Keli Gwyn - Make-Believe Beau

The Courtship Charade

As a draftswoman in a man’s world, Jessica Sinclair causes a stir as her new male colleagues vie for her attention. And the company manager has an ultimatum: fake a courtship with her boss, Flynt Kavanaugh…or lose her job. But pretending to be smitten with the handsome engineer unleashes a real, complicated attraction—and could reveal the past she hoped to keep hidden.

Jessica is certainly the best person for the job. But as their make-believe romance escalates, Flynt knows that’s not the only reason he wants her on his team. However, with his past shrouded by a shameful secret, Flynt has always focused his ambitions on building a career, not a family. Now he has designs on Jessica’s heart, but can they trust each other with the truth?

“You’re not going to kiss me, are you?”

The idea appealed to him more than he cared to admit. “Not unless it’s necessary, but if I look like I’m thinking about it, Mrs. Monroe is sure to draw the conclusions we want her to.”

“That makes sense.” She moistened those enticing lips, a gesture that made keeping his mind on the conversation increasingly difficult. “I should be going.”

And yet she stood gazing at him. The lantern in the parlor didn’t cast enough light for him to make out her expression, but she gripped his hands firmly, as though she didn’t want to let go. Or was he the one holding her tightly?

He released her, stepped back to a gentlemanly distance and doffed his hat.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes. Tomorrow.”

He bounded down the steps, expecting to hear the door open and close behind him. He’d reached the street, and yet Jessie hadn’t moved. She stood staring into the darkness with her fingertips pressed to her lips, unmoving.

Award-winning author KELI GWYN, a native Californian, transports readers to the early days of the Golden State. She and her husband live in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums and other Gold Rush–era towns. Keli loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyberhome at keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her contact information.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Remember not the sins of

my youth, nor my transgressions:

according to thy mercy

remember thou me

for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

—Psalms 25:7

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Dear Reader Extract Copyright

Writing is said to be a solitary endeavor, but that is not the case for me. The following people have made valuable contributions to this story, and I greatly appreciate each of them.

My savvy editor, Emily Rodmell, helps me smooth the rough edges of my stories and polish them until they shine.

My agent, Rachelle Gardner, brings her vast publishing experience to play, but she also encourages and supports me along the way.

My writing partners, Anne and Adri, offer valuable input at the earliest stages of a story and enable me to send the cleanest drafts possible to my editor.

My husband, Carl, brainstorms my stories with me and gives me the male perspective.

My mother, Patricia Lannon, a former draftswoman, educated me on her chosen profession and enlightened me on the challenges of being a woman working in a male-dominated field.

My friend Bob Courtemanche, a retired physics teacher who has explored the El Dorado Canal up close and personal, gave me a clearer picture of our water supply system and bolstered my knowledge of fluid dynamics.

My friend Rachael Duke, an accomplished equestrian, answered numerous technical questions regarding horses and horsemanship.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text The Courtship Charade As a draftswoman in a man’s world, Jessica Sinclair causes a stir as her new male colleagues vie for her attention. And the company manager has an ultimatum: fake a courtship with her boss, Flynt Kavanaugh…or lose her job. But pretending to be smitten with the handsome engineer unleashes a real, complicated attraction—and could reveal the past she hoped to keep hidden. Jessica is certainly the best person for the job. But as their make-believe romance escalates, Flynt knows that’s not the only reason he wants her on his team. However, with his past shrouded by a shameful secret, Flynt has always focused his ambitions on building a career, not a family. Now he has designs on Jessica’s heart, but can they trust each other with the truth?

INtroduction “You’re not going to kiss me, are you?” The idea appealed to him more than he cared to admit. “Not unless it’s necessary, but if I look like I’m thinking about it, Mrs. Monroe is sure to draw the conclusions we want her to.” “That makes sense.” She moistened those enticing lips, a gesture that made keeping his mind on the conversation increasingly difficult. “I should be going.” And yet she stood gazing at him. The lantern in the parlor didn’t cast enough light for him to make out her expression, but she gripped his hands firmly, as though she didn’t want to let go. Or was he the one holding her tightly? He released her, stepped back to a gentlemanly distance and doffed his hat. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Yes. Tomorrow.” He bounded down the steps, expecting to hear the door open and close behind him. He’d reached the street, and yet Jessie hadn’t moved. She stood staring into the darkness with her fingertips pressed to her lips, unmoving.

About the Author Award-winning author KELI GWYN , a native Californian, transports readers to the early days of the Golden State. She and her husband live in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums and other Gold Rush–era towns. Keli loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyberhome at keligwyn.com , where you’ll find her contact information.

Title Page Make-Believe Beau Keli Gwyn www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. —Psalms 25:7

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Dear Reader Extract Copyright Writing is said to be a solitary endeavor, but that is not the case for me. The following people have made valuable contributions to this story, and I greatly appreciate each of them. My savvy editor, Emily Rodmell, helps me smooth the rough edges of my stories and polish them until they shine. My agent, Rachelle Gardner, brings her vast publishing experience to play, but she also encourages and supports me along the way. My writing partners, Anne and Adri, offer valuable input at the earliest stages of a story and enable me to send the cleanest drafts possible to my editor. My husband, Carl, brainstorms my stories with me and gives me the male perspective. My mother, Patricia Lannon, a former draftswoman, educated me on her chosen profession and enlightened me on the challenges of being a woman working in a male-dominated field. My friend Bob Courtemanche, a retired physics teacher who has explored the El Dorado Canal up close and personal, gave me a clearer picture of our water supply system and bolstered my knowledge of fluid dynamics. My friend Rachael Duke, an accomplished equestrian, answered numerous technical questions regarding horses and horsemanship.