Chapter One

A body made for sin.

There was no other way to describe the woman leaning across the pool table. Her red hair hung in curly abandon down to where the band of her T-shirt rode up to reveal a wide expanse of tanned back. Shapely hips, encased in a short denim skirt, shifted as she lined up her shot. The woman caressed the pool stick, sliding it slowly in and out of her fingers before finally giving it a stroke that made Grant Clark’s breath catch.

She straightened and blew on the tip of the cue. His groin hardened in reaction. The small group watching clapped and her generous lips—the kind made for kissing a man senseless—curved into a smile that transformed her face from beautiful to stunning.

Grant’s imagination took over. He was laying her back against the pool table, her long legs hooked around his waist as he filled his hands with her luscious curves. Lowering his mouth to her cherry colored lips, he anticipated how warm and sweet they’d be as she smiled that thousand-watt smile just for him.

Suddenly, he realized she was smiling at him, but not in a fantasy. She’d caught him staring, and the glint in her eye told him she knew exactly where his mind had been. The beauty crooked one well sculpted eyebrow and slowly slid her gaze down the length of him, searing every inch. Before her eyes met his again though, her head snapped around at something her group called out.

Grant felt as if he’d been held off the ground and then dropped.

He watched as she sidled up to a balding older man. Long arms slid around his neck before she kissed his pudgy cheek. The bald man shook his head and she pouted, looking up from under thick lashes.

What on earth was a beautiful young woman like that doing with someone twice her age? Grant stiffened, realizing he was paying way too much attention to something that wasn’t his business. He turned back around just as the bartender appeared with a frosty mug.

“Here you go, Doc.” Bill set the beer in front of him.

He took a long grateful drink. “That’s what I needed.”

Bill glanced past his shoulder and grinned. “The beer or the redhead?”

Grant swiped at his mouth where the foam clung. “Definitely the beer.” He took another drink and quirked his head towards the pool table. A yawn Grant couldn’t conceal overtook him and he hastily covered his mouth with his hand. “Sorry.”

“You look like you were rode hard and put up wet.” Bill flipped the bar towel over his shoulder and picked up the now empty beer mug.

“I think I delivered every calf in the county tonight.” He rubbed his hand around the back of his aching neck. Maybe he should have just gone straight home instead of coming here tonight.

“How you gonna handle things when Beth’s gone on her honeymoon?” Bill drew a fresh beer and set it on the bar.

Grant tasted the foamy brew. “She’s got a friend of hers coming in to help out.”

“Another vet?”

“No, just someone to handle the office.”

Bill grinned. “What’s this friend look like?”

Grant shook his head. “Don’t know, don’t care as long as she does her job and stays out of my way.”

The bartender laughed. “Maybe she’ll be someone you wouldn’t mind having around.”

Grant snorted. “She’d better be someone who just blends in with the background.”

Laughter from the party at the pool table was loud and clear. Grant crooked his eyebrow.

The old bartender grinned. “I don’t know, Doc. I think that kind of distraction would be worth a bit of overtime.”

Grant shook his head. “That type is nothing but trouble. And I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime,” he griped just as his stomach rumbled, loudly.

Bill dropped his towel to the bar. “I’m gonna go check on your steak.”

Grant was relieved to see him go. His love life—or lack thereof—wasn’t something he wanted to talk about. Lately, all Beth and her meddling sisters wanted to do was find him a woman. All he wanted to do was focus on his job. With Beth moving to Abilene to be with Tyler after the honeymoon, he was going to be putting in even longer days. And he had serious doubts a bit of office help was going to make a difference, but at least it would make Beth feel better about being gone.

****

“What are you gonna do here alone?” Chase Boyd frowned.

Charli shrugged and handed her father his hat. “Listen to music, toss some more darts, I don’t know. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

The older man continued to look uncertain and she kissed his cheek. “I promise I won’t stay late.”

Her father straightened the hat on his balding head. “You’ve been keyed up for days, little girl. When you think you might share with your old man what’s eating at ya?”

Not hardly. There were some things a woman didn’t discuss with her father. She pushed him gently towards the door. “I’m just preoccupied with the wedding. Now go. I’ll be fine.”

“I don’t care how small this town is, I don’t like leaving my daughter alone in a bar.” He looked beyond her at the rest of the room.

