The jump rope snapped like a whip under Riker’s feet. Sweat beaded across his nose as he moved his arms faster, increasing the pace. For a few seconds, he let his mind get lost in the rhythm of his breathing and the sound of the rope hitting against the concrete floor. Faster! Hard enough to crowd out the pain. His breaths came in bursts as he increased the pace, adrenaline coursing through his body. He was in sprint mode. Go at all costs! His foot hit the rope. He stumbled a couple of steps before catching himself and walking it out to bring his heart rate down.

A couple of minutes later, endorphins rushed through him, relieving some of the tension. He went to a nearby bench and took a long swig of water. He’d come early to the gym at the Titan Complex, mostly because he awoke before dawn and couldn’t sleep. He’d been working out for three hours. At first, he was the only one here, but for the past half hour other players had been trickling in.

He picked up his towel and wiped the sweat from his face. He was soaked to the bone, and while some of the stress had been alleviated from his body, his mind was still a ball of confusion. It had been a long three days without Emerson. The night everything went down, he’d lain in bed planning how he would charge back to the ranch and demand that Emerson listen to him. She’d teased him about being a diehard quarterback. Well, he’d show her just how diehard he was.

The next morning when he awoke, he realized that he shouldn’t have to charge back there and beg her to listen to him. She should come to him. Like he said, he’d given her a chance for redemption when she told him everything about her. He deserved the same consideration. So, he waited to hear from her. Every time he received a call or text his heart would race with anticipation, hoping it was Emerson.

Nothing so far. How much freaking time could she need to sort things out?

Before everything went to pot, he and Emerson had planned to leave for Tennessee today. A feeling of despondency settled over him. He missed her so much he could hardly think straight. Maybe he should call or send a text. He had to do something! This waiting around stuff was killing him. There were only so many workouts a guy could do in a given day.

Yes, that was a good idea. He’d contact her. First, he’d eat breakfast and meet with his trainer. Then, he’d text.

His phone rang. He picked it up off the bench, his heart jumping into overdrive again, hoping it was Emerson. Disappointment pinged through him. It was a number he didn’t recognize. For an instant, he thought about letting it go to voicemail. At the last minute, however, he answered instead.

“Hello,” he clipped.

Short pause. “Hello? Is this Riker Dylan?”

“It is.” His brows bunched. Was it a reporter? This number was private, but every so often, a reporter still managed to get through. Not a good day to be trying his patience.

“This is Graham Stein. I’m calling about my sister Emerson.”

What the heck? He flinched, eyes narrowing. “How did you get this number?”

“That’s not important.” Another pause. “I understand you had a falling out with my sister and parents.”

His jaw tightened, the anger resurfacing with a vengeance. A buzz ran through his ears, and he wanted to punch something. “You guys don’t stop, do you? Let me guess, you’re calling to warn me to stay away from your sister. You’re afraid my association with her will tarnish the family name and hurt your political campaign.” The words cut through his lips as he laughed. “You know what? I don’t care why you’re calling. If you were a real man, you’d meet me face-to-face.”

Graham chuckled in amusement. “All right, tough guy. I get it, you’re ticked.”

“Oh, I’m beyond ticked,” Riker roared. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the startled looks from the other players, but he was beyond caring what anyone thought of him. “I don’t wanna hear anything you have to say.”

“Trust me, man. You’re gonna wanna hear this.”

For the past three days, Emerson’s mind had been a blur. In one short hour, the reporters were due to arrive at the ranch. Finley and his parents were already downstairs, waiting for the big event. She paced back and forth across the floor, trying to figure out what to do. She still couldn’t believe Daddy had gotten himself in such a jam financially. It was cruel and unfair of him to place the burden of fixing everything on her.

Her thoughts rushed to Riker. She’d not heard a word from him since the blow-up. It was still hard for her to believe that his relationship with her had been a sham. The bottom line was, she didn’t believe it. With each passing day, she was more convinced of Riker’s innocence. Was her daddy lying about going to see James? It was hard to wrap her mind around that scenario, but considering how desperate he was to make the merger go through, it was possible.

This whole situation was ridiculous. There was no reasoning with her parents. As far as they were concerned, her engagement to Finley was a done deal. Kenton and Fiona Landers were the same. All four of them were so convinced that she and Finley were meant for each other that they were pushing their agendas forward at all costs.

Finley.

Maybe she could talk to him. If he realized she was in love with another man, he wouldn’t want to marry her. They could stall for time, until he could persuade Kenton to proceed with the merger. She clenched her fists. Yes, it could work.

She’d have to act fast. She straightened her shoulders, rubbing a hand down her blouse and slacks. Mama insisted that a dress would be more appropriate for the announcement, but Emerson drew a line in the sand. Maybe it was silly, but at this point, she wouldn’t put on a dress if her life depended on it—just to spite her mama. She took in a breath, trying to control her erratic heartbeat. You can do this, she kept repeating over and over.

Murmurs of conversation floated up as Emerson descended the staircase. When she stepped into the living room, everyone turned. The surprised expressions on the faces of her parents, Fiona and Kenton Landers, Finley, and Graham were almost comical.

