too late, he’d gotten to her. Heat rose from her belly to her chest and neck.

  “Later, for your ride, you should take Gypsy.” He moved closer to stroke the horse’s neck, his large tanned hand inches from Haley’s. “Though you’ll want to stay clear of Courtney.”

  “Oh, no, I doubt I’ll—” She saw the twitch at the corner of his mouth, the laugh lines fanning out from his eyes, and she grinned. “You’re awful. Though maybe it would be worth going.”

  His fingers brushed her skin. “But if you don’t and you’re free—”

  “Hey, Josh! Where are you, son?” Trace McAllister entered the stables but stopped when he saw them. “Oh, hey. Sorry.”

  “No problem. What do you need?” Josh gave her a nod and left to catch up with Trace.

  Chapter Four

  “What are you doing following me?” Trace scowled at Josh. “Get back in there. Seemed like you were doing okay.”

  “You must’ve needed me for something.” He shouldn’t be irritated. The truth was, Josh had
no business flirting with a guest and should’ve been grateful that he’d been saved from making an ass out of himself. But he wasn’t there yet. He could still smell the floral scent of Haley’s hair and feel the softness and heat of her skin on his fingertips, and gratitude was just plain out of his reach.

  “Are you out of your mind?” Halfway to the barn, Trace planted his boots in the gravel and faced Josh. “You’ve been eyeing that woman for three days now. You finally strike up a conversation with her, and then what do you do?” Squinting at him, Trace used the back of his arm to wipe the sweat from his brow. “There is something seriously wrong with you, son.”

  Josh was twenty-six, only a year younger than Trace, who knew how much Josh hated being called son. “Don’t tell me you’ve been working hard enough to break a sweat.”

  “Nice try.” Trace snorted. “We’re staying on topic.”

  “Stay wherever the hell you want.” Josh remembered his hat, stuck it on his head and set off toward the bunkhouse. If the chicken-fried steak was gone, he’d be pissed.

  “Christ Almighty, hold on.” Trace jogged up alongside him. “What is going on with you?”

  “First off, that woman’s name is Haley. Second, I haven’t been eyeing her for three days. I haven’t been eyeing anybody. And no way are you gonna talk me into taking the trail ride off your hands. Cole has me scheduled to check the cattle in the north pasture.”

  Trace reared his head back. “Rachel’s taking the group on the ride this afternoon. I’ll be vaccinating the new calves. So what is your problem?”

  Disgusted with himself for going off like that, Josh passed a hand over his face and turned back toward the bunkhouse. “Nothing. I’m hungry.”

  “Josh, come on.”

  He should’ve known Trace wouldn’t leave it alone. No use ignoring him. Josh slid a glance toward the stables. As far as he knew Haley hadn’t left yet. He wouldn’t go back there, though. But he didn’t want her coming outside and overhearing. He folded his arms across his chest and waited.

  “What’s Cole got for you after you check on the cattle?” Trace asked.

  “Nothing specific, but I figured I’d change the air filters and the oil on the ATVs.”

  “I’ve got a better idea.” Trace moved closer. “Take Haley for a ride to Mill Creek.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s pretty up there this time of year. Lots of wildflowers. You know girls like that stuff.”

  “They don’t like you calling them girls, I know that.”

  Trace grinned. “Take a blanket and a bottle of wine. And don’t forget glasses.”

  Josh groaned. “Shut up.”

  “I’m serious. I’ll sneak you a bottle from the house.”

  “No.” Josh gave him a hard look, but stopped short of getting in his face. “She’s a guest.”

  “So what? Nobody will know, and even if someone finds out, meaning Rachel, she wouldn’t care. Cole hooked up with Jamie the first month we had guests. Then Jesse and Shea. Hell, I’ll eat my boots if both my brothers don’t end up married by next summer.”

  Josh stared at his friend. They’d known each other for eleven years. Surely Trace understood there was a mile-wide difference between his brothers and Josh. “It’s not right.”

  “Don’t be so damn bullheaded. You’re not planning on putting up a billboard stating your intentions, are you?”

  Josh could be stubborn, he’d admit it, but that wasn’t the issue here. He started to walk away before his temper got the better of him. He only made it a few feet. “Look, I’m not a McAllister. Never pretended to be. I’m a hired hand, just like every other man living in that bunkhouse.”

  Trace’s shocked expression stole Josh’s thunder. “I don’t know what your point is,” Trace said. “But I got a feeling I won’t like it.”

  “I know my place.” From his peripheral vision he saw Haley leave the stables. “That’s all I got to say.”

  Great. Trace stood there looking offended. Haley was about to disappear into the house. Josh continued on to the bunkhouse, but his appetite was gone.

  * * *

  Haley lingered on the porch, leaning over the railing, pretending to stare at the distant Rockies, hoping Josh would see her. She’d been so sure he was about to ask her to go somewhere before they were interrupted. Then maybe not since he hadn’t bothered to look back before he entered the bunkhouse.

