she’d found out he’d lied about his identity when he was here before. He hoped she would give him a chance to explain. He’d had twenty-five precious days on a neighboring ranch to kick back, relax and be himself, just a guy who’d grown up on the south side of Chicago. The last thing he wanted was someone to discover his identity. Over the years he’d become proficient at staying well under the radar. He’d had no idea when they first met that their relationship would develop into something so much more.
Kelly had accepted that he was a cowhand from a nearby ranch, and there had never been a right time to tell her differently. In hindsight he hadn’t wanted to take a chance on putting a wedge between them and that special something they’d found in each other. It was a timeless journey where they were the only two people in the world. It was perfect. When she returned his kisses, he’d known she was kissing him, the regular guy, not the wealthy celebrity. It was a damn good feeling. When the time came to leave, he wrestled with his conscience, wanting to tell Kelly the truth. Finally he decided to wait until he returned to Calico Springs. He hadn’t expected the four-month interim period he’d planned to expand to over a year.
On the outside, the Kelly he remembered had changed, and those changes immediately had his libido sitting up and taking notice. The curves of her body were decidedly more feminine, more mature, more alluring than those of the model-thin young woman he remembered. She exuded health and considerably more sex appeal than he recalled, making him wonder how he’d ever torn himself away. The long blond locks that used to flow free and silky around the delicate features of her face were pulled to the back of her head in a ponytail, giving her face a different, intensely alluring quality, accenting the almond shape of her eyes. Jace had never seen eyes that color. They were the same brilliance and shade as the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Only tonight, instead of containing a welcoming sparkle, they’d reflected more than a small trace of annoyance when she stared at him as if the devil himself had come to life.
While he’d anticipated she would be a bit perturbed if she learned he’d lied about his identity, he didn’t expect the high level of animosity she’d shown today. Was she angry because he’d lied or was it because she’d missed an opportunity to gain some of the wealth? Thinking of Kelly in that light didn’t sit well. At all.
Some people thought they’d found the proverbial pot of gold when they caught his attention, a fact that galled Jace to his core. People always wanted something, whether it was money or five minutes worth of fame. Making action films was his job. Not who he was. He hated the phony facade he had to maintain, and the ridiculously implausible stories he had to validate all for the sake of keeping his name in the media, all to keep the publicity going. Finding someone who liked him for himself was a rarity. He hoped Kelly would understand. He really hoped she would.
When he’d returned to California, he’d talked nonstop about the young woman he met in Texas. He’d even mentioned buying a place to be close to her until she finished her degree. Two days later, his manager, Bret, handed him a PI report indicating Kelly was a con artist with a rap sheet a mile long, citing numerous jailed offenses. Jace hadn’t wanted to believe it then and still had a hard time believing it now.
By the time six months had passed, with the filming of his latest movie hitting one roadblock after another, it no longer mattered if she had a record or not. He probably would never see her again. He’d felt more than a small twinge of loss at the thought. He’d managed to push their time together to the back of his mind until Garret Walker, the friend who had invited him to Texas, called asking if he was still interested in buying some land in the area. Suddenly in his mind’s eye, all he saw was Kelly. The memories of holding her in his arms and the pure enjoyment he’d found being with her far outweighed any past crimes she may have committed. He kept Bret’s warning in mind. He’d be a fool not to. But Kelly Michaels just didn’t fit the mold of a crook. Perhaps she’d had a rough life? They’d never spoken in detail about her past, so all he could do was speculate. But after the way she’d almost run from his house today, it probably didn’t matter one way or the other. Apparently she’d made her decision that their relationship would not continue. While he couldn’t justify it in his mind, he once again felt a deep loss.
He rubbed the back of his neck. Kelly was out there in the dark, determined to walk all the way to town. He’d returned to the house to give her a chance to calm down and allow him time to get a grip. The instant he’d recognized her, his body had surged to readiness while a vapor of heat surrounded him. It was the same reaction he’d felt the very first time he’d ever seen her in the local feed store when he’d gone with Garret to place an order. The immediate attraction had overwhelmed him then, and today was no different. It was like a giant magnet pulling them together regardless of the circumstances. And when she’d stepped out of her car and her incredible scent of spring rain and nutmeg reached him, he hadn’t wanted to move away, his body immediately swelling with need.
But with Kelly, it went beyond physical beauty and sex appeal, although she had plenty of that to turn any man’s head. It was the look in her eyes that made him believe he could accomplish anything. Hell, when he’d held her in his arms he could fly. Her soft Southern drawl and impish nature had him bouncing off the walls and loving every second. Had it all been an act? He still didn’t know the answer and probably—sadly—never would.
Raindrops began to splatter against the windowpane. He turned toward the door, intent on giving her a ride into town. His glance fell on the thin strap of a pale pink purse hanging over the back of a kitchen chair. As he lifted it from the chair back, the sound of thunder rolled over the house, followed by flashes of lightning.
With purse in hand, he headed back to the truck, ignoring the first heavy raindrops. Whether she was angry with him or not, he wasn’t about to leave her outside in the dark and the quickly approaching storm. He’d make sure she got home safely, this time accepting no excuses.
Whether she liked it or not.
Isn’t this gonna be a basket full of fun?
Kelly eyed the sky as the thunder rumbled overhead. She didn’t dare tempt fate by asking what else might go wrong. Picking up the pace, she topped the next hill just as a bolt of lightning struck a tree straight ahead. Seconds later, the sky opened up and a downpour provided the answer to her unspoken question.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she gritted her teeth and kept walking. The warm temperatures of the afternoon took a nosedive as the chilling rain continued to hammer away, stinging her face, making it hard to see. The strong wind gusts made each step forward a challenge to her determination.
Suddenly the glare of headlights from behind illuminated the road and the white blanket of rain ahead of her. She moved to the right, hoping it wasn’t a bunch of liquored-up high school kids out for an evening of fun and harassment. She got her wish, but not in a way she’d wanted.
“Kelly,” Jace’s voice barked through the darkness as he pulled up beside her. “Get in the truck.”
She continued walking.
“You’re being a complete idiot,” he insisted.
“You’re entitled to your opinion.” She had to yell to be heard over the downpour.
“You have ten seconds to get your ass inside this truck.”
“Or what?”
“Or I’m going to pick you up and put you in here myself.”
She turned to face him,
