Pawfectly In Love - Stephanie Rowe(ang.)

PAWFECTLY IN LOVE A CANINE CUPIDS NOVEL

STEPHANIE ROWE SBD PRESS

CO NTENTS

Copyright Newsletter Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Sneak Peek: Paws Up for Love

Sneak Peek: A Real Cowboy for Christmas Sneak Peek: A Real Cowboy Knows How to Kiss Sneak Peek: Accidentally Mine Books By Stephanie Rowe Acknowledgments About the Author

COPYRIGHT

P AWFECTLY IN L OVE (a Canine Cupids novel). Copyright © 2017 by Stephanie Rowe. ISBN 10: 1-940968-60-7 ISBN 13: 978-1-940968-60-5 Cover design © 2017 by Kelli Ann Morgan, Inspire Creative Services. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, disseminated, or transmitted in any form or by any means or for any use, including recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the author and/or the artist. The only exception is short excerpts or the cover image in reviews. Please be a leading force in respecting the right of authors and artists to protect their work. This is a work

of fiction. All the names, characters, organizations, places and events portrayed in this novel or on the cover are either products of the author’s or artist's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author or the artist. There are excerpts from other books by the author in the back of the book.

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CHAPTER 1

T

he tree limb slammed Paige Turner's forehead unapologetically, in the exact same place it had hit her only ten minutes ago, which was just not the best use of her head she could have come up with on a Sunday afternoon. "Ow!" Paige ducked, way too late, of course, palming her forehead as she stumbled, trying to keep her balance. Damn. She so hadn't needed to do that twice to know that it was a bad idea. She eyed the shaggy black dog gallivanting beside her. "I'm totally going to blame you for this, Bandit." He barked at her, feigning complete ignorance of the human language, then planted his feet and shook, spraying water all over her. Bonus for her, she was already soaking wet from being knocked into the lake only moments before, so it didn't matter.

Except it did. There was just something not-sofantastic about being sprayed by a wet dog on a chilly autumn afternoon. Those water droplets could easily qualify as torture when they hit her skin, and torture wasn't exactly high on her list of preferred activities. He shook again, hitting her for a second time, eliciting a shriek of protest from her. "Oh, come on. Seriously? That has to stop." She shoved her wet bangs out of her eyes, an action that might have been helpful before she'd started down the overgrown trail from the lake and smacked her head into the offending limb that had been just the right height for her not to notice it. Twice, both on the way there, and on the way back. Because she was super talented like that. Instead of accommodating her, Bandit wiggled the entire back half of his body with unabashed delight, his ears tucked with joy as he clenched his dripping tennis ball between his teeth. Trying to hide a smile, she frowned at him and set her hands on her hips, eyeing him. "Seriously, Bandit, I think you owe me an apology for knocking me into the water while I was retrieving your tennis ball, which you wouldn't get, from the lake you wanted to swim in. Who's going to bring their dog to a trainer who can't control her own dog, huh?" Bandit leapt up and pressed his nose to her

cheek, making her laugh. "Okay, fine, I forgive you." He barked at her, then whirled around, his ears pricked as he stared in the direction of her cottage. He woofed once, then took off in a dead sprint down the trail, disappearing from view almost instantly. Within a moment, she could hear him barking frantically, his deep woof announcing that he was in protection mode and was absolutely thrilled about that fact. Knowing there was nothing up ahead that he could get into trouble with, she paused to inhale deeply, stretching her arms above her head to bask in the glorious autumn afternoon. Who was she kidding? She didn't care Bandit had knocked her in, and they both knew it. She was just happy that this was her life now. It had been almost a year since… well, no. Since nothing. She wasn't wasting brain space on her past, especially one that involved a complete nervous breakdown and panic attack in the middle of her office's Monday morning meeting, attended by everyone. Because who needed to replay the lowest moment of one's emotional and professional existence? Not her. So, yeah, she wasn't even going to remember that it had happened. She was, however, delighted to think about her fledgling dog training business, and how badly she

wanted to make it happen. It all started with her own shaggy, adorable beast. She pursed her lips, a shrill whistle splitting the air. Instantly, Bandit stopped barking, and she grinned. She knew Bandit was standing at attention, waiting for the second whistle to tell him what she wanted from him. She'd rescued him a year ago, and he'd been an untrained lunatic. She was pretty impressed with how far they'd come in such a short time. She whistled again to tell him to come back, then ducked behind the trunk of a thick oak tree. Paws thundered down the path, crackling on the dead leaves. A black streak blew by her, and she scuttled around to the other side of the tree, out of sight. The footsteps slowed, and she knew Bandit was going into tracking mode. He loved to play hideand-seek, an affinity that she had capitalized upon when teaching him to "Come." She wasn't going to lie. She was super impressed with how well she'd trained him. It was Bandit who had convinced her to try to make a go of dog training. Training dogs felt like a much better fit for her than waitressing at Mug, a local restaurant that had been kind enough to give her a job when she'd run screaming from her life and moved back to New Hampshire a year ago. Bandit suddenly bounded around the tree, barking with such joy that she started laughing. Still

squatting, Paige was easy prey for his excited leap, his seventy-five-pound frame knocking her off balance with ease. "Bandit..." Her voice trailed away in amusement as she collapsed on the ground, instantly covered by the wet dog. She gave in and wrestled with him for a moment, rewarding him for his obedience. If only the lawyers at her old firm could see her now: the cutthroat female attorney, who had never cracked a smile during her six-year stint, rolling around in the dirt. See? Being carried out of the law firm on a stretcher after a panic attack in the middle of a team meeting wasn't so bad, when it resulted in moments like this, right? Yeah, sure, it had taken her almost a year to stop descending into a lump of quivering, salivating goo every time she saw a sign for a law firm, but hey, she was going to be damn proud that she managed to stand upright and regain control of her ability to speak now, right? Bandit barked, startling her back to the present, which was definitely where she wanted to be, instead of mired in her past. She kissed the tip of his wet nose. "I never would have made time for you in my old life. What kind of a pathetic life choice is that? Spending twenty hours a day working?" God, what a life. She'd choose living alone in her cabin in New Hampshire over the harborside condo she'd shared with…

God. No. He was absolutely not worth thinking about. She hopped up, wiping her hands over the leaves and dirt clinging to her wet clothes and skin, but quickly gave up trying to brush it off. "Hopeless, I tell ya, it's hopeless." Oh, well. That was the beauty of being a dog trainer in New Hampshire instead of a lawyer in a prestigious Boston law firm. She resumed her walk, dirty leaves and all, whistling cheerfully at the fact that she no longer had to care about how she looked. Dirty, soggy jeans were so much better than pristine business suits designed to suck the soul out of anyone unfortunate enough to wear them. What? Baggage? Her? Never. She grinned. Never. She glanced at her watch as they walked. "Ten minutes 'til we're due at Mom's. Let's run!" Bandit barked excitedly, bounding along beside her as they jogged down the trail. He broke heel only once, when a squirrel darted literally between his feet, so she forgave him on that one. "You're such a good boy—" They emerged from the woods, and she stopped dead in her tracks, gawking at her cottage. There was a Mercedes in her driveway, parked next to her muddy pickup truck. Not the type of car that any of the locals drove. It was the type of car

that a lawyer from her old firm might drive. The same car that she used to have back when she was in the process of losing her mind. The old sensations of fear, paranoia, and other super-fun emotions crashed over her in a sudden, violent assault that made her breath hitch. Her chest tightened up almost instantly, and fear twisted her stomach. Okay, so she wasn't as recovered as she thought she was, if the mere sight of a car like her old one could start the old symptoms revving up. Then again, it wasn't just the sight of the car. It was the fact it was parked in her driveway, driven by someone who most likely represented the world that had nearly destroyed her. Someone had come to see her. To ask her to come back? Oh…not that. That would be really bad. She took a step back. Deep breaths. Think of the meadow. The pale pink flowers. Deep breaths. Bandit abandoned her and raced toward the car, barking his pseudo-vicious defense bark, as if he were going to kill anyone who stepped outside. Yes, yes, if he killed the driver that might relieve her stress. If she turned around and walked quietly back into the woods, pretending she hadn't seen the car, and Bandit ate the person inside, then she could claim complete innocence… God. Murder? She was actually thinking of

murder? She was so much better than that. Deep breath, Paige. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. What if her old boss got out of the car? Someone from her old firm, coming to check on her? A retaliatory barking from inside the car sounded as Bandit approached. Paige forgot her breathing rhythm. Dog? Was it a client? Hope rushed through her, an almost violent plea for something that would deliver her from the hell that was coming fast and hard toward her. It would be so much better if it was a dog client. She released her last deep breath as she watched the driver's door begin to open. Please, be a client. One in blue jeans and boots who had stolen the car from an impound lot. Not a lawyer. Not from Boston. Not from her old firm. Dammit. She had to stop thinking about her old firm! Yeesh. She was going to have to go back for more therapy after this visit if she didn't start concentrating on pink flowers. Breathe. The door stopped opening when Bandit ramped up his barking, the hackles on the back of his neck making him look even bigger and more intimidating than he actually was. He was so happy to be scaring the intruder, she decided not to call him off. She loved that dog far too much to steal his joy by making him stop. And it had nothing to do with

wanting to intimidate the driver into deciding to drive off without actually getting out of the car. Seriously. It didn't. At all. Well, maybe a little. Then again, if it was a client, she did need to let the driver out of the car. If it turned out to be someone from her old firm, then she'd let Bandit eat him. He would have better access anyway, once the driver was outside the car, right? So, that was good. She liked that plan, at least she liked it enough that she decided it would be okay to recall her dog and let the driver out of the car. For the moment. "Bandit! Heel!" His hackles still up, and his tail rigid, Bandit returned to her side, but kept his gaze fastened alertly on the car. One threatening move and he'd attack. Or at least that was how it appeared. In reality, he'd interpret it as a game and slobber all over the person with doggy kisses, not that the driver of that car needed to know that. Besides, she could work with Bandit on that. With some excellent training, she was pretty sure she'd be able to turn him into an attack dog trained to launch himself at any suit-wearing lawyer who showed up at her house. "Wait until you have a clear opening for the throat," she whispered as she grabbed Bandit's collar and made a dramatic show of restraining him,

which probably didn't do her reputation as a dog trainer much good, but it made her feel better, just in case the visitor was unwanted. She took a deep breath. I can do this. "You can come out," she called out. The door opened the rest of the way, and a shiny Italian shoe crunched gingerly down onto the gravel. Oh, crap. That was definitely not a shoe that would ever be worn by someone local. Her heart started to pound as the shoe was followed by a pristine charcoal gray pant leg, with a crisp pleat exactly where it was supposed to be. Another shoe and leg followed, which matched, dammit, and then a hand grabbed the doorframe. It was a hand devoid of any calluses or blisters. The hand of a lawyer? Oh, God. She felt like she was going to vomit. Sensing her agitation, Bandit sat up and joined her in staring intently at the tinted glass, as if together they could burn a hole through it. He'd stopped barking and gone still, his fur still up, his tail stiff, his body rigid. Damn. He really would attack for her. God, she loved her dog. A head of thick brown hair appeared, followed by dark sunglasses that were, unfortunately, attached to the face in a completely appropriate and dignified manner. Where the hell were the lunatic, backwoods serial killers in this town? That's

who should be in her driveway, not a well-dressed, proper, possible lawyer in a nice car. Seriously. What the hell? Then the driver stood up, and faced her, giving her a full view of him, and she immediately forgot all the complaints that had been forming in her mind. He was no lawyer. He was a man, in every virile sense of the word, if one were using the word to mean things like tall, strong, broad-shouldered, five o'clock shadow, corded thighs that were visible even beneath the suit, and a strong jaw that would be perfect for running her tongue over... Oh, crap. Had she really just thought that? She was still too strung out to think about sex, especially sex with strangers, and especially sex with strangers driving nice cars. His strong jawbone was tensed in apparent agitation, and a muscle flexed in his cheek. Hey, she knew what that kind of tension felt like. They could be besties, and she could massage it out of him… And…again, with the "oh, crap, had she really just thought that?" His dark lenses hid his eyes from view, giving him an air of mystery that was irritatingly appealing. She knew enough about high-end men's fashion to know that no store-bought suit would have fit his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and

stacked thighs. He was wearing custom all the way, which normally would give her hives…except on him…the only word she could think of was yum, which had to be a sign that she was losing her already tenuous grip on her recently recovered sanity. Honestly, after her traumatic stint in her law firm, she'd considered suits on men to be code for "uptight, out-of-shape, misogynist asshole alert." She'd never thought a man in a suit could be hot, utterly male, and viscerally untamed, but she'd apparently been wrong. She could almost see her visitor tossing a load of firewood over his shoulder and hiking through the woods, wearing jeans that fit his butt just right, and beat-up hiking boots that had years of outdoor manly activities scuffed into the leather… Suit-guy/potential outdoor hottie cleared his throat in that way that people did when they had absolutely nothing in their throats except irritation that you weren't paying appropriate attention to them…making Paige realize she was gaping at his broad chest. And…yeah. Chalk one up for "how utterly embarrassing." She immediately closed her mouth to put an end to the gaping and potential drooling. She then cleared her throat as well, but it was more to make sure she was capable of sounding at least semi-normal. She wanted to give some articulate,

sane welcome speech that made her sound competent, calm, and not on the edge of a freak out. That's what she wanted. It's what she intended. It's what she thought she could manage to accomplish. When she started to talk, she realized that she had, apparently, completely overestimated her capabilities. "Hi." Hi. Hi? What kind of articulate greeting was that? It was so not enough to distract him from her gaping at his hotness. "Good afternoon." He nodded, his head tilted at the wrong angle for him to be looking at her face. She studied the angle of his sunglasses and then tracked the likely path of his eyes…holy crap. Was he staring at her chest? Dear God. No man had looked at her like she was a woman in years. He had to be a pervert, or suffering from a neck cramp, or just randomly insane, right? But just to be sure…she looked down to confirm what he was looking at…and immediately wished she hadn't. Or at least wished the ground would swallow her up. She'd forgotten that she was covered in dirt and leaves from her wrestling match with Bandit. But that was no big deal, at least not in comparison to the fact that her wet, white tee shirt was spotlighting to the world, and to her nice-car-hottie

specifically, that she had not bothered to put on a bra for her afternoon walk. Double crap. Going braless was so not a big deal when the only male she was with had four legs and a tail. An entirely different matter when faced with a ridiculously handsome man dressed like he was ready to pose for a cover of GQ. Damn. She wasn't sure she could ethically attribute all sorts of nefarious adjectives to him now. It would have taken a eunuch not to at least glance at a pair of nipples gawking at him, and given the way her body was reacting to his overpowering maleness, she was willing to wager that he had a couple of perfectly functioning testicles inside those expensive pants. Gritting her teeth, she crossed her arms over her chest and tried to appear nonchalant. "Can I help you?" "I'm looking for Freedom Dog Training, but I must have taken a wrong turn." His voice was a deep rumble, so insanely delicious that she almost asked him to keep talking, just so she could listen for a while. Dear God, he was like a sex-demon-incubushypnotic-vampire-seducer or something. He had to be, because she simply didn't find men in suits attractive, and she was not the type to start purring at the sound of a man's voice. Oh, wait…she belatedly processed his words,

and realized that he had come looking for a dog trainer. This delicious cauldron of smoking hot male, who clearly represented the world that had almost destroyed her, had come looking for her. Yay? Or… major panic attack and meltdown? She wasn't sure yet which it was going to be.

CHAPTER 2

A

pparently, the "PTSD-oh-hell-no" was going to win today, which sucked because the "yay-hot-client" would have felt so much better. The panic closed in fast and furious, clamping down on her lungs like a vice. Paige stumbled backwards, reaching for Bandit as he pressed himself up against her leg, as he always did when a panic attack hit. She dug her fingers into his fur, focusing on his soft, damp coat. The moment she did, some of the panic eased, enough that she could think. Okay, she needed to chill, and look at the facts instead of reacting emotionally. Like the fact that the man standing in front of her might look like he was from her old world, but that's not why he was there. He was looking for a dog trainer. Not an

attorney. A. Dog. Trainer. He was looking for Paige, the dog trainer, not Paige, the ex-attorney. Right? Right. The words settled in her mind, giving her space to breathe again, more deeply this time. She looked at him more closely, and noticed a patch of long, brown dog hairs on his left leg, as if his dog had brushed against him as they were getting into the car. Aww…he had dog hairs on his nice suit. That was awesome. It was going to be okay. All okay. Now she knew why she'd found him to be so hot, despite his nice car and gorgeous clothes. The man had a dog. That automatically gave him street cred. Handsome as sin, plus he had a dog? No wonder her hormones had gone a little wonky. It all made sense now. Yay for logic! Plus, he was a potential client. Income would be great, given that most of her dog training these days was donating her time to the Give a Dog a Bone dog shelter back in Boston, four times a month. She was still building her business, and a client would be fantastic. Especially one who could probably pay his bill. Feeling much better, and super impressed with herself for her excellent recovery, she smiled at him. "You've found Freedom Dog Training. I'm Paige Turner, the owner and head trainer." She was, in fact, the only trainer, but it sounded better to imply she had an entire staff of professionals

because she was so damn good, right? "Really?" He surveyed the small cottage with what could definitely be interpreted as a haughty smirk, if she were insecure enough to do so, which she definitely was, so yay for her. So…was he disdaining her adorable little cottage, or was her slightly skewed view of suitclad men interfering with her perception of reality? She'd learned enough in her self-help book obsession to know that fabricating reality was a very distinct possibility. So…which was it? Was he an enemy with fantastic style, or a potential bestie who simply had no clue what life in New Hampshire was like, or somewhere in between? His suit and car indicated that he wasn't accustomed to the casual New Hampshire lifestyle, so that could explain his confusion, right? It was understandable that he would be surprised a business could be run out of a cottage, with no signage. There was a time when she would have also been surprised. Back when she was a city girl. She decided she liked that interpretation of his question. There was no need to feel like he'd just likened her to the muck on the bottom of Rockwood Cove. So, again, super proud she'd managed to choose the more innocuous interpretation, she grinned at him. "Yep, really. Typical New Hampshire office. You're obviously

not from around here?" He shook his head. "I'm from Boston." Oh…he was from Boston. The root of all her misery. Her stomach tightened, and she decided to change the subject quickly, before she had a panic attack. Nice cars were one thing. Custom suits, another. Put those together with the word "Boston," and the trifecta might do her in. Time to focus on the only thing that made her life worth celebrating these days. Canines! "You have a dog?" "Yes." He walked toward her, apparently tiring of the shouting across the twenty-foot gap between them. She had halted quite a distance from him when she'd first arrived, after all. As he neared, Paige instinctively edged back from the heat he was giving off. Not actual heat. More like a smoldering cauldron of masculinity, which she was so not prepared for, and really not interested in. She'd sworn off men after her fiancé had utterly failed to support her when the law firm had done her in. His complete abandonment of her had taught her important life lessons about heartbreak, trusting the wrong guy, and all that sort of fun stuff. She was definitely not ready to jump back in the dating pool, or even try her luck in the randomsex-with-strangers pool. And if she ever did, she would stay far, far away from the type of man who'd taken a chisel to her poor little heart and

done his best to mince it up into teeny, tiny pieces that were currently held together by duct tape. This guy might be here for a dog, but he seemed far too much like her old life for her to feel remotely comfortable with the degree of attraction she was feeling. He stopped, apparently sensing her thinlyveiled terror of his hotness, showcasing a level of consideration that was unexpected, and proof that he couldn’t be a lawyer. She knew what lawyers were like. Not that she was judgmental or anything, but they were doughboys who used money and power as a substitute for actual testosterone. Okay, maybe a little judgmental. Just a bit. But at least she could acknowledge it, right? So that was a bonus. This guy was too raw, too untamed, too considerate, and too strong to possibly be a lawyer. She was just overreacting due to her law firm PTSD, right? Overly sensitive. Looking for threats where there were none. There was no way he was a lawyer…was he? She had to know. "Are you a lawyer?" He lifted his eyebrows above the rim of his glasses, revealing dark, vibrant brows. "Yes, as a matter of fact I am. What gave it away?" Oh…can't breathe. Can't talk. Must pass out. He reached out quickly, as if to catch her. "Are you all right?"

She stared at his hand, shocked by his instinct to help her, and by the fact he'd sensed her distress. Dammit. He was nice? How could he be nice to her? That would make her like him, and her defenses would falter, and her little heart would want to peek out into the sunshine again, and then disaster would ensue all over again. But despite her best wishes to not care that he'd reached out to help her, to offer her a single hand of support, which was more than her fiancé had ever given her, she felt better. Just having his hand on her arm made her feel less panicked and more capable of breathing. She managed a breathy smile at him. "Yes, I'm fine. Thanks." She meant the thanks. For a girl who'd had her self-esteem carefully carved up by lawyers, both the one she'd been sleeping with and the ones she just worked for, she really did appreciate the fact that this particular one was nice. His eyebrows went up again, and he didn't lower his hand, clearly not completely believing her. "Are you certain?" "That I appreciate your concern? Yes, I'm absolutely certain." A grin crooked the corner of his mouth. "I meant, are you certain you're all right?" "Oh…right. That makes more sense. I'd have to be an ogre not to appreciate your concern, and I think we can both agree that I'm not an ogre."

His grin widened. "You still haven't answered my question. Are you sure you're okay?" Again, she heard the genuine concern in his voice, and the last of the tension around her lungs eased. He really was nice. Like, the whole nine yards, nice. Suddenly, her throat tightened, and she had to look away. She wasn't used to nice, when it came to men like him. "I'm sure. I really appreciate your concern, though." Her gaze flicked toward him, and she suddenly wished he'd take his sunglasses off. She wanted to see his eyes, to see if they were as kind as his voice…and as if he'd heard her, he raised his glasses and rested them on top of his head. Good heavens. She'd never seen such riveting blue eyes before. They were bright blue, like the sky on the most gorgeous of summer days. Her heart literally skipped a beat as she met his gaze, so intense as he studied her. Heat flushed her cheeks, and she shifted relentlessly, her body literally warming at the way he was looking at her. "No problem." He grinned. "I'd have to be rather heartless not to care, don't you think? I try not to be heartless on Sundays, so today is your lucky day." She grinned. "I guess so." He even had a sense of humor? "Maybe mine, too." He held out his hand. "I'm Luke Donovan, of Hawthorne, Finch, & Stims."

"HF&S?" Oh, God. Really? She took a step back, panic trying desperately to consume her. At his nod, her hands started to shake. His firm occupied the floors directly above her old firm. He'd probably heard all about her episode. It had been all over the building, she was such a joke. She'd been the woman who was supposed to break through the glass ceiling at her firm, the first one to make partner, and she'd completely crashed and burned. She still wondered how far she'd set back the women who had come behind her at her old firm…and Luke might even have been one of those people waiting in the lobby for an elevator when she'd been wheeled out. "Whoa. Now, I know you're not okay." He stepped forward, catching her arm before she could retreat. "You need to sit down." His voice was gentle and kind, his hand strong and supportive. The feel of his hand closing around her bare arm literally shocked her back into the present. His touch was warm and strong, comforting, and sexy as all hell. She looked down at his hand, heat rising in her belly at the sight of his fingers clasping her elbow. Holy crap. One touch could have that affect? What about a hug? Or a kiss? Or something even more… God. What was her problem? She had to stop this! Quickly, she moved her arm away and held out her hand to shake his. "I'm totally fine. It's nice

to meet you, Mr. Donovan." She shook his hand, nearly falling over in surprise as her nerves roared to attention. His hand wasn't soft and pasty like she'd desperately hoped it would be. It was strong and powerful, as if years of hard labor had built that muscle. Just having her hand in his made all her panic flee instantly, replaced by a warmth that made all her nerves simply settle. "Most business associates call me Mr. Donovan." He held her hand after they were finished shaking, as if he were unwilling to let go. "But please, call me Luke." "Luke." That was a great name. Strong. Sexy. Kind. She smiled at him, increasingly aware that he was still gripping her hand. Why? Was he as entranced by this spark between them as she was? He glanced at their entwined hands, as if he'd just realized he was still holding her hand, and then quickly released her. Damn. He'd let go very quickly, once he'd made the move. No slow, deliberate temptation that would indicate he had the hots for her. Of course he wouldn't. Men like Luke would not be interested in who she had become: a rural New Hampshire dog trainer. She knew what they liked, what her ex had wanted her to be. She'd tried so freaking hard to fit that mold, until there was nothing left of herself, and then she'd given still

more, until that horrible day when she'd snapped. Even when she'd tried to fit in, she hadn't been enough for that world. Her ex had left her quickly once he'd realized that she couldn't be what he wanted. His bags had been packed literally fortyeight hours after her collapse, after seven years of being together. So, she was so not going to go down that road with Luke, or even fantasize about it. She was not a romantic fit for him, and that was fine. Better than fine. She so didn't need anyone in her life who was from her past, who believed in all that had nearly destroyed her. No need for that, right? It wasn't like she had time to add multiple low-level panic attacks into her day, right? She had things to do. Dogs to train. Fantasies about hot lawyers that she needed to scour from her mind. She was a busy girl. She did, however, suddenly notice that he was staring at the dirt and leaves on his hand, as if he didn't quite know what to do with it. Yeah…oops. She'd forgotten her hand was still covered in muck. Yay her for being so suave and sophisticated. "Sorry about the dirt. Want a towel? I can grab one from inside." He gazed at his hand as if he wasn't quite certain that he wanted to wipe it off. Probably because he didn't have a towel. Not because he was feeling the same sparks that she was, right? Then he looked up and met her gaze, and

something leapt inside her. There was something smoldering in his gaze, something unmistakably…hot. Oh…. For a moment, she forgot to breathe, completely stunned by the way he was looking at her. She wasn't in his world anymore. As far as he knew, she was totally a non-starter when it came to his level of class and sophistication, but he was staring at her as if he saw a fire within her that she'd never been able to access. She had no idea how to handle the interest in his eyes, so she managed an awkward giggle and flashed her palm at him to show him the source of the muck on his hand. "Sorry. My hand was dirty." She pulled her t-shirt out of her shorts and stretched the bottom of it toward him. "Use this. It's wet, but at least it's clean, since it was in my pants." Luke's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously?" "Um..." Crap. She was losing her mind. Tell me I didn't just offer my shirt to him to wipe his hand. But she had. Hell yeah, she had. She managed a guffaw that sounded more like a dog with kennel cough than a flirty chuckle. "No, of course not. I was just joking, right? Trying to ease the tension." Yeah, right. Heat fused her cheeks. "Well, it worked." He flicked his wrist, sending several leaf bits to the ground. Another flick banished some of the dirt, but there were still a few

flecks clinging. Involuntarily, he glanced at Paige's shirt, and she swallowed. "Sorry, you missed your chance," she managed, trying to somehow act like she wasn't a complete idiot. "My loss." He cocked his head. "Definitely my loss." The second was a whisper under his breath, almost too quiet for her to hear…but she did hear it…and yes…it did make her belly tighten. What. The. Hell. What was with all the sexual tension here? This was not her modus operandi… oh…that meant it was his. Was he one of those guys who tried to sleep with anyone with breasts? God, she had to stop thinking about her breasts. "Did you bring your dog with you?" Please let him say yes. She had to get focused on something that didn't have the potential to make her head explode and her fragile little heart disintegrate into little puffballs of powder, drifting through the wind. But dogs didn't seem nearly as appealing as the idea of losing herself in his gaze again. Maybe she should just enjoy the hot-Luke-scenery and stop worrying. Most of the locals were grizzled and gray, men who were on the wrong side of the halfcentury mark. Even if Luke was a lawyer from Boston who wouldn't want her and who she wouldn't want, that didn't mean she couldn't appreciate him physically, right? Just a little harmless eye candy to make a girl's day, right? That

was okay. Yes, yes, that was fine. Her shoulders relaxed, and she took a deep breath. It was just an attraction. Nothing else. Nothing harmful. All was well. "My dog? Oh, right. Yes." Luke rubbed his eyes, suddenly looking weary and defeated, stripping away the façade of arrogant lawyer, and leaving behind only a man who needed help. Her heart immediately softened. "What's going on?" He nodded toward the car. "My dog's a nightmare. I can't deal with him." "A nightmare?" She sighed at his word choice, completely disappointed. She realized she'd already started to think he was a nice guy, to believe that maybe this moment didn't have to be about her past. But he'd called his dog a nightmare? What loving dog owner did that? "Why do you have a dog if you don't love him?" He raised his brows. "He's not that easy to love." She set her hands on her hips, gladly grasping the opportunity to talk herself out of liking him, or even being attracted to him. If he didn't like his dog, then that told her all she needed to know about him. "All dogs are loveable. They're endless sources of unconditional love and positive energy. Yes, sure, some of them have some behavior issues, but

we can still love them." Her ex hadn't believed in love, unconditional or not. Bandit had been the first time she'd felt loved and appreciated for who she was in a very long time, maybe ever. Yeah, okay, so she had love issues. Who didn't? Luke sighed. "Trust me. This one isn't lovable. But I don't need loveable. I just need to be able to manage him. Can you do that?" She sighed. "You are such an inspiring dog owner." His eyebrow shot up. "Maybe you should meet him before you judge me." She winced. What was wrong with her? Was she really that disappointed because he wasn't the guy she'd started fantasizing about? She should know better than to have let her guard down. It wasn't his fault he was who he was. It was hers for letting it bother her. She took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face. "Fine, but just to let you know, I do have standards about who I work with, and liking your dog is a prerequisite." She shot him a stern look to let him know just how serious she was, kinda impressed with herself that she had the courage to stand up to a lawyer. It was actually a little cathartic to be a bit sassy with him, to be showing a little personality. Because she had a good personality, she was pretty sure. Or at least she would, once all the scars

from years of crushing her inner sparkle had finally disappeared. His eyebrows went up, and the corner of his mouth twitched, as if he were totally entertained by her sass. Hmm…maybe Luke was her final key toward healing. Maybe if she could learn to be her sassy self in his presence, then all the damage from her law-firm-hell/turd-brain-ex would finally fade away. Hell, yeah, that sounded fantastic! Luke had been sent by her guardian angel to sass her up. How awesome! She flashed him a brilliant grin, feeling markedly better, and started toward his car. "He's in your car?" "Wait." Luke caught her arm, sending those same sparks through her as had happened the last time. Clearly, her hormones weren't remotely concerned he was an attorney. So, that was good, right? Talk about a raw physical attraction...hold on. They hadn't been talking about hot, sexy stuff. They'd been talking about his dog. Right. His dog. Oh…unless he'd stopped her to start talking about playing footsie and— "The dog will run away if you let him out. Let me get the leash," he explained. "Ah." Of course he'd stopped her about the dog, not because he wanted to practice massage techniques on her. She sighed and took the leash.

"The dog. No worries. I'll be ready." Paige cracked the door open a tiny bit, bracing her knee on the outside of it to keep the dog from pushing it open. As she did, she caught the smell of leather, and paused for just a moment to bask in the scent. A nice car didn't atone for the misery of being a lawyer, but she had loved her Mercedes. She saw a flash of brown in the back seat. "You have a German Shepherd? I love Shepherds—" The dog suddenly lunged toward the barely open door. She braced herself, but she suddenly found herself flung backward as the dog threw himself against the door and shoved it open. She lunged for the dog as it raced by her. Her fingers caught on the collar, and then he was out of reach, sprinting right for her dog. "Crap!" Luke grinned, the tiniest bit of smugness in his smile. "Super loveable, huh?" He held out his hand to help her to her feet. She accepted his hand, and let him pull her up, relaxing when she saw his dog had stopped to sniff Bandit, and they were both wagging their tails happily. "He has energy. That's loveable." She wiped the dirt off her bum, and Luke raised his hand as if he were going to do the same. He froze, as if realizing what he was about to do, then quickly lowered his hand. He cocked his head. "You're ever the optimist when it comes to dogs, aren't you?"

"It's in my best interest to do so, given my job." Paige watched his dog sniff with Bandit. The Shepherd was well over a hundred pounds, but had the leanness and floppiness that indicated it was still closer to puppy than full-grown adult. The pup was pure energy and strength, not a dog that would ever fit into the lifestyle of a high-powered Boston attorney. He was drop-dead adorable, and she kind of wanted to run over, throw her arms around him, and hug him until her arms fell off. But since that maybe wasn't quite the professional dog trainer image she wanted to present, she decided to control herself. "He's gorgeous." "Thanks." Luke frowned at him. "I swear he's bigger than he was when I put him in the car an hour ago. How big do Shepherds get?" "Big." She cocked her head, studying him. "I had you pegged for a toy dog, or something like a cockapoo or pug. An apartment dog of some sort," Paige mused, wondering how on earth he managed to fit a Shepherd into an attorney's grueling schedule. "What's his name?" When Luke didn't answer, she glanced at him. He had a pained expression on his face. "His name is Muffin." She rolled her eyes at his jest. "God, can you imagine? A Shepherd with a name like Muffin?" She grinned. He'd made a joke. That was a great sign, right?

A muscle ticked in his right cheek. "I'm not kidding. That's his name." "What?" She realized that he wasn't blinking. He was telling the truth. "Pooh." A giggle started at the back of her throat and bolted out her mouth. She clapped her hand over her mouth and turned away. "Muffin?" Dear God. Luke had given his huge, rowdy Shepherd a name that belonged to a small, fluffy lapdog that wore pink bows on groomer days? "You do realize he must weigh over a hundred pounds, don't you? That he's the same breed that's used as police dogs? And attack dogs?" She started laughing again, unable to stop herself. It was just so incongruous with both the man and the dog. The left corner of his mouth curved up ever so slightly. Did he actually have a sense of humor? Impossible. "I'm aware that the name doesn't fit him, but it's not my fault." "Whose fault is it?" That was definitely the beginning of a smile. The man practically had a dimple. Heaven help her. She was already much too aware of him as a man. There most definitely did not need to be a dimple added into the equation. "My sister's. She named him." "And you let her?" "It was her dog at the time." Luke cocked an eyebrow at her. "He was pretty cute when he was seven weeks old. Muffin didn't seem overly

inappropriate at the time. Not that I would've named him Muffin even then, of course." "Of course." Now that Luke was talking about his sister, his voice had moved from a deep rumbling to a resonant rolling bass drum. Interesting. It almost made her toes curl. Muffin had followed Bandit to the edge of the woods, where the two of them were sniffing around the base of a tree, smelling stories that humans would never know. "My sister got married last weekend. Her husband is allergic to dogs, so she can't keep Muffin. She couldn't bear to give Muffin to a stranger, so I got him. She comes over every day to see him." Luke's voice was gruff. With emotion? Aww… The man loved his sister. That was super sweet. He'd taken in a dog that didn't fit his lifestyle just to keep his sister happy? Damn him. That was worse than him having a dimple. She did not need him to become more attractive, thanks so much. The attorneys she'd worked with, and the one she'd shared a bed with, hadn't been the kind of people who would adopt a huge, rambunctious dog named Muffin, just to keep his sister happy. Maybe Luke wasn't a purebred lawyer after all. Maybe he was a mutt that just looked and acted like a lawyer. Maybe there was hope. Not that it mattered. He was too closely related to the life that had

destroyed her. Even if he had a few redeeming qualities, there was no way she could even consider him. For heaven's sake, just seeing his car had made her start hyperventilating again. It would never work. She literally could not go back anywhere near that world, or near a man from that world. She had to focus on the dog, the dog, and only the dog. And definitely not the dog's super appealing owner. The dog. Right. She needed to talk about the dog. "Muffin isn't running away," she pointed out, almost starting to laugh again when she said the name. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to call that dog Muffin without laughing. "So, that's good." "Yeah?" Luke raised one eyebrow at her. "You ain't seen nothing yet." She grinned at his goofy accent, folding her arms over her chest. "Lay it on me. I can take it." "Check it out." He walked toward Muffin, calling his name. The closer Luke got to Muffin, the less Muffin concentrated on sniffing the tree, and the more he focused on Luke. When Luke had almost reached Muffin, his hand a mere six inches from Muffin's collar, the dog ducked under Luke's hand and bolted across the yard, barking and flipping his head. Bandit bounded after him, delighted to have a pal. Luke threw up his hands, shooting a helpless look at Paige. "He does that every single time. He knows exactly where my hand is. The dog's a

veritable genius of manipulation." Paige grinned at Luke's response. Regardless of how good a guy he was, she could already guess that he wouldn't have succeeded at his firm if he was a man who was okay with not being in control. Muffin would certainly help him learn to deal with not being able to control everything, as long as he didn't have a temper. She'd seen plenty of badtempered lawyers, and in fact, been victimized by them, because she was lucky that way. But she liked Luke's response, and the good-natured furrow to his brow. "It'll take me hours to catch him now," Luke sighed, watching the dogs frolic as he walked back to Paige. "He thinks it's hilarious to torment me." "Ah, poor Luke." She patted his shoulder in consolation, allowing her hand to linger for just a moment longer than was proper. He was so muscular, and so what if she couldn’t help but notice? She was human, not a robot. "On the bright side, he's not actually a person, so he can't do things like intentionally torment you. He's just being a dog." Luke snorted. "Look at the expression on his face. He's basking in the fact that I have no chance to catch him. Can't you hear him laughing? He's definitely laughing at me. He'll never come." Paige grinned. "Never?" Luke glanced at her. "Is that a challenge?"

