The Best Bride by Susan Mallery Page A

conversation.
    â€œThere wasn’t any between us. Rebecca and me. We were destined to be good friends. But it’s a secret. What would people say if they knew the truth? After all, the Haynes charm is supposed to be all-powerful.”
    It was working just fine on her, she thought as she lowered her gaze to his mouth. So close. She licked her lips. Three, maybe four inches separated them. The longinginside of her grew. She wanted to know what it would be like to be kissed, really kissed, by him.
    She closed her eyes and forced herself to turn away. Why was she doing this to herself? Hadn’t Sam taught her anything?
    â€œEverybody needs friends, Travis. Rebecca seems very nice.”
    â€œOh, she is.”
    He stood up and stretched like a powerful cat taking a moment’s rest from stalking the mouse. That was her destiny: Elizabeth Abbott-rodent. She giggled.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?” he asked.
    â€œNothing. I’m pleased that you and Rebecca are friends. Now I get the chance to spend some time with her before I start my job.” She smiled brightly, trying to banish the lingering lethargy and leftover passion, not to mention the image of herself with whiskers and a tail. “She’s going to bring some paperwork by for me, to help fill the days.” She pointed at the television. “I can only read so much, and TV is quickly losing its appeal.”
    â€œJust so you don’t overdo it.”
    She gave him a mock salute. “Yes, Sheriff. I’ll be careful. And I’ll keep your secret.”
    â€œIt’s just as well it didn’t work out,” he said, walking over and picking up his Stetson. “I have two women in my life already. Even I couldn’t handle a third.”
    â€œTwo women?”
    Her heart seemed to falter slightly. He was dating two women? She told herself the sudden dullness she felt was exhaustion. She’d probably done too much when she’d gone to the grocery store with Louise that morning. She could feel her smile fading and did her best to keep it in place. She didn’t want Travis to know she was even slightlyattracted to him. In fact she wasn’t at all. He had two women. Good for him. She wished him well.
    He paused by the doorway and looked back. “Although I have to say, of the two of you, Mandy is definitely my weakness. I guess it’s those blue eyes of hers.”
    Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open. She stared at him. The teasing glint in his eyes told her she’d been had.
    She picked up the pillow beside her and tossed it at him.
    He easily ducked out of the way. “Gotcha,” he said and stepped into the hallway. Before she could finish fuming, he poked his head back into the room. His mouth straightened and those flames were still flickering in his dark eyes.
    â€œFor what it’s worth, Elizabeth,” he said slowly, never taking his gaze from hers, “the feeling is mutual.”
    With that, he left. She heard his footsteps as he walked down the hall, then made his way up the stairs.
    Trouble. This was all very big trouble. She was willing to admit there was some kind of chemical reaction between her and Travis. Sometimes she worried that the heat between them was going to set the house on fire. But it didn’t have to mean anything. It couldn’t mean anything. She wasn’t ready to get involved. She might never be ready for a real relationship. Even if she was willing to take a chance, it wouldn’t be on Travis Haynes. The man was a walking, breathing heartbreaker. And she’d had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime. What woman would willingly give herself to someone who was destined to leave her for the next conquest?
    She stood up and walked toward her room. Although she was healing, her side still gave her a little trouble. Travis had offered to move her to an upstairs bedroom so that she could be closer to Mandy, but she preferred to stay where she was. Her