Teasing Annie: The Temptation Saga: Book Two Read online

  Teasing Annie

  The Temptation Saga: Book Two

  Helen Hardt

  Contents

  Copyright

  Warning

  Praise for Teasing Annie

  Praise for Helen Hardt

  Dedication

  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

  Epilogue

  Continue the The Temptation Saga with Book Three

  Chapter One

  Message from Helen Hardt

  Also by Helen Hardt

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  This book is an original publication of Helen Hardt.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for third-party websites or their content.

  Copyright © 2016 Waterhouse Press, LLC

  Cover Design by Waterhouse Press, LLC

  Cover Imagery: Shutterstock

  All Rights Reserved

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic format without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  Warning

  This e-book contains adult language and scenes, including a flashback of a rape scene that may cause trigger reactions. This story is meant only for adults as defined by the laws of the country where you made your purchase. Store your e-books carefully where they cannot be accessed by younger readers.

  Praise for Teasing Annie

  This is a wonderful book! It has it all! It is so hot at times you feel like your e-reader just might melt and it also gets all your emotions involved… I could not stop reading it till I was finished.

  ~Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

  Heartbreaking, yet sensual and explosive, Teasing Annie is a true love story with real emotional depth and character development.

  ~Bibliophilic Book Blog

  I feel I should start this review with a disclaimer. I am in no way a country girl. I chose to be a part of this tour because I am becoming a huge fan of Helen Hardt. I have read a few of her historical romances and was immediately swept up into the world of her characters and their lives… Cowboy Heat is just what the title states and SO much more. I became immersed in the world of rodeos, ranching, barrel racing… I mean like all in, and it was HOT!

  ~Delightfully Dirty Reads

  I am so freaking glad I was introduced to this family. I love the cowboys. They are so typically rough and tough that you can almost smell the hay. The writing is fantastic. I could really feel myself in the story. The descriptions put you right in there so it’s like seeing it.

  ~Brenda’s Book Beat

  Cowboys that are well-educated, model handsome, rich, smart, witty, fun, well endowed, and sexy. Sign me up for that fantasy please. This collection was sensual and entertaining… Ms. Hardt’s writing crosses several genres with touches of suspense, humor, lots of steam, and both new adult and adult contemporary romance. I enjoyed and cared for the characters…

  ~Books and Bindings

  Praise for Helen Hardt

  Flawlessly written and in my opinion a work of art…

  ~Girly Girl Book Reviews

  Is it hot in here? I mean it’s July, the sun is blazing, but I’m sitting in an air conditioned house sweating bullets. Congratulations Ms. Hardt, you dropped me into the middle of a scorching hot story and let me burn.

  ~Seriously Reviewed

  Ms. Hardt has a way of writing that makes me forget I'm reading a book. It's more like slipping into a world she created and getting lost for a while.

  ~Whipped Cream Reviews

  I loved this book. The characters were wonderful. They each showed their vulnerable sides as well as their strengths. They are real people and have real problems but also some very loving solutions…

  ~Night Owl Reviews

  Ms. Hardt creates magic…

  ~The Romance Studio

  Helen Hardt writes as smooth as a hot knife cutting through butter. Her words take you away and you feel like you are watching the story play out right in front of you.

  ~Delightfully Dirty Reads

  For my sons, Eric and Grant McConnell. I’m so proud of both of you!

  Chapter One

  Dallas McCray was a little bit in love with his brother’s wife.

  Not in an “I have to have you” kind of way—though if they were both unattached he wouldn’t kick Dusty out of bed—but more in an “I really wish I had someone like you to share my life with” kind of way.

  He couldn’t help thinking about his brother’s happy marriage as he stared at the manila envelope he had just pulled from his mailbox.

  His final divorce papers.

  He took a deep breath and tore open the package. There it was in black-and-white. His marriage was over.

  Not that he was upset about it. He no longer loved Chelsea. He wasn’t sure he ever had, at least not in the way that Zach and Dusty loved each other. But failure was difficult for Dallas. Even the failure of a marriage he no longer wanted sliced like a hunting knife into his gut.

  He strode into his home office, rolling his eyes at the thought of the colossal financial settlement he had paid Chelsea. Anything to keep from having to pay her alimony. He wanted her out of his life for good.

  A clean break.

  It had been easy enough. For Chelsea, it had always been about the money, and Dallas had plenty.

  Thank God they hadn’t had kids. Another knife cut into Dallas’s heart at the thought of children. He had wanted them. Chelsea hadn’t. His face tensed at the memories of how she had deceived him.

  Quickly he shoved the divorce papers into a file drawer. Best to get them out of sight.

