A twinkle of amusement danced in Rachel’s eyes. Like most Horseback Hollow natives, her friend knew Shannon’s parents were a bit on the conservative side.

Shannon grimaced, not looking forward to that conversation. “They don’t know. Not yet. I was at Oliver’s place until I came here. All I can do is assure them it’s strictly business between us.”

“Easy peasy.” Rachel waved a dismissive hand. “Five minutes in his presence and they’ll see it couldn’t be anything but business.”

Shannon frowned. “What makes you say that?”

“Think about how he stands, so straight and tall. It’s like he’s got a poker up his a—” Rachel stopped abruptly when she saw Pastor Dunbrook two stools away. She lowered her voice. “I’m just saying that while Oliver may look smokin’ hot—and sound just as good as he looks—he has that British thing going.”

“British thing?”

“Stiff upper lip and all that. Jolly good and tally-ho.” Rachel tapped two fingers against her lips. “Kissing him would probably be like kissing a corpse.”

As if Rachel’s attempt at a proper British accent wasn’t hilarious enough, her describing Oliver as a cold fish made Shannon laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Rachel tilted her head, and a speculative gleam shone in her eyes. “Have you already kissed him?”

“Ra-chel.” The name was said with just the right touch of injured emotion and appeared to allay her friend’s suspicions. “I barely know the man.”

“That wouldn’t stop me if I was interested in a guy.”

“Well, I’m not interested in Oliver, not in that way. This is strictly a business arrangement.”

“Then why did you laugh?”

“Because I don’t see Oliver as being a cold fish.”

“Yeah, right.”

“No. Seriously. He’s simply...British.”

Rachel rolled her eyes and swiped a nacho off the plate.

“Okay, so maybe he’s a bit uptight,” Shannon admitted. “But it wouldn’t take much to loosen him up.”

“You go for it, sister.” Rachel’s red lips focused on something in the distance then curved upward in a sly smile. “In fact, there’s no better time to start than right now.”

“Other than I’m occupied, enjoying this scrumptious plate of nachos and—” Shannon lifted the Corona “—this ice-cold beer with you. Oliver, on the other hand, is—”

“Right behind you.”

“What?”

“Turn,” Rachel ordered.

Shannon swiveled on the bar stool. She inhaled sharply and her heart began pumping in time to the sexy salsa beat.

The man she’d been chatting with less than an hour earlier stood in the lobby. Ollie stood fidgeting at his side while Oliver chatted amiably with Wendy Fortune Mendoza and Marcos Mendoza, owners of the cantina. Wendy, looking as stylish as ever in a wrap dress of bright red with matching five-inch heels, clasped the hand of her three-year-old daughter, MaryAnne.

Even as Shannon’s eyes were drawn to MaryAnne’s adorable pink-and-white-striped dress, she couldn’t help noticing the way Marcos’s hand rested lovingly on his wife’s shoulder or how hot Oliver looked.

He’d changed his clothes, wearing yet another dark suit but this time coupled with a gray shirt and charcoal tie. Odd he hadn’t mentioned he had plans for the evening. He certainly hadn’t acted as if he was in a rush for her to leave. Quite the contrary.

“Time to start warming up the iceberg,” Rachel said in a low tone.

“Saying hello would be the polite thing to do,” Shannon agreed, ignoring Rachel’s snort of laughter.

Placing her Corona bottle down, Shannon hopped off the stool and pulled a small round mirror from her bag. Before taking a step, she touched up her lipstick, then flashed Rachel a smile. “Back in five.”

Rachel lifted a nacho heavy with beef and cheese and gestured to the platter. “Just warning you, these may be all gone when you get back.”

“I will return to find both the nachos and my seat waiting.” Shannon pointed at her friend and spoke in an ominous voice suitable for any horror flick. “Or you will pay the price.”

“No guarantee, Chickadee.” Rachel peered over the Corona bottle at Shannon and those baby blues twinkled. “If some sexy cowboy wants that stool, those chips or me, I’m sayin’ yes.”

Shannon ignored the warning and turned, anticipation fueling her steps as she headed across the hardwood floor toward Oliver.

Chapter Five

Though Oliver hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting Wendy Fortune Mendoza before tonight, he was well aware she was one of his Texas cousins. The minute he walked into the Hollows Cantina, she greeted him warmly. Since she and her husband owned the cantina, Oliver assumed Wendy and Marcos were cohosting the last-minute party his mother, Josephine, had organized.