Caroline stood, a tight smile spreading like plastic over her lips. “We didn’t expect you to come down until the reporters arrived, honey,” she said in a syrupy voice. She kissed Emerson’s cheek. “I thought we agreed you were wearing your green dress,” she whispered.

“This is what I’m wearing. Take it or leave it,” she responded in a low tone, eyeing her mama.

Her daddy patted the spot beside him where her mama had just been. “Come on over here and sit down.”

She stayed where she was. “Finley, I need to talk to you for a few minutes.” She saw the worried exchange that took place between her parents. “In private.”

Kenton turned to Ethan, a warning tone in his voice. “You assured me everything would go as planned.”

“It will.” Ethan looked at Emerson. “Sweetheart, there’ll be plenty of time for you and Finley to talk after the announcement.” He waved a hand. “Come on over here and sit down.”

Even though there wasn’t the slightest hint of frustration in his voice, she caught the subtle change in her daddy’s demeanor, the tightening of the lines around his eyes and mouth. She had a sudden distaste for Kenton Landers, sitting there in his John Lennon style spectacles and bowtie. Maybe he thought his billions made him king of the universe, like he could flick his wrist and have his every demand met.

She lifted her chin. “Finley, we need to talk.”

Wariness streaked across Finley’s features as he forced a smile. “Sure.” He stood.

“Let’s go outside on the back patio.” Emerson could feel all eyes on them as they walked down the hall, through the kitchen, and outside.

Finely was the first to speak. He shoved his hands in his pockets, rocking forward on the balls of his feet. “What’s up?”

What’s up? A laugh rippled in her throat. “Seriously? You know what’s up. This whole engagement sham.” Her eyes narrowed. “How could you go along with this?”

A crease dented his brow, and he looked puzzled. His hands left his pockets, going into the air. “Because I love you. I always have.” He touched her arm. “If you’ll just give me a chance to prove it, you’ll see—”

She jerked her arm out of his reach. “Stop it, Finley! I’m in love with another man.” That would fix it. Now there was no way he’d want to marry her.

His jaw fell. “Why are you doing this? We’re supposed to announce our engagement to the world in less than an hour.”

She hiccuped a laugh. “You don’t want this, Finley. How could you? You’re handsome, charming, a great catch. Why do you want to be saddled with a woman who doesn’t love you?”

“Because I love you.” There was a plaintive look on his face.

A silent scream wrenched her throat. Finley was a broken record, always stuck on the same three notes. She got up in his face. “Either you’re just stupid or you’re one heck of an actor. Stop acting so innocent. You don’t love me, Finley. You love the idea of me! You know the situation. I’m being forced to marry you! Don’t you see? This is no way to start off a marriage.” Fury boiled into her face. “Where’s your dignity, man? You should be angry about this too—our parents dictating our lives to suit their whims.”

He shook his head, his face draining. “No, I’m not upset.” His eyes searched hers. “I know you’re frustrated and upset.”

“Upset?” Her voice went shrill. “Upset doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now.”

“Contrary to what you think, I’m neither stupid or acting. I’m fully aware of the situation. Things seem bleak right now, but they’ll turn around.” His eyes went soft. “You may not love me now, but I love you enough for us both. My love will be strong enough to see us through.”

She reached for his hands, squeezing them. “If you really love me, then you’ll let me go.” Moisture gathered in her eyes. “Please, I need your help to fight this. If we join forces, then we can buy some time to figure this out.”

“No.”

For an instant, she thought she hadn’t heard him correctly. “What?”

He squared his jaw, an obstinate edge coming into his voice. “No. We’re announcing our engagement just like we planned.”

“We didn’t plan anything,” she flung back. “Our parents orchestrated it!” She released his hands. There had to be a way to get through to him. Time was trickling away.

She took a good look at Finley, was shocked to see adoration shining in his eyes. “I love your energy, your passion.” He smiled. “You’ll see, it’ll all work out for the best.” He planted a kiss on her cheek. “I’m going back inside now.” He winked. “See ya in a few.”

Tears burned her eyes. This was insane!

As Finley was going in, Graham came out. Finley paused in his tracks, giving Graham a questioning look. Graham smiled and patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, man, I’ll talk some sense into her.”

Finley nodded in relief as he moved past him.

Emerson held up a hand, glaring at her brother. “Don’t you dare! I’ve heard it from everyone else, I don’t need to hear it from you too!” Her anger was so fierce that it was burning fire through her head. In another minute her flesh would melt off her face.

Graham motioned to the patio table and chairs beside the pool. “Let’s go sit down.”

She folded her arms over her chest, tapping her foot. “Whatever you have to say, you can say right here!” Her voice cracked like a whip through the moist air.

He walked past her, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

She grunted.

His hands waved through the air. “You’re running out of time, sis. I suggest you get over here and hear me out. You might be surprised by what I have to say. Trust me,” he added.

A shaft of interest penetrated her anger.

He drummed his hands on the table. “Any day now.”

She marched over and sat down. “All right. Talk!” She gave him a blistering look. “This had better be good.”