  So he didn’t have children. Perhaps it wasn’t meant to be. He was glad he hadn’t had them with Chelsea, or he’d be bound to her for eternity. He’d probably be a terrible father anyway. His younger brothers had hated him growing up. They’d seen him only as an overbearing control freak, and he hadn’t been close to either one. He was only now making reparations for his past actions toward them. Thankfully, they were both open to a new relationship with him.

  On a whim, he picked up his cell phone and called Zach.

  “What’s up, Dallas?”

  “They came today.”

  “The papers? You all right?”

  “Yeah. I’m fine.”

  “Why don’t you come to the house for dinner tonight? You shouldn’t be alone.”

  “Nah. I’m okay.”

  “Come on. You know how Dusty loves to fuss over people. And Seanie misses his Uncle Dallas.”

  Dallas grinned as he thought of his one-year-old nephew. He did love that little guy, and letting Dusty fuss over him didn’t sound too bad either.

  “Deal,” he said to Zach. “What time?”

  “How’s six-thirty sound? Seraphina’s making spaghetti.”

  “Great.” Dallas’s mouth watered at the thought of zesty
marinara. Zach and Dusty’s housekeeper’s Italian cuisine was legendary. “See you then.”

  * * *

  Annie DeSimone yawned, stretching her bare arms over her head, her silver bangle bracelets clinking in her ears. Her first week as the new veterinarian in the small ranching town of Bakersville, Colorado was nearing its end, and already she had treated five horses, three cows, a stubborn bull, two dogs, and had delivered a litter of eight kittens.

  To top it off, her VW Beetle had died on the way back from her last call, and she’d had to hitch a ride back to her office. Not a stellar first week, though at least the busyness had kept her mind off of other things.

  Although it was only four, an hour before closing time, she walked to the door to lock up. As she flipped the sign from open to closed, a young woman walked around from the small parking lot behind the office, carrying a small child on one hip and an orange-and-white cat on the other.

  “Geez,” Annie said under her breath. She pasted a smile on her exhausted face and opened the door. “Hi,” she said to the woman.

  “You must be the new vet.”

  “Yes. I’m Dr. Annie DeSimone. Call me Annie. And you are?”

  “Dusty McCray.” She motioned to the pretty little boy who had striking light blue eyes and his mama’s reddish-blond hair. “This is my son, Sean, and this”—she held up the cat—“is Nigel.”

  “It’s nice to meet all of you,” Annie said. She stroked Nigel’s soft fur. “What seems to be the problem with Nigel today?”

  “He’s been lethargic for a few days,” Dusty said. “Today, though, he wouldn’t eat anything at all, and his belly seems a little swollen. I think he might have a bowel obstruction.” Dusty smiled nervously. “I’m afraid he likes to eat plastic wrap. We try to keep him away from it, but…”

  “No need to explain. There’s no keeping a curious cat from what he wants. The saying had to come from somewhere didn’t it?”

  “Saying?”

  “Curiosity killed the cat, of course.”

  Dusty let out a small giggle. “I suppose so.”

  “But don’t worry. Nigel’s curiosity is only a small setback. Let’s get him back on the table and have a look.” Annie took the cat from his owner and led them to a small examining room. “All right, buddy, let’s see what’s going on.” She set the cat down on the table and began her examination. “Has he vomited at all?”

  “No,” Dusty said.

  “Any diarrhea?”

  “Not that I’ve seen.”

  Annie palpated the cat’s belly. “There’s some distention here,” she said, “but nothing too drastic. I don’t think it’s an obstruction. I think he may have eaten something that didn’t agree with him.”

  Dusty sighed. “Yes, that’s possible. The silly thing gets into everything.”

  Annie laughed. “Some cats are like that. If it would make you feel better, I can do a quick x-ray to definitely rule out an obstruction.”

  “Would you mind? Nigel is really special to me. I don’t want to take any chances with him.”

  “Not at all. I’ll need you to hold him down.” She handed Dusty a lead apron. “Is there any chance you might be pregnant?”

  “No.”

  Annie showed Dusty how to position Nigel. “How would you like to come into the next room with me?” she asked Sean. “You can push the button.”

  Sean smiled and went willingly. What a sweet little boy.

  After they had taken the picture, she took Sean back to his mother. “Why don’t the two of you sit down out front and I’ll be out in a few minutes. You can take Nigel with you.”

  Dusty nodded and led her son away.

  Annie studied the digital image of the cat’s abdomen. No obstruction, but he was a little constipated. Unusual for a cat, but not unheard of. She headed out front.

  “Good news,” she said. “As I suspected, there is no obstruction. He’s a little backed up, though.”

  “Backed up?”

  “Constipated.”

  “Oh.” Dusty giggled. “I didn’t know that could happen to cats.”

  “It can happen to any living creature,” Annie said. “I’m going to give him a mild stool softener, and I suggest you keep him outside as much as you can for the next few days.”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Don’t hesitate to call if he gets worse,” Annie said.

