Hearts Don't Lie

by Shirleen Davies

  She nodded, frozen in place as he let his hand drop.

  He turned toward the sofa, sitting on the edge, and stretching his legs in front of him. “C’mere,” he said, crooking a finger at her.

  “I…”

  “Right here.” He patted the seat next to him.

  Taking a few tentative steps, she didn’t shift her gaze away, even as she lowered herself beside him. He reached over and took hold of a hand, pulling it onto his lap and letting his thumb make slow, seductive circles on her palm.

  “First, I have every intention of continuing to see you. In fact, my intention is to see a lot more of you, not less.” He took a breath, working up his courage, praying he had the nerve to go through with this. The one point keeping him focused was the look in Dana’s eyes earlier. He’d bet his ranch she loved him.

  “Second, there’s a reason I didn’t make time to see you the last few weeks.”

  “What reason?” She looked away, letting her attention focus on the carpet.

  His grip on her hand tightened. “You were becoming an addiction. One I didn’t need or want, so I purposely pushed you away, tried to extricate myself from how I felt.”

  She turned to face him, her lips parting. “And did you, extricate yourself?”

  “No,” he breathed out. “And that brings us to number three.” He shifted, running a finger down her cheek and across her lower lip, then leaned over and pressed a kiss to her mouth.

  “I love you, Dana. There’s no way I’m ever letting you go.” He slid off the sofa to one knee and looked up into her stunned face. “Breathe, baby, so I can continue.”

  She sucked in a deep breath, then exhaled, her heart beating so hard she thought it would explode.

  “Good…real good.” He took a breath of his own, then said what had lodged in his throat for weeks. “Marry me, Dana.”

  She covered her mouth to stifle a scream as tears formed in her eyes. Her throat worked, but nothing would come out.

  “I know it won’t be easy and we’ll fight, push each other’s buttons. We’ll figure out work and where we’ll live and…” his voice trailed off as she placed a finger on his lips, then removed it, sliding off the sofa next to him and wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “Be quiet, Mitch.” She kissed him, then leaned back. “I love you, too, and yes, I’ll marry you.”

  Epilogue

  Fire Mountain

  One week later…

  “I can’t believe you got married without telling anyone.” Amber still hadn’t forgiven Dana for her and Mitch’s quick trip to a justice of the peace in Crooked Tree.

  Dana shifted her drink to the other hand, looking across Heath and Annie’s expansive front yard at her husband, joking with Sean, Kade, and Cam. They’d married on Monday, then she’d flown back to Fire Mountain, asked Annie if it would be out of line to have a reception at their home on Saturday to celebrate the marriage. Annie had almost strangled her with a hug before picking up the phone and making arrangements. Amber may never forgive her for being the second person in Fire Mountain to know of the wedding and not the first.

  “He refused to have a big wedding and wouldn’t let me fly back without putting a ring on my finger. I told you as soon as I could.”

  “After you told Annie.” Amber crossed her arms, still hurt Dana hadn’t called.

  “Look, I didn’t get back in town until late Monday night. You were out of town until Tuesday night. I had to speak with Annie right away since Mitch had already arranged for the company jet to fly him down here on Friday. You and I had a meeting at eight o’clock Wednesday morning. I showed you the ring the minute I walked in the door.” Dana took a breath, exhausted at all the apologies she’d had to make during the week after their quick marriage. At least her parents had been able to fly in Friday night. Her brothers, all in Special Forces, were deployed and couldn’t make it, but she’d been able to get word to them.

  “And a honeymoon?”

  Dana smiled, remembering how he hadn’t let her out of his bed all day Saturday after her acceptance of his proposal Friday night. They’d taken a long horseback ride Sunday, finding shelter from a threatening storm under a stand of pines, and made love before falling asleep, nestled in each other’s arms. He’d woken her with feather-like kisses, whispering of his love before showing her in slow, explicit movements how he felt.

  “We want to go to Hawaii in a couple months when both our schedules clear up. I still don’t know what I’m going to do about my job.” And that seemed to be her biggest problem. She loved her job working with Amber out of the company headquarters and hoped to work out a way she could continue.

  “Don’t worry about it. Heath told me he and Mitch talked this morning.” Amber gave her a smug smile. At least she’d been able to surprise her.

  “They did? How come Mitch didn’t tell me?”