He sat back. “I wanna tell you a story.”

“I don’t have time for this,” she countered, moving to stand.

He placed a hand over hers. “Just hear me out. Please.”

She sat back in her seat, waiting.

“Remember when I dated Holly?”

“Of course.” Holly had been one of the few girlfriends of his that Emerson actually liked.

“I never told you why we broke up.”

“No,” she said dutifully, wondering what Graham’s angle was.

“It was Mama’s doing.”

“What?” She sat up straight.

The corners of his lips turned down. “Mama tried to convince me to break up with Holly, saying she wasn’t worthy of me and that she’d just drag me down. Yada, yada, yada,” he flicked his wrist, “you know the spiel.”

“All too well,” she said darkly.

“Anyway, I refused to listen, so Mama went to Holly and paid her to end things and leave town.”

The air whooshed out of Emerson’s lungs. “What?” The story hit a little too close to home. Tears pooled in her eyes. “I had no idea. All this time, I thought you broke it off with Holly because she didn’t fit into your plan.”

His mouth formed a grim line. He brought his hands together, his fingers making a triangle. “Now you know the rest of the story.” He paused, his eyes meeting hers. “Are you really going to go through with the engagement?”

She rubbed a hand against her forehead. “I don’t know. How can I not?” She motioned, her hand encompassing their surroundings. “We could lose the ranch … daddy’s business … everything, if I don’t.”

He shrugged. “So? Is all this as important as your happiness?”

For a second, she wasn’t sure how to respond. “As idiotic as it sounds, I feel like it’s my responsibility to preserve our livelihood.” She gritted her teeth. “I hate feeling this way.”

“Yep. Our parents have programmed us well.” Amusement touched his features. “You know, sis, to be so smart you sure are gullible.”

She tensed. “What do you mean?”

“I know you’re Daddy’s little princess, and in your eyes, he can do no wrong; but he’s not as innocent as you think. He and Mama have the good cop/bad cop thing down to a science. She comes in and makes the demands, then he goes behind her and smooths things over and persuades you to do exactly what they wanted you to all along.”

She sucked in a haggard breath, her mind racing through everything that happened. “Yes,” she mused, “after the blow-up with Riker, Daddy came into my room to tell me how sorry he was.” Her jaw tensed. “Then he dropped the bomb about the merger and how everything hinged on me marrying Finley.”

“Bingo.” His fingers formed a gun. He cocked his thumb, firing at her.

“Riker said Daddy tried to buy off his dad. When James wouldn’t go for it, Daddy threatened him. Daddy vehemently denies doing it.”

“Of course he does.”

She shook her head. “Do you really think Daddy would outright lie to me?”

Graham shrugged. “I wouldn’t put it past him. His empire is on the line. Think about it. Daddy didn’t get where he is by playing nice.”

The truth of Graham’s words hit home.

“He used his illness to play on your sympathies, to manipulate you into moving back home so he and Mama could keep their thumbs on you.”

“No, I came back of my own accord because I was worried about Daddy.”

He gave her a checkmate look. “Sure you did.”

“It’s true. I’m looking for my own place now.”

He cocked an eyebrow, his eyes radiating a sarcastic amusement. “You mean during the short period of time before marrying Finley?”

“I see your point.”

“Look, all I’m saying here is that this slander article about Riker, the supposed girlfriend appearing out of nowhere. It’s got Mama’s name written all over it. She probably paid that girl to say all of those things.”

Hearing it put so bluntly, she recognized the truth of his words. She had to laugh to keep from crying as she slapped her forehead with her palm. “You’re right, I have been sooo gullible.” She looked at her older brother, feeling like she was seeing him for the first time. “I’m so sorry about Holly.” She shook her head. “You seem so content with your life.”

“I am, for the most part.” He spread his hands. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Jenna. She’s the perfect companion for my political aspirations. Jenna and I understand each other.” He squared his jaw. “And you’d better believe I’m going to be the best dang senator this state has ever seen.” His eyes grew wistful. “But not a day goes by that I don’t wonder what my life would’ve been like had I fought harder—chosen my own path.”

She jerked. “What did you say?”

“Not a day goes by—”

“No, about the path.”

“Oh, I wonder how different my life would’ve been had I chosen my own path.”

A shaft of light broke through the wall of confusion inside her. That’s what this was all about, choosing her own path. Warmth spread through her body, bolstering her courage.

He shook his head. “Holly was weak. She took the payoff because she believed Mama’s drivel about how she’d drag me down and ruin my life.” He paused. “Had Holly been stronger …“ he pressed his lips together “… had I been stronger …” He shook his head. “I dunno. Who knows what would have happened?” An ironic smile touched his lips. “It’s too late for me. My path is set. But you … you’re at a crossroads, sis.” He scooted back his chair and stood, his eyes cutting into hers. “At the end of the day, it’s your decision. I just wanted to give you something to think about.” He got a few steps away, then turned. “Oh, I almost forgot. In case you wanna make a run for it, I’ve got your Bimmer gassed up and ready to go. It’s parked right out front. The keys are in the ignition.” He saluted. “Here’s hoping you make the right choice.”