Deep Autumn Heat (36 page)

“According to Cameron, the metal is unusually strong. Also, from the way the bow of the key is formed, and the odd markings—see that Roman numeral three etched into the notch on the blade?—she and her uncle think it’s part of a set.”

“So there are others out there?” Lexie asked.

“At least two,” Cole confirmed.

“And the lock,” Theo said.

“Yes, and I’m not sure we’ll ever find that. The odds of us finding even one of the keys were pretty low. I’m not holding out hope.” Cole shook his head.

“I’m just glad you were able to put this key to some use. Other than as a historical object, I mean.” Seb smiled.

Lexie cleared her throat. “How about a cup of coffee?” she asked, changing the subject.
“That’s the real reason you’re here, right?”

“Actually,” Cole said. “I have some news. I’ve just been elected to a county task force to fight the drug issue we’ve been seeing crop up.”

“I’m really proud of you,” Val said. “And you know my team’s been called in to help with the investigation in town. Maybe we can get our people together to talk about where things stand.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” Cole patted him on the back. “We still haven’t figured out exactly what’s going on in Star Harbor—and we don’t know how the production at the Grange fits in—so we’re happy to have the assistance from the Feds.”

“Well, I think the task force sounds exciting,” Lexie said.

“Not as exciting as you and Sebastian tying the knot. I never thought I’d see the day,” Cole said.

Lexie gave Val a sidelong glance. “A lot of folks thought that,” she said wryly. Lexie looked at the four Grayson brothers gathered around the counter.

They looked so similar, but their personalities were so very different. She used to think Sebastian was nothing at all like Cole or Val or Theo. His brothers had seemed much more solid, more mature. But now?

Despite his wild past, he’d really come into his own. She could tell by the way his brothers looked at him with respect and approval. By the way he moved, even spoke. He’d always had arrogance, but now his arrogance had a depth of purpose behind it. He could back it up with experience and expertise.

She glanced up at Sebastian and her stomach did that funny flip-flop it always did when he was close. Though Cole, Theo, and Val were undeniably good-looking, she’d never had the same reaction to them that she did to Sebastian. She did, however, feel safe with them. It was like having three older brothers who’d do anything to protect her. Large, formidable older brothers.

Growing up as an only child, she’d never known what it was like to have a big family,
had never experienced the solidarity that came from having siblings who always had your back.

It was a feeling she could get used to.

Confirming that all of the restaurant’s customers were being taken care of, she fixed herself a cup of tea and rejoined the men.

Sebastian took her teacup from her and placed it on the counter. “Come with me.” He took her by the hand and led her through the dining room, past the eyes of curious customers, into the kitchen, where her staff waved to her as they passed through. He opened up the back door and ushered her through it.

“Well?” she asked, when they were finally outside in the cool autumn air.

He smiled at her, that smile she knew so well. His green eyes glinted in his face as he stalked closer to her. “This is where it all began.”

“I suppose it is,” she said, a smile on her lips as she glanced around.

He moved closer. “Except the first time, as I recall, the lady was not so interested.”

“Oh, I was interested,” Lexie retorted, “but I knew that you were trouble from the moment I set eyes on you.”

“Trouble?” he said, his lip curling up. “Is that right?” He was a step away from her now.

“That’s right,” she breathed. “Big trouble.”

“You have no idea,” he said, right before he pushed her gently against the brick wall and captured her mouth with his. As her head tipped back in acceptance of his kiss, Lexie had the sharp realization that she’d have the rest of her life to revel in this—in the feeling of her body next to his, in knowing that she was loved, treasured, and protected by this one, strong man. And that whatever path their lives took, she’d always have Sebastian Grayson by her side.

There are many people I need to thank for helping me make my debut. Jonathan, whose dedication and unwavering support truly made this endeavor happen. Michael, whose utter confidence in my ability to write still astounds me. Jennifer, for generously giving so much of her support and time, including reading the first and last drafts of my very first book—and everything in between. All the women of Wine and Words, who were with me from the start. Mom, Dad, Amanda, John, Debby and Dennis, who provided major encouragement and support. Scott and Sara, who answered all of my New York questions and supplied much-needed comic relief. Nalini Akolekar, who put in an incredible amount of work to begin this big, exciting journey with me. Angela Polidoro, whose sharp eyes and warm humor made the editing process a pleasure. Last but not least, Sue Grimshaw, whose belief in me and enthusiasm about Star Harbor (not to mention her invaluable input) helped me all the way to the finish line. My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

Welcome to Loveswept!

Coming up next month are three super sultry reads that are perfect for poolside lounging. From beloved author Sally Goldenbaum, sparks fly between a single dad and a spicy chef in her delectable novel
FOR MEN ONLY
. We also have the first book in Karen Leabo’s classic Brides of Destiny trilogy,
CALLIE’S COWBOY
– a poignant tale of young love and faraway memories, tender promises, and revealing truths, and Linda Cajio’s
JUST ONE LOOK
, where two spies find themselves entangled in a deadly game—and a sweet obsession—as undercover takes on a sexy new meaning.

