Millionaire in Disguise (Special Edition, 1416)

by Brashear, Jean

  Lightning cracked, and thunder rumbled in the night.

  Lexie sensed his presence and whirled, wide-eyed, to see Nikos standing in her doorway, her longings come to life. Sweat dampened his T-shirt, revealing his bronzed hardness, and razors of desire sliced her, treacherous and deep, as she imagined licking up each salty rivulet….

  Dominic’s nostrils flared as Lexie’s scent drifted to him on the quickening wind. His gaze devoured the swell of her lace-covered breasts. He stepped forward, propelled by raw hunger too long denied. He stalked her like the predator he was. Driven by dreams of rapture. Heated to a burning pitch by the ache of trying to deny what was real. He was real. She was real. They were here, together, on this storm-tossed night. And he had to touch her or lose his mind….

  Dear Reader,

  Silhouette Books publishes many stars in romance fiction, but now we want to make you a star! Tell us in 500 words or less how Silhouette makes love come alive for you. Look inside for details of our “Silhouette Makes You A Star” contest—you could win a luxurious weekend in New York!

  Reader favorite Gina Wilkins’s love comes alive year after year with over sixty Harlequin and Silhouette romances to her credit. Though her first two manuscripts were rejected, she pursued her goal of becoming a writer. And she has this advice to offer to aspiring authors: “First, read everything you can, not just from the romance genre. Study pacing and characterization,” Gina says. “Then, forget everything you’ve read and create something that is your own. Never imitate.” Gina’s Bachelor Cop Finally Caught? is available this month. When a small-town reporter is guilty of loving the police chief from afar and then tries to make a quick getaway, will the busy chief be too busy with the law to notice love?

  And don’t miss these great romances from Special Edition. In Sherryl Woods’s Courting the Enemy, a widow who refused to sell her ranch to a longtime archrival has a different plan when it comes to her heart. Tall, Dark and Difficult is the only way to describe the handsome former test pilot hero of Patricia Coughlin’s latest novel. When Marsh Bravo is reunited with his love and discovers the child he never knew, The Marriage Agreement by Christine Rimmer is the only solution! Her Hand-Picked Family by Jennifer Mikels is what the heroine discovers when her search for her long-lost sister leads to a few lessons in love. And sparks fly when her mysterious new lover turns out to be her new boss in Jean Brashear’s Millionaire in Disguise!

  Enjoy this month’s lineup. And don’t forget to look inside for exciting details of the “Silhouette Makes You A Star” contest.

  Best,

  Karen Taylor Richman,

  Senior Editor

  Millionaire in Disguise

  JEAN BRASHEAR

  To Kathy Sobey, friend beyond compare. For countless

  miles walked while helping me puzzle through this

  bewildering new world, for your endless patience, your

  ready laughter, for just the right measures of

  encouragement, indignation and faith. You’ve been

  midwife to a dream, and I can’t thank you enough.

  Books by Jean Brashear

  Silhouette Special Edition

  The Bodyguard’s Bride #1206

  A Family Secret #1266

  Lonesome No More #1302

  Texas Royalty #1343

  Millionaire in Disguise #1416

  JEAN BRASHEAR

  A fifth-generation Texan, Jean Brashear hopes her pioneer forebears would be proud of her own leap into a new world. A lifelong avid reader, she decided when her last child was leaving the nest to try writing a book. The venture has led her in directions she never dreamed. She would tell you that she’s had her heart in her throat more than once—but she’s never felt more alive.

  Her leap was rewarded when she sold her first novel, and her work has received much critical acclaim, including the Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. Happily married to her own hero, and the proud mother of two fascinating children, Jean is grateful for the chance to share her heartfelt belief that love has the power to change the world.

  Jean loves to hear from readers. Send a SASE for a reply to P.O. Box 40012, Georgetown, TX 78628 or find her on the Internet via the Harlequin/Silhouette Web site at www.eHarlequin.com.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  In the late afternoon slant of the Texas sun, she almost ran right into the sweetest ’56 T-bird she’d ever seen. Lexie Grayson slammed on her brakes and swerved, muttering under her breath about the fool who would stop such a cherry car at this blind spot on a deserted country road.

  A figure straightened from beneath the hood, and the scolding died in her throat.

  Dark, wavy hair, slightly long. A striking face, strong and exotic features. Tall and lean, broad shoulders straining the fabric of her number-one favorite outfit on a man, a plain white T-shirt tucked into jeans so worn they belonged in someone’s rag bag.

  Lexie forced herself to breathe deeply instead of swallowing her tongue. “Need some help?”

  His voice was deep and slightly accented. “Perhaps you would call someone for me. I need another set of hands.”

  “How about mine?”

  Midnight-black eyes raked her from head to toe with obvious skepticism.

  She resisted a sigh of aggravation and nodded her head toward her candy-apple-red ’67 Chevy pickup. “I restored it myself.”

  One eyebrow lifted. “From what condition?”

  Moving closer, she saw that his eyes, actually a brown so deep they looked black, were defined by slashing dark brows and thick lashes. His cheekbones could have been carved from stone, his skin bore a rich olive tone.

