It was hard to be a wild woman in Calm River, Oklahoma. Especially a novice wild woman. While everyone else in town attended an ice cream social at the church, Elaine Sims Kilgore prepared for her lingerie and swimwear boutique’s grand opening by hanging a half-naked man on the wall. Probably not advisable considering the conservative nature of the population, but this was her shop and if she wanted a little eye candy, then so be it.
Next to the display of swimwear, Lainey struggled with the poster depicting the shirtless all-male blonde surrounded by emerald waters. If she were wise, she’d replace the pinup with her mother’s campaign poster. Yes, the esteemed Grace Sims was running for mayor, and Lainey had agreed to manage her crusade, which meant tolerating town meetings and heated debates — if someone chose to run against her. Lainey could always hope that didn’t happen. Regardless, Lainey preferred to hang the hunk.
While she executed several hip thrusts in time to a Caribbean tune filtering from the overhead speakers, one line came through loud and clear — "It's nobody's fault."
"Typical," Lainey muttered. "That's exactly what he said." He being her recently departed ex-husband, not through death but by way of a waiflike supermodel with small breasts and nonexistent hips. The man had been a master of deception, and Lainey hated secrets.
Stifling an oath, Lainey dug two pushpins from her pocket and anchored one side of the poster. She winked at the grinning god of good health and said in her best Bogart, "Looks like it's just you and me, kid. In this town, there's mighty slim pickin’s."
"You can say that again."
Lainey froze in mid hip-twitch. The untacked side of the poster curled over her head as if wilted by the sheer masculinity of the mystery voice. A long arm came up beside her head. The large hand at the end of the long arm pushed the poster back into place. And the musky scent of manly cologne assaulted Lainey like a solid right hook.
Silently Lainey stuck the remaining pin into the free side of the poster. Only then did she look over her shoulder, expecting a codger twice her age. Instead, the man behind her had eyes as blue as her favorite crystal earrings, hair as shiny black as her new Mustang GT, and a face that rivaled any male model's mug.
A succession of tiny shivers traveled down Lainey's stiff spine as recognition dawned. With that recognition came certain realizations. This man had never sported a blemish. Never belched in public. Never lacked for a date. Even his name was perfect — Grant Stuart Morgan, the Third. And he’d been perfect in every one of her fantasies.
Fourteen years ago, she'd dumped a carton of vitamin D milk all over him in the high school cafeteria. During that awkward time of her life, she’d been all knees and elbows and, well, breasts. He had been an all-American gorgeous golden boy. He still was.
Stunned, Lainey only managed, "Thanks," in a pitch that made her sound like a sick cat.
"No problem." Grant stepped back, taking his great smell and heady heat with him.
Lainey turned, leaned back against surfer boy and worked her shell-shocked mouth into a smile. "What can I do for you?" She thought of a thousand things that she'd like to do with him. In fact, that could well be next on her agenda — if he was unattached.
Grant's laser gaze bored into her, leaving her jelly-kneed and thought-challenged. "I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Dr. Grant Morgan. I’m in the medical office next door."
"Your dad's office?"
A hint of sadness dimmed his eyes. "My dad died last year. I promised him I’d take over his practice. At least for a while. "
Only one clichéd response came to Lainey's mind. "I'm sorry, Grant. I know you two were close. And I can relate. My dad died before I was born."
His melancholy expression melted into a mask of puzzlement. "Do I know you?"
"I grew up in Calm River. Actually, I was a freshman when you were a senior. I doubt you would remember me." At least she hoped not.
"I don’t, although I can’t imagine why." He scanned her body with his damnable blue gaze and paused at her navel where her short knit shirt didn't quite meet her low-riding jeans. Lainey's hand automatically covered the belly-button ring her mother had deemed "the hallmark of post-divorce poor judgment."
"I’m Elaine Sims," she said. "Actually, it used to be Sims. Lainey Sims. Now it's Kilgore. I kept my married name after the divorce."
Shock passed over his expression. "You're Bubbles?"
Lainey mentally cringed and automatically abandoned her navel to cross her arms over her chest. "Now that's a blast from the past."
He glanced away. "Sorry."
"No problem," she said through clenched teeth, although it was.
He took another brisk step back, as if she were some kind of virus. "Out of curiosity, is Grace Sims your mother?"
Considering Grant's serious expression, Lainey wondered if she should claim her matriarch. Might as well. He’d find out eventually. "Yes, Grace is my mom."
He rubbed his solid jaw and sighed. "That's too bad. I’d hoped we might have dinner. Talk about old times."
Her mother's reputation must be worse than she'd thought. "We could do that. I promise I won't bring my mother."
Grant shoved his hands into his pocket. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Not bringing my mother?"
"No. Us having dinner together."
"Why?"
"Because your mother’s running for mayor."
Lainey hated that she might spend her days sacrificing her social life due to her mother's relatively radical politics. "You don't support her street reform proposal?"
"No, that's not it."
"Your wife won't approve?"
"I'm not married. I can't have dinner with you because of my godfather."
She was thrilled Grant was single, but she couldn't imagine what Grant's godfather — whoever he was — had to do with them socializing. "I don’t understand."
"As of this morning, he’s running against your mother. I've agreed to be his campaign manager."
Oh, great.
"So exactly who is he?"
