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    No More Mister Nice Guy
    No More Mister Nice Guy
    No More Mister Nice Guy
    Ebook245 pages4 hours

    No More Mister Nice Guy

    By Linda Wisdom

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Jed Hawkins’ refusal to give the soul-deep commitment to the only woman he longed for meant losing her. His closed and shuttered heart wouldn’t let him open himself up to anyone – and neither would his deadly and dangerous secret life as a government agent...

    Shelby Carlisle vowed to put Jed behind her and took off for a mountain getaway with her best friend. Little did she know, that relaxing vacation turned into a time of terror when men broke in and kidnapped her in the middle of the night. Now she’s in physical danger and fears for her life. It’s time for Jed to step up and make the ultimate commitment – putting his life on the line to save hers. And as he tracked her murderous kidnappers high into the mountains, he was coming to understand that he had always loved this woman more than life itself and once he had her back he’d never let her go. The kidnappers didn’t have a chance...

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLinda Wisdom
    Release dateMay 14, 2017
    ISBN9781370842957
    No More Mister Nice Guy
    Author

    Linda Wisdom

    Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California.

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      Book preview

      No More Mister Nice Guy - Linda Wisdom

      No More Mister Nice Guy

      by

      Linda Wisdom

      SMASHWORDS EDITION

      * * * * *

      PUBLISHED BY:

      Linda Wisdom on Joyride Books

      No More Mister Nice Guy

      Copyright © 20I7 by Linda Wisdom

      Joyride Books Edition License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

      ***

      DEDICATION

      For Lynne Smith, my Diamond Head hiking partner. Oh, all the plots we conjured up between us! It's amazing what two writers can come up with when inside a crater! Luckily, we didn't have as far to go as Jed did during his search for Shelby or we surely would have wimped out! Of course, he didn't have all those steep steps we climbed up either, did he? Here's to a great pal.

      Prologue

      Jed had to know if her soul was as fiery as her hair.

      With the crystal tumbler of whiskey, neat, in one hand, he stood by a doorway where he could be out of the way and still easily watch her dazzle everyone around her. She stood across the room looking like a brilliant flame beckoning him to her side. There was only one problem. Flames can burn a person and he wasn't into pain. Still, this was one time when the pain just might be worth it.

      It wasn't just her porcelain skin, flame red hair streaked with rich gold, copper, bronze and blond strands flowing over a black strapless sequined gown that hugged every curve that caught his attention. Although, it most definitely helped.

      No, it was the incredible energy that seemed to flow all around her body. She stood there looking like every man's fantasy come to vivid life. Judging by the expressions on the men's faces in her vicinity, Jed doubted he was the only one who saw her that way. Who visualized her in their bed.

      Jed didn't need to ask the identity of the lady with the fiery hair. He already knew her name and the vital statistics that went along with that name. It all made up a very nice package.

      Thing is, dry statistics weren't the same as looking at the real thing. For Jed, studying his subject in the flesh was much more enjoyable than reading facts and figures on a sheet of paper. Especially when the subject was as lovely as this one.

      Shelby Elizabeth Carlisle. Red hair, her natural color, eyes the color of multi-faceted emeralds, five feet seven inches, measurements worthy of a woman who worked out with a personal trainer four times a week. She was twenty-nine years old, known for her fashion sense, well-travelled, articulate, intelligent and pampered to within an inch of her life. Not the kind of woman he normally chose. He generally liked the ones who knew the score. He could sense that while Shelby looked the part of the jaded jetsetter, she didn't play the game. He'd already heard about the past men in her life. He was surprised to learn she always remained good friends with the men even after the relationship was over. He wasn't sure he could be so generous as to give her up.

      She was dangerous. He sensed it.

      But that was all right. He was dangerous too.

      Jed ambled over to the small group surrounding Shelby. With every step he took, he didn't take his eyes off her glittering form. He didn't miss the way her body stiffened for just a second just before she glanced over her shoulder and noticed him. For a brief second, flames flared in her emerald eyes. Her reaction was the same his had been. He didn't smile his satisfaction. He wanted her kept off guard and he firmly believed in never giving away his intentions too soon.

