Ready, Set, I Do! (Rx for Love)
Page 1
MEET THE NEIGHBORS:
WINN FERRIS: Land developer. Lives to work. When he’s not making deals, he’s dreaming about them.
HAILEY RANDALL: Out-of-work speech therapist. Homebody. Can’t wait to have a family of her own.
GAME CHANGER: The eight-year-old son Winn never knew he had!
NEW CHALLENGE: Winn needs help taking care of his little boy—and Hailey steps up. Is she falling for the father and the son?
NEW OPPORTUNITY?: Winn has known Hailey for years, but is he suddenly starting to have feelings for the girl next door?
Winn planted a kiss atop Cam’s head, his eyes filled with such tenderness it made Hailey want to weep.
She wished all those who called Winn a cold fish could see him now. Gentle, kind and so full of love for a little boy who wasn’t even his flesh and blood.
“Good night, sport.” Winn pulled up the covers.
When the child’s breathing grew even and regular, Winn gently tugged the toy soldier from Cam’s hand. He placed the infantryman on top of the nightstand.
Hailey didn’t speak until they were back in the living room.
“You’re a good father.” She could have said more, could have told him there was nothing so sexy as a man who was kind to children. But she felt strangely off-balance.
It was almost as if she and Winn had turned a corner she hadn’t known they’d been approaching. Avoiding his gaze, Hailey lifted her bag then slung it over her shoulder.
“There’s no reason for you to rush off.”
Something in his voice wrapped itself around her spine and caused an inward shudder. The air suddenly hummed with electricity, and Hailey couldn’t move. Not if that step took her away from him.
Hoping she wasn’t making a huge mistake, she whirled and shot Winn a flirty smile. “Entice me to stay.”
* * *
RX FOR LOVE: Just following doctor’s orders…
Dear Reader,
When I first introduced Winston Ferris in One Night with the Doctor, I wasn’t planning on giving Winn his own book. After all, he was much too arrogant and brash. But his reaction to Hailey Randall in that book (and hers to him) told me there must be something redeeming about Winn. Once I discovered his history and his devotion to Cam, I fell in love with him!
I’d already fallen in love with Hailey and her family during her brother Tripp’s book (A Jackson Hole Homecoming). By the way, that’s also the first book where the Crazy Coyote Margarita makes an appearance. But I have a feeling it won’t be the last time we see that drink!
I love going back to Jackson Hole and reconnecting with old characters and meeting new ones. I hope you feel the same way.
Warmest regards,
Cindy Kirk
READY, SET, I DO!
Cindy Kirk
Books by Cindy Kirk
Harlequin Special Edition
‡If the Ring Fits #2139
‡Jackson Hole Valentine #2169
‡The Doctor’s Not-So-Little Secret #2184
‡His Valentine Bride #2243
‡The Doctor and Mr. Right #2255
§Expecting Fortune’s Heir #2258
‡A Jackson Hole Homecoming #2267
‡One Night with the Doctor #2291
¤A Sweetheart for Jude Fortune #2312
‡The Husband List #2331
‡Ready, Set, I Do! #2344
Silhouette Special Edition
Romancing the Nanny #1818
*Claiming the Rancher’s Heart #1962
*Your Ranch or Mine? #1986
*Merry Christmas, Cowboy! #2009
‡The Doctor’s Baby #2040
‡In Love with John Doe #2051
‡The Christmas Proposition #2088
Harlequin Books
Special Edition Bonus Story: The Anniversary Party—Chapter Six
*Meet Me in Montana
‡Rx for Love
§The Fortunes of Texas: Southern Invasion
¤The Fortunes of Texas: Welcome to Horseback Hollow!
Other titles by this author available in ebook format.
CINDY KIRK
has loved to read for as long as she can remember. In first grade she received an award for reading one hundred books. As she grew up, summers were her favorite time of year. Nothing beat going to the library, then coming home and curling up in front of the window air conditioner with a good book. Often the novels she read would spur ideas, and she’d make up her own story (always with a happy ending). When she’d go to bed at night, instead of counting sheep she’d make up more stories in her head. Since selling her first story to Harlequin in 1999, Cindy has been forced to juggle her love of reading with her passion for creating stories of her own…but she doesn’t mind. Writing for the Harlequin Special Edition series is a dream come true. She only hopes you have as much fun reading her books as she has writing them!
Cindy invites you to visit her website, www.cindykirk.com.
To my fabulous editor, Patience Bloom.
By the time this book comes out, we’ll have
worked together for fifteen years. All I can think is, how did I get so lucky? Here’s to fifteen more!
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
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Epilogue
Excerpt
Chapter One
Hailey Randall sat alone at a table for two in the Hill of Beans coffee shop and brooded about what an idiot she’d been. Discovering her boyfriend had been using her had tumbled her usual sunny mood into stormy, overcast and dark. Hailey pressed her lips together and savagely broke off a piece of scone.
“You’re going to have to tone down that dazzling smile.”