"Cleatus Ringo."
Reality grabbed Lainey by the throat, cutting off the words clamoring to come out. She could forget making her fantasies of Grant Morgan a reality. Her mother would never approve of her communing with the opposing camp. Sleeping with the enemy. And Grant’s connection to Cleatus Ringo, the town’s richest rancher, made Grant the enemy. It wasn’t only the mayoral campaign. No, it went much deeper than that.
Cleatus Ringo was the one man Lainey’s mom despised above all others. Just the mention of his name caused Grace Sims to seethe. To this day, Lainey had no idea why, despite her many attempts at getting her mother to come clean. But now…
An opportunity to solve the mystery had presented itself, and who better to recruit than Cleatus Ringo’s godson? Not only might Lainey finally have answers, she would also have the chance to spend time with the man of her dreams in pleasant endeavors that had nothing to do with politics. Considering their divided loyalties, they would have to be careful. Very, very careful. But as far as Lainey was concerned, it was worth the risk.
Lainey released the breath she’d been holding and crossed her fingers behind her back. "Grant, I really, really need your help with something."
His to-die-for mouth lifted into a crooked grin. "Is it legal?"
"Yes." And sinful.
"Go ahead, then. You’ve got my attention."
He definitely had hers. Lainey put her best smile forward, along with her chest — her one-time liability — for added incentive. "What do you say to doing a little undercover work? With me."
Grant's gaze fell to the swelling beneath the scooped neckline of Lainey Sims’s — no make that Lainey Kilgore’s — top. His mouth went dry and his pulse quickened. "Undercover?"
She nodded, her long blond hair sweeping her shoulders. "Although, I think this might be easier to discuss if you were looking at my face."
He looked up to find Lainey "Bubbles" Kilgore grinning at his expense. Grant mentally cursed himself for acting like an undersexed teenager. He was a grown man, a doctor. He saw breasts every day, but none that affected him quite this way. And it was a darn good thing — imagine the lawsuits he’d be slammed with if they had.
"Sorry. I was just admiring your...necklace." Good one, Doc. Next you’ll be trying to sell her some oceanfront property in Arizona. He looked around. At least she’d have the wardrobe to go along with it.
Lainey’s hand went to the miniature gold horseshoe suspended from her neck by a thin gold chain. "Oh." A crimson stain heightened the color in her cheeks. "I thought, well, never mind. Thank you." She fingered the delicate piece lightly. "It was my mother’s. She gave it to me before I moved away to Chicago — said it rightfully belonged to me."
"Odd thing to pass down. I could see a locket or a brooch. Some kind of family heirloom, but a horseshoe?"
She nodded. "I thought so, too, at first, then I realized she gave it to me because I have the most incredibly rotten luck."
He laughed. "It can’t be that bad."
Eyes like candy kisses looked up at him. "You have no idea."
"Tell me about it." He settled his six-foot two-inch frame onto the deep-set sill of the display window and crossed his arms. His last patient had cancelled and he was in no hurry to leave. Besides a smile that could knock a man to his knees, Lainey Kilgore was like a breath of fresh air. And he was still intrigued by her offer of a little "undercover" work.
She crossed the room, her body moving in rhythm to the music. "I think it all started when I spilt my milk on you in the high school cafeteria and went downhill from there."
He arched a brow. "That was you?"
She stepped around the freshly varnished counter and grabbed a handful of hangers from one of the open boxes. "Afraid so. That was the same year I went to see you...er, the varsity basketball team play, and accidentally knocked over the team watercooler." Lainey frowned. "It fell, and so did —"
"Todd Wilkins," he finished for her. "Broke his arm two places in that fall."
Full, pink lips formed a sexy pout. "See what I mean about my having bad luck?"
Turning away, she began placing the hangers on an empty rack.
Grinning, Grant stood and crossed the room. "Your bad luck got me off the bench, not to mention helped me earn a scholarship to med school."
She turned to him. "It did? I had no idea."
"See, there, I owe you one."
"Good, because I need the scoop on Cleatus Ringo. That’s what I meant by helping me with a little undercover work."
"Calling in your debt so soon? I thought you might save it for something more...satisfying."
"Tempting, I’ll admit, but I need to know why my mother holds such animosity toward the man."
Cleatus wasn’t just his godfather; he was practically family. Grant wasn’t about to air his family’s dirty laundry, even what little there was. Especially to the daughter of his godfather’s opponent. "She’s your mother. Why don’t you just ask her?"
"You think I haven’t?" She turned to pick up something black and lacy that had him doing a double take. "For as long as I can remember, Mother has forbade the man’s name to be spoken in our house. That hasn’t changed. I want to know why."
He shrugged. "Afraid I can’t help you there. Maybe Cleatus and your father had a parting of ways before he died and your mother hasn’t forgiven him."
"Maybe." Lainey hung the silky strip of black from Two of the hangers. "Wait until my mother finds out he’s running against her in the mayoral race. You-know-what is going to hit the fan."
"I’ll make sure I’m out of the way when that happens," Grant said with a chuckle. "Thanks for the warning."
He tried to make light of the situation, but he knew Lainey wasn’t exaggerating about the animosity between her mother and his godfather. Cleatus avoided Grace Sims like the plague. That was, until now. Running against each other in this election was bound to have them crossing paths. Cleatus must be doing it for a reason.
