Desert Rain Read Free

in a low voice. Go back to the hotel and
     lie out by the pool. Not too long, or
    Ill get tan lines and wont be able to wear half your designs, finished Holly, smiling
     crookedly. Roger laughed and gave her a quick hug. Thats why I love you, he said. You
     understand me so well. You love every model who looks good in your clothes, Holly pointed
     out.
    Ah, but you look the best so I love you the best.
    Holly smiled even as she shook her head. She took Roger seriously as a designer and as a
     friend, not as a potential lover.
    Roger would have liked it otherwise, but he was wise enough to know that if he insisted on
     seducing her, he risked losing her. If he settled for friendship, he would continue to
     have Shannons unique, incandescent presence to grace his products.
    For her part, Holly felt no more physical attraction toward Roger than she had felt for
     any man since Linc. Rogers kindness and his quick wit, however, had made him one of her
     favorite people. She needed his friendship in the cold, slick world that Shannon inhabited.
    Sorry to break up this little love feast, said a mans hard voice, but I was told Id find
     Roger Royce here.
    Even as Holly turned, she knew she would find Linc. She could no more forget his voice
     than she could forget the feel of his skin beneath her palms.
    Im Royce, Roger said.
    Lincoln McKenzie.
    Lincs voice was flat. He didnt offer his hand or add anything to his clipped statement.
    Roger looked Linc over from the top of his curly chestnut hair to the dusty soles of his
     cowboy boots. Like a race announcer, Roger gave a running description of what he saw.
    Six four, maybe five, Roger said. Good muscle development. Well defined but not overdone.
     Dreadful cowboy clothes, but you wont be wearing them if I use you.
    Holly held her breath, wondering what Linc would do in response to being looked over like
     a thoroughbred on the auction block.
    Clean hands, Roger continued. Good legs, lean but still powerful. Expensive boots. All in
     all, not bad. Quite good, actually. Except for the face. Too . . . dangerous. Husbands
     would take one look at you and
    decidenot to buy Royce products. Can you smile, Lincoln McKenzie? Lincs smile made a chill
     move down Hollys arms. She didnt know what game Roger was playing, but
    she knew he was playing it with the wrong man.
    No, Roger said, shaking his head. You wont do at all. Tell your agency to send out someone
     pretty. And tell them to be quick about it. We shoot at Hidden Springs on Monday.
    Lincs smile vanished, leaving nothing to soften the hard planes of his face.
    No, Linc said.
    Holly couldnt help staring at him. This was not the Lincoln McKenzie she remembered. This
     man didnt look capable of tenderness. His mouth was too unyielding to have the warmth and
     sweetness she remembered.
    No what? Roger asked. No, your agency doesnt have anyone pretty, or no, they cant be quick
     about sending another male model out?
    No. Period.
    Come, come, Roger said, his British accent increasing along with his impatience. One can
     carry the tight-lipped western man act too far, you know.
    Linc laughed with genuine amusement.
    Im male, but not a model, Linc said. I dont have an agency, but Ive seen men prettier than
     me. You, for instance. A nicely civilized Viking.
    Surprised, Roger smiled in return. He cocked his head to one side, reassessing the tall
     man in front of him.
    Not a model? Roger asked. No. Pity. You have possibilities. And brains. I also have
     control of Hidden Springs. Oh. Thats where were going to shoot on Monday. No. Thats where
     yourenot going to shoot on Monday or any other day. Roger frowned and released the lock of
     Hollys hair that he had been absently playing with. Would you mind explaining that? Roger
     asked. Not at all. Lincs smile made Holly wince, though he was not looking at her, had not
     looked at her since he had
    found her in Rogers arms.
    I dont like jet-set parasites and their