  “I won’t. Thank you so much. I know you were getting ready to close when I got here, and I really appreciate your time.”

  “No problem. I’m usually open till five, and of course I’m always on call for emergencies.” She yawned. “It’s been a harrowing week, though, and yes, I was tempted to close up early. But I’m glad I got to meet you and Sean and Nigel.” She smiled.

  “Have you met many people yet?”

  “Only those whose animals I’ve treated. I’ve been hopping since I opened on Monday.”

  “Would you like to come to my house tonight for dinner?” Dusty asked. “It would give me a chance to repay you for your kindness, and I’d love for you to meet my husband.”

  A home-cooked meal sounded wonderful to Annie, who had subsisted on Lean Cuisines since she had opened up shop. But, “I’d love to come, but unfortunately my car died earlier today. I had it towed to Joe’s down the street. I’m afraid I’m without transportation. Maybe some other time?”

  “Don’t be silly,” Dusty said. “You can drive home with me right now, and Zach can drive you home later.”

  “I don’t want to impose.”

  “You’re not imposing. I’m the one who imposed on you late on a Friday afternoon when you were clearly trying to cut out early. Please. It would mean a lot to me.”

  “You’re sure your husband won’t mind?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Well, then, I have to tell you, a home-cooked meal sounds absolutely divine.”

  “You’ll love Seraphina’s spaghetti,” Dusty said. “Let’s go.” The pretty young woman offered a wide smile, which Annie returned.

  She had made her first friend in Bakersville.

  * * *

  As Dusty pulled her minivan into the long driveway, Annie stared in awe at the sprawling ranch house. This was McCray Landing, the largest and most profitable ranch in southeastern Colorado. She had been so exhausted earlier that she hadn’t made the connection with Dusty’s last name. Zach McCray was the middle brother and the only married one, according to the gossip she had heard.

  “Here we are,” Dusty said, engaging the parking brake. “Home sweet home.”

  “I’ll say,” Annie said. “It’s beautiful.”

  She opened the car door and looked around while Dusty unstrapped Sean from his car seat.

  “Mama,” Sean said, as Dusty scooped him up.

  “Can you take Nigel?” she asked Annie.

  “Sure.” Annie cradled the cat in her arms.

  “This way,” Dusty said, and led Annie up the narrow sidewalk and into the house.

  Straight out of House Beautiful. Annie widened her eyes as she took in the elegant surroundings. Jade marble tile graced the entryway. Off to the right was a large living room with maple hardwood floors and a deep red plush oriental rug. A black lacquer grand piano stood in the corner, flanked by a black-and-crimson satin sofa and two wingback chairs. Mahogany coffee and end tables completed the picture.

  Annie hoped they wouldn’t sit in there. She was afraid she’d tarnish the perfection of the room.

  Dusty led her to a different room. A rustic, cozy family area in the back of the house. Hardwood floors again, but this time with brown leather furniture and a bear skin rug next to a cozy hearth. Annie winced a little at the bear skin. She didn’t like animal trophies.

  “It’s fake,” Dusty said.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean—”

  “It’s okay. You’re a vet. You wouldn’t be a vet if you didn’t love animals. I’m the same way.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah. I always want
ed to be a vet, but I wasn’t able to finish college due to…circumstances.”

  “Have you considered going back and finishing now?” Annie asked. “You seem to know a lot about animals. Most people wouldn’t have suspected a bowel obstruction with Nigel today.”

  “I was never able to swing it,” Dusty said. “Then I met Zach and had Sean, and I don’t really have any desire to go back to school now.”

  “I understand,” Annie said, and she did. A child and husband to love meant everything.

  “I wanted to get rid of the rug,” Dusty continued, pointing to the bearskin. “Even a fake one bothers me a bit. But Zach wouldn’t hear of it. It was his father’s.”

  “I see.”

  “You get used to it after a while. Seanie loves to sit on it. It’s really soft. Here, feel.”

  Annie smiled. “I’ll take your word for it.”

  “I understand.” Dusty smiled, her brown eyes crinkling. “Would you like something to drink? We’re having spaghetti, so red wine would be nice.”

  Annie inhaled deeply. “I smelled the sauce when we walked in. I love Italian. I am Italian, actually.”

  “I thought so, from your last name.” Dusty smiled. “Maybe you can give Seraphina some pointers.”

  “Seraphina is…”

  “Our housekeeper,” Dusty said. “But she loves to cook so she does a lot of that as well. Zach wanted to hire a full-time cook but I said no. I love Seraphina’s cooking, and when she doesn’t cook, I do.”

  “That’s nice,” Annie said. What else could she say? Having the kind of money to hire not only a housekeeper but also a full-time cook was a completely foreign concept to her. “But I don’t think she needs any pointers. It smells wonderful.”

  “You’ll love it. So what do you want to drink?”