Page 3 of Taming a Heartbreaker

Carmen knew all about his reputation as a heartbreaker of the worst kind. She’d witnessed how he would check out women at various events, seeking out his next victim. He had checked her out the same way, the first time they’d met.

She’d also seen the way women checked him out, too and definitely understood why they fell for him when he was so darn handsome. His dark eyes, coffee-colored skin, chiseled and bearded chin, hawkish nose, and close-to-the-scalp haircut, were certainly a draw.

Then there was his height. Carmen was convinced he was at least six foot three with a masculine build of broad shoulders, muscular arms and a rock-hard chest. Whenever he walked, feminine eyes followed. According to Leslie, although he made Anchorage his home, his family lived in Skagway and were part of the Tlingits, the largest Native Alaskan tribe.

Since their initial meeting two years ago, he’d kept his distance and she knew the reason why. She’d deliberately let it be known that she planned to marry him one day, making sure he heard about her plans well in advance. And upon hearing them, he’d begun avoiding her.

“Granted, it’s obvious there’s strong sexual chemistry between you and Redford,” Leslie said, interrupting Carmen’s thoughts. “Sexual chemistry isn’t everything. At least you’ve given up the notion of trying to tame him. I’m glad about that. You had me worried there for a while.”

Carmen broke eye contact with Redford and looked at Leslie. “Nothing has changed, Leslie. I’m convinced that for me it was love at first sight. Redford is still the man I intend to marry.”

Leslie looked surprised. “But you haven’t mentioned him in months. And at Cassidy’s christening you didn’t appear to pay him any attention.”

Carmen grinned. “I’ve taken the position with Redford that I refuse to be like those other women who are always fawning over him. Women he sees as nothing more than sex mates. Redford St. James has to earn his right to my bed. When he does, it will be because he’s ready to accept what I have to give.”

“Which is?”

“Love in its truest form.”

Leslie rolled her eyes. “I’ve known Redford a lot longer than you have, and I know how he operates. I love him like a brother, but get real, Carmen. He has plenty of experience when it comes to seducing women. You, on the other hand, have no experience when it comes to taming a man. Zilch.”

“I believe in love, Leslie, and I have more than enough to give,” Carmen said softly.

“I believe you, but the person you’re trying to give it to has to want it in return. I don’t know Redford’s story, but there is one. And it’s one neither Redford, Sloan nor Tyler ever talks about. I believe it has to do with a woman who hurt him in the past, and it’s a pain he hasn’t gotten over.”

“Then I can help him get over it,” Carmen replied.

Leslie released a deep sigh. “Not sure that you can, Carmen. Redford may not ever be ready to accept love from you or any woman. You have a good heart and see the good in everyone. You give everyone the benefit of the doubt, even those who don’t deserve it. I think you’re making a mistake in thinking Redford will change for you.”

Carmen heard what Leslie was saying and could see the worried look in her eyes. It was the same look she’d given her two years ago when Carmen had declared that one day she would marry Redford. She understood Leslie’s concern, but for some reason, Carmen believed that even with Redford’s reputation as a heartbreaker, he would one day see her as more than a sex mate. He would realize she was his soulmate.

“I’m thirty-two and can take care of myself, Leslie.”

“When it comes to a man like Redford, I’m not sure you can, Carmen.”

Carmen shrugged. “I’ve dated men like Redford before. Men who only want one thing from a woman. I intend to be the exception and not the norm.” Determined to change the subject, she said, “I love June weddings, don’t you?”

The look in Leslie’s eyes let Carmen know she knew what she’d deliberately done and would go along with her. “Yes, and Denver’s weather was perfect today,” Leslie said.

“Nadia looked beautiful. This is the first wedding I’ve ever attended where the bride wore a black wedding dress.”

“Same for me, and she looked simply gorgeous. It was Jaxon’s mom’s wedding dress, and she offered it to Nadia for her special day.”

Nadia not only looked beautiful but radiant walking down that aisle on her brother-in-law Dillon Westmoreland’s arm. Both the wedding and reception had been held at Westmoreland House, the massive multipurpose family center that Dillon, the oldest of the Denver Westmorelands, had built on his three-hundred-acre property. The building could hold up to five hundred people easily and was used for special occasions, family events and get-togethers.

Carmen glanced around the huge, beautifully decorated room and noticed the man she had been introduced to earlier that day, Matthew Caulder. He’d discovered just last year that he was related to the Westmoreland triplets, Casey, Cole and Clint. It seemed the biological father Matthew hadn’t known was the triplets’ uncle, the legendary rodeo star and horse trainer, Sid Roberts.

It seemed that she and Redford weren’t the only ones exchanging intense glances today. “You’ve been so busy watching me and Redford stare each other down, have you missed how Matthew Caulder keeps staring at Iris Michaels?” Carmen leaned in to whisper to Leslie.

Leslie followed her gaze to where Matthew stood talking to a bunch of the Westmoreland men. Iris was Pam Westmoreland’s best friend. Pam was Nadia’s sister and was married to Dillon. “No, I hadn’t noticed, but I do now. Matthew is divorced, and Iris, who owns a PR firm in Los Angeles, is a widow. I understand her husband was a stuntman in Hollywood and was killed while working on a major film a number of years ago. I hope she reciprocates Matthew’s interest. She deserves happiness.”

Carmen frowned. “What about me? Don’t I deserve happiness, too?”

“Yes, but like I told you, I’m not sure you’ll find it with Redford, Carmen, and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“And like I told you, I can take care of myself.”

At that moment, the party planner announced the father-daughter dance, and Dillon stood in again for Nadia’s deceased father. While all eyes were on them, Carmen glanced back over at Redford. As if he’d felt her gaze, he tilted his head to look at her, his eyes unwavering and deeply penetrating.

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