Twin Secrets

“I’m Charlie.” The older gentleman closed the door and tipped his head down in greeting. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to Mr. Elliott.”

Annabelle continued taking in all the beauty of this home, and tried not to let jealousy take over. The Elliotts existed on a whole other level than her family ever had, especially now that they had nothing. But Annabelle wasn’t about to let life run her over. She’d had enough and Colt Elliott was about to get the brunt of her frustrations.

The calming trickle of water drew her attention as she passed by a sunken living area. Who the hell had a waterfall wall in their home? Oh, right. The people who counted their billions as a hobby.

Annabelle forced her frustrations aside and continued on behind Charlie. There was a bigger issue at hand. She wasn’t going to spend her time assessing how this family lived so lavishly when everything had been robbed from hers. Everyone created their own destiny; unfortunately, she was the victim of her father’s.

No more. Annabelle had a vision for her future and it certainly didn’t involve giving up her childhood home. Once she got to the bottom of this ordeal, she could start on rebuilding her life. Because she wasn’t just worried about herself anymore, there were two sweet babies to consider.

Charlie led her through a maze and she wondered if she’d ever find her way out once this meeting was over. Finally, he stopped in front of an oversize arched doorway. He tapped his knuckles on the door before easing it open.

“Sir, Ms. Carter is here.”

Nerves gathered heavily in her belly as she smoothed her sundress down one last time. She didn’t care what her emotions were, and there were plenty, but she had to keep them hidden. Someone like Colt Elliott would home in on any weakness and use it to his advantage. Clearly, or she wouldn’t be here trying to get her house back from the man who’d snatched it from her father during one of his worst moments.

Charlie eased the door open and stepped back with a nod before disappearing back down the labyrinth of hallways.

Shoulders back, ready to battle the enemy, Annabelle stepped into the spacious office complete with a wall of windows overlooking back acreage. The second she shifted her focus to the other end of the room, she stilled. Her heart clenched, breath caught in her throat.

“You,” she gritted through her teeth. If it wasn’t Shirtless Stable Boy himself.

* * *

Colt had been right. She was just as stunning as he remembered. He wondered if he’d still feel the same way once he’d had time to process the events of earlier. But now that Annabelle Carter was in his home, he took another moment to appreciate the entire package.

That vibrant red hair, wide green eyes, simple makeup and a green dress that she probably thought practical...he found it tempting. How long would it take to undo each of those tiny buttons down the front?

“You lied,” she accused him, not moving any farther into the room.

Colt rose from behind the antique desk that had belonged to his father, and his father before him. He circled it and came to lean against the front. Crossing his ankles, he rested his hands on either side of his hips and shrugged. He always appreciated a good sparring opponent.

“I didn’t lie,” he amended. “I told you Mr. Elliott was busy when you asked. And I was. I had just finished exercising my stallion and needed to get him brushed and fed. I wasn’t getting a manicure or stealing puppies. I save those fun events for Saturdays.”

Her expressive green eyes narrowed as she slowly made her way across the room. Oh, she was going to be so fun. He didn’t miss the way she took her time in assessing him, as well. Let her look. If all went as planned, she’d have plenty of opportunities to do more than caress him with her eyes.

“What is it you wanted to see me about?” he asked, ready to hear what she thought she could do to rectify this situation. He had a plan of his own to throw at her.

“I hardly recognize you with your shirt on.”

So, Ms. Annabelle had claws. He liked that in a woman, preferably when she clawed at his back, but verbally would do...for now.

Colt couldn’t hide his smile. She was definitely going to be more of a joy to deal with than Neil Carter.

“If you’re requesting I take it off, I’m happy to oblige.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, doing nothing to deter him from appreciating her lush shape. “The only thing you can oblige me with is discussing the terms of this contract you have with my father.”

“Not my first choice during a meeting with a beautiful woman.” Colt stood straight up, ready to get down to business. Obviously, they would have to get this out of the way first. “The arrangement is simple, as I’m sure he told you. He has six payments left on the property. I paid off his loan and now he owes me. I’m not charging interest like the bank, so the payments are actually cheaper than he was used to. He came to me for help, and—”

“How kind of you,” she stated drily.

