Hoodwinked By A Wolfe (Once Upon A Romance Series Book 9)

By Laurie LeClair

He’s the big bad wolf in the business world. She’s his sweet and innocent lifelong friend. But he’s about to risk upsetting the status quo when he goes after what she holds dear...and then her...

Naïve and sheltered, Rachael Elizabeth Darling longs to get her new designs for her RED line from paper to product asap. That and see her grandmother after six long months. However, she discovers her beloved relative is nowhere to be found and someone else sitting behind Grammy’s desk. Logan—handsome as sin—sure does look comfortable there. And makes her pulse jolt into overdrive. What the heck’s going on?

Billionaire bad boy, Logan Wolfe is desperate to officially dismantle Darling Enterprises in ten short days. That’s all the time he’s got before the jig is up and confession time arrives. He’s doing his friend, Rach, a favor. Or so he says. But there’s other things involved and he’s not coughing up the details one second before.

Now, their longtime friendship is tested by more than just his suspect business dealings. Growing attraction and newfound feelings sideline both their plans and upends their lives. Going from best friends to lovers never crosses Rachael's mind. Denial works fine. Until now... But when Rach finds out the truth will she ever forgive the Big Bad Wolfe in him for what he’s doing to her and her family? Can their friendship survive the fallout? Well, for that matter, can their hearts?

Hoodwinked By A Wolfe is part of the bestselling Once Upon A Romance Series, stories of love, laughter, and happily ever after. If you like sweet romances, witty banter, and fairy tale retellings, then you’ll love Laurie LeClair’s heartwarming delightful romantic comedy.

Buy Hoodwinked By A Wolfe today...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurie LeClair
• Release date: Dec 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311519535

Laurie LeClair

Bestselling author Laurie LeClair writes about love, laughter, and happily ever after in her contemporary western romances, romantic comedies, sweet romances, contemporary romances, and contemporary women’s fiction books. Laurie’s habit of daydreaming has gotten her into a few scrapes and launched her to take up her dream of writing. Finally, she can put all those stories in her head to rest as she brings them to life on the page.Laurie considers herself a New Texan (New England born and raised and now living in Texas). She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Jim, who thankfully appreciates her sense of fun and love of travel. (Not so much the endless picture taking while hanging out the passenger window!) She loves to hear from readers!You can connect with me online:www.laurieleclair.comhttps://twitter.com/LeClairbookshttps://facebook.com/laurieleclair.75Books by Laurie LeClair:Once Upon A Romance Series (Romantic Comedy; Fairy tale retelling)If The Shoe Fits – Book 1Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2Taming McGruff – Book 3The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5Tangled At First Sight – Book 6Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7Making A Splash – Book 8Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9Baking From The Hart – Book 10Melting Her Heart - Book 11Princess In Hiding - Book 12Her Frog Prince - Book 13Forget Me Not - Book 14Three Wishes - Book 15Her Brave Heart - Book 16His Tiny Dancer - Book 17***A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1The Boss And The Bride – Book 2The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3***Once Upon A Royal Wedding Series boxed set (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)His Beloved Princess - Book 1Her Forever Prince - Book 2***The Cormac Family: Billionaire Sweet Romance (clean and wholesome, sweet romance)CEO Billionaire - Book 1Boss Billionaire - Book 2Best Friend Billionaire - Book 3Bride Billionaire - Book 4Bachelor Billionaire - Book 5***The McCall Brothers Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Cowboy’s Rebellious Bride - Book 1The Cowboy’s Renegade Bride - Book 2The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride - Book 3The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride - Book 4***Cupid’s Corner Series (romantic comedy, clean and wholesome, sweet romance)Dear Cupid - Book 1Picture Perfect Bride - Book 2Falling For Her - Book 3***Wanted: Fairy Godmother (Romantic Comedy)***The Sweet Spot Series (Romantic Comedy)The Dating Dilemma – Book 1***Tempted By A Texan Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Callahans – PrequelTravis – Book 1Cassie – Book 2***The Heart Series (Contemporary Romance)Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2Lies Of The Heart – Book 3***The Bounty Hunter Series (Romantic Suspense)Murphy’s Law – Book 1Riley’s Rules – Book 2***The Long Journey Home (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Runaway Wife (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Sweet Summertime (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***An Angel Mountain Novel (Holiday Romance; Contemporary Romance)The Heart RemembersThe Gift Of HopeIf you enjoy my books, please leave a review.