But Wendy informed him that she and Marcos wouldn’t be able to stay. Even though they couldn’t attend, they’d made the restaurant’s private room available for the impromptu dinner.

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to meet you.” Marcos, a tall man in a perfectly tailored suit with piercing dark eyes, gave Oliver’s hand a firm shake.

From what Oliver had heard, Marcos was a savvy businessman, yet it was clear, seeing him with his wife and daughter, that family was also important to him. A man would have to be blind not to notice the loving way Marcos’s gaze lingered on Wendy.

“I don’t know if you heard but I’ve secured lodging at a ranch house on the Singleton property. I’ll be there for the duration of my stay in Horseback Hollow.” Oliver dropped his gaze and shot Ollie a warning glance when the child began tugging on his hand. “Stop by sometime. Bring your daughter. Ollie seems to enjoy being around other children.”

“Wonderful. I’ll call you this week and we’ll set something up.” Wendy started to say more but shifted her attention and smiled brilliantly. “Shannon. It’s been ages.”

Oliver turned to see Wendy give his new nanny a quick hug. She slipped an arm through Shannon’s and lifted her gaze to Oliver. “I’m not sure if you’ve had a chance to meet Shep’s daughter—”

“Introductions are unnecessary.” Oliver offered Shannon a warm smile. “Miss Singleton and I are well acquainted.”

Wendy exchanged a glance with her husband.

“Just this afternoon Shannon agreed to be Ollie’s live-in nanny,” Oliver announced.

Astonishment rippled across his cousin’s pretty face. “Why, that’s wonderful.”

“Live-in?” Marcos’s dark eyes narrowed. “Your father approves of this plan?”

“I’m twenty-five, Marcos,” Shannon said drily. “I hardly need my father’s okay.”

“He’s your father,” Marcos said pointedly.

“Living in is necessary because of the time difference between here and London.” Shannon quickly explained the circumstances, ignoring Marcos’s disapproving glance and focusing on Wendy instead.

“Because of that six-hour difference, most of Oliver’s business will be conducted during the overnight hours,” Shannon continued before Oliver could add anything. “As a toddler, Ollie can’t be counted on to sleep through the night.”

“We know all about sleepless nights.” Wendy shot a teasing glance at her husband. “Remember when MaryAnne was that age?”

Marcos nodded but his gaze remained troubled.

For the first time, Oliver considered what Shep Singleton would think of his daughter living under the roof of a man he didn’t know. Would he understand that it was a simple business arrangement? Or would he worry Oliver might take advantage of Shannon?

Shep had been pleasant and accommodating when Oliver had called to inquire about the house. A personal visit to the Singleton home appeared necessary. Oliver would introduce himself, explain the situation and allay the man’s fears before Shannon moved in on Monday.

He was planning his strategy when his mum, Josephine Fortune Chesterfield, breezed through the door, a vision in pale blue silk. Her gray hair, arranged in a chignon, flattered her handsome face. “I’m here. The party can begin.”

She extended both hands and moved quickly to him. “Oliver.”

“You look lovely as always.” He took her hands in his then bent to brush a kiss against her cheek.

“Good evening, Wendy. Marcos.” His mother’s curious gaze settled on Shannon. “You’re Shannon Singleton, Shep and Lilian’s daughter. Am I correct?”

“You have an excellent memory, Mrs. Chesterfield.” Shannon smiled at his mother. “How are you this evening?”

“Josephine, please. I’m wonderful, now that my son and grandson have joined me in Horseback Hollow.”

Ollie made a sound of displeasure when Oliver tightened his hold on the child’s hand.

“There’s my little darling.” Without warning, Josephine scooped Ollie up into her arms.

Startled, the boy stiffened. His eyes widened and his bottom lip began to tremble. Oliver certainly didn’t relish snatching Ollie from his mother’s arms. But neither did he want his son to start crying and cause a scene in public.

He was rapidly sorting through options when Shannon stepped forward and stroked the child’s arm, diverting his attention.

“Hey, Ollie,” she said in a gentle, melodious tone. “Remember me from this afternoon?”

Apparently the child did remember. His trembling lips morphed into a wide smile and he extended chubby arms to Shannon.

Instead of taking him from his grandmother as Oliver expected, Shannon clasped his small hands in hers and jiggled them up and down. “Can you tell your grandma your puppy’s name?”