Colt shrugged with a smile. “I thought so.”

Annabelle sucked in a deep breath and dropped her hands to her sides. Stepping forward, she came within a couple feet of Colt, enough for him to see the variation of green in her eyes. Definitely eyes a man could get lost in. Not him, but some other man. Colt only did physical relationships, nothing more.

“You’ll be dealing with me from now on.”

Oh, he sure as hell hoped so.

“I will take over the payments, but I need you to give me a few weeks to get on my feet. I have no job, since I came back to Stone River sooner than I’d expected,” she went on, a flash of sadness flickering in her eyes. “Our savings are...well, that’s none of your concern. But I already called a few places this afternoon and I’m sure I’ll have a job shortly.”

She couldn’t be playing any better into his scheme. Before he could present her with his brilliant plan, she held up her hand.

“If you can give me two weeks off initially, I’ll make sure you get interest as a sign of good faith.” Annabelle’s lips thinned. She was furious with her old man, as she should be. “I have plans for my home, so believe me, I don’t want to drag this out any longer than necessary.”

Colt admired her determination. Hell, he knew all about setting sights on a goal and going straight for it. Hadn’t he lived his entire life by such ideals?

The dude ranch dream he shared with his father was just the final piece of his life he needed to click into place.

There had been setbacks along the way. Colt hadn’t expected his father to slip into dementia and require around-the-clock care. Colt hadn’t planned on breaking his back and shattering his hip bone while rebuilding the barn after a tornado ripped through town last year. His brothers had instantly reminded him there was no need to lift a hammer, they hired their work done.

But Colt loved manual labor. He loved this farm and he wasn’t about to let anyone, even his sexy neighbor, stand in the way of him taking it to the next level.

“Here’s the deal.” He took one step forward, closing the gap between them. Head tilted up, her eyes locked on to his. “You will make the payment on time, as was agreed by your father. One late payment and the land will permanently be mine.”

It would be in the end anyway, but if a payment was missed, at least Colt would have his property sooner.

Those green eyes narrowed. “I had no idea about this deal until last night when I returned home. I’ve been back less than twenty-four hours. I need some time to make job arrangements before the payment is due next week. Surely you’re not that coldhearted.”

Part of him felt sorry for her, but he was about to extend the proverbial olive branch...whether or not she chose to accept it was on her. Either way, he would be the real winner at the end of the day.

“Not at all.” He offered a smile that he knew had brought women to their knees...literally. “I have a position for you right here at Pebblebrook.”

Silence settled between them as he waited on her response. They both knew he held the upper hand, but she could make this entire encounter much easier on herself.

The muscles in her jaw clenched as she glared at him. Damn if her sass and grit weren’t the sexiest things he’d seen in a long time.

Agreement or not, this woman would be in his bed. Visions of that crimson red hair spread all around his navy sheets flooded his mind. But seduction would have to wait, at least until she wasn’t shooting daggers at him.

“I don’t even want to know the position you think I’m qualified for.”

Colt laughed, realizing he’d felt more alive being the target of her snarky attitude than he had in a long time. “I like you.”

“Well, right now, I hate you.”

He shrugged. “You’re the yin to my yang. Sounds like we’re going to get along perfectly in the stables.”

“Stables?” she repeated, with a quirk of a brow.

“I’m short a stable hand and you need a job. You can start tomorrow and I’ll use your wages toward the payments.”

Annabelle pulled in a breath and shook her head. “I can’t work long hours. I have another commitment and I need a job that offers some flexibility.”

He leaned forward, pleased when her eyes flared. “The way I see it, you don’t really have a choice. So, if this other obligation is going to get in the way, I suggest you give it up now.”

For a split second Colt was convinced she was going to cry. He didn’t like being played and he figured she’d try to get his sympathy by weeping. But when she blinked and glanced away, Colt realized she was simply trying to control herself.