"Yup." He folded his arms across his chest. "Go for it. Try to catch him." "Sure." She pursed her lips and whistled shrilly. Bandit bolted toward her, and, as she knew he would, Muffin followed on his heels, eager to find out what Bandit was after. When the two dogs reached Paige, she gave a treat to Bandit, ignoring Muffin. Like any good dog, he became pushy the moment he realized Bandit was getting treats, and he wasn't. He impatiently shoved his nose in, trying to snag a treat. She gave him one, and quietly snapped the leash on him while he chewed. She grinned at Luke. "Easy peasy." "How'd you do that?" Luke looked genuinely shocked. "I'm just fantastically brilliant and gifted, of course." She laughed at his comically disgruntled look, crouching down to play with Muffin, grinning when he gave her kisses. "He was following Bandit. Dogs learn from each other." "God, that's brilliant. Can I take your dog with me, then?" His gaze flicked toward where Muffin was licking her collarbone, just above the neckline of her tee shirt, and the look in his eyes was momentarily, like completely, distracting until she managed to refocus. "No, you don't get my dog." She ruffled both of the dogs' heads. "I keep him."

Luke's eyes were dark as he watched her. "I suppose that's best. Your dog probably wouldn't want my life. How long should I leave Muffin with you? A few weeks? I don't know how this works." She sat back on her heels, smiling at him. Somehow, she wasn't completely surprised that Luke would think that leaving his dog to be trained would make sense. "Well, some dog trainers work like that, but that's not how Freedom Dog Training works." He cocked his head. "How does it work?" "You need as much training as Muffin." He paused for a moment. "I'm not a dog." She grinned. "I didn't say you were. I'm pretty aware that you're a man." The moment she said it, his eyebrows went up, and her cheeks immediately heated up. Crap. She hadn't meant it to sound like that. "I just meant even if I train Muffin to obey me, it doesn't mean he'll obey you. You and Muffin have a partnership, so you have to go through training together." His gaze flicked to her neckline again, and then back to her face. "Together? With you?" With her? His question hung in the air, and suddenly, the space between them felt very small. She cleared her throat. "Yes, with me. One-on-one sessions." Suddenly, those words seemed to carry innuendo that they'd never had before. Did she really want to deal with him again? And again? And

again? He was everything that had, quite literally, almost broken her, and she'd made it pretty clear that he was dangerous to her foundations, in all sorts of ways, including terror, anxiety, and unfiltered sexual longing, none of which she really wanted to deal with at the moment. Or ever. Yeah, try ever. She stood up, suddenly wanting out, away from him, away from all that he represented, and all that he made her feel. "You know, I'm sure you're super busy with work, and I can see that might not be the best arrangement for you. I know of a couple places that will take Muffin. Shall I give you some other names to try?" He studied her. "Maybe." Maybe? Why wasn't he grabbing that escape she'd just offered both of them? God, he was intense. Sexy, masculine, and strong. She'd never be able to handle being around him. She was so not ready to face all he represented yet, if ever, and she certainly wasn't ready to be in another relationship, and that was a definite never. "Why don't I run inside and write down a couple names for you?" She held the leash out to him, but he didn't take it. "Seriously. Here. Take the leash." He just stood there, silent, as he apparently considered her question. As she waited, she began to relax. He'd never hire her. She'd been irreverent,

bossy, and dirty. Not to mention, working with her would take a lot of his time, time that any lawyer from his firm simply didn't have. He might be tempted, but she knew what the answer was. There was literally no way Luke could hire her. She was safe. "Paige." "Yes?" She held out the leash again, not quite able to suppress the feeling of disappointment that he was going to walk away, and she'd never get the chance to be completely uncomfortable around him again. "You're hired."

CHAPTER 3

L

uke wasn't prepared for the look of horror that sprung to Paige's face at his response. Yeah, he'd heard all the lawyer jokes in his life, and he knew that many people put his profession at about the same level of morality as loan shark, hit man, or blackmailer. He knew the stereotype, but he considered himself a pretty good guy, certainly not the kind who would elicit a look of absolute "God-help-me-no!" on a woman's face less than an hour after meeting him. Maybe it wasn't him. Maybe she'd just remembered that she'd left the stove on. Or…that she'd run over someone on the way home, and had just remembered that she forgot to call the police. He frowned. "Are you okay?" She stared at him for so long without answering that he took a step forward to help her, stopping

when she held up her hand. "Did you just say you were going to hire me?" she asked. "Yeah." Again, she looked like she was about to pass out from terror. Huh. He was starting to think it was him, which really didn't make his day all that fantastic. He liked her. She was sassy and irreverent, and didn't take any shit. He kinda wanted to work with her, but if she was repulsed by him, that would make it slightly awkward. He frowned. "You don't want to work with me…us?" He decided to change the pronoun at the last second, on the chance that he was misreading the situation and it wasn't actually about him. "Whaaat?" She laughed so awkwardly that he didn't buy it for a split second. Son of a bitch. It was him. She laughed and waved her hand dismissively, in that super-awkward way that no one with half a brain would believe. "Oh, no. It's no problem. It's great... I just wasn't expecting you to hire me is all. You sort of had that look like you weren't. No biggie. Okay, well, let's focus on the dog, then." She turned away, waving her hand in front of her flushed cheeks. "Um...sorry." He was feeling a little thunderstruck, he wasn't going to lie. He'd spent the last couple decades running as fast and hard as he could from the small-town life that had sucked his childhood away from him. He'd worked hard to find solace in the big city, away from dirt, nature, and

financial pressure. He wore nice suits, and he liked it. He drove a nice car, and he liked it. He lived in a flashy condo and liked it. He dated women who took time for manicures, and hairdressing appointments, and he liked them...well, honestly, he didn't really like them, but he was optimistic that at some point he'd find a woman like that who actually interested him. Bottom line, he'd worked his ass off to get away from everything that Paige Turner represented, and yet he was completely ensnared by her, in every way, which meant, he was so not a fan of her "Ithink-you-might-be-an-axe-murderer" reaction to him. And her rejection of him also reminded him too much of the reaction that another small-town female had had to him a long time ago, the woman who had been the catalyst to galvanize him to throw a backpack over his shoulder, and get out of town for good. Damn. He didn't quite know what to do next. Walk away and spare himself an unwanted trip down memory lane? But everyone he'd met in town had said she was the best. He needed the best. Without the best, he wasn't going to be able to keep Muffin, and he couldn’t let that happen. This was about the dog. His attraction to Paige had been unexpected, and his disappointment at her

reluctance to spend time with him wasn't exactly his feel-good moment of the day, but this was, first and foremost, about the dog. He owed his sister. He had to find a way to get this dog to a point at which he could manage him. Which meant, he wasn't giving Paige an out. So, instead of taking Muffin's leash from her hand, he jammed his hands in the pockets of his suit pants. "Do we start now?" She stared at him for almost a full minute, and he could practically see the wheels turning in her head. For whatever reason, she didn't want to work with him, and she'd finally realized he wasn't going to let her off the hook. He grinned, preparing himself for her next attempt to get rid of him. He liked her fire. He wasn't a fan of the fact she didn't want to work with him, but in some weird way, it was refreshing. He made enough money and had enough power that most people wanted a piece of him or his business. Paige wasn't buying into any of that, and that made him even more interested. She raised her eyebrows, and didn't disappoint him. "You want to start now? You plan to dog train in that outfit? Your shoes might get a little scuffed." Stifling a grin, Luke glanced at his clothes. "Damn. I forgot I was wearing my suit." He'd been so caught up in being with her that he'd completely

forgotten he was still dressed in his city attire. Damn. She was distracting. He liked that. More than he wanted to. Maybe she was right. Maybe a step back and a little distance would be a good thing. With a sigh, he held out his hand for Muffin's leash. "I guess you're right. Later, then?" "Great." She looked so relieved that he decided to take a little bit of offense. He was sure he'd remembered to put on deodorant, and he'd even showered, so what the hell? Why was she so resistant to him? Then she surprised him. "Let's go inside, and we'll schedule an appointment. And I need a check." "Inside?" The entire cottage looked as big as his den back in Boston. And it sort of reminded him of the farmhouse he'd grown up in. Hell. He didn't want to go back toward the life he'd worked so hard to leave behind. She must have sensed his hesitation, because she set her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. "Do you have a problem with indoor living?" "No." He ground his jaw. "It's fine." She folded her arms over her chest. "I'm sure it's not as big as your place, huh?" The defensive tone in her voice caught his attention. He frowned. "I didn't mean to offend you. My hesitation has nothing to do with the size

of your home." He paused. "Just the memories it evokes," he said quietly. "Oh." Some of the bluster went out of her defensiveness. For a moment, they just looked at each other. There was something in her expression that spoke of an empathy, of a solidarity about having a past that wasn't welcome. For a second, he was tempted to reach out, to trace his finger along her cheek, as if that could chase away the shadows in her eyes. She leaned forward ever so slightly, as if she were feeling the same temptation. He caught his breath, and the tension between them increased. What if he kissed her? What if right there, right then, as an almost stranger, he just kissed her? What if— Muffin barked suddenly, making them both jump. She sucked in her breath and pulled back, whirling away from him and practically racing toward her front door. Luke took a deep breath, and glanced down at Muffin, who was watching a squirrel hop around at the edge of the woods. "Really, boy? What kind of wingman are you?" Muffin looked up at him and wagged his tail unapologetically. Luke sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "What the hell does she have against me anyway?"

He was well aware that she'd jumped to the most negative conclusion possible about him when he'd hesitated about going into her house. He didn't like that she was so resistant to him, but he knew he should appreciate it, and take it as a sign that he should be moving on and looking forward….except he couldn't. "She's intriguing as hell, Muffin. Don't you think?" Muffin wagged his tail again, staring up at him as if he were actually listening. Luke frowned down at him. "There are occasional moments, albeit few and far between, when I get a faint sense of why people might like owning dogs. Like now." Muffin barked and sat down, panting at him. Luke narrowed his eyes. "You're actually a human in a fur coat, aren't you?" He was amazed at the intelligence in the dog's eyes. "When I think you're taunting me, you really are, aren't you? Just like you're listening to me right now, and debating about whether to tell me to go for it with Paige, or run like hell?" Muffin's tail upended some leaves, as he wagged it from the sitting position. "So, which is it? Run like hell, or break through that enormous freaking wall she's erected around herself?" "Are you coming?" The woman in question interrupted their discussion, and Luke looked up to

see her standing in the doorway, holding her screen door open. "We have a contract to sign, and you need to give me money, but I have to be somewhere in about ten minutes." Luke looked down at Muffin. "I think 'yeah,' don't you?" Muffin woofed. Luke grinned and tightened his grip on the leash as he turned toward Paige. "Yeah, we're coming." He headed toward her, noting the lightning quick flash of relief cross her face before she turned away and disappeared inside. He caught the door just before it slammed shut, and then stepped inside her home.

CHAPTER 4

A

s Luke walked in, Paige grabbed a sweatshirt off a chair and tugged it over her head, eliciting a surprising shot of disappointment in Luke at her curves being hidden. Nah. That was good. Maybe he'd be able to concentrate better if he weren't having to focus so hard on not being a letch and letting his gaze wander where it shouldn't. He had three things to do. First, secure her as a trainer to ensure he could get Muffin straightened out. Second, figure out why she was so damned resistant to him. Third, decide whether to go all-in winning her over, or stay true to the last couple decades of his life, and keep his relationship with her and this small town business-oriented and contained. "Welcome to my mansion," Paige said, flipping

her hand generally around the living room/family room that the front door had opened into. It was the antithesis of his place in Boston, which was modern, sophisticated and mostly metal and white stone. Here, the dark wood and unfinished beams gave the cottage a woodsy feel, as if they were part of nature. The polished pine floor was complete with square nail heads and knots. A plush couch of a soft plaid called to him, begging him to dive amongst the pillows. Logs were laid in the fireplace, waiting only for the strike of a match. Damned if he didn't like it. A lot. "Here, you need to sign this." Paige shoved a typed document in his hand, apparently still harboring hostilities toward him…which made him even more curious. He knew damn well he hadn't done anything worthy of pissing her off this much, which meant she had baggage. He knew about baggage, and carried it with him all the time. "Luke?" She nudged his hand. "The contract?" Her touch snapped him back to attention, and he looked down at his hand. "A contract for dog training?" She pointed to the kitchen. "You can sit at the table in there to go over it and sign it." Luke scanned the document as he walked toward the kitchen, frowning. It was tight, succinct,

and written as well as any legal document that would come out of his firm. He would not have expected a rural dog trainer to throw around ironclad contracts as if they were paper towels, and he wouldn't have expected it to be so well-written. Clearly, there was at least one extremely welltrained lawyer in this town…and he needed to find out who it was. "Who drafted this?" "Is there a problem with it?" Paige pulled out a wooden chair with a loon print cushion on the seat. "Sit." "Not at all. It's extremely well-written." "Oh." Paige looked pleased, flashing him a genuine smile that made him temporarily forget anything but her. "Damn, your smile could light up the world." The moment he said it, her smile disappeared, replaced by a frown. "Why did you want to know who wrote it?" Damn. Again with the cold wall between them. But now that he'd seen the smile, he wanted more of it. No, he didn't just want it. He craved it. "I want to interview the attorney who wrote it." Paige sat opposite him, an inscrutable expression on her face. "Why?" Luke laid the contract on the table and faced her. "I'm in New Hampshire for a year to open a branch office of our Boston firm. We want to staff the office entirely with local attorneys, who have

contacts in the community. Whoever wrote this contract is a great place to start." She cocked her head, studying him. "I knew you didn't fit as a local, with your fancy car and clothes. A temporary resident makes much more sense." She didn't think he fit in. Good. He'd worked hard not to fit into this world anymore. But weirdly, the thought of it didn't feel as satisfying as he'd thought it would. He frowned. "So, who's the attorney?" Paige tapped her fingers on the table, studying him. "Do you like your job?" He leaned back in his seat, curious about her question. He had a feeling it wasn't casual small talk. "Yeah, I do, and yes, I noticed that you're not answering my question about who the attorney is." She leaned forward. "What about all those long hours? All the pressure to bill? To get clients? All the arrogant old-school lawyers who treat people like pond scum?" He shrugged. "The long hours don't bother me, and most of the people are good folk. Maybe a few who can be tricky, but it's a good place." "Tricky? That's what you call them?" He watched her more closely, noting that her shoulders were tensing, and she was shifting restlessly in her chair. "It's all in how you handle them. If you let them bother you, then they will.

Otherwise, you just learn how to play the game, and it's easy." "Easy?" He shrugged. "Easy enough." "You honestly seem like none of it bothers you." She leaned closer. "You seem nice," she said softly. "How are you able to work in that firm and be nice?" He shrugged. "I can be tough when I need to. It's not a big deal for me." She didn't let up. "But it would be for some people, right? Some people might not be able to handle the pressure?" He noticed that her cheeks were becoming more flushed, and there was an edge to her voice. Suddenly, he knew that she had a past, one that somehow related to his world. So, it wasn't about him. It was about her, and somehow, he reflected that back to her, just as how she reflected his past back to him. "Most associates leave after a few years," he agreed. "That's how it goes." "That's how it goes?" She leaned back in her chair, folding her arms over her chest. "So, that's just fine if these firms create a work environment that causes stress? It's just a flaw with the people who can't handle it? Is that what you mean?" "No." Something shifted inside him, something that hurt for the shadows in her eyes. "That's not what I meant—"

"Have you ever snapped from the pressure?" He frowned. "No, I—" "Has anyone? Does that ever happen? Ever hear about those things?" She leaned forward, her voice strained. "You must hear things, being in that building. There are so many firms around there, and it's a tight community." She was so tense that he wanted to reach across the table and hug her. Something had happened to her, something that had rocked her to her core. He didn't know what it was, but he wanted to fix it, to chase that past away from her. "I vaguely recall hearing something like that a few years ago, but that's it. People don't flip out. If they don't like it, they leave. Not a big deal." He leaned forward. "It's okay," he said gently. "People who leave are okay." She didn't seem to notice his attempt to reassure her. "You heard something... What did you hear? What happened? You said one time…" He frowned. "I don't remember. It was at another firm." "Was it a man or a woman?" "I don't know. I really don't keep track of those kinds of things. I'm sure it wasn't a big deal." He cocked his head. "Why? Do you know someone who worked for a firm? You seem to know a lot about it." Her eyes became huge, and she stared at him for a fraction of a second too long. "I had a friend

who did," she said finally. "A good friend. Law wasn't good to her." Ah…so that was it…or part of her issues. Her tension seemed a little more personal than simply being a story from a friend, but clearly, she had some very bad associations with the world he'd worked so hard to become a part of. He smiled and leaned forward, wanting to reach for her hand, but not daring. "Hey, Paige. I'm not a bad guy. I swear it. Most attorneys are decent human beings. Whatever happened to your friend wasn't common, and it wasn't something that I did." He wasn't sure why it was so important to him to break through her fear of him, but it was. He needed her to be okay with him, almost as much as he needed to ease the tension in her face, and chase away her fear. And he had a feeling it was for more reasons than simply getting her to agree to train his dog. She took a deep breath. "Okay." She managed a smile, but this time it didn't go to her eyes. "Want some lemonade? I made it this morning." Clearly engaging in evasive techniques, she pushed away from the table and grabbed a jug of lemonade from the fridge. "Want some?" She was already setting a glass in front of him when she asked the question. "Sure." He watched her pour the sparkling liquid. Her hand was shaking so badly that he finally reached out and set his hand on hers. "What

can I do to help you?" She paused and stared at him, her eyes wide. "Just stop being so freaking appealing. I don't need that from you." His eyebrows shot up, and he couldn't keep the grin off his face. "You think I'm appealing?" "Yes, and it's incredibly annoying." His glass filled, she set the pitcher on the table and sat back down. "So are you going to sign the contract or what?" "I haven't finished reading it yet." He'd been so interested in his conversation with Paige that he'd forgotten about the contract. Had that been her intention? To make him forget to ask who'd written it? Paige was smart as hell, he was realizing, and she wasn't someone who was going to allow anyone to manipulate her. He was impressed, and intrigued. The woman became more interesting with each passing moment. She gave him an impatient look that made him grin. "Then read it. Sign it. Give me money." "Yes, ma'am." Luke flipped through the contract. "How much do you make anyway?" "Depends on you." He whistled softly when he finally located the cost. "You make two thousand bucks for training one manipulative dog?" Paige raised her eyebrows at him. "Muffin is

not manipulative. He's a dog. And if you read more carefully, you'll see that you get up to fifteen hundred dollars back." Luke grinned and shook his head as he kept reading. "I inherit one dog," he muttered, good naturedly, just because he kinda wanted to see what Paige would say, "and he's already costing me two grand. My sister owes me a really nicely written thank you note, I think." She didn't disappoint. "He's a warm, loving companion who won't ever hurt your feelings, and his training costs less than your suit. How can you complain about it?" He cocked his head, riveted by her passion for animals. "I've never had a dog before, and I don't consider myself a dog guy, but your passion is intoxicating." She got a pleased look on her face for a split second, before folding her arms over her chest, as if she'd suddenly remembered she wanted to keep him at a distance. "Dogs are amazing." "You almost make me wish I could see them the way you do." And he meant it. He'd grown up on a farm, where animals meant work, chores, and money. He'd never thought of an animal as a pet before. They'd had barn cats, cows, chickens, and assorted other farm animals, but never a dog. Her smile got bigger. "If there's a chance of making you appreciate the dog you are now

responsible for, then that is a beautiful thing." Damn. Her smile was literally radiant. He could get lost in it forever. She leaned across the table and pointed to a clause. He got a taste of her scent, and he realized that she smelled like fresh water, outdoors, and flowers, all of it natural and real. None of it came from a bottle, and he liked it that way…to his surprise. When he'd first left the farm, he'd wanted to leave all that natural shit far behind…and he had… until now… She tapped the paper. "See, here? For the bargain price of five hundred dollars, you get a devoted companion who will love you unconditionally. You don't need to buy him fancy jewelry or lie about how he looks. Better deal than your girlfriend, huh?" "I don't have a girlfriend." Her gaze shot to his, and for a moment, tension skyrocketed between them. Had she dropped that to fish for information, or had he just been looking for a chance to fit it in? "Mmm," she said, eyeing him. "Probably because you're a lawyer. Most women see through that eventually." He grinned at the twinkle in her eyes. No one had teased him since Daisy… He frowned. He hadn't thought about any of Daisy's attributes for a

long time. He'd just been pissed off and bitter. "Yeah, the only dates I get are when I tell the women that I'm actually a hit man for the mafia. They like that better. Feel it's better job security, and isn't burdened with all the ethical issues that accompany being a lawyer." "I can see that." She was keeping a straight face, but there was a definite twinkle in her eye. "So, are we good?" "Yeah, we're good." He leaned forward. "You want to go to dinner?" The moment he asked the question, he froze. Shit. He hadn't meant to say that aloud…then he saw the startled look on her face, and he was damn glad he had.

CHAPTER 5

inner?" Paige sucked in her breath. "D "Yeah." He leaned forward. "Go to dinner with me, Paige. My treat." God, it felt right to ask her out. The idea of taking her out for dinner, of having her all to himself… "That's not what I meant when I asked if we were good!" Belatedly, he began to realize that the expression on her face wasn't shocked delight. It was shocked horror. "It wasn't?" She flapped the papers at him. "I meant the contract. That you get fifteen hundred dollars back if you and Muffin pass my program. That's what I was talking about!" Oh, shit. He'd totally misread the situation. "Oh, right, the contract. Yeah, okay, I'm with you." He glanced at the paper, quickly scanning it as he tried

to backpedal. "Wait a sec. I get my fifteen hundred dollars back if the dog passes all ten obedience tests along the way?" "Yep." "Shouldn't it be that I get my money back if he doesn't?" "Nope." Luke set the contract on the table and folded his arms across his chest. He settled back and studied her, suddenly realizing how close she was. It was a small table, and if he leaned forward, he would be able to kiss her without getting up. "What?" Paige eyed him warily. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He decided the truth wasn't going to get him the response he wanted, so he shrugged. "Just trying to figure out your business model. Why don't you guarantee your work?" She sighed with the patronizing patience of a teacher dealing with a five-year-old. "If you don't put in the time, the dog won't learn. If you do put in the time, he will. So the money is an incentive to make you spend the time with your dog. I don't care about the money. I just want the dog trained. I can't stand seeing dogs hauled about by untrained owners, or chained to a fence because the owner has no control." "You don't care about the money?" Luke knew his face was etched with disbelief, but what woman

didn't care about money? None that he'd ever met. Even Daisy had cared. Oh, how she'd cared. Paige rolled her eyes. "Are you signing it or not? I need to leave in five minutes, and I still need to shower." "You can shower in five minutes?" He didn't allow himself the mental image that wanted to appear at that comment, but he couldn’t help but think about it. "Yep. It's amazing what happens when I don't have to worry about doing my hair and makeup all the time." He studied her. "Did you used to?" Her eyes widened in that telltale sign that told him he'd crossed too far past the line, and he prepared himself for her retreat. And again, she didn't disappoint "Here." She held up a pen. "Sign it. I need to go." She tossed it at him, but he was too late reacting, and it bounced off his fingers and onto the floor. "Nice catch, Luke. Guess that's why you became a lawyer. Obviously, your physical skills weren't going to fund your future." He retrieved the pen from the floor and sat up, giving her his most badass manly look. "My physical skills are quite good, let me assure you." Her cheeks turned red. "Shut up." "No chance, babe." He grinned, and leaned forward. "Be careful what you start, Paige. I'm not

going to lie. I am completely intrigued by you and I meant it when I asked you to dinner. I am so going to give back if you start with me." Her cheeks turned redder. "I don't date, and I especially don't date lawyers. I actually am pretty hostile in my opposition to both." "Believe it or not, I sensed that, but I'm okay with a little challenge. I'm a good guy, and you'd be okay with me." He quickly signed two copies of the contract, and slid them across the table toward her. "It's signed. You've got me now." "I don't want you," she said as she signed her name. "My only interest is in making life better for your dog." "I believe you." He watched her fold one of the copies over, her fingers sliding along the paper. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction at having signed it. Yeah, he didn't want to get involved with this small town, or a woman who represented it, but there was something immensely satisfying about knowing that he was going to be seeing her again, and again. He leaned back in his chair, and clasped his hands behind his head. Now that the Muffin situation was settled, and he had the dog and Paige settled, he was able to set it aside, and focus on the last thing of interest. "So, tell me, Paige. Who wrote the contract? I still want to meet the attorney who wrote it." She paused, her finger stilling on the contract.

"She doesn't want to work for you." He grinned. "I can be very persuasive. It's my job. Introduce us, and let me have a go at her." Her eyes flashed. "Yeah, I bet you'd like to have a go at her, wouldn't you? Things a little lonely in New Hampshire for you?" "Nah. I've already got my sights set on what I want while I’m here. I just want an attorney—" "While you're here?" Her eyes flashed. "Did you just imply that you wanted me in your bed for a year, and then you were planning to leave me behind after your stint here was up?" He frowned. "No, I—" She leaned forward. "You're flirting with me, very well, I might add. But let's be honest, Luke. I'm a local New Hampshire girl. You're a Boston attorney. You aren't planning on changing that, are you?" "I hadn't thought that far ahead," he admitted. "I was just intrigued by you—" "Well, un-intrigue yourself." She finished folding the contract and held it out to him. "I don't deal in job placement for attorneys, so you're on your own with attorney-hunting. I do dogs only." He couldn't tell if she was really mad, or just still giving him a hard time. Her mood had shifted the moment he'd asked about who'd written the contract. "What's the harm in passing along her contact info? She might be interested."

"She's not." He ground his jaw. "I need to hire some locals who have contacts. A good lawyer like her, who also knows the locale, would be invaluable to my firm. I'd pay her a Boston salary, which would be a fortune up here." She dropped the contract and glared at him. "You think that money will buy you anything, don't you? Wave some greenbacks around and the world will fall at your feet?" He frowned. She was definitely mad now, protecting her town against the evil attorney from out of town. "Paige, I'm not the enemy." He'd been chosen for this job because of his past, his experience growing up in a small town. The senior attorneys at his firm had warned him that it might be tricky to win over the trust of the locals, and he was seeing it first hand from Paige. "The region will benefit from this firm." "Really?" Paige leaned forward. "I have news for you, Luke. You're in New Hampshire now. People care about quality of life, and being home while the sun still shines. They care about getting out to the lake before sunrise to catch the perfect breakfast. They care about meeting at The Mug at five o'clock on a Friday afternoon to catch up with all their friends. You don't need a lot of money to do that. Money isn't worth the misery to people up here, and that doesn't make them crazy."

He frowned, not quite able to deny that her description didn't sound half bad…if that was what you were into. Which he wasn't. "What's the Mug?" "What?" She appeared to be expecting him to argue about the importance of money and had to shift gears. "Oh. The Mug. It's a local restaurant. Each patron keeps their own mug there, and when they go, they get to use it." Luke rubbed his chin. "Where is it?" Paige narrowed her eyes. "You want to go trawling for business, don't you? Sorry, I don't pimp my friends to ambulance chasers." His frustration began to mount. Yes, he understood that she had some personal baggage when it came to lawyers. Yes, he was definitely intrigued by her. But the bottom line was that he was here to do a job, and he could tolerate only so much intentional interference on her part. He also didn't need her bad-mouthing him to her friend who wrote the contract, because it would be tough enough to get the community on board without her turning them against him. "Listen, Paige. I'm building this office to benefit the community, not to hurt them. And I'm not an ambulance chaser, camping out in a hospital emergency room, giving my business card and a wink to anyone with a splinter, telling them how much money I can win for them." She clearly didn't believe him. "What's the

difference between that, and marching down to The Mug and trying to worm your way into people's trust so they hand you what little money they have? You get them maybe a little more cash, but also give them a hell of a headache in the process. It's just semantics, and it's incredibly irritating." "I'm incredibly irritating, or ambulance chasers are irritating?" "You are, because you deny what you are." "And what am I?" Paige shrugged. "It's up to you to admit it to yourself." "What does that mean?" He was getting positively annoyed with her, and with himself, because the more irritated he got, the more his hormones were raging. He loved the way she challenged him, even if she was totally off-base with her perceptions of being a lawyer. All of which put him in an even worse mood. "You're a lawyer. Think about it." Luke balled his fists in frustration. "Think about what? I have no idea what you're talking about." Paige sighed. "If you can't look at your life and see what's wrong with it, then that's your choice." "My life is fine!" "Is it?" "Yes." He ground his teeth, cursing under his breath when he bit the inside of his cheek. She was totally getting to him, and it was damned irritating.

"I don't need this from you." A dimple peeked at him from her cheek. "You aren't used to anyone questioning you, are you?" Luke reached across the table and yanked the contract out of her hand, so he had both copies. "You know what? I'm not sure this partnership is going to be what I need. Let's skip it." Triumph flashed across her face, but it was quickly followed by regret. "I'm the only good one in town." "I'll go to another town." Luke crumpled the paper and shoved it in his pocket. Knowing her, she'd probably take that contract to her lawyer friend and force payment of the two thousand dollars. He was definitely taking it with him. "Fine." Luke shoved his chair away from the table, his anger fueled by the amusement on Paige's face. She wasn't remotely intimidated by him. Didn't even respect him, for that matter, which he wasn't sure how he felt about. A part of him was perversely interested in her for that reason…and another part, the sane part, realized that she was far too complicated for what he could allow into his life. He had one job, to get the office going, and then to get back to Boston and to the clients waiting for him. And he definitely didn't need the complications that went along with his desire to throw himself over the table at her and yank that

sweatshirt right off. She didn't stop him from leaving. Not that he wanted her to. Okay, yeah, he did, which was why he was definitely leaving. He stood up. "Muffin. Let's go." The German Shepherd hopped to his feet, staring up at Luke. See? He was fine with the dog on his own. Without a look behind him, he headed toward the door, and stepped outside…just as a duck landed in the water close to shore. Muffin didn't even hesitate. He bolted so quickly that he ripped the leash right out of Luke's hand, almost taking half his fingers with him. "Muffin!" He swore under his breath, flexing his fingers. The German Shepherd didn't hesitate, sprinting straight across the clearing, and plunging into the water. The duck took off instantly, and Muffin decided to hydrate instead, while standing in chest deep water. Luke ground his jaw and headed toward his car. "Muffin. Now. We're leaving." He opened his driver's door. "Muffin!" The dog waded out into the water, watching something beneath the surface. Paige strolled out onto the porch, her lips parted in mirth. "I think you'd better settle for another trainer within shouting distance," she said. "Doesn't

look like you're going to get Muffin to another town." Luke ignored her and climbed into his car, sliding over the plush leather seats. He started the ignition, then tooted the horn. "I'm leaving, Muffin. Get in!" Muffin ignored him completely. "Is that how you're used to getting people to do things for you? Demanding obedience?" The amusement in her voice caught his attention, and he looked over at her. She was studying him with a strange expression on her face, one he couldn’t read. He frowned. "What?" "Nothing. I just…" Her gaze flicked to his hair. "You just look human now. With your tie askew and your hair messed up, and so frustrated over a dog…" She smiled gently. "It's the first time I feel like I might have seen the real you. No façade. No business agenda. Just a man frustrated with his dog." He went still, awareness sizzling between them. "And what façade are you hiding behind, Paige?" She tensed. "None." "Liar," he said softly. She stared at him for another moment, then cleared her throat. "I'll get him for you." Without waiting for a reply, she hurried down to the water, where Bandit was standing beside Muffin. "Want a

treat, Bandit?" She handed Bandit a small biscuit, which he crunched noisily, loud enough for Muffin to hear. Instantly, Muffin was by Bandit's side, begging to be included in the feast. Paige handed him a treat, then grasped his collar. "Your dad needs a lot of work, Muffin. You make sure to bring him back soon." Something tightened in Luke's gut at her words as he got out of the car and watched her retrieve his dog. She'd seemed to work so hard to push him away, and it had worked. So why did she want him to come back? And why the hell did he want to? He said nothing as she led Muffin up the leafcovered bank to Luke's car. Without a word, she opened the back door and put Muffin inside. After shutting the door, she leaned on the side of the car and studied him. "When you decide you're ready for your first lesson, give me a call to schedule it. And I'll accept a check." She patted the Mercedes. "I imagine you're good for it." He wanted to come back. He wanted to see her again. Spar with her. Be challenged by her. But as he looked into her eyes, into her riveting, bold eyes, he knew that his desire to return meant there was no way he could. She was a distraction, an obstacle, a challenge, all things he couldn't afford. "I won't be back. This won't work." Paige grinned. "You'll be back by the end of the

week." Then she looked at her watch, and grimaced. "I gotta go. We can debate this later." She stepped back to let him go— But he couldn't leave. Not yet. "One more question." She was already turning to head back into the cottage? "Yes?" "Where are you going in such a hurry? Are you going to see your lawyer friend?" She hesitated, then she lifted her chin, and he knew he was going to get anything but the truth. She marched back over to him and leaned on his door, invading his space so purposefully that awareness surged through him. "For your information, I have a very hot date," she announced. "With a lumberjack. Have you ever seen a lumberjack with his shirt off? Talk about muscles...and not from a gym either. Real muscles." Jealousy slammed into his gut so fast that he didn't even have time to shield against it. He swore under his breath. "A lumberjack? Why would you date a lumberjack? You don't seem the type shallow enough to care about muscles." "You're right. I don't." She paused. "I care about humanity, Luke. That's it. Just humanity." Her voice was soft, but he knew what she was saying. "A man who won't ever put work above family, who's driven by things that matter, not money or wealth or power. It's simple. Basic. What life is about."

He knew that she didn't believe he represented any of those things, including humanity…and that bit deep. He knew she hadn't been that far off in her descriptions of firm life, but he truly believed he didn't fit into that mold…but she did…and he didn't like how that felt, even though he'd spent the last couple decades trying to accomplish exactly that. What the hell? She was completely messing with his equilibrium, making him question what he knew mattered to him. Scowling, he fished a business card out of his wallet. "Here's my contact info. Give your lawyer friend a chance to make a choice for herself, and give it to her." Paige didn't take the card, but he didn't withdraw it. Finally, she took it, feeling a deep sense of foreboding as her fingers closed around the fine cardstock. "She doesn't want it," she repeated. "Maybe she does, and you just don't know it." Paige's heart ached. There was a time when she would have leapt at that, a time when she'd fought so hard for the career that Luke seemed to fit so well. And now…God, how her dreams had betrayed her, and left her chewed-up by the side of the road. Luke was a temptation, a reminder of what she'd been too weak to handle, a dream that she'd been too sensitive to flourish in. She was much too enraptured by his charm, his good looks, and his

intelligence. This was her world now, the only one she was capable of living, and she loved it. She could not allow him to upset the fragile oasis that she'd created. It was good he was leaving. Good he didn't plan to call her. Good that she'd finally driven him off. "She doesn't want the job, Luke." "Let her decide." Luke got back into the car. "Do your lawyer friend a favor and give it to her." He paused for a moment, and she wanted to say something, to stop him from leaving, to apologize for driving him away. But she said nothing, and after a moment, he started the car, and let it roll away from her. Paige watched him until his car disappeared down the woodsy driveway, his card clutched in her hand. "Never, Luke Donovan," she whispered. "I would never let anyone I love cross that path into your world again." Including herself. He seemed nice. But he couldn't be. At some point, the truth would come out, and then she would be lost forever. Her life here was what she wanted, what had saved her. Luke could do nothing but ruin it. So, reluctantly, but emphatically, she crumpled up his business card and tossed it in the compost bin as she headed inside to change her clothes and grab her car keys.

No time for a shower. And there was no time to recall the expression on his face when she'd mentioned a shower to Luke. An expression of such heat that it had almost melted her to her toes instantly. "Damn you, Luke," she muttered as she held the door for Bandit. She knew forgetting him was going to be more difficult than she wanted it to be. But she was going to do it. By the time she went to bed tonight, she wouldn’t even remember his name.

CHAPTER 6

P

aige tooted her horn as she pulled into the gravel driveway a few miles from her cottage. Three wet dogs rushed around the side of the house, barking at each other, at the car, at invisible enemies, and at random shadows, all of which was done with great delight. As soon as Paige opened the door, Bandit leapt down and disappeared around the house with his friends, joining in the joyous chorus as they bolted for the water. "Those dogs live for the lake." A woman whose flaming red hair did not match the wrinkles around her eyes was standing on the front porch, wiping her hands on her shorts. She was wearing hot pink spandex shorts with peace signs, a fitted top with "Badass Woman" across the chest, and a pair of turquoise running shoes.

