LITMIR.BIZ

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opened his mouth but Ben continued without giving him a chance to speak.

      “We didn’t know whether she was dead or alive. My mother—” Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly “—well, the worry nearly broke her.”

      The strain in his voice told Noah that Dori Campbell wasn’t the only family member who’d worried.

      He couldn’t imagine what had possessed Josie to hurt her loved ones in such a way. He was certain her parents and brother only wanted the best for her. Just as he wanted the best for Daffodil.

      If his sister had listened to reason, listened to him, she would have walked away from that loser Cruz Newton. She wouldn’t be divorced and paying off his debts.

      “I can sympathize with your frustration. My sister never listened to me.” Noah clenched his jaw when Liam whispered something in Josie’s ear, making her laugh.

      “Their lives would be so much better if they did.”

      Noah nodded in agreement.

      “You two look as if you’re plotting to take over the world.” Poppy Campbell slipped her arm through her husband’s.

      “Not a bad idea. The world would be running smoothly if I was in charge.”

      Ben’s comment made his wife laugh.

      Dressed in a loose black sheath, Poppy was an attractive woman with sleek dark bob and green eyes. Her black-and-gold half mask suited her elegant style.

      From the time Noah had joined the practice, Ben’s wife had been pleasant, if a bit distant. Ben had mentioned once that Poppy’s first husband had been a neurosurgeon and Noah had the impression he was paying for the other guy’s mistakes.

      Poppy inclined her head. “Who’s the guy in the joker mask dancing with Josie?”

      “Liam Gallagher,” Ben answered. “The poor sap can’t take his eyes off her.”

      “She does look especially lovely this evening.” Poppy’s tone reflected affection for her sister-in-law. “Blue is a great color on her.”

      Benedict simply shrugged.

      The band launched into another slow number and Liam gave no indication of releasing his partner. That added to Noah’s mounting irritation, as well as the fact that the psychologist continued to hold the pirate queen a little too close for Noah’s liking.

      “Excuse me.” Without waiting for a response, Noah strode to where Josie and Liam danced. He tapped the man on the shoulder. “I’m cutting in.”

      The psychologist, who’d been smiling down at Josie, turned. His gaze shifted from Noah to Josie then back again. “Too bad. I’m not ready to give her up.”

      “You don’t have a choice.” Noah lifted Liam’s hand from Josie’s shoulder and pulled her into his arms.

      “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked in a throaty whisper as he whirled her far, far away from the astonished psychologist.

      “Being a pirate.” Noah flashed a sardonic smile. “We see what we want and we take it.”

Chapter Three

      As the minutes ticked down to midnight, Noah experienced a surge of regret. Spending time with Josie and playing their ridiculous pirate game had made the evening fly by.

      The band finished the set and took a break, no doubt gearing up for the playing of “Auld Lang Syne” when the clock struck twelve.

      “That is the strangest cake I can recall seeing.” Noah cocked his head and scrutinized the multilayered monstrosity that would soon be cut and served with champagne.

      Jet-black layers alternated with pristine white ones and caught the eye first. A crooked clock on the front made one take a second glance. The glittery mirror ball made it difficult to look away.

      “It’s so creative.” Josie’s tone was filled with awe. “I wonder who made it?”

      “That would be me.”

      Noah and Josie turned in unison.

      A slender woman with wavy hair the color of burnished copper and eyes that appeared violet in the light held a glass of champagne. Like most in attendance, she still wore a mask. Edged in gold, the deep purple color matched her cocktail dress. Although flattering, the cut of the dress reminded Noah of something from an earlier generation.

      The woman extended her hand to Josie. “I’m Sylvie Thorne. My business, The Mad Batter, is all about creating unique cake designs.”

      They’d barely exchanged introductions when Josie’s gaze returned to the cake.

      “I adore it,” Josie exclaimed. “It’s so unique. Do you do catering for smaller events?”

      “Absolutely.” Sylvie took a sip of champagne. She appeared cool and collected but Noah saw the eager gleam in her eyes. “What do you need?”

      “I have an event next week. I promised to bring the dessert. I need something that will serve thirty.” Something in Josie’s tone told Noah she wasn’t excited about the event. “I’d love to take one of your cakes.”

      Noah held silent while Josie and Sylvie discussed details and made plans to connect on Monday.

      Sylvie strode off after giving them both an impromptu hug.

      A smile lifted Josie’s lips. “Sylvie and I are going to be good friends.”

      “The two of you just met.”

      “Sometimes you just know.” Josie gave a little laugh. “We have a lot in common. For example, we’re both new in town.”

      “You grew up here,” he reminded her.

      “That was a long time ago. The friends I used to have are married now. Some with kids. They have their own lives, different interests.” She lifted a shoulder in a light shrug. “You know how that is.”

      He did understand. Almost everyone he associated with since moving to Jackson Hole was married or dating someone. At most gatherings he felt like a fifth wheel. He realized that was why tonight had been so enjoyable. It’d been nice having a fellow pirate at his side.

      The thought made him smile. “Have you thought any more about my proposition?”

      “You’re certainly persistent,” she said mildly.

      “It’s a pirate thing.” He lifted his glass in a mock toast. “Whether searching for sunken treasure or convincing a beautiful woman to join forces with me, determination is key.”

      “Well, Cap’n.” She looped her arm through his in a companionable gesture. “The answer is still no.”

      Noah stiffened. “I don’t understand why—”

      “Ten.” The crowd roared as the countdown to midnight began.

      By the time shouts of “Happy New Year” rang out in the mountain home, he’d covered her mouth with his.

      When her hands rose to rest on his shoulders, Noah realized he wasn’t going to give up. Eventually she’d agree to help him. For now, he could think of no better way to end one year and begin a new one than kissing a beautiful masked woman.

      * * *

      After the kiss ended, Josie had taken a shaky breath and willed her fingers to remain steady as she removed her mask. When she’d told Noah she needed to meet Pauline at half past midnight, he’d insisted they had time to share a piece of cake and a glass of champagne.

      She hadn’t realized how erotic it could be to actually share a piece of cake with a man. When his lips closed over that bite of cake and those glittering blue eyes met hers, she’d imagined that mouth closing over

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