Honest Secrets: Payback Mountain, #2

By Diane Benefiel

ROPED INTO LOVE

Emery Marino is in the small mountain town of Sisters, California because her new boss demands it. But she'd be here anyway since she received a letter from a woman claiming to be the grandmother she's never met. If that's not enough of a bombshell, Emery learns she has sisters. Sisters!

Then there's the little incident with Shane Keller, aka Hot Cowboy. Nothing like finding yourself on a barroom floor, laying on top of a cowboy-sized hunk of gorgeousness to add some excitement to your life.

But frightening events turn excitement to danger. Emery becomes the target of ruthless criminals, and Shane figures the best way to protect her is to keep her close, even at the risk of his already damaged heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781957295367

Diane Benefiel

National Readers’ Choice Award winner for her novel, Solitary Man, Diane Benefiel has been an avid reader all her life. She enjoys a wide range of genres, from westerns to fantasy to mysteries, but romance has always been a favorite. She writes what she loves best to read – emotional, heart-gripping romantic suspense novels. She likes writing romantic suspense because she can put the hero and heroine in all sorts of predicaments that they have to work together to overcome. A native Southern Californian, Diane enjoys nothing better than summer. For a high school history teacher, summer means a break from teenagers, and summer allows her to spend her early mornings immersed in her current writing project. With both kids living out of the house, in addition to writing, she enjoys camping and gardening with her husband. Diane loves hearing from her readers. Website: dianebenefiel.com Facebook: facebook.com/DianeBenefielRomance Twitter: twitter.com/dianebenefiel Instagram: diane_benefiel Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/8075321.Diane_Benefiel BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/diane-benefiel Pinterest: diane_benefiel

Book preview

ROPED INTO LOVE

Emery Marino is in the small mountain town of Sisters, California because her new boss demands it. But she'd be here anyway since she received a letter from a woman claiming to be the grandmother she's never met. If that's not enough of a bombshell, Emery learns she has sisters. Sisters!

Then there's the little incident with Shane Keller, aka Hot Cowboy. Nothing like finding yourself on a barroom floor, laying on top of a cowboy-sized hunk of gorgeousness to add some excitement to your life.

But frightening events turn excitement to danger. Emery becomes the target of ruthless criminals, and Shane figures the best way to protect her is to keep her close, even at the risk of his already damaged heart.

PRAISE FOR USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

DIANE BENEFIEL

Solitary Man

NATIONAL READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNING NOVEL

"I am in love with this story. I devoured this book and didn’t want it to end. The chemistry between the characters and the plot kept me wanting to read late into the night. This is my first read from Diane Benefiel but definitely not my last. I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author. Thank you Diane Benefiel for getting me hooked on your books!" ~ CJ’s Book Corner

"Ryder was exactly who Brenna needed in her life, and trust me when I say you will love him because yeah he really is that good of a guy. Solitary Man is my first book by this author and it will not be the last. I really think you all will enjoy this one as much as I did it is one I do recommend." ~ I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore

"I really enjoyed this book and there were a few twists and turns that kept me completely involved in the story. This is the first time I have read this author and it definitely won’t be my last!" ~ Sassy Southern Book Blog

PAYBACK MOUNTAIN SERIES

Dangerous Secrets

"I couldn't resist this compelling tale of a wrongly convicted man and the woman who never stopped loving him." ~ Sue's Reviews

"This is a fast-paced story, steamy and action-packed with likable characters. The story line is engaging and pulls the reader right in with detailed world building to make it feel like you are right there with them." ~ Di Kecap

"Benefiel has written a great first book in her new series. The suspense was good with plenty of action. The romance was well done with plenty of realistic conflict between the characters. I’m looking forward to the next in the series." ~NancyJ

