Stranded And Seduced. Charlene Sands

to be the premiere high-end listing company in the county. She’d worked for three years in adjacent Willow County learning the ropes and getting her feet wet, but when Perry Bueller decided to retire and sell this storefront property in the heart of Boone Springs, April knew it was time to take action to realize her dream of living and working in her hometown. She’d scraped together the money and transformed his rustic antique store into a modern-day office.

      A teardrop crystal chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, beautiful mahogany bookcases hugged the walls and the computer-topped desks made of the finest polished cherrywood were all pieces generously gifted to her by Mr. Bueller, her late grandmother Beth’s dear friend.

      “You’ve done well for yourself, April.”

      She didn’t take Risk’s compliment lightly. April had worked hard, and it was nice to be recognized, but she had to keep it in perspective. She couldn’t allow herself the luxury of liking Risk again, despite his long overdue apology or his Texas charm.

      The last deal she’d worked on had fallen through at the last minute. Six weeks of putting a deal together, all for naught. Her small agency couldn’t take another hit like that, and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sell the unoccupied lodge to the Boones. She had a mortgage to pay, a reputation to build and a desire so deep to make her dream a success, she wasn’t about to let her feelings about Risk interfere with her goals. “T-thank you.”

      She gave Risk the file on Canyon Lake Lodge and pointed to the photos. “As you can see, it’s a great piece of property.”

      “It’s remote.”

      “I like to think of it as secluded, a perfect place for a getaway. The lodge is set back in the hills, miles away from traffic and the town. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s kicking back and relaxing or outdoor activities. The lake is amazing, and there could be horseback riding and fishing and boating. It’s a perfect place for vacationers to experience nature.”

      “It gives rustic a whole new meaning. It’s overgrown. Looks like it’s falling apart.”

      She held her breath. “Looks can be deceiving.”

      “Or they can be dead-on.”

      “There’s wiggle room for negotiation. And there’s an intriguing story behind the lodge’s history. I have the articles here.” She reached into her drawer and came up with a manila folder with articles written about the lodge from sixty years prior. “You can read up on it. The research is fascinating. I have no doubt the lodge could be marketed in a very appealing way when the time comes to book guests.”

      She set the folder on the desk, and Risk flipped through the articles. “You’ve done your homework, haven’t you?”

      “I always do.”

      Risk looked up from the file just as she did, and their eyes met. A sizzle worked its way down to her toes. She was close enough to breathe in his scent, to be reminded of her fantasy night with him.

      “I’m impressed,” he drawled in that special way he had.

      She jerked back and fiddled with the papers on her desk.

      “Mind if I take a better look at these articles?”

      “No, of course not. Take them with you.”

      He rose, and she came around the desk to walk him to the door. When she was standing beside him, he filled her space, and she swallowed hard. “I’d better get back to work. If you have any further questions or would like to see the property, don’t hesitate to call. The number is inside the folder.”

      “Give me a day or two. I’ll definitely be in touch.”

      “Okay, sure.”

      “Oh, and April?”

      She gazed into eyes that had softened on her. He seemed ready to say something but then shook his head. “Never mind.”

      She closed the door behind him and slumped in relief.

      After two years, she’d finally spoken to Risk Boone again.

      And because of a possible sale to Boone Inc., she had to hold back on the choice words she’d reserved just for him to hear.

      * * *

      Normally April didn’t go out on a work night, but tonight was special. Tonight was her best friend’s birthday, and she couldn’t let the party go on without her. Jenna Mae turned the big three-oh today; it was monumental. So April donned her black party dress with silver rhinestone straps and met her friends for drinks at the Farmhouse Bar and Grill, a honky-tonk that was always bustling no matter the day of the week.

      It was live band Thursday, and Jenna Mae kept glancing at the guitarist up on the platform stage. She was newly single after a disheartening breakup with a guy who didn’t know the ass end of a donkey. Jenna was better off without him, and April and Clovie had let her know it. Because that’s what friends did. When a storm was brewing, they got out their rain jackets and umbrellas and shielded each other as best they could.

      April finished off her first mango margarita as all eight girls swarmed around Jenna Mae at their table near the long, handcrafted Farmhouse bar. They were already an hour into the celebration; gifts had been opened and funny birthday cards passed around.

      “Yum, this is delicious,” Jenna said, taking a big bite of her cupcake catered by Katie’s Kupcakes. “Thanks for this, April. I’m glad you’re here. Wouldn’t be the same without you.”

      “I wouldn’t have missed it, Jenna. You know that.”

      Jenna put her arm around April’s shoulders. “I do know that. I’m just glad you moved back from Willow County when you did.”

      “Me, too.”

      “Are things getting any easier?” Jenna asked. “Sold any big-ass mansions lately?”

      “I wish. Actually, I’m waiting to hear back on a potential huge deal. If I land it, it would keep the agency afloat into next year.”

      The waitress came by with another round of drinks. April wasn’t a big drinker, but number two looked good, so she grabbed it up and took a sip.

      “I hope it works out for you.”

      “I’m beginning to have my doubts,” she mumbled. “My buyer was supposed to get back to me last week. And I haven’t heard a word.”

      “Why not call and give him a nudge?”

      “You won’t believe who it is.”

      Jenna Mae grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the crowd. “Tell me.” Jenna was on her third drink, which might just be her limit. She wobbled a little when she walked.

      April spoke in Jenna’s ear. “It’s Risk Boone. If you can believe that.”

      Jenna knew all about her high school crush and fantasy night with Risk, and so it wasn’t surprising that her mouth dropped open. “No.”

      “Yes. He was at the office last week. It was...awkward.”

      “I can imagine. Man, you crushed on him heavily in high school. You’ve always had a soft spot for that guy.”

      “Not anymore. Not after...Houston.”

      “Really? Because I didn’t want to say anything, but he’s sitting at the bar right now.”

      April couldn’t believe it; now her mouth dropped open. And her heart sped up. She had her back to the bar, and she casually turned to look over her shoulder. Yep, there was Risk, sitting on a stool, flanked by two women, one on each side of him. They were leaning against the bar top, engaging him in conversation. Typical. Women swarmed around Risk like bees to honey. He’d been a big celebrity at one time. It was crazy to think she’d been one of his hangers-on a couple of years ago.

      “Oh wow, I’ve never