“There’s hardly anyone in here.”

She sighed and pointed towards the front. “That guy at the bar is Beth’s partner, Grant Clark. I promise I’ll go up and talk to him. I won’t be alone.”

Chase didn’t look convinced, but he turned towards the door. “Okay then. I’ll see you in the morning. Drive careful.”

“I will.”

She waved him out the door before turning to the jukebox in the corner. After shoving a bunch of quarters into the slot, she headed to the bar.

Beth had told her the other doctor in her practice was a complete workaholic. At the time she hadn’t paid too much attention to her friend’s description other than to picture him as a nose-to-the-grindstone kind of guy. She was used to men who worked hard and played hard. Having lived her entire life on a ranch, she knew that type well. It was the cowboy way of life. But Beth had said something else, something about Grant preferring the company of his animals to people. That gave her the impression he was old and cantankerous.

There was absolutely nothing old about the jean covered rear end seated on the barstool.

Moving closer, she let her gaze soak in the way his black T-shirt molded a muscular back. His worn, brown cowboy hat couldn’t quite hide the fact his blonde hair was a bit long and curled at the edges.

She waited for him to notice her as she slid onto the stool next to him and crossed her legs, but he seemed completely obsessed with his very rare steak. The onion rings had been shoved aside as if they were of little importance while his fork tore into the meat as if he hadn’t eaten in days. The strong scent of animals wafted off him and she realized he’d probably been working all day. This was probably his first chance to sit down.

His profile was ruggedly handsome, but the scowl on his face made him seem mad at the world. Maybe she could make him smile, give him some pleasant conversation over his dinner. If she knew him better, she might even offer a shoulder massage.

A smile pulled at her lips when he turned his head towards her. His blue eyes were startling in their intensity, reminding her of sapphires. They weren’t warm and welcoming though. Actually, he probably couldn’t look more annoyed if she was a pesky five-year-old about to bombard him with questions.

Amused, she propped her chin in her hand and gave him her warmest gaze from under her lashes. “Hey, cowboy, buy me a drink?”

His gaze slid to her chest and he took a good long look before returning to meet her eyes. When he turned back to his dinner, she felt his rejection like cold water tossed in her face.

“What’s the matter? Your sugar daddy have to get home to his wife?” He shoved a piece of beef into his mouth.

Charli’s lips twitched. Ahh, now she understood why he glared at her as if she was pond scum. Shifting on her stool, she leaned forward enough to give him a good cleavage shot, then lowered her voice to a husky purr. “That’s the good part about older men, they come…and go early.”

Grant choked on his steak and Charli bit back her smile of delight. Serves you right for such an asinine remark, Doc.

The bartender appeared with a shot of amber liquid for her.

She grinned warmly at Bill, although this would have to be her last one tonight. She still had to drive back to the Double B.

“How’s that steak, Doc?” he asked.

“Hit the spot. Thanks.” He tossed his crumbled napkin on top of the onion rings.

Charli caught him sneaking a peek at her legs, so she shifted on the stool. Obviously, he had no clue who she was. The polite thing to do would be to introduce herself, but this was way too much fun.

His gaze darted to her chest once more. Must be a breast man. Although he did appear to enjoy the view of her bare legs.

Might as well give him the whole show.

She straightened her back, and lifted her heavy hair off her neck as if it was hot. Her stretch jutted her breasts out and lifted the bottom of her T-shirt just enough that she knew he’d get a glimpse of her diamond belly button stud. For some reason, the piercing turned men on.

Once she knew he’d gotten a good look, she let her hair drop into place. The doctor simply reached for a toothpick, shoved it in his mouth, and turned his attention to the country music video on the TV over the bar.

Charli twirled on her barstool before reaching across him for the small black bowl of snack mix. Her position pushed her breasts together, giving her a deep valley of cleavage. Catching him watching out of the corner of his eye, she slowed, taking her time. When he drew in a sharp breath she forced herself not to smile.

Straightening, she ignored the glare he tossed her. “You’re a doctor?” She popped a pretzel between her lips and crunched.

He studied her mouth for so long she could have sworn he’d be leaning in for a taste at any moment. Her breath caught and her pulse skipped. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips in anticipation of his next move.

Instead, he shoved the toothpick back in his mouth and focused on the TV once more. “Yep.”