THE JAMESONS U.S. MARSHALS SERIES

Hidden Betrayal

"As someone who never pre-orders ANYTHING, I put my order in a WEEK before it came out. Know why? Because I just didn't want to wait! Not to give away any spoilers but this is my favorite book from this author yet, in no small part because Mikayla is my favorite type of heroine. Right from the get-go, she's absolutely determined to meet everything on her terms. I loved the dialogue between her and Linc--with her saying, I didn't stay back because *I* was handling it. Yes, he's a hottie with a protective streak, but she's certainly no little woman. It really WORKS. In the end, 10/10. Can't wait to pre-order the next one too!" ~Amelia

"An exciting, romantic read with a sexy hero and a determined heroine who is hell-bent on doing things her own way. The romance heats up as the plot thickens. Linc and Mikayla need to work together to survive, but along the way, the sparks start flying. You need to read this!" ~danube eichinger

Hidden Judgment

"Don’t buy this book if you want to get anything done!! I couldn’t put it down! I laughed, I cried, I felt all the emotions that a brilliantly written romance novel brings. I am anxiously awaiting the third novel in the series!" ~Sandy Morris

"I couldn't put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the characters. Diane Benefiel does a great job bringing her characters to life, and weaves a compelling story. Looking forward to the next installment of this series!" ~Becca E H

Hidden Loyalty

"5 EXPLOSIVE STARS!! This book was explosive and had me flipping pages. I love law enforcement and this one was perfect....Seth was hot and bossy, Bella kept him on his toes. This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last." ~Rhonda

"I really loved this book, and enjoyed reading the sparks fly out of control between these two characters who have both so clearly been suppressing their true feelings for one and other.

But beyond the romance Benefiel also addresses Bella’s troubled past and creates a strong but nuanced heroine. The connection between these protagonists is instantaneous and will have readers anxiously awaiting the steam between the two when they finally get together. Loved this book!" ~ Pri R

HIGH SIERRAS SERIES

Flash Point

"Diane Benefiel takes us on a story filled with mystery, suspense, and action as we try to solve what is going on in the small town of Hangman’s Loss. Flash Point is a story that will have you flipping the pages and wondering who is the behind the attacks against Hangman’s newest resident and why." ~ Sarah Reads

"Flash Point really surprised me. It’s not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed reading it. It’s a fun easy read that captured me from the start." ~ Coffee Chat

Dead Giveaway

"Diane has written yet another winner in her High Sierra series. Murder witness and 'person of interest' Gwen flees with her godson to Cameron's uncle Eli. Gwen and Eli have no use for one another but come together for Cameron's sake and to find the true murderer...and in the process find their way to one another. My evening with Gwen and Eli couldn't have been more delightful, and I look forward to the next installment of the High Sierras." ~seniorphotog

"I loved this second book in the High Sierras series. This is a story of two people who are attracted to each other, but reconnecting under the worst of circumstances. I discovered Ms. Benefiel’s books and have loved the careful way she draws you in to the story with characters that make you feel as if you are reading about friends. I am really looking forward to the next High Sierras book, Already Gone." ~paytonpuppy

Already Gone

"This series has only gotten better and better! Seriously, there’s something that really speaks to my heart about Maddy and Logan, and Hangman’s Loss FEELS like a small California town tucked away in the Sierras. They’re such a power couple! I read this book in just a couple of days--totally sucked me in. It’s that perfect blend of fun, sizzle, and suspense! I just want to live in Maddy’s life forever but since I can’t--I can’t wait for the next book!" ~Katharine Montgomery

"A wonderful story about second chances. The minute you start reading, you will be instantly hooked. The author weaves a tale of drama and romance that keeps you enthralled and turning the pages. Maddie is feisty and Logan is her brooding and over protective suffering hero. The sparks fly every time they see each other. Eventually they give in and realize that they are perfect for each other and have always been. This is a great story right up to the last word." ~Simatsu

Burnover in Rescued Anthology

"Sweet, Sexy stories featuring furbabies and helping to save lives, it’s a win win for all." ~Kara’s Books

"8 stories by 8 outstanding authors. In these stories, there is a tattoo artist, two firefighters, two sheriff deputies, a famous furniture maker, a veterinarian, and a country music singer, and I loved them all. Then add in that each story has a dog or puppy that is rescued, along with a story of love and romance, it is a winning combination." ~Susan D