Yeah, Annabelle was quite a strong woman to come here and face her father’s problem. Colt despised the man for putting his child in such a position. Everyone had their breaking point and Colt figured she’d dealt with her father’s addiction for far too long.

The strength she projected was quite the turn-on. Too bad all this business got in the way of him getting her into his bedroom. Soon, he vowed.

“Whatever this other commitment is, you’re going to have to let it go.”

She shoved her hair behind her shoulders and turned her attention back to him. “I can’t. I will work here, but you have to understand there are times I will have to adjust my schedule. I can give you a few hours at a time.”

Colt considered her ultimatum. He wasn’t one to give in to demands, but he had to admit, he liked what he saw with his new neighbor. Someone with that much grit would be a fun way to break up his days. Besides, remaining somewhat on her good side would only aid in his seduction plan.

“Fine. I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow morning,” he informed her.

Annabelle laughed. “I can drive myself.”

“If you hit another section of my fence, I’ll have to take the repairs out of your check and you’re indebted to me already. The transportation is nonnegotiable.”

When she let out an extremely unladylike growl, Colt forced himself not to crack a smile. Not even a little one. He may hang out with cowboys all day and make business deals all other waking hours, but he knew how to treat a woman. His father had instilled manners in him—somewhat—and Colt wasn’t about to laugh in her face. But he couldn’t resist the fence jab or the scheme to get a few minutes of alone time with her each day.

“Fine,” she gritted out between her teeth. “I’ll be ready.”

When she turned to leave, he couldn’t help but take in the fine sway of her skirt and imagine what lay beneath.

“Oh, one more thing.” He waited until she stopped, throwing a glance over her shoulder. “Be sure to wear old clothes. We tend to get dirty.”

Her eyes flared before narrowing. “Did I mention that I hate you right now?”

“It will pass,” he informed her with a smile. “See you first thing in the morning.”

Three

“You don’t have to do this, honey.”

Annabelle pulled in a deep breath and attempted to count backward from ten. She moved off the last step and met her father’s worried gaze.

Neil Carter stood next to the front door, his hair messed from more than just sleeping. She hadn’t expected her father to be waiting on her so early, but that’s the type of man he was. Neil may be a professional gambler, losing pretty much all he’d worked for and all he’d provided, but he loved his family. He’d been the rock when her mother passed while Annabelle and her sister had been in grade school—well, until it all became too much and he turned to gambling. But he hurt, too, and Annabelle knew he was devastated after Trish’s death only weeks ago. They both were. But for now, she could only deal with one crisis at a time.

The mourning would have to come later, at least for her...because she had to get over the betrayal first and she truly didn’t even know if that was possible.

“I do have to do this, dad.” Now was not the time to get into her arrangement with Colt, not when her ride was due any minute. “You left me no choice since we have no other way to pay.”

Her father had lost his job at the factory one county over when he couldn’t make it to work on time. He’d been embarrassed to tell her, but now that she was back, there was no way to hide anything. She needed to be aware of every ugly truth so she could make things right.

Her father raked a hand down his face and stared up at the ceiling. “I’m sorry, baby girl.”

Wasn’t he always sorry after the fact? This time, though, she had to put her life on hold and dig them both out of this hell. She didn’t know what he would’ve done had she not come home.

“I can’t do this right now, Dad. Between you and Colt, I’m pretty stuck. But we’ll get through this.”

“I’ll talk to him,” her father vowed, his gaze seeking her once more. “I can make this work, Belle. I can stop gambling. I’ll get another job and help out. I know you and—”

“No.” She held up a hand, not ready for him to take this conversation in another direction or make promises he couldn’t keep. “We’re going to be fine. I’ll still do everything I’d planned to, it’s just going to be on a different timeline.”

As in, years away. The family life, the bed-and-breakfast...those plans would have to wait.

The doorbell rang and Annabelle jerked her attention to the old oak door. Her father turned, but Annabelle stepped forward to cut him off.

“I’ll get it.” Closing the space between them, she put her hand on her dad’s shoulder. “Maybe you shouldn’t be in here right now.”