  Trace glanced over at her, though, and she gave him a small wave. He nodded politely but seemed annoyed. With Josh? Had she kept him from his duties? Oh, that would figure. She seemed to be on a can’t-do-anything-right binge. Would she make things better or worse if she said something to Trace? He took the decision out of her hands by going after Josh.

  The wraparound porch was still cool and shady in the front, and she chose the rocker that faced away from the bunkhouse. She didn’t want Josh to think she was waiting for him, because she wasn’t, but she hated the idea of going inside right now. Later, when lunch was over and everyone left for their ride, she would find an earlier flight to New York and pack her things.

  Watching a hawk soar over the field behind the stables, her mood lightened. She wished she had her sketch pad with her. It was upstairs in her room, and she didn’t feel like traipsing past the others to get it. Her thoughts floated back to the conversation with Josh and replaying his praise for her work made her smile. He’d actually been sincere, which was amazing.

  She heard male voices, and with her toe, she set the rocker in motion, dropping her head back and lowering her lids. She didn’t want to talk to anyone, or force them to talk to her. Seconds later, she identified Josh as one of the speakers and opened her eyes. The other voice had belonged to Trace, who’d veered off to the left. But Josh was headed straight for her.

  Automatically, she smoothed back her hair, which annoyed her because she’d seen Courtney do the same thing two separate times with Trace and Cole. She cleared her throat, preparing herself to sound nonchalant, because each step that brought him closer kicked the speed of her pulse up a notch.

  Instead of taking the steps, he stopped in front of the bed of marigolds bordering the porch. “How would—” He paused and whipped off his hat. The sun in his face made him squint up at her. “I’ll be riding out to the north pasture in half an hour. How would you like to go with me?”

  Her breath caught. Only for a moment, and then as if she were used to handsome young cowboys asking to take her for a ride, she calmly said, “I’d love to.”

  Chapter Five

  Haley ran in to get her sketch pad, hat and sunglasses, and was thrilled to find that Josh had Gypsy saddled and waiting near the porch when she returned. Had she stopped to think about it, she would’ve known that’s exactly the mare he’d have chosen for her. She could’ve also predicted the smile and wink he’d given her when Courtney and her “mean girl” posse marched past. It had taken every bit of Haley’s self-control not to laugh when Gypsy’s loud snort made Courtney jump.

  Haley forgave herself for not being too observant. She might have sounded like a cool confident woman, but the moment it sunk in that she was going to ride off alone with Josh, all her grace and poise disappeared. Because when he’d put his hands on her waist and helped her into the saddle, she’d had to bite her lip to keep from squealing like a little girl experiencing her first time on a merry-go-round.

  In her defense, he had big strong hands that circled more than halfway around her middle. And when he’d run his palm down the back of her calf to her foot, making sure it was properly in the stirrup, she was pretty certain his lingering touch hadn’t been necessary.

  No matter how the afternoon turned out, she had to remember to breathe. Hyperventilating was not sexy. Even her hazy brain was clear on that point.

  “You’re a good rider,” he said, a few minutes after they’d left. “But if we need to slow down, you let me know.”

  “I’m fine to go faster. I’d ridden before this trip, but only a few times and that
was in high school. Frankly, I didn’t know I’d be so comfortable after two group lessons with Trace.”

  “Where did you learn? In the city?”

  “I’m not from New York. I went to art school in Brooklyn. Then after I graduated three years ago I stayed for a job in Manhattan. But I’m from Kentucky.”

  “I heard they have some nice horse farms out there.”

  “Yes, but not where I grew up.” She sighed. “Nobody I knew had that kind of money. A school friend had two horses. I used to like to sketch them, and then one day she offered to teach me to ride. It was fun. Until it wasn’t. She kind of turned out to be a Courtney.”

  Haley pressed her lips together, furious with herself for her big stupid mouth. Did she really want Josh to know this was a pattern for her? Always failing to fit in. She’d spent so much of her life desperate to belong. In her head she had wonderful conversations. She was bright and witty and always knew what to say and when to say it, but when she was with real people the charade ended. Inevitably she’d say the wrong thing, fumble, embarrass herself, then retreat to her drawing pad. It had become her best friend, her shield against the rest of the world. Drawing was safe and familiar.

  “Yep,” Josh said after a long stretch of silence. “Seems to be too many Courtneys around these days. Or maybe they’ve been out there all along. What do I know? Only other state I’ve visited is Wyoming and only because it’s right next door.”

  “So you’re from Blackfoot Falls?”

  “Nope. I was born just outside Billings. Came here when I was fifteen and hired on at the Sundance.”

  She was missing something. Had he not gone to school? She wouldn’t ask in case it was a touchy subject. “Did you move with your family?”

  He shook his head. “My dad died the year before. Mom remarried three months to the day of his funeral. Didn’t take a genius to figure out what she’d been doing behind Dad’s back. Probably why I never got along with her new husband. So I left.”

  “Wow, that was brave.”

  “Not really. Leaving was a whole lot easier than staying.”