"You think I’m kidding?"
"No," he said, fighting the urge to grin. He lost.
"We’ll see who’s laughing after my mother chews your godfather to pieces, and you, Dr. Morgan, have to put him back together again."
He lowered his mouth to her ear and said in a husky whisper. "Has anyone ever told you how sexy you are when you’re all fired up?"
Her pixie-like form stiffened in indignation. "Wh-what?"
Grant straightened, then glanced at his watch. "So we’re on for dinner tonight? Sounds great, " he said, answering his own question. "I’ll pick you up at six." He flashed her a smile, then strode toward the door.
"I...you..." she stuttered. Hadn’t Grant said dinner was a bad idea for political opponents? Did this mean he was going to help her?
"Oh, and, Lainey," he called out from the doorway before she could finish her protest, "I’m looking forward to working under the covers with you." That said, he walked out, and right into Cleatus Ringo.
"Slow down, son." Cleatus looked up from where the ice cream he'd been carrying now decorated his lapel. The man's immaculate Italian suit was as much a part of his millionaire rancher's image as his Stetson. "Is where you're going that much more exciting than where you've been?"
Grant chuckled. He took the demolished cone from Cleatus's hand and threw it into the nearest trash can, while Cleatus mopped at the sticky mess dripping down his front with a monogrammed handkerchief.
"Sorry," Grant said. "Guess I wasn't looking."
"Oh, you were looking, all right." Sparing a glance at Lainey's window full of faceless mannequins clad in satin, lace, and Lycra, Cleatus winked and returned his attention to his ruined jacket.
"I stopped by to introduce myself to the owner," Grant's smile was automatic as he thought of Lainey's sputtering reaction when he'd agreed to dinner.
"Just being neighborly, huh?" Cleatus said with a shrewd look. He gave up salvaging his suit altogether and clapped Grant on the shoulder. "I haven't seen little Lainey Sims Kilgore since she moved back home, but the ice cream social was buzzing about her like a hornet's nest this afternoon. And she hasn't even opened this place yet." He looked intently at Grant. "And if I were you, I'd steer clear of here, and of her. The Sims women are nothing but trouble — not to mention our opponents."
"You went to the church social?" Avoiding his godfather's command, Grant tried to imagine brusque, bull-headed, take-no-prisoners Cleatus Ringo politely chatting it up with the town's garden-party set.
"Didn't have a choice." Cleatus made a face. "That's Grace Sims's scene. Now that I've decided to run for mayor, I've got to beat her in her own element."
"How did you know she'd even be there?"
"I just knew she'd be there, shaking hands, kissing babies, trying to sweet-talk those nitwits into voting for her." Cleatus pushed back the brim of his hat. "Grace has been a burr in my saddle for over 20 years, and I'll do whatever it takes to put her in her place once and for all."
"And here I was thinking how polite you were back at church, Cleatus." The feminine voice jerked both men's attention to the Mercedes parked at the curb.
Composed and impeccably dressed, Grace Sims stepped away from the car, the epitome of approachable sophistication. Seeing her slim, elegant frame through new eyes, Grant could only marvel at the curvaceous bounty of Lainey's heart-stopping figure.
"Mrs. Sims," he said, catching the angry flush spreading across Cleatus's face and hoping to divert a scene. "It's a pleasure to see you again."
"Dr. Morgan." She smiled a greeting. Short blond hair, several shades lighter than Lainey's, bobbed against her cheek as she turned toward Cleatus. "It was a shock to see you at church. It's been years, hasn't it?"
"I'm still a member of the congregation," Cleatus fired back.
"Yes." She lifted her chin, the mischief lighting her eyes reminding Grant of her daughter's impish expression earlier. "Your name is engraved in tiny gold letters on each of the pews you donated last spring."
"What are you suggesting?" Cleatus puffed out his chest.
"I'm simply saying it might do your soul some good to show up for something other than ice cream every once in a while."
Grace Sims smiled serenely, staring down Grant's godfather like an innocent. Grant had seen men twice her size pale under Cleatus's glare. The thought struck Grant that for sparks like these to be flying, there had to more than political rivalry between these two.
"The only thing that will do me some good," said Cleatus as he yanked off his hat, ran his hand through his silver hair, then wedged the Stetson back on, "is seeing you fall flat on your face in this race for mayor."
"There is no race, Cleatus. I'm running unopposed."
"Not if I have anything to say about it."
"What are you going to do, run yourself?" she asked, laughing. Her laugh turned into a nervous choke as Cleatus silently crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels. "What are you up to, Cleatus Ringo? If you ruin this for me —"
"Mom?" Purse and car keys in hand, Lainey stepped out of the store, stopping in confusion at the sight of the three of them standing together on the sidewalk. "What's all the commotion?"
"Cleatus was just telling your mother about his plans to run for mayor," Grant's eyes trailed down Lainey's body, then back up to her breasts. He couldn't help himself. The woman was perfection.
"You knew about this?" Grace turned to her daughter. "How long have you known about this?"
"Grant just told me," said Lainey.
"Grant?" Grace cast a stunned glance at Grant, then to Lainey. "I didn't think you knew each other."
"We don't — we do," Lainey stuttered, fingering the horseshoe dangling from its chain around her neck. "I mean, we sort of knew each other in high school, and he just reintroduced himself a few minutes ago."