  “Possibly because you and Annie have been knee deep in today’s reception, plus entertaining your parents. I’m so glad they made it. Your dad sure has hit it off with Heath, Jace, and Rafe.” Amber loved Dana’s family, including her brothers.

  “My dad hits it off with anyone, as long as they aren’t anti-military,” Dana grinned. Her father was career Army, and her mother retired as an Army nurse. Between them and her brothers, she’d been surrounded by military most of her life. She turned her head toward Mitch, seeing him wave her over. “Guess I’ll spend some time with my husband.” The word still felt odd on her lips. She gave Amber a hug before crossing the lawn.

  “I was telling these wusses about the ride in Vegas. They don’t believe I went on that monster. Set them straight for me, sweetheart.” Mitch slipped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, placing a kiss on her temple.

  “Mitch did finish the ride, although it took him two whiskeys to lose the green color in his face,” she laughed. “He did do great on the race car track. Beat me by what, a couple seconds?” She glanced up at him, her eyes glistening.

  “About that.” Mitch took a sip from his drink, watching a truck pull up and someone he didn’t recognize get out. “Does anyone know who that is?”

  The others looked in the direction he pointed, trying to make out the new guest.

  “Ah, shit,” Eric blurted out, then glanced at Dana. “Sorry, it’s just that it’s someone we haven’t seen in a long time.”

  “Who?” Mitch asked.

  “Matt Garner,” Cam answered. “He hasn’t come around since the breakup with Cassie. I wonder who invited him.”

  “I did.” Mitch dropped his arm from around Dana and took off toward Matt, who’d stopped when Heath walked up to him. Getting close, he could pick up a little of what was said, none good.

  “You’re right, Heath. I have no excuse for how I acted and can only hope someday Cassie, and you all, will forgive me.” Matt shoved his hands in his pockets, noticing another man walk up.

  “Matt Garner?”

  “That’s right.”

  “Mitch MacLaren. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m glad you could make it.” He stuck out his hand, turning his face toward Heath. “I told you how Matt’s digging saved us regarding Gayle Wheaton. He and I spoke again about joint contracts a couple days ago. When he mentioned being in Fire Mountain this weekend, I invited him to the reception.”

  Heath nodded, but said nothing.

  “Good to meet you, Mitch.” Matt accepted Mitch’s hand before turning back to Heath. “Look, I don’t want to cause problems. Why don’t I leave you to the party? I’ll give you a call, Mitch.”

  Matt turned toward his truck, taking a few steps before Heath called him back.

  “Hold on, Matt. At least say hello to Annie. Eric and Jesse couldn’t make it, but most everyone else is here. Just be careful around Cassie.”

  Matt lifted a hand to his nose, rubbing gently. “Don’t I know it.”

  “Come on, I’ll clear a path for you,” Mitch offered. He knew there might be hell to pay for inviting him, but it had felt ri
ght to extend the invitation. They’d talked, Matt letting it slip how he’d like to rebuild his bridges with the MacLarens. Mitch thought there would be no better time to start than today. The look on Cassie’s face as she stormed toward them told him he might have been wrong.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” Cassie stopped a foot short of coming toe-to-toe with Matt.

  “Hello, Cassie. Mitch invited me.”

  She shifted her gaze to Mitch, but said nothing.

  “Fine. You’ve come, now you can leave.” She fisted her hands at her sides, itching for one more shot at him.

  “You know what, Cass, Mitch invited me and Heath asked me to stay. I guess you’ll have to deal with it.”

  “Why you...” She reared her arm back, but this time Matt’s hand shot out, catching her at the wrist, and pulling her toward him.

  Matt didn’t say a word as he drew her closer, to within inches of his mouth, and stared down at her, noticing her nostrils flare and bright eyes shoot daggers at him.

  “You may have caught me once, Cassie, but never again.”

  Thank you for taking the time to read Hearts Don’t Lie. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

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  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

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  Other Books by Shirleen Davies

  Tougher than the Rest – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, fast-paced story set in the untamed western frontier by an exciting new voice in historical romance.”

  Niall MacLaren is the oldest of four brothers, and the undisputed leader of the family. A widower, and single father, his focus is on building the MacLaren ranch into the largest and most successful in northern Arizona. He is serious about two things—his responsibility to the family and his future marriage to the wealthy, well-connected widow who will secure his place in the territory’s destiny.

