Fool Me Once (3 page)

She
stopped and looked up at him. In the fading light, his eyes were hard to read.
“Josh,” she said, “you don’t need my help to lose your money. You’ll find any
number of casinos willing to relieve you of your American dollars. Trust me.”

“Yes,
I’m aware of that. But you gained some amazing insight doing that article on
casinos. You know from experience how things work. I’m interested in the
private gaming rooms. The back rooms, as it were – away from the public
spotlight. You have the connections to get me into those games.”

“That
may be true, but why would I even consider doing what you ask?” She held up a
hand. “Never mind. Don’t answer that.” She slipped out of her sandals and
picking them up she set out across the grass, heading for the main house. “I
don’t even know why I’m talking to you.”

“Yes
you do.” His tone was suggestive, intimate almost.

“I
knew you were going to say that!”

“See?
We’re just like an old married couple already.”

“Can’t
you be serious?”

With
one smooth movement he reached out and caught her in the circle of his arms.
“All right,” he said, eyes searching her face. “You’re talking to me because
deep down, the idea excites you.” She tried to pull back, but he held her
firmly. “You’re unattached and your best friend has found herself a wonderful
guy. You’re feeling left out and I’ve come along at just the right moment.”

She
lifted her chin. “If you thought I’d jump at the chance to run off with some
good-looking, poker-playing rich American cowboy, you misjudged me. A lot.” She
looked at him defiantly. “I suppose you also thought we’d have a little hot sex
on the side.”

A
slow, lazy smile transformed his face. “The sex is optional, but I could
accommodate you if you insist.” His grip tightened.

“You
insufferable bastard!” Olivia swung at him with a clenched fist.

One
hand snaked out, catching her by the wrist before she could strike him. He
pulled her closer, his thigh lodged between her legs. For one irrational moment
she wished that he would kiss her.

She
sucked in a ragged breath, trying to bring her traitorous emotions back under
control.

“Remember
you’re the one who brought up sex, not me.” His eyes held hers, and then slid
down to her mouth. “But the offer still holds.”

He
released her arm and she stepped back, surprised that her legs still supported
her. “Don’t do me any favors.” She almost choked on the words.

His
eyes glittered, rooting her to the spot. “I’ll remember that.”

Olivia
wondered if she’d come to regret that outburst. Josh Morgan was the most
exciting man she’d met in years and there was no doubt in her mind that he’d be
a fantastic lover. Maybe that’s why the idea of posing as his fiancée rankled.
She’d never know where she stood in the relationship he’d just proposed. Then
why did it appeal so much? She turned away from him and continued walking, her
mind whirling with possibilities.

His
fingers brushed her elbow and she shivered. In sharp contrast with their heated
exchange, his touch was gentle. For one crazy moment she wondered how his hands
would feel on her body. She shivered again.

“You’re
cold. Come on, I’ll finish walking you to the door.”

His
voice was neutral, and she found herself wishing that the slick, smooth-talking
Josh would return. She led him silently around the side of the house and
slipped her sandals back on as they reached the driveway. He was right, she
admitted to herself. The idea of accompanying him to the Mediterranean did
excite her. A holiday alone didn’t hold much appeal right now.

“Here
we are.” She paused at the kitchen door. A carefully tended herb garden
released pungent scents into the night air. Moths battered their wings against
the light above the door. She looked up at him. “Josh, I…”

“Olivia…”

She
spoke again. “You first.”

He
picked up her hand, and appeared to be studying it in the yellow cone of light.
“At least tell me you’ll think about it.” He stroked the back of her hand with
one finger, his touch both reverent and sensual. “I think we’d have fun
together.”

Every
nerve ending in her body came alive, making her ache with longing. Why did he
have to come into her life at this time? And how dare he pinpoint with such
accuracy that she was alone and craving a diversion? She raised her eyes to
meet his, reminding herself of his earlier words. He wasn’t looking for a
relationship. Based on that, could she go with him? She didn’t know.

She
pulled her hand away. “You’re probably right. It would be fun. But right now I
don’t think I’d be very good company.”

“I
can’t imagine you being anything other than delightful company.” He grinned.
“You certainly know how to speak your mind. I like that.”

The
light shone down on his head, gilding his hair and casting his face into
shadows. A crisp white shirt did little to disguise what could only be
described as a magnificent torso.  She knew instinctively that his body
would be firm and tight. She swallowed hard.

“I
really should be getting in.” She reached for the door, but he already had his
hand on the latch. Her fingers brushed his, sending a jolt of electricity
zinging through her veins. “All right,” she said, opening the inside the door
and slipping inside.

“Then
you’ll come?” Head tilted, he regarded her through the screen.

“I
meant that I’ll think about it. See you tomorrow.” She closed the door, praying
that he couldn’t hear her wildly beating heart.

* * *

A
damp mist hugged the ground the next morning as Olivia rode along the trail
leading toward the stables of Haversham Hall. She’d had trouble sleeping last
night, plagued by dreams of Josh. She’d finally given up around two in the
morning and had crawled out of bed to sit by the open window, reliving every
moment of her time with him. There was something about him. Beneath the casual,
undeniably sexy exterior he was coiled as tightly as a spring. It was an
exciting, disturbing combination. She’d finally gone back to bed and fallen
into a sound sleep, but even now those impressions still lingered.

The
sun made an appearance over the hills to the east, bringing with it the promise
of another beautiful day. She sighed audibly, wondering if she should ask
Justine to help her decide about Josh’s audacious offer. Probably not. After
all, Justine had enough things on her mind with the upcoming wedding. Besides,
Olivia wasn’t sure if she wanted Justine’s input. Her friend’s decisions were
usually tempered with a large dose of caution. Right now caution was the last thing
she needed despite the warning bells that were ringing in the back of her mind.
What she needed was to be with Josh again – to feel that shimmer of awareness
that danced over her skin when she looked into his eyes.

