The man was obviously used to hard work.
Theres plenty to do, Reed responded. Theres a crew unloading lumber around the back.
Sawyer finished rolling up his other sleeve and tipped his hat back on his head. Then Ill get right on it. His gaze returned to Niki. Pleasure, maam.
He exited and disappeared around the sheeted, exterior wall.
Reed moved closer to Niki. You got pretty quiet there, Nellie. Something about that man get to you?
Im shy, she responded, telling herself Reed couldnt read her mind. He had no way of knowing she found Sawyer unaccountably attractive.
But Reed barked out a laugh. Thats your story?
She shot him a mock, arched glare, intending to show him she didnt mind being teased. And Im stickin to it.
But even as she uttered the cavalier words, she struggled to shake off her embarrassment. She couldnt help but worry shed looked pathetic panting after a man like Sawyer.
Though Reeds wife was a Colorado native, Katrina had spent most of her life in New York. She was unfailingly gorgeous and glamorous. Calebs wife, Mandy, was so healthy and beautiful that she looked spectacular in anything she threw on, including worn jeans and plaid shirts.
But Nellie Cooper didnt have a lot going for her. When shed been Niki Gerard shed had plenty of money and time to make the most of her looks. But when you took away all the trimmings, there wasnt a whole lot left.
Being plain Jane wasnt much fun. But Nellie Cooper was just going to have to suck it up. Because she sure couldnt afford to have anyone make the connection between her and Niki Gerard.
Sawyer Layton couldnt believe hed finally found Niki Gerard. To say she looked nothing like her photo was a colossal understatement. He doubted he could have picked her out of a police lineup.
Coming around back of the half-built house, he found a flat-bed truck loaded with lumber. He greeted a trio of men who were unloading, located a spare pair of leather gloves then joined them in their work, while his mind mulled over the latest turn of events.
Niki was calling herself Nellie now. He wasnt surprised that shed changed her name. But he couldnt help wonder how shed convinced the Terrells she was their sister.
It was a clever enough plan, hiding out at a ranch in the middle of the Colorado wilderness. Convincing a well-established family to take her to their bosom was pure genius. From the perspective of ingenuity and sheer audacity, Niki was clearly Gabriella Gerards daughter.
His first load was three sheets of plywood. He balanced them against one shoulder as he followed a short path to the growing stack beside the house. He then turned for another load, settling into an easy rhythm.
Like Niki, Sawyer was operating under a false identity. But he hadnt lied about buying the neighboring ranch. And he hadnt lied about being from Montana. Hed been born there. A technicality, because his parents, D.C. residents, happened to be vacationing on the familys Montana ranch when his mother went into early labor. Still, over the years, hed spent quite a few vacations at the ranch, learning how to work outdoors and picking up the rudiments of cattle ranching.
Sawyer had grown up in D.C., along with a brother, a sister and countless cousins in the Layton clan. His brother had become a lawyer, specializing in taxation, and joined the family firm. His sister was engaged to Miles Carter, a young Congressman from Delaware. Meanwhile Sawyer had graduated college with a degree in international affairs and joined the navy as an officer. Hed liked the discipline and camaraderie of the navy. Hed also appreciated the black and white codes of ethics and conduct.
Sawyer lifted another three sheets of lumber. He was starting to perspire under the late-day August sun.
Unfortunately, his extended family had missed him while he was away. Theyd missed his ingenuity, his nerve and his rather eclectic skill set. Since the Laytons had always been much better at getting themselves into trouble than getting themselves out, Sawyer had given up the black and white moral code of the navy for the countless shades of D.C. gray.
Hed gone back to work as the family fixer. Over the past few years, hed done everything from misdirecting the press, to quietly paying off gambling debts and secretly locking extended family members in high-end rehab centers. But nothing compared to the latest trouble with Gabriella Gerard. When she had died, and then Niki disappeared, Sawyers uncle, the senator had gone into full-blown panic mode.
Uncle Charles, along with many other power brokers in D.C., had a lot to lose if Gabriellas infamous diary saw the light of day. If that happened, the whole world would know Charles had cheated on his wife and, albeit unknowingly, accepted illegal campaign contributions.
Everyone knew that Niki had the diary. And now Sawyer had Niki.
My brother tells me youre new to the neighborhood. A tall, dark haired man fell into step beside Sawyer.