You’re one tough cookie there, Doc! Most men would have been all over her by now, asking for her number, sliding a hand to her bare thigh. Wow, what a challenge.

She reached out and traced her long red fingernail along the back of his hand where it rested on the bar. “I’ve got this ache, Doc. Maybe you can help?”

She waited patiently until he gave her his attention. He lifted one eyebrow and waited for her to go on.

Slipping her hand off his, she rested it on her flat stomach and slid it upward, hovering over her breast until she covered her heart. “Right here.”

He stared at her hand for a heartbeat before he lifted his not-at-all amused gaze to her face. “I don’t have any cures for heartburn. I’m an animal doctor.”

“I’ve been known to purr.” She picked up the shot of Jack Daniels, saluted him and tossed it back.

As the liquid burned down her throat in a familiar, warm trail, she closed her eyes as if savoring every drop. She sensed him watching her and slowly opened them to stare back. This small town vet was hot. His grouchy exterior made him irresistible and she’d love to be the woman to make him smile. Maybe combining business with pleasure while she was stuck here wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.

Guilt immediately washed over her. She’d promised Tyler and Beth she’d help with the office, not turn it upside down. Charli pulled her bottom lip into her mouth as her conscience warred with the rest of her.

Suddenly, the doctor broke the stare and slid off his bar stool. “You’re coming on to the wrong guy, Red.” He opened his wallet and tossed several bills on the bar.

His gaze skimmed her bare thigh, and she realized her skirt had inched up higher. With a well practiced pout, she tipped her head and, from under her lashes, gazed at him with undisguised hunger. “Leaving already?”

He nodded. “I’ve had a long day. I’m going to bed.”

You walked into that one, Doc. Laughing inside, she reached out and settled her hand on his shoulder, allowing her long fingernail to slide down his chest. “Is that an invitation?”

Indecision flashed through his eyes. Heat flooded her and an image of the two of them somewhere much more private flashed through her mind. Beth had asked her to cheer Grant up, she rationalized. So, she’d really only be helping a friend out. The spark in his eyes told her he was thinking the exact same thing she was. A slow smile lifted her lips.

A quick glance down revealed that more than just his chest muscles were bulging. Surely, Beth would forgive her…eventually.

A bark of unexpected laughter caught her off guard. His features softened and his eyes danced with mirth. Whoa. Grouchy, he was sexy; smiling, he was down right hot.

She grinned and tossed her hair. It was way past time to introduce herself. She removed her hand from his chest and held it out, but he stepped away before she could speak.

“Sorry, Red. A lifetime ago, I might have been tempted.”

He touched the brim of his hat in a way she found incredibly charming and walked away.

Charli twitched her lip as she watched him leave, not sure if she was relieved or regretted that he hadn’t invited her to go with him.

He stopped and glanced back at her over his shoulder. Hope surged.

“I’d say ‘stay out of trouble’ but somehow, I get the feeling it’s your favorite pastime.” And with that, he pushed through the door and was gone.

Whew. Charli blinked and spun around on the bar stool. She’d had no idea Beth’s partner was so interesting. And here she thought six weeks working in the Double B’s veterinary clinic was going to be boring! Hah! This could be very, very interesting indeed.

She picked up one of his left behind onion rings and munched around her grin. Wait until Doc Grouchy found out who was helping him in his office for the next six weeks.

****

Grant couldn’t escape. Naked and spread-eagled, he was bound to his bed. His hands and feet were tied with leather straps as his captor stood over him with a leather whip and an evil grin on her beautiful face.

“You will be my love slave,” she commanded.

He shook his head, although he had no idea why he was saying no.

The redhead threw back her head and laughed. “I see you’re still playing hard to get. Well, maybe this will convince you.”

She dropped the whip and straddled his thighs. Curly hair spilled over her shoulders and her bare breasts were high and firm with nipples like ripe berries ready for whipped cream. He was powerless and could only watch as she slowly reached for his pulsing erection.

Just then, Garth Brooks walked into the room strumming his guitar and singing about friends in low places. They both turned to stare in shock.

Sitting up with a start, Grant drew air deep into his lungs with long ragged breaths. His body was soaked with sweat and he glanced frantically around his bedroom. Caught in the twilight zone of sleep and awake, it took a second for him to realize it had only been a dream. Though he could still hear the cords of Garth singing about friends in low places, thankfully, the music came from his iPod set to wake him up.