Deadly Purpose

I loved everything about this book, and it made me want to check out the other books in the series! The immediate suspense drew me in, and the High Sierras setting was perfect, as was the mysterious stranger Meg finds in her cabin. This novel had a well-written, exciting, and descriptive narrative that kept me glued from start to finish. Without giving away spoilers, the author has crafted one exciting, romantic ride, full of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. ~Sebastian Moran

This book took me by surprise. I didn't expect to get so caught up in this book that my whole day was spent captured in its pages. It has been a long time since I couldn't put a book down but Deadly Purpose did this to me. I loved every page. ~WildfireJane

Clear Intent

"I’d been waiting on this one awhile!! I truly loved the story! I laughed, cried and got so frustrated I couldn’t see straight! I’m now hoping there will be more from Hangman’s Loss, I don’t want to see this series end! Thank you for a very wonderful getaway!! I highly recommend this complete series!!!! Wow! Just Wow!!" ~Linda Helms

"I've looked forward to every book in this series and have enjoyed each one, loving the characters as it feels you walk with them through exciting, scary situations and sigh as relationships become beautiful. This was an exciting story with almost nonstop action and heart stopping dangers. All of my favorite people in Hangman's Loss are together to help Jack, Dory, Adrian and the town through crisis." ~JLocke

Break Away

"Oh man did I love this book. It was well written and has a great storyline. It’s emotional and has a nice amount of suspense. I really need to go back and read the first six books in the series. Now saying that, this book definitely reads as a standalone. I haven’t read the first six books, but I never felt lost or like I am missing anything with this story. You will obviously have some small spoilers since the books are all connected. ~CrazyBookLover

"Break Away is Diane Benefiel’s seventh book in the High Sierra series and is definitely a second chance at romance. Zoey had a high school crush on Levi, and when he returns home after many years, she realises her feelings have not diminished. I’m a sucker for the sexy, broody bad boy vibe, and Levi has it in spades! But the storyline also has emotion, danger and a powerful attraction that is not only undeniable, but totally unavoidable too. These characters have great chemistry and the romantic suspense plot is well written and a real page-turner." ~Arch_Angel

HONEST SECRETS

Payback Mountain– Book Two

Diane Benefiel

tmp_0236734-078300f1-e1d8-4851-85a7-4e115757f7b6_RbYz7g_html_m25f02f28.jpg

www.BOROUGHSPUBLISHINGGROUP.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Boroughs Publishing Group does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites, blogs or critiques or their content.

HONEST SECRETS

Copyright © 2023 Diane Benefiel

All rights reserved. Unless specifically noted, no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Boroughs Publishing Group. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without the permission of Boroughs Publishing Group is illegal and punishable by law. Participation in the piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s rights.

ISBN 978-1-957295-36-7

It seems appropriate to dedicate this book about sisters to my sisters, Ellen and Sandy.

You've known me the longest and I can't imagine my life without you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to Kevin for his infinite patience while I spend so many hours tapping away at my computer. Also, thank you to Michelle, the most patient editor/publisher in the known universe. My books are better because of you.

Contents

Praise for Diane Benefiel

Copyright

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Title Page

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

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

About the Author

About the Publisher

HONEST SECRETS

CHAPTER ONE

Emery

Emery sipped her chardonnay and closed her eyes, willing herself to relax when she heard her phone ding. She wouldn’t look. She wouldn’t look. Damn. She looked. Then wished she hadn’t. Nothing could sabotage her calm like her mother.

She scanned the message and uttered a strangled groan. Yay, neither of her twin sixteen-year-old brothers, who ran wild as if raised by feral wolves, were in the hospital bleeding out. The adventuresome twins, with identical bright blond hair and brown eyes, were her heart. Their coloring came from their mother, while Emery’s blue eyes and dark reddish-brown hair must’ve come from her father.

The father she’d seen only in photographs she’d dug up on the internet.

