Familiar Adversaries

Mariah couldn’t stop the memories.

She’d park behind the barn, and he’d run out to meet her. She’d barely be out of her car before he’d pull her into his arms and kiss her.

She glanced at Shane. The look in his eyes told her he was remembering, too. Suddenly he drew her close again. “You were every teenage boy’s fantasy.”

Hearing his confession, her pulse raced. Mariah hadn’t the strength to pull away. She hated her weakness for this man.

Familiar Adversaries

Patricia Thayer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

PATRICIA THAYER

has been writing for sixteen years and has published over twenty books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion, Orange Rose Contest and a prestigious RITA® Award. In 1997, Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.

Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of thirty-plus years, Steve, and her three grown sons and two grandsons—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251, or check her Web site at www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.

My cousin and best friend Connie,

You were there when I caught my first frog, and got my first boyfriend…and the second and the third…. The wonderful memories are endless. Although many miles separate us, you’re always in my thoughts.

And always, Steve.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

Chapter One

If this wasn’t the worst day of his life it was damn close.

Early Monday morning Shane Hunter turned off the highway onto the dirt-and-gravel road. Immediately the old truck’s lack of suspension had him bouncing in the seat. He eased his foot off the gas and steered to avoid the potholes. He released a breath as he glanced at the billboard sign that read Paradise Estates in bold letters. In the corner was, in smaller type, By Hunter Construction. He couldn’t help but feel pride. Barely two years ago he’d started the company, and now he was building the first phase of Haven, Arizona’s, newest housing development. Thirty-five single-family homes. Every dime he had or could borrow was wrapped up in this project. And if luck and the weather held Hunter Construction was on its way.

His life would be nearly perfect if only he didn’t have to work for Kurt Easton. There wasn’t a resident of Haven who hadn’t heard about the Easton family’s ongoing feud with the Hunters.

From the very start, Easton had done everything he could to push Shane off the project, especially after there had been two break-ins at the site. Not much damage was done the first time, but in the second incident several pieces of valuable equipment had been stolen. Shane hired more security, but Easton wasn’t satisfied. He’d persuaded investors to hire a project manager to keep the project on schedule and to keep an eye on Shane.

Shane drove past the first row of the framed two-story structures. Farther down were several stacks of lumber and building supplies behind a chain link fence. He continued on to the construction trailer where he spotted his crew standing around outside. Shane checked his watch. It was after 7:00 a.m. What was going on? His crew knew their jobs. He’d given the supervisor the list of assignments last Friday. He parked his truck, climbed out and went straight to the framing foreman, Rod Hendon.

“Rod, why is everyone standing around?”

The foreman shook his head. “It’s not my call, Shane. The project manager said to wait until you got here.”

Shane’s stomach knotted, and he had to fight to keep his cool. Easton would love to see him blow up over this. “Where is this project manager?”

Rod pointed at the trailer. “Inside. And I’ll tell you right now, you aren’t going to like what you find.”

Shane didn’t doubt it, but over the weekend his brother, Nate, had convinced him that he’d need to keep a cool head if he wanted to complete this job. Shane marched off toward the trailer. Fine, he’d work with a manager, but first they needed to get a few things straight and the sooner the better.

Shane climbed the wooden steps, pulled open the door and stepped inside. “What the hell gives you the right to keep my crew from starting work?” He froze when he found a woman, not a man, sitting behind his desk.

She was an auburn-haired beauty with pale, creamy skin, and a wide, inviting mouth with full, kissable lips. And when she looked up at him with those large green eyes he could only find enough air in his lungs to breathe out her name. “Mariah…”

“Hello, Shane,” she said in that soft husky voice he could never get out of his head for the past dozen years. “It’s been a long time.”