He dropped his head to his hands, taking several more steadying breaths. It had been a long time since he’d had such a sexy dream. He didn’t realize the woman from the bar had made such an impression last night.

She certainly had come on strong. Had he been wrong to turn her down? He didn’t know any other man who would have walked away, but he knew darn well what her type was like. Trouble, just like he’d told her. He had no time for such nonsense.

Grant stumbled to the bathroom. Moments later, he headed downstairs, out one door, through another, and into the attached veterinarian clinic. The smell of coffee made him frown. Beth wasn’t supposed to be working today.

He stopped in the small kitchenette and poured a cup before heading up front to the office area. “I thought we agreed you were on vacation,” he said as he stepped around the corner.

The woman bent over, shoving folders in the file cabinet was most definitely not his petite business partner. A shapely rear end, just barely covered by bright red shorts, topped legs that looked like they never ended. The dominatrix from his nightmare turned and smiled at him over her shoulder. No pin-up poster ever looked so enticing.

“Hey, Doc.” A long red ponytail swished along her back as she shut the drawer and straightened. Hands slid to her slim hips as she faced him. “How’d you sleep?”

The image of her straddling his thighs flashed in his mind. It had been a dream right? This mischievous look on her face made him wonder. Why did she look as if she knew about it?

He cleared his throat. “What are you doing here?” he countered as he set his coffee down before he spilled it.

She moved to the large desk, lifted a pile of folders off the corner and returned to the metal cabinet. “I’m filing.”

Grant held his breath, hoping the yellow folder had to go in the bottom drawer. Annoyed with the errant thought, he cleared his throat. “Who are you? Why are you in my office?”

“Didn’t Beth tell you?” She pulled open the top drawer and slipped the folder in without even stretching up on her tiptoe. She was tall, but then, he was used to being around Beth who barely reached five foot two. He also noticed for the first time that her feet were bare. His gaze traveled back up to a T-shirt that slid up as she reached into the back of the drawer. The diamond in her navel winked at him.

Grant tore his gaze back to her face. “Beth?”

With a tip of her head, her blue eyes danced with humor. “You know, the bride to be? Your college buddy, your business partner? Tyler’s fiancée?”

“I know who she is. Who are you?”

“I’m Charli.”

Feeling like he’d been sucker-punched, Grant gasped, “You’re Charli Boyd?”

She smiled and wiggled her eyebrows. “In the flesh.”

Charli Boyd. The infamous friend of the Double B families. The way everyone talked about her, he had an entirely different image in his head. Not this long legged, red-headed temptress. Beth had sworn up and down that her friend wouldn’t be a distraction. How could she have done this to him? Suddenly he realized why Tyler’s brother, Teddy, had been so amused when he heard she’d be working here.

This vixen, the one who hit on him last night, was going to be in his office every day—looking like that—for six long weeks? A cold chill raced up his spine as he remembered something even worse—Charli was the bridesmaid he was asked to escort to the wedding!

Grant crossed his arms over his chest and struggled with his anger and the sudden need to bolt. “Do you always pick up strangers in bars?”

Charli set down the folders and picked up his coffee mug. She took a long drink before handing it back. Her fingers brushed his as he automatically reached for it. A spicy scent drifted around him.

She tossed her hair and stared into his eyes. “You’re not a stranger. And I didn’t pick you up because you ran away.”

Grant couldn’t stop watching the way her hips swayed with her filing. He took a long drink of his coffee. She’d known who he was last night. She’d been playing games. But why? To see how far she could push him?

“My helping out in the office isn’t going to be a problem, is it?” She turned and faced him as if shocked that it would even be a concern.

Hell yes, it’s a problem! How was he supposed to get any work done if she was bent over his filing cabinet in those tight shorts? And where were her shoes? Why did her red tipped toes look so sexy? No way could he focus on his job with this siren here.

“Actually, um, yeah it’s a problem. No offense, Trouble, er, Ms. Boyd, but I was hoping for someone a little less, well…” He ran his hand along the back of his neck, trying to find the right words.

Her eyes lit up and she glided across the room to his side. It took every inch of willpower he possessed not to back away from her as she advanced.

“Are you saying you can’t control yourself around me? You certainly had no trouble resisting me last night.”

