Foolish Heart (MacLarens 0f Fire Mountain Contemporary Book 9) Read online

  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Historical Western Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Tougher than the Rest, Book One

  Faster than the Rest, Book Two

  Harder than the Rest, Book Three

  Stronger than the Rest, Book Four

  Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five

  Wilder than the Rest, Book Six

  Redemption Mountain

  Redemption’s Edge, Book One

  Wildfire Creek, Book Two

  Sunrise Ridge, Book Three

  Dixie Moon, Book Four

  Survivor Pass, Book Five

  Promise Trail, Book Six

  Deep River, Book Seven

  Courage Canyon, Book Eight, Releasing 2017

  MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Colin’s Quest, Book One,

  Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two

  Quinn’s Honor, Book Three

  Sam’s Legacy, Book Four

  Heather’s Choice, Book Five, Coming next in the series!

  Contemporary Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Second Summer, Book One

  Hard Landing, Book Two

  One More Day, Book Three

  All Your Nights, Book Four

  Always Love You, Book Five

  Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six

  No Getting Over You, Book Seven

  ‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight

  Foolish Heart, Book Nine

  Forever Love, Book Ten, Coming next in the series!

  Peregrine Bay

  Reclaiming Love, Book One, A Novella

  Our Kind of Love, Book Two

  Burnt River

  Shane’s Burden, Book One by Peggy Henderson

  Thorn’s Journey, Book Two by Shirleen Davies

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  Foolish Heart

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Contemporary Western Romance Series

  SHIRLEEN DAVIES

  Book Nine in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Contemporary Western Romance Series

  Copyright © 2017 by Shirleen Davies

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  For permission requests, contact the publisher.

  Avalanche Ranch Press, LLC

  PO Box 12618

  Prescott, AZ 86304

  Foolish Heart is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is wholly coincidental.

  Book conversions by Joseph Murray at

  3rdplanetpublishing.com

  Cover design by Kim Killion, The Killion Group

  ISBN: 978-1-941786-49-9

  I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at

  [email protected]

  Description

  Foolish Heart, Book Nine, MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Western Romance Series

  Ernesto Salgado’s life continues to change. An ex-Special Forces operative, he recently left the U.S. Marshals Service to start a new life—minus the woman who left him without an explanation or backward glance. Working as head of security for MacLaren Enterprises is the opportunity he needs to move on.

  Paige Wallace made a choice that continues to haunt her every day and each night. The life she dreamed about, had at her fingertips, disappeared in one decisive moment. A new job with her longtime friend offers the break she needs, a chance to forget her biggest failure and start over.

  No problem, right? Except Paige and Nesto now work for the same company.

  And that’s not the only issue. The family member she dropped everything to help has become embroiled in illegal dealings, doing business with those who would harm not only Paige, but the entire MacLaren family.

  As head of security, Nesto’s priority is to keep all employees and owners safe. He’ll do whatever needs to be done to excel at the job, even when it includes protecting the woman who walked out of his life.

  The more he digs, the deeper the threat becomes, affecting everyone. Nesto has to face a hard truth—the only way for him to succeed is with Paige’s help.

  How can he trust a woman he thought loved him but walked away, especially when they acknowledge the passion still burning between them?

  As the threat increases, Nesto uses all the resources available to protect those he cares about. If he could only use the same resources to protect his heart.

  Foolish Heart, book nine in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary western romance series, is a stand-alone, full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

  Visit my website for a list of characters for each series.

  http://www.shirleendavies.com/character-list.html

  Acknowledgements

  Many thanks to my husband, Richard, for always being by my side during this wonderful adventure. Your support, insights, and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

  As always, many thanks to my editor, Kim Young, proofreader, Alicia Carmical, Joseph Murray who is superb at formatting my books for print and electronic versions, and my cover designer, Kim Killion.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  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

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Foolish Heart

  Prologue

  San Diego, California

  Lightning flashed across the sky a few seconds before a thunderous crack ripped through the nearly silent night. The deafening sound occurred three times in as many minutes, stalling Ernesto Salgado’s attempt to complete the tie around his neck. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d worn a suit. His job as a U.S. Marshal didn’t require the use of formal wear, not even when transporting high-profile prisoners across the United States—or the world.

  Nesto’s hands shook as he finished the knot, then smoothed the silk fabric down his white dress shirt. He knew the shaking wasn’t due to the storm, a rare event in this southern California community.

  Opening a drawer, he pulled out the small box hidden below his t-shirts. It had taken him a few weeks to pick the ri
ght ring, but months to build up the courage to present it to the woman he planned to marry.