"Hey, Mom." Paige eyed her mom's outfit. "On your way to the gym? I thought we had girls' night planned." Louise Turner rolled her eyes. "In this town, every night is girls' night for you, Paige. You've become extremely dependent on me and those dogs. You need to get a man that doesn't have four legs and a tail." Paige bounded up the stairs and gave her mom a quick hug. "Is that a yes or no?" "Of course I'll eat with you, my dear. I just got back from the gym. Check out these biceps." The older woman flexed for Paige, showing off impressive curves. "Damn, Mom." Paige squeezed the arm. "It's like a rock. I think it's bigger than it was last week." "Do you think? I was wondering that too..." She flexed her arm the other direction. "How about the triceps? Tony changed my arm workout last week, and I think it's paying off." "Mom, you have more muscle than most professional athletes in their twenties." Paige decided not to engage her mom in a "battle of the biceps" because she knew who was going to win that one, and it wasn't her. Louise shook her head. "If only I'd discovered gyms ten years ago. I could have had any man I wanted, or even chosen to be single, instead of thinking I had no other choice than to accept the

life I had with Dad. Muscles make a woman stronger, not just in her body, you know." She smacked Paige's butt. "Get thine self to the gym, my dear. It'll pick your life right back up." "Every time I try to go to the gym, I get lost. It's a hopeless cause." Paige pulled open the screen door, rolling her eyes. "And you would never have had an affair, even if he deserved it." She paused. "Would you?" Louise patted her daughter's cheek as she went inside. "Of course not, sweetie. But I would have divorced his cheating, workaholic ass a long time ago. That's for sure." She grinned. "For so long, I thought I was dead inside. I can't even tell you how good it feels to spread my wings now." Paige watched her mom lead the way into the kitchen. There was no cellulite on those thighs, and her calf muscles were seriously cut. Her mom was truly the badass that her shirt claimed she was. Divorce had been good for her. Being married to a domineering, autocratic workaholic had not. "Any hot dates this week?" Louise grabbed some lemonade from the fridge and poured two glasses. "I think Walter's showing a little interest." "Walter? President of the Conservation Society? He went to Harvard, didn't he?" "About forty years ago, but yes." Louise tapped Paige's chest. "You need to hook up with these

retired folks. The people who had their lucrative careers in New York and Boston, and now are living out their golden years up here. So, they're smart, well-off financially, interesting, but they've realized what's important in life. It's a great combo." Paige involuntarily thought of another relocated Boston male who fit most of her mom's descriptions, plus had the added bonus of being deliciously sexy and irritatingly appealing. "Mom, in case you haven't noticed, by definition, the retirees are all your age, not mine. I'm not so desperate that I’m going to date a man twenty years older than me." She pulled open the sliding door and stepped out onto the back deck. The setting sun was casting a gorgeous array of pinks and oranges across the lake. The still water barely broke the reflection. "God, it's beautiful." Sunset on the lake never failed to take her breath away. "I was thinking of their kids," Louise clarified. "Walter has a nice son who's coming up to visit this weekend. We thought the four of us might go to dinner. You know, so you two could meet." Dating? She shuddered at the idea. "Give it up, Mom. You want to go to dinner so you can hang with Walter. You don't really want to set me up." She was all for her mom dating, but it was fun to tease her. "Well, wouldn't it be convenient if we dated a

father and son? Very handy." Louise set her drink on the railing and began stretching her right calf. "No thanks." The last thing she wanted in a man was someone with a Harvard heritage who was a workaholic from Boston. Hadn't she already been through this with Luke? Oh, and her fiancé, Howard, had been such a treat, too. She didn't want another man like her dad. "What other options do you have? Maybe Walter's son is a hottie." Louise switched calves. "Don't just stand there. Stretch or something. No need to waste time just standing around. Pull your foot up to your butt and stretch that quad." "That gym has turned you into a maniac," Paige said wryly, but she set her drink on the railing and pulled her sneaker up to her rear end. It did feel good. "So, is that a yes to dinner?" Louise stepped back and lifted her foot onto the railing, straightening her leg. She leaned forward, bending forward until her face was almost to her knee. "Jeez, Mom. When did you become that flexible? It hurts watching you." Paige pulled her other foot up to her butt. "Obviously, you forget that I did ballet as a kid. There's been a flexible body hidden beneath my couch-potato body for years. It just took a little determination and sweat to bring it out." Louise bent her face even closer to her knee. "What night

is good for you for the double date? Saturday?" Paige copied her mom and lifted her foot onto the railing, nearly pulling her hip out of the socket in the process. She quickly nixed that idea and settled for a gentle calf stretch. "I don't think I'm up for it, Mom." "Why not? I'm sure he's a better conversationalist than Bandit is." An image of Luke in his pristine suit, lunging after his dog, broke into Paige's mind. She chuckled, recalling his frustration. "What's that giggle for? That sounded like a girlie giggle." Louise switched legs, flipping her foot on the railing with ease. Paige switched calves and refused to look at her mom. "I didn't giggle." Louise dropped her foot and faced Paige. "I've been your mom for your whole life and I know that giggle. Even if I haven't heard it since before law school, I still know it. Who's making you giggle like that?" Paige stalled, enjoying torturing her mom. She put her foot on a stepstool, which was a much better height for her than the high railing, given that she had the flexibility of a tree trunk, compared to her mom. She leaned forward, feeling the stretch in her hamstring. "How are your dogs doing?" "Don't be thinking you can avoid my question. Who's the man?"

"No one. Just a potential client." Who she hoped wasn't coming back. Really, she hoped he wasn't. "Is he good looking?" Louise popped her foot back on the railing, apparently satisfied that she had Paige talking. "Delicious." Paige immediately flushed and buried her face in her knee, or as close to her knee as she could get. That adjective had slipped out quite involuntarily. Louise lifted an eyebrow. "Delicious, huh? Do tell." Paige gave up trying to keep Luke a secret. She described the encounter, emphasizing his arrogant lawyer side and his lack of love for his dog. "But he took the dog for his sister, huh? And kept the name Muffin?" "Yeah." Paige gave up stretching and flopped down in a lounge chair. "That's nice, right?" "Absolutely." Louise grinned. "How long is he here for? When does he go back to Boston?" "He's in town for a year. I don't know when he got here, though, so I don't know how soon until he leaves." Louise pulled her arm across her body, stretching her shoulder. "What's his name?" "Luke Donovan. He wants to hire me, although he doesn't know it." "What does that mean?"

Paige took off her sandals and wiggled her toes. The chipped nail polish wasn't flattering. Now that she didn't pay someone else to paint her toes, it didn't get done very often. It was just too much of a bother. "Well, he read my contract for Freedom, and he liked it. He wants to hire the lawyer who wrote it." Her mom pulled her other arm across her chest. "But you didn't tell him it was you." "Nope. He thinks I'm a rural bumpkin. Which I am. I'm not a lawyer anymore." Louise shot her a skeptical look. "If you're not a lawyer, what are you doing dispensing free legal advice to every schmuck in town who wants it? Are you practicing illegally, or did you keep your license active?" "I'm not breaking the law." Paige glared at her. "But there's a difference between helping friends and being forced to suck up to domineering corporate clients who want to turn their billions into more billions." "Maybe you should open a little practice at your house? Part time dog trainer, part time lawyer." She felt the familiar noose tighten around her neck at the thought of being paid to be a lawyer. If she were paid, it would become a trap again. As long as she did it for free, she could walk away at any time. Giving local folks free legal advice was

fun, because she was able to make their lives better. If she'd been involved in a small town practice from the beginning, maybe she would have loved it. Maybe she wouldn't have run away screaming from the legal profession. It was too late. She was ruined from the law forever. "I don't need the money that badly." "Are you going to support me in my old age on a dog trainer's salary?" Louise asked, launching into a furious set of jumping jacks. "Yeah, right. Dad's money will last you forever if you keep living in this town. Your alimony is a fortune up here. You'll be supporting me…not that I need it," she hastily added. "I have plenty of money saved up. I'm fine." "Never...will...I...support...you...after...you...tossed...awa Louise puffed out between jumps. "I thought you supported my decision." Paige scowled at her mom. Twenty-five years her elder, and there was nothing bouncing on her mom except her flaming red hair. Damn. Maybe she needed to stop hanging out with her mom. Her self-esteem wasn't fully functional yet, or at least, it wasn't functioning well enough to be bested by her mom in every physical standard known to humankind. Louise stopped jumping and touched her daughter's shoulder. "Hon, after thirty years of being married to your father, I'm incredibly

thankful you saw that life was about more than money and work. I fully support your choice not to break your soul for that firm. I just worry you're going to grow old with no companions except your dog and me. You need a man." "I don't need a man," Paige shot out, even as she pictured Luke driving up to her cottage in his luxury car. "No woman needs a man." "Well, I agree with that. No woman needs a man to take care of her; however, by virtue of the fact you're a human being, love is important. You need love, the kind of love that you're not going to get from me or your dogs. The kind of love that makes the world shine a little brighter every day. Pure, beautiful, romantic love. Since you haven't shown any inclination to date women, then you need a man. This little town isn't exactly overflowing with eligible bachelors who don't have a chaw of tobacco in one cheek and think a romantic gesture is helping you clean fish. Not the kind of man who is going to give you eternal happiness." "No man gives eternal happiness, Mom." Louise snorted in aggravation. "Yes, I know that. Stop pulling that lawyer crap on me and picking apart my words. You know damn well that I mean that loving yourself and being in a mutually loving partnership is important. The partnership is what creates the happiness, my dear. And I'm

thinking that your Muffin Man may be just the right thing for you. Boston isn't too far away, even after the year is over." "The Muffin Man?" She couldn't help but giggle, wondering what Luke would think of that. Then, she immediately grimaced. Luke was far too tempting, and he'd nearly caused her to relapse into a panic attack. She did not need to hear Luke's praises sung, not when she could still feel his magnetism. "I'll go to dinner with Walter's son on Saturday. Then will you get off my back about Luke?" Louise grinned. "Maybe I will. Maybe I won't." "I doubt I'll see him again anyway. He left in quite a huff." She frowned at the disappointment that surged through her when she articulated the thought she'd been suppressing since he'd driven out of her driveway. What if he didn't come back? No, that would be a good thing. She didn't need him to complicate her life. Louise waggled her brows. "I predict he'll be back. He won't be able to stay away from you." "Because I'm a goddess?" Louise snorted. "Because you're the only decent dog trainer around, and Muffin is going to drive him insane." Then she winked. "And once he comes back to train his dog, and starts to hang out with you, then, he'll realize you're a goddess." Paige smiled. "I love you, Mom."

"Love you, too." She dropped down to the wooden deck. "Now, let's do some abs. You need to have a great stomach by the time he gets around to fondling it." Her mom's words immediately created a visual of Luke, herself, and a whole lot of skin. Crap! "Mom!" "Abs, my dear. It's good for you." Louise grabbed Paige's bare foot and pulled her off the chair. "If he's as stubborn as you, you guys are going to have some entertaining times. Let's do one hundred." Paige sighed, but she tucked her hands under her head and started curling. Not that she expected to see Luke again, but it still wouldn't hurt to make sure her abs were strong. Not to look good for him, but because muscles made a woman into a badass, and she had a feeling she was going to need a little badassness in her life.

CHAPTER 7

B

y Saturday night, Paige hadn't heard anything from Luke, and she was beginning to believe she wasn't ever going to. Which was both good, and incredibly disappointing, which made it even more good. More better. Better. God. She couldn’t even think anymore. She'd been so discombobulated after her meeting with him that she'd had law firm nightmares the rest of the week, and when she wasn't dreaming about law firm hell, she'd been dreaming about abs, nakedness, and kisses. Which meant she was very glad to finally have a distraction, even if it was a double date with her mom. Paige elbowed her mom while Walter and Walt Jr. were discussing which wine to order. "Thanks

for bringing me." Louise raised her eyebrow. "You like him?" Paige nodded, sneaking a glance at the slightly nerdy man with heavy glasses and a bead of sweat on his brow. "He seems nice." Not exactly sexy, challenging, or irritating, but he was nice enough. "He doesn't seem very bright," Louise whispered. "I'm thinking he's not enough man for you." "He seems approachable. I can work with that." Paige flashed Walt Jr. a warm smile. He blushed, then smiled back. Walt Jr. was the kind of man who wasn't obsessed with his greatness, didn't appear to work very hard, and didn't care about lawyers. So what if he wasn't handsome or could be bossed around by a three-year-old. He was as far from her dad as she could get, so it was perfect. "That's our boat," Walt Jr. said, pointing out the window at a snappy red number sitting in a slip near the restaurant. They were dining at a nice restaurant on a much bigger lake than the one Paige and her mom lived on. Walt apparently had a very nice home on it, which meant his pre-retirement years had been lucrative. "Want to go on a ride after dinner?" "Sure." Paige ignored her mom's sigh. "So, how often do you come up here from Boston?" "About once a month," Walt Jr. said. He grinned. "But I might start coming more often.

What do you think?" "That'd be cool," she said. When her mom kicked her under the table, she'd had enough. Giving her mom the look, she stood up. "I'm going to the ladies' room. Mom? Care to join me?" "No. I'm all set. Have a nice time." Louise picked up a roll. "Hurry back. We'll miss you." Shoving her hair out of her face, Paige stalked across the room. Her mom was impossible. After talking Paige into dinner tonight, it had taken her about five minutes to decide that Walt Jr. couldn’t measure up to Luke, who she'd never even met. Was it her goal to have Paige end up in a miserable marriage like she'd been in? Married to a man who didn't care one bit about his wife or kids, except how they might help his career? Like Luke. Who hadn't called. The man didn't even care enough to train his dog. And her mom wanted her to choose him over Walt Jr.? "That's your heavily-muscled lumberjack?" The deep rumble of masculine amusement drew her up short, a tingle shooting through her. She caught her breath, then turned to her right. There he was. The Muffin Man. Grinning like a dog who'd just stolen a roast beef. Her heart leapt and started thundering in her chest. He looked devastatingly handsome, and her body reacted the same way as it had before, pretty much prostrating itself for a chance to bask in the

raw masculinity emanating from him. He grinned. "You can't buy that guy's muscles in a gym. You were absolutely right about him." She took a deep breath. "What are you doing here?" "Trawling for clients, of course. What else would I be doing? Eating dinner?" Paige inclined her head slightly. "Point taken. How's Muffin?" His cheek twitched. "He's fine." She grinned. "Still having trouble, I see." "I didn't say that." "You didn't have to. I've met the dog, and I've met you. Plus, your cheek is doing this weird twitchy thing when I say his name. Muffin. Muffin. Muffin. Does his name give you convulsions?" He pressed a hand to his twitchy cheek. "Well, aren't you the all-seeing soothsayer." She grinned. "It's my job to know dogs." "Have you given my card to your lawyer friend yet?" Ah…he was tenacious when it came to recruiting talent. Somehow, that didn't surprise her. "She's not interested." "That's not what I asked." Paige rolled her eyes. "She has your card, but the thought of being affiliated with a Boston law firm doesn't send chills of delight down her spine." "Why don't you let me speak to her? I bet I can

change her mind. Then she doesn't have to blame you for taking away the best opportunity of her life." Paige gritted her teeth. The man was domineering and impossible. So what if he looked positively delectable in his blue jeans and hiking boots, with a day's worth of stubble on his face. He didn't look at all like a lawyer right now. She had to get away from him before she committed her "lawyer friend" to a dinner with the man. "I'll see you around." She pushed by him and stalked to the bathroom, resisting the urge to look over her shoulder. Luke stared after her, unable to drag his eyes off her shapely rear end. Although he could see less of her than the first time he'd met her, she looked even sexier with her blue jeans and modest tank top than she had in her wet t-shirt. Perhaps that's because he knew what was underneath. The way her bangs fell over her forehead, the blond hair contrasting against her blue eyes... Before he could stop himself, he marched over to the bathroom door and knocked on it. When no one answered, he pushed open the door and poked his head in. "Paige? Is anyone else in there?" "Luke?" She sounded strangled, and he grinned. No other women answered his call, so he walked inside. There were two stalls, and he could see feet

under one door. Tanned calves with white ankles and feet, indicative of a woman who spent her days running around with dogs, not stretched out on a beach chair tanning. The pink toenail polish was chipped, but it made her feet even sexier. He'd thought he preferred women with a manicure, but apparently not. "I've got a proposition for you, Paige." "What are you doing in here? This is the women's bathroom." Luke lounged against the wall, watching her feet. They were bouncing quickly now, as if he were making her nervous. "Are you interested in hearing my proposition?" "Not at this moment, no. Can you leave?" "No. I'm in the mood to discuss this now." He chuckled at the muttered oath that floated under the stall door toward him. Damn, he liked her spirit. "You were right about Muffin. I need help, and there are no other decent dog trainers in the area." "Of course I was right." He heard a scrabbling sound from inside the stall, and assumed she was trying to peel the toilet paper off the roll. He wondered what she looked like with her pants around her knees, but then decided not to let his mind wander down that path. "I'll let you train us on one condition." "Oh, blessed me. You'll let me train your dog if I do something for you? Isn't today my lucky day."

The toilet flushed, and he watched her feet change shape as she stood up. Luke grinned. "Aren't you willing to make a deal to ensure one more happy dog in this world?" Paige yanked open the stall door and glared at him. "I can't believe we're having this conversation in the bathroom." "Your fly is open." She glanced down, then yanked on the zipper. It stopped halfway, ground to a halt by the pink fabric of her tank top, caught in the teeth. Muttering under her breath, she tugged at the zipper, her cheeks flushed. Luke leaned against the wall and watched her struggle. "Anyway, want to hear my proposition?" "No." She gave a hard tug on the zipper, only to have her fingers slide off the tab and grind into the metal. Squawking in pain, Paige sucked on her thumb. Luke walked over to Paige and crouched in front of her, trying not to think of what she was doing with her thumb. "What are you doing?" She sounded appalled. "Helping you with your zipper. You'll never get back to your hot date if I don't." He reached for her pants, but she caught his hand. "Um, no. I can get it." Luke let her push his hand away, but he didn't get up. He merely looked at her. Warily eyeing him

as if he were a psychopath, she yanked on the zipper again, grimacing when her fingers slipped off it again. She tugged twice more, with no success. Finally, she inclined her head slightly. "Fine. Assist me." This time, when he reached for her pants, she didn't stop him. He grabbed the tab of the zipper and tugged, pulling her hips toward him with each pull. "So, what is the proposition?" Paige asked. She crossed her arms and fixed her gaze on the painting on the wall, as if she weren't remotely bothered by the intimacy of Luke's position. He would've believed her if he couldn't see her pulse racing in her throat. "I'd like to change the terms of the contract." Luke slid his right hand inside her jeans so he could ascertain where the fabric was trapped in the back of the zipper. The back of his hand was resting against the front of her underwear, and he was quite certain she was wearing lace. Had she worn it for her lumberjack? The thought made him grimace, and he tugged harder at the zipper. "What terms?" Her voice squeaked, and he knew she was as aware as he was that he had his hands down the front of her pants. He didn't believe her when she clasped her hands on top of her head, as if it were no big deal.

"The money back guarantee." Luke gritted his teeth. "Um, I need to look at the back of the zipper where your shirt is caught." Her blue eyes widened slightly, but she didn't move her hands from the top of her head. "Fine. What about the guarantee?" Luke stood up and pulled the front of her pants away from her belly. Yep. Lace. He wiped a bead of sweat off his brow. At least he could see the fabric wedged in the metal now. "You can keep the fifteen-hundred-dollar deposit." Holding the zipper with his left hand, he reached inside her jeans with his right, pulling on the shirt while he tugged on the zipper. First up, then down, then up... "And what do you want if he's trained at the end?" Paige tried to avert her eyes, but his head was right under her face, and he smelled like the woods. She glanced down. The back of his neck was slightly tanned, with a white line showing that he'd just gotten a haircut. Even in the dim bathroom, his hair was shiny. It looked so soft. What was a lawyer doing smelling like the woods with a tan neck? "I want you to arrange dinner with me and your lawyer friend." He gave a final tug, and the zipper slid peacefully down, her pants falling open. "Got it." Paige glanced down, flushing when she realized

that he had full view of her undies. "Thanks." "Your shirt tore a little bit." He flexed his fingers. "No problem." Paige quickly fastened the top button. When she went to grab the zipper, Luke grinned. "Zip that carefully. As fun as that was, I don't think I could do it again." She carefully pushed her shirt out of the way before she pulled the zipper up. Why couldn't he do it again? Not because he'd been turned on the way she had been, that was for sure. Her mind was in the gutter, and she needed to get it out, and in a hurry. Once her pants were safely secure, she met Luke's gaze. His eyes were dark, unreadable, except for the intense heat burning her up and making her feel like ripping off her shirt and throwing herself into his arms. So, yeah, unreadable, except for that. "So, is it a deal?" he asked. "A trained dog for dinner with the attorney?" Paige chewed her lower lip, trying to focus her mind on business. Luke wouldn't have the patience to make it through the entire training program with Muffin. It was a safe deal for her. "Sure. Dinner with my lawyer friend if Muffin passes all the tests." "And you won't make up tests just to keep him

from passing?" She grinned and patted his cheek patronizingly. The stubble on his cheek pricked her fingers. God, that was hot. Why had he not shaved? Her old firm had had a "no facial hair" rule, so Luke's whiskers were a complete distraction, and completely sexy. "You're so skeptical of women, Luke. You need to have more faith." He clasped her hand just as she was pulling it away from his face and held it for just a second too long, if one intended "too long" to mean "too long to be proper." Because in terms of "oh wow, that felt great," it was just long enough to make her want more. "I'm a lawyer. Lawyers don't have faith in human nature. They have faith in the written word, with a signature on the bottom." Paige sighed. She didn't need a skeptical, bitter lawyer in her personal life. The zipper experience would have to fuel her fantasies, because nothing more was going to happen with the Muffin Man. "Okay, so bring a revised contract to our first training session." "No, have your lawyer friend redraft yours. I like her style. Tomorrow's Sunday. I'll be at your house at ten?" Paige groaned inwardly. That meant she'd have to do the contract tonight after she got home, or early tomorrow instead of her morning swim. "Can't

we do it later? Like noon?" "No, I've got to go to the office later." "Figures," she muttered. The door swung open suddenly, causing her to jump. "Paige? Are you sick?" Louise walked in, her tanned face wrinkled with concern. She stopped. "Oh. Hello." Paige realized that she was still standing intimately close to Luke. She stepped away from him and turned on the faucet to wash her hands "Hey, Mom. Just having a conversation." Louise, wearing a modest tank top that showed off her sculpted arms, looked from her daughter to Luke. Watching Luke in the mirror, Paige was annoyed to discover that Luke looked amused, rather than embarrassed. He nodded to Louise. "I'm Luke Donovan. Your daughter and I were negotiating terms for her to train my dog." Paige saw the look of recognition on her mother's face and prayed her mom wouldn't make the Muffin Man reference to Luke's face. "Ah, yes. Paige told me about you. You're just as handsome as she said you were." The Muffin Man reference would have been better. She moaned to herself and splashed water on her face. "I also said he was an arrogant pill, if you recall," she said. "No offense, Luke, but you are a lawyer."

Luke looked at her mom, looking even more amused. "She said I was an arrogant pill?" "She might have said something to that effect. But I'm sure she was talking about the dog." Luke grinned. "I doubt it. She's a bit of a pain herself." Paige grabbed a paper towel and wiped her dripping chin. "You don't like me because you can't control me, like you control everyone else in your life." "That's what you think?" "Yep." She tossed the towel into the trash. "Did it ever occur to you that your independence is one of the things I like most about you?" "What?" "Nothing." Paige didn't want to stay around to figure that one out. She needed reminders of why Luke was wrong for her, before she got involved and let him break her heart and ruin her life. "Guess we oughta head back out there, huh, Mom?" Louise shook her head. "Oh, no. The men are fine. Watching you two spar is much more interesting." "I have to go anyway," Luke said. "I'll see you tomorrow at ten." "With Muffin," she said quickly, irritated by the

knowing look on her mom's face. "With Muffin," he agreed. He pulled open the door to the bathroom, then paused. "By the way, I love your black lace panties." "Luke!" But he was gone, leaving Paige alone to fend off her mom's questions. "When did he see your underwear?"

CHAPTER 8

O

n Sunday morning, Paige decided there was no way she could deal with Luke without swimming first. The date with Walt Jr. had been tepid at best, and her mom's constant harassment had made her dreams far too interesting. She had to be better in control of herself by the time Luke got there. "Come on, Bandit!" Paige took a running leap off the wooden float, sailing through the air and landing with a splash. Bandit landed just behind her, his toenails scraping down her back. "Eeeiii!" She arched her back against the pain, yowling in protest. As if she didn't have enough scars from his toenails already. "We are so trimming those today." Bandit had some issues when it came to toenail

trimming, like howling, squirming, and basically falling apart when she tried to trim them, but clearly, they'd reached the limit of acceptability. "I promise to distract you with peanut butter, okay? It'll be a breeze." He paddled past her, swimming toward shore, clearly not impressed with the offer. She sighed, grimacing as the water stung her cut. Ah, well, she would just add them to her other scars from swimming with dogs. She flipped over on her back and swam toward the dock, squinting against the morning sun. A quick glance at her watch told her that Luke would arrive in a halfhour, so she needed to drag herself out of the water, much as she didn't want to. If she hadn't had to get up early and revise the contract, she wouldn't have gotten such a late start on her swim. She'd felt the pressure to write it well, knowing that experienced eyes would read it. That need to impress had irritated her, taking the pleasure out of her work. Already he was drawing her back into her law-induced misery. She had to resist the urge to be sucked back in. It didn't matter what he thought of the contract. Bandit was paddling beside her, loving his water excursion. Ever since she'd put the step on the float so he could get on it, he'd been partaking in her morning swims. It was so much nicer than swimming alone.

Bandit barked suddenly, startling her. Paige gasped, sucking a mouthful of water into her lungs. She flipped over so she could hold herself upright while she choked. "Morning." Her stomach flipped, and she looked up, still coughing. The sun was bright, blinding her so all she could see was the silhouette of a person. But she knew who it was. "You're early." She closed the distance to her dock, where Luke was standing. Muffin was beside him, straining on his leash to go visit Bandit, who was already climbing out of the water, eager to visit their guests. "Yeah. I was ready, so I came over." Paige grabbed the wooden ladder and looked up. His broad shoulders were now blocking the sun, so she could see him clearly. He was wearing khaki shorts and a t-shirt, with the same hiking boots he'd been wearing at the restaurant. He was more appropriately dressed to go on a hike than work in a law firm. It was a good look for him. "Want a hand up?" She started to reach for his hand, then remembered her skimpy bikini. She shook her head and sunk back down in the water. The man had a way of catching her in the most revealing of attire. "Um, no." "You ready to train? I have to get through this

and get to the office. I have work to do." Paige pushed away from the dock and treaded water. The man was treating her like his precious underling again. He had work to do, so it was perfectly acceptable to show up a half-hour early and expect her to drop everything for him. That attitude was why she had to stop having the fantasies about him. She lifted her chin defiantly. "Actually, no, I'm not. I have about fifteen more minutes of my swim. I'll change and be ready for you at ten, like we agreed. You're welcome to go up to my cottage and look over the contract while you wait. It's on my kitchen table." Paige grinned at the surprised look on his face. "Or you can go do errands and come back in a half hour." She rolled onto her stomach and swam away, heading out toward the float. After a few minutes, she heard a splash. Good ol' Bandit. He had chosen to swim with her instead of hanging with Luke and Muffin. Then a hand closed around her ankle. Paige shrieked and kicked, her foot slamming into something solid. Her heart racing, she whirled around, only to see Luke treading water, his face contorted in pain. "Next time don't aim so low," he grunted. Paige grimaced, realizing where she'd probably kicked him. "Sorry. You startled me."

Luke dragged himself the short distance to the float, discomfort still etched on his face. "You didn't hear me dive in?" She swam after him. "I thought the splash was Bandit. You scared me when you grabbed my ankle. I'm really sorry." He hauled himself up the ladder, his arms bulging with muscles that threatened to pop through his taut skin. His calves were chiseled, and his wet shorts clung to a butt that was solid muscle. She had her answer. He was not a fluffy, out-ofshape lawyer who worked twenty hours a day. Somewhere in his schedule, he had made time to take care of his body. He was a hard, sculpted male, who was far hotter than she'd had any idea when she'd seen him in his suit. Hello. This view was doing nothing to quell her ridiculous attraction to him. She grabbed the ladder and pulled herself partway onto the float, making sure the interesting parts of her body were out of his sight. Luke was sitting down, looking unhappy. "You okay?" He winced. "Yeah," he grunted. "Great." She grimaced at the tension in his voice. "It really hurts, huh?" Luke raised his eyebrow. "Of course it does." "Will it ache for a few days, or does it wear off in a few minutes?" At his curious look, Paige blushed and sank

back in the water. "I didn't have brothers. I always wondered exactly how bad it was." Luke grinned. "It's okay. It's sort of refreshing to be around a woman who isn't too uptight to discuss these kinds of things." He looked startled by his confession, and plowed forward to answer her question. "This time it'll be fine in a few minutes. When I was a teenager, I was kicked by a horse. I couldn't walk for a week, literally." Paige returned to the ladder and pulled herself up far enough that she could lean on the float. "Really? Did they swell?" She saw his eyes dart toward her chest, then he looked across the lake, shifting his position so his legs blocked her view of the front of his shorts. Was he reacting to her? She looked down, realizing that her breasts were now visible over the top of the float. Did he think she was hot? No, it was probably just those dumb fantasies of hers acting up again. Luke cleared his throat, still not looking at her. "Yeah. Swollen, purple. My dad thought I wasn't going to be able to...well...have sex, but there was no way I was going to the doctor to be checked out. Way too embarrassing for a teenage boy. My mom was worried that she wasn't going to get any grandchildren out of me." "Can you?" Paige leaned a little further out of the water, entranced by the story.

"Can I what?" Luke kept his gaze on the lake. "You know...have kids...and..." Luke laughed, finally looking at her again. "Everything is in working order." "Well, that's good." At his raised brow, Paige cursed under her breath. "Not that I have any personal interest in whether everything works properly." "Uh huh." His voice was slightly strangled, sounding kind of like she felt. "So, do you want to have kids?" Paige grimaced at the question that had popped out. Why would she care about his family aspirations? Maybe he would interpret it as just making polite conversation. Which she was. Right? It had nothing to do with the fact that she'd spent seven years with Howard before he'd told her that he wasn't interested in having kids, because they would take too much time from his work. Luke was quiet, watching the dogs play by the water's edge. Apparently, he wasn't going to answer the question. She'd probably pried too far, given their business relationship. It wasn't as if they were friends. Her arms were getting tired from hanging on the ladder, but Luke didn't look like he was moving. Reluctantly, she climbed out of the water and stretched out next to him on the wooden float. It

was too close for her comfort, but there was nowhere else for her to go. She was the reason the guy was sidelined, so it was the least she could do to keep him company until he could swim back to shore. Each drop of water that fell from her body seemed to echo as it hit the planks. She felt so naked, next to him. Was he as aware of her as she was of him? When he groaned and rolled onto his stomach, she thought maybe he was. "I'm not sure if I want kids," he said. Paige felt a surge of disappointment, before she remembered that it didn't matter what he wanted. It wasn't as if she were going to marry him. "Why not?" Luke rested his chin on his hands. "I don't have time in my life for a family. My parents spent a lot of time with me and my sister, and I can't make the same sacrifices." She sighed at the story she'd heard before. At the one her dad had lived by. "It's not a sacrifice to spend time with family. It's what life is about." "Not for me. My life is about my career. I wouldn't want to have a family and neglect it. I don't have time for a dog now, let alone a family. It just won't work." Paige heard the hitch in his voice, and wondered if there was more to his answer than he was willing to share. "If you had more time in the

day, would you want a family then? Is it just time that's the problem?" "If I had more time in the day, I'd just work more." "But does that make you happy?" "Happier than living in a tiny town like this and spending my days engaged in manual labor." She turned to look at him, detecting an undercurrent of both disgust and yearning in his voice. "What about a small town where you could practice law? Then you could have both." If she weren't so burned out on law, that would be a perfect life for her. Luke didn't look at her, but a muscle ticked in his cheek. "I like my life." "But would you like being a small town lawyer better? One who only had to work forty hours a week and could spend mornings swimming like this? Wouldn't that be even better?" "No." His voice was so tight that it sounded like his vocal cords were going to snap. Paige sighed and dropped her head to her arms. It was the typical lawyer work ethic. When he was eighty and alone in his fancy house, he'd realize the mistake he'd made. She was glad she'd realized it early enough in life. Not that she had a family to devote her time to, but at least she had a dog. Bandit was the male who would love her and devote his life to her. She didn't need anyone else,

even if her mom was convinced otherwise. And if she did, well, Walt Jr. might just be the man for her. He said he'd call when he got back to Boston, and she knew he would. He was that kind of man. "What happened to you?" Luke asked suddenly. She opened her eyes to find him staring at her back. A warmth spread over her at the look of tender concern on his face...followed by a sudden brush of fear that he'd somehow found out about her nervous breakdown. "What?" "Your back. Did you dive on a rusty nail or something?" "Oh, that." She closed her eyes again. "That's from Bandit. He scratched me when we were swimming." "You need to put something on there." "My mom'll do it next time I go over there. I can't reach it." "I'll put something on it. That'll get infected." "No! That's okay. I'm fine." The thought of Luke caressing her back as he put lotion on her cuts made her stomach clench up in knots. She decided it was time to end their intimate discussion. "I'm ready to go train Muffin." She rolled off the float, dropping into the water before Luke could stop her. She had swum a few yards when she heard a splash. Luke appeared beside her, swimming on his side, so he was facing

her. Unable to indulge in casual conversation while she could still picture his hands on her body, she said, "Race you." Not waiting for his response, she kicked into high gear, her body cutting through the water. After months of swimming daily, she was pretty fit. She could feel the water swirling as Luke began splashing beside her, but she didn't dare lose time by looking up. Her lungs bursting, Paige pushed herself to the dock, battling against the waves from Luke. When her hand touched the wooden ladder, she lifted her head, turning to look behind her. He wasn't there. He was already standing in the water, his chest barely moving. He grinned at the disgruntled look on her face. "I played water polo in college." "Dumb sport." She wanted to say more, but she was breathing too hard to talk. Luke just laughed as he pulled himself up on the dock, not bothering with the ladder. His triceps flexed as he lifted himself out. "You'd beat me at dog training any day, though." "Yeah, yeah." Luke extended a hand toward her to pull her out, and she grabbed it without thinking. Despite their wet, slippery skin, Luke's grip was firm. He lifted her out of the water with ease, her thigh sliding against his on her way up. When her feet

landed on the dock, she jumped away, her leg burning from his touch. "I'll go change." She had to get some clothes on before she attacked him. Luke picked a towel off the dock and draped it over her shoulders. "I think this is yours." She peeled it off and handed it to him. "You can use it. I'll grab another one upstairs." He wrapped it around her again. "No, I would rather have you use it. Please, use it." The heat in his gaze made Paige shiver. "I'll keep the towel." She led the way up to the cottage, no sound but their bare feet padding on the pine needles. Hugging the towel around her, she tried not to think of his heated expression when he'd wrapped the towel around her. She had a suspicion that if she were to suddenly decide that she didn't care he was arrogant and domineering, he'd be happy to play a little no-strings-attached footsie. Not that she would, of course. And she had to keep reminding herself of that. Once inside her cottage, Paige grabbed a beach towel out of the dryer and handed it to him. "So you stop dripping on my floor." In reality, it was so she wouldn't be able to keep staring at his wet, hard body that was becoming more and more difficult to resist. He slung the towel around his neck, the water

droplets glistening in the dark curls on his chest. "What do you have for your back?" "My back?" "The cut from Bandit. It's pretty bad." "Oh, right." As if she could feel pain with him dripping in her kitchen. She tugged open her sundry drawer, hoping to find some antiseptic cream in the kitchen. Leading him through her bedroom to her bathroom would not be a good idea. She held up a small tube. "Found some." Luke walked over to her and slipped it out of her hand. "Turn around." Paige crossed her arms over her chest and turned her back toward him, then dropped the towel.

CHAPTER 9

T

he moment the towel hit the floor, Paige regretted her bravado. What would have been wrong with just moving the towel? Because standing there in front of Luke, wearing only some droplets of water and her bikini felt excruciatingly intimate and revealing. And yes, a little terrifying. She let out her breath. Her swimsuit suddenly felt way too skimpy. She bit her lower lip and waited. "Okay. Ready when you are—" Sharp pain shot through her back. She yelped and whirled around, ducking away from him. Luke was standing with his index finger extended, a large wad of opaque gel on the tip, guilt etched on his face. "All I did was touch it. I didn't mean to hurt you." Paige wiggled her shoulders, trying to get the

pain to dissipate. "Touch it with what? Alcohol?" He held his finger up. "Cream. I told you it was deep." She eyed him suspiciously. "That stuff isn't supposed to sting." "Don't blame me for it. I'm just putting it on." He grabbed her bare shoulder with his free hand and gently turned her around. God. His hand was on her bare shoulder. His grip was strong. Firm. Meltingly sexy. Ohh… "I wouldn't have pegged you for a wimp," he teased. Paige bristled, glad for the distraction. "I'm not a wimp." "Coulda fooled me. Brace yourself. I'm going to put the cream on now." At his touch, a fresh shard of pain shot through her back, but this time she was prepared for it. She managed to keep herself from jumping away from his touch, but she couldn't keep the grimace off her face. At least he couldn't see her expression. "Nice face. Is that how you attracted your lumberjack?" Belatedly, Paige noticed they were facing the mirror in the front hall. She forced her face to relax, but she couldn't stop from sucking in air as he started rubbing a fresh area of her back. "Sorry," he said, his concern evident. She sighed, touched by his kindness. "No

problem. Doesn't hurt a bit." His snort told her he wasn't buying it. "Ah, Paige, the scratch goes kinda low." "Well, finish it up. I'm numb to the pain now." Luke muttered under his breath, but squeezed another glob of cream onto his finger. Then, she felt him hook his finger over the top edge of her bikini bottom. Hello. She was awake now. She felt the material slide down her butt, his finger brushing against her skin as he pushed it down. He began to rub the cream into the cut with his other hand, but she didn't feel any pain. All of her nerves were focused on his hand, moving against her bottom. Holy cannoli. She was getting lightheaded, and her cheeks were getting hot. All four of them. After what seemed like an eternity, or at least a lot longer than it should've taken him to rub her down, he pulled the suit back up. "Done." His voice sounded strained. "Whew." Paige breathed a sigh of relief. She turned toward him to take the cream, backing up a step when she realized how close he was still standing. "Glad that's over." "Why?" "Why what?" She held out her hand for the cream. "Why are you glad it's over?" He set the tube in her hand, letting his thumb rub against the back of her hand. "Was it that bad?"

