(MSRP: 13.9900)
New Zealand widow Raven thinks her mother's American fiancé is the loveliest man. Visiting his home in Maryland, she unfortunately finds his son is the exact opposite. Greg's animosity and distrust forces Raven into an unpalatable position of safeguarding her mother's happiness. His arrogant assumption his father has been conned by a gold digger enrages Raven and she assumes the mantle to prove him wrong. Soon finding herself attracted to Greg, Raven is certain he’s incapable of feeling anything deeper than the lust he makes no attempt to hide. Even if she is wrong about him, she can’t extricate herself from her pretence and she’s afraid he’ll never forgive her deception, her lies. Can he ever understand her reasons for pretending to be engaged to his father?
She was his father’s fiancée, wasn’t she? Greg discovers Raven’s subterfuge within days of her arrival. His initial enjoyment of her antics quickly palls as his feelings for her deepen. Desperate to bring her lies into the open, he maneuvers her into a situation where she’ll be forced to own up, only to have his scheme backfire.
But Raven has other secrets. Secrets that could drive Greg away, forever.
(Pages 290) Sensual
Excerpt:
Now that her temper had cooled, she began to doubt the wisdom of her actions. Perhaps she’d been too hasty.
She could appreciate what a surprise her appearance must have been to Greg when he’d been expecting his father’s fiancée. Maybe she should own up before things got out of hand…
The kitchen batwings suddenly flew open, announcing the arrival of the subject of her thoughts. “Do you have anything a little more…?” A pointed pause, as cold eyes travelled from the top of her head to the red tips of her enamelled toes before disdainfully settling on her face. “…suitable to wear? We’ve been invited to my sister’s for dinner. She’s looking forward to meeting you.”
I’ll bet, thought Raven, sliding off the barstool. Suddenly, any thoughts of stopping this farce disappeared with the condescending tone of Greg’s voice.
“Of course, Greggie, I have this simply divine black gown that Brad absolutely adores. I’ll wear that, shall I?” She tilted her head so she was gazing up into his face. Presumptuous oaf, she smiled, gritting her teeth at the same time.
“There’s no need to dress for dinner.”
Greg spoke as if to a child, or more likely an imbecile, Raven thought.
“Perhaps something a little tidier than…than what you have on now.” He seemed to stumble trying to find the proper words. “And shoes. It would be appropriate to wear shoes.”
Raven couldn’t help it. She laughed. This was fun. And it really served him right, after all. Slipping quickly into her part again, she replied, “Of course, I’ll wear shoes, Greggie, if you think that’s really necessary.”