Ollie smiled, showing a mouthful of drool and tiny white teeth. “Barn-bee.”

“Is Barnaby a nice puppy?” Josephine shot Shannon a grateful smile before refocusing on her grandson, now content in her arms.

As the two continued their corgi conversation, Oliver touched Shannon’s arm, drawing her attention to him. “Thanks.”

She shot him a wink. “No prob.”

Their gazes locked and that electricity she’d mentioned returned to give him a hard jolt.

Blast it all to hell and back. He was not so crass as to be attracted to the nanny. Okay, so perhaps he was...intrigued. Shannon was different from the London socialites he frequently took to the opera and sometimes to bed.

But intrigued didn’t translate into action. Correction, wouldn’t lead to action. Even if Shannon wasn’t his employee, Ollie and managing his business affairs were his top priority.

Shannon’s eyes widened as Fortunes flooded the lobby, including Oliver’s brother Jensen and his fiancée, Amber. “Why is everyone here? What’s the occasion?”

“Mum decided to host a last-minute dinner party. She invited all the family in the area.” Oliver smiled ruefully. “She didn’t want to put my aunt out so she decided to have it here. She’s a bit impulsive, but that’s part of her charm.”

“How fun. I admire spontaneity.” A hint of wistfulness crept into Shannon’s voice. “I’m not spontaneous. You miss out on a lot when you’re always thinking things through.”

“So true, my dear,” Josephine interjected.

Shannon’s cheeks grew pink. Clearly, she hadn’t realized that his mother had eyes—and ears—in the back of her head.

“I was surprised to see you here this evening. I didn’t know—” Oliver stopped, remembering. “That’s right. You told me you had plans.”

“I met some friends for happy hour.” Shannon glanced over to the bar.

Oliver followed her gaze. A cowboy sat in the seat she’d vacated moments before, munching on nachos. Was the man someone she knew?

Oliver opened his mouth but shut it without speaking. Not his concern.

Strictly business, he reminded himself.

“It was a pleasure seeing you again, Josephine.” Shannon’s use of his mum’s first name earned an approving smile. “Enjoy your dinner party and your grandson.”

Shannon shifted her gaze to Oliver, and when those brown eyes settled on him, he experienced another punch of awareness.

“Trust me.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Go with the enchiladas. They’re the best.”

Unable to resist touching her, Oliver reached over and lightly squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you...for everything.”

Shannon smiled and strolled off.

“I thought someone said we were meeting in the party room,” a feminine voice said. “But the lobby works for me.”

Oliver turned to find a petite dark-haired woman with an angelic face and a wide smile approaching him.

“You probably don’t remember me from the other night.” The young woman extended her hand. “I’m Gabi Mendoza. We—”

“He remembers you, darlin’.” Jude Fortune Jones, another one of Oliver’s Horseback Hollow cousins, stepped forward and pressed a kiss on the top of Gabi’s head. “No man forgets you.”

Gabi flashed her tall blond fiancé an indulgent smile. “Aw, thanks, honey. But Oliver saw a lot of new faces the day he arrived.”

Though Oliver was exceedingly good with names and faces, Gabi was correct. With so many relatives to meet, including their spouses and significant others, he appreciated her courtesy. “We didn’t have much of a chance to chat the other day.”

“Tonight we’ll get better acquainted over cowboy caviar,” Gabi told him.

Oliver pulled his brows together, completely flummoxed. “Cowboy caviar?”

“It’s not really caviar.” Jude slanted a glance at his fiancée, who simply smiled cheekily.

“It’s actually a type of dip,” Gabi explained. “It contains black beans, tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro and corn.”

“Interesting,” Oliver murmured.

Jude grinned. “Let’s just say it’s a whole lot more tasty than those nasty fish eggs.”

“Oliver has a discerning palate,” Jude’s brother Christopher Fortune Jones tossed out as he strolled past. “And you, bro, are just a hick from the sticks.”

Jude’s eyes flashed, but then Gabi wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her nicely curved body against him. “I like you just the way you are, sweetie pie.”

Oliver couldn’t decide if he’d just witnessed normal sibling interaction or if there was more behind the tension between the brothers.

“Oh my goodness.” Gabi pulled from Jude’s arms. “I almost forgot.”

The pretty Latina turned to Josephine, who still held her grandson.