One hand splayed across the front of his T-shirt. She traced a pattern across his bottom lip and Grant’s groin sprang to life. Her body was close enough that he could smell her perfume and feel her heat but not feel anything else. It was frustrating but stimulating at the same time.

“I have a lot of work to do. I’m very busy and I don’t like distractions.” He hated that his voice almost cracked.

She was close to his height as she lifted her elbow and rested it on his shoulder. Her soft breast pressed into his chest. Grant drew a deep breath, trying not to focus on the intimate roundness nestled against him.

“I’m sure you can keep things professional.” Her eyes danced with delight.

“It’s not me I’m worried about.”

She threw her head back and laughed, then pushed away from him. “What if I promise not to chase you around the office?”

Grant stepped behind his desk as if it was a shield.

Charli lifted one hip, settled on the edge and crossed her legs. She swung her foot lazily and his gaze caught on her aquamarine toe ring.

Who the heck wore rings on their toes? “Enough with the fun and games,” he said with more forcefulness than he felt. “I have a lot of work to do and I need someone who will legitimately help me, not treat this as a big joke.”

Crossing her arms over her chest, Charli raised one red-gold eyebrow. “Beth was right.”

Grant tried hard to focus on what she was saying rather than the cleavage that just popped up and over the scoop neck of her T-shirt. He flopped awkwardly into his chair. “About what?”

“That you need to lighten up.”

“Is that what this is about?” He shook his head in disgust and pulled a pile of files towards him. “I suppose she thought you running around here in skimpy outfits would do that? I’m sorry she’s wasted your time. This won’t work for me.”

Without lifting his head, he snuck a peek of her bare legs. They were golden brown and looked smooth enough for a shaving commercial. His gaze couldn’t help but travel upward to where the hem of her red shorts crossed her shapely thighs, the front held together with buttons rather than a zipper. He could imagine himself undoing them one by one and parting the material to slip his hand inside. What was under them? Panties? A thong? Definitely a thong kind of girl, or maybe she didn’t have anything on under them.

Grant grabbed his coffee and took a large gulp.

She shrugged and slid off his desk. “Okay, Doc. Have it your way. It’s too bad though. I mean, Beth won’t be able to relax on her honeymoon knowing you’re here all alone, handling everything. She’ll probably even cut her trip short, and then Tyler will be mad. Not the best start to a marriage, especially considering all they went through to get back together and make it work.” She picked up a slim purse that lay on the table by his office door and slipped the strap over her shoulder. “Oh well, not your problem. You take care now. I’ll go find Beth and tell her.”

She turned on her bare heel and left the office. He heard the door chimes as she opened the front door. Damn her! There was no way he could let Beth know he’d run off the help she’d arranged on the very first day.

The redheaded witch was right: Beth would spend her entire honeymoon worried about the workload. Guilt curled in his gut.

‘Trouble! I mean Charli?” he yelled as he ran out the door.

She stood in the reception area holding the door open. Her eyes held a satisfied gleam. She’d played him again.

“Fine you can stay. But we need to set some serious ground rules.”

Charli tipped her head as if thinking about it. “I don’t know, you might be right. I mean, I don’t want to be responsible for you being unable to work. I think maybe you should handle this alone, Doc.”

She put one foot out the door and Grant moved across the room. He touched her arm to stop her. “What can I do to make you stay?”

“You really want to ask me that question?” Her blue eyes sparkled.

She really was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. So what if life for the next six weeks was going to be hell, at least she’d be some kind of help. Reluctantly, he nodded.

“You have to promise not to be crabby. I can’t stand grouchy men.”

“I’m not grouchy.”

She lifted one brow and turned toward the door again.

“Okay, okay. I promise not to be grouchy. Now, will you come back inside so I can show you what I need?”

“That depends.”

Grant grew more and more frustrated. First she wanted to work with him and now he was being forced to beg her to stay? “Depends on what?”

“After you tell me what you need, can I tell you what I need?”

She let her gaze drift down his body until he felt himself grow hard.

He hated that she knew exactly how she affected him. “You are something else, aren’t you?”

She lifted her hand and laid it on his cheek. “Doc, you have no idea.” With a quick pat, she headed back into the office.

He groaned as her backside swayed with every step.

These were going to be the longest six weeks of his life.