"So, let me get this straight," Grace swung back to Cleatus. "You woke up this morning and decided to challenge my campaign; you crashed the ice cream social at the church to spy on me; and you sent your godson over to get to me through my daughter?"
"Mom —"
"That's not what happened," Grant hastened to explain. "My office is next door and I simply stopped by because I was having a slow afternoon."
"How convenient," Grace's thin smile was anything but convinced. "What have you got to say for yourself, Ringo?"
Grant braced for a Cleatus Ringo-size explosion, only to look over and find his godfather staring mutely at the pendant Lainey was still nervously fiddling with.
Eyes that were furious brown slits flicked to Grace Sims before Cleatus turned on his heel. "Let's get out of here, Grant. I've got nothing left to say."
Throwing an apologetic look at Lainey, Grant followed his godfather's lead.
Well, I guess that means dinner's off, thought Lainey, resigning herself to being stood up by the good doctor.
Lainey walked from the back of the shop to see who was knocking at the door. Fully expecting Grant to stand her up after her mother's confrontation with Cleatus, she had opted to continue working instead of going home to change, so she was surprised to see Grant peering through the window, waving at her and smiling sheepishly.
"What are you doing here?" she asked as she let him in.
"We have a date for dinner, don't we?" He held up a brown paper sack and two sodas.
"I didn't think so, considering what happened this afternoon." He looked adorable standing there, holding the sack toward her as if it were a bouquet of roses.
"I never go back on my word. I said dinner, and dinner it is." He looked around the shop. "Uh, do you have any paper plates?"
Lainey laughed. "You sure know how to sweep a girl off her feet, don't you? Don't suppose that's chateaubriand for two is it?"
Grant smiled. "Not exactly, although someday I'd love to share a meal like that with you, in some intimate little restaurant."
Intimate. The mere mention of the word made Lainey's heart beat faster. She'd love to share something intimate with him, although dinner wasn't what immediately came to mind.
Grabbing paper plates from behind the counter, Lainey pulled two chairs together at her worktable, opened the sack, and laid out the sandwiches and chips Grant had brought.
Taking a bite, she smiled at him. "What a great dinner. I was starving."
"Sorry, it's the best I can do considering we can't very well eat in public together right now," said Grant.
"I wasn't complaining," she said as she took a bite of her sandwich. "I was starving. This is perfect."
"Thanks." Grant smiled, then leaned across the table and wiped mayonnaise from the corner of Lainey's mouth. Lainey watched, transfixed, as he licked the mayonnaise off his thumb.
"You taste good, Lainey Kilgore."
"That's just the mayonnaise."
Grant's smile faded. "You're right." Then, he leaned over and took her face in his hands. Lainey's head swam as Grant's lips touched hers, tentatively at first, then insistent as he rose from his chair and took her into his arms. His lips were soft as they encouraged her more-than-willing response.
"You do taste good, Lainey," Grant trailed kisses over her jaw and neck. Lainey's breathing quickened as he flicked his tongue over her ear.
Lainey had been kissed before. But not like this. Not with such passion and emotion that she felt she'd melt into a heap on the floor if Grant hadn't been holding her in his arms. She was putty in his hands, and could deny him nothing at this moment. She wanted, oh she really wanted to…
Warning bells chimed in Lainey's head. What was she thinking? It was early evening, they were in full view of the street, and here they were, making out like a couple of teenagers. If anyone saw them…
Lainey pulled away. "We have to stop."
Grant was breathing as heavily as Lainey. Raking his hand through his hair, he nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry. I guess I got carried away."
"We got carried away," she emphasized. How easy it had been to get lost in his arms, his kisses, and his touch. She'd have to be very careful about being alone with Grant in the future. After all, she had an agenda. And though she had welcomed the chance to spend time with her dream man, jumping into a relationship with the doctor wasn't on that agenda.
"Shall we get back to the matter at hand?" Grant said as he pulled her chair out.
"Yes, my mother and your godfather." Sitting, she took a sip of her drink to cool the internal fire Grant had flamed.
"So, any ideas about what to do about them?" Grant asked.
Lainey smiled. "Well, I hadn't until just now. Look," she said, pointing out the window to Cleatus Ringo, who was walking quickly and determinedly into an alleyway.
"What's he doing back here?" Grant wondered aloud.
"How are your stealth skills?" Lainey asked him, smiling.
"You want to follow him?"
"Yes, I do. I'd like to see what he's up to. There's a reason for the animosity between my mother and Cleatus, Grant. If we figure out what he's up to, maybe it'll help us solve the mystery."
Grant nodded. "Let's go."
They cautiously followed Cleatus down the alley, the darkness providing ample cover.
Cleatus stopped at the intersection of two alleys. He appeared to be waiting for something, so Lainey and Grant hid behind some old boxes where they couldn't be seen.
They didn't have to wait long. At that moment, Grace's car pulled up from the other direction. She stopped next to Cleatus, and rolled her window down. Neither Lainey nor Grant could hear the conversation, but it didn't appear to be friendly.
"What do you think they're fighting about?" Grant whispered.
"I have no idea, but it looks pretty serious," replied Lainey.