  Looking at his watch, he sucked in a slow breath, glancing in the mirror.

  Grow a pair, Nesto, he thought before picking up the keys to his truck and heading to the back door of the three bedroom house he’d purchased last year.

  He and Paige had been together over two years when he bought the house. It was a big step for a man who’d sworn to never marry, a bachelor who lived for his work. After years in Army Special Forces, obtaining a college degree along the way, he’d passed the U.S. Marshals Service exam with ease. His total time working for Uncle Sam gave him the opportunity to retire within a few months. Nesto knew he’d stay until they kicked his ornery butt out the door.

  Grabbing a hat at the last minute, he slammed it down on his head, then ran the short distance to his driveway. For months he’d planned to buy a raincoat, one of those trench-type coats men wore in Chicago and New York. Other stuff always got in the way. He didn’t even own an umbrella, figuring he’d lose it before they had enough rain in San Diego to warrant pulling it out of the closet.

  Pushing the unlock button on the key fob, he drew open the door and jumped inside, brushing the rain from his suit. He started the engine, revving it a few times before backing into the street to make the short drive to Paige’s apartment near the university.

  Nesto repeated the words he’d been rehearsing for weeks, his hands gripping the steering wheel tight enough to cause his knuckles to whiten. Who would’ve ever thought a boy from Montana, growing up dirt poor, would be lucky enough to have a woman like Paige Wallace fall in love with him? From a wealthy family, a PhD framed in Brazilian rosewood and secured to the wall in her office at the university, she had her pick of men. She’d chosen him and fallen hard, the same as he’d done.

  The rain let up as he cut the engine in front of the large complex of rentals. Hurrying up the long walkway and into the lobby, Nesto punched the button to her floor, taking another deep breath. His plan was to take her to dinner at an upscale restaurant overlooking the harbor. Reservations had been confirmed weeks before, guaranteeing a quiet table in the corner with a sensational view. Standing outside her door, he told himself not to jump the gun and ask her on the drive along the water.

  Swallowing what he refused to believe was fear, Nesto knocked, then stepped back. He could hear Paige’s voice inside the apartment, figuring she must be on the phone. Knocking harder, he forced himself not to use the key she’d given him a year ago. He wanted this night to be special from beginning to end. Be a gentleman, giving her a night to remember. An instant later, the door opened.

  “Nesto?” Her brows knitted together in a frown. “You’re early.” She wore her favorite jeans, a light pink V-neck top, and tennis shoes. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her so frazzled…or so beautiful.

  Stepping forward, he pulled her close for a deep kiss. Paige responded as she always did, with instant heat and passion. Kicking the door closed, he deepened the kiss, both moaning into each other’s mouths as desire streamed between them. It had been over a week since they’d been together, his job taking him to multiple states.

  As his hands roamed over her back to settle on her hips, he felt her tremble. A slight smile turned up the corners of his mouth until the tremors turned to shaking, a quiet sob breaking from her throat. Drawing back, he rested his hands on her shoulders, watching as her normally cheerful face twisted in misery. Her sudden movement away had his chest squeezing.

  “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” He took a step forward, his arms outstretched in front of him, stopping when she held up a hand. Her gaze darted behind him, causing him to look over his shoulder. Two suitcases sat next to the door, along with her computer case. Turning back to her, Nesto’s gaze narrowed. “What’s going on?”

  “I thought I’d be gone before you arrived.”

  “Gone? Where are you going?” Taking a quick glance around the room, his breath caught at the emptiness. Gone were the framed photos of the two of them. Cards he’d given her for no specific reason had been removed from the shelves on one wall. Clenching his fists at his sides, he waited.

  “I’m so sorry, Nesto. So, so sorry.”

  A knock on the door stalled his response. In an angry move, he gripped the handle, yanking the door open. A young man, probably a college student, stood in the hall.

  “Did you call for a ride?”

  Nesto felt something shift inside him, although he wouldn’t figure out until much later what it was—his heart shattering.

  “Yes, I did.” Paige walked forward, avoiding Nesto as she pointed to her bags. “Those by the door. I’ll take the computer case.” She bent to pick up the bag.

  Nesto grabbed her arm, doing his best to keep the fear out of his voice. “Where are you going?”

  She looked at the young man. “I’ll be right down.”

  He nodded before picking up the bags and leaving.

  Nesto waited until she looked up at him, swiping at tears streaming down her cheeks. “Paige? Tell me what’s going on.”

  Shaking her head, she looked away, unable to hold his intense gaze. “I’m going home.”