****

Charli let her breath out on a low whistle. From her view at Beth’s bedroom window, all she could see were white tents and people. She scanned the crowd, noting her father already seated in one of the little white chairs. Next to him, Bill, the owner of the LoneStar, looked completely different in formal clothes. Her eyebrow rose as Grant stepped into view. He escorted an elderly lady down the aisle. The tiny, white-haired lady shuffled along, but he didn’t seem at all hurried or impatient. He bent his head down to hear whatever she had to say and his steps were matched perfectly to hers.

In the two days they’d been working together, he managed to avoid her completely, relying on sticky notes and emails to communicate. The sticky notes were left in a neat perfect line on the reception desk, the emails direct and to the point.

Of course, she’d left him notes back. Hers weren’t left in a neat line though, but rather haphazardly placed all over his office. She grinned, wondering if he enjoyed her insight and commentary. She had absolutely no doubt he was going crazy and yet, as far as she knew, hadn’t breathed a word to Beth.

As Grant left his white-haired escort in her seat, another movement drew Charli’s attention. Her eyes narrowed as she saw several men in tuxedos emerge from the freshly painted red barn. It was easy enough to spot the Weston brothers; her heart thudded in appreciation at how incredibly good looking they were standing in the doorway. All four were handsome, but to her, Cord stood out above the rest. Something about the way he carried himself, with the ease of a man in complete control of his surroundings. His hand slid to his youngest brother’s shoulder and she watched Tyler’s head tilt down to hear what his brother was saying.

“What’s happening?” Beth asked.

“The guys just came out of the barn. Looks like they’re hooking up horse to carriage.” Charli dropped the curtain. Beth started for the window but Charli jumped in front and held both hands straight out. “Don’t you dare. You can’t see Tyler until you walk down that aisle.”

The bride tipped her head. “I thought it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride, not the other way around.”

Next to the mirror, her older sister, Sara, snorted. “We’re not taking any chances with the two of you. I still can’t believe we’re finally going to get this over with.”

Charli reached out and squeezed Beth’s hands. “What your sister means is, we’re so happy for you and Ty that we don’t want anything to go wrong.”

“Yeah, that’s what I meant.” Sara yanked at the material of her gown. “That and I’ll be damned if I’m spending another day in a freakin’ dress. I swear I’ve put on weight since this gown was fitted.”

“Did I tell you that the carriage is the same one that carried my grandparents from their wedding?” Beth asked, an excited smile glowing on her face.

Sara marched across the room and flipped open the curtains to stare down. “Yeah, you’ve told everyone a million times.”

“I don’t know why you didn’t use it when you guys got married.” Beth turned to the full length mirror. “Can someone help me put the veil on?”

Charli crossed the room to the four poster bed and picked up the delicate headpiece. “This was your mother’s, too?” She gently placed it on Beth’s blonde head and reached for the pearl edged hair clips that held it in place.

Beth reached up to touch the front of it. “No, my parents didn’t have a wedding like this, they eloped. Diane sent this from Paris.”

Charli nodded and set the other clip in place. “I know you wish she was here.” Beth’s older sister lived in France with her husband of over a year. Apparently, due to some crisis in their business, she couldn’t take the time to get away.

Beth shrugged. “I didn’t want her to come all this way for a day or two, and she couldn’t stay any longer. She promised to come home this Christmas though.” The bride’s eyes dimmed in sadness.

Charli kept her opinion to herself but in a family as close knit as Beth’s and Tyler’s, she couldn’t for the life of her understand why the oldest Sampson daughter couldn’t make time out for her youngest sister’s wedding. Something wasn’t right, but it wasn’t her business. She wondered what Cord had to say about Diane not coming home; she’d be more than happy to let him spill all his troubles tonight during a long, slow dance.

“Okay, ladies, five minutes.” Florence, the Weston’s long time housekeeper, came bustling into the front room. Dressed in a beautiful, soft grey suit with a corsage of bluebonnets on her chest, she looked radiant. She raised trembling hands to her cheeks as her gaze fell on Beth.

“Don’t,” Beth warned, turning to the woman who’d raised her after her own mother’s death.

The two women hugged. “I can’t help it, baby, you’re just so beautiful.”

Charli blinked furiously as her own eyes teared up.