Hailey glanced up and saw Cassidy Kaye, owner of Jackson Hole’s popular Clippety Do Dah Salon, stagger back with one hand shielding her eyes. “It’s—it’s blinding me.”
“Har, har.” Even as she spoke, Hailey’s lips twitched. “Shouldn’t you be hacking off somebody’s hair?”
“Your effusive welcome warms my heart. Why, yes, I’d love to join you.” Cassidy, dressed in skintight leopard-print leggings and a frilly purple shirt, dropped into the empty seat at the table. Today her bright gold hair was tipped in fuchsia.
“Have a seat,” Hailey said, even though her friend was already sitting, stretching one long leg over the other, a diamond ankle chain winking in the light.
“My ten o’clock canceled. Told me she came down with the stomach flu during the night.” The hairstylist shuddered. “Gave me all the gory details.”
“Details,” Hailey said pointedly, “you will keep to yourself.”
Cassidy grinned as she reached over and took a piece of Hailey’s cinnamon-chip scone. “I’m thrilled she didn’t come in. I can’t afford to get sick. Not with Daffy and me doing hair and makeup for the Finster wedding t
his weekend.”
Hailey lifted the latte to her lips. Cass was great with hair, but Hailey had a hard time seeing Daffodil, her waiflike assistant who moved like a closemouthed ghost, doing makeup. “Does Daff even wear makeup?”
“She doesn’t need beauty enhancements,” Cassidy said matter-of-factly then snagged another piece of scone. She lifted it to her mouth as her eyes narrowed on Hailey’s cup. “What kind of latte is that?”
“Cinnamon dulce.”
Cassidy gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes. “Cinnamon latte. Cinnamon-chip scone. You’ve got to shake things up a bit, kiddo. Be bold. Not quite so...predictable.”
Though Hailey couldn’t exactly see how ordering two favorite items qualified as predictable, she simply smiled. “Trust me. I have my moments.”
Cassidy nodded approvingly. “Like giving Josh the boot.”
Hailey’s smile vanished. She should have realized word would have gotten around by now.
“All I have to say is, about damn time.” Cassidy punctuated the announcement with a decisive nod.
Hailey had the feeling that would be most of her friends’ response. The few she’d already told about the split had seen Josh for what he was long before she had, which only made her feel even more foolish.
Until two days ago, Hailey had believed Joshua Gratzke had fallen for her and fallen hard. When she bumped into Josh—a former high school classmate—several months ago at the market, he’d made his interest clear. Though they’d never dated way back when, she’d always thought he was cute.
Those days at Jackson Hole High had been almost ten years ago. His face was leaner now, his dark hair shorter, but his smile seemed even more charming. He told her he’d returned to Jackson Hole after law school to consider his options.
With her only working PRN—as needed—at the hospital as a speech therapist, they’d had plenty of time to get reacquainted.
Plenty of time for him to take advantage.
“I didn’t see it, Cass.” She met the hairstylist’s vivid blue eyes. “I foolishly believed he’d fallen head over heels. The fact that he wanted to hang out with my fam was a point in his favor. Sure, we spent extra time with Tripp. He’s my brother and we’re close. I never thought Josh was angling for a job in Tripp’s office.”
It still boggled Hailey’s mind that her big brother, the one who used to give her noogies, was now the mayor of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Cassidy’s eyes darkened, as if reliving old memories. “People disappoint us. Even those we think we know well.”
“I should have seen the signs,” Hailey murmured, almost to herself. “I must have had blinders on.”
“Don’t be hard on yourself. Josh was smooth.” Cassidy reached over and squeezed Hailey’s hand. “He almost fooled me.”
“Almost being the key word.”
“Trust me when I say I’ve had much more experience with slimy men than you.” Cassidy’s lips lifted in a wry smile. “My internal radar is primed to spot ’em at a hundred paces.”
“I won’t make the same mistake again.” Her appetite gone, Hailey shoved the plate containing the scone in front of Cassidy. She refused to waste one more second on Josh. “Tell me all about Susan Finster’s wedding.”
“She, or rather her mommy-dearest, insisted on the works.” Cassidy leaned back in her chair. “Made it clear if I couldn’t do all, she’d take her business elsewhere.”
“If you end up needing help, let me know.” Hailey forced a casual tone, not wanting to put her friend on the spot but determined to make her interest clear. “I used to work as a cosmetics consultant in college and really enjoyed it.”
Cassidy dropped the scone to the plate, leaned forward. The gaze that pinned Hailey had a predatory gleam. “Seriously?”
“Everyone said I had the knack.”
“No, I mean, are you serious about helping?”
“Totally.” Hailey found herself pleased by Cassidy’s reaction. “I’d love to help.”
“I cannot friggin’ believe it.” Cassidy bopped herself in the head with the heel of one hand. “I’ve been beating my brains out for weeks trying to think of someone and here, you’ve been right under my nose.”
“Glad to know I’m not the only one who misses the obvious.”