  “Home? This is your home, in San Diego, with me.”

  “I’m so sorry.” She bent to pick up her computer, tensing when he wrapped his large hand around her wrist.

  “Stop saying you’re sorry and tell me why you’re doing this.” When she didn’t respond, refused to look at him, he spun away, shredding both hands through his hair. Pacing down the hall toward the bedroom they’d made love in more times than he could count, he took a deep breath. His life felt as if it were falling apart and she wouldn’t speak to him, wouldn’t explain.

  “This wasn’t planned, Nesto. I’d never do anything to hurt you.” Her soft voice ripped through him, her words meaning nothing.

  Turning, he stared at a woman he thought he knew, the only woman he’d ever loved. “Then why go?”

  “I don’t have a choice. I’d never leave you if…” Her voice trailed off as her throat clogged in pain. Placing a hand over her mouth to stifle another sob, she turned from him, rushing down the hall to the door.

  Nesto started to go after her, halting when she opened the front door. “Is there anything I can say to change your mind?” He thought of the ring in his pocket, a future without her.

  Her head bent in resignation, her body shaking with emotion, she let out a shaky breath. “I’ll always love you, Nesto. There’ll never be anyone else.” Pausing, she took one last look at his beautiful face, eyes full of compassion…and pain. “Never anyone else…”

  His heart froze as the door clicked shut behind her.

  Chapter One

  MacLaren Enterprises

  Fire Mountain, Arizona

  Two years later…

  “On a scale of one to ten, what is the risk to us from the cartels?” Heath MacLaren, Chairman of MacLaren Enterprises, focused his razor-sharp gaze on Ernesto Salgado, Vice President of Security. After several threats over the last few months from two of the most notorious drug cartels in Mexico, the safety of employees at all operations became a top priority.

  Nesto didn’t try to sugarcoat his assessment. He glanced at Heath’s brothers, co-CEOs Rafe and Jace, before his somber expression locked on his boss. “An eight or nine.”

  Jace sat forward, resting his arms on the conference table. “It’s been almost two months since what happened in Texas and there hasn’t been any retaliation. Sounds like you believe they’ll still come after us.”

  Besides the three brothers, the heads of each division, plus a few others, joined them for what had become a weekly security meeting. Never in the history of the company had the threat level been so high or lasted for such an extended period. It made life even crazier for the firm, which offered bucking stock for rodeos, horse breeding and training, ranch resort vacations, ranch services, and real estate acquisition and management. The brothers’ appetite
for expanding the company hadn’t come close to being sated.

  “As Kade will attest, the cartels have long memories and endless money. When the time is right, they’ll strike back.” He glanced at his boyhood friend and Rafe’s oldest son, Kade MacLaren, head of the bucking stock division.

  Kade reached for one of the bottles of water on the table and opened it. “It isn’t unusual for them to associate themselves with other groups, such as a motorcycle club. In exchange for guns, money, or drugs, the club will carry out whatever retaliation is agreed to with the cartel. It isn’t a partnership of allies. Neither trusts the other, but they’ll work together, as long as it benefits both.” He nodded at Nesto to continue.

  “There is always the chance the cartels will forget about us, decide we’re not worth the effort. They know MacLaren Enterprises isn’t a threat to them. Some of our people happened to get caught in the middle of an internal dispute. My recommendation is to keep the current level of security for a few more weeks, then reassess.”

  Heath cleared his throat. “Thanks, Nesto. Questions anyone?” When no one responded, he adjourned the meeting.

  Kade filed outside with Nesto, checking the time. “How about a beer before you head home?”

  “Sure, man. I’ve got nothing planned. I’ll follow you.”

  They ended up at the Tavern, a local hangout they’d been to many times since Nesto left the U.S. Marshals Service and joined Kade in the family business. Since the organizational changes about a year ago, Kade split his time between offices in Crooked Tree, Montana, Cold Creek, Colorado, and Fire Mountain, Arizona. It made for a hectic schedule, but he thrived on the fast pace and demanding agenda. Finding a couple stools at the bar, they ordered beers.

  “Is Brooke in town?” Nesto referred to Kade’s wife and Heath’s stepdaughter, who traveled between locations as part of her job with the company.

  “Nope. She’ll be back this weekend, then we’ll fly up to Montana. Why don’t you come up for a few days, do your inspection a little early?”

  “No can do. My calendar is booked solid right now.” Pulling out his phone, Nesto checked his schedule. “I’ll be in Crooked Tree in two weeks. How about I stay with you and Brooke for the weekend?”