“I hope you don’t mind. I asked my father to join us tonight. Jude and I had planned to have dinner with him. Then you called and—”

“Orlando is here?” Josephine sounded oddly breathless.

“He’s on his way. I hope it’s no trouble.”

“No trouble at all.” Josephine’s free hand rose to smooth her hair. “Orlando is always welcome.”

Jude and Gabi wandered off to speak with Quinn and Amelia.

“I need to freshen, uh, check on a few things.” Josephine’s long elegant fingers fluttered in the air, sending diamonds flashing in the light.

“Would you like me to get everyone settled before we leave?” Wendy asked Josephine as relatives continued to arrive.

“That would be very much appreciated.” Josephine patted her niece’s shoulder, even as her gaze remained fixed on the door.

“Everyone.” Wendy spoke loudly above the conversational din. “The waiters have appetizers and beverages for you in the party room. The buffet is in the process of being set up. Please make your way down the hall.”

“Thank you, dear,” Josephine said. “I’m sorry you can’t stay.”

“Next time,” Wendy began.

“Honey, we’re late.” Marcos took his wife’s arm.

After offering Josephine a quick hug, Wendy hurried off with her husband and daughter, stopping for a second where Shannon stood speaking with a couple Oliver didn’t recognize. Locals, he decided, noticing the denim and boots.

His mother surprised him by calling Shannon’s name and motioning to her when she began to head out the door with Wendy and Marcos. When Shannon sauntered over, Josephine took one of her hands. “I fear I didn’t make it clear—I’d love for you to join us.”

“C’mon, Shannon, join us. Please.” Gabi had returned. She slanted a glance at Oliver. “Shannon made me feel so welcome when I came to stay in Horseback Hollow last year after my father’s accident.”

Clearly, the two women were friends. Still, Shannon hesitated. “I don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding.” Oliver’s gaze locked on hers. “You’re very much wanted.”

* * *

You’re very much wanted.

What was there about the sentiment, said in that delightful British accent, that made her want to giggle like a nervous schoolgirl? The words echoed in her head, even as Shannon gestured to Rachel that she’d call her later. Her friend smiled and nodded, then refocused her attention back on the cowboy who was eating the last nacho.

While Ollie remained tightly clutched in his grandmother’s arms, Shannon strolled with Oliver down a wide hallway to a large room that resembled the inside of a Mexican hacienda. It had arched doorways, stucco walls of bold red and spicy mustard and a tile floor that complemented the warmth of the walls.

Oliver slanted a sideways glance. “It was fortuitous, running into you here.”

“Fortuitous for me.” Shannon shot him an impish smile. “I’m getting dinner out of the deal.”

“And I will have the pleasure of your company,” Oliver said gallantly.

“You’re going to be sick of me very soon,” she teased with an ease that surprised her. “Underfoot practically 24/7.”

“I’ll be working a lot of hours,” he said seriously. “Our contact will likely be minimal.”

Shannon pulled back a scowl. He didn’t have to sound so doggone pleased at the prospect. “Hopefully you’ll carve out some time to play with Ollie.”

Surprise flashed in his eyes. “Entertaining him, keeping him safe and tending to his needs will now be your job.”

Before she could formulate a response, she was handed a margarita and Oliver was swept away.

Though Shannon hadn’t done much socializing with the British branch of the Fortunes who’d recently arrived in Horseback Hollow, she’d grown up with Jeanne Marie’s children. There were seven of them and they were all here tonight, as was Josephine’s sister, Jeanne Marie.

Shannon mingled, accepting an empanada appetizer from a passing waiter before taking a seat at a table with Gabi and Kinsley Aaron. Kinsley was the outreach coordinator for the Fortune Foundation and engaged to Christopher Fortune Jones.

Since both women were set to be wed on Valentine’s Day, bridal talk dominated the conversation and continued after they went through the buffet line and sat down with their plates of food.

Oliver stood across the room, caught up in conversation with his brother-in-law, Quinn Drummond. Back in middle school, Shannon had the hugest crush on Quinn. When she was thirteen she’d gathered the courage to ask him to a turnabout dance.

When both Quinn and Oliver turned to look at her, Shannon smiled and wiggled her fingers in a semblance of a wave, praying Quinn wasn’t relaying to Oliver the awful story of how she’d awkwardly asked him out.

Abruptly she turned to Gabi and bared her teeth as her gaze flickered. “All clear?”

Gabi swallowed a bite of salad. “Perfect. Why?”

