Texas Gold by Liz Lee

said the name out loud, thinking at the same time. “We bought some land from Babers.”
    “That would be my brothers. Tim and Jackson.” She stretched her arms out in front of her, hands together. To John it probably seemed perfectly natural. Brenton knew better. She was playing the same game she’d played last night at Charlie’s.
    “That’s right.” John concentrated as if he were trying to place the lots. As if he’d forgotten. They’d spent part of the morning discussing how worthless the lots were if the rest of the Babers didn’t sell, too. Or at least a few more of them. The two lots they had were separated with no access unless they trespassed on one or more of the four they didn’t have.
    “So what are you giants of industry planning for Serendipity today? A shopping mall?”
    Brenton knew he didn’t have to warn John to keep their business plans quiet. If Mallory wanted to support the development of the town, she’d sell her land. When John had called months ago, she’d pretty much said “go to hell,” and hung up on them.
    It didn’t matter. Brenton didn’t have the wherewithal to do battle just then. He’d been through too much with Nina already. He didn’t feel like adding Mallory, even an incredibly sexy Mallory, to the foray.
    He moved to the door as he answered her question. “Today we’re planning liquor stores and gentlemen's clubs. But we really are busy.”
    He could see John’s fascination with the scene unfolding. Could understand it since it was obvious Mallory was here with intentions of doing something, and so far, she’d asked a couple silly questions and that was about all.
    She didn’t even seem perturbed by his ridiculous answer.
    “I understand. You always seem to be doing business.” She followed him to the door. “That’s why I was stopping by.” She stopped, looked at him pointedly and smiled a slow, sexy, come-and-get-me-if-you’re-man-enough-smile. “Business.”
    She certainly had his full attention now.  
    And, oh boy, did she know it. Her fingers snaked along his hand, and he felt every touch through the entire length of his body. All thoughts of business with John evaporated. Didn’t matter. Not a bit.
    And she wasn’t finished.
    “You see, when we talked last, I was unclear. But it seems you made me an offer I can’t refuse. If it’s still out there, I’d be more than willing to accept. If not, well, I’ll live.”

    The minute Mallory walked in his house, she knew two things. Brenton’s business partner was a slimier snake than any she’d met and Brenton himself was up to no good. He shouted guilt the same way Nina did. Head down, feet rocking. But the second she spoke the words, she knew her plan was in motion.
    Any business he’d planned with John Lavoy was pushed to the back burner. Brenton thought she’d just offered herself on a silver platter much like the one she’d seen in his dining room last night. The one near that stupid sturdy table that had flitted through her dreams all night.
    She didn’t have to tell him he was down 7-0 in the bottom of the seventh.
    Somehow, she was going to make this work. She had to.
    So far, she was definitely on the right track. Slimy John was off to the office after a few words from Brenton. Any time he spent away from that man would work in her favor, she was sure.
    She wasn’t so sure about the way he was standing near her, invading all her space, making it difficult to breathe.  
    With little room to move, she backed against the door, and his arms trapped her there.  
    Her plan had been simple. Throw out the acceptance more or less and ruin his work day while maybe just maybe finding out something to help her cause.
    She hadn’t anticipated the way he would look with his arms over her head on either side of her body. Or the way she would feel, a little overwhelmed and a lot excited.
    For Pete’s sake, his daughter was in the house.
    She was ready to remind him of that when he decided to say