Not long enough to forget. He watched as she came around the desk. At five-eight, Mariah Easton was absolute perfection. She filled out a pair of faded jeans nicely. Too nicely. She wore an oversize chambray shirt that showed off her delicate frame but also hid the generous curve of her breasts. But he knew they were full and lush. Whoa. Don’t go heading down memory lane. You’ll only get into trouble. He shook his head and returned to the present.

“If you’re waiting for your father, he isn’t here.”

Mariah shook her head, causing her wild mane to move against her shoulders. “I’ve already talked with Dad this morning. He would have been here but I told him I wanted to handle this on my own.”

He didn’t like the sound of this. “Handle what?”

“I’m the new project manager.”

This was the worst day of his life. “The hell you say.”

Shane knew that Easton could play dirty, but no way would he ever let his precious daughter within ten feet of a Hunter, especially the no-good Hunter boy he’d run off years ago.

Even though Mariah had had a week to prepare for this meeting, she was still nervous. Working in the construction business she’d become accustomed to men staring at her, making off-color remarks, but this man could make her blush with just a look. How had she let her dad talk her into this? The last thing she needed was Shane Hunter back in her life. How many rejections could a woman take anyway?

She tried not to look at him, but Shane had always been hard to resist. He was six foot three and built solid. The years of heavy work had only toned his muscles. But to her it was his deep-blue eyes and that wicked grin that could melt her on the spot. Somehow she had to find a way not to think about how sexy he was and focus on business.

“If you’d like to see my credentials and job experience…” She picked up the folder off the desk and handed it to him. “I just finished a large project in Phoenix. You can call Dad. He’ll tell you that his partners approved me for the position.” She drew a breath, trying to slow her rapid pulse. “Looks like we’ll be sharing this office.”

“Now I know your father is crazy.” He didn’t open the file. “We’ve already had enough setbacks, and having you oversee my crew isn’t going to help. How do you think the men are going to react with you trying to take over?”

Mariah’s anger flared, but she held it in check. She had worked very hard to earn a good reputation in this business. “I’m not trying to take over. I’m here to make things run a bit more smoothly. And I’ve found in the past that the men don’t like a woman on the site because of their boss. As the boss, you need to lead the way. If you make it clear that we have a good working relationship, your men will follow your example in dealing with me.”

He still didn’t look convinced. “You’re also one of the investors’ daughter.”

“Look, Shane, I know you and my father have never gotten along, but for the sake of this project, we need to come to an agreement.”

“What a concept. A Hunter and an Easton working together.”

She knew her father had held a grudge against his family for years. Was it too much to ask that they put their personal feelings aside? “Shane, if I hadn’t accepted this job, they’d just find someone else. It won’t take long for word to get around that Hunter Construction is difficult to work with, especially with the problems you’ve had recently.”

His eyes flashed. “We’re no different from any project this size. Things get stolen and kids break in and vandalize a site. There hasn’t been much damage.”

Mariah sat down on the edge of the desk. “You can’t be too cautious, even radical environmental activists have been known to vandalize and destroy property. This site does cut into a scenic view.”

Shane tossed the folder on the desk. “And that’s what will sell these high-priced homes—the view. People will be lining up to purchase them. But not if we let the crew stand around.”

“Then let’s get them back to work.” She raised a hand. “Introduce me to your crew and confirm my job description.”

He folded his arms over his massive chest. “And just what will your job be?”

“Most of my duties will be handled from here. I’ll order materials, make sure there’s no waste and see that supplies are delivered when promised. My job is to bring the project in on time and on budget.”

“I thought that was my job.”

“It is,” she confirmed. “I’m just here to help you. This is a big project, and there should have been a manager from the beginning.”

“I like to work alone.”

That hadn’t changed over the years. Shane Hunter hadn’t needed anyone, especially her. It hadn’t helped matters that her father hadn’t wanted her anywhere near a Hunter. Even now she knew Kurt Easton hoped that Shane and Hunter Construction would screw up this large and very important project.

“Then you have a problem, Shane, because I’m here…to stay.” She went to the door. “Now, shall we go outside so you can introduce me to the crew.”