He was so close that she could see the brown flecks in his blue eyes. They were so blue. "No, it was that good." When his eyebrows went up, she realized what she'd said. Before she could take it back, he bent toward her, his hands slipping around her waist. She could've ducked, or averted her head. But she didn't. No way did she have the willpower to turn away from the kiss she knew was coming. She met him halfway, the tension that had been building inside of her since she'd watched him climb the ladder onto the float driving all sensibility and decorum from her mind. She didn't care that he was a lawyer, that he didn't want kids. All she knew was that it felt like she had an electric shock flying through her body and she wanted more. The moment his lips captured hers, she knew all resistance was futile. His kiss was amazing, a delicious, sensual seduction that literally melted every last bit of sensibility from her mind. The tube of cream fell to the floor with a gentle thud, and she laid her hands on his chest, her fingers sliding over the water droplets in the curly hair, but it wasn't enough. She wanted him closer, to feel him against her. She ran her hands up his chest and around his neck, clasping her fingers behind his neck, as if to keep him from getting away before she'd had her fill. As if that could ever happen. She wanted more,

even as her insides began to turn to jelly. Her breasts flattened against his chest, their wet skin slippery against each other. It didn't matter that he was from Boston, or that he might discover she'd been the crazy woman he'd heard about. All that mattered was that she kiss him, that she crush herself against him, that the soft moan in the back of her throat draw an answering groan from him. He angled his head, deepening the kiss as he moved his hands down her back to her bottom. She could smell his clean skin, feel his wet hair between her fingers, his taut skin pressed against her chest. Thumbing aside the fabric of her bikini, he slid his hand under the fabric, the heat from his hands nearly burning her flesh. Then Bandit barked and jumped on the sliding glass door. Reality intruded like a batch of ice dropped down the front of her shirt. What was she doing? "Stop, Luke." Paige broke the kiss and dropped her hands to his chest, pushing on him. Her face was hot and her breath was coming in gasps. What was she thinking, kissing him? The man was the epitome of what she'd left behind, and he was not going to change for her. He was so wrong for her. So what if he was smart and funny and didn't seem to mind her sassing him? "What? You want to move somewhere else?" He continued to massage her butt, dropping his

head to nibble on her collarbone. "Luke," Paige sighed, closing her eyes for just a moment, to absorb the delightful sensation. When she felt the need beginning to rise inside her again, she took a deep breath and stepped back. "We can't do this." She peeled Luke's hands off her and twisted away. "Why not?" He ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath. "I thought that was going well." Paige turned to face him, her face heating up even more at the sight of the sizable bulge in the front of his wet shorts. "Um... It was. It was going great." "Then what happened?" He didn't sound at all irritated, just confused and concerned. "What'd I do? I didn't mean to offend you. You seemed like you were okay with it..." She held up her hand to stop him. "I was okay with it. More than okay. It was amazing." He grinned, relief lighting his features. "I agree completely. Best damn kiss I can remember." She couldn't suppress the pleasure blossoming over her, and they both leaned forward, losing themselves in another ravishing kiss before she caught herself. "No." She stepped back. "We can't." There was no mistaking the confusion on his face now. "Why not?"

"Um..." How did she explain her fear and distrust of lawyers to him? That she didn't believe in his values or life priorities? That she was desperately afraid that he would expose her fragile emotional state when it came to her past? All he probably wanted was a fun romp, and he'd be annoyed that she was worried about deeper things. He'd probably even laugh at her, for thinking that it meant that much. Or he'd figure out that she was the crazy lawyer who'd gone loco. No thanks, she didn't need that humiliation. Think of another excuse. "Because you're my client." His eyebrows shot up in visible disbelief. "Your client? You're a dog trainer." "So?" "So, I don't think there are high ethical standards for dog trainers." "Oh, really?" She lifted her chin and set her balled fists on her hips. "Has anyone ever told you that you're an egoistic lawyer with an attitude?" "Yep." "Oh." He grinned, sliding his hand behind her neck again, and drawing her closer. "Has anyone ever told you that you've got way too much attitude for a dog trainer?" "No." "Well, you do. You could be a lawyer." She felt her knees buckle, but she managed to

keep her balance. "What does that mean?" "It's a compliment, trust me." "Of course it would be. You don't see anything wrong with being a lawyer." "No, I don't. It's a great profession." "Except that you have no time for kids or dogs." "Which is fine with me." "Is it?" He met her gaze. "Yes. It is." "Are you certain?" Luke narrowed his eyes. "Why do you care?" "I don't care. You could die at your desk with no family to mourn you for all I care." She cleared her throat, trying not to picture him decomposing with his hands on his keyboard, because it made her sad. Luke might represent the life that had almost broken her, but he was a good man at his heart. A man like him deserved more, if he'd ever take the time to realize it. "I think it's time to train." "Me?" "Your dog." "Oh. Right. My dog." She walked past him, giving him a wide enough berth that she couldn't brush against him accidentally and reawaken her need for him. "Go get your boots from the dock. You'll need them for training." She grabbed a faded red t-shirt off a nearby

chair and pulled it over her head. Luke just stood there, staring at her. "What?" "Don't walk away from me, Paige. There's something between us. Something that could be good." She shook her head. "I can't, Luke. Your world…it's not mine anymore." "Anymore?" Luke's gaze sharpened. "I don't think you ever told me what you did before becoming a dog trainer." "Nothing." Oh, crud. He was far too astute for her to be making mistakes like that. She grabbed a leash from the kitchen closet. "Let's go." He walked behind her. "Nothing? You've been a dog trainer since you were born?" "Yep." In her heart she had been. It was close enough to the truth. "Liar," he said softly, his voice so warm that her stomach tightened She stole a glance at him, cursing the understanding expression on his face. "What did you do before you became a lawyer, Luke?" She never thought a man as tough and masculine as Luke could look so uncomfortable so quickly. "I'll go get my boots. Meet you in the yard?" "Okay." She had to shout, because he was already halfway to the dock.

She stared after him. What had she said to scare him off? Did he have a past he hated as much as she hated hers? Wouldn't that be interesting? It made him more human. That would be bad. The more human he became to her, the more attractive he would become. It had taken all her willpower to break that kiss. If she liked him even a tiny bit more, she would have had no chance. She couldn't risk getting involved with him. Even if it turned into something lasting, he'd make her miserable. He'd be her dad and Howard all over again, ignoring her for his work. Assuming it even got that far. He'd dump her anyway as soon as he found out about her past, just like Howard had. Luke would never be able to take her around in his legal circles, not with her reputation. It would never work with him. Which is why she had to ignore his biceps, stop thinking about his kisses, and concentrate on his dog. And Walt Jr. She had to think about him. Walt Jr. was the man for her. Not Luke. Definitely, not Luke.

CHAPTER 10

B

y the time Luke returned from the dock, Paige had stashed Bandit inside the house and had Muffin on the long lead. She handed Luke the leash, and stepped back, averting her eyes from his bare chest. "Aren't you going to put your shirt on?" "Hell, no. It's summer and it's a gorgeous day. Unless you have a problem with it?" He knew he was teasing her, but he couldn't resist. There had been no mistaking the intensity of their kiss, and he was absolutely certain she'd been as consumed by it as he had. What he didn't understand was why she'd pulled away, and he knew he couldn't walk away from it. He'd been trying to keep a distance, but the moment he'd tasted her lips, he knew he was in. He wanted more of her. He didn't give a shit if

she was a small-town woman. He wasn't going to think about what happened in a year when he finished his work in town. Right now, he wanted her, and he wanted to break through her shields. He wanted the real Paige, secrets and all. "No, it's fine. It doesn't bother me if you keep your shirt off." "Fantastic. Let's train then." He wanted to know what she'd done before she'd become a dog trainer, how she'd become so feisty or how she came to live in New Hampshire when she didn't quite seem to fit. He'd grown up in a tiny, rural town, and he knew lifers when he saw them. And Paige wasn't one of them. "Okay, Luke, lesson number one: you aren't going to force Muffin into doing anything." "I know. I've already tried," he said dryly. Paige chuckled. "We'll teach Muffin to make the decision, on his own, that it's in his best interest to listen to you, regardless of whether you're next to him, or thirty feet away." "How are you going to teach a dog to do that? He's fully committed to making my life hell. He has it written on his pillow." She laughed. "Don't underestimate him. He actually really wants to make you happy." "Impossible." Don't underestimate him. He imagined she could give him the same lecture about not underestimating her. She had a lot going on,

even though she tried to hide it. What exactly was she hiding, and why was she hiding it. He really wanted to know. "Luke? You there?" She waved her hand slowly past his face. On impulse, he grabbed her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it. A little gasp popped out of her mouth, but she didn't pull away. She didn't throw her arms around him either. But she definitely didn't pull away, and he saw the flush to her cheeks. When he finally released her hand, she cleared her throat, and then continued, as if the moment had never happened. "Okay, Luke. Hold this leash, but don't pull it. Mentally mark out a triangle in the yard, with each side ten to fifteen yards long." She hadn't even acknowledged the kiss. He wondered what that meant. "Wait until Muffin isn't watching you, then walk quickly to the next corner. If he doesn't notice you've left before the leash runs out, he'll get yanked, but since you aren't pulling him or looking at him, he won't associate it with you doing anything. He'll just start to realize that he has to keep one eye on you." Luke liked how her eyes lit up when she talked about training. She hadn't been lying when she'd said how much she cared about the animals. He could see it in her face. She had passion. Too many

people in the world had no passion. He understood it, admired it. Admired her. "When you get to the next corner, stop and wait until he stops paying attention to you. Then take off again. When we can't catch him with the leash anymore, we move to the next step." "Easy enough." Luke faced the yard, picking out a spot to walk toward. He had just lifted his foot, when a soft hand on his arm made him freeze. "One more thing, Luke." "What?" He stared at her hand, resting on his biceps. It was still damp, and it looked so small against his arm. He really couldn't make himself care at all that she wasn't his type. She seemed to be so much his type, his only type. "After a few minutes, Muffin will start to figure out what's going on, and he'll get irritated. He wants to be the boss, and he'll resist having to pay attention to you." "Resist how?" He wanted to yank that hair elastic out of her wet hair and let it down, like it had been at the restaurant. It had looked so soft, so touchable. He wanted to run his hand through her hair, nuzzle against the nape of her neck, and— "Every dog is different. He might jump on you and try to bite you, or..." "Bite me?" That caught Luke's attention. "Did you just say he's going to bite me?" Paige laughed. "Relax, Luke. He isn't going to

hurt you. He might nip a little. Or he might just lay down and refuse to move." Luke looked at Muffin, who was busy sniffing the ferns under Paige's bedroom window. "He'll definitely bite me. He's got a defiant streak that I kind of admire. I'd expect nothing less from him." Paige cocked her eyebrow. "You admire his defiant streak?" "I do, but don't tell him that. It's our secret. As far as he knows, I think he's a mangy dog that is more trouble than he's worth. Got it?" She giggled. "Got it." "Anything else?" Paige shook her head. "Just don't look at him or talk to him. Force him to make the decision to follow you on his own. And don't look so pained. This is fun." He winked at her. "I want dinner with that lawyer. Getting a local contact will be fun." She sighed and backed away to give him room. "Can't you stop thinking about work for even an hour? It's Sunday." "You're working." "That's different," she protested. "I always have to work odd hours. That's the nature of my job." "Same with mine. Maybe being a lawyer and a dog trainer aren't that different?" She scowled. "Trust me. It's different." "I was kidding."

Paige eyed him. "Yeah, I should have guessed. You'd never compare being a lawyer to dog training. Start walking. I haven't got all day." "Why are you mad at me now?" She sighed. "It's not you. It's my own baggage." She waved him off. "Go train." "A kiss for good luck?" At her raised eyebrows, he decided he'd pushed it too far. "Yeah, okay, I'll go." And with that, he set off across the yard, Muffin still sniffing the flowers by the house. The leash jerked in his hand when it reached its maximum length. Muffin looked up sharply, then bounded after him, delighted by the new game. Paige nodded. "Did you feel that? He wasn't looking, and the leash caught him." "I felt it." Luke felt a tiny glimmer of satisfaction. Perhaps Paige was right. Maybe there was hope for the dog. He reached the next corner and stopped, waiting for Muffin to get distracted by an interesting smell before starting to walk again. After six corners, Luke's hope began to fade. Muffin had ignored him every time he'd walked off, coming only when he was yanked by the end of the leash. "Isn't he supposed to figure this out?" "He'll get it. I'm impressed you aren't getting frustrated. Maybe there's hope for you." "For me? You mean my dog." He stopped at the next corner and waited. "I know there's hope for Muffin. It's you I'm

still uncertain about." She was smiling, though, so he wasn't sure whether she was serious. "You're still not buying the fact I'm a good guy?" "I'm considering that it's a possibility." She looked at her watch. "We'll do another five minutes. It's best to train about fifteen to twenty minutes a day. No more than that." The leash jerked in his hand, and he knew that Muffin had been caught by the leash again, still not paying attention to him. He frowned at Paige. "Each day? I don't have that kind of time to spend training. I need to work." Shit. What was he getting into? Who was he kidding that he had time to be training a dog— A heavy weight suddenly slammed into him from behind, knocking him off balance. "What the…?" A second impact threw him to the ground, his feet tangling in the leash so he couldn't get his balance, and the leash ripped out of his hand. And then a searing pain exploded in his right buttock and he heard his shorts tear. A series of unlawyerlike curses flew from his lips as he rolled over, lunging for his dog. "Son of a bitch. You bit me!" Muffin leapt sideways, dodging Luke and dancing just out of his reach, a piece of red plaid fabric clenched between his teeth. When Luke reached for the leash, shouting oaths worthy of a

lumberjack, Muffin realized his intent and bolted across the yard into the woods, the leash trailing after him like a snake in hot pursuit. "Muffin!" Luke's voice echoed over the lake, but his dog was gone. It was then that Luke heard a series of high-pitched squeaks, muffled but audible. Rising to his knees, he turned toward the cottage. Paige had slid down the side of the house until she was sitting on the ground. Her hand was over her mouth, but her shoulders were shaking with mirth, and her eyes were crinkling with amusement. Every once in a while, a squeak of laughter squeezed between her fingers. "You're laughing at me?" She shook her head, and continued to shake with laughter. "My dog bit me in the ass, and you're laughing at me," Luke grimaced at the pain. "Laughing at your client." Paige didn't trust herself to speak yet. The sight of Muffin taking down Luke had been too funny. But funnier still had been the look of utter shock on Luke's face to find himself on the ground, at the mercy of a canine that he had considered inconsequential. He stood up, brushing the dirt off his hands. She watched him carefully probe his right buttock, and grimace in pain. "Did he get you?" "You told me he wouldn't actually bite hard."

He was clearly not amused. "I'm bleeding. From my ass." Paige swallowed her remaining laughter and climbed to her feet. She had to remember to be professional. "I'm sure it's just a nip." "He tore my shorts." "Turn around." She grabbed his arm and spun him so she could inspect his injury. "Yep. He definitely tore your shorts. And your boxers." She realized that she was still holding onto his arm, so she quickly let go. "I thought lawyers wore briefs." "I can speak only for myself." Her amusement faded at the stream of blood trickling from the exposed flesh. "Damn. He really did get you." She leaned closer to inspect. "Does it hurt?" "What do you think?" Luke peered over his shoulder. "Does it look like I need stitches? I can't believe I just asked that. My dog bit me in the ass." She reached out and pushed aside the material. It wasn't exactly how she'd fantasized finally seeing what he had under his shorts, that was certain. "No stitches. It's just a scrape, actually. His teeth just grazed you. I don't think he meant to bite you. He was just going for your pants." "Well, isn't that a relief." Luke turned until he was facing her. "How many owners have you gotten bitten?" "You're the first," she admitted. "Let's go inside

and I'll fix it up." She grinned. "I still have that cream you used on me." Whoa. He'd have to drop his shorts for that to happen. What had she just offered? Her stomach did several flip-flops at the thought. He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. "You know what? I think I'm done for the day. I'm hitting the road." Luke dug into the front of his shorts, pulled out his keys, and started walking toward his car, not even looking for his dog. "Um, Luke? What about Muffin?" "Keep him." He opened the car door and slid carefully onto the seat. The look of anguish when his rear end hit the soft leather would have been amusing if it wasn't so genuine. "Keep him? What do you mean?" He shut the door and rolled down the window. "Who are we kidding, Paige? That dog bit me for a reason. All three of us know that I can't own a dog. When you said fifteen minutes a day, I realized I can't do that. That dog is a pain in the ass, but he deserves more than that." He met her gaze. "You judge me for my work, for the hours I spend, but you know what? You're right. I do work my ass off. I like it. I don't want to change. And I can't do it for you, or that dog." Paige's heart fell. "Luke, don't give up—" "You can find him, right? Get him back? Make sure he's safe?"

"Yes, but—" "I'll talk to my sister. I'll find another solution. Unless you want him?" "No, he's your dog—" "I can't do it, Paige. We both know it." His gaze fell to her lips. "You stopped the kiss because you know that I won't fit you, I won't fit this town, and I won't be what you need. You're right, and I was wrong to pretend to be something else, something that would be enough for you or Muffin." "Luke—" "I'll call you." He paused. "I still want the name of that lawyer, Paige." "Don't give up on him—" "I'll be in touch." Luke slammed the gearshift into reverse, and then he was gone, a cloud of dust from his tires the only evidence of his presence. That and a piece of plaid cotton on the grass. Paige stared after him, too stunned to move. The man had abandoned his dog because of one little nip. She'd known that he was inflexible, and she'd guessed that he would have trouble adjusting to the fact that he had to work with his dog rather than boss him around, but she hadn't guessed he would just abandon him. Good thing she hadn't let herself fall in love with him or anything. First time she made him mad, he'd go off and leave her, just like her dad. But she couldn’t muster any anger toward him.

He'd looked so anguished when he'd left, like he'd walked away from something he wanted, something that mattered to him, even if he didn't understand it. She just felt empty, like they'd both come so close to something good, and it had slipped through their fingers. With a sigh, she walked across the lawn and picked up the red plaid off the grass. She tucked it in her front pocket. "Bandit! We have to go hunting!" She went to the back door to retrieve the one male who would never disappoint her, neglect her or be cruel to her. She had just pulled open the glass door when she heard tires crunch in the driveway. She smiled. Luke had come back. The man wasn't hopeless after all.

CHAPTER 11

P

aige jogged around to the front of the house, unable to keep the smile off her face…until she saw the familiar SUV belonging to her mom. Sigh. "Hey, Mom." Louise jumped out of the truck, followed by her three shaggy canines. Feeling like a lost soul after her divorce, Louise had needed dogs to give her the love she'd been without for so long. She'd insisted on finding her new soulmates at the shelter, knowing that Paige would be able to train them into wonderful companions. Paige figured she was smarter than her mom; instead of spending thirty years with an emotionally vacant workaholic and then getting dogs, she'd go right to the dogs and save herself years of pain. And no matter how attractive Luke was, she wasn't going to make the same mistake her mother did.

"Who was that peeling out of here in that Mercedes? For a moment, I thought you'd bought your old car back, but you're here, so it obviously wasn't you," Louise asked. "It was Luke." "The lawyer? Doing a little dog training in your bikini? I like it." Louise grinned, wearing a tank top that showed off her own muscular figure. "I was swimming when he arrived. He was early." "Of course. That makes sense. Why would you pause to put on clothes for dog training when there was a perfectly good man there to inspect your curves? Excellent decision." Louise looked much too amused. "Where'd he go?" Despite her dismay over Luke abandoning his dog and the training, Paige couldn't help but grin. She dug the piece of his boxers out of her pocket and held it up. "Muffin bit him in the butt and tore his shorts. He wasn't happy." "You're kidding." Louise slipped the material from Paige's fingers and examined it. "A boxer man, huh? Bet you were guessing briefs." "Doesn't matter. He abandoned his dog and stormed off. I knew he wasn't a nice guy." Louise handed the material back to Paige, raising an eyebrow when Paige carefully tucked it safely away. "Aren't you being a little harsh? He did get bitten by his own dog. For someone who isn't a

dog person, that can be a little daunting." Paige closed her heart to the tug of doubt. "No. He's a jerk. Arrogant, domineering, and a workaholic. When he can't control the situation, he can't deal. After Dad, I'd think you'd be warning me to stay away from someone like that." "And I would, but I'm not convinced that he's like your father. It's possible for a man to be a hard worker with a strong personality, yet still be a good person. He did adopt the dog for his sister, after all." "Yeah, and then he dumped it when it didn't fit into his narrow definition of acceptability." "You keep saying he abandoned his dog? He took him to the shelter?" "No, he left him here." She shifted. "He did ask me to make sure he was safe, but he said he was going to call his sister and figure out a new situation for him. That's an exact quote, by the way." Louise grinned. "Better than telling you to roast Muffin for dinner. I'd be a little more concerned if he'd said that. He knows you'll take care of the animal." Paige scowled at her mother. "What am I supposed to do with the dog?" "Take him back." She blinked. "Take him back where?" "To Luke's." Louise hollered for her dogs. "Let's go find Muffin. He'll find our dogs if we just

get out in the woods, right?" "I don't know where Luke lives." Paige trailed after her mom and the four canines, her mind whirling. She couldn't go track Luke down. She didn't even want to see him again. Well, she did, but that was why she couldn't. "That's what Google is for," Louise said. "Hope you have sunscreen on. You're going to get fried." Paige wrinkled her nose. "I'll be fine once we get in the woods. How can I take his dog back? Luke made it clear he didn't want him." Louise rolled her eyes. "Spoken in the heat of the moment, while his pants were hanging open and his rear end was bleeding. Not the most dignified moment for him, which must have been quite embarrassing for it to happen in front of the woman he's trying to impress." Paige snorted. "He's not trying to impress me. If anything, he's trying to get a cheap roll in the hay with someone he considers to be no more than a peon." "Perhaps," Louise muttered noncommittally. "But you must admit that you can understand why he got upset when his dog bit him in the arse in front of you." "Maybe." "So, he's probably home right now, stewing about the whole thing, and wondering how he's going to get the dog back without looking like a

fool. If you take Muffin over there, he'll appreciate it." She eyed her mother. "It was those same rosecolored glasses that made you believe Dad would change if you married him. I'm not making the same mistake." Louise sighed and kicked at a rock. "Paige, there were some wonderful times with your Dad, especially at the beginning. He changed as his success and power increased. I was afraid to fight it, when I saw those changes starting. By the time I realized I didn't like it, it was too late. I suffered in silence for many years, unable to stand up for myself." Paige nodded. She'd heard the tale before. Her mom stopped walking and faced Paige. "You're different than I was. I was naïve and taught to be the obedient wife. You're strong and worldly. You would never stand back and let things spiral out of control." "Which is why I would never get in that situation in the first place. I learned my lesson with work and Dad, and now I'm very careful not to get into any risky situation. It's not worth it." Louise placed her palms on her daughter's cheeks. "My dear sweet daughter, don't you understand what I'm trying to say? You'll never make the mistakes I made, because you're different than I am. I'm just afraid that you'll miss out on the

right man because you're too scared to try." "Luke is not the right man for me," Paige said firmly. "Walt Jr. is." Her mom blinked. "Walt Jr.?" "Yes." Unfortunately, every time she tried to picture him, Luke's image kept getting in the way. "Do you have a picture of Walt Jr.?" "You need an intelligent, strong man. Not a dull wimp like Walt Jr." "Yeah, so I can end up married to a man like Dad? No thanks." Paige pulled away and kept walking. She didn't bother to call Muffin, because she knew he wouldn't respond. "Paige, not all strong men are like your father. You've seen the signs that Luke is different. Give him a chance. He loves his sister enough to take Muffin, even though he interferes with his lifestyle. Your father would never have done that." Paige heard a dog barking off to her right. "Go get him, Bandit!" She pointed in the direction of the bark, and Bandit took off through the woods, yowling noisily. Her mom's dogs followed in hot pursuit. "Paige? Did you hear me?" She nodded. "I'll take the dog back, but that doesn't mean I believe in him. I still think Walt Jr.'s the one for me." Louise patted her daughter's arm. "At least you're keeping the door open. That's all I ask."

The barking subsided, hopefully indicating that Bandit and his entourage had found Muffin. Paige pursed her lips and a shrill whistle echoed through the woods. "When he breaks my heart, I'm going to blame you." "Don't let him have your heart until you're certain." A chorus of dogs sounded, baying and crashing through the underbrush. "Easier said than done, Mom." "I know." Five dogs emerged from the underbrush. "We've got him." Paige's stomach tightened at the sight of Muffin. Now that she'd found him, she'd have to take him back. Despite her assurances to her mom, she would not give Luke a chance to break her heart. She would return the dog, and that was it. She tried to ignore the stab of regret that plunged through her at the thought of giving up on Luke.

CHAPTER 12

I

t was almost two hours before Paige paused her car at the foot of what she presumed to be Luke's driveway. After they'd found Muffin, she and her mom had continued their stroll, then made lunch when they got back to Paige's cottage. She had been certain that Luke would be at work by now, which was kind of why she'd delayed getting there, but his shiny car was parked in the driveway. Too bad. She pulled in behind it, her tires crunching on the gravel and loudly announcing her arrival. With Muffin securely hooked onto his leash, she strolled up the brick walkway, appreciating the flowers alongside. She wondered whether Luke owned the house, or if he was renting it. Probably renting, for a quick getaway back to Boston. Paige pulled on the antique doorbell, which

produced a deep bong. She stepped back and waited. It was a big house, but not on the water. Hers was better, even if it was the size of Luke's garage. He didn't answer. Was he looking out the window, hiding from her? The thought made her giggle. If there was one thing Luke wasn't, it was a wimp who would hide behind a curtain. If he wasn't answering, it was because he hadn't heard her, not because he was avoiding her. Of that much, she was certain. She tugged on the rope again, making the bell clang more insistently. When no one still answered, she frowned at Muffin. "What am I supposed to do with you, Muffin?" A feathered tail wagged at her, and glistening white teeth flashed. Suddenly a breeze wafted past her, and she looked up. Luke was standing in the doorway, clad only in a pair of cutoff sweats. They clung to him quite immodestly, and she couldn't quite tear her eyes away in the proper amount of time. "Paige? What are you doing here?" His voice was taut, and his gaze flicked toward the dog. Guilt flashed across his face instantly, making her heart soften. She realized then that her mom was right. He wasn't immune to the dog. He wasn't locked into the life he'd created for himself. Underneath, there

was a man who felt, who cared, and who was trying to figure things out. She ran her hand over Muffin's head. "I brought your dog back." Again, the flash of guilt on his face. "I told you to keep him." Paige sighed melodramatically, deciding to push him a little bit. "So much for the theory that moms are always right." His eyebrow lifted, softening his expression. "What did your mom say?" See? The man wasn't a beast, if the reference to a mom could get through his brick façade. "My mom said you'd want the dog back. She also said it was understandable that you got mad, seeing as how he did bite you in the butt. She also said you're a decent guy, but I'm pretty sure she was wrong about that." Not waiting for a reply, she ducked past him into the foyer, Muffin trailing happily behind her. Paige chuckled at the flush that crept over his cheeks; he really hated it when she ignored his commands. He definitely needed to loosen up. Luke clearly hadn't shaved today, and his stubble was practically a precursor to a beard now. With each moment, he looked less like the proper lawyer, and more like a rugged mountain man who she could snuggle with by the fire on a cold New Hampshire night. It was quite unsettling.

"Did I invite you in?" But he closed the front door behind them. "I invited myself. I'm flexible that way. I can sense when my presence is needed, and respond accordingly." Paige unhooked Muffin and then faced Luke. He was standing with his feet spread and his arms folded across his bare chest. Trade the sweats for an iron skirt and he'd look like a gladiator... She cleared her throat and headed for what appeared to be the kitchen. "I'm thirsty. Got any water?" Luke followed her, propping himself against the doorframe while she searched his cabinets for a glass. "Paige?" She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Yes?" "I'm not keeping the dog." She poured herself a glass and then parked herself at the kitchen table. "Luke, he's a good dog. All he needs is a little work and he'll be your best friend." Luke walked across the kitchen floor, his bare feet almost silent. He started to sit down across from Paige, then apparently changed his mind. Instead, he leaned on the counter, his hands resting on the edge of it, on either side of his hips. "When you told me I needed to spend fifteen minutes a day training him, I realized I didn't have that kind of time. And that made me realize that my life is no

life for a dog. I can't do it to him." "Hmm…" She couldn't deny the truth of that statement. The life of a Boston big firm attorney was not a fit for a dog. But if there was hope for Luke, if there was a glimmer of humanity deep beneath that well-coiffed exterior, if there was some part of him that wanted more…she wanted to help him find it. Paige ran her finger around the rim of the glass thoughtfully. "Are you working those hours in New Hampshire?" "Not yet. I'm still setting things up, looking for people. Looking for lawyers," he added pointedly. She ignored the dig. "So, Muffin fits into your life for the moment, right?" "I guess," he agreed reluctantly. "So, work with him for now. You can bring him to the office with you up here. He'll love it. You'll bond, and he'll become well-socialized and trained, making it easier to find a good home for him if you still decide to do that. When the time comes to move back to Boston, you'll have a better sense of what you want to do. When is that, by the way?" She was impressed at the casual way she slipped that question in, as if it was only for the dog's sake. Which it was, of course. Luke shrugged. "I planned for a year. If I get things set up sooner, then I'll leave sooner." Yes, she knew it was a year. What he'd never told her was how close to the start of that year he

was. "So how much longer to do you anticipate being up here?" Yeesh. He was going to force her to be obvious, with his evasive answers. "Somewhere between three and twelve months." Three months? Her heart froze for a split second. Only three months? That was no time at all. See? That was why she'd stopped kissing him. Three months was about the right amount of time to fall madly in love with him, but not enough time for the magic to wear off and for her to realize he wasn't right, and certainly not enough time for either one of them to decide to uproot themselves for a relationship. So, it was pretty much perfect "break her little heart" timing. So, yeah, no more kisses for sure. So, she set her hands on the table, and did her best to assume a no-nonsense tone. "All right. You keep Muffin while you're here, and then if you can't keep him when you go back, or if you don't want to keep him, then I'll find a home for him. How's that? At least you're giving him a chance." Luke sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I can't do it, Paige. I can't possibly work with him in the office. He's a maniac. And I need to be working, and trying to hire attorneys and find business. The more I work now, the faster I can get back to my life." He met her gaze. "Take him with you."

She sighed. She knew why he wanted Muffin gone. It was because Muffin was touching a part of him that he didn't want to acknowledge, that he didn't want to unleash. He didn't want to get attached to the dog, and then have to make a decision he didn't want to make. "Luke—" "No." He held up his hand. "Let it go, Paige. I can't be this guy, not for the dog, and not for my sister. It's just not who I am—" A loud ruckus from the front of the house startled her, sending Muffin to his feet in a frenzy of barking. Luke cursed under his breath, but before he could get halfway to the kitchen door, a vibrant young woman came bursting into the kitchen. She had curly hair in two loose pigtails, bright red sunglasses, and a smile with enough wattage to illuminate an entire country. "Hey, bro! Where's Muffin? I came by earlier but you weren't here." His sister. Toenails scrabbled on the linoleum, and Muffin bolted across the floor, his tail wagging so hard that it took his entire rear end with it. He looked like a hula dancer with fur, and he was definitely smiling. "Muffin!" The woman dropped to the floor, showering Muffin with kisses and receiving a fair share of slobber in return. She grinned at Paige. "I'm Becky O'Conner, Luke's sister." Paige returned the smile, instantly bonding with

the fellow dog lover. "Paige Turner." Becky pushed her brown hair out of her face and studied Paige. "Are you Luke's new girlfriend?" Luke quickly interrupted. "No, she's a dog trainer. She's helping me with Muffin." A look of utter adoration fell across Becky's features as she stared at her brother. "You're going to train him? You've decided to keep him forever?" Not waiting for Luke's reply, she leapt to her feet and wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug. "You are the best, Luke. I knew you'd fall in love with him. I just knew it." One arm still around Luke, Becky turned to Paige. "So? Is Muffin the smartest dog or what?" Paige nodded. "He is having a little trouble with authority, however." Becky's face clouded. "What do you mean?" She ignored Luke's motions to shut up. "Muffin bit your brother in the butt earlier today while we were training." Becky whirled to face Luke. "He bit you? Are you all right?" Luke glared at Paige over Becky's head, prompting Paige to bite her lip to keep from laughing. The man did need to lighten up. "I'm fine. He just nipped me. Why don't you go run him outside for a bit? Paige and I need to finish up in here." Apparently deciding her brother didn't need any

condolences, Becky took his advice and disappeared into the backyard with Muffin, cheerfully scolding the dog for biting him, but it was obvious she thought it was hilarious…which explained a bit of the mystery behind Muffin's delight in ignoring all basic commands. When the screen door slammed shut behind her, silence descended over the kitchen. Paige waited for Luke to break the silence. Had the visit from his sister changed his mind? Or reinforced his decision? She hoped he was going to keep the dog. Something in her heart told her that he needed that dog far more than he had any idea.

CHAPTER 13

L

uke shifted uncomfortably, the tape on his butt bandage catching on his sweats. He glanced out the kitchen window, watching his sister wrestle with Muffin. The dog's ears were tucked back with absolute joy, and the expression on his sister's face was pure adoration and love. Damn. Paige was leaning on his table, sipping her water patiently. She looked so at home in the rural, country kitchen. It almost made him want to stay there forever. Almost. If only he didn't know what that meant, what that life would be like. He wouldn't go back, wouldn't even start down that path, which meant he was staying away from Paige and all the temptation she posed. "Becky sure treasures that dog," Paige commented.

Luke grimaced "I know." "How's your butt?" "It'll heal." He glanced again out the window. Becky was chasing after Muffin, who had a t-shirt or rag in his mouth. He was artfully dodging her each time she lunged for him, a classic game of tag. Becky was laughing hysterically, encouraging the dog each time he dodged her. He sighed. "No wonder the dog is such a mess." Paige stood up and joined him at the window. She didn't seem to notice that her hip was against his, but Luke was all too aware of it. He tried to concentrate on the dog. "She's literally teaching him to be completely unruly." "Mmm." Paige's response was completely noncommittal, which was atypical of her. Accustomed to her always speaking her mind, he glanced over at her. Unlike earlier, her hair was dry, and it wasn't in a ponytail. It was messy and glorious, giving her a delightfully rumpled look. She looked so appealing, so much better than the hairsprayed women with designer dresses that he was used to. Paige was intoxicating on so many levels. With her so close, smelling like the fresh water she'd been swimming in such a short time ago, all his hormones were in full flow. He couldn't stop thinking about the kiss, about how it felt to have her in his arms, about the way she'd leaned into him and kissed him back so

fiercely…until she'd shut it down. Damn. He couldn't do that to himself. He had to focus on the dog. "Is he hopeless?" Hell, that wasn't what he'd meant to ask. He'd meant to ask if she could still keep the dog, or if Becky would be okay without him, or something. He hadn't meant to imply that he wanted to know if Muffin was redeemable. "Muffin? It depends on you." Unable to stop himself, Luke fingered a stray lock of blond hair resting against her cheek, pushing it behind her ear. She didn't pull away, but he saw her tense at his touch. He dropped his hand. "You mean, it depends on whether I dedicate myself to training him." She nodded. Luke turned away and looked out the window again. Becky was sitting on the grass now, and Muffin was stretched out beside her, his head on her lap. The moment was so intimate, so loving. How could he deprive Becky of that love by sending her dog away? With their parents so far away, he was Becky's only family. He couldn't let her down. But keeping Muffin meant spending time with Paige. Each time she laughed at him, or challenged his ways, his attraction to her grew. He didn't want to go back to the life she represented. He really didn't. Even as those words floated through his

mind, he watched his sister scratch Muffin's belly, something inside him longed for moments like his sister was having in that moment. She just looked so damned happy, sitting in the grass, with a dog on her lap. He'd left his childhood behind to try to find peace, and he'd never felt like his sister was clearly feeling as she snuggled with her dog, so utterly at peace and complete. How could he take that from her? He knew he had no choice. He had to risk it. "The things you do for love," he said softly. Paige smiled and touched his arm. "It'll be worth it. And by the time you finish, it won't just be your sister you love." He stared at her, shocked by her words. "Who else will I love?" Her eyes widened. "The dog. I was talking about the dog." "Oh. Right. The dog." He sighed, realizing that he'd thought, for a split second, that she'd been talking about him falling in love with her. He didn't know why his mind had gone there, or why he felt oddly disappointed that he'd been wrong. Paige cleared her throat. "Who did you think I meant?" Suddenly, the tension was palpable in the room as they stared at each other. He was so tempted to tell her the truth, to see what she would say, to see if all her attempts to keep him at a distance were a façade, if she was feeling a fraction of what he was

feeling… "Luke?" "Training," he said finally. "I thought you meant I'd love training." "Oh." Her face fell, which gave him hope. Had she been wishing that his answer was different, that he'd meant her? Hell, yeah. "Yes, that too. It's very satisfying to learn to connect with your dog. Working with him will bond you guys in ways you can't imagine. He'll become such a part of your life, you'll never be able to leave him behind when you go back to Boston. You'll have to stay here, where he can be happy." "Stay here?" He hadn't been expecting that. "You think I should stay in New Hampshire? Not move back to Boston?" He'd never even thought of that possibility, he was so consumed with getting back to his life. "Why on earth would you suggest I do that?" Did she want him to stay? The idea absolutely floored him. He didn't even know what to think. Paige's cheeks flushed appealingly. "I didn't suggest it, and I don't care where you live. You can move to Alaska for all I care. I was only predicting that you'll love Muffin as much as Becky does and you'll want to keep him, even when you go back." Luke cocked his head at her. She was staring intently out the window, but her eyes were glazed as if she wasn't focusing on anything. He couldn't

read her expression at all, but maybe that was good. She was hiding her thoughts from him. Son of a bitch. Had she meant it? Did she want him to stay? Did she like him? Suddenly, his entire world seemed to plunge into chaos. He stared at her. He'd left his home because of a woman, because the woman he'd loved had thought he wasn't enough as he was. He could barely even conceive of the possibility that Paige would want him if he stayed. But he couldn't. He just…hell. He'd worked his entire life to be where he was. "I'm not going to stay here, Paige. And I can't take the dog when I leave." She whirled toward him. "Why are you so unwilling to take a chance on your dog?" "I said I'd keep him for now. But I can't take him back with me." And he was going back. He had to. "I can't just give him away to a stranger when I leave. Becky would be devastated." "So..." "So, will you keep him after I move back?" She folded her arms across her chest. "You can't dodge your familial responsibilities by dumping them on me. I'm sure you'd never consider pawning your work off onto someone else, would you? No, you'd stay all night to get it done, no matter who was counting on you." "Why are you so upset? It isn't as if I'm

abandoning you." "No, it isn't. Because I would never let myself depend on you, no matter how good you look in a bathing suit. You'd let me down, and I have to remember that." He grinned. "You think I look good in a bathing suit? That's the first nice thing you've said about me." "You're still an autocratic jerk." "Well, that's fine that you feel that way, because I'm not interested in you either." A blatant lie, but it felt good to at least try to resist her. "Gee, that's a surprise. I really thought you'd fall for a dog trainer when you have rich, sophisticated women falling for your stubborn, egoistic ways." Luke gritted his teeth. "It isn't like that. I just like my life the way it is. I don't want to live this life." "Or date someone from this life. That's fine because I don't want your life or anyone who likes it. So I guess we're a good match, then, huh?" "I guess." Oh, they were quite a match, no doubt about that. "If you're going to get rid of Muffin, I guess there's no point in training him, then." Luke felt a flash of panic at her words. It was what he wanted, to keep her away from him, but now that he'd done it, he wasn't ready to let her go.