The twins were fine, but her mom had bought dog food for the local animal shelter, paid for a weekend at a motel for a homeless woman and her kids, and had to have the CV joints replaced on her car. Or maybe just the boots over the joints replaced. Her mother wasn’t exactly clear. But the upshot was she didn’t have enough money to pay the mortgage, and could Emery please send a little to help her get through the month. A little being five hundred dollars.

Emery felt like bricks had been added to the weights already balanced on her shoulders. Dustin, Emery’s stepdad, was out of town for a gig—he played drums for a grunge band and remained steadfast in his optimism for a resurgence in the genre’s popularity. Her mother, Delilah, promised they’d repay the loan once he got paid.

Right. And Emery believed in the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny.

She set down her phone with a mental note to reply later. Closing her eyes again, she visualized herself floating on a raft down a slow-moving river, the sun warm on her face, and birds singing from the trees. She tilted her head to stretch her neck muscles one way, then the other. She needed to add lazy river rafting to her bucket list.

Hey there, I’m Jen. Are you ready to order?

Emery jolted at the chipper voice, her lids flying open. A waitress stood by Emery’s table with an iPad and an expectant smile. Her red polo shirt had the bar’s Easy Money logo stitched over the left chest area.

Refusing to be embarrassed at being caught looking like she was ready to nod off, Emery scanned the bar menu. I’ll take the chicken parmesan dip with Italian bread. Making a meal of an appetizer was her go-to.

Excellent choice. I’ll bring that right out.

Another sip of wine, a cleansing breath, and Emery felt herself unwind a tiny bit more. Enough anyway for her to take in the atmosphere of the bar and be glad she’d forced herself to go out.

Being around people was a thousand times better than sitting in her hotel room stewing over the upcoming meeting with her new boss tomorrow. People in their infinite varieties brought limitless entertainment. The waitress was doing the flirty thing college girls do with their hair, flinging it while laughing, eyes sparkling at what a couple of college-aged guys were saying.

The bartender was downright yummy with dark hair curling over the collar of his shirt and long-fingered hands working a tap to fill a glass with beer.

She studied the other patrons, making a game of guessing who were regulars and who were visitors to the charming mountain town of Sisters, California.

A silver-haired couple with sturdy walking shoes entered the bar, stopping to peruse historic photos of the town hanging on the wall. Visitors, she decided. She pegged the thin man sitting on a stool at the end of the bar, a ball cap pulled low over his forehead and his eyes glued to the baseball game on the TV over the bar, as a regular. He yelled obscenities in reaction to someone scoring, drawing a sharp look from the yummy bartender, who handed the guy what looked like a soft drink.

A woman came into the bar from a back door wearing short shorts, blonde hair in a frizzy ponytail, and a clingy yellow top cut so low Emery had to watch to see if there might be a wardrobe malfunction. The name Cyndi with a heart dotting the i was spelled out in sparkly letters across her breasts. When the woman made straight for the bar, Emery decided: a regular.

Ooh, Owen, she leaned over the bar, don’t you look yummy. Ha! Called it, both on Cyndi being local and the bartender being yummy. Cyndi leaned farther, stretching the material of her top tighter. Both baseball guy and yummy bartender Owen seemed momentarily paralyzed, gazes locked on the luscious display perilously close to revealing nipple. To his credit, yummy Owen recovered first and jerked his gaze heavenward. Paralysis still had Baseball Guy in its grip. He’d given up watching the game in favor of a prodigious set of boobs.

What can I get for you, Cyndi?

Surprise me with something sweet. I’ve had a heck of a day. Cyndi’s voice was a high-pitched coo like a baby doll’s.

You got it.

Emery was impressed. Never in her life had she garnered the kind of male attention Cyndi drew. Obviously, she aimed for sexy, but achieved a kind of sweet too.

Movement at the back entrance had Emery shifting her gaze, and this time she let out a low, wheezing breath. Bartender Owen was yummy, but the two men walking into the bar made this place hottie central. She tagged one of the guys as dark, dangerous, and delicious. The other was every cowboy fantasy she’d ever dreamed of come to life.