Sara turned back from the window. “Okay, cut it out. The guys are ready. Let’s get this show on the road.”

Florence placed her hands on her hips and stared at the other woman. “What’s going on with you?”

Sara frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Florence crossed the room and placed both hands on Sara’s stomach then let out a squeal. “You’re pregnant again!”

Sara jumped back. “You’re nuts. You’ve had too much hairspray or something. There’s no way I’m pregnant again.”

But her hands pressed against her stomach and she crossed the room to look in the mirror, turning to the side. Sure enough a tiny bulge rounded the dress.

“I know you told me last week you just got back in the saddle again, but I thought we were talking about horseback riding.” Charli smirked and handed Sara the small bouquet she was to carry.

Sara jerked it out of her hands. “Shut up. I just finished nursing; I just got to drink beer again. Beau’s just started sleeping through the night finally and now I’m going to do it all over again—while taking care of a six month old? What the hell.”

Florence crossed the room and fussed at Sara’s hair. “Babies are blessings from God, so no more of that talk. Put a smile on that pretty face and let’s remember it’s Beth’s day.” She wagged her finger in Sara’s face. “Do not go out there and get into a fist fight with Buck over this today.”

Charli picked up her bouquet and grabbed the hem of her gown. “Come on Flo, it wouldn’t be a good wedding without at least one domestic disturbance.”

Sara lunged for her. Laughing, Charli ducked behind the older woman.

“Enough. I’m ready.” Beth picked up her large bouquet. Charli paused in front of the full length mirror for one last check of her makeup. The sage green of the summer dress was a beautiful color and the halter style neck line showed off her bronzed shoulders. She’d worn her hair up, but let several tendrils fall loose around her face. She swiped away some mascara that had flaked and followed the others out of the room.

The main house of the Double B ranch was where Beth had grown up. It was like a second home to Charli. She and her father had visited on many occasions through the years. Her father had grown up here in Sweet Meadow with Beth’s father and Tyler’s, but whereas the other two men had stayed put and raised their family in their hometown, her father had moved to Abilene. Although the circumstances were different, both Charli and the Sampson girls had grown up without their mothers and it gave them a kinship of sorts. Sometimes she even felt as if she was one of the sisters. Today, looking back over her shoulder at the nervous bride, was one of those days.

She winked at Beth who smiled back and held out her hand to show how much it was shaking. Charli grinned and faced front as the music cue began.

The sliding glass doors were opened and one by one the bridesmaids stepped outside. A long row of white tents covered with rose petals shielded them from the sun’s rays but it was still summer in Texas and the heat was oppressive. She smiled and followed Beth’s other sister, Susan, down the aisle. Up ahead she saw Tyler standing at the end and looking as nervous as Beth. His gaze locked on hers and she winked. He winked back and then his gaze bounced off her and Charli’s heart swelled at the way his eyes lit up when he saw his bride.

Standing next to Tyler were his brothers, Cord, then Buck and Teddy. Grant stood next to Teddy. He looked incredibly handsome in his tuxedo.

Odd, she’d assumed it would be Cord who would make her knees go weak at the sight of him in his tux, yet it was actually the vet who made her pulse race when his gaze met hers. She slide her gaze down his body before returning to his eyes. When she wiggled her eyebrows in appreciation, he turned away. She smirked. The vet was too easy to annoy.

Taking her place next to Susan, Charli watched with everyone else as the bride proceeded down the aisle on the arm of Flo’s husband, Sammy. The ranch foreman was also a beloved member of the family. With Beth’s father gone, it was only fitting that Flo’s husband step into the role.

The old man walked steadily and held tightly to the young woman on his arm. When it was time to turn her over to her groom, however, he pretended to change his mind and not give her up. The audience laughed and then sighed as the old foreman kissed both the bride and the groom on the cheek before joining their hands together.

Charli stared at Cord, watching him as another one of his brothers married the woman of his dreams. She wondered what he was thinking. Was he wondering when he would meet the right woman? He caught her stare and she smiled. His wink filled her with foolish pleasure.

She’d been in love with Cord Weston most of her life, but to him, she was just another one of the girls, someone to watch out for, take care of and spoil, that was it. He’d never once given her any hint or hope that he’d ever see her as more than sisterly. Of course, as Tyler once said, if Cord ever changed his mind and decided she was the one, she’d probably run for the hills. Cord Weston had solid, permanent, husband material burned into his DNA. Good-Time Charli wanted no part of babies and white picket fences. Still, if he ever decided he’d like to have a little fun, she’d be there at the front of the line.

“Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Weston.”

At the reverend’s loud words, Charli jerked herself out of her fantasy and smiled as if she’d been paying attention all along.

The newly married couple turned to face their guests. Applause and whistles rang out. With their hands clasped, the newlyweds proceeded back up the aisle. Charli shifted her flowers and waited for the other bridesmaids to go first and then she moved to the center of the aisle and waited for her partner.

Grant didn’t look at her as he crooked his arm. She grinned. He could try to ignore her all he wanted; it simply made teasing him all the more fun. She nodded at the guests as they slowly made their way back up the aisle towards the main house.

“Relax, Doc. I won’t bite you.” She paused until he looked down at her. “Unless you want me to,” she whispered.

At the end of the aisle, Grant dropped his arm and walked away without a word. He was such a funny man.

Turning her attention to the newlyweds, she smiled as Tyler kissed his bride and settled her into the restored carriage. Their guests cheered and whistled as he climbed in beside her, took the reins and drove off. The two would ride around town for a while before joining everyone else back at the ranch for the reception.

“Charli, you look beautiful.”

Butterflies took off in her tummy and she turned to face Cord. Part owner of the largest cattle spread in the country, he was one of the most sought after bachelors in the state. He took his position as head of the family very seriously and was rumored to be a very powerful man. But the man who opened his arms and hugged her was a softie inside and she knew it. She closed her eyes, savoring the embrace. He pulled away first.

She grinned into his warm brown eyes. “I will never get used to how handsome you look in a tuxedo, a bit like a Texas James Bond.”

He inclined his head and then swept his hand out. “Beth told me you helped her find the bridesmaid gowns, nice job.”

Charli smoothed her hand down the silk of her gown. “It was just luck. I found them in this little shop near home and she loved them.”

“And the cake. Stunning. You have outdone yourself on this one.”

“Let’s just hope it tastes good.”

Cord frowned and she followed his gaze.

He sighed. “Excuse me, Sam looks like he’s about to have a melt down. I better get over there.”

He walked away and she watched as he reached the elderly foreman’s side. Two female guests on either side of him were waving their hands and talking. Sam’s old head swung back and forth and the minute Cord reached them he rushed away. Charli laughed to herself. Cord put an arm around each of the ladies shoulders and guided them towards the refreshment table.

A hand suddenly slipped around her waist.

“I can take you away from all this,” a husky voice whispered near her ear.

Teddy Weston was a rogue with bedroom eyes and a deep baritone voice that got him inside any pair of panties he wanted. The fact he was a real cowboy, had a pile of money, and looked like sin walking only added to his charm. For years now, he’d been chasing her, hard—more because he couldn’t have her rather than for any other reason-- and she knew it.

She drew lines in the air. “I can see the headlines—bridesmaid and usher disappear before reception, never to be heard from again.”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her fingers to his lips. “I’d make it worth the scandal.” His whiskey colored eyes smoldered with heat.

Charli pulled her hand away with a firm tug. “There’s a rule that groomsmen can only run off with the bridesmaid they are paired with.”

“You and I both know that neither of us plays by the rules.” This time when he grabbed her hand he opened it flat across his mouth and placed a warm, wet kiss in her palm.

Charli laughed, pulled her hand back and patted his cheek “Be good, would you.”

He reached, wrapped a stray curl around his finger and tugged gently. “I’d love to show you how good I am.” His brown eyes stared at her with undisguised desire. Any other woman would have been impressed by his confidence, swept off her feet by his promises, but she was immune. Teddy’s skirt chasing was no different than hers. Well she didn’t chase skirts, but same end result. The two of them had never wanted for company from the opposite sex.

She stepped back, forcing him to release her hair. “I need to go do my bridesmaid duties.”

As she spun around, she caught sight of Grant staring at her from across the yard.

Teddy grabbed her hand, turning her back to him. “Promise me the last dance tonight?”

Her attention wasn’t on the singing cowboy, but rather the sullen vet who looked as if he’d rather be anywhere else in the world right now.

She nodded and tugged her hand free. “I gotta go.”