Suddenly, Grace threw open the door of her car, and started jabbing her finger into Cleatus's chest. Suddenly, Cleatus grabbed Grace by both arms. Lainey made an attempt to move, concern for her mother's welfare overriding any further attempt to stay hidden.
Grant's arm held her in place. "Wait," he said quietly. "He won't hurt her. Trust me, I know Cleatus." Lainey paused, not wanting to see her mother hurt but somehow trusting in Grant's knowledge of his godfather's character.
What they saw next caused both their jaws to drop. Cleatus abruptly pulled Grace against his chest and pressed his mouth into hers in a passionate kiss.
"I don't believe it," Lainey whispered.
"Me, either," replied Grant.
They watched as Grace stepped back. She lowered her face into her hands. Lainey didn't know how she had expected her mother to react to Cleatus's kiss, but it wasn't this way. When Grace looked up again, Lainey could see that she was crying. Crying!
Lainey couldn't remember ever seeing her mother cry. Not once.
Cleatus reached out a shaky hand and touched Grace's hair. Grace slapped his hand away and dashed at the tears on her cheeks. She raised her chin as she spoke. It was, Lainey knew, a posture her mother assumed when she was really angry and trying to rein in her temper.
"I wish we could hear what they're saying," said Lainey.
Grant just nodded; he was transfixed by the scene before him.
Lainey looked at Grant's profile. He was so handsome it was distracting. She had to stop thinking about him like this. She pulled her eyes away and looked back toward the car.
Cleatus was gesturing with his hands. Then he moved past Grace to the open the car door, motioning for her to get inside. Lainey saw her mother shake her head. Cleatus said something and Grace reluctantly stepped past him and climbed into the passenger seat of her own car. Cleatus slid into the driver's seat and drove away.
"If I didn't see it, I wouldn't have believed it," said Lainey, shaking her head.
"Well, Lainey Kilgore, I'd say our little mystery just got a lot more interesting." Grant's grin made Lainey's heart do a little flip-flop. "The question is, what are we going to do about it?"
Lainey's mind raced with possibilities. Then an idea struck her. "We're going to search your godfather's house."
"What?"
"Well, just think about it. They're in my mother's car — they won't want anybody to see them together, so what are the chances that they'll go to the ranch? This is the perfect opportunity to see if there's anything at Cleatus's house that links them together."
"Why don't we search your mother's house instead?" Grant asked, feeling a sudden twinge of guilt at invading his godfather's privacy.
"You don't think I've done that already? I haven't been able to find anything. There has to be something that connects them. They wouldn't act like that if there wasn't some history between them."
Lainey looked up at Grant. He made her feel sensations she'd never felt in her life. Even with everything going on around them, her fingers itched to touch him. She pushed the thought out of her head. Stick to the agenda, Lainey. She shrugged her shoulders. "It stands to reason that there might be something at the ranch that would help us make sense of this."
"Reason isn't something I can depend on when I'm around you." He paused. "I can't believe I'm going to do this." Grant looked down at Lainey. His voice was husky when he spoke again. "You make me want to do things I've never even thought about."
He bent and gently opened her mouth with his. He caressed her with his tongue. It was the softest, most devastating kiss she'd ever had. She groaned inwardly. So much for the agenda. Grant pulled away and gently brushed the hair back from her face.
"My car's in front of your shop."
She stood there just looking at him. Every rational thought had flown out of her head.
"Let's go before I change my mind," said Grant. He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the car.
Grant pulled his car around the back of Cleatus's ranch house. Lainey let out a low whistle. She'd never seen the Ringo ranch up close.
"This place is huge. He must get lost in there by himself."
The house was painted in a crisp blue and white. Roses twined their way through the trellises, their scent heavy in the air. Huge oak trees swayed in the yard. For a bachelor's house, it was pretty.
"Sometimes I think he's a little lonely," Grant said.
They got out of the car and Lainey headed around the side of the house.
"Where are you going?" Grant said in a loud whisper.
"To see if there's a window open we can crawl through."
Grant held up a key.
Lainey rolled her eyes and walked over to the door as Grant let himself in.
"Well, at least we're not breaking and entering." Lainey gave him her best winning smile as he shot her a look over his shoulder. "Where do you think he'd hide something?" she asked.
"We should definitely start in his office — everything important is in there." Grant easily led the way in the dark. He'd spent a lot of time in this house when he was growing up. The door to the office was open.
The walls were a dark burgundy. Two were lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The shelves held an assortment of books, football trophies, and sports medals. But the focus of the room was the huge cherrywood desk. It should have been imposing, but somehow it just looked right. Lainey was drawn to it.
It was orderly. Pens and pencils were in their holders, the phone was lined up with the edge of the desk, and papers were stacked in neat piles. Lying in the center of the black leather desk pad was a book.
"Wow! This is a first edition Black Beauty!" said Lainey. "It's my mother's favorite. She would kill for something like this," she added casually. Then she flipped open the cover, and her heart nearly stopped.
"Grant, look at this."
Grant leaned over her shoulder. She could feel his breath against her neck. Warmth spread through her as she leaned lightly against him.
"'Grace, my light, my love, my life. Yours always, Cleatus,'" he read aloud. He looked down at Lainey and raised an eyebrow. "This is getting curiouser and curiouser."
"'My love, my life'?" Lainey's mouth felt dry. "They were involved."