“Just checking.” Shannon glanced at Gabi’s chicken taco salad; heavy on romaine, light on cheese, no tortilla bowl. “How’s the salad?”

“Delicious.” Gabi smiled. “What about the enchiladas?”

“Truly out of this world.” Shannon took another bite, savoring the taste. “You should try one.”

The suggestion was out before she remembered Gabi was committed to eating nutritionally. Looking at her, it was hard to believe Gabi had needed a heart transplant when she was nineteen.

“This will fill me up, thanks.” Gabi flashed an easy smile and gestured to where Oliver now stood speaking with his sister, Amelia. “Give me your take on Oliver.”

Though she and Gabi were currently alone—Kinsley had joined her fiancé at another table—Shannon didn’t immediately answer. “What do you mean?”

“You must like him well enough to go to work for him, to live with him.”

“I think our business arrangement will work out well for both of us.” Shannon chose her words carefully, knowing whatever she said stood a good chance of getting back to Oliver.

Jude was his cousin, after all. And Gabi didn’t seem the type to have secrets from her fiancé.

“I’m asking what you think of him as a man.” Gabi waggled a fork at Shannon. Her dark eyes sparkled. “Admit it. Doesn’t that sexy accent make you want to swoon?”

“Who are you swooning over, Gabrielle?” Jude appeared out of nowhere to plop down in the chair Kinsley had recently vacated. “Before you answer, let me warn you that it better be me.”

He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles.

“Sorry, Charlie.” Gabi wrinkled her nose, her tone teasing. “Your cousin Oliver’s accent has us both swooning. Isn’t that right, Shannon?”

“That’s a kick in the shorts.” Though he tried to look stern, Jude failed miserably. Once he got the smile that kept trying to form on his lips under control, he turned and called out, “Oliver, get your ass over here.”

Oliver merely glanced over at the sound of his name.

Jude made an impatient “come here” motion with his hand.

After a few final words to his sister, Oliver strode over.

“He was speaking with Amelia.” Shannon had a sinking feeling she knew why Jude had summoned Oliver.

“Now he’ll be speaking with us,” Jude said, suddenly all affable-cowboy charm. He reached over and pulled up a chair when Oliver approached the table. “Join us.”

Oliver’s brows pulled together.

Beneath Oliver’s polished smile, Shannon saw signs of fatigue. Had everyone forgotten that he’d made a transatlantic flight with a toddler only days earlier?

“What can I do for you, Jude?” Oliver asked.

Shannon thought his eyes may have lingered on her for an extra heartbeat, but she couldn’t be certain.

“You can stop making the ladies swoon.”

Obviously perplexed, Oliver glanced over at Shannon for clarification.

She simply smiled and shifted her gaze to Jude. This was his bronc in the rodeo, not hers.

“These ladies—” Jude gestured to Shannon and Gabi “—are swooning over your accent.”

Oliver ignored Gabi to focus on Shannon. Though she’d never been the wilting-violet, blushing type, heat rose up her neck.

“Actually, it was me.” Gabi raised her hand like a schoolgirl eager to talk. “I adore your accent. Though I’m not sure the effect would be the same, can you teach me to speak like you?”

Poor Oliver.

Two lines formed between his brows. It was obvious he didn’t quite know what to make of his cousin’s soon-to-be bride or the plate of cowboy caviar someone shoved into his hand.

“Gabi’s teasing you.” Shannon spoke in a matter-of-fact tone and took a sip of the margarita.

“Oh.”

“I’m in the mood for some dancing,” Jude announced. “Mind keeping the ladies company while I get that started?”

“Dancing?” Shannon smiled. “On what dance floor?”

“That will be remedied momentarily,” Jude said over his shoulder.

“Don’t even bother trying to figure him out.” Gabi’s tone was filled with warm affection. The smile was still on her lips when she shifted her attention to Oliver. “I was surprised to see Amelia and Quinn here.”

“Why?”

“Their baby is so tiny.”

“I’m certain whoever is watching her has been cleared by Scotland Yard.”

Oliver sat the plate of “caviar” down just as the sweet melody of a romantic ballad filled the air, followed by Jude’s booming voice.

“I don’t know about the other grooms-to-be, but with the wedding less than two weeks away, I need to practice my dance steps,” Jude said.

“Give it up, Jude,” one of his brothers called out. “Practice isn’t going to change the fact that you have two left feet.”

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