High-Stakes Colton Read online

  He claimed her mouth again only this time the driving urgency challenged his control, and Alanna’s breath caught on a sob, her body responding hotly to his. Roughly banding his arm across the small of her back, he pressed his hips to hers.

  Alanna struggled with the nearly uncontrollable desire to let go, to lose herself in the unequaled passion he was offering her, but she couldn’t. As much as she wanted to, it was a risk she dared not take because of the circumstances, her uncertainty and her position. And she twisted her head away, fighting for every breath.

  “Jake, God, stop,” she choked out, her own body turning on her. She clung to him, fighting for one sliver of rationality in the delirium of sensations. “Please, Jake. I can’t.”

  Shuddering violently, he tightened his hold on her, his embrace nearly crushing her. She could feel the conflict within him and she closed her eyes, a heaviness radiating through her. It was cruel to let this go on.

  “Alanna, just tell me what’s wrong.”

  The sudden rush of despair was so intense she could barely unlock her jaw to speak, and tears welled in her eyes, then slowly slipped down her cheeks. A sob escaped her as she murmured, “I can’t, Jake. I just can’t.”

  She pulled away and grabbed up the reins of her horse and quickly mounted, wheeling him around, forcing Jake to move out of the way of the beast.

  For a moment she met his steely gaze with longing, then dug her heels into Somerset’s flanks and the horse took off like a shot back into the night.

  She raced toward home, tears blurring her eyes, but luckily her mount knew exactly where she was going. She cried even harder when she heard no telltale sound of those hooves pounding behind her. She was a fool to think she could ever live a normal life. Her background saw to that. Now that she was enmeshed in her father’s kidnapping, she wasn’t sure how long it would be before Sheriff Watkins would come knocking at her door. Another reason to steer clear of Jake. She didn’t want to drag him into this investigation and throw suspicion on a hardworking, innocent man.

  She brushed at her tears and tried to calm herself, even as she signaled her horse to slow down into a cantor, then a trot and finally into a walk as she approached the stables. She dismounted outside the barn and the stable boy took the horse’s bridle, wishing her a pleasant evening as she thanked him.

  Solemnly, she headed for the big, imposing mansion, chaos raging inside her. Struggling for breath against her emotions, reaching for some composure, she schooled her features. It wasn’t smart to go into that house without her armor in place.

  Taking a deep breath and letting it out, she drew it around her like a cloak.

  Held on to it like a lifeline.

  *

  The Colton Valley Ranch mansion stood at the end of a half-mile-long front drive that led to an ornate black iron gate, more ornamental than for security purposes as there was open grassland and woods on both sides, Colton Valley Ranch lettered in gold across both gates. Immaculately preserved and painted a pristine white, a graceful horseshoe-shaped double stairway led from the ground level to the upper rooms of the vast house. Alanna, along with Fowler, lived in the left wing. She quietly entered through the back of the house and used the bootjack to remove her muddied riding boots. In her stocking feet, she carefully and silently ghosted into the huge gleaming kitchen, the aroma of head cook Bettina Morely’s meal still lingered in the air. Alanna had to curse Fowler for ruining her dinner. Bettina could cook. She went to the fridge, but before she could open it, she heard, “There you are, Miss Alanna. I already fixed a plate for you. We started off with clams, Spanish chorizo, tomato, marigold and parmesan focaccia, then butternut bisque.”

  Alanna’s mouth was already watering. “You’re killing me, Mrs. Morely.”

  She smiled and opened the fridge taking out a covered plate and a small bowl. “The main dish is—”

  “Sea scallops, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, carrots, parsnips and bacon. I can smell it in the air.”

  “And dessert? Any guesses?”

  “That’s an easy one. The aroma of the apples gives it away. King David cobbler. It’s my favorite and I’m sorry I missed dinner.”

  “I made crème fraîche just for you.”

  Alanna closed her eyes and made a yum humming noise, her mouth watering for the rich, tangy butterfat–sour cream confection. “You do spoil me.”