"Plus, you don't have time anyway." She looked at him. "I guess I'll see you around then. I know you don't care, but you did disappoint me. I thought there was more to you than there apparently is." She started to walk away, and his hand shot out and grabbed her arm. "Wait." "What?" His mind was blank. "Um..." "Let me go, Luke." His mind raced, trying to find a solution. He didn't have time to train, and if he was going to rehome the dog when he moved back to Boston, there wasn't a point…unless…unless he spent so much time training with Paige that she fell in love with the dog. And then she would adopt him when he moved back to Boston. Becky would be happy because Muffin would have a good home and live nearby, and he wouldn't have to feel guilty. Yes, he could justify spending time training if it was for a bigger purpose, like getting Paige to fall in love with Muffin. There we go. He was doing it for his sister, not because he wanted to spend time with Paige. "I still want to train him." She raised her eyebrows. "Why?" "Because he needs to be trained. I'm going to keep him for as long as I'm here, and that could be for a year. I can't manage him like this. It's a worthwhile investment for my sanity." Paige narrowed her eyes. "You really want to

train your dog?" "Yes. And I need your help." He realized he was still holding her arm, but he didn't feel like letting go. Instead, he loosened his grip until it was almost a caress. "I know you think I'm a jerk, but Muffin doesn't deserve to suffer just because of me. You wouldn't abandon a dog in need, would you?" She didn't pull her arm away. "You know I wouldn't." "So we're still on? For dog training?" "You have to be committed," she warned. "You have to train every day." "I will." "And you can't beat him if he bites you." "I didn't beat him," he protested, before he saw the twinkle in her eye. She was teasing him again. "You're trouble, aren't you?" He loved it when she gave him a hard time. If he married her, she'd keep his life interesting for the next seventy years. Whoa. Married her? Where the hell had that thought come from? She grinned. "No more than you are." Paige tossed the leash at Luke, forcing him to let go of her arm to catch it. "For the next few days, continue with the training we started this morning. Once Muffin is so good that you can't catch him with the leash on the corners, give me a ring, and we'll set up our next training session."

"Okay." Luke followed her to the front door, opening it for her. "Thanks for bringing the dog by." "I'm glad you're keeping him." Suddenly, she leaned forward and gave him a light kiss that made his blood surge south. "That was for restoring my faith in people, particularly men. I'm really glad you changed your mind about the dog." She was partway down the porch steps when she looked over her shoulder at him. "You should probably get some protection for your next session of dog training. Maybe some ice hockey pads, or a Kevlar jock strap." "Funny." But he couldn't stop himself from responding to her twinkling eyes with a grin of his own. The woman was perhaps more difficult to figure out than his dog. Certainly, more difficult to maneuver. She was a challenge, and he liked it. Yeah, he liked her way too damn much. How the hell was he going to sort this out?

CHAPTER 14

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wo weeks later, Paige had to admit that Luke had impressed the heck

out of her. Apparently, when he dedicated himself to something, he succeeded. Muffin and Luke had been training relentlessly, appearing almost daily for the next lesson. She and Bandit were getting quite accustomed to welcoming the two of them to the kitchen for a drink after training. Despite a few flirtatious touches and looks, however, nothing romantic had happened between Luke and her, which both pleased and disappointed Paige. Pleased her mind, disappointed her body. Her heart? Undecided, but no doubt longing for more, more, more, and more. Unfortunately, the more she saw Luke relating to his dog, the more attractive he became, and the

less she could remember that he was a lawyer from Boston. Especially when he was so patient with his dog. The man was becoming a complete dog person, even though he'd probably never admit it. She'd also been having recurring nightmares about law, only in her dreams, Howard wasn't present. Instead, it was Luke who was standing there looking disgusted and irritated when she was loaded onto the stretcher. Not once, not in a single dream did Luke run after her, making sure she was okay. It was always her mom who was with her in the hospital. Never her dad, never Luke. It used to be Howard standing over her, letting her be wheeled away, but now it was Luke. Why? Because he had now become the man her heart wanted to trust? The one she was so afraid would let her down? "Paige? Are you all right?" Paige shot a smile at Luke, who was sitting in the passenger seat of her truck, the dogs in the back. "Yeah. Fine." "You sure?" He searched her face. "You seemed sad for a minute." Sad. He'd noticed her emotions, and they hadn't even been talking. Damn him. She was so going to fall in love with him if he didn't stop doing those kinds of thoughtful, caring things. "Thanks for asking." He smiled. "My pleasure."

She smiled back, her entire body warming, before she cleared her throat and tried to focus. "We're here." She slowed her pickup truck and pulled into a parking lot. "Today is distraction training." "Distraction training?" "Thanks to your hard work, you and Muffin have managed to master the basics, but you've trained only in my yard and yours. Muffin needs to learn that he has to listen to you, even when there are distractions. Today, we'll use people as a distraction." She hooked both dogs to their leashes, then handed Muffin's leash to Luke. "Let's go." Paige led the way from the gravel parking lot to the sidewalk in front of the main row of stores in town. There were a number of people strolling about, many of whom were tourists with gaudy hats and t-shirts. "Okay, do the same heeling drill we do at my house. If he gets too far ahead of you, turn around. If he drifts to the right, turn left and vice versa. Never pull on him or call him. Just let him get caught by the leash if he doesn't turn with you." The doubtful look on Luke's face made her laugh. "He'll figure it out, I promise." "If he bites me, I'm turning him over to you for rehab." "Oh, come on. He hasn't bitten you since that

first day. I think you're past that." Luke just rolled his eyes, then turned his attention to Muffin. "Muffin, sit." Paige grinned when the dog sat, looking expectantly up at Luke. "You've done good work with him, Luke." "You're wishing he was yours, aren't you?" He grinned. "Well, you can't have him. He's still a work-in-progress." With a satisfied smirk, he turned his attention to the dog. "Muffin, heel." Paige pursed her lips, watching him lead off with the left foot, as she'd taught him. He'd made that same comment a couple times in the last few days, about her wishing Muffin was hers. Why was he trying to convince her that Muffin was such a great dog? He's the one who needed convincing, not her. She'd seen the growing affection between them, moments when Luke gave Muffin extra love, or sat with his arm around him on the couch, or laughed with genuine warmth when Muffin licked his face. She knew Luke was falling in love with the dog, and yet he was so stubbornly refusing to acknowledge it. Why? Why was he resisting something that could bring such joy into his life? "Why can't he love, Bandit?" Her dog licked her cheek and whined, making her smile. "I know, baby. Give him time." She squatted next to Bandit, draping her arm over him

while she watched Luke and Muffin change direction with the rapidity of machine gun fire. Muffin was not paying any attention to Luke at all, much too interested in all the action going on around him. She wondered whether Luke would become frustrated. He hadn't yet, except for that first day when he'd been bitten, but Muffin had been pretty good since then. After about fifteen minutes, in which Muffin's attention didn't improve very much, Luke headed back to Paige. She stood up, preparing herself to lecture him on not giving up on his dog. She wasn't prepared for his grin. "He did pretty well, didn't he?" Slowly, she smiled. "Yes, you both were great." Luke scratched Muffin's head, receiving a tail wag in return. "I can see what you mean about the distraction training. It's a lot harder than in your yard." "He got better by the end, though," Paige said. "It shouldn't take that long. You have a good foundation." "Can we set up a training session for tomorrow? I'd like you to be with us until we get a little better at it." She studied him as he patted his dog. "What's your agenda, Luke? Why do you want me to help tomorrow? You've been awfully needy with the training. And what's your deal with trying to

convince me that Muffin's a great dog? What are you up to?" Luke looked at her with an utterly innocent expression that she didn't believe. "No agenda. Just want to train the dog." "How come I don't believe you?" He shrugged. "Because you're still biased against me for being a lawyer." He cocked his head. "Why do you hate lawyers so much? Did one screw you over in a divorce?" "A divorce? I've never been married." "Huh. That isn't it then." He scratched Muffin's ear and looked thoughtful. "What isn't it?" "Your secret." She felt her throat close up. "What secret?" "Well, if you'd tell me, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it?" "I'm not hiding anything." "Nope. Don't believe you." Must stay calm. He doesn't know. "I don't know what you're talking about." He leaned forward and tugged on a lock of her hair. "You, my dear, aren't from this town. I bet you haven't lived here more than a couple years." "Of course I have." He twirled her hair around his finger. "Nope. I know when someone is purebred small town, and you aren't it."

"How would you know? Are you from a small town?" Anything to get him off this dangerous subject. Luke tucked her hair behind her ear. "How about I buy you dinner?" "Why? So you can grill me?" "For convincing me to give Muffin another chance. He's not a bad dog, after all. If it weren't for you, I would have broken my sister's heart. I won't ask you any questions about your big secret. Dinner?" She pursed her lips. "You aren't trying to seduce me, are you? I thought we'd settled that we weren't right for each other." Luke raised his hands in an expression of innocence. "If I were trying to seduce you, you would know it. And yes, we agreed nothing would happen between us, even though you look quite interesting in your little bikini." "Luke!" "Sorry. That slipped out. Didn't mean it. You actually look quite awful in it." She tried to suppress a smile. "Luke..." "How about dinner?" "This doesn't get you out of the two thousand dollars you still owe me. Incidentally, I haven't seen that check yet. I assume it's in the mail?" Luke tucked his hand under her elbow and propelled her back toward the truck. "If you have

dinner with me, I'll give you the check tonight." "How can I turn that down? I need the money to pay my mortgage." Paige chuckled at the look of chagrin on his face, realizing that he truly believed she was some poor dog trainer who lived check to check. It was a total lie. She'd paid cash for her cottage, knowing that with her new lifestyle, she wouldn't want to worry about a monthly mortgage payment. "Sorry about not paying you," he said seriously. "I didn't think about that." She immediately felt guilty for making him feel bad. "No problem. If I'd really needed it, I'd have said something. Let me pick the place for dinner?" "You're the local. Pick away." He put a shade too much emphasis on the word "local," but just grinned when Paige scowled at him. The two people and two canines piled into the truck, and Paige started the engine. There was only one option for dinner, given her increasingly irritating affection for the man. She needed to be reminded that he wasn't the funny, down-to-earth man she saw during dog training. And there was one place that would do it, one place that would show his true colors.

CHAPTER 15

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even minutes later, she pulled up in front of a brown, wooden building, sitting alone on the side of the road. A dirt parking lot surrounded it, and a faded sign rested slightly askew on its roof. "You brought me to The Mug? I thought you didn't want me coming here," Luke said. Ah…so he hadn't forgotten about the restaurant she'd told him about the day they'd met, where the locals all had their own mug. "I was in the mood for one of their burgers." Which was partially true, she reasoned. She did like their burgers. "If we sit outside, we can bring the dogs." Luke shook his head. "I'd like to go inside and get a feel for the ambiance of the place. I don't get invited to local watering holes very often." "Starting already," she muttered. See? This was

why she'd brought him. So she could see him trolling for business, and remind her of who he was, including a man who was going to leave town as soon as he had the chance. She had to remember that. He was leaving. Given the choice between dining with his dog outside and trawling for business, he'd picked the latter. It was exactly the reminder she needed. "Starting what?" he asked. "Your lawyer thing. We'll eat inside, then." She forced a smile on her face, trying to ignore the sinking feeling she had that he'd behaved exactly as she'd hoped. She didn't want him to be the man she thought he was; she wanted him to be the man she saw traipsing through the grass with his dog. No, she wanted him to be the jerk she thought he was; otherwise, she wouldn't be able to resist her growing attraction to him. Heaven help her, she felt like she was losing her mind. Again. After nestling the truck in deep shade so the dogs would enjoy the cool, scent-laden breezes while they were inside, Paige led the way to her favorite restaurant in the world, the one that made her feel like she belonged. With Luke close behind her, Paige pulled open the heavy wooden door, using all her weight to tug it open. Momentarily blinded by the dim light, she paused on the threshold to let her eyes adjust. The familiar scent of burgers and fresh bread wafted

through the air, and the clink of dishes mingled with the low murmur of voices. Ah…it felt like home. "Hi, Paige. How ya doin' today?" A middleaged waitress with her gray hair tucked into a loose bun sauntered to the door, a pencil tucked behind her ear. "Who's with ya?" "This is a friend of mine, visiting from out of town. Luke Donovan, this is Wendy Stevens. She has a German Shepherd, too. How is Bella, by the way?" Wendy's face lit up. "She's great. The puppies are due anytime." She held up her cellphone. "My daughter's on nurse duty right now. She'll call me if anything starts before I get off." Paige squeezed Wendy's shoulder. "How exciting! You have to send me pictures when the puppies are here." "Of course!" Wendy, then turned to Luke. "You got Shepherds too?" "Just one." Wendy's eyes widened in astonishment. "You can't have just one dog! What does the poor thing do while you're at work all day? You need to get a companion. I'll put you on the list for one of ours, but I can't promise you one. It depends on the size of the litter. You're sixth in line." Paige grinned at the startled look on Luke's face.

"I don't need another dog," Luke interjected quickly. "You may not, but your dog does," Wendy scolded him. "Now, let's find you two a good table. No fire today, since it's still pretty warm out, but we'll be starting that baby up in a few weeks. How about the Loggers Booth?" "Oh, that's my favorite!" Paige said, leaning toward Luke. "Wendy always takes care of me, now that I trained her dog," she whispered. "We've become such friends." Luke followed the two women through the room, recalling his youth with a vividness he hadn't felt in years. Going into a restaurant, where everyone not only knows your name, but they actually care how your life is going. Where people will show up unannounced to mend a fence, if they hear an old person talking about their broken one. Where the community was your extended family. It had been so long since he'd felt that, and he was surprised at how natural it felt. Had he missed it? He wouldn't have thought so. He'd been pretty certain that Boston was the community he loved. Late nights at the office, not early mornings in the lake. He couldn't be wrong, not after all the years he'd invested into getting to where he was. But he couldn't deny a sense of absolute peace and rightness, being in this building, with Paige. "Here you go." Wendy pointed to a wooden

booth with a painting of the lake hanging above it. They slid into the booth, giving Luke the opportunity to look more closely at the painting. "Is that your cottage?" Paige grinned. "Now you see why this is my favorite booth?" "Did you paint that?" He was drawn by the bold array of greens and blues, and he knew that was how the lake would look in the late spring, when everything was green and a gorgeous blue sky was reflecting in the water. It was so inviting, he wanted to tuck the picture under his arm and cart it off to his office, so he could imagine being there whenever he needed a break. She laughed. "I have the artistic skills of an elephant. That's a local artist. She painted that after she spent a few afternoons there while we were training. She thought my cottage was picturesque." "It is." Luke took note of the brass plaque beneath the painting. He would contact the artist about doing some projects for him to take back to Boston. Paige's eyes widened in mock shock. "I can't believe you think there is something appealing about my hovel. I thought you considered it just a worthless shack." Luke picked up a menu, not wanting to be drawn into a topic that might reveal his past. "Sweetheart, the charm of your cottage is

impossible to deny, even for a hardened lawyer like myself." He tried to laugh as he said it, knowing that that's exactly what Paige thought he was. She had no idea of his appreciation of the land and nature. And it was better that way. In fact, it was better if he didn't remember it either. Time to change the subject. "So what's good here?" Before Paige could answer, Wendy appeared with a steaming mug of hot chocolate in a black Labrador mug. She set it down in front of Paige, then disappeared. "Wait!" Luke tried to catch her attention, but he was much too slow. He dropped his hand to the table, unaccustomed to being ignored. "I didn't hear you order hot chocolate." Paige wrapped her hands around the mug, obviously enjoying the warmth. "That's because I didn't order it." He narrowed his eyes and scanned the room. "What? Is that lumberjack here or something? Rather insulting of him to order you something while you're with me." Damn, he'd forgotten about the lumberjack she'd had the date with. Not that he really believed the man she'd been dining with had been a lumberjack, but he knew the look in her date's eyes, and he'd definitely been interested in Paige. Was he here now? She chuckled, her eyes sparkling at him over the rim of her mug. She blew softly, pushing the

steam toward Luke with her breath. He felt like she was caressing him, and he looked away. The woman had a way of getting to him with such minimal effort. It was extremely irritating. And appealing. And tempting. And…hell. "My lumberjack didn't order it for me," she said. "Wendy brings it automatically whenever I come. You did notice my personal mug, didn't you?" "I noticed the Lab." Luke was accustomed to being catered to in his fine restaurants in Boston, with just a flash of cash he was treated like royalty. Unlike at The Mug, where he was being ignored. "So, if I brought a mug in, then I could get automatically served too?" She laughed aloud. "No, you silly. After you've come enough times that the staff knows you, they go out and find a mug somewhere that defines you, as they see you. The first time they surprise you with it is a wonderful feeling. It means you belong to the community." "Interesting." Luke watched Paige drink her personalized hot chocolate, her hands curving around the ceramic. "I could belong if I wanted to," he mused. She peered at him, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. "You think? You couldn't act like an urban jerk, or you'd never get a mug." He gestured around the bar. "I know how to fit

in places like this. Trust me, I could belong. If I wanted to. Which I don't." Paige inclined her head. "No, I can see that you don't. Why would you want to belong to a community where everyone knows and takes care of each other? Where people spend their evenings with nature instead of a computer? Who would want to belong to that type of community?" Longing pulsed through him, a longing for the world he'd left so far behind for so long. "It's not that great," he said quietly, reminding himself of the facts. "It's a trap that robs you of your future." She studied him. "Is that so? A trap?" "Yes. You get stuck in the lives of your parents, and you can't get out. Day after day, you spend your time on the farm, working the crops, hoping you'll have enough money to buy food all winter. It's miserable, and it's a trap." God, he remembered those long winters. Going to school wearing his dad's old pants. The kids ridiculing him because his clothes didn't fit, and were old-fashioned. "It sucks," he said quietly. "It sucks to be a kid living that life—" He realized suddenly that Paige was staring at him as if he had sprouted a horn out of his forehead. Crap. He hadn't meant to expound. "At least, that's what it looks like to me," he finished. "That's why I wouldn’t want to live here." She finally took a sip of her hot chocolate. "I

think the trap is the big paycheck in a Boston law firm. You work your butt off, then one day you wake up and realize that your life is slipping away while you decay in that fancy office, but you can't get out because you depend on the high income, the expensive house, and luxury car. So you stay there, for the money, while life passes you by. Until you realize you can't take one more second and you run away, screaming. And those are the lucky ones, because they get out before they die." It was his turn to be startled. "Is that what you think?" "That's what I know." "Oh, really? And how are you such an expert?" Paige made a point of folding her napkin. "That's just what it seems to me. From the outside." He wasn't sure he believed her. "Well, thanks for your ever-so-flattering description of my life." "Your description of my life wasn't so nice, either." "You don't live on a farm. I was being hypothetical." "Then, if it's the farm that's the problem, why is my life so awful? I spend my days indulging my passion for dogs. I work enough to keep my wonderful lakeside cottage, and go swimming every morning in the summer. What's so bad about that?" Luke couldn't think of a single thing at that moment.

So he cleared his throat and changed the subject. "So, what's good here? No gourmet seafood, I see. Just burgers, chicken, and club sandwiches." "Depends on what you like," Paige replied. "How do you feel about grease?" "It's bad for the arteries." "Then you should probably stick with water." Nearly forty minutes later, Wendy finally returned with their dinner. Luke had ordered a salad, while Paige had opted for the barbecue spare ribs, the Chef's Special. "Yours looks good," he said, looking dismally at his salad. "I haven't had ribs in years. Too messy." She tucked her napkin in the front of her shirt, then picked up her first spare rib. "Ribs are messy, but they sure are good. I can be proper when I want to. I just don't feel the need at the moment." Paige chomped down on her rib, the sauce dripping from her fingers and chin. She laughed. "I love this food." "I can see that," Luke sighed and stabbed a crouton. He had so ordered wrong. "So, you don't like women who eat ribs and get sauce on their hands, do you?" He paused, the crouton halfway to his mouth. "Is that what you're trying to do? Make me not interested in you?" She froze mid-chew, her eyes wide. "Um...no.

Why would I do that? It's not like I'm having trouble resisting you and I want you to not like me, or anything like that." "No, I don't suppose it is," he said, though that wasn't that far off from how he was feeling. "So, where did you go to law school, Luke? Must've been one of the good ones, for you to land a position at such a prestigious firm." "Harvard took a chance on me," he said, reaching across the table to wipe a glob of sauce off Paige's cheek. She froze when he touched her. "Sorry," he said quickly, not sure how to interpret her reaction as he pulled back. "I didn't mean to offend you." She didn't respond until his hand was back on his side of the table. "I'm not offended," she said quietly, then added, "Why do you talk about Harvard like that? That they took a chance on you?" Luke shrugged and picked at his salad. "I was a bit of an unknown entity. Didn't have quite the background that some of their other students did." "What kind of a background did you have? Exconvict?" He laughed and took a bite of his healthy, but not so interesting lettuce. "No, not quite." When he didn't continue, Paige probed further. "Then what was it?" "Let's just say that I wasn't coming from an Ivy

League background and leave it at that." He took a big bite of tomato. Paige leaned back in her chair and studied him. His eyes were averted, and he was shifting restlessly in his seat. What was it about his past that he didn't want her to know? "What, did you grow up on the kind of farm you detest, or something? A rural hick with no sophistication?" At his scowl, she laughed. "Just kidding. I know it pains you even to think about yourself anywhere but in your pristine little world." Luke shoved a piece of lettuce in his mouth. "My past is none of your business. Leave it alone." She paused, the rib in midair, staring at his tense face, her heart turning over for the pain she saw in his expression. Whatever it was he was hiding hurt. She got that. She understood. And she decided not to make him face it. "So…we'll change the subject." He nodded his agreement, flashing her a smile that made her want to reach across the table and hug him. "What did you do, before you were a dog trainer?" he asked. Paige tensed. "If you won't tell me your background, then maybe we should just skip talking about the past in general." Luke eyed her, but he nodded. "That's fair." She nodded, and they fell silent as they began to each, while she tried to think of another topic.

"So, how about your parents? Do they live nearby?" "Not so close." Luke chomped a carrot. "Leave it alone, Paige." He didn't want to revisit the past he'd worked so hard to leave behind, or the tug he was feeling for it. As usual, she ignored his blustering. "Was your dad a lawyer too? Is that how you got into it?" Luke shook his head in disbelief at the feeling of contentment that gurgled through him at Paige's utter disregard of his wishes. He was irritated by her, but also delighted by her willingness to challenge him. He loved that she was probing into his personal life. It made him feel like she cared, and that she truly wanted to know. In fact, he was enjoying the sparring far too much. She was luring him back into the world he'd left behind. He needed to get away from the temptation before he succumbed. "You know, I forgot about a meeting. I've got to run." He tossed some cash on the table and stood up. "I'll call you in a few days, when Muffin is ready for the next stage." Paige grabbed his wrist when he tried to walk away. "Luke, I'm sorry for prying. I didn't know it would upset you. Stay and have dinner. I'll be nice, I promise." He forced himself to twist his hand out of her grasp. "I'll be in touch." And then he was gone. Paige slouched back in

her seat, watching him walk out the door. She knew he'd be back. And less than two minutes later, he was back, and he didn't look happy. "My dog is locked in your truck, and my car is still at your place." "I know." She pointed to the empty seat. "Sit and eat. You're lying about the meeting to avoid my interrogation. I'll be good and talk about the weather. Deal?" Luke glowered at her. "I don't suppose taxis are plentiful around here?" "Nope. You're stranded until I decide to cooperate." "You are one controlling woman." But he couldn't keep the admiration out of his voice, eliciting a smile from her. "That's rather negative. I prefer to think of myself as unwilling to be a doormat." She grinned. "Your salad is getting cold." Luke couldn't keep the corner of his mouth from curving up. "And your ribs are getting hot?" She raised an eyebrow. "You mean my food? Or were you referring to how my body heats up in your presence?" Heat plunged south in his gut. "I didn't mean it like that." "That's too bad," she said with a sigh. "Sit." She pulled a rib off her stack. "Have a rib and clog those big city arteries of yours. I'll drive you and

your adorable dog home when we're done." "No prying into my past?" "We'll talk about the weather. Safe enough?" He was trapped, and he knew it. "Fine." He grabbed the rib and sat down. "So, you get many Nor'easters up here?" "A few." Paige grinned and picked up her fork. The man was a mystery, and she was all the more intrigued. She won the battle in keeping him there, and he'd won the battle in making her abandon her questioning. They were an even match.

CHAPTER 16

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hree days later, Paige was driving through a neighboring town center on her way back from a visit to another client. The town center was the urban mecca of the area, with a sizeable year-round population and a burgeoning professional community, much less rural than her town. It was while she was stopped for a red light that she saw the crisp new sign on the front of a refurbished office building. Hawthorne, Finch and Stims. Luke's firm. She should've realized he'd pick the bigger town to set up in. The red brick building with doublehung windows and white shutters was so much more approachable and personal than the big, ugly high-rises in Boston. How could he possibly want to trade this office in for his one in Boston? Even she might be able to handle this cozy office building, if

she hadn't been destroyed by her previous experience. An impatient honk told her the light had changed. On impulse, Paige turned her truck, cutting off a car cruising up on her right side, eliciting another honk and a shouted curse. "Sorry." She waved and smiled, hoping it wasn't someone she knew. Sometimes her Boston driving techniques resurfaced, and it always upset the locals. She pulled into the parking lot beside the building. There was a plethora of empty spots, indicating that Luke hadn't managed to drum up much business so far. Maybe that meant he'd be hanging around for a while. She couldn't say she'd be averse to that, no matter how hard she tried. What could she say? She was falling for the guy, big time. When she opened her door, Bandit jumped up, his paws on the console in eager anticipation of an adventure. She scratched his ears in apology. "Sorry, Bandit. I doubt Luke is the kind of man who allows dogs in his office, despite my incredibly savvy suggestion that he do just that. I'll be back in a minute." She rolled down the windows enough for him to get plenty of air, then walked into the building. The front lobby was sparkling with a thick beige carpet, and polished wooden doorknobs. According to the

occupant list, HF&S were the only occupants thus far, and they were on the second floor. Trying to ignore the chills that being back in an office building gave her, Paige jogged up the stairs, her sneakers squeaking on the rubber mats designed to keep the clumsy from slipping on the edges of the stairs. Just being in an office building again made her feel sloppy in her tee shirt and sneakers. She lifted her chin and walked into the front office of HF&S. It was the first time she'd been in a law firm since her episode. She could feel her blood pressure rising and her head starting to pound, just from being in another firm. "Relax Paige, you can walk out of here whenever you want." She took a deep breath, wincing at the tightness in her chest. "You are not going to have another panic attack." She grabbed the doorframe and leaned on it, trying to suck oxygen into her lungs. "Can I help you?" Paige looked across the room at a receptionist. She was an attractive older woman, with her hair swept into a neat bun, a cotton sweater draped over her shoulders. Professional, but not quite perfect, and her jeans and boots gave her an essence of New Hampshire. It was enough to remind Paige that this wasn't the same law firm that had punished her before. The tightness in her chest subsided

slightly. "Yes, I'd like to see Luke Donovan, please." She expected the receptionist to raise an eyebrow at the casual address, but the woman smiled. "Go right in. He's in his office." The woman pointed helpfully down the hall. "Oh, right. Okay." Paige straightened up and walked down the carpeted hall. In Boston, the woman would have stopped her without an appointment. Not in New Hampshire. It was different here. Relax. But as she walked deeper into the recesses of the firm, the tightness came back, worse than in the lobby. She took a deep breath and stopped, gripping a nearby doorframe tightly. Sweat broke out on her forehead, and a cold chill enveloped her. Her lungs constricted, and her breath wheezed. She coughed, trying to clear her chest. She couldn't do this. She had to leave. The room started to spin, and her sweaty hand slipped off the doorframe. Then something leapt out at her. Yelping in pretty much raw, debilitating terror, she leapt back, banging into a painting that crashed to the floor. Two big paws landed on her chest, and a wet nose shoved against her cheek, a wet nose she knew very well. "Muffin?" Luke appeared behind Muffin, a startled look on his face. "Paige? What are you doing here?" Paige sank slowly to the carpet, her legs too

weak to stand. She rubbed Muffin's ears and welcomed his kisses, pretending she had sat down only to greet him. "Hi." Crossing the carpeted hallway until he was next to her, Luke squatted beside her, his tie swaying gently. "You look like you have the flu." "Do you woo all the women with such compliments? I can't imagine why you don't have a girlfriend with that charm." Paige rubbed Muffin's ears and closed her eyes, imagining herself outdoors with the dog. Anywhere but in a law firm. Luke narrowed his eyes. "You're sweating, and your face is gray. What's wrong?" "I'm fine. Go away." He laid his hand across her forehead. "Good Lord, Paige, you're ice cold." She pushed his hand away. "Let me just sit here for a minute. With Muffin." "Let me help you up." Dismissing her protests, he tucked her hand in his and pulled her to her feet, catching her when she started to sway. "You should be in bed." She pushed his hands away and stood on her own, focusing on his face rather than the environment. "I just want some money." He raised an eyebrow. "Money?" "Money." He slid his hand under her elbow and started guiding her down the hall toward his office. "You

short of cash this week?" "No," she said. "I happened to be driving by and I saw your sign. Since I don't usually train without advance payment, I thought I'd pop in and get a check." She couldn't stop herself from leaning on him, accepting his comfort. It was just for a moment, she told herself. "Just in the neighborhood, huh?" He turned her through an office door. "In here." Paige stopped in the doorway and stared at the office. He chuckled at the startled look on her face. "You don't like it?" "The picture. That's my cottage. It's the one from The Mug." Luke steered her over to a plush armchair and pushed her down. "It's not the one from The Mug. The artist had another painting of your place that she'd kept. She was happy to sell it. She sold me the other three, too." He waved his arm vaguely around the office. "There's one from each season," she said. "It's fabulous. I feel like I'm in the woods, not in a law firm." She was feeling much better now. No office in Boston would have these paintings, a local artist's watercolors that were magical, but definitely had the feel of a real life, instead of highbrow art. "Why did you buy them?" "Because I liked them. It made me feel like I was working on your deck, looking out on the

lake." Luke scowled. "I mean, it would make my clients feel that way. Make them more comfortable." She looked at him skeptically. "You bought them for your clients?" "Yes. Definitely." He cleared his throat and strode purposely to his desk. "Let me write you a check." Paige walked over to the painting of her cottage and studied it. The artist had painted Bandit, emerging from the trees. Luke had a painting of Bandit in his office? "So, what's up with Muffin in your office? I would never have thought you were the type to bring a dog to work." "You told me I needed to train regularly. Well, it's more convenient to train during lunch." She raised her eyebrows at him. "Is it, now?" "Plus, I have to train with distractions now. Going around town at lunch is the perfect training ground. It's efficient. That's all. It's not like I want him around or anything." He leaned against the desk and folded his arms across his chest defiantly. Paige walked toward him, stepping carefully over Muffin, who was sprawled on the carpet. She chuckled at the wary look on Luke's face as she got closer. "What?" Luke asked. She just smiled and kept walking until she was directly in front of him. Then she stood up on her

tiptoes and slid her hand around the back of his neck, tugging on him. "Bend down." Luke allowed her to pull him toward her. As soon as he was within reach, Paige kissed him, her lips soft and pliable against his. It was a quick one, and she let go immediately after, but it was enough to make her insides churn. She couldn't even do a quick kiss without having it affect her. It was really annoying. "What was that for?" His voice was gruff. "For falling in love with your dog and making him a part of your life." She patted Luke's cheek, wanting to hug him. "I knew you'd become a real dog owner." "I don't love the dog." "Yeah, right." She grinned in obvious disbelief, eliciting a scowl from Luke. His hand suddenly snapped out and grabbed her waistband. He hauled her up against him, wrapping his hands around her lower back. She caught her breath, but she didn't resist. It was all the signal he needed. He dropped his head and kissed her, but it wasn't the chaste kiss she'd delivered such a short time ago. His lips crushed hers, and his body grew rigid. When a small sigh bubbled from the back of her throat and she slid her hands around his neck, his hesitation disappeared and his kiss became demanding.

Luke whispered her name while his hands roamed her body, as if he were afraid it was his only chance to touch her. He tore his lips away from her willing ones and grazed her neck with his teeth. Paige sighed and snuggled against him, her body absorbing the heat from his. It felt so good to be buried in his arms, his gentle nibbles creating goosebumps down her arms. That first kiss they'd shared, the one she'd worked so hard to forget, was nothing compared to the heat between them now. It was intense, it was delicious, and there was no way she was going to pull away this time— A discreet cough nudged at her consciousness, but she pushed it away, as his arms tightened around her, both of them refusing to acknowledge the interruption. If she just kept kissing him, it would go away and— "Um, excuse me." Paige stiffened, and Luke froze. Reality slammed into him like a baseball bat. Good God. He's been making out with Paige in his office, with the door open. And he wanted to keep right on going. He groaned and buried his face in Paige's neck. He hadn't thought to close his office door. Paige finally stepped backwards, her face flushed, and he reluctantly let her go. Slowly, Luke turned to the doorway. His receptionist was

standing there, with his newest client, a weathered elderly woman wearing faded jeans, boots, and more fire than any twenty-year-old he'd met in Boston. The woman looked thoroughly amused. "Oh, hello, Mrs. Hopsman." Paige's voice was tight, and her face was flushed. From embarrassment or passion? He hoped it was the latter. Luke touched her arm in commiseration, but she shrugged him off, holding her chin high in defiant dignity. "Is this your new honey, Paige? He's awfully handsome." "No, I'm training his dog," Paige said. "I'm on my way out. Nice to see you." "Wait." Luke grabbed the check off the desk and handed it to her. "Your training fee." "Right. Thanks." She shoved the paper into her front pocket. "Call me to set up the next session." Without waiting for Luke's response, Paige darted for the door, squeezing between the two women. In the following silence, Luke could hear Paige's footsteps echoing as she ran down the hall. He straightened his tie and faced the women. "Thanks for escorting Mrs. Hopsman to my office, Barbara. I'll take it from here." Barbara nodded her head, exchanging winks with Mrs. Hopsman before following Paige down the hall. The elderly woman grinned at Luke. "She's not

your honey?" "No." Internally, Luke cringed. This was why he hated small towns. People prying into the business of others. He knew he should try to explain, but he couldn’t think of a single logical explanation for what Mrs. Hopsman had seen, other than the fact he had missed kissing Paige so damn much, and he'd jumped at the first window she'd given him. "Then, is that how I can pay for your legal services?" she asked with a mischievous grin. Luke couldn't help but return the smile. He winked. "No, that's how I paid for the dog training." Suddenly, the small town atmosphere didn't feel so claustrophobic. She wasn't judging him. She was enjoying the moment with him. There was a difference, and he could feel it in a way he'd never felt as a kid. "Ahh. Guess I better not let my husband pay Paige's bill, then, huh? Unless you've the sole claim on that kind of payment?" She gave Muffin's head an affectionate scratch. Luke laughed aloud. "I can only hope." Perhaps a small town wasn't so bad. At least the residents had a sense of humor. His Boston clients wouldn't have been nearly so tolerant of his unprofessional display and his dog. There were definitely benefits to living in New Hampshire. He tried not to think about how the most interesting

benefit had left his office just a few minutes before.

