Read Online Once Tempted by Laura Moore - Free Book Online Page A

extended them with his customary devil-may-care grin.
    If Ward Knowles embodied cool reserve and dark brooding good looks, his younger brother, Reid, was dazzling California sunshine—and as effortlessly appealing.
    His dark blond tousled hair and ocean blue eyes alone were enough to turn a number of women’s heads. But there was more to Reid’s appeal than his handsome features and rangy athletic build; his bright blue eyes smiled as readily as his mouth. He was a man who enjoyed life and really enjoyed women.
    His easy geniality set Reid apart from typical Casanovas. He was so good-natured that no one seemed to mind that practically every woman, age twenty to eighty, who entered his orbit became smitten.
    Tess didn’t hold it against him, either. Because in addition to being a charming rogue, Reid was nobody’s fool. He clearly possessed an internal radar that signaled when a woman was interested … and when she wasn’t. And he’d read her perfectly. He might tease and compliment her, but he never went further in his pursuit.
    Easy in the knowledge that Reid had no ulterior motives in presenting her with a lovely Valentine’s bouquet, she accepted the cluster of flowers with a smile. While her marriage with David had cured her of any susceptibility to golden-tongued, good-looking womanizers, that didn’t mean she wasn’t touched by Reid’s gesture.
    “They’re beautiful, Reid. Thank you.”
    “I thought they suited you. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
    A sudden movement caught her eye. Turning her head in the direction of the open doorway, she stiffened.
    Ahh, the high and mighty Ward had arrived. From the scowl on his face, she could only surmise that he didn’t approve of his younger brother giving her, a staff member, a Valentine’s bouquet.
    Come to think of it, he didn’t seem to approve of her, period. She’d felt the weight of his gaze a number of times whenever he came to his mother’s office to discuss a new marketing plan or advertising campaign for the guest ranch. His silent appraisal always seemed to find her wanting.
    And wasn’t that funny? She
was
wanting—a new car.
    “Good morning, Ward!” Approaching her oldest son, Adele hugged him. “Happy Valentine’s Day, darling. I just love my scarf.” Stepping back, she looked up at him with an approving smile. “I’m so glad you finally got a haircut. You were looking shaggier than the sheep.”
    Reid laughed. His older brother shot him a look that probably would have sent most people slinking out the door. Reid was unfazed—if anything, he seemed even more amused.
    Ward turned his attention back to his mother. “I’m glad you like the scarf. It looks beautiful on you.” He kissed her cheek. “Hi, Reid.” He paused infinitesimally and then nodded. “Tess.”
    She replied with an equally impassive, “Good morning.” Determined to avoid a lengthier exchange, she raised the bouquet Reid had given her to sniff the freesias’ peppery perfume, lowering it only when she heard the sound of the other staff members filing into the meeting room.
    Phil Onofrie, who handled reservations and marketingfor the guest ranch, and Macie Paulsen, the events planner, called out cheerful greetings before taking their seats around the table.
    “Where are Dad and the brat?” Reid asked, walking over to the side table where Tess had placed a carafe of coffee and white porcelain mugs. He poured himself a cup.
    “Your dad’s calling Aunt Lucy to wish her a happy Valentine’s. And your sister is—”
    “Here.” Quinn strode into the room. Striking and carelessly beautiful, Quinn had her mother’s blue eyes and wide, slashing cheekbones, and her brother Reid’s lanky build. Tess had yet to see her dressed in anything but faded jeans, T-shirts, and cowboy boots. Today’s pick was a faded long-sleeve T with COWBOY JUNKIES emblazoned across her chest. She wore her thick blond hair in a ponytail. Tess wasn’t sure she’d bothered to brush it before