“But—”

“No. You and I will talk, but not now and you’re not talking to Colt. You’ve done enough.”

Her father cringed, but she refused to feel guilty. This was a mess—a mess he’d gotten them into. Perhaps he needed a dose of reality.

Finally, her father nodded and headed toward the steps. Annabelle waited until he was gone before she pulled in a breath and opened the front door.

Colt stood on her porch with his black hat in hand, as if he were there to ask her on a date. Damn that man. As if his Southern charm and manners would make her not loathe him on sight.

But he was a sight to behold. A black T-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders and those well-worn jeans fit in all the right places. She’d never seen a finer cowboy. If she were to pass Colt on the street, she’d never guess him to be a billionaire rancher who swooped in and stole properties while trying to charm the panties off unsuspecting women. There was no way he didn’t have his own agenda with her family’s land, and regarding this little matter of him giving her a ride. If that wasn’t the worst use of a euphemism, she didn’t know what was.

Colt raked his eyes over her and she forced herself not to fidget. Someone like Colt probably had eye candy for every night of the week, one on each arm. No doubt leggy blondes with big hair and big boobs, hanging on his every word. They probably wore booty shorts and cowgirl boots, too.

“I see you dressed for the day.”

She’d found her oldest jeans and a simple tank. Any girl from Texas had a great pair of worn boots, so she’d thrown those on and pulled her hair into a ponytail. No makeup, no fuss. She was there to save her home, not get marks for her grooming.

Behind her, Annabelle heard the familiar sounds she’d grown to love over the past few months. Before she could turn or say a word, Colt’s gaze widened and she knew exactly what he saw.

Not that she wanted him to have any part of her personal life, but she was pleased to render him speechless for a bit. Maybe Colt Elliott could be shaken and knocked down a peg.

“And who are these pretty girls?” he asked, still keeping his eyes over her shoulder.

Annabelle smiled. “Emily and Lucy. My twins.”

* * *

Colt was rarely at a loss for words, but seeing Neil hold two mini versions of Annabelle was quite shocking. She hadn’t mentioned having a baby—or babies. Now he understood why she needed a flexible work schedule...and he felt like a complete jerk.

Twins were definitely a handful. He should know, considering his mother always said that about him and his brother Beau. Colt wondered how Annabelle thought she could work and manage two infants back at home, but—

No. He wasn’t going to get involved. Business and seduction were the only items on his agenda.

But could he still seduce her? Was she taken? There hadn’t been a ring on her finger and she’d never said anything about having a husband...not that he’d asked her any such thing.

Annabelle turned, crossed the foyer and kissed each girl on the cheek. Instantly, one of the girls reached for Annabelle, but she shook her head.

“I’ll be home soon. I love you both.”

As she came back to him, one baby started to fuss, which somehow triggered the other one to start whimpering. Annabelle kept walking until she was out the door. With his hands full of unhappy infants, Neil held on to Colt’s gaze, but Colt didn’t feel a bit guilty. That man had done some major damage to his family...damage Colt hoped Annabelle never found out about. He’d lost their home and that was bad enough. But there was more and it was certainly not Colt’s place to share.

He closed the door behind him, settled his hat back on his head and turned to Annabelle. She swiped at her cheeks, as if he didn’t notice the tear tracks.

Guilt punched him in the chest.

“Where’s the truck?” she asked, obviously not wanting to address her emotions.

Fine. He wasn’t one to get in touch with his emotions, either. Just another area he realized they may be more alike than he’d care to admit. They both clearly had a love for their family and were determined to get what they wanted.

But only one of them would be the winner in the end...and he never lost.

Colt stepped off the porch, making mental notes to expand its width and put in a stone walkway when the place was officially his. He needed to stay focused on the goal. While this house had good bones and was fine for everyday living, Colt wanted it to be up to the standards of his ranch. If they were going to merge the properties and open it to the public, all homes had to be similar in upgrades.

Colt nodded toward the side of the house. “I didn’t bring my car.”