CHAPTER 17

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he next day, Paige was still reeling from the kiss, the law firm, and the fact that Luke had a painting of her cottage and her dog on his office wall. She didn't know what to think, or how to process any of it. After a dog walk with her mom, the two women were now sitting on her deck in her Adirondack chairs, their feet propped up on the railing. Their dogs were frolicking in the water, while Paige and Louise sipped strawberry lemonade and waited for the chicken to cook on the grill. Finally, Paige couldn't keep it in anymore. "I went into a law firm yesterday." Louise choked on her drink, spraying the pink beverage on the deck. "You're kidding." "Nope. I was at a stoplight, and I saw a sign for Luke's firm. So I decided to go in and get my check

from him. I wasn't really thinking, to be honest." Louise pulled her feet off the railing and turned to face her daughter. "And?" "I started to have a panic attack walking down the hall toward his office." "I'm so sorry." Louise reached out and rubbed her daughter's shoulder. "I was hoping it would be okay after all this time." Paige set her drink down and looked at her mom. "I said I started to have a panic attack." "Started? What happened?" "Muffin charged out of the office at me." Her mom's eyebrows went up in surprise. "Muffin? Rigid Luke had his dog at work?" Paige grinned. "He denies it, but I think he's fallen in love with Muffin. It was pretty cute actually. He was totally embarrassed at being caught being a softie." "Nice." Her mom smiled, but her brow was still furrowed with concern. "Can we go back to the panic attack? Did it really just stop when you saw the dog? Just like that?" "Well, it took a few minutes, but when Luke came rushing out to rescue me, well, I kinda forgot to be upset." Louise smiled. "I'll bet." She ignored her mom's smug look. "And then when I got into the office, he had four paintings of the lake, done by that artist who painted my

cottage. He'd seen her painting at The Mug and tracked her down and bought them." "So it wasn't like your old law firm, with the paintings, and the dog, and Luke. It was different." Paige nodded. "I wouldn't say I want to go back to being a lawyer, but I was okay in there. It wasn't the same thing as my old firm. If I could bring Bandit to work with me every day, it might not even feel like work." Louise squeezed her daughter's shoulder. "It's a great first step." "I have to admit that it helped having Luke there. He took care of me." He hadn't been like Howard, ditching her at the first sign of weakness. He'd come right over to her, helped her up, and then kissed her senseless. She smiled. "I think you're right. He's not like Dad, or Howard. Not in the bad ways." The thought had been percolating inside her mind for a while, but she hadn't dared articulate it. She was too afraid of being wrong. But after her experience in Luke's office, she'd finally understood the difference. "Dad wouldn't have kissed you in his office, would he?" "Did you get kissed in Luke's office?" Louise looked pleased. "You didn't answer my question. Would Dad have had a dog at work? Would he have put up local paintings of a lake because it made him feel like he was outside? I know Howard wouldn't

have." Paige had to know whether she was right, whether the signs were really there. Her mom met Paige's gaze. "Even when we were first married, Dad forbade me to even touch him in public. Never on earth would he have kissed me in his office. And no dog or paintings by unknown artists. He never wavered from portraying the ultimate professional image, even if that meant buying suits and paintings he couldn’t afford, just so people would think he could." Paige felt tension seep from her shoulders, tension she hadn't even known she was carrying. Suddenly, her throat tightened. Luke really was different. "I didn't think so." She flopped back in her chair and closed her eyes, a small smile on her face. Sometimes, it was nice to be right. "So, it was a good day, huh? You were able to be in a law firm without a panic attack, and your Muffin Man kissed you." She opened one eye and looked at her mom. "The magic of the kiss kinda dissipated when we realized Mrs. Hopsman was standing in the doorway watching us." "Ethel saw you kissing?" Louise started to laugh. "She's going to send her preacher husband over to marry you. I might have grandkids after all." She rolled her eyes, her heart tightening. Marry him? Marry Luke? Her heart leapt, and excitement

rushed through her, but she quickly squashed it with reality. "Please don't say that, Mom. Luke is going back to Boston, and there's no way I'm moving back there. If I ever started practicing law again, it would have to be in a place like his office, in this town. So, there's no chance that we could work out. I can't afford to think like that, and I definitely can't afford to kiss him again." She nodded, hating the ache she felt in her heart as she spoke. "It's going to stay purely professional from now on. The fact he might actually be a good guy means nothing, other than to give me hope that there might be the right guy for me out there somewhere." "Mmm hmm." The smug disbelief was apparent in Louise's voice. "I'm serious. The man will break my heart if I let him in. I can't give him the chance." But even as she said it, Paige wondered if it was too late.

CHAPTER 18

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ne week later, Paige peered out her sliding glass door, inspecting the dark clouds rolling in across the lake. The sky looked black to the west, indicating heavy rain was on its way, and maybe even a thunderstorm. The water's surface rippled with the steadily increasing breeze. They'd be training in the rain if Luke and Muffin didn't arrive soon. The thought of Luke's imminent arrival sent a shiver through her. Ever since their encounter in his office, she'd been careful to keep their relationship strictly platonic, as she'd told her mom. He'd made some moves to start things, and she'd sidestepped them with an awkwardness that had elicited some raised eyebrows from Luke, but he hadn't asked questions. He'd given her space, but she knew he wasn't

giving up. He kept making sure his hand stayed on her shoulder a little too long, or he'd tuck her wayward hair behind her ear, or pay for dinner at The Mug…and she'd loved every bit of it. Every. Last. Bit. If he was trying to break down her walls, he was succeeding. She supposed she could have told him that Muffin was well-enough trained that they didn't need to keep working together, but there was no chance she could say that. She looked forward to time with him so much, so much that she knew she was in trouble. Ever since the day in his office, she was different. The wall she'd kept around her heart had cracked, and he was working his way further and further into her heart with each passing day. She'd been thinking about law again, thinking about how maybe she could do it, if Luke was with her, grounding her, being her shield. And today, she'd made sure to finish her swim early, so she was fully dressed by the time he arrived. She knew that if he showed up and she was still in her bikini, there were going to be kisses, and those kisses were going to lead to more. She'd been sure to be fully dressed by the time he arrived each time; no more bikini encounters. The crunch of tires in the driveway made her heart leap, and Bandit bounded to the front door, barking. He already recognized the sound of Luke's

car, and knew his pal Muffin would get to play with him once the training was finished. Paige patted her hair, then scowled when she realized she was primping. She messed her hair back up, then walked to the front door. "Hey," Luke said as he climbed out of his car, which had a few mud splatters on it. He waved at Paige, then hooked Muffin to the leash before letting him out of the car. "Hi." His muscles were rippling beneath his cotton tee shirt, and his shorts fit snugly across his now-healed butt. If only he were a jerk. But he wasn't. He just wasn't. Luke glanced up at the darkening sky. "I think I felt a drop." Paige walked off the porch and held out her hand. After a moment, a cold drop splashed on her palm. "Yep. It's raining. We better get started." "What's the plan today? More heeling?" She rubbed Muffin's head while she tried to concentrate on Luke's question. Lately, she seemed to be having more and more trouble keeping herself from thinking interesting thoughts about him. Each time he brushed her arm, it sent chills through her. "How's the whistle-training going? Does he come when you whistle?" "Yep. I haven't tried it in a situation where he's distracted though. I'm afraid if I whistle when he's got something more interesting going so he doesn't

respond, then he'll start ignoring me again." "Why don't you let him off the leash with Bandit? Let them wander a bit, then whistle. Bandit will come too, so even though he's distracted, Muffin will still respond as well." Luke nodded, and unhooked his dog. Delighted to be relieved of training before it had even begun, Muffin trotted across the yard with Bandit, heading for the lake. The raindrops grew more insistent, splashing off Paige's head. She could feel each cold drop on her scalp. The clouds above her head had turned to dark purple, and the black clouds were much closer. Luke whistled. Paige pursed her lips for a follow-up whistle, but it wasn't needed. Both dogs spun at the same time, sprinting across the yard toward their owners. Little shiny spots decorated their coats, as the rain started coming down harder. Luke gave each of the dogs a treat. Paige grinned at his readiness. The man had become a true dog owner, carrying treats wherever he went. "Good dogs," he said, squatting down to ruffle their furry heads. He seemed oblivious to the rain, but Paige wasn't. "It's starting to pour, Luke. Let's go inside and see if it blows over. Unless you're in a rush and just want to reschedule?"

"Nope. No rush. I'll come in." He sauntered up the steps to the deck, leading the way inside. Paige trailed after him, marveling at his change in personality. "When I first met you, you would never have had the time to wait out a rainstorm. You would have rushed back to work," she said. She grabbed a spare towel and tossed it to Luke. She used another towel to wipe her face, nearly dropping it at Luke's response. "I couldn't exactly turn down an invitation to hunker down with you, now could I?" Her heart rate increased, but she didn't look at him. "I didn't ask you to hunker down." Luke set the towel on the table and walked toward her. "Thinking about the kiss that Mrs. Hopsman interrupted has been keeping me up nights. I'm sleep-deprived and cranky." "Luke..." "I think I need to get you out of my system." "Go back to your side of the kitchen." Luke grabbed the ends of her towel and draped it behind her. Resting it against her lower back, he tugged on the towel, pulling her toward him. She tried to yank it out of his hands, but Luke didn't release it. Paige leaned back, but her hips were nearly against his. He smiled, his eyes daring her to play. "Luke?" But he didn't answer. He simply gave the towel

a final tug until she was pressed against him, anchored to his pelvis. His lips were inches from hers, but he didn't close the gap. Paige could feel the heat of his breath on her face, and his eyes were like the rumbling storm clouds outside. She didn't think she'd be able to resist a genuine invitation. Not when in her soul she wanted to believe in him, wanted him to treat her with the kindness and love he so freely gave his sister. Slowly, she let go of the towel, moving her hands to rest on his chest. His shirt was still damp from the rain, and it clung to his skin. A rumble sounded. Paige wasn't certain whether it came from Luke or from the storm outside. She didn't have time to figure it out, as her mind suddenly scrambled when Luke finally closed the distance between them, his lips crushing hers in a passionate kiss that left no doubt as to his intentions. A little voice whispered that she should resist, but the burning flame growing in her belly drove her to respond, pressing her body against his, meeting each demanding kiss with more demands of her own. "Paige." His voice was husky, sending goosebumps down her back. He slid his lips down her neck, nibbling on her collarbone while his hands roamed her damp body, scooting under her shirt to caress the bare skin of her back.

She felt his arousal pressed against her front, the evidence of his interest stoking her own fires of passion. Of their own accord, her hands slid under his shirt, caressing the chest that she'd been dreaming about since their swim in the lake. His skin was hot to her touch, and she could feel his heart pounding under the palm of her hand. Gripping her bottom, Luke lifted her against him, devouring her neck, shoulder, and throat with sensuous kisses. She could feel the prickle of his whiskers against her skin. He moved his hands around her waist, sliding them under her bra. When his hands cupped her breasts, Paige groaned softly, her skin tingling every place he touched. Luke felt his control slip when Paige's body became soft and pliable against his. He hadn't meant for it to go this far; he'd intended only to have one kiss to convince himself that he wasn't interested. But he hadn't been able to stop, and he wanted it all now. Visions of her lithe, tan body in her turquoise bikini assaulted his senses, and he knew he couldn't stop himself. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he hoisted her onto the counter. She wrapped her legs around him and pulled him against her. Luke groaned, his pants painfully tight. As he buried his face in her neck, feeling her hands frantically roaming his bare back, he realized that he would be happy in her

arms for the rest of his life. His eyes shot open and he froze. Jesus. For the rest of his life? "Luke? What's wrong?" He lifted his head and met her gaze. He had to protect himself, push her away before he threw away all he'd worked so hard for, before he fell in love with her so completely that he was willing to give up his life for her. "This doesn't change anything." Her eyes were still clouded with passion, and her hands were stroking his forearms. "What are you talking about?" "I'm going back to Boston, Paige." Paige's hands stilled and her eyes cleared. "What?" "I want you, badly, but I can't lie to you. No matter what happens between us, I'm still going back to Boston." The words bit deep, raging inside him. He wanted to deny them, to take them back, to do anything to not be the guy who had to walk away from this…but he didn't. He just stood there. Her fingers became ice cold. "You bastard. Let go of me." Luke tightened his grip on her waist, desperate at the thought of being rejected by her, even though he knew he'd intended for it to happen. "We can still enjoy each other during the time I'm here, Paige."

Her voice was as cold as a frozen lake during a New Hampshire winter. "Get away from me." "Paige..." "Now!" She shoved his hands aside and jumped off the counter, tugging her bra back down over her breasts. "You had to go and prove you were the despicable creature I thought you were, didn't you?" Shit. His chest hurt. Like absolutely fucking hurt. "I'm just being honest. What's despicable about that? Would you rather I had sex with you then left without a word?" God, the words tasted horrible as they left his lips. He wanted to shout that he didn't mean them, that he was falling in love with her and all she represented, but he didn't. Couldn't. It couldn't be happening to him. She curled her upper lip in distaste. "Leave it to a lawyer to try to twist it to his benefit. Thanks for the favor, Luke. Glad you spared me from being another one of your faceless romps." Luke's gut twisted at the pain so evident on her face. He hadn't intended to hurt her; he'd just been so concerned about protecting himself. His heart was lurching at the pain in her eyes. "I'm sorry." "Get out of here." Luke grabbed for her arm. "Paige. I didn't mean it the way it sounded. I was being an idiot. I just—" "If you won't leave, I will. Let yourself out when you finally realize you aren't wanted." Paige

ran for the door, whistling for Bandit. The two of them were gone before Luke could move. Even as he tried to convince himself that it was better this way, better that she left before he could tell her what he was really feeling, he walked to the window to make sure she was all right. The rain was beading across the window in sheets, making it difficult to see clearly. He thought he could see dark movement down on the dock, but it was too blurry to make out. Was she going out on the lake? Not with the storm coming. She was smarter than that. Unless he'd upset her so much that she wasn't thinking rationally? Shit. He wanted to rush down to the dock and make sure she wasn't doing anything stupid, but he resisted the urge. He'd give her space, but he wasn't leaving until she was safe back inside. He had just started to turn away from the window when a flash of red caught his attention. The blob of red was on the water, moving away from the dock. Son of a bitch. She had gone out on the lake, and it was his fault. His hands suddenly clammy, he yanked open the sliding door and sprinted across the deck, Muffin nipping at his calves. A red kayak was moving rapidly into the lake, being tossed about by the whitecaps. Slipping once on the wet boards, he made it to the end of the dock in time to see her rounding a

bend in the shoreline. "Paige!" He cupped his hands around his mouth, but the wind swept away his words. The next moment, she had turned the corner, out of his sight. Luke rested his hands on his hips, staring at the last spot he'd seen her. "She knows what she's doing, doesn't she?" Muffin whined. "She lives on a lake, for cryin' out loud." Luke chewed his lower lip, hoping she'd reappear. Then he noticed the water. The wind was blowing in the direction Paige had gone, because the current had taken her. That's why she'd disappeared so quickly. She wouldn't be strong enough to paddle back against such a strong wind. "Hell." He was going after her. There were no other boats at the dock, but she had to have another one. Somewhere. "Come on, Muffin!" Together they sprinted up the hill, past the house to the garage. Luke flung open the door. Sure enough, an old canoe was propped against the wall. He grimaced, but it appeared to be his only option. They'd be lucky not to be swamped by the time they hit the first corner. They had to try. He grabbed a kayaking vest and strapped it around his dog, Muffin's forelegs fitting through the armholes easily.

Luke chuckled at the sight of the big dog in an orange life jacket. If he weren't so worried about Paige, he'd be laughing at himself, packing a dog off in a canoe. Paige was getting to him, turning him into the kind of sap who didn't go anywhere without his dog. He was pathetic. He grabbed another life jacket and slipped it on. It didn't come close to fastening across his chest, and he wondered whether it would even support him if he went over. As if he had time to worry about that. He hoisted the canoe over his head and grabbed two paddles with his other hand, in case they found Paige. Or rather, when they found her. The sodden duo ran back down the hill, sliding on the wet grass. Once at the water, Luke set the canoe on the frothing lake, holding it against the dock. "In, Muffin." To his surprise, Muffin carefully jumped from the dock into the boat, bracing against the tilting boat. "Muffin, down." When Muffin looked at him in consternation, his legs splayed to keep his balance, Luke rubbed the dog's head. "Muffin, down. Or you'll tip us both over." Muffin sank to the bottom of the canoe, his chest resting against the floor. "Good boy!" Guess the dog training lessons were paying off. Damn, he liked having that dog with him.

Before Muffin could change his mind about being agreeable, Luke climbed into the stern. "You keep an eye out for Paige," he said, pushing off from the dock. He rolled his eyes at himself as he began to paddle. He was having conversations with Muffin. His sister would be ecstatic. His colleagues would be stunned. But Paige would be the happiest, because she'd just wanted him to love his dog. He wanted to see her smile when he told her that he'd fallen victim to the four-legged charm, just as she'd predicted. Then he sobered. The water was black beneath him, the raindrops were pounding into the water, and the wind was propelling his boat fiercely in the direction Paige had gone. It would be hard enough for him to paddle back against the wind. Paige would never make it. He had to find her, and soon.

CHAPTER 19

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wenty minutes later, Luke was drenched, lost and certain he'd never find Paige or her dock again. The rain was pounding down, filling the bottom of the canoe and rattling off the aluminum hull like a snare drum. "Where is she, Muffin?" The dog's only response was a low growl that rumbled deep in his chest. Luke rested the paddle across his wet knees and looked at Muffin, who was still lying in the bottom of the canoe. "Don't they use Shepherds in search and rescue? Can't you do something with that nose?" Yeah, he knew that tracking from a canoe in the rain wasn't exactly catering to his dog's skills, but hell. He was getting desperate now, increasingly worried that he was going to see the kayak floating

upside down, with no Paige or Bandit anywhere to be seen. The lake wasn't that big, but Paige seemed to have disappeared. Muffin growled again, catching Luke's attention. He eyed the dog, wondering if Muffin had been harboring a latent case of rabies that was about to flare up. He'd never heard the dog growl before. "What's up with you?" At Luke's voice, Muffin thumped his tail against the bottom of the boat, at the same time he growled again. Luke frowned at the two incongruous actions by Muffin. "What's your deal, Muff?" Muffin thumped his tail harder, and the growl sounded again, only this time, it was much louder. That's when Luke realized the growling wasn't coming from Muffin. It was the sky that was growling. "You gotta be kidding." He looked up at the black clouds, just in time to see a flash of lightning over the mountains. They had to find shore fast. The aluminum canoe would be certain death if they stayed out on the lake when the lightning got closer. The sky rumbled again, louder, and the thunder was quicker after the lightning. It was getting closer. A light sweat broke out on his forehead, mixing with the rain, and he started to paddle. Hard. Shore was straight ahead, and with the strong wind behind

him, they should reach land in time to avoid being fried. Lightning flashed, and he counted the seconds until the thunder rolled. The storm was coming in too fast. Where was Paige? Surely, she was smart enough to get off the lake. He was approaching the safety of the shore when Muffin sat up, rocking the boat precariously. Luke grabbed the edges of the boat and cursed. "Muffin! Down!" Muffin sank back down, but kept his head up, his ears perked toward an island, whining loudly enough for Luke to hear him over the storm. Luke started to resume paddling toward shore, then stopped, watching his dog. "Muffin?" The black head turned toward him, and Muffin whined. The rain was so loud against the lake surface that Luke could barely hear the dog, but it was enough. "Don't even tell me she's on that island." Muffin turned away and focused on the island again. Luke followed Muffin's gaze, squinting against the wind-blown rain. He could see nothing but some trees and rocks, and the island was shrinking rapidly as the wind carried his canoe further away. His dog sat up again, his whining becoming more frenzied. "Damn. You really think she's there, don't you?"

Lightning flashed, and thunder followed soon after. He didn't have time to make it to the island before the storm arrived, not paddling against the wind. But he couldn't take the risk that she was there, and in need. Cursing under his breath, he turned the boat around. It tipped precariously when it became parallel to the waves, but he managed to keep it upright. "I can't believe I'm listening to a dog." But he didn't even hesitate. He had faith in his dog, and he wasn't going to doubt him. The wind howled, and the waves buffeted the bow of the canoe. The thunder rolled and Luke dug the paddle into the water. He didn't know if he'd make it to the island before being incinerated, but he had to try. There was no way he was going to cozy up on shore if there was a chance Paige was out on the lake in this weather. His muscles straining, he drove the paddle through the water, losing ground each time he took the paddle out of the water for another stroke. "Come on!" He paddled harder, digging against the power of nature, fighting for each yard he gained. Raindrops pelted his shoulders like hail, going right through his t-shirt. Sweat mingled with the rain streaking his forehead, and his back muscles screamed with the effort. The island was getting closer, but he still

couldn't see any sign of Paige. Muffin was alert, his gaze fixed on the island. "You better be right, Muffin." His breath coming hard, he abandoned conversation with his dog. Only one outcome was acceptable: getting to that island and finding Paige. After what felt like an eternity, the island was almost within reach. He shouted at himself to keep going, astounded by the force of the water. Then he could see rocks beneath the water, and they were close. He was about to jump out, when Muffin leapt to his feet, nearly tipping the boat over. "Muffin! Down!" A wave swept over the side of the tilting boat, adding more water to the bottom. The dog ignored him, looking along the west side of the island and barking. He followed Muffin's gaze. A black buoy was bobbing in the water at the tip of the island. "It's a buoy, Muff." When Muffin didn't relax, Luke took another look, and noticed a second dark object in the water. Two buoys? Shit, no, he realized it was a person. No, not two people. No, hell, it was Paige and Bandit, bobbing in the water, with the kayak nowhere to be seen. Adrenaline surged through him. "Get down!" This time, Muffin sank down, as if he realized Luke was finally listening. Oblivious to his tired muscles, Luke dug in,

blistering against the wind as if it were a still day. Each time the thunder rumbled, it was as if it shot a fresh batch of adrenaline through his body. "Paige!" Every few feet he shouted her name, but it wasn't until he was only about ten yards away that she turned her head. Her hand went up, waving at him. She was still alive. Relief poured through him, and he paddled harder. Muffin started to stand up again, but dropped at Luke's sharp command. His ears stayed alert as he kept his gaze fastened on Paige and Bandit. He pulled the canoe alongside her, and she stood up, the water coming to her chest. She was apparently standing on some sort of reef, too far from land to swim, but high enough that she had been able to stand. She was drenched, pale, and visibly trembling. "Luke! I can't believe you're here." She'd slid her arm through Bandit's lifejacket, keeping the dog from floating away. "What are you on?" He glanced over the edge of the boat and saw a rock a few feet beneath the water. Holding the stern rope firmly in his hand, he jumped out of the canoe, landing beside her. The moment his feet hit the rock, he grabbed her, hauling Paige up to his chest, unbearable relief surging through him. He kissed her hard and deep, unable to stop himself, before he hugged her again, holding her and Bandit tight against him, using his

strength to hold them up. "God, I thought you were gone." "I found rocks to stand on. I knew I couldn't make it to the island," she mumbled, barely audible with her face scrunched against his chest and the rain pounding down around them. "Bandit fell out of the boat when we got hit by a wave, and when I was trying to get him, I fell out. If we hadn't found the reef, we'd be floating in the middle of the lake somewhere," she said, lifting her head up. "I couldn't swim against the wind. It's too strong. I thought I could make it to the island, but I couldn't." She was still gripping Bandit tightly, the water too deep for him to reach the rock. The sky flashed again, making them both jump. Shit. They were chest deep in the lake with lightning coming on fast. "Let's get outta here." Paige nodded, and held Bandit out to him. While she held the canoe steady, Luke lifted Bandit into the boat. A sharp command from Paige kept both dogs lying down, though their tails were wagging furiously at each other. "You next." Luke pulled the bow of the boat toward them and slid his arms around Paige. She didn't hesitate for even a fraction of a second, throwing her arm around his neck so he could lift her into the boat. After Paige was secure, Luke managed to get

himself into the stern without capsizing the full canoe. Despite her evident exhaustion, she grabbed the extra paddle and helped him row to the island, flinching visibly with each flash of lightning. With the two of them working, it took only a few minutes to reach the island, which was good, considering that the lightning and thunder were almost simultaneous now. The canoe bumped against the rocks. "Everyone out," Luke commanded, gesturing at the dogs. The dogs jumped to shore, and Paige followed, with a steadying hand from Luke, which she didn't turn down. Once they were all safely ashore, Luke climbed out into the lake, then lifted the canoe out of the water and carried it onto the shore. He hauled it a safe distance from the water, then turned it upside down to drain. He and Paige piled the four life jackets under the canoe, while the dogs ran in happy circles on the beach, delighted by the adventure and to be out of their lifejackets. Luke looked up, squinting against the rain. The sky was still black, and the trees gave little protection. There was no chance they were going back on the water now. "Now what?" "There's a hut on the island. It's pretty rainproof. We could go there." "Are you kidding? Hell, yeah. Which way?" Paige held out a trembling hand and pointed to

her right. "It's not far." "Lead the way. Unless you want a piggy back? You look pretty beat." She hesitated briefly before refusing. "I'm fine." "I don't believe you." He turned his back toward her and went down on one knee. "Hop on." When she didn't move, he looked over his shoulder. "Stop debating and just get on." She stopped twisting her mouth in an adorable scowl. "Fine." She sighed in capitulation, and, with a look of relief on her face, wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Luke stood up, looping his arms around her legs to hold her on. There was something that felt so incredibly right to have Paige on his back, leaning on him, allowing him to take care of her. "Which way?" "Go straight for now." He felt her rest her cheek on his back, and he felt a strong sense of possessiveness. He was not going to let anything happen to her. "You're trembling," he said. "I'm cold." She rubbed her cheek against him. "It took you long enough to get there. You left me in the water way too long." He chuckled and squeezed her calf. "Sorry. I wanted to catch the Red Sox score before I came after you." "Typical male." She tightened her arms around him. "You're warm," she murmured.

"And you're freezing. We'll get you warm as soon as we get in there, I promise." "Mmm. Actually, I'm shaking with passion from being so close to you," Paige mumbled. "Veer to the right a little bit, through those trees." "All the better. Nothing warms one up like a little frolic." "That's the cabin." She let go of him with one hand and pointed ahead to a gray shack in a grove of trees. "That?" Luke eyed the tilted structure, leaning precariously to the left. The wood looked rotted, and he doubted whether the roof was intact. He gave the wall a hard shove with his foot, but it didn't move at all. "Must be stronger than it looks." "It's safe." She sounded weary, and he was hit with an urgency to get under cover. He ducked inside, surprised to find a metal cot inside, complete with indoor-outdoor cushions. "Did you furnish this?" She was resting her cheek against his shoulder again. "Yeah. I like to come here sometimes." Luke set Paige down on the cot. "What do you do when you come here?" "I read. I hang out with Bandit. Just quiet time." She wiggled to a sitting position. "I come here by myself. It's private. You're the only one who's ever seen it." "How do you figure? Isn't this a public island?"

He whistled for the dogs, who were still running around outside. "My mom gave it to me when I moved up here. It's mine." "This island is yours?" Paige nodded. "She gave it to me to cheer me up after I..." "After you what?" "Nothing." She was hugging her arms to her chest now, shaking visibly. "No fireplace, huh?" "No. There's a spot for a campfire outside." "Which isn't going to help us now." He sat down next to her. "Guess it's body heat then." "No need. I'm fine. Really." "Could you be more stubborn?" "I'm not stubborn." "Uh huh." He stretched out on the cot and pulled her down next to him, hauling her up against him. He draped his legs and arms over her, anchoring her trembling body against him. "This should help." Suddenly he was accosted with memories of that encounter in the bathroom, when he'd helped her with her zipper. He could feel the fabric of her panties against the back of his hand again. Time hadn't lessened his desire. "Better?" Paige closed her eyes and snuggled against him.

"A little." "Give it a minute." He let go of her with one arm and gently massaged her neck and shoulders. "Think about being somewhere warm." "Luke?" "Mmm." "Sorry about taking off like that. It was dumb, especially since I endangered you, and both dogs. I was just upset, and I acted stupidly." "No, don't apologize. I'm the one who owes you and the dogs an apology. I was a jerk at the house. I'm sorry." He watched the dogs hop up on the end of the cot, curling up against each other for warmth. They were so cute, and their actions so innocent. So why did Paige and him, doing the same thing, ignite his hormones? "I was an ass, Paige. I'm the one who should have ended up in the lake, not you." Paige was silent for a while, then said, "The truth comes out in the heat of the moment. You meant what you said. There's no need to apologize for that. You aren't interested in anything with me. It's my problem, not yours, if that bothers me." "It's not that I'm not interested in you," he said, unable to let her think that. "The reason I was such an ass is because I was trying to piss you off so you gave me the boot, because I was having a hell of a time resisting you." She looked at him in surprise. "You were?"

"Yeah." He sighed and ran his fingers through her wet hair. "I want you, sweetheart, in every way. If circumstances were different, things might not have to be the way they are." "You mean if I weren't a country hick? Is that what you mean?" Luke sighed and kept rubbing her shoulders. "Paige, I made a resolution a long time ago not to get involved with women like you. I resolved never to be tempted by the rural, simple life." "Why?" He was quiet for a moment, but his hands were still rubbing her body, soothing her. "Luke?" "I hate my past." "What's your past?" She scooted up his chest so she could see his face. Luke sighed and tightened his arms around her. "I grew up on a potato farm in northern Maine." Her eyebrows shot up. "A potato farm? Seriously?" He nodded. "My whole life was working on that farm, helping my parents, never knowing if there'd be enough rain for the crops to grow, enough money to buy even the most basic of supplies. I hated being poor. I hated being trapped by the farm. I hated watching my parents work so freaking hard for so little. I wanted a different life." Paige rested her cheek on his chest, listening

attentively. "And then when I was seventeen," he said, "I fell in love with a girl named Daisy." "And?" "And I loved her. I asked her to marry me." "At seventeen?" Luke shrugged. "It seemed the right thing to do at the time. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Life on a farm wouldn't be so bad if she were with me." "Do you still love her? I mean, what happened?" Paige snuggled closer against him. His voice turned hard. "She said she wouldn't marry me because I didn't have the financial future she wanted. Daisy wanted a man with lots of money who would rescue her from her life, because she couldn't or wouldn't rescue herself. She wanted out of that town, and she said I would trap her." Paige raised her brows. "So you decided to show her by getting out of town and making a bunch of money." "Well, that was my thought originally, but after a while I did it for me." Luke ran his fingers through her damp hair. "All she did was show me that I'd been right in thinking that life in a small town held no future. So I packed my bags and left." "And now you reject anything having to do with your past, thinking that you've now found happiness in your world of superficial people and

fancy cars. Women love you for your money, and you love to avoid anything that touches your heart." "That's not quite how it is. It's just that I worked really hard to be able to leave the small town New England life behind. Really hard. I like my life, and I don't want you to tempt me out of it." "And you think that because I am a poor country hick, that I would ruin your life if you fell for me?" Luke was quiet before he finally answered. "Paige, I'm already falling for you, and it scares the crap out of me. I don't want to give up all that I've worked so hard for, but I'm afraid I'd do it for you, and I'd resent you forever. You deserve more than that. I don't want to do that to you, and I don't want to do it to myself." Though he was feeling less and less certain of that with each passing day. He was becoming attached to the town, fond of his dog, and was definitely on the verge of falling in love with Paige. And he sort of wanted a mug. Paige studied him. "You're falling for me?" "Trying my best not to." He searched her face, her beautiful, makeup-free face, and sighed. "I really want to kiss you right now." She grinned. "I don't kiss handsome lawyers." "You think I'm handsome?" He moved against her, his pelvis pressing into her fanny. Oh…Paige could feel that he was definitely

affected by their closeness, which made her even more aware of it. "And arrogant. And superficial," she added cheerfully. Luke shifted her under him, so he loomed above her, bracing on his arms. "And handsome?" he asked again. She grinned, ignoring his question as she slid her feet over his calves, trapping him on top of her. "So, have you ever gone back to visit your parents, or did you abandon them in your newfound wealth?" She wasn't trembling anymore and color had returned to her cheeks. In fact, they were almost flushed now. Was she reacting to their intimate situation the way he was? "Of course I go back. I bought them a bunch of new farm equipment that makes their life a lot easier." He couldn't take his gaze off her mouth. Her gorgeous, kissable mouth that he knew would taste incredible. "I can't get my parents to stop working. They'll run that farm until they keel over." "As if you'll stop working when you reach retirement age." Paige slid her hands behind his neck, her fingers playing with the hair at the base of his head. "You're a classic workaholic." "Who you think is handsome." He bent his head and nibbled on her collarbone. Paige closed her eyes, one hand slipping to his chest. "Luke." "Mmm?"

"You say you don't want me to tempt you, but then you nibble on my neck. Which is it?" "Both. I can't resist you, but I want to resist you." He dropped his head further, running his tongue along the collar of her v-neck tee shirt. "You aren't a purebred lawyer, you know," Paige whispered. "Despite your best efforts to appear otherwise, you do value nature, community, and a life beyond the office, don't you? That's the only way I could tempt you, if the longing was already there." Her heart swelled at the thought that Luke really was the man she'd wanted him to be. He had lost touch with his roots, but it was still a part of him. "I'm a city person, now, Paige. The only thing I'm longing for is your body." He lightly bit her neck, and desire rippled through her. With a low whimper she couldn't quite suppress, she wrapped her fingers around his arms, feeling his flexed muscles twitch under her touch. She had to distract herself. "Did you have dogs growing up?" "You asked me that weeks ago." "I did? Tell me again." She caught her breath as his lips traced along her jaw. Oh, God. "That feels amazing." "I didn't have any dogs like Muffin, that's for sure. I didn't even know anyone who had a dog who lived inside as a pet." He grabbed the bottom

edge of her shirt with his teeth and tugged it toward her head, his whiskered chin tickling her stomach. "Too many chickens for a dog." "Chickens?" She sucked in her breath and arched her back toward him, her nerves tingling with desire. "My dad would've shot a dog if it chased the chickens. Chickens were money." He circled her belly button with his tongue, his hot breath sizzling her skin. "You taste like the lake." "So, do you miss the farm? Anything about your old life?" She rubbed her hand over the stubble on his chin, her other hand tousling his hair as he covered her stomach with the most tender of caresses. "Not at all." His voice was firm, but Paige heard the catch in his voice. He did feel the pull, but he was too confused to see what he really wanted. She'd been right to fall in love with the man. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught in her throat. "What's wrong?" Luke looked up, touching her cheek with his hand. She covered his hand with hers, and stared at him, her breath tight in her chest. She'd fallen in love with him the moment she'd shaken his hand and realized that it wasn't the hand of a lawyer. But now, she knew he was worthy of her love; he did value more than money and fancy things. The man had grown up with dirt under his fingernails.

Impulsively, she stretched upward and kissed him. She had meant it to be a quick kiss of thanks, for restoring her faith in him, but the instant their lips touched, she couldn't break away. Her love merged with passion, and she wanted more of him. He returned her kiss with a desperation that nearly consumed her. His fingers dug into her hair, gripping her as if she would slide through his fingers. "Paige." The words were a whisper, his voice husky. She squirmed closer, her heart searing with the love that drove her. She dropped her hands, sliding them underneath his shirt, entwining her fingers in the hair on his chest. She knew what it looked like, dripping with water from the lake, like it had been that morning he'd been sitting on the float with her. But now she wanted to feel it against her cheek. Paige tugged his wet shirt out of his shorts, exposing his muscular chest. She showered it with kisses, eliciting a soft groan from him. "You're killing me, Paige." He caught her under the chin and forced her to look at him. "I meant what I said at your house. I can't give you anything, other than this." She touched his cheek, then kissed him. He believed he was incapable of more, but she knew differently now. He would discover that for himself, soon enough.