A
smile of remembrance lingered on her lips as she rode up to the stable. “Thank
you, Steves,” she said, handing the reins to the groom. “I’ll just run over to
the house and see what’s keeping Justine.” She set off across the yard,
speaking softly to the Irish setter who had wandered out to meet her.

“Hello
the house.” She entered the kitchen as the sun spilled through the windows.
Alex was at the kitchen table, reading a newspaper.

“Hello,
Olivia. You’re up early. Off for a ride, are you?” His gaze drifted back to the
paper.

“I
thought I was. Where’s Justine?”

“She’s
gone back to bed. Asked me to tell you she wasn’t feeling well and that she
hopes you’ll come over for a visit this afternoon.” Looking up again he shot
her a puzzled look. “But I thought you were riding with Josh. He’s down at the
stables now, waiting for you. I told him he could ride Luther.”

“Josh?”
Her breath quickened. He must have been inside the stables when she arrived.

“Yes,
Josh. You know…tall, broad-shouldered chap. You met him yesterday, or so he
tells me.”

“Is
that so?” Olivia planted her hands on her hips. “And what else did he tell
you?”

“Nothing.”
Alex looked at her sharply. “What are you getting at?”

“I
don’t know.” She sat down with a soft groan.

“What
is it? He peered impatiently over the top of the newspaper.

“What
do you know about him, Alex?” Olivia hated herself for asking, but she had to
know. “What’s he really like? Have you been to his ranch in Montana?”

Alex
lowered the paper slowly. “I met him when I did my military service. We did
some joint exercises with the American Special Forces unit. Josh was tops in
all disciplines.” He smiled wryly. “And he could charm the birds out of the
trees. But no, I’ve never had the time to go to Montana. We manage to get
together about once a year, usually when I’m in New York or on the West Coast.”
He paused. “I must say, this current visit was a bit of a surprise. He called
up and asked if he could pop out for a visit. Why do you ask?”

“Because
he’s off to the Mediterranean in a few days, and I’m thinking of going with him.”

Alex
reached for his coffee cup and seemed disappointed to see that it was empty.
Olivia recognized that he was stalling for time, organizing his thoughts. She
waited.

“I
would trust Josh Morgan with my life. I want to make sure you understand that.”

Olivia
sensed what was coming.

“But
getting involved with him is something else altogether. Not a wise idea,
Olivia. He’s wealthy, he’s charming, and women can’t seem to get enough of him.
He’ll break your heart.”

She
nodded, but she wasn’t really listening to his warning. “Special Forces? Isn’t
that the equivalent of our SAS?” Her antennae had popped up at the mention of
Special Forces. Could there be a story here?

He
sat back and looked at her and for a moment it was as if he were somewhere
else. Then his eyes focused on her again. “They’re a special breed of men,
Livvy. They have their own set of rules.” He toyed with his cup. “Having said
that, I have to tell you I admire him greatly. But my advice is, don’t get
involved.”

“Who
said anything about getting involved?” She forced a light laugh. “That’s the
last thing that interests me.” She rose and poured more coffee into his cup,
resting her hand briefly on his shoulder. “Thanks, Alex. Thanks for helping me
to make up my mind.”

She
stepped out into the warmth of the rising sun. This scenario was getting more
interesting by the moment. She made a mental checklist. Charismatic American.
Wealthy rancher. High stakes poker. Former member of America’s elite Special
Forces. Her nose twitched, the way it always did when she sensed a potential
story.

She
walked slowly down the steps, her decision made. It was a perfect morning for a
ride. Long strides took her to the stable where she hesitated for a moment
before stepping into the comparative gloom.

“Good
morning, Olivia.” His voice curled around her like a lover’s arms, awakening
every fiber of her being. Dammit, why did he have to affect her like this? He
stood between two horses, holding their bridles loosely. He turned to her
horse. “She’s a beauty,” he murmured. The horse whinnied softly in response. It
was impossible! He’d even charmed her horse.

“I
know I’m imposing, but I have to return to London today to take care of some
business. This seemed like a good time to see if you’ve made a decision.” He
waited for her to mount, and then swung up into the saddle. Impressed with his
ability to handle Alex’s temperamental horse, Olivia watched him covertly. In
spite of his size, he moved easily, his hands gentle but firm on the reins.
Smiling to herself, she led the way, giddy with the sweet smell of the morning
air and the undeniable appeal of the man riding beside her. Riding in
companionable silence, he matched his pace to hers. They reined in on a rise
overlooking rolling farmland. In the distance, a tractor made the first cut
around the perimeter of a hay field. From this vantage point, it resembled a
child’s bright toy.

“Let’s
sit for a moment.” She tied her horse to a nearby tree and sat down
unceremoniously, draping her arms over bent knees. He copied her position,
watching her expectantly.

“One
question,” she blurted, turning to him. “Why do you want me to pose as your
fiancée. Why not introduce me as your girlfriend? It would be so much simpler.”

He
studied her silently for a moment, a range of emotions flickering across his
face. “Mostly out of respect for you.”

She
gazed across the valley as the morning mists curled upward, evaporating under
the heat of the sun. His answer took her by surprise and she sucked in a deep
breath. “Do you still want me?”

The
words hung between them like an unexploded bomb.

“Absolutely.”

Olivia
avoided his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Yes,
I know what you mean, but I’m wondering why you decided to do it.”

“Does
it matter?” She looked at him levelly.

“I
suppose not.” His eyes searched her face, lingering on her lips for a
tantalizing moment. “At the risk of angering you, I think that now would be a
good time to go over the rules.”