Desert Rain Read Free Page A

prostitutes, Linc said clearly. I wont have them
     on my ranch.
    If Holly had been pale before, being called a prostitute made her go white. She was too
     shocked by Lincs words to defend herself or to say anything about who really owned Hidden
     Springs.
    Roger looked sideways at Holly. He knew that Hidden Springs was on land owned by Sandra
     Productions. In fact, it was Holly who had suggested that Hidden Springs would make an
     ideal backdrop for Rogers new line of products.
    He put his arm around Holly in a protective gesture and turned to confront Linc. I sell
     style, period, Roger said in a clipped voice. Linc shrugged and looked at Holly. You may
     be selling style, he said, but shes selling something more basic. Lincs cool appraisal of
     Hollys body was more insulting than any mans touch had ever been. Apologize to Shannon,
     Roger said, and then leave.
    I dont apologize for telling the truth. If she cant stand the name, she should get out of
     the game.
    Anger flared in Holly, burning away the pain that had frozen her. She stepped out of the
     protective curve of Rogers arm and confronted Linc with a flashing, professional smile.
    Im going to enjoy the shoot at Hidden Springs, she said in a husky voice. Knowing that you
     dont want us there will make every minute . . . special.
    No one steps on that land without my permission. Really? Bet on it. Hollys smile vanished.
    You lose, Lincoln McKenzie, she said. We have a little piece of paper from the owner of
     Hidden Springs that says we can camp there all summer if we like.
    Lincs face changed, showing surprise and some other emotion that was too complex to be
     easily labeled.
    Holly? he asked incredulously. Do you mean that Holly North gave you permission to use
     Hidden Springs?
    For a moment she was too stunned to speak. The fact that Linc hadnt recognized her brought
     both relief and unexpected pain.
    In the wake of pain came the realization that she shouldnt have been surprised that Linc
     didnt recognize her. The only thing about her that hadnt changed in the last six years was
     the unusual color of her eyes, and that was concealed behind sunglasses.
    Fortunately, Roger was also too surprised to say that Holly North and Shannon were one and
     the same woman. Before he could find his tongue, she did.
    Yes, she said. Holly North gave us permission to use Hidden Springs.
    I dont believe it, said Linc. Holly wouldnt associate with people like you.
    She put a restraining hand on Rogers arm, afraid he would reveal who she was.
    Let me defend Holly, she murmured to Roger. After all, shes my best friend.
    She turned to Linc again.
    Do you know Holly very, very well? she asked.
    Her voice was pure Shannon, bright and cold.
    Roger snickered.
    I knew Holly. Lincs voice was as hard as the line of his mouth. Its been six years since I
     saw her.
    People change, she suggested lightly. They must. The Holly I know would never have put up
     with a dirty-minded boor.
    The Holly I knew would never hang around with prostitutes.
    On that, we are in perfect agreement, she snapped, dropping her brittle accent for a tone
     closer to outright anger.
    Surprisingly, Linc smiled.
    Maybe you do know her after all, he conceded.
    Better than you ever did, Holly retorted.
    Instantly she regretted it. She didnt want Linc to investigate how close her relationship
     was to Holly.
    She couldnt bear to know that the contempt in his eyes was directed at herself rather than
     the high-fashion creation called Shannon.
    I know Holly well enough to guarantee that well shoot at Hidden Springs on Monday, she
     said.
    Im managing that land for Holly. If I say no, shell say no.
    Youll have to get to her first, Roger pointed out, suppressing a smile. I think shes on a
     desert safari.
    Thats right, Holly said quickly. She wont be back in Manhattan for weeks. Im afraid that
     you lose both this battle and the whole bloody war.
    Youve spoiled her, Linc said lazily to Roger.