  Katherine is determined to live the life she’s dreamed about. With a job waiting for her in the growing town of Los Angeles, California, the young teacher from Philadelphia begins a journey across the United States with only a couple of trunks and her spinster companion. Life is perfect for this adventurous, beautiful young woman, until an accident throws her into the arms of the one man who can destroy it all.

  Fighting his growing attraction and strong desire for the beautiful stranger, Niall is more determined than ever to push emotions aside to focus on his goals of wealth and political gain. But looking into the clear, blue eyes of the woman who could ruin everything, Niall discovers he will have to harden his heart and be tougher than he’s ever been in his life…Tougher than the Rest.

  Faster than the Rest – Book Two

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.”

  Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.

  Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?

  Marshal MacLaren struggles to learn the truth and do his job, but the past and present lead him in different directions as his heart and brain wage battle. Is Victoria a victim or a villain? Is life offering him another chance, or just another heartbreak?

  As Jamie and Victoria struggle to uncover past secrets and come to grips with their shared passion, another danger arises. A life-altering danger that is out of their control and threatens to destroy any chance for a shared future.

  Harder than the Rest – Book Three

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “They are men you want on your side. Hard, confident, and loyal, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will seize your attention from the first page.”

  Will MacLaren is a hardened, plain-speaking bounty hunter. His life centers on finding men guilty of horrendous crimes and making sure justice is done. There is no place in his world for the carefree attitude he carried years before when a tragic event destroyed his dreams.

  Amanda is the daughter of a successful Colorado rancher. Determined and proud, she works hard to prove she is as capable as any man and worthy to be her father’s heir. When a stranger arrives, her independent nature collides with the strong pull toward the handsome ranch hand. But is he what he seems and could his secrets endanger her as well as her family?

  The last thing Will needs is to feel passion for another woman. But Amanda elicits feelings he thought were long buried. Can Will’s desire for her change him? Or will the vengeance he seeks against the one man he wants to destroy—a dangerous opponent without a conscious—continue to control his life?

  Stronger than the Rest – Book Four

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Smart, tough, and capable, the MacLarens protect their own no matter the odds. Set against America’s rugged frontier, the stories of the men from Fire Mountain are complex, fast-paced, and a must read for anyone who enjoys non-stop action and romance.”

  Drew MacLaren is focused and strong. He has achieved all of his goals except one—to return to the MacLaren ranch and build the best horse breeding program in the west. His successful career as an attorney is about to give way to his ranching roots when a bullet changes everything.

  Tess Taylor is the quiet, serious daughter of a Colorado ranch family with dreams of her own. Her shy nature keeps her from developing friendships outside of her close-knit family until Drew enters her life. Their relationship grows. Then a bullet, meant for another, leaves him paralyzed and determined to distance himself from the one woman he’s come to love.

  Convinced he is no longer the man Tess needs, Drew focuses on regaining the use of his legs and recapturing a life he thought lost. But danger of another kind threatens those he cares about—including Tess—forcing him to rethink his future.

  Can Drew overcome the barriers that stand between him, the safety of his friends and family, and a life with th
e woman he loves? To do it all, he has to be strong. Stronger than the Rest.

  Deadlier than the Rest – Book Five

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, heartwarming story of the iconic MacLarens of Fire Mountain. This captivating historical western romance grabs your attention from the start with an engrossing story encompassing two romances set against the rugged backdrop of the burgeoning western frontier.”

  Connor MacLaren’s search has already stolen eight years of his life. Now he is close to finding what he seeks—Meggie, his missing sister. His quest leads him to the growing city of Salt Lake and an encounter with the most captivating woman he has ever met.

  Grace is the third wife of a Mormon farmer, forced into a life far different from what she’d have chosen. Her independent spirit longs for choices governed only by her own heart and mind. To achieve her dreams, she must hide behind secrets and half-truths, even as her heart pulls her towards the ruggedly handsome Connor.

  Known as cool and uncompromising, Connor MacLaren lives by a few, firm rules that have served him well and kept him alive. However, danger stalks Connor, even to the front range of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, threatening those he cares about and impacting his ability to find his sister.

  Can Connor protect himself from those who seek his death? Will his eight-year search lead him to his sister while unlocking the secrets he knows are held tight within Grace, the woman who has captured his heart?

  Read this heartening story of duty, honor, passion, and love in book five of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series.

  Second Summer – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series

  “In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family.”

  The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, Heath MacLaren is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.