Steal My Heart (Bachelors & Bridesmaids) Read online

  After a moment Kara joined Andrew at the table. "Think about it," she said, putting a hand over his. "Ryan is a celebrity. He's just the draw we need to sell tickets for the centennial dinner."

  Andrew lifted his head and looked her straight in the eye. "Ryan is a troublemaker. You should have told me, Kara. I thought we were friends -- more than friends."

  Andrew's gaze challenged her to reply, to admit the feelings they had yet to discuss. But that was the problem. They didn't talk about their feelings, about what mattered to them. Maybe that's why she was holding back on an intimate relationship. She wanted to be with a man who would tell her everything.

  Kara reminded herself that Andrew was a good man. As a single father he knew the challenges she faced in raising a daughter on her own. Plus, Andrew was content to live in a small town, to work on the newspaper with his father. He might not be the most passionate man, but she knew she could count on him.

  "We are more than friends," Kara said slowly. "I didn't tell you about Ryan, because I knew what you would say."

  "If you knew what I'd say, why did you do it?"

  Because her desire to restore Serenity Springs to its former glory had superseded Andrew's feelings. Saving Serenity Springs had become synonymous with saving herself. If she could make the centennial a success, if she could revive the town, then she'd be that much closer to having the home she had always wanted.

  Kara lifted her chin, knowing that even though she disliked confrontation, she could no longer avoid this particular showdown. "I'm president of the chamber of commerce, Andrew. It's my job to create interest in Serenity Springs. Harrison Winslow, the developer I told you about, is interested in building an expensive resort in the north woods. If we can show him a nearby town with the charm of the old country and the sophistication of a big city, he'll be completely won over. Think about what that would mean for all of us -- our town featured in premier travel magazines, touted as a popular destination for world-weary travelers."

  "I'm sure it would mean business for the Gatehouse."

  "That's right, it would. And if I don't get more business, I can't stay here, Andrew. Don't you see what's at stake? It's not just me and my home that's in jeopardy. Your newspaper needs news to stay afloat."

  "What does any of this have to do with Ryan?"

  "Ryan is news, Andrew. Some of the people in town have been threatening to boycott the centennial, afraid that we're trying to turn Serenity Springs into New York City. But I think if Ryan comes to the party, they'll be more interested in seeing him than in causing trouble."

  "They won't have to cause trouble; Ryan will."

  "There's another reason, too." Kara paused, hating to rub Ryan's success in Andrew's face, but she didn't seem to have any other choice. "Ryan is a terrific photographer. His work is seen all over the world. If he takes photos of the centennial and sends them off to a national magazine, everyone will see how special this part of the country is. The bottom line is that this celebration, and hopefully Ryan's attendance, will mean more business for everyone, for Aunt Josephine's antiques shop, for Ike's barbershop, for Loretta's bar."

  "Progress could ruin this town."

  "It could also help it. I don't want our kids to grow up and leave. I want them to grow up here and stay, because there are opportunities."

  "Opportunities to destroy what makes this town special -- its smallness."

  Sometimes Andrew could be so damned stubborn. "I don't think this is about progress; it's about your brother. I know there are bad feelings between you and Ryan, but surely after all this time..."

  "You don't know anything about me and my brother."

  "Then tell me."

  "No."

  Kara sat back in her seat, taken aback by his blunt answer. "How can you expect me to understand if you won't talk to me?"

  "I guess I can't. It's not just me though. A lot of people in this town don't like Ryan. He was always breaking things, always screwing up, always causing trouble."

  "Maybe Ryan has changed."

  "I doubt it. Who else knew about this?"

  "The centennial committee, Loretta, Aunt Josephine, Hannah Davies, Mayor Hewitt, Will Hodgkins, and myself."

  "Loretta's probably still pining after him. Your aunt Josephine would do anything you say, and Mayor Hewitt's new in town." Andrew shook his head. "Old Hannah loves Ryan's photos, practically has a shrine set up at the library, so she wouldn't say no. But I don't understand why Will didn't put a stop to this. He's my friend."

  "Will only had one vote."

  Silence fell between them. "Ryan won't come," Andrew said finally. "He didn't come back when my son was born. Not even when my wife sent him a note. I told Becky Lee not to bother. But she just -- just couldn't forget him."