He stood there a long time. She decided he needed a little nudge. “Okay, it’s your money we’re wasting while they stand around,” she said. “And it’s your butt on the line with the investors.”

“Damn, if you’re not one stubborn woman.” He started for the door; she followed. He stopped suddenly and turned back to her. “You’d better be worth it.”

Mariah fought a smile. It was hard. “Oh, I am.” That was when she caught the flicker of desire in his intense gaze.

He finally pushed open the door. “Time will tell.” He motioned for her to go ahead of him. She walked out, feeling his gaze and that of every man in the crew on her.

Shane came up beside her. “Everyone, listen up. Sorry about the delay this morning, but there’s going to be a few changes you need to know about before we start.” He glanced at Mariah. “This is Mariah Easton. She’s been hired to act as Paradise’s project manager.” There were murmurs and groans in the group. “I’m still the crew boss, and you’ll answer to me, but Mariah will take over in the office with ordering, deliveries and keeping us on schedule. So mind your manners and cooperate with her.” He glanced at her. “You have anything to add?”

Mariah had a lot to say, but she wasn’t about to fight with Shane in front of the crew. “No, not right now.”

He turned back to the men. “Okay, let’s get to work.”

She returned to the trailer, praying for strength to survive this job. A hundred times she’d asked herself why she’d agreed to take on this difficult assignment…and Shane Hunter. He’d dumped her once in high school. He broke her heart and it had taken years to get over him. Now she was leaving herself wide open for hurt and being dragged into this ridiculous, decades-old feud.

Mariah picked up the phone. First thing she needed was a desk. There was no way she was sharing Shane’s. She glanced at the stack of papers on top. Her gaze continued around the makeshift office to the drafting table, piled high with blueprints. How did they find anything?

In the empty corner she decided there was room to put a small desk. And it was far enough away from Shane’s that maybe they could stay out of each other’s way.

“Already calling Daddy to complain?”

She glanced over her shoulder to find Shane had come back inside. “Let’s be clear about something. I don’t go running to anyone.”

“No, well, he came running to you. Guess he needs you to spy on the big bad Hunter.”

Mariah ignored him as she spoke into the receiver. “Yes, I’ve taken the job, but I’ll need a desk.” She glanced around the messy room with the overflowing trash cans and stacks of empty pizza boxes and grimaced. “And a cleaning crew. This place is a pigsty.” She hung up and looked at Shane.

“As you can see, I don’t have a problem getting what I want.” She walked toward him. “So be warned, Shane. I’m not the insecure girl you remember.” It was a lie. “I worked with construction crews who chewed up female project managers and spit them out like a bad taste. I survived and did my job and did it well. Now we can work together or against each other. I’d prefer we work as a team. It will make our jobs easier.” She raised an eyebrow. “And if it looks like we’re getting along, it will drive my father crazy.”

By noon Shane wanted to get good and drunk, but he needed a clear head. So he drove into town for lunch and some down time instead. When he walked into the town’s favorite hang out, the Good Time Café, he found his brother Nate already seated at the counter.

“Hey, bro, what brings you into town on a week-day?”

Shane sat on the next stool. “The trailer is being cleaned.”

Nate’s eyes narrowed. “Say again.”

“The new project manager is having the trailer cleaned. She said it’s a pigsty.”

“Well, that part is true—whoa, you said she. As in a woman project manager?”

Shane nodded.

“Oh, boy.”

“It only gets worse,” Shane began. “The project manager is Mariah Easton.”

His brother made a whistling sound. “Are you talking about the girl you had the hots for in high school? Kurt Easton’s daughter?”

Shane nodded twice.

“Oh, man.” His eyes widened. “She still pretty?”

“I didn’t notice.”

Nate grabbed his brother’s wrist. “I’m just checking for a pulse. You must have died, because that’s the only way you wouldn’t notice a woman.”