"Lainey —"
Whatever Grant was going to say was lost when they heard the front door open and slam shut.
"Do you think they're coming in here?" Lainey whispered, as they heard footsteps and muffled voices coming down the hall toward them. Before they could hide, the footsteps approached and then passed the office, continuing on down the hall.
Lainey let out her breath, and suddenly realized she had been clutching Grant's shoulder. "That was close. Boy, is my heart beating like crazy." She held her hand over her chest.
Grant placed his hand over hers. His warmth penetrated her hand and spread throughout her body. Lainey's stomach flip-flopped and her heart started racing even faster when she looked up into his smoldering blue eyes and clearly saw his desire. They had come so close to being caught already that she knew she had to stop whatever was growing between them. At least for the time being...
But Lainey never had a chance to protest because the next instant, Grant's mouth was on hers, coaxing her lips apart. And then, despite her misgivings, Lainey was melting into Grant's arms as his free hand circled her waist, pulling her closer. His tongue sent fire searing through her as she forgot the real reason they were here together.
Forgetting that just a moment ago she had been determined to put an end to whatever might be beginning between them, with a rush of daring, she slid her hands underneath his shirt, running her fingers through the hairs on his chest. She craved more, wondering how his body would feel against her bare breasts.
Grant hungrily tasted Lainey's sweet lips as he ran his hand through her honey-blond hair, tugging her head gently back so his tongue could reach the sensitive pulse point at the hollow of her neck. She leaned her head farther back, giving him more room to trail her neck and collarbone with kisses. Grant suddenly hoped they would be trapped in Cleatus's office for a long time.
Lainey moaned deep in her throat and curled her leg around Grant, trying to get closer; he obliged with a soft groan, crushing her even tighter against him, so close that she could feel his arousal. A whimper escaped Lainey's throat and she realized she wanted nothing more than to give herself fully to this man. He drove her crazy as no man ever had.
Grant and Lainey were breathing so heavily, caught in their passionate embrace, that they almost didn't hear the muffled voices approaching the office again. Suddenly Grant broke away, panting. Speechless from the kiss, he pointed toward the door. Lainey was still reeling from the gentle assault of Grant's kisses and her mind didn't immediately register what was happening.
"They're right outside the door," Grant rasped into Lainey's ear, finally finding his voice.
As if on cue, the doorknob started to turn.
Grant pointed to another door behind them in the corner of the room and whispered, "Let's hide in the bathroom." His warm breath caressed her ear and Lainey knew she'd go anywhere with Grant Morgan. Go anywhere and do anything.
Before she could reply, he had pulled her into the tiny bathroom. They shut the door softly behind them just in time to hear the main office door open.
Lainey heard her mother's exasperated voice. "What could you possibly have to show me here, Cleatus? It had better be —" Grace stopped midsentence. "Is that what I think it is?"
Grant and Lainey heard the pages of a book being rifled.
"Of course it is," replied Cleatus.
"I can't believe you kept it."
"I shouldn't have. It belongs to you, Grace. It was a gift, remember?" Cleatus's voice was so soft and gentle, Lainey and Grant almost didn't hear his last few words.
"Of course I remember!" Grace snapped. Her voice softened and she sighed loudly. "How could I forget?"
There was a moment of silence, and then she laughed nervously. "This coffee isn't half bad. Maybe some things do change…."
"What happened between us, Gracie? Why do you hate me so much?" asked Cleatus.
"I don't — I don't hate you. Well, maybe I do, a little." Her voice stiffened as she continued. "You know what happened, Cleatus. You hurt me when you implied I wasn't good enough for your family. That I could never be a part of your life."
"I never said that!" Now Cleatus sounded exasperated.
"Oh, no? I heard you with your parents that night. I heard you agree with what they said about me. Don't try to deny it."
Cleatus cursed softly but didn't refute Grace's allegations.
Listening quietly in the bathroom, Lainey clutched Grant's hand, squeezing it fiercely. Grant rubbed her shoulder soothingly. Lainey was glad to have his strength to lean on.
There was a long pause before Cleatus cleared his throat. "I saw the necklace your daughter was wearing."
Lainey fingered the charm around her neck, as she and Grant listened, hand in hand, while Cleatus continued.
"I can't believe you gave it to another man's child. How could you, Gracie? No matter what happened between us, that horseshoe is a Ringo family heirloom. You know it was supposed to be passed down from generation to generation. You know it was supposed to be given to my firstborn child."
Lainey almost fainted at her mother's calm response. "It was, Cleatus."
Grant's hand shot out and quickly covered Lainey's mouth, stifling the gasp that tried to break free. Then he pulled her against his body to muffle her quiet sobs.
With her head resting against his chest, their bodies touching, he whispered, "Everything is going to be okay."
Lainey looked up into his eyes, then Grant cracked the door enough to see into the next room, and together they listened as Cleatus drew in a deep breath and asked, "What did you say, Grace?"
"Lainey is your firstborn child. Lainey is our child. Yours and mine."
Cleatus grabbed Grace by the arm and jerked her toward him. "How...how is Lainey my child? And for God's sake, why didn't you tell me before now?"
Grace pulled her arm out of his forceful grasp. "Why? I didn't tell you Lainey was your child because apparently I wasn't good enough for you. Was I to assume that my child would be good enough for you?"