  “How about I fix you up a tray and bring it to your room?”

  “Thank you so much, Mrs. Morely. That would be so appreciated. I’ll get a quick shower and then be ready to eat.”

  “Take your time, dear.”

  All she had to do was make it to the left wing just a hop and a skip from the kitchen and into her suite of rooms without running into anyone. She made it as far as the double doors to her room.

  “Alanna. May I have a word with you?” Dammit, she swore under her breath. Whitney. The soft breathy voice echoed in the hall. It was amazing how her stepmother’s soft voice could carry.

  She hoped to at least have a shower before a lecture.

  “Yes, of course,” Alanna said, plastering a smile on her lips and turning to face her. Her stepmother could be quite unpredictable and often over-the-top.

  “Why did you miss dinner?”

  Alanna sighed. This woman acted like she was still a child. “I was busy in the stables. I do have work to do there.”

  “That is apparent.” She sniffed delicately, wrinkling her nose.

  “I was just on my way to shower.”

  “I’m sure you got Mrs. Morely to make you up a plate?”

  “I did.”

  “Good, but you know I’d prefer you attend dinner.”

  Tired and still raw from her encounters with Fowler and Jake, her voice came out flat. “Yes, I’m aware.”

  “My, you’re snippy tonight.”

  “I’m sorry, Whitney. I’m very tired and would love to shower, eat and go to bed. I’ve got another full day tomorrow.” Unlike her stepmother who floated around the house looking the all-important wife of the prosperous rancher.

  “It’s important that the family eats together. Especially now that my Dridgey-pooh is missing,” Whitney murmured, casting big blue eyes full of tears at her stepdaughter. “I’ve been feeling just ragged with worry, not knowing what to think. I swear I’m so close to having a spell.”

  Alanna didn’t have the patience to handle Whitney tonight. “We’re all so very worried about him. But hopefully the investigation will break and we’ll know something soon.” She turned and patted her back.

  Whitney nodded, dabbing at her eyes with a lace handkerchief. “Yes, I hope you’re right.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Alanna managed as she made her escape and slipped into her room.

  She went into the bathroom, only turning on a low watt light because she didn’t want any more illumination. She stripped off her clothes and turned on the many-jetted spray in the open area.

  As the water pummeled her tired muscles, all she could think about was Jake and the way he’d looked out in the moonlight. Her nerves were absolutely raw and throbbing. The memory of his full sensual mouth against hers made her heart hitch, then start to pound.

  Lord, she had to make the memories stop. But she didn’t know how. Groaning out loud, knowing one thing for sure. She was going to lose it and turn into a basket case if this kept up.

  Between Jake and Fowler, she couldn’t decide what she feared most. Losing all credibility here on the ranch or losing her sanity in the arms of Jake McCord.

  After drying off and toweling her hair, she loosely braided it, then threw on a robe. As she came out into the living area of her suite, she noticed Mrs. Morely had arranged the tray on the coffee table and, bless her, had even lit candles. The woman was so thoughtful.

  The aroma made her stomach grumble, but before she could sit down and dig in there was a knock on her balcony door.

  She started and glanced over her shoulder. Her heart stuttered and then almost
stopped. Jake McCord stood there looking more than determined. She closed her eyes, knowing she didn’t have the energy to wrangle with him tonight.

  She opened her eyes and then got up, drawing her robe tighter around her. She released the lock on the door and opened it.

  “Jake.”

  He gave her a thorough scrutiny from head to toe, his gaze so potent, so heady, that Alanna had to hold on to the doorjamb to steady herself. As if attuned to her reaction, he gave her a small half smile that spoke absolute volumes. He spoke, his voice husky. “I had to make sure you got home safely. I couldn’t sleep until I checked.” If he didn’t stop looking at her like that, she was going to be even more tired in the morning because she wouldn’t get a wink.

  She should fight off the attraction, but even now, the pull of it was like a vortex.