Shane jerked away. “Stop it. Like I had time to check her out.”

“You didn’t notice all that wild red hair and big green eyes. Those long, long legs…”

Shane didn’t want to hear any more. “Hey, didn’t you marry a gorgeous blonde about six months ago? I believe her name is Tori. Soon to be the mother of your child.”

Nate smiled. “And I love my wife, but I also remember back when you walked around all goofy about that girl. I thought I’d have to buy you a bib because you drooled so much.”

“I wasn’t that bad.” Was he? “Besides, that was years ago,” Shane insisted, trying not to remember the time when he’d had no choice but to give her up. “Now, she’s just a pain in my…side.”

Nate frowned. “Are you afraid that she’ll try to undermine your job?”

Shane shrugged. “What else can I think? She’s Kurt Easton’s daughter.”

Chapter Two

“I need the lumber delivery by noon, Mr. Harris,” Mariah said into the phone at her desk. Her first morning, and already she’d had to deal with half a dozen problems and it wasn’t even nine o’clock.

“No can do, lady,” the local supplier said. “My driver won’t be able to get the load there until three.”

Mariah took a silent breath, not wanting to let him know her frustration. “That means my men will be standing around. It will put us behind schedule.”

“That happens in this business. Just sit tight, Jess will be there as soon as possible.”

“I don’t have time to sit anywhere, nor does my crew. You give me no alternative, Mr. Grant, but to discontinue our business arrangement.”

She heard his soft curse. “You can’t do that. We have a contract.”

“Which you broke when you didn’t deliver on time,” she informed him. “In fact, the lumber in question was due two days ago.” Why hadn’t Shane dealt with this problem before now? “That leaves me no choice but to give our business to another company.”

“I want to talk with Shane.”

Mariah was used to distributors who wanted to deal with a man. “Sorry, he’s busy with the crew. Mr. Grant, if we’re going to continue our association, you’ll be dealing with me, Mariah Easton. I’m the project manager.”

The man murmured another curse.

“And you’ve got until twelve noon today to make the delivery.”

“How am I supposed to do that when I don’t have a driver?”

“Strap the lumber to your back, just get it here.” She slammed down the receiver. What was wrong with her? She never behaved like this. Of course, she’d never had to work with an ex-boyfriend, either. She drew a long breath and closed her eyes. When she finally opened them she saw Shane standing by the door.

“Just what the hell is going on?” he demanded.

He looked like a soft-drink-ad model in his faded jeans and crepe sole boots. The little residue of perspiration on his dark T-shirt that covered his muscular chest only added to his sex appeal.

“I asked what’s going on,” he repeated.

Great, things were getting worse. “Maybe I should be asking you that.” She held out the supply order from the local lumberyard. “This delivery is two days late.”

“So I’ll call Jerry. He’s been having some trouble finding a driver.” He went to the phone.

“Mr. Grant and I talked already. I informed him that if the delivery isn’t made by noon, then he’s broken the contract with the project and will be replaced.”

Shane gripped the order form in his hand. So Mariah had jumped into her new job with both feet. She’d started yesterday by having a cleaning crew go over the trailer. Then a desk and file cabinet had been brought in at quitting time. All he’d asked was that nothing in his area be touched, then he’d left and headed to the local bar with some of the guys.

At five-thirty this morning he’d walked into the trailer to the smell of coffee…and Mariah. Dressed in creased khaki pants and a wine-colored blouse, even her work boots didn’t take away from her femininity. Her long auburn hair was pulled back from her heart-shaped face and braided, making her green eyes look large and alluring. That was when he’d decided it would be best to get out of the there. So he went to work with the crew.

Now he was trying to hold it together. “Jerry gave us the best price for this project. He’s also the only local supplier. I know it sets us back…a little, but I can find other work for the crew.”

“It’s not good business.”

