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sip when the drink was gently removed from her hands.
    â€œDon’t think so, Cassie.”
    The deep, silky sound of Jake’s voice made her breath catch. Her heart did little joyful flips and shivers of delight carried throughout her body. He’d made it on board. “Jake?”
    She turned and was immediately thunderstruck by his appearance. He was dressed in black, from head to toe, starting with that shiny black Stetson she’d had fantasies about, a dark Western suit and newly polished snakeskin boots.
    â€œIn the flesh,” he answered, downing her whiskey sour in one giant gulp. “There, less temptation for you.”
    She swallowed, noting that he was all the temptation she could manage tonight. “I—I was sure you changed your mind.”
    â€œNope, just got behind schedule. Rodeo didn’t start on time.”
    â€œDid you win?” she asked, relief at having a date for tonight mingling with her fear at having a date for tonight. At having Jake as her date for tonight. Jeez, it was a definite catch-22 situation. But he was here now, and Cassie had to keep her head. They’d have a pleasant evening, then part ways. Jake hadn’t offered anything else, so she shouldn’t be worried. They could pull off one night together.
    But heavens, the man sure cleaned up nicely.
    â€œYep. I won.” He grinned, a charming lifting of lips that had Cassie remembering how good his kisses were. “I’m in the finals for tomorrow. You said you’ve never been to the rodeo. Why don’t you come?”
    â€œOh, I couldn’t. I’m leaving for L.A. first thing in the morning.”
    He shrugged. “If you change your mind, I’ll leave a pass for you at the gate. Starts at twelve noon.”
    â€œThanks, Jake. And thanks for coming today.”
    He nodded. “You look gorgeous,” he said, and from the appreciative gleam in his eyes Cassie knew it wasn’t just a line. Jake had a way of looking at her that made her feel soft and feminine. At least the two hundred dollars she had spent on the black satin cocktail dress hadn’t been for nothing. Jake seemed to like it on her just fine. “Just promise me, no more hard liquor. Your head must have just settled.”
    Cassie laughed. “Well, yes. The throbbing did simmer down about an hour ago. I guess I wasn’t thinking when I ordered that drink.”
    And she was barely able to think straight now, having Jake standing so close. He took her hand. “Come on, Cassie. Let’s take us a little stroll on deck.”
    Holding hands with Jake had the desired effect. The same people who’d given her sympathetic stares not twenty-four hours ago were now casting her appreciative nods. It shouldn’t matter. It shouldn’t be so all-fired important. And perhaps it wouldn’t have been so bad if the man who had jilted her hadn’t been attending the celebration with his new wife. Cassie could have managed Brian’s wedding otherwise. And Cassie admitted to herself, Jake Griffin was a boost to her ego, even if this whole evening was a sham. He was drop-dead gorgeous, likable and dangerous enough to keep her on her toes. For tonight at least, she’d enjoy having him be her pretend date.
    Jake stopped by the railing and, pulling her close enough to brush hips, whispered in her ear, “That’s your ex over there, isn’t it?”
    With a slow turn of her head, Cassie spotted Rick with his wife by the bow of the boat. “Yes, how’d you know?”
    Jake turned to her, looked into her eyes then bent his head. When he lowered his mouth to hers, Cassie knew he was about to kiss her. A thrilling sensation caught her completely off guard. She put thoughts of Rick, the wedding, the boat—everything—out of her head. Jake’s lips met hers, drawing deep from the contours of her mouth. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she moved into him until