Cowboy romance novels were her kryptonite. If this guy were on the cover, women wouldn’t be able to buy the book fast enough.

Long and rangy, he had killer shoulders and a loose-limbed walk that made her think he’d spent the day in the saddle. The black hat resting low over his brow added an air of mystery. She couldn’t see his eyes, but the jaw under golden stubble looked strong and firm. Denim jeans worn white at the stress points rode low across his hips, held up by a belt with a wide silver buckle.

His dark chambray shirt bore a smudge on the back of one shoulder and the sleeves were rolled above his elbows to reveal tanned forearms corded with sinewy muscle. Emery sat perfectly still. If she squirmed in her seat like she wanted to, she’d go off like a rocket.

He pulled the cowboy hat off his head to hang it on a peg on the wall and revealed tousled hair that even in the low light gleamed with every conceivable shade from nut brown to burnished blond streaks. She knew women who spent a fortune and hours in a salon chair to attain that look, but she’d bet money this cowboy got his as a gift from the sun.

Ooh, Shane. Same opener, different guy, Cyndi surged forward to engulf the hot cowboy in a hug. Emery sighed with envy.

On top of the looks, his name was Shane. She loved the name Shane and had ever since she and her grandma had watched the classic movie Shane. Kudos to this Shane for making it a one-armed hug, his gaze never straying lower than Cyndi’s chin.

Emery barely noticed when the waitress set the bubbling hot plate and bread basket in front of her. Watching the regulars of Easy Money was more entertaining than her favorite reality TV show.

Cyndi beamed at Shane, then turned under his arm to aim a dimpled smile at dark, dangerous, and delicious. Who’s your pal?

Gage is a friend. He’s working at the ranch. Of course, Shane’s voice was low and rumbly.

Ooh, Gage is such a manly name. Cyndi batted her eyes.

Gage gave a half smile that didn’t get anywhere close to reaching his eyes, but he extended his hand. Pleased to meet you, ma’am.

Cyndi fluttered a hand over her bosom that might actually be heaving. Oh my. Do I ever love hunky men with manners. She extended her hand daintily. I’m Cyndi. Emery thought Cyndi would swoon dead away when Gage flashed white teeth and revealed his own dimples. Why don’t I join you gentlemen and we can get the evening started.

Gage and I have some business to discuss, so maybe later, Cyndi. Shane’s smooth response made Emery think he’d anticipated her request and had a diversion ready.

Oh poo. That’s no fun. Cyndi gave a pretend pout and with obvious reluctance moved back to the bar. That’s okay, I’ll hang over here and flirt with Owen.

Hey, what about me? Why don’t you ever flirt with me like you used to? Baseball Guy’s comment had an edge Shane must have noticed, because he gave him a narrow-eyed stare that was clearly a warning.

Cyndi sniffed. Bobby, we kissed a time or two back in the day. But things are different now. If you took care of yourself like you did then, maybe women would look your way. But nobody wants to cuddle up with a guy who doesn’t bathe regular, especially one who’s out on bail pending trial.

Baseball Bobby’s expression turned ugly, but Cyndi’s attention was already on Owen, on whom she bestowed a broad smile. Besides, Owen’s more to my liking.

Shane and Gage took stools at the opposite end of the bar only feet from Emery’s table. If she kept ogling, Shane he’d catch her at it, so she gave a resigned sigh and pulled her tablet from her bag with a firm self-directed order to focus. Tomorrow was a big day, starting with the morning meeting with the vice president of Norris Group, her boss’s boss, and going over her notes would help her feel more prepared.

Bobby Finley, you put your hand on my ass again and they’ll be calling you Stumpy, because that’s all you’ll have left.

Bobby had scooted over several seats and was now leaning against the bar, staring at Cyndi’s cleavage.

What the fuck, Cyndi? You put out for every asshole who walks in this bar.

"How dare you say that about me. I like sex. I’m not ashamed to say it. But I’m picky