Luke returned Paige's kiss, believing that she had accepted his words this time…which made him feel like shit, instead of good. He didn't want her to give up on him. He wanted her to fight for him, to grab hold of that thread she'd unraveled and help him find it. Unable to listen to logic, which told him he was getting involved too deeply, his body and soul responded to Paige's touch. His hands found the clasp of her bra, deftly unhooking it. Together, they tugged her shirt over her head, and he slid the straps of her bra over her arms. It was white lace, just as sexy as the black lace underwear she'd been wearing that night in the bathroom. Paige felt herself sink into the cushions as Luke's hands and lips roamed her body. Her skin was tingling, and her heart was racing. She was vaguely aware when he unbuttoned her shorts, her body jerking involuntarily when his fingers slid between her legs. She heard herself mumble his name, but it sounded so far away. The feel of his hot skin against hers, the way her body wanted to sing with each touch of his lips and hands. She needed more. Fumbling for his shorts, she was startled to realize that they were gone. Her fingers grasped hot flesh instead, eliciting a gasp from both of them. "Not yet, sweetheart. I can't handle that." Luke moved her hand, concentrating instead on bringing

her to a peak that matched his. Within moments, she was writhing under him, her mind blurred of everything but her need for the man she loved. "Luke..." Understanding what she wanted, he moved over her, trying to start slowly, but passion tore at his self-control. Paige shared his sense of urgency, wrapping her legs around him to draw him in. The pounding of the rain on the roof was like a drumroll, rising to a crescendo in tune with the rhythm of their bodies. Then the thunder cracked, Paige felt like her insides exploded, and Luke shouted her name.

CHAPTER 20

I

t was sunset by the time they began thinking about going home. Luke had kept her nice and warm for hours, definitely the most enjoyable afternoon she'd ever spent in the hut. Neither of them had talked about what would happen next, just enjoying the exploration of each other's bodies. Paige snuggled against Luke, listening to the wind roar through the trees. She never wanted to move again. "Paige?" "Mmm." "We didn't use any protection." Paige chuckled and nestled her face against his chest. He still smelled like the woods. "It's a little late to be having this conversation, isn't it?" Luke caught her chin in his hand and forced her

to look at him. "I'm serious, Paige." She grinned and kissed him. "That was pretty irresponsible of us, wasn't it?" "I don't have time for kids." "I want to have kids." He sat up quickly, nearly sending her tumbling to the floor. "Not with me, you don't. I can't be a good father." She propped herself up on her elbow, watching him fumble for his clothes. He was awfully cute when he was flustered. "You didn't think you had time to be a dog owner, but you do. Once you realized you loved Muffin, you made time. It's the same thing with kids." His shorts on, but unfastened, Luke grabbed her by the shoulders. "Paige! We're talking about kids, not a dog." He let go of her to pace the small shack, running his hands through his hair in agitation. "I wasn't even thinking, just swept away by you. I've never done that before. Never. I swear. I'm not irresponsible." "It's okay." "No, it's not." He sat next to her on the cot and grabbed her hand. "If you're pregnant, we're getting married." Her mouth dropped open. "Married?" She couldn't believe he'd actually said that. In today's society, people didn't have to get married just because there was a baby…and yet, that was the

first solution that had popped into his mind. She smiled. He loved her. "Of course. It's the right thing. When will you know?" Paige pulled her shorts on, still grinning. "Well, that's just the most romantic proposal I've ever heard. Will you catch me while I swoon?" He clenched his fingers in his hair. "This isn't funny, Paige." "When I get married, it'll be for love. Do you love me?" Luke stared at her, frozen in place as he reached for his shirt. "What?" "Mmm…that's too bad for you. I'm really quite loveable, and you're missing out by not letting yourself bask in my awesomeness." She sighed dramatically and picked up her bra. "Well, you can stop panicking, because I'm on the pill." He frowned. "What?" "The pill. Birth control. Surely, you've heard of it." Luke jumped up from the couch. "What? Why are you on the pill? It's that lumberjack, isn't it?" A string of oaths poured from his lips as he paced the cabin. She tried to keep the smile off her face. If he didn't love her beyond words, he wouldn't have thought to solve an accidental pregnancy by marriage, and he wouldn't be getting so worked up

about a lumberjack that didn't even exist. She grinned. The man was blind not to see his own capacity to care, including his dog, the town, this life…and her. "Not that it is any of your business, seeing as how you've declared that I mean absolutely nothing to you..." Luke interrupted her. "It is my business who you sleep with. Tell me the truth." She grinned wider. "I get really bad cramps during my period. The pill makes them almost nonexistent." He didn't move away from her. "Cramps?" "Cramps," she said firmly. "Ask any doctor. I'm not the only woman who takes the pill for cramps." "You're not sleeping with the lumberjack?" His voice was doubtful, but there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. She rolled her eyes. "Seriously with that question, Luke? Do you really think I'd be sleeping with anyone? After all the time we've spent together, don't you know me better than that?" Luke studied her face, his face softening. "Just me?" he asked, his tone almost wondrous. Paige smiled and gently patted his cheeks. "Yes, you big oaf. Just you. If you ask me again, I'm going to start thinking that you think I'm a harlot or something." "No, no, no," he said quickly. "I don't think that at all." He managed a sheepish smile. "I just got

jealous and it made me a little crazy for a sec." He lightly framed her face with his hands and kissed her. "I've never been jealous before," he admitted. "It caught me unprepared." She beamed at him. "You were jealous?" "No. Yes. Maybe a little." "Why would you be jealous?" she teased. "If I were in love with someone else, there'd be no chance that I'd try to tempt you into my New Hampshire life. Wouldn't that make your life less complicated? Wouldn't it be beautiful for you if my heart was somewhere else?" A muscle ticked in his cheek. "I don't want you to be in love with someone else." She pulled her shirt on, her heart pounding. "Then what do you want?" He opened his mouth, then shut it, running his hands through his hair. Finally, he shrugged. "I'm not sure I know anymore." The man was definitely making progress. She stood up and slipped her hands around his waist. "I don't hear any thunder anymore. Think we could make it back?" "Paige..." Luke stopped. "Don't overthink, Luke. Let's go back. You'll figure it out eventually." Luke cupped her upturned face between his hands and kissed her softly. "I didn't get a chance to tell you how wonderful it was to make love with

you." She smiled. "It was, wasn't it?" "You're incredible, in every way." He accentuated his words with a deep kiss that had her ready to go back to the cot for another tumble. "Think maybe I can sleep over tonight? I'm not quite ready for this day to end." She grinned. "I think that can be arranged. As long as you give me a piggyback to the boat. Not that I need it, but it's kinda fun." "Deal." Luke carried her to the cot, so she could climb onto his back. Paige wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and rested her cheek against his back. What was she going to have to do to make Luke realize his capacity to love? To realize that being a workaholic wasn't making him happy? It had taken a nervous breakdown before she'd realized what that life was doing to her. There had to be a less painful way than that.

CHAPTER 21

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he next morning, Paige was awakened by a cold nose in her face.

"Go away." A soft whine accompanied another poke. Unwilling to open her eyes, Paige flapped her hand in the direction of the whine, her hand landing on a furry head. "Go lie down, Bandit." Then she got another poke from a different direction. Two dogs? She opened her eyes to discover Bandit and Muffin staring at her hopefully. Then realized that a warm, naked body was wrapped around her. Luke. She smiled, and nestled back against him, resting her cheek on his shoulder. They'd been up most of the night with some amazing naked time, and she was pretty sure it had been the best night of her life. He hadn't told her he loved her, but she

knew he did. It was in the way he looked at her, the tenderness of his touch, the sweetness of his kisses. She smiled and closed her eyes— Bandit woofed, and she sat up. "Shh! Don't wake him up." She realized it was long past breakfast time for the pooches. "Okay, let's go eat." Trying not to wake Luke, so she could have a few moments to process their night together, she slid out of the bed, landing softly on the floor. She managed to get dressed without waking Luke, even when she tripped over Muffin and crashed into the dresser. "Hope you like Bandit's food," she said to Muffin, scooping up a sizeable portion of kibble for the Shepherd. While the two dogs were munching and she was waiting for her coffee to percolate, Paige walked to the sliding door and looked out at the lake. The sun was high in the sky, and all evidence of the storm was gone. Except that her canoe was in the water, instead of the garage, and her kayak was no longer on the dock. She'd have to take the canoe out later and try to find it. Her stomach rumbled, and she glanced at the clock. It was almost ten already. It was amazing that the dogs had let them sleep that late. She walked back to the freezer and pulled frozen cinnamon rolls out. She was just setting them in the oven when her phone rang. She vaulted over to it to answer it before it

woke Luke. She needed time to think before he woke up. "Hello?" She walked out onto the deck to talk in private. "It's Mom. Calling to see if you want to do dinner tonight. Walter called. His son is in town and they want to take us out. Are you free?" Walt Jr. She'd forgotten about him. Paige lowered her voice. "Actually, I've got a guest." "The Muffin Man? What time will you be done training? I can schedule dinner whenever." "No, Mom. We're not training the dog." For a moment there was silence, then Louise let out a war whoop. "You finally jumped in the ol' ring with him, huh?" "Mom!" Paige felt her cheeks turn red, and she turned toward the lake away from the house. "So? What next?" "I don't know." "What you do mean, you don't know? I assume you've decided he isn't like your father." "Yeah." Paige lowered her voice. "Actually, it's really bad." "Bad, how?" "I think I'm in love with him." Paige paused, then said, "Actually, I know I'm in love with him." "Honey, how is that bad? The man's a good catch, he has a great dog, and he understands the neuroses of lawyers. You picked a good one to fall

in love with. What's wrong with that?" Paige sighed. "Because he doesn't think he loves me." There was silence for a moment, then Louise said, "Did he tell you that?" "Pretty much." "What did he say when you told him you loved him?" Paige snorted. "Please, I didn't tell him. I wasn't about to tell him that I loved him, just to get it thrown back in my face. He also said he doesn't have time to be a good husband or father. So, you see? I didn't pick the right one." Last night, when she'd been so intimate with him, it had seemed like the right choice to trust him, to believe in him, but in the bright light of the aftermath, suddenly she felt like she'd been overly optimistic to put so much faith in a man who claimed so fiercely not to want more with her. "I've fallen too hard for him, Mom, and he's not willing to meet me halfway." At Paige's words, Luke stepped off the deck and back into the kitchen, reeling from what he'd just heard Paige say. He still held the mug of coffee he'd been bringing out to Paige. She loved him. She'd whispered it to her mother, huddling over the phone in case he was awake. Which he most certainly was. "Holy shit." He set the coffee on the table and leaned on it, his head hanging down in stunned

disbelief. Paige appeared in the kitchen suddenly, the phone dangling from her hand. "You're up." Luke forced a neutral expression on his face. "Yep. I poured the coffee." She eyed him suspiciously. "How long have you been up?" "Not long." He picked up the mug and handed it to her. She loved him. "I've got to go to Boston today, for a week." Paige's shoulders relaxed, apparently having concluded that he hadn't heard her talking to her mom. She sat down into one of the chairs and sipped the coffee. "Why do you have to go to Boston?" "I have some work there that I've got to take care of. Plus, I need to give a report on how things are going up here." He truly did have to go to Boston, but he was also grateful for a break from Paige. He needed time to think, away from her influence. His mind was totally scrambled after the last eighteen hours. "Can you watch Muffin for the week?" Her face didn't hide her disappointment. "You won't take him with you?" "It's just for a week. It'll be easier if I don't have to worry about him. I don't want to leave him home all day. I can't bring him to work." "Yeah, I guess you can't." She didn't look like

she believed his excuse. "When are you leaving?" "As soon as I get my stuff packed. I have a meeting this afternoon." "Why didn't you tell me you were going? Am I supposed to take it as a coincidence that you have to take off right after we—" "Hey. Stop that." He leaned across the table and kissed her. "Before last night, there wasn't a reason that I would've told you I had to leave for a week, was there?" She pursed her lips. "No, not really." "I'll be back. And then we'll talk. Okay?" She managed a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Fine." His heart ached. "Paige. Stop being like this." She folded her arms across her chest. "Sorry. I'm human. It feels wrong that you're taking off today." Luke saw the pain in her face, and he felt desperate. "Want to come with me?" "What?" He grabbed her hand. "Come with me. It's just a week. Bring Bandit. You and the dogs can hang out while I'm at work, and we can see the city at night." "To Boston?" "Yeah. Will you come?" Suddenly, he didn't want a break from her. He wanted to take her back with him, to assimilate her into his world. Why hadn't he thought of that before? He could have

everything, his work and her. "Just for the week. You might like it. You might want to go back again. I have a dinner tomorrow night with some partners from my firm. You could come with me..." "No, thanks." She pulled her hand out of his and stood up, nearly knocking over the chair in her haste. "I have a bunch of stuff going on this week, so it really wouldn't work. But you told me that you aren't trying to avoid me, so that's good." She grabbed a potholder. "Want a cinnamon roll?" Luke walked over and put his hands around her waist, forcing her to face him. "What's going on with you, Paige? Why are you afraid of going with me?" She wouldn't look at him. "I'm not afraid of going with you." "Then what? Are you scared of Boston? It's a nice city, not so big." She pushed away and went over to the oven. "Please. I'm not scared of Boston." She pulled the rolls from the oven and set them on the stove, her hand shaking so badly she almost dropped the pan. "You should go, Luke." He studied her, trying to figure out what was making her so skittish. "You think you won't fit in with the lawyers at my firm?" She made an awkward sound, like a choking duck and shot a startled look at him. Luke knew he'd hit the truth, or at least near it.

"Oh, come on. You're every bit as smart as any of them, and you're much more interesting. They'll love you." Paige whirled around to face him, her skin ashen. "You have no idea about me, so leave me alone. I'm not going to Boston with you, and I'm certainly not going to dinner with your colleagues. Just leave it at that." He watched her fumble with the rolls, nearly burning her hand on them as she threw them onto a plate. "Paige?" "I'll keep your dog for the week, Luke. I'm happy to take Muffin. It sounds great to me." "Thanks," he said cautiously. "Can I stay for breakfast?" "No." She grabbed a paper towel and set a roll in it. "You can have takeout this morning." "I'd rather eat here." "You can't." "Why?" She leaned against the counter and folded her arms over her chest. "I have a question for you, Luke." "Yeah?" "Would you ever move here?" "To New Hampshire?" He could tell from the look on her face that she was serious. Too serious. "Uh huh." He paused for a long moment before answering.

He wanted to find a way to make it work, to somehow have everything he'd found in the last few months, but he couldn't see an out. "I can't leave my job." She nodded. "So, that's a no." "I guess. What's your point?" "I'm not moving to Boston." Luke gritted his teeth. "I didn't ask you to move there. I just asked you to come with me for a week." But even as he spoke, he knew it was a lie. He'd seen an opportunity, he'd hoped maybe it would work, that maybe if she came with him, she'd want to go with him when he moved back there. She narrowed her eyes. "No, I guess you didn't ask me to move there, did you? So, I guess I'm getting all worked up over nothing. So, it doesn't matter if I'd go anyway, or if you'd move here." Luke ran his hands through his hair in aggravation. "Will you please tell me what you're talking about? Why are you so upset?" "I'm not upset." "Liar." "Will you just go? Go to Boston, to your dinner. I'll see you when you get back." Luke decided that maybe she was right. It would give them both some space to process. "I wish you'd come with me." She held out the roll. "See you in a week." "Fine." He gave her a quick kiss, then grabbed

his car keys. "I'll call you." "I'm not sure there's a point." Luke's stomach thudded like a lump of clay. "What?" She just shook her head. "We'll talk when you get back. We both need the week to think." It was not the sweetest goodbye he'd ever had. There was something much too permanent about it, which bothered him for the entire drive to Boston.

CHAPTER 22

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en days later, and Paige hadn't heard from Luke. He hadn't even called to check on his dog. It was better this way, though it hurt like hell. Refusing to wallow in misery, she'd accepted a dinner invitation from her mom, for a girls' night out. Only, when she arrived, there were two familiar men sitting at their table. Paige stopped in her tracks, forcing Louise to bump into her from behind. "Mom. What did you do? I thought it was just us for dinner." Louise dug her knuckle between Paige's shoulder blades. "Ow!" "Keep walking, sweetie. Walt Jr. showed up unexpectedly today, and this was the only way Walter would keep the date with me tonight." Paige ducked to the right, out of range of her

mom's deadly knuckles. "I can't do this. Not now. Not after Luke and I..." "Paige. Luke's been gone over a week, and you haven't heard from him. He hasn't even checked on his dog." "So? Maybe he's been busy." Paige stole a glance across the restaurant. Walt Jr., who she used to think was someone she might be interested in, now just looked nerdy and annoying. His hair was slicked sideways across his head, a weak attempt to hide his premature balding. Why hadn't that bothered her before? "I'm not eating with you guys." "Too late. They see us." Louise waved across the restaurant, and both Walters stood up. "Smile, hon. It's for the good of your mom's social life. Surely you can suck it up for one night. I really like the man." "Trying to buy your way into his heart by pimping your only daughter?" Paige reluctantly let her mom push her toward the table. She did want her mom to find a man who treated her well, and Walter did seem like a nice guy, but she couldn't even manage to make eye contact with him. She missed Luke so much, and she was terrified by the long silence from him. It wasn't like him, it wasn't the relationship they'd already established over the last few months. "Aren't you guys old enough to date without having to bring your kids along?"

"Well, hello, Louise. You look lovely this evening," Walter gushed, his bald head blushing when Louise beamed at him. "Hi, Paige. So good to see you again." Walt Jr. sidled up to Paige and tried to kiss her in greeting. All he received was a head-butt when she ducked her head to avoid him. She darted past him and grabbed the seat farthest away from him. "Boy, am I hungry. Let's order right away." She tried not to feel guilty about her mom's sigh as she sat down. It was her mom's fault that she was there against her will. She'd stay, but she didn't have to prolong it. She should find a way to enjoy it though. Things with Luke obviously weren't going to work out. Yeah, right. Walt Jr. held as much appeal as wilted cabbage in day-old tap water. Then her mom whispered, "Thank you," and Paige's tension faded. Her mom had done so much for her, and been through so much. Even if Paige couldn't have love, at least one of them could. She nodded and squeezed her mom's hand. "You bet," she whispered. By the time they'd ordered their dinner, despite her resolution to support her mom, Paige was feeling sick to her stomach. She couldn't take any more of Walt Jr.'s attempts to brush her hand, or engage her in private conversation. She wanted to be home, with Muffin and Bandit, trying to talk

herself out of Luke, not here, avoiding Walt Jr.’s overtures. "Excuse me." The maître d' tapped on Paige's shoulder. "Paige?" She whirled around. Relief? "Yes? Is there an emergency? Did someone get bitten by their dog?" The poor man took a step back. "Um, I don't know anything about a dog. There's a man here to speak with you." He pointed toward the front of the restaurant. Paige leaned to her left to peer around the man, then caught her breath. It was Luke, in a suit, and he looked irritated. Her heart leapt, and she suddenly felt so much better. Luke. "That man has a way of interrupting our dinners," Louise said, but her eyes were twinkling. "Find out what he wants and send him on his way." "Sure, Mom." With a nod of apology to Walt Jr., who was eyeing Luke nervously, Paige carefully set her napkin on her chair and stood up. Squaring her shoulders, she quelled the bubble of excitement at seeing Luke again. After such a wonderful day of lovemaking, the man had utterly disappeared. He didn't deserve a warm welcome, even if she was so desperate to see him that she could barely keep herself from racing across the room and throwing herself into his arms. She reached him, and stopped. "Hi." God, he looked handsome. She'd missed him so much.

"Hi." He glared at her, then meaningfully looked over her shoulder and scowled at her date. "I'm gone for less than two weeks, and you're already picking up with your lumberjack again?" Paige smiled at his jealousy, her insides dancing at the sight of him. She'd really begun to think he wasn't coming back. "You don't really think he's a lumberjack, do you? I think a chainsaw weighs more than him." Luke's scowl deepened. "You aren't denying that you're at dinner with him." "My mom digs his dad, and the only way his dad would go is if I went along, too. My mom trapped me into it," Paige said. "How'd you find me?" "There are only two restaurants in this town. It wasn't very difficult." He looked over her shoulder again. "Can we get out of here? Your date is irritating me." She hesitated, wanting desperately to leave, yet not quite ready to trust his reappearance. "I thought I'd hear from you while you were gone, especially after what happened between us." "I know. I'm sorry." Luke ran his fingers though his hair. "Can we go outside?" "Here is fine." Paige crossed her arms over her chest and waited. She hadn't really thought he was coming back, and now that he was here, she didn't want to trust him again. The fact he hadn't reached

out to hug her was scaring her. "What's going on, Luke?" "Fine." He took a deep breath. "Listen, when I was back in Boston…" She lifted her chin. "What happened?" "I've got to move back." Paige felt a sudden lump in her throat. "What about your office here?" "They've picked up some new clients in Boston. They want me back there to handle them. I've hired a couple people here. If you'll just give me the name of that lawyer you know, I could round out the staff and be done with it." "Oh." Paige shifted her feet. "What about your dog?" "I work hundred-hour weeks in Boston, Paige. I can't do that to him. I was hoping you'd take care of him." She stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. "You're going to leave Muffin behind?" She'd thought he'd changed. She'd been so sure he'd fallen love with the dog, with life in New Hampshire, with all of it…with her. How could she have been so wrong? "No." Paige furrowed her brow. "What? Didn't you just say you wanted me to take care of him?" Luke nodded. "What are you talking about?"

He took her hand. "Paige, when I was in Boston, all I could think about was you. I missed your irreverence of me, and my profession. The way you challenge my beliefs. I want you to come back to Boston with me. My condo felt empty as hell, and I hated the thought of going home at night. I need you, Bandit, and Muffin in my life." For a split second, her heart leapt. He wanted her to move to Boston with him? He didn't want to leave her behind. God, she wanted to say yes, desperately, but she knew she couldn’t. There was no way she wanted to go back to Boston, even to be with him. It would break her. "Luke—" "I want you to marry me. Will you?" Her mouth dropped open, and she didn't know what to say. "I know I don't have a ring, but I didn't have time. I fought all week, trying to get them to let me stay up here longer but there was no way. I have to go back, and once I realized that, I knew I couldn’t do it without you." He took her hand. "What do you say? I know you're afraid of the city, but it'll be okay. You can set up a dog training business if you want, but you don't have to. I make plenty of money. You can be a lady of leisure, buy some nice clothes, go to fancy restaurants. You'll love it." "Fancy restaurants and nice clothes?" She closed her eyes, her heart breaking. "Don't you know that's not me?" she whispered, unable to keep

the anguish out of her voice. "You can't turn me into something that fits your life." She held her arms out to the side. "Look at me, Luke. See me. This is who I am. This is me." He frowned "What? What's wrong? I thought you loved me?" "So you did overhear me talking to my mom?" She was only mildly gratified by the mortified look on Luke's face that she'd caught him. She sighed. "Luke, I told you on the island that I would marry only for love. And you don't love me. If you did, you would know I can't accept that offer, that it would make me miserable. You would see who I am, and love me for that." The muscle in Luke's cheek flexed. "But..." Frustration ripped through her, and heartbreak. She pushed at his chest. "You're an idiot, Luke! Look at me! I'm not your rich little Bostonian woman! I'm from a small town in New Hampshire and that's where I have to stay. I can't live your life!" He looked confused. "It's the lumberjack, isn't it? That's who you love. I misunderstood, didn't I?" "Good heavens, Luke! There isn't any lumberjack! I'm putting up with that loser because my mom has the hots for his dad. You're the one I love, but I'm not going to be stupid about it. I can't move back to Boston, even for you. And I can't marry a man who can't see and accept me for who I

am, no matter how much I love him." Even Luke wouldn't be able to prevent a nervous breakdown if she returned to her old life. And he didn't love her. He stared at her. "You can't move back to Boston?" She waved her arms. "Look around you, Luke. The lake, the dogs, the paintings hanging in your office. I belong at The Mug now, and I love that feeling." "What do you mean, back to Boston? Have you lived there?" "Yo', kids. You're making a scene." Louise popped her head over Paige's shoulder. She eyed Luke. "You have a habit of interrupting my dates. It's rather irritating." "Sorry." Luke stared at Paige, but she wouldn't meet his gaze. "You know my past, Paige. Tell me yours." "Ohhh..." Louise put her arm around Paige's shoulder. "You haven't told him, yet?" Paige shrugged off her mom's arm and lifted her chin. "Luke, I appreciate your offer. I know that's as much as you can give, but it's not enough for me. Even if you did love me, which you haven't even said you do, I still can't move to Boston. I don't want to, even if I could." She turned to her mom. "I'm going home. Can you have Walter drive you home?" Louise grinned. "Yeah, but how am I going to

get rid of Walt Jr.? Without you around to distract him, he rather cramps my style." "I'll get rid of him. Purely as a favor to you, Louise." Luke walked past the two women before they could stop him. He grabbed a pitcher of water from a startled waiter and headed for the table. "You've got to be kidding." Louise elbowed her daughter. "What happened out here?" "He asked me to move to Boston and be his live-in sex toy and dog sitter. I turned him down, of course." "Those were his words? Interesting approach. I wonder if it would work with Walter." "Please, Mom. The image of you being Walter's sex toy is too much for a daughter. Spare me the fantasy, will you?" She sighed. "He asked me to marry him, but he couldn't even say he loved me," she whispered. "And he said I could go to Boston and wear nice clothes and go to nice restaurants." Louise raised her brows. "He proposed?" "It wasn't enough, Mom." "No, it wasn't, but it's a good first step. He'll come around." Paige bit her lip. "I don't know," she whispered. "I don't know anymore." "I do." Louise grinned and put her arm over her shoulder as Luke approached the table. "What do you suppose Luke's going to do with that pitcher?" "Dump it on Walt Jr. hopefully."

To her dismay, Luke merely filled the water glasses on the table, chatting amicably with the Walters. After a few moments, Walt Jr. stood up and walked toward them. He nodded toward Louise and Paige. "Business emergency. I'm afraid I have to leave." Then he continued out the door to the parking lot. Paige and Louise exchanged surprised glances, then looked back into the dining room. Luke was sitting opposite Walter, chatting casually. He looked relaxed and at ease. Unable to contain her curiosity, Paige led the way across the dining room. When she reached the table, neither man even bothered to look up. "Luke. Can I chat with you for a moment?" "One sec." He shifted in his chair, tugging his wallet out of his back pocket. He pulled a business card out and handed it to Walter. "So, give me a call on Monday and we'll chat." Walter took the card and shook Luke's hand. "Glad to see we're getting some quality legal help up here. I look forward to working with you." Paige shook her head. Only at the table for three minutes, and the man was scoping for clients. Her mom's date, for heaven's sake. "Luke?" He stood up, flashing her an amused smile. "Nice to see you again, Louise." Paige grabbed his arm and pulled him away

from the table. "What did you say to Walt Jr.? You didn't ruin my mom's chances with his dad, did you?" Luke grinned. "Not at all. I simply told Walt Jr. that you wanted to get cozy with him, but you were too embarrassed to do anything in front of your mom. He's going to meet you at your house in twenty minutes. That way your mom doesn't need to know." "What? Are you serious?" His smug grin told her all she needed to know. "You're a jerk." Not waiting for a reply, she sprinted for the door, praying she could catch Walt Jr. before he headed off to her house.

CHAPTER 23

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aige ran out to the parking lot just in time to see Walt Jr.'s sports car peel out onto the street, the tires squealing. She watched with dismay as he turned left, toward her house. Damn Luke. "I hate him." "Yeah, he did seem rather desperate," Luke agreed, his breath warm on her cheek. Paige jumped forward, away from Luke. She whirled toward him. "I meant that I hate you." "It is said that there is a fine line between love and hate." "Why did you do that? I had just told you that I wasn't here with him." Paige dug into her purse for her keys and stalked toward her truck. Luke grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop. "I figured you wouldn't go home if you knew Walt Jr. was waiting there for you."

She twisted her arm out of his grasp. "And what's the point of that? Depriving me of my home?" "I thought we could go somewhere and talk." Paige clenched her teeth and unlocked her truck, refusing to look at Luke. "There's nothing more to say. You want me to be your kept woman, and I won't do it." She climbed inside and tried to pull the door shut, but Luke wedged his hip in the door. He absently patted his dog, who was poking his nose over Paige's shoulder to greet him. "Hey, Muffin. Paige, I asked you to marry me. What more do you want?" "I want to marry a man who loves me." "Maybe I love you. Did you think of that?" She sighed. "You don't even know me, so how can you love me? The fact you can even think that offering me fancy restaurants, nice clothes, and dinner with the partners in your firm shows how little you know about who I really am." Luke pulled her keys out of the ignition and shoved them in his pocket. "Then why don't you tell me?" Challenge flashed in his eyes. "Why can't you move to Boston, Paige? You know my past. Tell me yours. Instead of throwing up walls between us like you do every time I ask about your past, tell me. Don't run away again. Just tell me." Paige folded her arms across her chest. "Fine.

You want to know? I used to be a lawyer at Black & Bonneau." His brows shot up. "You did? The firm that's in my building?" "Yep." She took a deep breath, fighting back tears. "I wanted to be the first female partner at B&B, so I worked my butt off. I slept at the firm most nights, and had no life outside. My fiancé also worked there, and we were hardly ever at home. I made tons of money, was about a year away from making partner, and then…." God, she didn't want to tell him. She didn't want him to look at her the way Howard had, the way everyone in her firm had. "Then what?" Luke's voice was soft, and he moved closer, running his hand down her arm. "What happened, Paige?" She raised her chin and met his gaze. "I had a nervous breakdown or whatever they're calling it these days. I collapsed in the middle of a team meeting and I had to be carted out on a stretcher. I spent a month in the psych ward at the hospital, and when they let me out…" she sighed. "A part of me was broken," she said softly. "My fiancé had already dumped me, and the firm had quietly asked me not to come back. My ex bought me out of our condo, and I moved up here to recover. I got Bandit a few weeks after moving here. That's when I discovered what life is about, and that's when I

began to heal." Luke whistled softly and encircled his fingers around her wrist. "You just left the law behind completely? After all you'd invested in it?" Paige hesitated, unsettled by the fact he wasn't pulling away, that he was still touching her, that he didn't seem shocked, surprised, or horrified. Didn't he understand what she was telling him? "Yes, I quit. When I was in your firm that day, it was the first time I'd been in a firm since then. I was having a panic attack when you thought I had the flu." Empathy flickered in his eyes. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea." She met his gaze. "I'm the one you heard about. The crazy woman who lost her mind." He shrugged. "I don't pay much attention to rumors." She blinked. "That's it? That's all you have to say? Don't you realize what associating with me would do to your reputation?" "I don't particularly care about what anyone else thinks." He twirled his index finger thoughtfully in her hair. "Do you miss practicing law?" She took a deep breath, trying desperately to resist the urge to lean into him, to ask him for the hug she needed so desperately. Instead, she focused on the feel of his hands on her wrists, his thumbs tracing circles on the underside of her wrists. "I

don't miss anything about my old life," she said firmly, meeting his gaze. "I can imagine." He was still studying her thoughtfully, not pulling away. She eyed him. "How come you aren't surprised I'm a lawyer?" "Because it makes sense. You're obviously smart and witty, and you aren't remotely intimidated by me." He nodded. "Yep, it all makes sense now. I'm impressed as hell that you figured out what you wanted in life, and rebuilt yourself. That's not easy." Her heart tightened. "Thank you." He nodded, running his hands along her arms. "You've got it all, don't you? The education, the freedom to make a living wherever you want, and the experience to choose what makes you happy. Dog training." "It's not perfect." "How so?" "I sometimes wish I could start a part-time local practice up here. I feel like I could make a difference to people, like how I make their lives better with my dog training. I mean, I love my dog training, and I'd never give it up, but it might be fun to do both." She looked at him. "But I'm scared. I was really a wreck, Luke. I don't want to be like that again. I don't think I could handle it, even up here, but there's no way I could do it in Boston."

"I understand why you don't want to move back to Boston," he said, resting his hands on her hips. "I'm sure you could handle it if you wanted to, but you have a beautiful life up here." He gave her a smile that held a hint of sadness. "If I'd known what I know now, I wouldn't have asked you to move to Boston. It's not right for you, and I apologize for asking you to do it." Her throat tightened at his utter lack of judgement. "I do love you," she whispered. "Would you ever consider moving up here?" He was quiet for too long, long enough for her to know the answer in his heart. "It doesn't matter, then," she said. "It just doesn't matter." She held out her hand. "My keys, please." "No. We aren't finished." "I am." She grabbed the waistband of his suit, and pulled him close, slipping her hand into his trouser pocket before he could stop her. "I love you, but I need to get away from you, Luke. You're breaking my heart, and it's just not healed enough to handle that." She put the key in the ignition. "And I have to go exterminate my house, thanks to you sending Walt Jr. over there." Luke said nothing, but he stepped back and let her shut the door. Letting her go. Not fighting for her. "We aren't finished." "I'm keeping your dog for now. He's scarier than Bandit and will drive away any intruders that may

be lurking at my house. You can come get him tomorrow, if you still want him." "I'll be there." But she was gone, out of hearing. Luke stood in the parking lot, watching the pickup disappear down the street, knowing that she wouldn't find Walt Jr. at her house. Luke had made that up just to keep her from rushing off without talking to him. He should have known better than to force Paige into anything. The woman must have been a good lawyer, she was so stubborn. And she was better than a good lawyer. She was an incredible woman, courageous, funny, warm, and passionate. He could never ask her to move to Boston. But could he walk away from her? He closed his eyes. What did he really want? What did his soul really want? It took him about three seconds, and he knew.

CHAPTER 24

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he next morning, the sun was beating down on Paige's back, and she could feel her hair drying under its heat. A sigh of contentment echoed from the wet German Shepherd on her left, while Bandit dozed by her feet, the three of them basking in the sunshine on her float. It had taken a bit of convincing to persuade Muffin to climb onto the step under the water so he could get onto the float, but he had eventually followed Bandit's lead. Now the three of them were snoozing in the sun on her float. It should've been perfect, but it wasn't. All she could do was think about last night with Luke. He'd never look at her again, knowing that she was the woman he'd heard all those rumors about. But she'd had to tell him. She couldn't pretend

anymore to be anything other than who she was. In a way, the relief was extraordinary. She didn't need to worry anymore about being found out. He knew who she was. It was over— Suddenly, there was a loud splash, and cold water sloshed down her back. "Hey!" Her eyes sprung open and she jumped to her knees, but no one was there. The dogs were alert, but relaxed, looking at her as if she were crazy. The water lapped quietly against the float, and no one was around. "Who's there?" No one answered, and the water was still. The only sign that she hadn't imagined the attack was her wet bathing suit and the water on the float. "Mom?" Paige crawled over to the edge of the float and laid down on her stomach, scooting over until her upper body was hanging over the end of the float. Gripping the ladder with her left hand to keep from toppling into the water, she leaned until the top of her head touched the water, so she could look under the float. In the ten-inch gap between the surface of the water and the bottom of the flat, she could see the outline of a head, but it was turned away from her. "Who's there?" The head turned toward her, and she saw his face. Her heart leapt, and sudden tears filled her eyes. "Luke? What are you doing?" "Hey." He swam toward her, until he was a

couple feet away. One hand was gripping a beam on the bottom of the float and the other was swirling in the water while he treaded water. "I needed to talk to you." The blood was rushing to her head, but Paige didn't feel like inviting Luke out from under the float. God, her heart was breaking just looking at him. When had she fallen so deeply in love with him? "What do you want?" "I think I've done a pretty good job training Muffin, don't you think?" "Yeah. So?" "So, I want you to pass a message on to your lawyer friend who wrote the contract." Paige tensed. He must've figured out that she was the one who drafted the document. "That's why you came out here? You're hiding under the float for that?" Luke continued to tread water. "I prefer to deal face to face in my business." "Business? This is about business? How can you even say that?" Paige's ribs were starting to hurt from pressing into the hard wood, but she didn't feel like moving and letting Luke out from under the float. It was almost like he was in prison, and she rather liked that feeling. He swam to the next plank, and Paige could see his face more clearly. "I have a proposal for your lawyer friend," he said, ignoring her question. "Will

you pass it on?" "Probably not." "I need a lawyer to work part-time from home, maybe coming to the office five hours a week or so, as needed." She was starting to get a headache from being upside down. "What are you talking about? Since when are you looking for a part-time lawyer? I thought you wanted someone to run the office?" He moved one plank closer. His face was only about twelve inches from Paige's, and she could see his eyes intensely fixed on hers. "I found someone to run the office. We don’t have enough business for more full-time lawyers. I'm just looking for someone with local connections and great skills, especially for the locals without much money. I'd pay her less than the Boston salary rate, so we could charge those clients nominal fees. Give them good legal help, without breaking their bank accounts. I'd service the businesses that could pay the bigger fees." She frowned. "You? Did you just say you would serve the businesses?" Luke swam closer, and his forehead was just inches from her chin. "Yep. See, here's the thing, Paige. I talked to my office last night about the possibility of me staying up here, but they wouldn't let me. They said I was too valuable. It kind of pissed me off."