  Lexie turned away from his sheer physical impact, more comfortable looking at his engine. “The body was sound—just needed paint—but everything else had to be replaced.”

  He grunted, not yet convinced. “How much do you know about the electrical system?”

  “Stand back and I’ll show you.”

  The faintest crinkling around his eyes gave her the first hint that he knew how to smile. There was an intensity about him; she sensed an aura almost like that of a wolf…waiting…watching. Always on guard. Power restrained by the force of a very strong will.

  He frowned. “It will be dark soon. You should not be stopping to help a strange man.”

  He sounded like Max. Her best friend often chewed her out for impulses such as this, but Lexie had a different view of the world. It would only become a better place by putting your beliefs in action. She wasn’t foolhardy, but she believed that people were basically good. And not too many criminals lectured you about being foolish.

  “Do you plan something terrible?”

  “No, but you cannot know that. Do as I asked and go call someone after you leave.” He was used to being in charge. The tone of command was unmistakable.

  She couldn’t help smiling. “Max would love you.”

  “Who is Max?”

  “My best friend and overactive conscience. He thinks I’m naive about people.”

  “Aren’t you?”

  Her father had taken care of that when he’d abandoned her and her mother when Lexie was eight. Her mother had reminded Lexie a thousand times before her death t
hat falling too hard for a man was the road to disaster.

  Her college boyfriend had finished the job when he’d pursued her until he’d gotten her virginity, then promptly married another. Lexie wasn’t naive, but she stubbornly clung to certain beliefs.

  “No. But I believe in giving people a chance. And listening to my instincts.” Which were good, except when love factored into the equation.

  His frown deepened.

  She took another stab, though she wasn’t sure why she was bothering. “Tell me this—did you restore this beauty by yourself?”

  His proud smile was all she needed. “Every inch. It took four years.”

  She shrugged. “There you have it. I’m perfectly safe.”

  “And just how do you figure that?”

  She ticked off the reasons on her fingers. “One, you care about building, not destroying. Two, you have a boatload of patience—classic cars require that. Three, you’ve made a serious investment.” She smiled. “You’re not risking anything that might put this baby in someone else’s hands while you’re in jail for years. God knows how they might neglect it.”

  He smiled back, teeth blinding white against that olive skin. A marauder’s smile, breath-stealing in its impact, but still, Lexie had a sense that it didn’t appear often. There was something so…serious about him. As though he carried a heavy burden.

  “The law-enforcement community would welcome your unique take on criminal profiling.”

  Lexie had to laugh. “So, are you going to let me look under the hood of that honey or not?”

  “It depends. Are you going to admit that you had help with the heavy lifting?” His gaze swept her body once more. “No offense, but you lack a certain physical strength.”

  “You want to see me flex my biceps. I never do that on a first date.” Lexie tossed her head and slanted him a smile. “Of course I had help lifting. Brains beat brute strength any day.”

  “Touché,” he chuckled, gesturing toward the engine with a sweep of his arm. “It has lost fire. I have already checked and there is no spark to the plugs, so I’m checking the points now.”

  Lexie looked in and couldn’t resist a smile at the clean engine. “Need me to crank it for you?” She stifled the urge to rub her hands together. She’d always wanted to drive one of these babies.

  “Please. The keys are in it.”

  Lexie sat in the driver’s seat and turned the key with her left hand. Not even a click. She frowned.

  “You’ve never driven a T-bird,” he said. “It will not start in Park. Go to Neutral.”

  “Fords,” she muttered.

  “I heard that.” He turned his head her way and grinned. “You are jealous because you’re driving that behemoth.”

  “Behemoth—” Lexie sputtered but couldn’t help grinning. “I’ll have you know—”

  The slashing grin was deadly, but his deep laughter did something to her insides. Lexie’s heart sped up. There was nothing much more fun than talking cars with someone who felt passionate about them. Max would love this guy.

  Then she realized she was staring. Dropping her gaze in confusion, she shifted into Neutral and turned the key again.

  He swore softly. “It’s not the points.”

  “Think it’s the coil?” she asked.

  He looked at her with increased respect. “Probably.”

  She shifted back into Park and stepped out of the car to peer under the hood. “I know a great parts house on this side of town. Come on—I’ll take you.”

  He stood. So close. So big. So…gorgeous.

  Stop ogling, Lexie. He’s just another grease monkey.

  But he’d make a good pirate. She could already visualize him, gleaming blade caught in his teeth, flowing white shirt open to his waist.

  Her designer’s imagination was running away with her, but the fact couldn’t be disputed. The man was anything but ordinary.

  “Why?” he asked.

  Lexie frowned. “Why what?”

  “You could simply call a tow truck for me. It would be a lot less trouble.”

  “Ah, but then you wouldn’t owe me big and I wouldn’t get to drive this baby, would I?” She smiled.

  He chuckled and shook his head. “I would definitely owe you a ride.”

  “Drive, I said. I don’t have girl cooties. I won’t hurt your precious T-bird, I promise.”