"You totally misunderstood the situation. My family thought I should marry a girl of their choosing, one that fit their standards. I was tired of arguing, so I just let them believe I agreed with them. I told them what they wanted to hear — I didn't know you were listening. But I was going to ask you to run away with me. We would have been married. I would have given up everything for you, but you turned your back on me."
Grace shrugged and looked down at the floor. "It doesn't matter now."
Cleatus slammed his fist on his desktop. "It does matter. If Lainey is my child, I want her to have everything she is entitled to. She should be Elaine Ringo and have all the privileges that go with that name."
Grace stressed, "If she is your child?"
Cleatus sighed. "I didn't mean it the way it sounded."
Grace turned around and walked toward the door. "You only want to take Lainey away from me, as another trophy to add to your collection, just like you're trying to take this election away from me. And I'm sorry, but my daughter isn't for sale."
"Where do you think you are going — this conversation isn't over!" said Cleatus angrily. "Lainey is my daughter and if you don't tell her, I will. I have as much right to know our child as you do."
Lainey could take no more, and pushed the door open, much to the surprise of the room's two occupants. Cleatus's mouth fell open and Grace gasped, as Lainey stared back and forth between the two of them in outrage.
She turned to look at her mother. "He's my father? How could you lie to me my whole life? How could you look me in the eye and lie to me about something like this?"
Grace and Cleatus exchanged a look. Then Cleatus walked over to Lainey and took her hand in his.
He smiled down at her, rubbing a hand across her cheek, wondering why he had never seen the resemblance between them before. "Now, honey, don't be angry with your mother. She did what she thought was right for you. It's okay, we can make it right," he said.
Lainey wrenched her hand out of his. Confused, she twisted her hands together, trying to hold on to her temper. "I have a right to be angry. Not only is my mother a liar, but apparently my father is a hypocrite. You were just as angry with her as I was a moment ago, so don't you dare tell me how to feel!"
She felt Grant's hands wrap themselves around her shoulders and leaned back into his comforting warmth. She took a deep breath and looked at the two people who had brought her into the world. These two people were foreign to her. Right now the only person she could depend on was the man she had so unwittingly fallen in love with — Grant.
Lainey looked up into Grant's beautiful, caring blue eyes and said softly, "Could you please take me home now? I think I have heard quite enough."
Grant took Lainey's hand in his and pulled her toward the door, past a faintly sobbing Grace. "I'm here whenever you need me," he replied.
Grant drove Lainey home. She walked through the front door, into the living room, and flopped right down on the couch. Grant stood in the doorway for a moment, before going over to Lainey, kneeling on the floor beside her, and running a hand reassuringly down her back.
"Is there anything I can do? I know this whole night has been quite a shock to you and I'm so sorry you had to find out like that. I had no clue that you were their secret."
Lainey rolled over and looked up at Grant, seeing the sincerity reflected in his eyes. "Do you really want to help?" she asked.
He nodded. "Yes, I do. I'll do anything to help you handle this situation."
Lainey sat up and smiled through her tears. "Then hold me. Make love to me, Grant."
Grant pulled her into his arms, running a hand through her hair. "You're upset now. I don't want to take advantage of you. Don't get me wrong, I want you, just not like this."
"I'm the one asking you. I need you. It wouldn't be taking advantage of me."
Grant leaned back and looked deep into her eyes, still running his hands through her long blond hair. "You have to be sure about this."
Lainey wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him once, lightly and quickly. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life," she said.
She pressed her lips firmly to his again, showing him how badly she needed him and how much she wanted him, then heard him groan, as he lifted her into his arms and carried her down the hall to the bedroom.
In the middle of the bedroom lit only by a small lamp, Grant gently placed Lainey on the bed. With everything in him, he wanted her. But he couldn't do this without her knowing that in a matter of days, he'd be leaving Calm River for good.
He kissed her lips lightly and pushed her hair from her shoulders. "Lainey, before this goes any further, there's something you need to know."
She stared up at him with a beseeching look. "I don't need to know anything, Grant. I only need to be with you. I want to forget all the rest."
"But —" Lainey cut off Grant's protest with a passionate kiss that drove all thoughts from his brain. The future no longer became an issue as they shed their clothes with abandon and settled back on the bed. Only Lainey mattered, the feel of her soft flesh as he smoothed his hands down her beautiful body and in their wake blazed a path with his lips. She responded with small sounds and soft sighs and finally a deep shudder of satisfaction. The sheer pleasure of knowing he could give her this, the emotions he felt when finally he entered her, flung all Grant's concerns away. So sweet, he thought when he finally gave in to his body's demand. So right.
In the quiet aftermath, Grant held Lainey, her cheek resting where his heart's erratic tempo had only begun to subside. "Are you okay?"
She pressed her lips against his chest. "Better than okay. If I hadn't had you with me tonight, I don't know what I would've done. You're the only thing in my life that makes any sense right now."
Grant hadn't felt this sorry in years. "Lainey, I have to tell you something. Now."
Lainey tensed in his arms. "You have a girlfriend, don't you?"
"No. But as of next week, I'll have a new job in San Diego."
