Ice may be needed for blazing
imaginations.
Tempted by Trouble
Excerpt
“I hope this won’t
upset your plans?”
“Would it matter?
I signed a service contract that included a non-disclosure agreement. Even if I
had a problem, I couldn’t tell a soul and I’ve promised you two weeks of my
time.”
He chuckled
softly. “Yes, two weeks to do my bidding.”
She almost choked
at the thought of doing his bidding. “What the heck have I gotten myself into
with you, Mr. McLemore? Exactly what type of office do you run?”
His expression
changed. Sharpened. “Strictly business. Look, Dr. Rodriguez, we’ve gotten off
on the wrong foot.”
“Wrong foot … the
whole body is a problem, sir,” she hissed.
He smiled broadly,
reassuring her. “Let’s discuss this later. This isn’t the correct time or
place. Don’t you have to help the bride or something?”
“Yes. As a matter
of fact, I do. I don’t know what you think you’ve contracted, but I’ll only
supply you with vet services. As long as you understand that fact, there’s
nothing more to discuss.”
“Well, there is.
In the service agreement, there’s a provision that we need to discuss before
you’re allowed access to the ranch barn and stable sites. So, either we can do
it later or when you arrive in Texas. But until you and I have a little
sit-down and get a few things ironed out, there won’t be any work for you to do
directly. I’ve got a ranch to run, and I don’t have time to play games. I’ve
already spent enough time finding a vet.” His eyes glittered and dropped to her
mouth. “If you think I’m about to waste more time because you’ve got second
thoughts, Dr. Rodriguez, the next communication you’ll have from Evermore Ranch
will be from my attorneys. Had I known who you were before, believe me, I
wouldn’t have … I’d never let the situation get away from me.”
Oh, this was rich. “Away from you.
I’d say it got out of control. But that’s on your side of the table. Fine. I’ll
honor my service contract. You’re right about one thing. The only thing of
interest to me is treating your cattle. Once the job is done, I’ll be only too
happy to leave you in peace and we can go our separate ways.”
Up close, his eyes shone
sherry-colored. A muscle flexed along his jaw. His masculine scent of leather,
smoke, and wood filled her head. The hard set of his mouth didn’t resemble the
man from before. He’d done just as he’d promised, shutting one door, and
leaving in place a man who didn’t look as if he enjoyed playing games. No this
version of Matt McLemore had a locking gaze and if looks could kill, she was a
goner.
“I’m glad we understand one another
then, Dr. Rodriguez. I expect to meet with you tomorrow at your convenience.
Our relationship will be strictly business, if that’s what got you in such a
dither.”
By Susan Arden Publisher: Crimson Romance Release Date: April 1, 2013
NaNoWriMo 2012 Entry