Page 15 of Sweet Temptation

“If you agreed to stay for a year and marry me—in name only—you’d have a place to live, free room and board, I’m sure there’s a job that you would enjoy, or at least not hate, or you wouldn’t have to work at all if you prefer.”

Her burger still frozen in space, the only changes were her mouth had dropped slightly open and her eyes had circled a little wider.

“There could be a bonus paid after the year.”

No sounds came from her.

“I know it’s crazy.”

Her mouth snapped closed, she blinked, and her burger lowered to the plate in front of her. “That’s the first thing you’ve said that makes sense.”

“You’re right. Forget I said anything.” He lifted the burger and wondered if he’d heave if he took a bite.

Letting out a sigh, her shoulders lowered, and she leaned back. “If I say no, you’re going to find someone else, aren’t you?”

“I have to.” He threw up his hands. “We’ll lose the ranch if we don’t come up with a boatload of money and fast.”

“In name only?” she repeated.

He almost dropped his burger. Was she actually considering it? “Yes. Absolutely. No hanky-panky.”

She laughed and he had no idea why. “You know, anyone else and I’d say you were a bold-faced liar, but considering how we met, I think I believe you.”

“It’s the truth. All of it.” He held up two fingers. “Scouts honor.”

“Were you a scout?”

He laughed. “Eagle.”

“Figures you’d say that. It explains a lot.”

“If you knew my mom and dad, it would make even more sense. Old fashioned with a capital O and F.”

“Hence why you can’t tell her you’re marrying to save the ranch.”

“Bingo.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course.” She was thinking about it. He wanted to whoop or pump his fist, but a simple smile would have to do.

“How much time do I have?”

Good question, and he was pretty sure,not muchwasn’t what she’d want to hear. “I have an idea.”

“Another one?” Instead of shock, or surprise, or confusion, she bit back a laugh. The woman had a sense of humor. Good, she was going to need it moving from Houston to a working cattle ranch.

“You have no place to stay, no money to speak of, and need time to consider. What if you come to the ranch—as a guest for the night—and see for yourself what we’d be up against?”

“The ranch?”

He nodded.

“Now?”

“As good a time as any.” He tried to look calm, cool and collected while she thought. Silently lifting prayers for what looked to be the best solution to a serious problem.

“All right.” She actually smiled. “One night. One visit. And tomorrow, you’ll have my answer.

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