Book preview

Hoodwinked By A Wolfe

Laurie LeClair

Copyright 2015 by Laurie LeClair

All rights reserved. This work is not transferrable. Any reproduction of this work is prohibited without the permission of the author due to the infringement on the copyright. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the creation of the author or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or people, living or dead, is coincidental.

Dedication

To my husband and best friend, Jim LeClair. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for loving and supporting me always.

Chapter 1

Grandmother, are you home?’ Rachael Elizabeth Darling asked as she slowly opened the library door. It creaked. Geez, you couldn’t afford some WD-40 with all your loot?"

Male laughter greeted her, pulling her up short as she clung to the doorknob. Rach! And so she finally arrives.

Lo…Logan, what are you doing here?

Waiting on you.

Why did the sound of her friend’s voice pierce her heart? She gulped hard as she stared at the tall, dark wavy-haired man sitting behind her grandmother’s massive, ornate wooden desk. You look terrible. Said no one. Ever.

That small smile inched up. His wicked grin.

Warmth washed over her. She shook her head, trying to dislodge a sudden and unexpected surge of awareness as she pushed away from the safety of the door.

Dropping her red leather tote bag in a nearby sheet-covered chair, she marched to the desk, placed her hands on the edge, and then faced him. Where’s Grammy? And what is going on in her house?

The disarray as she walked in unnerved her. Her grandmother hated unrest and chaos. The ladders, drop clothes, and nearly empty rooms were a surprise, to say the least.

Nice to see you, too. Oh, it’s a complete remodel. Didn’t she tell you? He practically tsked. His dark eyes latched on hers. He jammed papers in a folder and finally rose from the equally regal chair Grammy favored.

But it was Logan Wolfe who impressed her the most. She straightened, trying to gain some equilibrium back. His scent drifted to her. Fresh. Expensive. And all male. Rach suppressed a soft moan. New duds? She noted the cut and fabric of the designer black suit. It’s a King’s, isn’t it?

Good eye. His gaze took her in, skimming her body in the short red dress.

Waves of heat crept in her face. What was he thinking? And what was taking him so long to look? It’s not like it had been years since they’d seen one another. Months—okay, closer to six. But, she hadn’t changed much. Somehow, he’d gotten even more male and mysterious on her.

Very nice. One of yours? Perfect for our meeting.

"Our meeting?" Seeing her grandmother and getting her new designs from paper to product were her top priorities. Logan wasn’t on her agenda.

He flicked back the cuff on his wrist, checking the gold Rolex watch he’d inherited from his late grandfather.

It was a sharp reminder of what they’d experienced together. How could two people go through so much yet still have walls firmly erected between one another? She’d done it on purpose the last few months. Why had he?

We’ve got forty minutes. I’ll discuss everything on the way over.

To where exactly? She just wanted to rush upstairs to her room, unpack, and soak away fifteen hours of flying.

King’s Department Store.

We’re going shopping? His answers were disconcerting. Logan, what’s going on? What have you done with my grandmother?

Such mistrust. He chuckled as he reached to pull out something from the top inside pocket of his suit jacket. Presenting the cell phone for her to see, he said, We’ll call her together.

She eyed him with suspicion. How had he become Grammy’s confidant? Her trip had been two-fold: research new material for the RED line of purses and shoes and take pressure off the growing feelings she was having for her longtime friend, Logan.

At least one had worked, she figured, glancing down quickly at her newest edition to the RED shoe line. The flat soles and thin straps of red leather woven into a Gladiator sandal reaching nearly to her knees proved stylish and comfortable. Winner!

But feelings? For him? What did they used to say after everyone around them acted like a fool? Love means having temporary insanity!

True love doesn’t exist, Rach, not in our world, he’d said more than once after they’d witness the wacky breakups and makeups of his parents and hers.

Could he be right? Was there no such thing as true love?

Looking back at him as he waited for the connection to go through among all those clicks and rings, she realized the attraction hadn’t died or even dialed back one bit. Leave it to her to go to Italy and not be enraptured by the hot guys there.

God, how was she going to just sit back and watch all the women parade around him again? Was he dating anyone? Would that be better or worse? Cripes!

The ringing ended abruptly. How in the world do these things work? Her grandmother’s exasperated voice brought a tender poke to her chest.

Dame, Logan here—

Grammy, it’s me, she said, automatically leaning closer when Logan put it on speaker.

Rachael Elizabeth, my love. Where are you?

That’s what I was going to ask you.

She giggled and another woman did, too.

Her gaze jerked to Logan, who watched her with an alarming degree of intensity. "Our grandmothers…the Grans…the Dame and the Duchess…are together?" She used their preferred nicknames they’d given themselves while growing up as best friends. What are you up to, Logan Wolfe? Duchess, how are you?