  His face was heavily shadowed by the broad brim of his gray Stetson, but that only emphasized the strength of his jawline coated with the end-of-the-day stubble that looked sexy tough on him. “The offer of my shoulder and ear is freestanding. Anytime.”

  She tilted her head in exasperation. “You are persistent.”

  “When I want something,” he murmured.

  Her heart rolled over, a strange fluttery feeling unfolding in her middle. She wasn’t one to beat around the bush or ignore something right in her face. It wasn’t only what was troubling her that he was after. She was sure of that, and the thought only made her knees wobblier. “There’s something going on between us. We both feel it and it’s complicated. I’m not sure how to deal with it. Getting involved with me, Jake, it’s not easy.”

  “Nothing worth having is, but, yeah, there’s something all right. I want to kiss you again, but I shouldn’t. You’re right. It would be complicated.”

  “Why?”

  He bent his head, his hat brim covering his eyes for a moment, and then he looked up. “I’m not exactly the root-burying kind of guy.”

  That meant he wasn’t going to stay and maybe she could deal with that if he could be discreet. What was she thinking? Any man she got involved with would need to have a pedigree, but Alanna cared more about character than she did money and prestige. Her family could be real stuffy about that. But, look at Zane. He did marry his administrative assistant. Maybe there was some hope.

  Jake was an imposing, sexy as all get-out man, yet even standing here in her robe with absolutely nothing beneath it, she trusted him implicitly not to make any type of move on her unless she made the move on him first and really, could she deny that? No. So at least she was being honest with herself. “I need to ask you a very serious question.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Are you softening me up because my brother asked you to?”

  He frowned. “What?”

  “Are you working for my brother?” She held her breath. There was something about Jake that was so damned honest that she would believe him if he told her.

  His mouth tightened, then he rasped out, “Yes.”

  Her heart plummeted and she went to slam the door in his face, but the toe of his boot prevented it. “It’s not what you think. I’m working for your brother, but I’m here in one capacity—to tame Zorro. That’s it. I’m not spying on you or trying to manipulate you in any way for your brother.”

  “How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

  “Because, frankly, Alanna, I don’t like your brother and, furthermore, I wouldn’t cross the street to do any favors for him.”

  She nodded, then realized it was way past dinner service in the apartment and he wouldn’t have a hot meal. Mrs. Morely always prepared more than Alanna could eat.

  She took a breath and said, “Have you eaten?”

  “No. I was distracted.” To punctuate his statement, his stomach grumbled.

  “Before I invite you in and very generously share my dinner with you, I’m not going to promise anything.”

  “Fair enough. I appreciate the invitation and the meal.”

  She was losing her perspective where Jake was concerned and sharing a meal with him was just that. Nothing more.

  Yeah, right.

  This was still such a bad idea.

  Chapter 6

  Alanna got him settled in a chair near the coffee table, trying to ignore how romantic it was with the candlelight. She’d ducked into her bedroom to put on a pair of yoga pants and a loose top, then made a quick trip to the kitchen to get a bowl, plate and another set of silverware for him.

  Once she had dished out the food, she sat back and devoured the bisque. They ate for several moments and everything was superb.

  “My compliments to the chef,” Jake said, scraping his spoon against the bowl before he set it down.

  “Mrs. Morely. She’s been the cook here as long as I can remember.”

  “I know this is none of my business—”

  “Yet, here you are.”

  There was a hint of a smile in his eyes as he said, “You were upset. You pounded out of there—”

  “Like my tail was on fire.” It was more like she was playing with fire and that could get her severely burned.

  He leaned forward, setting his forearms on his thighs. “Well, yeah. I don’t like seeing you upset,” he said in a low, pointed tone. “Does this have something to do with what your brother wanted to talk to you about?”

  “I don’t make a habit of discussing my family with outsiders,” she said hotly.

  For the longest time he simply looked at her, his eyes giving nothing away. But she sensed a deep discontentment about him, as if he were enduring some inner struggle. That made her feel like she was dancing on a hot tin roof.

