Page 47 of Texas Temptation

But that was the fantasy. He never gave a hint he wanted anything beyond a one-night stand.

And that was not who Jordan was.

Last night had been a magical evening out of time. But reality resumed. They had a flight to Dallas to catch, and would be back at the ranch before dinner.

She’d called a few moments ago and spoken with Caleb. He was her primary concern. Love for her son filled her heart. She’d cherish her memories of Los Angeles, but move on as she had when she’d discovered Caleb’s father’s perfidy.

How soon before Penny returned? Before she’d leave and never see Cade Everett again? How would she bear walking away without a backward look?

But it beat being around him and knowing he was not for her.

Why couldn’t he love her as she loved him?

Yet how could she ever compete with a dead woman? The perfection of that relationship couldn’t compare with her and the baggage of her past.

Ready at the designated time, Jordan wore her new suit, as if donning armor to aid in her defenses. She wouldn’t hint at the turmoil that roiled inside her. She was his temporary secretary and would act the role. Determined to carry it off, she stepped into the sitting room.

Cade stood near the window, studying the view. The famous Los Angeles smog had returned, the hazy air shimmering in the early morning heat. He turned when she entered, and Jordan was glad she’d dressed in her new role when she saw the remote expression on his face.

“Ready?” he asked.

At her nod, he lifted the phone and called for a bellman and requested a cab.

“I called Caleb,” she said as they waited awkwardly. Fiddling with the strap on her handbag, she glanced out the window, finding that easier than facing him.

“He’s doing well. Says nothing hurts anymore, and he wants to go riding.”

“Once the doctor gives the go ahead, we’ll see about putting him up on a gentle mount.”

She nodded, wondering if they’d still be at the ranch when the bandages came off. She mustn’t forget their stay there was so temporary.

“Jordan—”

A knock at the door interrupted Cade’s statement. The bellman had arrived to take their luggage.

Any private conversation was impossible from then on. In no time, they were dropped off at the curb at Los Angeles International Airport. Once they were through the security checks, Cade suggested they get something to eat, since their flight departure was still more than an hour away.

Jordan had no appetite, but since they hadn’t eaten since dinner last night, she knew she had to give the appearance at least.

The trip home seemed endless. Jordan took two magazines on the plane with her and read them from cover to cover. Cade seemed no more eager to talk about last night than she did, engulfing himself in work, using the in-flight phone to touch base with the Dallas office and reaffirm some decisions made in Los Angeles.

Once in his car, she feigned sleep to avoid any conversation. She knew it was cowardice, but she couldn’t help it. She needed to gain some distance before she could deal with the situation.

Of course, she’d feel totally different if he gave the slightest sign that she was someone special to him. But from his demeanor today, she deduced he had regrets atsuggestingthe liaison. His remote attitude drove her crazy, and she refused to open the discussion for fear of what she might say or hear.

Once home, she almost ran to Caleb’s bedroom. Hugging him when she dashed into the room, she felt her world stabilize. Here was her reality. Not some fairy tale dream come true with Cade, but her precious son who needed her and whom she loved so much.

“I missed you, Mommy,” Caleb said.

“I missed you, too, sweetheart.”

She shrugged out of her suit jacket and tossed it over the end of the bed, perching beside Caleb.

“Tell me all you did.”

“Hi, Cade,” Caleb said.

Jordan looked at the man leaning casually against the doorjamb. Her heart caught as it normally did every time she saw him. She hadn’t expected him to follow her.

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