      Beware, old friend, she's the boss's daughter, his common sense warned him. Not a good idea to seduce the boss's daughter.

      Many times Jed listened to his common sense. It had saved his life more than once over the years. This was one time when he ignored that voice. She might be dangerous, but he couldn't believe she was any more dangerous than he was.

      Miss Carlisle, he murmured, inclining his head in her direction.

      Lips colored a warm glossy red curved upward in a welcoming smile that spread upward to her eyes. You must be Jed Hawkins. My father mentioned you were working Stateside now. She held out her hand. I'm Shelby.

      He noticed the emerald solitaire winking on her ring finger matched her eyes exactly. Skin smooth to the touch as fine silk. The sultry fragrance emanating from her skin teased his senses in all the right ways.

      I understand you've recently returned from Monte Carlo. Did you enjoy your stay? he asked smoothly, holding her hand just long enough for his message to get through. I'm attracted to you and you're attracted to me. What shall we do about it?

      It's always lovely this time of year, although I usually prefer somewhere quieter, she replied. But it was nice to get together with old friends.

      Shelby in a quiet place? One of the men hooted. Honey, anyone who looks like you deserves bright lights and parties. Not some of those off the track hellholes you like to choose for your getaways.

      He stepped back the moment Shelby's cool glance settled on him. You may prefer the parties, Frasier, but there are times when peace and quiet allow a person to think. Although, I realize that isn't one of your strong points, is it? Thinking, that is.

      I just meant..., he stammered, realizing if he wasn't careful he'd fall from her grace. That was the last thing he wanted to do.

      Yes, I'm sure you did.

      Jed hid his smile. So the lady could bite back. Good. The idea of her in a black negligee teased his mind. Along the mental picture of her wearing nothing.

      He blamed his mental wanderings on a celibate life for some time now. His work didn't allow for long term relationships which was just fine with him.

      Shelby raised her chin. Her delicate eyebrow arched upward as if she could read his mind.

      Have you met the others, Mr. Hawkins? She quickly made introductions.

      Jed nodded at each one. It wasn't difficult to notice the men didn't appreciate his inclusion into their group and the few women there appeared to feel exactly the opposite. He ignored both.

      Seems your father has pulled out all the stops in his effort to welcome you home, he commented, looking around the large ballroom filled with people dressed in tuxedos and formal gowns.

      Hothouse flowers in fragile vases had been placed everywhere and waiters circulated with trays holding champagne-filled goblets or various tidbits to tempt the palate if one had no desire to wander toward the buffet tables set up in another room. He knew an orchestra would be providing dance music later. He turned back to find Shelby's gaze on him. He quickly discovered she wasn't as easy to read as he thought she would be. Jed always did enjoy a challenge.

      ***

      All Shelby knew about Jed Hawkins was what her father had mentioned that afternoon. One thing her father hadn't mentioned was that the man could prove dangerous to her peace of mind.

      Oh, by the way, I invited Jed Hawkins to your welcome home party, Warren Carlisle told her when he came home from the office to find his house in the usual turmoil due to the last minute frenzy that seemed to accompany any party.

      So the great Hawk has returned home, she teased, already aware of a man her father praised to the skies. She was never sure what Jed Hawkins did. Only that the stories circulated about him gave him credit for everything including the ability appeared to walk on water if necessary. He travelled a great deal for Warren's import/export firm and had been out of the country for the past four years in charge of one of the overseas offices, so she had never met him before.

      Warren nodded. Just remember he didn't come by that name lightly, he warned. The man is lethal when it comes to women. He's broken more than his share of hearts along the way.

      Ah, but I'm your daughter and everyone knows that trifling with Warren Carlisle's daughter is tantamount to a very painful death, she said lightly. And I absolutely refuse to allow my heart to be broken.

      Warren didn't smile back. Jed wouldn't worry about that.

      Then why invite him?