Sawyer dropped his latest load down on the growing stack. Sawyer Smith. He pulled off a glove to shake the mans hand.
Caleb Terrell.
Nice place youve got here, Sawyer complimented, gazing around at the lush meadows, rolling hills and the Lyndon River winding its way into the lake below. Befriending the Terrells was an integral part of his plan. He couldnt let Niki or anyone else be remotely suspicious of his reasons for being here. Luckily, Sawyer had enough money to temporarily buy a cattle ranch.
We like it, Caleb responded, pride clear in his tone. The main house is south along the river. But Reeds been planning this place for years.
As they spoke, Reed made an appearance in the front yard, joking with the men who were setting up a gas barbecue. He wrapped one arm around a petite blonde woman and gave her a kiss.
His wife? Sawyer asked Caleb.
Katrina.
Do they have enough kids to fill up this big house? Sawyer asked in an effort to keep Caleb engaged in conversation.
Not yet. Katrinas a professional ballerina, so it may be a while before they start a family.
From his research, Sawyer knew all about Katrina. Ironically, hed seen her perform a few times in New York City. His family had a box at the Emperors Theatre.
Niki appeared in the distance, joining the gathering group. She spotted a man setting up a folding table and quickly stepped up to help. Together, they drew down the legs and settled it firmly on the uneven ground. She was small and slight, only about five foot three. Sawyer also knew she was twenty-one, and she was partway through an arts degree at GW.
Niki had been drop-dead gorgeous in every picture hed ever been shown, stunningly glamorous, one of D.C.s own princesses. But there was no glamour about her today. Not that she could hide her pretty features. The wispy, brunette hairstyle made her look younger, delicate, a bit of a waif. The blue jeans clung softly to her sexy bottom, while the serviceable T-shirt molded to her breasts, making it anything but plain.
I can see the way youre looking at my sister, Caleb remarked, in a light, yet warning tone.
Sorry. Sawyer quickly shook himself. His mind didnt usually wander like that, particularly when he was investigating. He didnt know what was wrong with him.
But Caleb chuckled good-naturedly. Shes a beautiful girl. Just remember shes got two very protective big brothers in her life. He left the thought unfinished.
But Caleb chuckled good-naturedly. Shes a beautiful girl. Just remember shes got two very protective big brothers in her life. He left the thought unfinished.
Noted, Sawyer responded succinctly.
Caleb had absolutely nothing to worry about on that score. Niki might look sweet and innocent out here in the fresh air, but Sawyer knew what lurked beneath the facade. Niki was every bit as dangerous as her mother.
Both cunning and beautiful, Gabriella Gerard had used her persuasive charm and innate sensuality to get what she wanted from men who should have known better. She certainly wasnt a call girl, but her many lovers were strongly rumored to be amongst the D.C. elite. They had showered her with gifts, money, stock tips and, most significantly, secrets.
It was rumored that Gabriella had written it all down, and very likely included her affair with Sawyers uncle and the illegal campaign contributions that had followed. Sawyer was here for the diary, nothing more and nothing less. Nikis virtue was perfectly safe with him.
I guess I should have asked if you were married, Caleb put in.
Sawyer shook his head. Not married. No girlfriend. Just me.
Caleb looked genuinely sympathetic. Too bad.
Sawyer didnt think so. He was perfectly content on his own. Besides, family history proved that marriage was never a good bet for a Layton. He didnt think hed inflict the state on any woman, let alone one that he cared about.
Come and meet my wife, Caleb interrupted his thoughts.
They started for the front yard, with Caleb pointing out a woman in a pair of faded blue jeans and a red, plaid shirt. Her long, chestnut hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she held a tiny infant in a blue blanket in her arms.
Your baby? Sawyer asked, falling into step, still making conversation about things he already knew.
Better be, Caleb joked.
Sawyer couldnt help but smile at that.
Mandy, Caleb called as they neared, fondness clear in his tone.
The woman glanced up. She smiled, green eyes shining with obvious love as the two men approached. Hello, darling.
Caleb kissed her mouth, then he kissed the baby on the forehead.
This is my wife, Mandy. Sweetheart, this is Sawyer Smith. He just bought the Raklin place.
Mandys smile broadened. Welcome to Lyndon Valley. This is Asher. Our new son.
Congratulations, said Sawyer, looking down at the sleeping child. How old is he?
