Emily McKay - The Hudson's - Luc, Jack and Charlotte

Five minutes later, Dane left the house and drove his SUV out of Gwen’s driveway. Gwen breathed a sigh of relief.

“I thought you said you weren’t involved with anyone,” Luc said.

“I’m not,” she said. “And I wasn’t involved with Dane. He offered some good advice and support when I first started the rescues.”

“But he made a run at you,” Luc guessed.

“There was one night when he tried—” She broke off, surprised at her sudden feelings of self-consciousness. “Dane’s the kind of man who makes a run at every woman. He’ll make a run at Isabella, so you need to decide how you feel about that.”

“Isabella grew up with three brothers. She can handle herself.” He chuckled. “Ol’ Dane must have been disappointed. He took that bottle of wine with him.”

“He’s probably already on the phone with some gossipy social columnist, spreading the news that he has bagged three celebrities for his big party.”

“But he didn’t get you,” Luc said, pulling her against him.

“He didn’t really want me. He wanted Gwen McCord, movie star.”

“Then he’s a fool,” Luc said and took her mouth in a kiss.

Although she wouldn’t admit it to anyone, Gwen cherished the following days. Since turning the guest bedroom into an office, Luc took care of business during the day and burned down her bed every night. It wasn’t all sex, though. He helped her with the horses, played poker with her and put together a Web site for the horse-rescue program. He even mapped out a business plan to help her with the organization of volunteers and financial planning and a tentative plan for the summer camp she wanted to start.

Gwen had been too involved with the everyday needs of the horses to think about the business end of things, but she knew she couldn’t rely on her income and her uncle’s generosity forever to subsidize the program.

Isabella had agreed to attend the charity event with Dane on the condition that she and Gwen enjoy a day at a spa on the day of the gala.

Gwen and Luc traveled to the Bitterroot Valley area where Dane’s grand party would take place. They went to the airport to pick up Luc’s sister, who was arriving via private jet.

From inside the small terminal, Gwen watched as Luc’s sister, her red hair flying in the wind, descended the stairs with an animal clutched to her breast. Her faux-fur coat flapped open, and Gwen immediately felt a shot of pity for the young woman.

“She’s got to be freezing,” Gwen said.

“I warned her,” Luc replied. “And I warned you. Bella is—” he paused and smiled “—a force of nature.”

Bella burst inside the terminal, her mouth forming a perfect O. “What in the world would possess anyone to live in this climate? Are you sure Montana isn’t a glacier in disguise?”

“Good to see you, too,” Luc said, taking his beautiful sister into his arms. “I told you it was colder than freezing. Bitter cold.”

“B-b-but, this is ridiculous,” she said, looking over his shoulder, her blue-eyed gaze meeting Gwen’s. Her lips immediately formed a dazzling smile. “Gwen McCord, it’s you.”

The dog she carried gave a little yip. “You’re mashing Muffin, Luc.”

“One can only hope,” he muttered, releasing his sister. “Bella, this is Gwen.”

Bella threw him a quick scowl before she turned to Gwen. “I’m delighted to meet you. I’ve admired your work.”

“Thank you,” Gwen said, her gaze drawn to the animal in her arms as she tried to determine the breed of Muffin. The dog appeared to be a mixture of shih tzu and terrier. Bulldog? It was so ugly it was almost cute.

“What possessed you to move here? Tell me it’s temporary,” Bella said.

Gwen shook her head. “I love what I’m doing here. I wouldn’t trade it for an Oscar.”

“Wow,” Bella said, her face solemn. She shook her head as if she couldn’t comprehend it. “Well, let’s talk about it while we’re at the spa.” She turned to Luc. “Do you want some pics at the spa for PR?”

“Good idea,” Luc said and glanced at Gwen. “Are you okay with that?”

“As long as I’m dressed,” she said, amazed at how their minds worked in tandem.

Bella waved her hand. “Oh, don’t worry. We’ll just let them take photos while we’re getting pedicures.”

“I’ll be wearing closed-toe heels, but—”

“If you’ve been stuck on a ranch, then I’m sure your feet will appreciate a little pampering.”

Hours later, after a facial and a massage, Gwen sat next to Bella as a photographer took photos of them getting pedicures. “I can’t lie,” Gwen said. “I’ve missed this.”

“I always say pedicures should be mandatory for women. Tax deductible. Insurance should cover them.”

Gwen smiled. “Sounds like a good idea. I saw you in the film Non-Tranquil . You were very good.”

“Oh, thank you. If only Spielberg would notice,” Bella said.

“He will,” Gwen said. “You’re talented and beautiful and you have the fire.”

“I just hope I’m not old and gray by the time I get a lead part. Sometimes being a member of the Hudson family doesn’t work in my favor.”

“You have to be twice as good as other people,” Gwen said. “Luckily for you, that isn’t difficult.”

Bella met her gaze. “You’re right and thank you for the vote of confidence. I can see why my brother is attracted to you.”

Gwen glanced at the photographer. “Did you get enough?”

The woman nodded. “Yes. I’ll e-mail the photos to Mr. Hudson.”

Gwen thanked the woman and turned to Bella. “It’s nice of you to agree to attend this charity event on such short notice.”

Bella gave a little snort. “Luc reminded me that I owed him a favor. Oh, who am I fooling? I would do just about anything for him. He promotes me any chance he gets. I’m very lucky.” She paused a half beat. “The woman who gets him will be very lucky, too.”

“I wouldn’t think he would be the type to settle down,” Gwen ventured.

“That’s where you’re wrong. He has this playboy image, but he’s incredibly perceptive, very intuitive. Once he commits himself, he’s in all the way. He’s been a problem solver since he was born. He needs someone who appreciates those qualities and who doesn’t take advantage of him.”

Gwen nodded. “We live in very different worlds.”

“I noticed the way you look at him, the way he touches you.” Bella met her gaze. “Different worlds haven’t stopped you two from becoming lovers.”

“We’re engaged,” she said, unsure of how much Bella knew. “Of course we’re passionate about each other.”

Bella gave her a searching glance and lowered her voice. “Real passion wasn’t part of the plan, though, was it? One warning—don’t lie to him. Don’t keep secrets from him. You’ll live to regret it.”

Luc couldn’t keep his eyes off Gwen as they entered the ball. She gave her wrap to the woman in the coatroom and pushed her golden hair behind her shoulder. Her black velvet dress skimmed over her creamy shoulders, dipped low to reveal a hint of her delicious cleavage and hugged her curves like a lover. Her lips were crimson, her eyes dramatic; she looked like the definition of the term heartbreaker .

It was as if she’d adapted a different persona. Perhaps she had. Every head turned as she walked through the entrance of the ballroom.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. “But you also look damn good naked in a barn.”

Her lips tilted in a secret smile. She met his gaze and stood on tiptoe to press her lips against his. “You just said something perfect.”

Cameras flashed, but Luc just drew her closer, his fingers enjoying the sensation of velvet over her waist and hips. The moment was magical.