      Because he needs to be around civilized people again, Warren said cryptically, then swiftly changed the subject.

      Shelby hadn't given another thought to her father's second-in-command until he approached her a few moments ago.

      Now she understood why he warned her about the man.

      Jed Hawkins was aptly named. His gaze was piercing, to say the least. She was certain he saw past her dress to the black sheer lingerie she had chosen to wear. He looked at her as if he was the bird of prey he was named after her and she was an unsuspecting jack rabbit.

      Except no bird of prey looked like him. He was devastating in the formal black tuxedo with the snowy white shirt highlighting his sun darkened skin. Raven's wing black hair was tied back in a renegade's ponytail. His face might not have been considered conventionally good looking, but it didn't matter since there was an intensity in his expression that captured every woman's attention. He was barely six feet in height but appeared taller thanks to an erect bearing while the animal grace in his movements prompted a woman to think of other ways that same agility might be displayed. Eyes the deep gray color of storm clouds watched her with that same intensity his entire body exuded. His voice was like rich dark velvet that seduced and beguiled. She already felt the strong magnetic pull of his personality.

      She resisted the urge to smile. Little did he know that the last thing she would consider herself was another notch on his bedpost.

      A small voice inside her mind told her that getting to know this man would greatly change her life.

      Chapter One

      You son of a bitch! I cannot believe you are telling me this now!

      Jed's idea of bliss was the quiet time after making love with Shelby. With all the travelling he did for Warren, their time together was limited and with the time spent apart only spurring fantasies on both parts they usually spent their time together in bed. For a man whose idea of commitment was being with the same woman more than three months, the past eighteen months was a surprise to him. During that time, he never found himself bored or thinking it was time to buy her something pretty and move on. She had always taken his news of yet another trip with grace, a warm smile and he could always count on an equally warm welcome back. It didn't appear she was taking the news as well this time.

      He raised himself up on his elbow, the sheet slipping down to drape over his bare hip. When he broke the news about his early morning flight, he hadn't expected her to give him a look fit to kill, leap out of bed and stomp through the room in search of her clothing.

      Hawkins, your timing absolutely stinks. It's bad enough you're doing this to me again, but to do it right after we've made love is despicable, Shelby seemed to snarl the words as she snatched up her bra from the carpet. Her head whipped from right to left as she searched the carpet before finding the matching bikini underwear. She hopped on one foot as she climbed into her underwear and wrapped her bra around her chest. In her hurry, one hook was left undone, but she was past caring. At the moment she only wanted to get out of there.

      Jed released a silent sigh of regret as he watched her cover up what he enjoyed looking at so much. Considering her mood, he decided the best thing to do was take the logical approach. Appear quiet and rational and she'd understand why he hadn't wanted to break the news of his leaving the next morning to early so as not to ruin their evening together.

      Shelby, you know very well a great deal of travelling has been part of my job from the beginning, he began.

      Her emerald eyes blazed brilliant green fire as she faced him. One hand crushed a tangerine silk t-top at her side. With all the travelling you do, people would think you're the only capable person in the company, she coldly stated. I can't believe you are so indispensable that you have to do all the travelling you're asked to do. There are others who are just as capable.

      Jed mentally compared his capabilities with some of the others and instantly dismissed them. It wasn't conceit. He merely knew what he could do and what they could. He always won hands down.

      Not exactly. He didn't move as he watched her drop the top over her head and pull on tangerine with narrow blue striped silk trousers. Her movements were jerky, filled with anger as she tucked her shirt inside the waistband. He was amazed at this new side of Shelby. While red hair usually indicated a temper, she'd never displayed any form of temper in front of him before. He'd thought she was one of the calmest women he'd ever known. This was a new side of her that was proving to be fascinating, and arousing.

      Shelby looked up and didn't miss the lambent glow in his eyes or his body's response. If anything, she looked angrier than she had before.

      You pig, she spat out. All you can think about is sex. She swept her arm out as if she would strike him. Where it would hurt the most. And she wasn't aiming at his ego.