If you love romance … then you’re ready to be
Loveswept
!

Gina Wachtel

Associate Publisher

P.S. Watch for these terrific Loveswept titles coming soon: September is an exciting month with five releases, including the second book in Elizabeth Barrett’s thrilling new series,
BLAZE OF WINTER!
We also have four terrific stories from Donna Kauffman:
LIGHT MY FIRE, SANTERRA’S SIN, DARK KNIGHT
and
SILENT WARRIOR
, And October offers even more exciting reads, including three stunning titles from Donna Kauffman:
MIDNIGHT HEAT, BORN TO BE WILD
, and
SURRENDER THE DARK
. We also have Linda Cajio’s sizzling
NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN
. And look out for Jessica’s Scott’s breathtaking new military romance,
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU
. Don’t miss any of these extraordinary reads. I promise that you’ll fall in love and treasure these stories for years to come.…

Read on for excerpts from more
Loveswept
titles …

Read on for an excerpt from Gayle Kasper’s

Here Comes the Bride

Fiona Ames sat on her suitcase in the middle of the baggage-claim area at Las Vegas’s McCarran Airport, wilting in her white wool suit as she searched for her transportation.

And then she saw him.

For twenty minutes she’d scanned the crowd, wondering how she would recognize a man she’d never met. All she had was a vague general description—tall, dark, and handsome. But when it happened, when she saw the tan leather suitcase split open on the baggage carousel and disperse its contents, her quick speculation became absolute certainty.

Male underwear, skimpy, silk, and lurid, tumbled out along with a few tame shirts and a blow-dryer.

Fiona glanced away, hoping that when she returned her gaze, the owner of the bag
wouldn’t fit the description of the man she was supposed to meet.

He did—in spades.

She shouldn’t have expected less, though, given how her day had begun.

She had to admire his aplomb—or was it brass?—the way he gathered up the sexy briefs, returning the smiles of feminine onlookers without missing a beat. Several of his admirers looked ready to offer him their hotel keys—and he looked ready to accept.

Maybe she was wrong. Maybe this wasn’t the man she would be sharing a ride with from the airport. He could be here for any number of reasons,
logical
reasons—such as … an underwear convention. But when the man zipped his bag closed again and turned around, his blue-eyed gaze scouring the terminal, she knew he was searching for her.

Fiona’s white wool suddenly grew warmer.

He was handsome, in that hard, lean, illicit sort of way that held women in thrall. His deep tan gave him a decadent look, as if he did nothing more ambitious all day than sip tall drinks poolside. The ends of his rich brown hair were sun-tipped and ruffled, curling carelessly over his shirt collar.

She noticed the well-fitting cut of his light-colored suit and caught herself wondering if he had a pair of those racy briefs on
beneath. Maybe in a wild island print, a palm tree swaying seductively over his—

Fiona checked the direction of that thought.

She wasn’t in Nevada to think about what the man wore next to his … tan. She was there for her father’s wedding, a wedding that would take place tomorrow—that was, unless she could find some way to put a stop to the ceremony before then.

But that was a problem she would deal with later—after she’d gotten to her hotel, and peeled off these hot clothes and her panty hose that had sprung a half-inch-wide run somewhere over Denver.

Still, she knew that unless she wanted to wilt outside waiting for a taxi, Mr. Sexy was her best bet for a ride. Fiona dragged in a deep, steadying breath and started toward him.

“Mr. Killian? Nick Killian?” she asked as she neared.

He raised one dark eyebrow and his speculative male gaze skimmed over her. “Miss Ames?”

His voice was low, self-assured, and seductive—like the man. It had a slow drawl to it, a sensually erotic quality that stirred Fiona to her nail beds. “I’m Fiona Ames.”

That dangerous smile edged his lips. “I
hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” he said. “I had a small, uh, mishap with my luggage.”

“I saw.”

At that moment the baggage carousel made a full revolution, and rotating slowly toward them was a skimpy scrap of leopard print. Fiona considered ignoring the hot item and ushering him toward the door, but unfortunately he saw it too.

“Yours, I believe,” she said.

He only grinned, a slow, sexy slash in his tanned face. Fiona was not about to let the silk go around again for all to see—at least as long as she was standing there beside him. She reached down and plucked it off the carousel.

He didn’t even have the good grace to look embarrassed, only amused, and Fiona realized that she was the one caught holding the silky scrap. The smile on his face made her feel as if she had her hands on his body instead of just his rakish underwear.

“Here,” she said. She shoved the silk undies at his midsection, then wished she hadn’t. It was rock-hard beneath his pale blue shirt, just as she’d imagined it would be.

“Thanks.” His naughty grin widened. “This is my favorite pair.” The silk danced between them for what seemed like forever before he finally stuffed them into the pocket of his jacket. “Do you always blush like that?” he asked, tucking a finger beneath her chin.