Hailey’s dry tone brought a smile to Cassidy’s lips. The hairstylist straightened in her seat and leaned forward. “I want us to work together, Hailey.”
“Talk about ordering a cake before you know if the flavor suits you.” Hailey kept her tone light even as her heart started to rev. “You don’t know if I have talent.”
“One look at you tells me you’re great with makeup.” Cassidy waved away Hailey’s concern using a hand tipped with royal-blue nails. Those who didn’t know her well often dismissed the salon owner as the crazy artistic type. But ten minutes with her was all it took to know this was a savvy businesswoman, determined to grow her already thriving business. “I’ve had clients come in with suggestions you’ve given them about their hair and you’ve been spot on, especially with color.”
Hailey flushed with pleasure. It was true her friends often asked her opinion on what they should do with their hair. “You really want me to work for you?”
“No, not really.” Cassidy studied her thoughtfully. Tapped a long fingernail against her bright pink lips.
“With me,” Cassidy clarified. “A partnership.”
Blood coursed through Hailey’s veins. She saw herself working with clients, offering advice and instruction on makeup and hairstyling changes that would enhance a woman’s natural beauty. She wanted to seize this opportunity and run with it. But she made herself slow down. Josh had taught her that if something seemed too good to be true, it was best to take a step back. “Why a partnership?”
“You need to think of this venture as yours. I want you to use your social connections to help this new business fly.”
The chill that swept through Hailey cut deep, all the way to the bone. “I thought you wanted my expertise, but all—”
“Don’t get on your high horse.” Cassidy gave a dismissive wave. “This is a new venture. I’ll be bringing my years in business, my license and my connections to the table. You’d be providing a keen eye, your experience with cosmetics and your connections.”
Hailey tamped down her anger and focused on the facts. After a couple of seconds, she let out a breath and nodded. “I guess that makes sense.”
“Certainly does.” Cassidy pushed back her chair. She stood there for a moment, a curvaceous woman who commanded attention. “We can discuss particulars when you’ve decided you’re interested.”
“Don’t you mean if I decide I’m interested?”
“We’re both champing at the bit to get this thing rolling.” Cassidy grinned. “It’s just I already know it. You have to think it through before you realize I’ve dropped a sweet deal right in your lap.”
The bell over the door jingled and Winston Ferris strolled into the shop, cell phone to his ear. Hailey’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of her good-looking neighbor.
Tall, with an athletic build, Winn had the confident demeanor of a person used to giving orders. His dark hair was cut stylishly short and though his handsome face would draw any woman’s attention, it was his steely hazel eyes that defined him.
“I need to get back to the salon.” Cassidy gestured with her head toward Winn. “I’ll leave you to canoodle with your new boyfriend.”
Hailey pulled her brows together. “Winn is my neighbor not my boyfriend.”
Cassidy merely gave a wink and strolled away, a broad smile on her pouty pink lips.
* * *
“It’s a setback, nothing more.” Winn absolutely refused to let his emotions show on his face as he listened to his boss’s rant. He prided himself on his se
lf-control, even if it wasn’t always easy. He gave a short nod of acknowledgment to Cassidy Kaye as the business owner strolled past him on her way out the door, a flamboyant leopard with pink hair and a hot body.
His boss finally ran out of air and abruptly disconnected. Winn pocketed the phone. It was never easy telling a man accustomed to getting his way that the golf-course development they’d spent months trying to get approved had hit another snag. The final vote on the project was delayed. Again.
Forget the coffee, Winn thought. A stiff shot of whiskey would better suit his mood.
But when he saw Cole Lassiter standing behind the counter, Winn changed his mind. Cole was a driving force in Jackson Hole and walking out of his shop once he’d been seen wouldn’t be a smart move. Winn was all about smart moves.
“Cole.” Winn offered a smile to the man behind the Hill of Beans coffee-shop empire. “What’s the head honcho doing working the counter?”
“Learning the challenges my people face,” Cole said easily. “I work each position periodically. Since this store is in the town where I live, it’s easy to do here.”
Anyone seeing Cole, with his shaggy dark hair and green apron over casual shirt and jeans, would never peg him for a successful entrepreneur. Unless they looked in his eyes and saw the sharp gleam of intelligence and a hint of a take-no-prisoners brawler beneath the civilized facade.
“Makes sense.” Winn lifted the briefcase. “I thought I’d grab a cup of caffeine and look over some reports.”
“Just coffee then?”
“Black and strong.”
“Coming right up.” Cole turned toward the stainless-steel machine.
Winn used the moment to glance around the shop. To his way of thinking, networking was a 24/7 thing. Unfortunately, with ten o’clock being right between the morning crowd and lunch rush, the place was fairly quiet.
His gaze had almost made it around the dining area when it locked on the petite blue-eyed blonde dressed casually in jeans and a hot-pink hoodie. The sight of her made him smile.
Hailey Randall. His next-door neighbor. Alone.