      Jed figured only his lightning quick reflexes kept him from receiving a painful blow. He sat back against the headboard.

      Are you going to tell me exactly why you're so angry with me? he asked in his most reasonable voice.

      Shelby shot him a look guaranteed to melt him into a tiny puddle. She stalked out of the room and came back carrying her purse. She wrenched her brush out of it and faced the dresser mirror. She brushed her hair with furious strokes as if her life hinged on it. When she finished, the tousled waves now hung sleekly past her shoulders. Afterwards, she leaned forward, carefully applying lipstick. While she hid it well, Jed still didn't miss the slight trembling in her fingers.

      By the time she turned around, any sign of turmoil within her was erased from her expression and she almost looked serene. Except he doubted this conversation would be anything but serene.

      How long have we known each other, Jed? she asked in a soft, controlled voice.

      Eighteen months, two weeks, four days, he said without hesitation.

      A brief smile curved her lips at his literal answer. She picked up her necklace and fastened it around her neck. The heart shaped deep blue topaz stone swung down between her breasts. She picked up matching earrings and fastened them in her ears before sliding on her ring.

      She tipped her head to one side as she leaned back against the dresser's edge with her hands gripping the edge. And how often have you been gone during those eighteen months, two weeks and four days?

      Jed frowned. He didn't like the direction this conversation was taking. I believe six or seven times.

      Shelby's smile held a tinge of sorrow. Six or seven times? Give me a break, Jed. Your brain is better than any computer at storing information. She reached inside her purse and pulled out a small appointment book. She leafed through it.

      We knew each other exactly five days when you took your first trip. You were gone for two months, she told him. Your second trip was three weeks after you returned that first time. Next time, you were gone for seven weeks. At last count, you have been absent a total of thirteen months, three weeks and one day during the eighteen months we've known each other. She held her hand up to ward off any argument on his part. I understand your work is important to you. I wouldn't dream of interfering with it. After all, my father did a lot of travelling when I was growing up, so I understand it's necessary for your work. My mother understood and tried to help me understand when he wasn't there for my birthday or for Christmas, but I never minded then. When it hurt for me were the times he wasn't there for their wedding anniversary or my mother's birthday. She kept her gaze squarely on his face, but she didn't bother to hide the pain in her eyes. I don't want to have to hide the hurt the way my mother did. I can't go through this anymore.

      Jed felt his facial muscles tighten as he realized what was coming next.

      It's well known you don't believe in commitment and lately, I've decided that it's a word I want to add to my life. I want a relationship. I realize you aren't looking for one, so I feel its best we don't see each other anymore, she said the words he feared was coming.

      He sat up now. You decided to drop this on me after we made love?

      Don't you mean after we had sex? Jed, you are an incredible lover and if I thought you had a heart, I would dearly love to fall in love with you, but why should I allow myself to have my heart broken by someone who doesn't truly deserve me? she asked in a voice so level he felt a slight simmer in his blood. And don't give me that crap about giving you the news afterwards. Just remember it wasn't until after you got me into bed you decided to let it slip you had a six a.m. flight to catch.

      This is something we need to discuss further, Jed said in an equally level voice.

      That's nice. Personally, I don't think there's anything more to discuss. Shelby tucked her lipstick back in her purse and picked up the leather bag.

      He felt a trickle of unease travel up his back. This was not going the way it always had before. Usually, Shelby spent the night, they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before he had to leave and she'd drive him to the airport. He always stepped onto the plane with her heady taste still in his mouth.

      "Where are you going?' he asked, even though he had already had a good idea what her reply would be.

      Home. She draped the purse's strap over her shoulder. Don't worry about getting up, I can have Lucas call a cab for me. She referred to the guard doing duty in the apartment building's lobby.

      Jed was out of bed and across the room in a flash. Shelby had barely reached the doorway he now blocked. Now the fury was in his gaze and had taken over his body. His muscles looked so tight she was surprised they didn't snap.

      If you are so insistent on going home now, I will drive you, he stated. "But I

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