Walking ahead of him, Annabelle rounded the house and stopped. “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

Colt shook his head. “She needed a walk, so we’re taking him.”

Annabelle stood next to Lightning and glared his way. “I’m not riding with you.”

Glancing around, he held his arms out, palms up. “I don’t see another horse. Do you have one?”

Her lips thinned. He knew damn well she had no animals. Her father had sold them all.

“I seriously hate you,” she murmured.

Yeah, he got that. But Colt also saw how she looked at him. She may hate his actions, but she appreciated him as a man and he was more than fine with that. Keeping things physical would assure that everything stayed simple.

When he stepped forward to help her up, she shot him a stare that could’ve frozen hell over. He held up his hands to signal that he was backing off.

Hands on her hips, Annabelle stared at the horse as if weighing her options. She had none really.

“I’ll just drive,” she told him.

“That wasn’t part of our deal. Get on the horse.”

Her hand went to the reins. “Do you ever ask people nicely?”

“I can be very nice, Annabelle.” He stepped closer. His hand covered hers as her eyes widened. “Get on the horse or I’ll be forced to assist you like the gentleman my father raised.”

She pulled her hand from beneath his and let out a mock laugh, hoisting herself up onto the horse. “I haven’t met your brothers, but you are certainly no gentleman.”

Colt slid his foot through the stirrup and settled in right behind Annabelle. Her backside was nestled between his thighs and he was starting to question his own motives. He’d wanted this alone time. He’d purposely made this stipulation so he could use these moments to seduce her. The concept of riding the horse developed after the deal had been made.

Colt had no idea he’d lose grip on his power. He never thought she’d be the one seducing him...and she didn’t even have a clue.

The last woman he’d let have control over his emotions had left him mentally scarred and jaded. Colt pushed aside thoughts of his ex and reached around Annabelle to grab the reins. Her entire body tensed.

“Relax.” He snapped the straps lightly, sending Lightning into motion. “We’re just going next door.”

Which would take several minutes because of the expansive fields between their properties, and he had every intention of taking the scenic route.

“Why are you heading toward the back of the property?” she asked.

Strands from her ponytail blew in the breeze, tickling the side of his neck. Images of that hair spread all over him assaulted his mind. The floral scent from her shampoo or soap assaulted his senses. She shouldn’t smell like heaven, shouldn’t have the ability to affect him without saying a word.

“You’ve only seen this land from your side,” he explained. “I’m going to familiarize you with Pebblebrook.”

“I thought I was just going to be in the barns cleaning horse sh—”

“Oh, you will,” he laughed. She truly despised him, yet there was a fine line between lust and hate. He’d wear her down. “There will be times you’ll accompany me in the fields and you need to know the area. With five thousand acres, it’s easy to get turned around. But you’ll be working directly with me every day.”

Her shoulders slumped. The movement was slight, but being this close, he was attuned to every aspect of her.

“And what happens at the end?” Her voice was so low, almost defeated. “You’re just going to give the property back and play hero for saving the day?”

“I’m not a hero.” Her body rocked back and forth against his as he murmured into her ear. There was no way he was going to answer that question outright. “I do have motives, but we don’t have to talk about that right now.”

Annabelle jerked around. “I knew you weren’t doing any of this out of the kindness of your black heart.”

Facing the open fields once again, she asked, “So why this game with my father?”

“I’m not a complete bastard, Annabelle.” Though some would say otherwise. “I’m giving your father a chance to redeem himself. I don’t think he can, but everyone deserves a second chance.”

“You weren’t expecting me to come home.”

“A minor glitch, but a pleasant surprise,” he replied as he neared the fence line separating the two properties.

“This isn’t a game, Colt.” She glanced back over her shoulder, her deep green eyes piercing his. “You’re playing with our lives, my dreams.”

His father had dreams as well, and Colt was going to see them through no matter what sultry beauty stood in his way. Business first, seduction second—and nothing else mattered.

“I’m fully aware of the stakes,” he informed her. “I have a vision, too.”

“To toy with people’s lives and count your money?”