Drunk! Her chuckle mixed with Grammy’s did nothing to appease her growing concerns.

The Duchess, perky and impossible at times, could get into some mighty trouble. But the two together? More voices came and went.

We’re boarding soon.

Thank you, Logan, for this! I’m not sure if I’m going to survive ten days with your grandmother on a cruise ship if she’s already knocking them back before we’ve left the dock. Her grandmother giggled like a schoolgirl.

A cruise? But, Grammy, you never take a vacation. And you hate going anywhere near water. Surprise rippled through her. Her hardworking, widowed grandmother had created the business from the ground up, pouring what was left of her life into the company, Darling Enterprises. The unique line featuring her only granddaughter’s initials—RED—came later.

My first. I’m anxious and excited at the same time, sweetheart. It’s like a small floating city. Can you believe little ol’ me jumping into anything without thinking it through? Thank Logan for making me see reason. Her voice dropped. It’s a smorgasbord of men.

Her grandmother didn’t talk like that. His, yes. Hers, nope. Scowling at Logan, she asked, What have you done to her?

Tell her to have a nice time, he coached with an arched eyebrow. The connection was breaking up.

Bah-bye! the two elderly woman called out just before the line dropped.

Rach blew out a hot breath. Explain!

In the car. He clicked off the phone and pocketed it before picking up the file.

She had little choice but to follow his lead since he refused to talk. Rounding the desk, he drew closer. His eyes, light-brown irises rimmed with darker edges, captured hers. Her cheek quivered when she tried to force a smile.

Unnerving. Hypnotic. Disarming.

Shall we? His voice dropped and it sent little prickles of awareness along the back of her neck.

The gentle pressure of his hand on her back made her feel sixteen all over again. Special. Deliriously happy. Walking on clouds. How could he do that to her? When had it all changed for her? Why couldn’t she change it back?

Grabbing up her things from the chair, she strode ahead of him, her sandals clicking through the nearly empty foyer.

You can’t run, Rach. Not from me. His warning was low, but she’d heard him.

She was afraid that could end up being true. Would she survive the assault on her senses? Never mind that, would their friendship survive the fallout if he ever found out how she felt? Her heart skipped a beat.

Rach had hoped her bout of crushing would die a quick, painless demise. If she could have focused on something else for more than a few minutes when he was near…

Early on, she and Grammy realized the business end of the company didn’t strike a chord in her. She sought to find a place in the family clothing legacy. The whisper-soft materials and astoundingly simple beautiful lines mesmerized her. She’d spent years studying, crafting, and perfecting her designs for the line.

Now, gaining some traction with her pieces, Rach wanted nothing to do with the business side of things. So Grammy had requested Logan’s advice as a world-renowned, highly sought-after consultant, building the RED brand and making its niche even stronger.

Unfortunately, he’d agreed. Traveling frequently from New York to Dallas to analyze Darling Enterprises put him directly in her path. She could only avoid him so many times. Thus her desperate veiled research trip to their Italian suppliers.

It hadn’t worked. Double, no, triple groan!

He waved off the limo driver who’d been sent to pick her up at the airport and had waited and opened the door himself. After you. He nearly purred in her ear and she shivered. King’s, he told the driver.

Swallowing past the sudden lump in her throat, she got in, sliding over on the black, leather seat. He climbed in beside her. With his thigh mere inches from hers, she could feel the heat from his body.

I don’t bite. She heard the grin in his voice.

Really? That’s not what I heard from your dates or your rivals. She glanced at him. Wrong move. His wicked smile did the strangest things to her nerve endings.

You heard right then.

He’d distracted her too much. She focused on the balding spot on the back of the limo driver’s head as he drove them down the quiet, perfectly manicured street lined with huge, expensive mansions. Why am I going on a ride with you to King’s?

Your grandmother’s wishes. He paused. To introduce you to them. Designer meets seller.

But we don’t sell to them… At least she knew that much.

We do now.

We? When had it become we?

Dread gathered, low and deep. This wasn’t a simple vacation for her grandmother and this wasn’t a simple meeting.

What are you involved in now?

Chapter 2

In the confines of the backseat of the limo, Logan Wolfe inhaled again, drawing in the delicate fruit and floral perfume that was all Rachael Elizabeth Darling. His Red.

She was no fragile flower. On the outside, Rach may look it to some with her petite, slim frame, but on the inside, she was strong. Her trip to Italy seemed to have only enhanced it.

He was counting on that toughness to get her through the meeting and beyond.

How do you tell your friend you’re going to take