Rancher's Deadly RiskColton's Deep Cover by Rachel Lee

Author:Rachel Lee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mills & Boon Romantic Suspense
Published: 2012-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 2

Chloe had never been more nervous in her entire life as she drove through the double gates of the Colton ranch. The main house was visible in the distance, a large homestead that managed to combine the stately elegance of a manor with the rustic charm of a ranch spread. It wasn’t the size or beauty of the home that made her anxious—she was no stranger to expensive accommodations—but the homey, inviting feel of it. The yellow glow seeping from the windows, the tire swing hanging from one of the trees in the front yard. It was the kind of place she’d always envisioned raising a family in, and the thought brought a sharp pain to her heart.

Her hands trembled on the steering wheel of the used Toyota hatchback she’d purchased last week. Why on Earth had she agreed to have dinner with the Coltons tonight? When Derek had invited her to his family’s Thanksgiving dinner last week, she’d had no problem politely declining. So why had it been so hard to say no to Sawyer’s request? Why had she allowed a tow-headed kid to break down her defenses?

The thought of Sawyer Colton deepened the ache in her chest. Lord, that kid was a real charmer, not to mention precocious, sweet and wise beyond his years. But every time he came around, which was often, she experienced a wave of longing so powerful that tears stung her eyes. She liked to imagine that her own boys would have grown up to be exactly like Sawyer.

Focus, Chloe.

Choking down a lump of sorrow, she continued up the driveway, but halfway to the main house another fit of anxiety rippled through her and her foot came down on the brakes. A minute. She just needed a minute to collect her composure.

Flipping down the sun visor, she studied her reflection, inspecting her left cheek. Makeup looked good. No hint of the four-inch scar beneath it.

Still, simply knowing the imperfection existed made her feel self-conscious as hell.

“You think you’re so beautiful, don’t you, Chloe? Pretty, pretty Chloe.”

A tornado of pain, fury and bitterness spiraled through her as Felix’s cruel voice echoed in her head.

“All those men flirting with my beautiful wife. You liked it, didn’t you, pretty Chloe? You like feeling beautiful?”

Hot tears pricked her eyelids. She tried desperately to block the memories, but they barreled into her mind like a freight train. Felix had been so enraged that night, yet again blaming her for something beyond her control.

“Let’s see if men still find you attractive now, shall we?”

A phantom burst of agony exploded in her face, mimicking everything she’d felt when the blade of that scalpel sliced into her cheek.

Sucking in a ragged breath, Chloe forcibly shoved the horrific memory from her mind. She couldn’t fall apart right now. Not in her boss’s driveway, for Pete’s sake.

Exhaling slowly, she moved the gearshift to Drive and steered toward the main house. After she’d parked the car, she grabbed her purse and the apple pie she’d picked up at the bakery in town, then climbed the large porch and rang the bell.

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