The following morning, Lainey tried to stay busy with preparations for the boutique opening despite her sadness and confusion. Last night, after Grant had made love to her so sweetly, then practically said "so long," she'd demanded he leave. He had tried to explain why he had to go, that he'd wanted to escape his father's shadow, pursue new opportunities. She hadn't let him. In fact, she hadn't even told him goodbye. Could things get any worse?
"Elaine, we have to talk."
Lainey glanced up from tagging the latest swimwear shipment to find her mother standing at the door. "I'm busy."
Grace took a guarded step forward. "You have to hear me out. You have to understand why I didn't tell you."
"I only understand that you lied when you told me my father died."
"It was for your own protection. This town is unforgiving."
Lainey didn't feel so forgiving herself. She was just about to give her mother a good chunk of what was left of her mind when Cleatus Ringo — her father — entered the shop. "Lainey, we need to talk."
Oh, joy. "Could both of you just go away? I need some time to think."
Cleatus came to Grace's side and slipped an arm around her waist. "We understand, but your mother and I want you to know that although we've made mistakes, we've never stopped loving each other. We want to make it right."
Would it ever be right? Lainey wasn't sure. Maybe if a future existed with Grant, she might be able to handle all of this. Ridiculous, she thought. She didn't need Grant. At least she didn't want to need him. She had to move on. "It's going to take time for me to get used to the idea. And a lot of communicating."
Grace looked at Cleatus with undisguised love. "That's all we're asking."
Lainey's heart sank into her shoes when she considered she had fallen in love with Grant and she couldn't have him. "Fine. Now I need to get to work."
"Okay," Cleatus said. "But one more thing. Whatever's going on between you and my godson, you have our blessing."
"Nothing's going on." Such a lie, Lainey thought. Her heart ached just thinking about him. "Even if it were, it doesn't matter since he's leaving next week."
Cleatus frowned. "Where's he going?"
Lainey wondered if the deception would ever end. "He's moving to California."
"No, he's not." All eyes turned to the door, where Grant now stood, his hands in his pockets and his expression full of determination.
As Grant strode toward her, Lainey touched the horseshoe pendant at her throat, her one-time good luck charm. "But you told me last night —"
"I know." He circled his arms around her. "I've changed my mind. I've called the hospital and told them I had a good reason to stay in Calm River even if it means treating Mr. Cloverdale's gout and Mrs. Simpson's corns instead of doing a fellowship in emergency medicine."
Grant's beautiful smile pierced through the fog of Lainey's confusion and she allowed herself a little glimmer of hope. "What reason is that?"
"A five-feet, two inch dynamo with a saucy mouth and a killer body."
The hope took flight and she smiled. "I can't imagine who that might be."
Grant nodded toward Grace and Cleatus. "If we can get rid of these two, I'll be glad to show you."
Never had Lainey imagined this ending. Never had she imagined that Grant Morgan the Third, her high school fantasy come to life, would change his plans for her. She turned to Grace and Cleatus while Grant kept a solid arm around her. "Mom, Mr.… Dad, I think that's your cue to leave."
They both grinned like mad and Cleatus said, "We have great taste in women, don't we, son?"
Grant gave Lainey a squeeze. "Yeah, we do." His expression turned suddenly serious. "Looks like you two have worked everything out, but what about the mayoral race?"
"He's withdrawing," Grace said with a wink. "He's met his match."
Grant gave Lainey a heartfelt look. "So have I."
Three months later, it seemed the entire population had turned out at the city's park for the double wedding ceremony and reception involving the new mayor and richest rancher, as well as the doctor and lingerie boutique owner. Way too many people, as far as Grant was concerned. All he wanted right now was to hop in the car, drive his bride into Tulsa and get her naked before they left the next morning for Tahiti — if he could actually make it past the city limits. He couldn't wait to see his new bride in one of her infamous sexy little numbers, which he would promptly remove with pleasure.
The lingerie shop had been incredibly successful, much to everyone's surprise — and to the delight of Calm River's men. Grant figured they hadn't had that many women sporting that much provocative underwear in the single-stoplight town's entire history. Ought to be a baby boom next year, Grant decided. Maybe he and Lainey should add their own contribution. But first things first — the honeymoon.
As Grant and Lainey lovingly shoved pieces of cake into each other's mouths, Cleatus and Grace looked on, looking as if they needed a quick getaway, too. Grant turned to Lainey and kissed the icing away from the corner of her lip. "I've had about all of this I can take. Are you ready to leave?"
"You betcha. But first, I have something I need to give you."
He grinned. "Do you think that's appropriate in front of the whole town?"
"You're such a cad." She smiled and kissed his cheek. "A very cute cad." Reaching under the banquet table, Lainey pulled out a bow-bedecked carton of Vitamin D milk. "I thought you might like this as a wedding gift." She leaned over and whispered, "You could wear it tonight."
Grant laughed, the joke lost on the people surrounding them. "I love it," he said, and then added, "I love you more."
"And I love you, too."
Grant kissed Lainey then, an unrestrained kiss he tendered without mercy, without regard to their audience. He'd once thought to leave Calm River, to seek out excitement, but he'd come to realize that Lainey was all the excitement he would ever need. The only woman he would ever need.
When they departed, Lainey looked into her husband's beautiful eyes and blessed her good fortune. It was hard to be a wild woman in Calm River, Oklahoma — unless you were married to the town's sexiest man. And darned if she wasn't.
The End