Three months.
The babys eyes were closed. His skin was almost translucent, and his little, bow mouth made gentle suckling motions in his sleep. He looked delicate and vulnerable swaddled in the flannel blanket.
It never ceased to amaze Sawyer that rational people would bring something so fragile into such an uncertain world. Didnt they worry about what could happen? How did they sleep at night, thinking about the danger?
Not that Lyndon Valley seemed dangerous. In fact, it was a million miles away from both political strife and inner city problems. And Caleb and Mandy were probably great parents, salt of the earth.
It occurred to Sawyer that a normal man would feel guilty lying to such obviously decent people. Luckily, Sawyers emotions had been hardened over the years. But the thought led him to wondering if Niki was cold as ice, or if she was ashamed of her own deception.
He glanced up, seeking her out again.
She was looking directly at him, and when his gaze met hers, something arced through the atmosphere between them. It was an awareness that went beyond two strangers meeting. She quickly blinked and looked away, but not before it occurred to Sawyer that she might already have his number. Was it possible that she knew exactly who he was, and that she was playing him? Could she be that good an actress? He immediately realized he couldnt take the chance.
Hes a beautiful baby, he said to Caleb and Mandy. Can you excuse me?
He left them, making his way toward Niki.
Shed moved away from the crowd, going downhill toward the creek and a little white footbridge that crossed it.
He continued after her.
They had to have another conversation. And he needed to pay attention to more than just her beauty this time. If she even suspected he was a Layton, shed bolt the second his back was turned.
Niki braced her palms on the rail of the footbridge, gazing toward the crystal-blue water of Flash Lake. Tiny ripples were signaling the beginnings of an evening breeze that would keep the flies at bay.
Flash Lake was surrounded by brilliant green willows and silvery aspens. Craggy mountains jutted up behind it, creating a picture-perfect setting against the vast sky. Closer in, horses grazed in the flower-dotted meadows, their black, brown and white coats, glossy in the rays from the setting sun.
Since it was midsummer, colts and fillies frolicked through the foot-tall meadow, their high-pitched whinnies carrying up the slope. Wheatgrass and clover freshened the air, while the crystal creek gurgled six feet below her, hiding water bugs and speckled trout. Though it had only been three months, there were moments when she had to struggle to remember the sights, smells and sounds of Georgetown.
But, not today. Today, D.C. was crowding out Colorado.
Niki knew the reason. Looking into Sawyer Smiths blue eyes, feeling what shed felt, and wanting what shed wanted, shed been reminded that she was a fraud. She wasnt Nellie Cooper. She was Niki Gerard, daughter of Gabriella Gerard, the most notorious woman in the nations capital.
That she shared a father with Caleb and Reed was nothing but a genetic coincidence. Her real life and her real world were far removed from their lives out here.
She hadnt given it much thought at the time, but now she knew shed been wrong to bring her problems to their doorstep. She wished she didnt like them so much, or that Mandy and Katrina hadnt been so kind.
If shed found her mothers diary, she might never have come here. If she had the diary, if she could read the entries, shed know who to fear and how to fight back. But shed searched every square inch of the penthouse, tracked down every safe-deposit box, checked every nook, cranny and corner. Shed even had a professional search through Gabriellas computer and email accounts, thinking the diary might have been electronic. But, no luck.
Nice view, came a deep voice that sent an instant quiver up her spine. His footsteps sounded on the little bridge.
It took Niki a moment to find her own voice and respond. Its beautiful, she agreed, praying Sawyer would keep right on walking.
But he didnt. He came to a halt and copied her stance, bracing his own hands on the painted white rail, gazing out at the lake.
Youre not hungry? he asked pleasantly.
The aroma of grilling burgers was beginning to fill the air. Nikis empty stomach reacted to the enticing scent. Shed learned there was nothing like fresh air and physical work to heighten an appetite.
Getting there, she admitted.
He was silent for a minute. So, this is going to be Reeds house?
Niki nodded, her attention going back to the two-story building.
Its a big house for two people, Sawyer observed.
Reed wants four children.
Four? Sawyer sounded surprised.
I think hed go for more if Katrina would agree. Niki had been present for some of their good-natured arguments. She couldnt help thinking about the way Reed looked at Katrina. He was head over heels in love, and Niki was sure hed agree to anything she asked.