"What are you talking about?" "I loved working part-time this summer, Paige. I love my damn dog. I want more kayak rides, and I want time to live life. I can't do that from my firm, even from up here. So, I resigned. I'm opening my own office. I don't have any lawyers, or staff, or anything, so I was really hoping your lawyer friend would come work with me. We could do it together. Dog-friendly offices." Paige stared at him, her head beginning to spin, only it wasn't from being upside down. "What are you saying?" "I've realized that I missed the small-town atmosphere that I grew up in. I love being a lawyer, but up here, I can do both. It's not like being stuck on the farm I grew up on. It's different, just like how working with me in our own law firm would be different for you. We can both have what we want, Paige. You showed me that last night." "You're serious." Paige's breath was getting tighter; she felt like her lungs were collapsing against the hard wood. "You're going to stay here." "Yeah. And I really would like your lawyer friend to help me out. Work as much as she wants, train dogs as much as she wants, but knowing that the law option is there for her." He caught the top of her head with his free hand, supporting it as she hung upside down. "And I'd like to marry her." With those words, he grabbed her ponytail and

tugged. Paige grinned and let go of the ladder, tumbled off the float, and into the water. She came up grinning, her mind reeling. He was still hanging onto the float with one hand, and he was grinning. "You want to marry me? Like, really marry me? Husband, father, family man, and all that? Nights and weekends with the family, instead of in the office?" Her legs and arms were moving furiously as she treaded water. "The whole nine yards. Will you marry me, Paige? I can't promise I'll be the perfect husband, but I'll try. And I know you'll remind me when I try to stay late at work, or go into the office on a Saturday. You're the only woman I've met who can keep me in line, and I don't want to miss out." Paige sank lower in the lake and caught a mouthful of water. She spit it at Luke. "You want to marry me because I keep you in line?" He scooped up his own mouthful of water and swam out from under the float. He grabbed the ladder with one hand, then pulled Paige toward him with the other hand. Luke leaned toward her, then dribbled the water over her chest, ending with a quick spray in her face. "I want to marry you because I love you." She grinned, and let him pull her against him. "I don't believe you." "I've loved you for quite some time, actually. I

just couldn't figure out how it all would come together. Until now. You know how lawyers are. We never say anything we can't back up. So, I love you, I want to marry you, and have lots of little kids with you. I do want a bigger house, though. Would you mind if we added on to yours? Kids and dogs just won't fit in there." "I can't believe this." She held up her hand. "My hand's shaking." Luke caught her hand and held it to his lips. "I love you, Paige Turner. Just don't leave me for a lumberjack, okay?" Paige draped her arms around his neck and let him keep her from sinking. "I wouldn't leave you for anyone." "Is that a yes?" "As long as you adopt my dog." Luke let out a small whoop. "Actually, I'm marrying you so I can adopt him. That was my real goal." She rolled her eyes, but before she could rib him, his hand shot to her shoulder and he shoved her under the water. When she came up, he was grinning, and his eyes were sparkling. "Since when did you have a sense of humor?" She spit a mouthful of water at him, grinning at his two dimples. "It's been there all along. I just buried it for a couple decades."

"You're going to be a pain, aren't you?" "Not 'til after the wedding. I don't want you to discover the real me until it's too late. So, shall we make it for next Saturday? Is that enough time?" He accentuated his words with a sensuous kiss. "You'll never get rid of me. You realize that, don't you? Except maybe for a few trips to Boston, but that's it." One question still lurked in her mind. She rubbed her thumb across his jaw. "Do you love me because I'm a lawyer? What if I was just a dog trainer? Would that be enough for you?" "I knew I was a goner the minute you fell to the ground laughing when my dog tore a chunk out of my butt. It just took me a while to figure out how it was all supposed to work together." He kissed the tip of her nose. "There's no pressure to come work with me. I'll love you regardless. I just want you to know that it's an option. It's in your blood, the way you help the townspeople. With no pressure, maybe you'll find joy in it again. If not, if you want to train dogs forever, that's fine too. The door is open for you." She stared at him. "So you don't care that I had an emotional collapse?" Luke shifted her to his other arm, so he could switch arms holding the ladder. "Why would I care? I'm sure I would've had one eventually if you hadn't jumped into my life and shown me what I was

missing." Paige wound her arms around his waist. "It certainly took you long enough to figure that out." "Hey, it's tough to overcome the harsh lessons learned in your teenage years." He kissed her forehead, then let go of the ladder. "What do you say we go tell your mom that she's about to have a son-in-law? After that, we have to visit my sister, and then we need to head to upstate Maine." She allowed him to pull her away from the float. "To a certain potato farm?" "You're going to love my parents. I hope you can train Bandit and Muffin not to chase the chickens on the drive up though. I don't want my dad to shoot them." "Luke!" He grinned, his eyes gleaming. "Just kidding. He won't shoot them. Probably." Paige rolled her eyes while he glanced over her shoulder. The man was going to be a trial now that he'd rediscovered the lighter side of life. "Okay, I'll marry you." Luke let out a loud whoop and dragged her over to him, but as he did so, they both heard the scramble of toenails on the float. They both shouted "No," as the two dogs sprinted toward them, but it was too late. Two loud splashes echoed across the still water, and sharp toenails raked down Paige's back. "Yeow!"

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SNEAK PEEK: PAWS UP FOR LOVE

"YOU WANT TO KISS ME?" She sounded more than little surprised, and Evan immediately cursed and took a step back. He had so not meant for her to realize that. "No. Of course not." Total lie. She pursed her lips. "Wow. You really were." Preorder Now! "I was thinking about Available Buddy," he growled. It was close November 2017! to the truth. He should have been thinking about Buddy, his long-lost brother who apparently loved the woman standing in front of him, despite the fact Josie was more than slightly disenchanted with Buddy. Honestly, knowing Buddy, Evan was pretty sure she

had a good reason to be not-so-delighted to be associated with his brother, but that didn't change the fact that Buddy loved her, which meant hands off for Evan. "I wasn't thinking about Buddy. I was thinking about you kissing me," she said. "Stop it." God, the idea was far too tempting. "Don't worry. I'm not interested in you." She sounded just a little too forceful, and he contemplated proving to her that she actually did want him. Just drop a kiss on her and... Think about Buddy. "Those poems about you are in Buddy's hand writing, which means you were involved with him." "And...what's your point?" "That's it." He closed the distance between them, stopping when he was only six inches away. Interesting, but the air actually felt warmer over here. And he could sense the faint scent of roses. He leaned forward. "Is that you?" "Is what me?" She leaned back. "Roses." "Um..." She frowned. "Yeah. It's my body lotion." "I bet Buddy liked it." Had his brother had the chance to bask in that glorious scent? Damn. How had his brother not done everything possible not to lose Josie? She was entrancing as hell. She lifted her chin. "Buddy didn't like it, and it

doesn't matter what he thought of it!" He grinned at the fire in her eyes. Feisty even after her life had tumbled down around her? She was a fighter, and he liked that. It was a trait he'd like in his own woman... someday. Not now, and not Josie. Josie was Buddy's. End of story. "Well, if it's any consolation, I think Buddy was wrong. That scent is perfect for you. It'd be enough to make any man tremble." Crap. Had he really just said that? He had to pull himself together, and fast. Her bluster faded, and she peered up at him as if he were a little strange. "Are you trying to seduce me?" Seduce her? Damn. He liked that idea. A lot. Or he would, under other circumstances. "No. Of course not. No chance." She narrowed her eyes. "Good." Yeah, it was time to change the subject. "So? Shall we pack up your stuff and take it downstairs? I have an SUV that should fit a lot of the boxes," he said. She held up a hand. "Wait a sec. You didn't apologize for calling me a liar that he stole my money, my car and my waffle iron." Ah, she would have noticed that. "That's because I don't think he did it." "So, I'm a liar."

This was sort of like that age-old question of whether a pair of pants made your woman look fat. No safe answer. "Evan?" "I think there may be other interpretations of the situation which you haven't fully considered." She rolled her eyes and levered herself off the counter, no doubt intending to storm right past him and dismiss his offer. He couldn't that happen. He had to keep her around until he located his missing brother. So, he didn't fight the instinct to stop her. His hand shot out, wrapped around her waist and hauled her up against him. Her hips against his hips, her eyes wide, her breath hot on his chin. "You have a thing for trapping beautiful woman against your body, don't you?" she asked. "You think you're beautiful?" A faint pink colored her cheeks. "Selfaffirmation." "Well, you're right." "Shut up. You can't flatter me into forgiving you." She squirmed against him, her body rubbing against his in all sorts of interesting ways. "I suggest you remain still if you don't want that seduction talk to become a reality." It was all Evan could do to keep from growling the words, and Josie stilled immediately.

But her cheeks were still flushed and her eyes had morphed into a swirling palette of blues and green. "I have no interest in moving into your house, especially with you there." "What other choice do you have?" He bent his head, tempting himself with her nearness. He needed a good knee to the groin right now. Not much else was going to be sufficient to stop his mind from going straight to the gutter, regardless of whether Buddy loved her or not. "None." Her voice was almost throaty. "I just dislike you intensely. Sleeping in the same house as you would give me far too many opportunities to try to kill you." She swallowed. "And I have an aversion to prison." "Lying awake at night in a warm bed, resisting the urge to murder me, is worse than sleeping on a park bench?" Yeah, he knew that she blamed Buddy for the fact she was about to become homeless, so it probably wasn't the best tactic, but it seemed like the one most likely to get her to agree. "It's summer, you know. The nights are warm." She shifted ever so slightly. "I could sleep naked and not get cold if I lived on the street." He had no business contemplating the image that popped into his head at her remark. "If you slept naked on the street corner, I think you'd discover a large segment of the male population is

even more despicable than I am." She blinked, and he knew she was more worried about her living situation that she'd showed. Being evicted sucked. He knew it from his youth, and he honestly didn't want her living in an unsafe situation. So, he kept pressing. "Do you really want to sleep on the street?" He tightened his grip on her to add to the sensation of being trapped... of being out of options... certainly not because having her anchored to him felt so damn right. "No, I don't." He nodded. She was his. Not his as in his woman but his as in at his mercy. Just to make that clear. "But... would I be any safer from marauding men at your house?" There was a challenge in her gaze. He knew it was time for the truth. "I swear I'll never touch you." "In the twenty minutes we've been in each other's presence, you've already manhandled me twice for an extended period of time. It seems to be rather a habit with you." "It isn't usually. You seem to bring it out in me." She lifted an eyebrow. "Is that good or bad?" "You tell me." "Depends on whether I can close my eyes and pretend the rock hard, hunky body pressed up against mine belongs to someone I actually like.

When I can do that, then it's good." She cocked her head. "But when I have to look at you, it dispels all chance for fantasy, and then it's bad." "You insult well." She nodded. "Thanks." "Though I won't take offense to being told I have a 'hunky body.'" Damned if she didn't look so appealing when her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "You would dwell on that comment. Typical male. You were supposed to be so offended that you didn't notice that part." "I should warn you, I actually have enough intelligence to follow an entire discussion without missing any of it." "Apparently." "But back to the issue," she said. "The issue?" "The fact you can't keep your hands off me," she said. "Of course I can." "You're fondling my butt right now." He stopped moving his hand. Damn. He hadn't even noticed. As if she'd believed that. "Just testing you. My apologies." "Apology not accepted." Except she didn't look mad. She looked amused. Entertained. "About the touching." "Yes?"

"You're right. I'll probably touch you." Might as well get it out on the table. Her eyes sparked and he felt like she'd zapped him the gut. "But I'll never touch you sexually." And he'd write it on his bathroom mirror in permanent marker to remind himself. Because he had no doubt he'd be tempted. With her sexy curves and flashes of temper, he might have more than a moment or two when he wanted to forget she was there for his brother. She brought her lips together in a thoughtful pout. "Okay. Let me get this straight. You still think I'm a liar about how Buddy stole from me and my work, and got me evicted and fired." "It's possible," he had to admit. Possible that she was telling the truth, and he didn't like that. He had to find out what really happened. She raised her brows. "And you have no interest in me sexually." "I said I wouldn't touch you sexually." Subtle difference. She raised an eyebrow, but let his remark go. "So, I'm having a little trouble understanding why you're making this oh-so-generous offer for me to stay with you while I get my life untangled. I can't quite see it stemming from some deep-seeded selflessness or a need to help society in general." "I'm offended. I'm very selfless."

"Answer the question, Evan. What gives?" Fine. "I'm doing it for Buddy." She narrowed her eyes. "For Buddy?" Hmm... if he said it was because he believed in his brother's innocence and he wanted to keep her around until he could find his brother and get them back together again, it might not go over so well. He was sensing a bit of hostility from Josie toward Buddy. "Because my family owes you." She didn't believe him. He could see it on her face, and admiration surged in his soul. He could never admire a gullible woman. "I don't believe you," she said. "I can see that." She frowned. "Really? I've been working on hiding my emotions." "You need to keep working." "Apparently." She shifted, and he was reminded that her belly was still pressed up against the front of his pants. If she kept moving, she'd also become aware of his awareness. Thankfully, she stilled. "However, I do believe that your family owes me. And I also believe you won't actually hurt me. And I'm in desperate straits which require me to drop what minimal standards I already have for living arrangements." "Gee, thanks." "More than welcome." "So, you'll move in?"

She took a deep breath. "Yes, I'll move in." Even as he nodded and released her, he felt like he'd just stepped out of a small plane without a parachute. No oxygen, a rush of adrenaline, and a certain crash and burn. Not that he'd ever give up the ride. For the first time since college, he had a roommate. One he couldn't touch. “Interesting” didn't even begin to describe the situation. Especially since the only other furnished bedroom was right next to his. Like it? Get it now!

SNEAK PEEK: A REAL COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS

A DEATHBED PROMISE should never involve snow, subzero temperatures, and family who don't know you even exist, and sure as hell don't know you're coming. Especially a deathbed promise given in front of one's six-year-old daughter, who won't Preorder Now! ever let you forget your oath. Available Like, ever. Not even for one November 2017! headache-laden, frostbitten-toes moment. "Mom!" The six-year-old in question tugged on Jaimi Hamilton's hand, apparently not remotely concerned about the wind that was knifing through their clothes. Because that was how six-year-olds

operated. They never felt cold, unless it was eighty degrees and they wanted to leave the park the minute the attractive, single dad with decent moral standards and a car that actually worked showed up. "Do you see them? Are they here?" Jaimi squatted down so she was level with her daughter, her heart tugging at the way Emily's blue eyes sparkled in the wintry snow. She gently pulled Emily's stocking cap lower over her forehead. "Baby cakes, remember. This is a secret mission. They can't ever know we're here for them, unless we decide to reveal our true identity, right?" Emily's lower lip jutted out. "What if I don't want to be a spy?" "We have to be spies. What if they're evil, and we have to stop their plan to steal toys from all the children in the world on Christmas morning? Then we don't want them to know who we are, right?" Emily giggled and rolled her eyes. "They don't have a plan to steal toys from all the children in the world." "Really? You're so sure about that?" Jaimi gave her daughter her most skeptical look. "How do we know until we spy on them for a while?" Emily put her hands on her hips and eyed her mom. "Grandma would never tell us to come to Wyoming to find them, unless they were nice. Don't you trust Gram?" Jaimi laughed. "Sweetie, no one ever trusts

Gram if they know what's good for them." Wait. Not trusts. Trusted. Because Gram was gone now. God, she felt like she'd never get used to that fact. Laughter bubbled out of Emily. "Gram was such trouble." "That she was." A lump formed in Jaimi's throat, but she quickly swallowed it away. She'd promised her mom that there would be no tears. Life was too short for tears and regret. Every moment was a gift to be treasured. "And so are you." Emily's grin widened. "Gram says you're trouble, too." "That's been my lifelong goal, so I'm still working on it." Jaimi pulled off her glove and held up her hand. "Trouble-making girls rock the world, right?" "Right!" Emily whipped off her pink fuzzy mitten and hooked her pinkie around Jaimi's. "I swear to cause trouble my whole life," she said with a solemn giggle as they squeezed pinkies. "Just like you and Gram." "And I swear to continue to cause trouble my whole life, just like you and Gram." God, how many times had she made that oath with her mom over the years? A thousand times? And then, after Emily had been born, it had been the three of them…until two months ago. Now it was back down to two.

Two pinkies were not nearly as good as three when it came to pinkie swears. Emily beamed at her. "They'll love us, Mom. We're amazing like that." Jaimi couldn't help but smile at her daughter's self-confidence. Her number one goal as a mom had always been to raise a daughter who lived life on her own terms, who would never be held back by what anyone thought of her. It meant she had a little hellion on her hands at times, but she'd never trade a second of chaos for a daughter who shrank from who she was, who she wanted to be, and what anyone thought of her. In terms of embracing her badass self, the pupil had far surpassed the teacher long ago, and was turning out to be a lot like her Gram, which was awesome. Jaimi, on the other hand, wasn't nearly the self-confident, f*ck the world, mover and shaker that her daughter thought she was. But hey, that was her little secret, right? As far as Emily was concerned, Jaimi was everything she told Emily to be. So, she smiled. "Of course they'll love us. Who wouldn't want two fabulous girls appearing on their doorstep the week before Christmas and announcing they're family that no one ever knew existed, right?" Oh, God. Just the idea of that made her stomach knot. What on earth had her mom been thinking, making Jaimi promise to make this trip? She hadn't specifically made Jaimi promise to

actually introduce herself, however, so Jaimi was holding tight to that little loophole. "Totally!" Emily clapped her hands. "Can we do it today? You have the address, right? To their huuuge ranch? What if we moved onto the ranch? Can I get a pony? I could become a barrel racer—" "Slow down, cheetah-girl. We're not moving here. We're just here for Christmas vacation, and we both have to be back at school after New Year's." Emily wrinkled her nose. "You don't like teaching. I heard you telling Gram. Why do you teach if you don't like it? You always tell me to follow my heart, and you're not." Emily set her hand on her hips and glared at Jaimi, apparently completely offended by her mom's failure to deliver. Sigh. Maybe she should have focused more on raising a wimpy child who hid in her room all day after all… She tweaked her daughter's nose. "I do like teaching, and I keep teaching because it works perfectly because we're in school at the same time, so you don't need to go to late care, right?" Emily shrugged. "Late care is fun. Three kids got bloody noses last fall. I missed every one of them. All the blood was cleaned up by the time we had recess the next morning. What fun is that?" "Recess without blood is definitely a downer." Heaven help her. "But you'll get another chance

when we go back there after New Year's. For now, we're here for Christmas, checking out the town, and learning how to enjoy our first Christmas without Gram." The tenacious little pugilist was not swayed from her agenda. "And we're going to meet our family, right? We're going to go up to them, and you're going to say 'Hey, Chase Stockton, I'm your sister—" A few heads turned toward them at Emily's raised voice, and Jaimi quickly interrupted. "Shh, sweetie, I—" She suddenly noticed the sheriff lounging nearby, watching them. His gaze was intense and hooded, and his casual stance failed to hide the raw strength of his body. His cowboy hat was tipped back, showcasing a strong, whiskered jaw, and dark sunglasses that hid his eyes. But it was clear he was staring right at them, and her stomach jumped again…though she wasn't sure whether it was fear of being caught before she was ready to declare herself, or because he was just so freaking male. His jeans were faded, and his long jacket was open, flapping about his calves, as if he didn't feel the cold at all. There was something untamed and unruly about him, as if he were the kind of man who lived life without walls, exactly how she wanted so badly to be. He nodded at her, and she suddenly realized she was staring at him. Heat flared in her cheeks, and

she dragged her gaze off him and back to Emily. "We need to be top secret, Em." The Stocktons were well-known in Rogue Valley, and she didn't need the sheriff, or anyone else, alerting them that two out-of-towners were talking about being their long-lost family before Jaimi had a chance to figure out how she wanted to handle it. "We might or might not introduce ourselves, remember? We're spies right now, until we decide whether we want them to know who we are. If they aren't worthy, they don't get to know us, right?" Emily met her gaze. "They'll be worthy." There was absolute conviction in her voice, which alarmed Jaimi. She realized the little minx was planning to take control of the situation. No way. Some things in life were far more complicated than a six-year-old could grasp, and this was one of them. Curses to Gram for bringing Emily into this! Jaimi grasped her daughter's hands and squeezed gently. "Sweetie, I need you to make me a promise. Some people in this world aren't so nice. We don't know if the Stocktons are nice, and we don't know whether they would fit us. So, promise me you won't mention their names again unless we're alone, and you won't introduce us, until we both decide together that it's the right decision. We're a team, remember?" Emily sighed, but nodded. "I promise, but Mom,

it'll be okay. Gram said you'd be scared, and I had to keep telling you it would be okay so your inner wimp wouldn't win out. So, it will be okay, 'kay?" Jaimi's brows shot up. "My inner wimp?" "Yes, Gram says we all have one, but yours is really loud and obnoxious and it sometimes needs to be smacked around to make it shut up." Jaimi burst out laughing at her mom's words coming out of a six-year-old's mouth. "God, I love you, kiddo." Emily beamed at her. "I love you, too, Mom." She reached her hand into her parka pocket and pulled out a photograph. She held it up, and scanned the crowds passing by them. "I brought Chase's photo. Do you see him? Let's start spying—" "You brought one of the photos Gram had?" Jaimi snatched it out of her daughter's hand. Good God. They were going to look like stalkers! "I'll take that." She looked around, needing to distract her daughter. They were on the edge of the grounds of the Rogue Valley Christmas Festival, and there were people everywhere, tromping through the snow, wearing Santa hit, and overflowing with happy laughter on this opening afternoon of the three-day celebration. "Oh...look! Reindeer!" "Where?" Emily spun around, her eyes widening when she saw the pen of reindeer across the way. Christmas lights twinkled on the fence,

and two of Santa's elves were giving out food pellets for the children to feed the animals. "Do you think Rudolph is there? Can we see?" She took off in a sprint, not even waiting for Jaimi. Jaimi sighed, and sat back on her heels, watching her daughter dart across the dirt road, effortlessly dodging crowds until she reached the fence around the reindeer pen. Emily grabbed the middle bar and climbed right up, moving with alarming speed and determination. Dear God, was she going to climb into the pen? "Em! Get down!" Jaimi jumped and started running toward her. "Emily!" Suddenly, she heard a horn blast, and she glanced to her right. A huge tractor was bearing down on her, only feet away. "Oh, shit—" Something suddenly hit her hard from the side, thrusting her out of the path of the tractor. She landed hard on the frozen ground, gasping as two strong arms dragged her across the gravelly earth, jerking her trailing feet out of the way of the massive tires just as they crunched by. She gasped, frozen, as she watched the massive tractor roll by, towing a trailer filled with hay bales and curious people, who were leaning over the side, gawking at her. Dear God. She'd almost been crushed. That would have made for an extremely sucky first-Christmas-without-Gram, positive attitude notwithstanding.

Her lungs heaved, trying to catch her breath, as she became gradually aware that she was lying on top of a warm body, not the hard ground, and that those arms were still locked around her waist. She looked down at the hands clasped around her belly, and saw the worn black cuffs of a certain calf-length jacket she had just been gawking at a few minutes ago. Oh, crap. The hot sheriff had saved her? Heat rose in her cheeks as she twisted around to look behind her. Sure enough, playing the role of her landing pad, was the same untamed, intensely male sheriff who had been watching her so carefully just a moment ago. It was his hard, hot body beneath her, and his booted foot between her calves. He grinned, flashing her a smile that made heat tingle all the way to her frozen toes. "Welcome to Rogue Valley. My name's Sheriff Wilson…" He paused. "But you can call me Dane." Like it? Get it now!

SNEAK PEEK: A REAL COWBOY KNOWS HOW TO KISS

IT WAS STEEN Stockton. Erin couldn't believe the man who was standing before her. After all her years of fantasizing about him, wondering what had happened to him, searching the web for information about his football career after he'd blown out his knee in college, he was standing right in front of her. An old, faded cowboy hat was pulled low over his forehead, almost shielding his dark eyes from her view. His face was clean-shaven, his jaw angular and refined. He was wearing a black tee shirt, black jeans, and boots that would fit more with a motorcycle helmet than a cowboy hat. His shoulders were still wide and his body angled down

to a V toward his narrow hips, but he was lean, too lean, and his cheeks were sunken, as if he'd been in a bad place for a long time. He was pure male, well over six feet tall, and his muscles were hard and cut beneath his shirt, despite his leanness. He was no longer a boy, but the man she'd envisioned. He was pure, raw heat, with a languid grace that she knew hid his lightning-quick reflexes and innate physical grace. For the first time in years, she felt a pulse of physical attraction. Involuntarily, her gaze flicked to his mouth. His lips were pressed together, as if he were trying to contain the words that wanted to escape. Sexy and silent, just as he'd always been, only now, he was so much more. In the face of the sheer strength of his presence, she suddenly felt like the ugly, geeky fourteen-yearold again, hopelessly outclassed by the only person she'd ever known who lived life on his terms and didn't care one bit what anyone else thought of him. He frowned. "You okay?" Erin suddenly realized she'd been gaping at him. Horrified, she snapped her mouth shut, trying to regain some semblance of self-respect. "Yes, fine. Thanks. It's so incredible to see—" "You need some help with your engine?" he interrupted, cutting off her sentence before she could finish commenting how good it was to see him.

It was her turn to frown now. Did he not recognize her? After all these years of fantasizing about him whenever she'd needed to escape from the reality of her life and marriage, he didn't even remember her? Desolation flooded her, the kind of utter loss that happens only when a dream is shattered, a dream that had all its power because it was pure fantasy, and therefore could never be destroyed. And yet, in one instant, he'd shattered it, because he was reality now, standing in front of her. Steen had been the only one who'd ever looked at her, instead of through her, but it apparently hadn't meant anything to him, at least not enough for him to remember her. She lifted her chin resolutely. It didn't matter. She knew that her imagination had elevated him into the perfect man, and just because the real life man didn't even remember her, it didn't change the fact that he'd been her salvation, her escape over all the years. She knew he was a good guy, and it wasn't his fault that she'd been such an insignificant blip in his life that he didn't remember her. He tipped his cowboy hat back, giving her a clear view of his eyes for the first time. They were haunted. Deeply haunted. She was shocked by the change in them from the jaunty, arrogant boy she'd known in high school. There was no humor in his gaze. No life, even. Just emptiness. She'd never

have believed anything could take him down, but something had, something that had broken the spirit of the man she believed in for so long, the one who had lived in her heart for over a decade. Her heart tightened, and instinctively, she reached out, touching his arm. "What happened to you, Steen?" Steen froze, and his muscles went rigid under her touch, making her realize that she'd overstepped her boundaries in a major way. She quickly jerked her hand back. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—" "You recognize me?" he asked. She blinked. "What? Of course I do. How could I not?" Did that mean he recognized her? She wanted to ask, but she didn't dare. His gaze was too intense, and his silence was too unyielding. After a few moments, she began to shift uncomfortably. She cleared her throat, and tried to change the subject to one that wasn't quite so incredibly awkward. "So, um, you know engines? Is that right?" "Yeah." He still didn't take his gaze off her face, which she found both completely intimidating and wildly intoxicating. She used to catch him watching her when they were in school, but his face had always been inscrutable and distant. Now, however, there was so much intensity burning in his eyes that her heart started to race. No longer were his eyes empty and apathetic. They were simmering with

heat, and all of it was directed at her. So much for the fantasies not living up to reality. Even in her dreams, he'd never made her feel the way he was making her feel in this moment, like she was the only thing in his world that had ever mattered. Flustered, she pulled her gaze off him. "Well, um, here." She grabbed Josie's notebook from the engine. "I have this diagram of what I'm supposed to do if Faith dies, but I can't figure it out." "Faith?" He still didn't take his eyes off her, not even to look at the notebook that she was waving at him. "My car. Josie's car. Do you remember Josie? She was my only friend...I mean, she was my best friend in high school. Anyway, she's a vet out here, but she had to go to Chicago to help her mom through surgery, so I'm out here for a few weeks taking over her clinic while she's gone. So it's her car, and I don't know how to use it and—" She stopped when the corner of his mouth tipped up in a slight smile. "Sorry. I'm babbling." "You used to be so quiet," he said. "I think you spoke more words just now than you uttered during your entire high school career." "I used to be so quiet?" She stared at him as the meaning of his words sunk in. He remembered her from high school? The liar! He remembered her! Elation flooded her, and she couldn't stop the silly

grin. "I'm still quiet," she said. "That was just a momentary babble because I'm nervous. So, don't get used to it. I'm not suddenly going to become a talker." His right eyebrow quirked. "You're nervous? Why?" As he spoke, he plucked the forgotten notebook out of her hand and walked around her toward the engine. "Because you make me nervous." He glanced over at her as he leaned over the engine. "Me? Why?" There was an edge to his voice that was like steel. "You always have." She leaned against the side of the truck and folded her arms over her chest, watching him as he looked back and forth between the notebook and the engine. He tossed the notebook over his shoulder and braced his hands on the truck, his gaze methodically scanning every inch of the engine. "Why?" He repeated the question, not even bothering with polite preamble. He wasn't even looking at her, but she felt his intense awareness of her. "Because you're you." "That's not an answer." He bent over and fiddled with something in the shadowy recesses of the engine. Her heart began to pound as silence built between them. She knew he was waiting for her

answer, and a part of her wanted to give him the absolute truth. She'd never see him again after she left in three weeks, right? After so many years of suppressing every emotion and trying to be the woman that everyone in her life wanted her to be, now was her chance to speak up, to admit who she was, to let it all out. To take a chance. That's why she'd come out to Wyoming, right? Because she'd been dying inside, and she'd been desperate to find some kind of kick in the pants that would get her heart beating once again. He twisted something and moved a wire, still waiting for her answer. After a moment, he looked up. "She's all set," he said, his voice rumbling through her. His gaze was boring into her. "You're good to go." He waited a heartbeat, and she knew this was her last chance to speak up. In a split second, he was going to lower the hood, and she was going to drive away, and he would walk out of her life…again.

Like it? Get it now!

SNEAK PEEK: ACCIDENTALLY MINE

JASON SARANTOS SANK down beside his sleeping son and dropped his head to his hands, digging his fingers into his temples. "Think, Jason," he said aloud, his voice echoing through the crumbling café that he'd bought sight unseen and moved three hundred miles to run, so his son would have a chance at a normal life. But this place was nothing like what he'd thought. Nothing. What the hell had he done? "There has to be a way to make this right." "Of course there is," a woman said, her melodic voice drifting across the dust-filled café. "A fresh coat of lilac paint on the walls and maybe a bluegreen turquoise on the ceiling, don't you think?"

Jason jerked his head up at the intrusion, and then froze when he saw who had spoken. It wasn't the old lady with cookies that he'd imagined when he'd decided to move to this rural New England town. He'd been off by several decades and a whole lot of femininity. She was leaning against the doorway to his shop, her brown eyes sparkling with merriment he hadn't felt in years. Her dark brown hair tumbled around her shoulders with a reckless abandon that spoke of a spirit that would never be tamed. Some of the curls had been woven into a yellow and green braided scarf that seemed to disappear into her thick hair. From each earlobe dangled several pairs of earrings, gold wire twisted into designs so intriguing he wanted to stride right over to her and see what they were. She was wearing a pair of faded jeans that showed womanly curves that he hadn't thought about in way too long. The delicate straps of her pale yellow tank top rested across her collarbones, revealing a smooth expanse of skin that shot right to his core. But it was her smile that he couldn't look away from. It was so full of life and vitality, that it made him want to grab her and yank her into his store so she could inject the dying place with her energy. Her eyebrows arched up, and there was no mistaking the glint of interest in her eyes. "So,

should I take your lack of response as a statement that you disagree with the lilac paint suggestion but you're too polite to tell me that? Or maybe you're just overwhelmed by my mind-numbing beauty and stunned into disbelieving silence?" Shit. He was staring? Jason swore and quickly stood up, brushing the dust from the store off his jeans. "My name's Jason Sarantos. I bought the place." Her smile widened, lighting up her eyes even more, like this great gust of relief breaking through the gloom trying to consume him. "Jason, everyone in this entire town knows your name, that you bought the store, and that it was twelve minutes after three when you drove your Mercedes SUV past Wright's General Store when you arrived in town, not to mention the fact you were drinking a coffee as you went by." She set her hands on her hips and tilted her head, giving him a teasing grin. "Everyone was pretty offended you didn't stop in to buy your coffee at Wright's and introduce yourself." Jason blinked, suddenly thrust back into the past, into his childhood, into the small town in Minnesota he'd grown up in, where his mother had found out about his first kiss before he'd even lifted his lips from those of Samantha Huckaby. That was why he'd been drawn to Birch Crossing: because it reminded him of everything he liked about his

home and his childhood, yet it had the appealing bonus of being two thousand miles away from the sixteen cousins, five aunts and uncles, and four sisters that had driven him east to find his own path. "Shit. Sorry. I wasn't thinking." She laughed, a beautiful, melodic sound that went right to his gut. God, when was the last time he'd seen anyone effuse such life? He was riveted by her, by the irreverence of her smile, by the fire in her eyes. This was a woman who was so damn alive that nothing could bring her down. He wanted that. He needed that. God, he needed that. "Don't worry about it. The town will have you trained in no time, trust me." She raised her eyebrows. "I don't suppose you're dialed into the gossip chain enough to know my name?" She wrinkled her nose, and he thought he saw a flash of vulnerability in her eyes. "I tend to be fodder for talk in this town. I'm not always a fit." Yeah, he could imagine. She seemed to carry the kind of spunk that might knock an old New England town on its ass. Jason grinned, and he was almost surprised to realize he still knew how to smile. It felt like a long time since he'd smiled, and actually meant it. "Yeah, sorry, I figure I need at least twenty-four hours to recognize everyone in town by sight." "I'll be back to quiz you in twenty-four hours." She inclined her head and held out her hand.

"Astrid Monroe. My brother Harlan is the one who sold you the shop. He's out of town, so he asked me to stop by and see if you needed anything." Instinctively, Jason reached out to shake her hand. "Nice to meet you. Thanks for the offer." Yeah, he knew what he needed. He needed a damned angel to sweep into his life and fix everything that he'd screwed up, to make this okay for his son. He needed— Then as he felt the warmth of her palm against his, the light touch of her fingers on the back of his hand, his gut knew what he needed. He needed her. Like it? Get it now!

B OOKS B Y S T E PH ANIE ROW E

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

C ANINE C UPIDS

S ERIES

Paws for a Kiss Pawfectly in Love Paws Up for Love (Coming November 2017!)

WYOMING R EB ELS

S ERIES

A Real Cowboy Never Says No A Real Cowboy Knows How to Kiss A Real Cowboy Rides a Motorcycle A Real Cowboy Never Walks Away A Real Cowboy Loves Forever A Real Cowboy for Christmas (Coming November 2017!) A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart (Coming Soon!)

R OGUE C OWB OY S ERIES A Rogue Cowboy for Her, featuring Brody Hart (Coming Soon!) A Rogue Cowboy is All She Needs (Coming 2018!) A Rogue Cowboy is What She Wants (Coming 2018!)

R ODEO K NIGHTS

S ERIES

Her Rebel Cowboy

B IRCH C ROS S ING

S ERIES

Unexpectedly Mine Accidentally Mine Unintentionally Mine Irresistibly Mine Mistakenly Mine (Coming Soon!)

M YS TIC I S LAND

S ERIES

Wrapped Up in You PARANORMAL ROMANCE

O RDER (A N O RDER

OF THE

OF THE

N IGHT

B LADE S PINOFF

S ERIES )

Edge of Midnight, featuring Thano Savakis (Coming Soon!)

H EART

OF THE

S HIFTER

S ERIES

Dark Wolf Rising Dark Wolf Unbound Dark Wolf Untamed (Coming Soon!)

S HADOW G UARDIANS Leopard's Kiss

S ERIES

O RDER

OF THE

B LADE S ERIES

Darkness Awakened Darkness Seduced Darkness Surrendered Forever in Darkness Darkness Reborn Darkness Arisen Darkness Unleashed Inferno of Darkness Darkness Possessed Shadows of Darkness Hunt the Darkness Darkness Revealed (Coming Soon!)

N IGHTH UNTER

S ERIES

Not Quite Dead

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

A LAS KA H EAT S ERIES Ice Chill Ghost

YOUNG ADULT

M APLEVILLE H IGH S ERIES

The Truth About Thongs How to Date a Bad Boy Pedicures Don’t Like Dirt Geeks Can Be Hot The Fake Boyfriend Experiment Ice Cream, Jealousy & Other Dating Tips

BOXED SETS

Order of the Blade (Books 1-3) Protectors of the Heart (A First-in-Series Collection) Real Cowboys Get Their Girls (A Wyoming Rebels Boxed Set, with bonus novella!)

For a complete list of Stephanie’s books, click here.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to my beta readers and the Rockstars. You guys are the best! There are so many to thank by name, more than I could count, but here are those who I want to called out specially for all they did to help this book come to life: Malinda Davis Diehl, Leslie Barnes, Kayla Bartley, Alencia Bates Salters, Alyssa Bird, Donna Bossert, Jean Bowden, Shell Bryce, Ashley Cuesta, Denise Fluhr, Valerie Glass, Heidi Hoffman, Jeanne Stone, Guinevere Jones, Dottie Jones, Janet Juengling-Snell, Deb Julienne, Bridget Koan, Helen Loyal, Felicia Low Mikoll, Phyllis Marshall, Suzanne Mayer, Jodi Moore, Ashlee Murphy, Elizabeth Neal, Judi Pflughoeft, Carol Pretorius, Kasey Richardson, Caryn Santee, Amber Ellison Shriver, Summer Steelman, Regina Thomas, and Linda Watson. Special thanks to my family, who I

love with every fiber of my heart and soul. And to AER, who is my world. Love you so much, baby girl! And to Joe, who teaches me every day what romance and true really is. I love you, babe!

For all the dogs who have made my life better!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

N EW Y ORK T IMES A ND USA T ODAY bestselling author Stephanie Rowe is the author of more than fifty novels, and she's a four-time nominee for the RITA® award, the highest award in romance fiction. As an award-winning author, Stephanie has been touching readers' hearts and keeping them spellbound for more than a decade with her contemporary romances, romantic suspense, paranormal romances, and YA contemporary romances. For the latest info on Stephanie and her books, connect with her on the web at: www.stephanierowe.com [email protected]