  “Doesn’t seem like you have anyone to talk to at all. I’m not going to repeat anything you say to me. I’m not that guy.”

  That statement just struck so true to home that she blinked a couple of times at his astute observation. “Yes, okay, it had something to do with my brother.”

  He blew out a breath. “He has a reputation so my guess wasn’t a stretch. You don’t have to tell me what it was about, but all I can say is I expect you stood up to him.”

  “I tried, but Fowler now has control of the purse strings.”

  “For the stable? He’s trying to squeeze you out?”

  Suddenly feeling she had said too much, she looked down, his stare penetrating and quite volatile. “No, he just wants me as a figurehead. He wants to sell off half the stock. Stock that’s not ready for auction. He discounts me and my abilities, my skill and worse yet, he’s insinuating my daddy feels the same way.”

  She heard him draw in a deep breath, and then the couch moved. With infinite gentleness, Jake hooked his knuckles under her chin and forced her head up. There was a wealth of support in his eyes as he met her gaze with heart-stopping directness. “That’s insulting and closed minded and unfair,” he said very quietly. “I’ve seen you out there and knew this stable by its reputation for well-trained and well-bred stock. Why does he want to mess with that?”

  There was so much emotion unfolding inside her that Alanna could barely breathe as she whispered, “Because I think he’s spooked by Daddy’s kidnapping and it’s making him feel insecure. Not that Fowler can’t handle Colton Incorporated. That’s not what I’m saying. I think he feels he needs to run roughshod over everything to make sure it’s running smoothly and efficiently in accordance with Daddy’s wishes. Regardless of what people think about Fowler, he cares about Daddy’s approval. He would never want to disappoint him.”

  “To hell with Fowler,” Jake said. “What are you going to do about it?”

  The temptation to tell Jake everything was intoxicating. “What makes you think I will?”

  His mouth quirked and his eyes lit up. “Oh, I’m positive you will.”

  She wasn’t sure she could say it out loud. It was such a monumental move and would shake Fowler and her father to their toes. It was so unexpected from someone who had been so loyal, giving everything to the stables and to her family. It was a bit
panic inducing, but she wasn’t a Colton for nothing. She had a stronger backbone than her brother Fowler would ever give her credit for.

  “Talk to me, Alanna,” he murmured. “I’m not asking for anything. I just want you to talk to me.” His eyes were dark and smoky just like they had been before he’d kissed her. As if drawn against his will, he cupped her face in his callused hands and softly stroked her cheeks with his thumbs.

  Her senses thrown into a mindless muddle by the feeling of his hands on her face, she tried to hold on to her sense of self-preservation and not let her heart get tangled up with his, but that was currently a losing battle. “I have funds of my own. I could open my own stable.”

  She could see the faintest glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “That would get Fowler’s goat and serve the bastard right,” he said, his voice deep and heated.

  She had a nearly uncontrollable urge to settle into his arms, but even in the daze she was in, she knew it would be a mistake. She knew she had to put some distance between them, but her common sense was at war with her heart and she made no move to separate from him. Having someone on her side, listening to her and supporting her was deeply intoxicating.

  “It would be a big step, but it’s hard to leave something I’ve put so much time into.”

  “I know it’s hard, but, Alanna, better to be your own woman than his lackey.” His expression altered and the glint in his eyes softened as he slowly caressed her neck. “I saw what he did to you tonight and it was wrong. I saw the pain in your eyes and it tore me up. I want that sass back.” His gaze kindled and his voice got husky as he brushed his thumb over her mouth. “You’re one hell of a woman.”

  There was conviction with a whole passel of feeling in his voice that shook the very foundations of everything Alanna had ever experienced with a man. A tight ache started in her throat as she smiled at him. “Do you? Then you’d better get your backside over to your own rooms and get some sleep, cowboy. You’re on the clock tomorrow.”

  He grinned and said, “That so, boss lady?” He eyed the covered dish. “You’re sending me away without dessert?”