She wasn’t giving an inch on this. “This isn’t Phoenix, Mariah. Haven is a small town. This project is supposed to bring jobs and revenue to the area. That won’t be true if we take our business to Tucson.”

“We won’t make any money if this project comes to a standstill. I can’t back down on this, Shane.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

He met her stubborn look, but soon realized he couldn’t intimidate her at all.

“Like I said, Jerry’s got until noon,” she answered.

Shane moved in closer. He was really ticked off. How dare she come in here and start rearranging things before even asking about the situation? She had certainly changed from the timid girl he’d known in high school. The girl who wouldn’t speak or even smile at him for months. Finally he had gotten her to talk to him. He could still recall their first kiss. Her shy response…

“You need to bend a little, Ms. Easton.”

“You need to remember this is business, Mr. Hunter, not a popularity contest.”

She was driving him crazy. He couldn’t decide if he wanted to shake her, or kiss her. He sucked in a breath. Man, he was in trouble. “I’ve got to go. If you need me, call my cell.” He walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Two hours later Mariah still couldn’t concentrate on work. Shane’s words kept playing in her mind. She’d never admit it, but he might have been right. Maybe she should have worked things out with Jerry Grant. What Shane didn’t understand was that being a woman, she couldn’t be soft. Not in this business, and not if she wanted to run this project successfully. If she didn’t have the respect and cooperation of their suppliers, she’d never earn respect from the crew.

The door opened and her father walked in holding his cell phone to his ear. At fifty-five, Kurt Easton, the town councilman/businessman was an imposing figure dressed in his dark suit. He acknowledged her with a nod as he continued to talk. Mariah was used to this. Although he tried to be a caring father, he’d always been obsessed with his business ventures and trying to make a name for himself.

He’d come from poor beginnings and always blamed his poverty on the Hunters. Mariah and her younger brother, Rich, had been raised by a man who carried years of bitterness.

Her father closed his phone. “Where the hell is Hunter?”

“He said he was working with the crew.”

“I thought that’s why I brought you in. To keep an eye on him.”

She tried to brush aside the hurt. “I thought you brought me in because I’m good at my job.”

“You also need to watch Shane Hunter. He can’t be trusted. The site’s already been vandalized twice.”

She stood and stared into her father’s green eyes that were so like hers, hoping that was all she’d inherited from him. “And tell me why destroying his property would be the best thing for his company?”

Her father backed off with a shrug. “He’s a Hunter.”

“And I told you when I took this job that I wasn’t getting involved in this crazy feud. What went on years ago has nothing to do with Shane, his mother, his brother, Nate or sister, Emily.”

“How can you say that when you know Nathan Hunter cheated your grandfather James out of land, and stole the love of his life?”

Mariah had heard the story many times over the years. James Easton had been in love with Catherine Summers. Before he’d been shipped out to fight in World War II, he’d asked his friend, Nathan, to look out for Catherine. Instead, the two fell in love.

“If you continue badgering me, Dad,” Mariah continued. “I’ll have to resign.”

Her father stiffened, then his expression softened. “Okay, just make sure everything is on the up and up. I have too much invested in this project.”

“If there are any problems, I’ll let you and your partners know.”

Just then she heard a commotion outside. “Excuse me, Dad.”

She walked to the door, opened it and saw a large flatbed truck loaded down with lumber coming up the road. So her warning had been taken seriously. All her excitement disappeared when the vehicle stopped, the driver’s door swung open and Shane jumped down from the cab and marched toward her.

“You wanted the lumber delivered before noon.” He checked his watch. “I believe we have five minutes to spare.” He grinned at her as he handed her the supply order. “Now I’m going to lunch.”

Twenty minutes later Shane climbed the steps to his garage apartment behind his mother’s house. He didn’t have any appetite for lunch. That was good, since he didn’t have any food in the place. He hadn’t exactly had an opportunity to shop lately. Hell, with the hours he’d been putting in at the site, he hadn’t found much time to do anything.