  He glanced over at her pickup, then back at her, his gaze considering. “I am the only person who has ever driven this car since I bought it.”

  “Well, then, the car’s in for a treat, isn’t she?”

  His dark gaze lit and he laughed again. “You are ruthless, Ms—?”

  She held out her hand. “My name’s Lexie.”

  There was a pause. Then his warm, much larger hand enveloped hers. “Nikos. You drive a hard bargain, Lexie.”

  “You’re just trying to score points so I’ll let you drive my pickup.” Lexie shot him a puckish grin and turned on her heel. Over her shoulder, she quipped, “This place is only open until five on Sunday. Get a move on, Nikos.”

  “Yes!” Lexie jumped, thrusting her fist in the air. They shared the grin of co-conspirators as the engine rumbled to life. It had taken them almost two hours of driving and then working in the sun once they returned. They were both hot and sweaty and dirty, despite the bottled water Nikos had bought them.

  She couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed an afternoon more.

  He left the motor running and rose from the seat, his height, his nearness, the voltage of his smile registering on Lexie with an unconscious warming of her skin.

  He reached toward her, and Lexie’s heart stuttered. Slowly his thumb rubbed over her cheek and she found herself wanting to lean into his touch.

  “Grease,” he said, his voice husky.

  As he pulled his hand away, one finger traced lazily across her lower lip. A bolt of lightning sizzled down her body. She caught her breath, only to look up into dark, dark eyes that seemed almost…lonely.

  “I should go,” he said slowly.

  “Yeah,” she answered, but she heard the same reluctance in her own voice.

  “You, uh—” The dark eyes held hers. “I saw a diner about five miles back on the highway. I don’t know about you, but this is thirsty work. Let me buy you dinner or a cold drink, at least.”

  She should say no. She had a big meeting with a new client, Poseidon Productions, day after tomorrow, about the extravaganza for a new product launch. She could go over her presentation one more time. It was a job that would take her event design business to a new level.

  She frowned. She wasn’t even sure that she should be finishing this job, but Max had insisted. He refused to let her forego a great opportunity when he could only suspect that Poseidon had stolen from him, not prove it.

  “It’s all right.” His voice jerked her back. He nodded, stepping away. “I understand. You do not know me.”

  The lone wolf peered out from those dark eyes, just for a second, and Lexie mentally shook her head. It would only take a few minutes. An hour at most. It would distract her from her nerves over the importance of this new job. Over her dilemma about Max.

  And this man looked as if he could use a friend. “I have a better idea. My hands are filthy and so are yours. My place is only a couple of miles from here. You can clean up and I’ll fix us both a big glass of iced tea.” Then before he could answer, she smiled. “Let me drive the T-bird to my place? You did say you owed me.”

  Again she sensed a man isolated from human contact and wondered at its cause. His eyes lit and a smile tugged at his lips.

  Lexie held out her keys. “Race me?”

  A much larger and very warm hand scooped the keys from hers. “A hot-rodder.” Dark eyes danced. “The woman has a taste for danger.”

  She repressed the shiver dancing over her nerves and turned away, rubbing her hands in glee. “Let’s see what this baby can do.”

  To her surprise, he followed her, opening the car d
oor for her as though she were dressed in silk, not cutoffs. Touched by the courtly gesture, Lexie stared up at him, wondering about this man who seemed not quite part of this modern world. He looked like a pirate; she could easily imagine him striding the deck of a ship sailing the seas.

  But then, everyone she knew chided Lexie for her fanciful notions. Before she could get any more fanciful, she shot him a grin. “I’ll take care of this honey, I promise.” Then she waved and was off like a shot.

  As he followed her, the man whose family had always called him Nikos was still wondering what to think of this unusual woman. He knew that his offer of the diner was more than polite concern. It was reluctance to let her go, pure and simple. He had just spent the most pleasurable hours in many years, laughing and talking with this charming creature, feeling at ease as he hadn’t in so long. He couldn’t remember the last time he had enjoyed himself so much, and all they had done was swap car stories.

  But he had to ask himself what he thought he was doing when they turned onto a one-lane road, then turned again a half mile later. He wasn’t prone to spontaneous moves. He had so much work to do before tomorrow’s early meeting, and he needed to make time for his troubled sister, Ariana, too.

  He could not stay long. Should probably simply tell Lexie when they stopped that he had work to do. But then he thought about the quirky, unpredictable character driving in front of him. She didn’t know who he was or how much money he had and seemed to like him, anyway. It felt wonderful. It would change, of course, when she found out. The women he encountered seldom looked past the dollar signs. He couldn’t help wanting to string out this rare interlude.

  But he did not have that luxury. Duty called. He would see her home, get her phone number, and then leave. It might be a while before he could indulge himself again, with his business threatened by signs of a hostile takeover. But somehow, out of his killer schedule, he would find time to ask her out on a date. He wanted more time to enjoy that effervescence, the way she reached into the darkness and spread her light. And just maybe he would get lucky. Maybe she wouldn’t change, still wouldn’t care once she knew who he was.