  "You can't forget him either, can you?"

  "I was doing just fine until you sent that invitation. Some things are better left dead and buried."

  "But Ryan isn't dead."

  "He is to me."

  The phone rang. Kara stood up, suddenly tense. "That's probably Angel." Andrew didn't move. The phone rang again. She picked up the receiver. "The Gatehouse. May I help you?"

  "Is Kara Delaney there?"

  The man asking the question had a deep, melodious voice that went down as smoothly as a cup of French roast coffee. Kara swallowed hard. She knew who it was. Deep down in her gut, she knew. "This is Kara Delaney."

  "Ryan Hunter."

  "Mr. Hunter. Hello." Kara turned away from Andrew.

  "I just got your letter. I accept your invitation."

  "You do? I mean, that's great." Kara twisted the phone cord between her fingers. Never had she imagined that he would actually attend. Now she didn't know if she should be relieved or worried.

  The kitchen door slammed so hard a picture fell off the wall. She turned her head. Andrew had left. Problem number one. They were off and running. She turned her attention back to the phone.

  "So you'll come?" she repeated.

  "Don't make me say it twice. When do you want me?"

  Kara cleared her throat. "The banquet is Thursday night, February twentieth. If you can get here the day before, we can go over the schedule."

  "Fine."

  "Do you need accommodations? Or will you be staying with -- friends?" Silence greeted her question. "Mr. Hunter?"

  "I'll need a room."

  "You can stay here. At the Gatehouse."

  "Crazy Josephine's place?"

  "Mrs. Parker -- actually it's Mrs. Kelly now -- is my aunt."

  "Your aunt? Kara Cox?" Ryan let out a long, curious whistle. "I haven't thought of you in years."

  Kara stiffened. "Why should you? You couldn't possibly remember me. I was only seven years old when I last lived here. And you were at least..."

  "Nine. But I do remember you. We have something in common, don't we, Kara?"

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Are you telling me you don't know?"

  "Know what, Mr. Hunter?"

  Ryan didn't answer for a long moment. "It's not important. Mrs. Delaney, is my father still alive?"

  "What a strange question. Of course he's alive."

  "Then hell must have frozen over."

  Buy RYAN’S RETURN

  Book List

  The Callaway Family Series

  #1 On A Night Like This

  #2 So This Is Love

  #3 Falling For A Stranger

  #4 Between Now And Forever

  #5 All A Heart Needs

  #6 That Summer Night

  #7 When Shadows Fall

  #8 Somewhere Only We Know

  Nobody But You (A Callaway Wedding Novella)

  The Wish Series

  #1 A Secret Wish

  #2 Just A Wish Away

  #3 When Wishes Collide

  Standalone Novels

  Almost Home

  All She Ever Wanted

  Ask Mariah

  Daniel's Gift

  Don't Say A Word


  Golden Lies

  Just The Way You Are

  Love Will Find A Way

  One True Love

  Ryan's Return

  Some Kind of Wonderful

  Summer Secrets

  The Sweetest Thing

  The Sanders Brothers Series

  #1 Silent Run

  #2 Silent Fall

  The Deception Series

  #1 Taken

  #2 Played

  The Angel's Bay Series

  #1 Suddenly One Summer

  #2 On Shadow Beach

  #3 In Shelter Cove

  #4 At Hidden Falls

  #5 Garden of Secrets

  About The Author

  Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 40 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women's fiction. Traditionally published for many years, Barbara turned to Indie publishing in 2011 and since then has sold over 4.8 million ebooks! Nineteen of her titles have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. In July 2014 she was named the Amazon KDP Bestselling Author of ALL TIME!

  Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family, mystery and romance, Barbara enjoys writing about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary adventures. She is currently writing a connected family series, The Callaways.

  Barbara's books have won numerous awards - she is a six-time finalist for the RITA for best contemporary romance from Romance Writers of America and a two-time winner for DANIEL'S GIFT and THE WAY BACK HOME.

  Barbara has lived all over the state of California and currently resides in Northern California where she draws much of her inspiration from the beautiful bay area.

  For a complete listing of books, as well as excerpts and contests, and to connect with Barbara:

  Visit Barbara's Website

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