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their bodies meshed.
    The impact stunned her. His nearness. His sexy scent, made up of musk and man. When the brim of his Stetson brushed her head, her legs wobbled and her heart raced with each moment that passed. Being in Jake’s arms did astonishing things to her. She shouldn’t indulge in such pleasurable, exciting, risky things, yet she hadn’t the power to stop it.
    Jake broke off the kiss, leaving her trembling. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you. I saw him darting glances when his wife wasn’t looking. Thought we’d give him something worth watching.”
    â€œWhat? Oh, you mean, Rick?” All was suddenly clear. The kiss was meant for Rick to witness. Jake was playing the part of boyfriend, kissing her in front of the man who’d dumped her, making sure he’d taken a good hard look. It was a sweet gesture but Cassie’s stomach churned bitterly at the deceit. Secretly she’d hoped Jake had kissed her for other reasons, none of them having to do with showing up her ex-fiancé.
    â€œYes, we gave him something look at,” Cassie agreed quietly. She turned to gaze out at the scenery passing by. White water vanished into blue as the paddle wheel spun around and around, not entirely unlike Cassie’s head at the moment.
    An hour later Cassie dried her tears with a wipe of her hankie. Brian had just spoken his vows to Alicia and two had become one on a crystal-blue lake under an ancient, elegant bridge. Jake stood by her side, and when he glanced down at her teary face, he cast her a quick smile and took hold of her hand, entwining her fingers with his. The gentle pressure he applied to her hand was meant to reassure, but it had a different effect entirely. Tingles surfaced, a common occurrence she’d come to know when making contact with Jake, and every nerve in her body was fully, completely aware of the hunky cowboy.
    Cassie warned herself not to indulge in her fantasy.
    She had to come to grips with reality—Jake was doing her a favor. The wedding was probably the last place he’d choose to be right now. He was a rodeo rider, focused onwinning the championship. He had places to go, people to see, a man without roots, it seemed. She’d better remember that her wild attraction to him would be fruitless and a big mistake. She’d witnessed passion in his eyes when speaking of his life with the rodeo. She’d sensed his drive and something underlying on his expression, something guarded, something he kept hidden. Perhaps there was more to his great ambition to win the championship than he would allow a stranger.
    After the ceremony Jake led her over to the newlyweds in the reception area, where she hugged Alicia with great affection and kissed her brother’s cheek. “It was a beautiful ceremony. I wish you both all the happiness you deserve.”
    Jake shook Brian’s hand and kissed Alicia’s cheek. “Congratulations.”
    â€œI’m so glad you made it to the wedding, Jake,” Alicia said, smiling.
    â€œJake is with the rodeo, Alicia. He had a competition today and made it just in time,” Cassie offered in explanation.
    â€œOh, then the captain must be a fan of yours. He said he wouldn’t leave the dock until a very important guest arrived. I take it, that was you, Jake?” Alicia asked, her curiosity written all over her face.
    Jake cleared his throat, darting her a glance. “I guess so. Lucky for me, he didn’t shove off right on time.”
    Brian leaned in to kiss Alicia’s cheek. “The music is starting up. It’s time for me to take my new wife for a spin on the dance floor. They’re playing our song, sweetheart.”
    Cassie watched Brian whisk his bride away. They stepped onto the small parquet dance floor as a five-piece band began to play. After the first song the bandleader welcomed all other couples to join in.
    â€œWell?” Jake asked, a crooked smile gracing