Brady suspected he'd lost his mind by offering to stay open on Christmas Eve. Even Madonna's sultry voice on the jukebox didn't stir him. He could think of warmer places to be than tending bar on a snowy night in Spokane. Anyplace but here. Like Hawaii, with a bouncy bikini-clad babe. Or in southern California, sipping a drink as he sat next to the pool. The sleigh bells above the door jingled to signal the arrival of another customer and he glanced up. Or maybe--

His heart skipped a beat and all thoughts of balmy spots vanished from his mind at the vision framed by the dancing red lights around the threshold. Suddenly things were beginning to look a lot brighter--and warmer.

Macy Witters stood there. Her dark hair swung gently around her shoulders and he watched, transfixed, as she removed her coat to reveal a red and green sweater that barely hid her slender body. Her slim black skirt inched up her thighs as she turned to hang up her coat on the rack.

Brady could only stare at the sight of the woman who broke the mold by which he judged other women. What was she doing here? Had she come to see him? She knew he owned the Silver Lining Bar.

Macy hesitated as she looked intently at the bar for a long moment. Her chest rose, emphasizing the lush, rounded curves of her breasts, making Brady's body stir in response. She hadn't spotted him yet in the corner of the room. She closed her eyes briefly, a small smile flickering across her lush lips. She turned her head as her companion murmured something and they both laughed before they headed to a table across the room.

Brady finished his table and headed back to the bar. Fergus nodded at him and commented, "Busy tonight. Wonder why all these folks aren't with their families on Christmas Eve?"

"Probably because their families are jerks like mine," Brady told him. All his life they'd looked down on Brady's family even though it was hard, decent work running a bar. Well, he no longer cared to have anything to do with the "other" Vaughn's.

Except for Macy. But then, she no longer was a part of the family.

He paused and watched her settle at the table. She brushed her hair away from her shoulders, and his body reacted with a surge of lust. He thought of what it'd feel like to have her hair brush his cock as she leaned over him.

Get yourself under control, he told himself. She's not in here looking for you.

Fergus glanced up as he finished filling an order for another round of beer. "I suppose so. They're damned fools, being out in this weather."

"But good for business," Brady remarked. Everyone was in a good mood and spending money easily tonight. He tipped his head toward the table where Macy sat with her back to him. "I'll take that table over there."

"Sure thing, Brady. You know where to find me."

As he made the trek to Macy's table, he gazed at the back of her head. Two years ago she'd slipped away from him and he let her, knowing it was too soon after the pain she'd experienced. But he still wanted her, and this time, he wasn't sure he could let her go.

"Can I get you ladies something?"

Macy's head whipped up and her green eyes flared in response. Yes, she hadn't expected him to be working tonight.

He smiled at them both, nodding first at the other woman, then at Macy. Her lips quivered for a brief second, drawing his attention. Her eyes were dark with unspoken emotion. Yeah, she hadn't forgotten that day.

"Hi, Macy. It's been a long time."

Her gaze flickered to her companion for a moment, then back to him. He sensed she would've got up and left the bar, but wasn't sure how her friend would react.

Instead, she gave him a brief nod of her head. "Hi, Brady. I thought you'd be at the annual Vaughn get-together tonight."

His jaw tightened. "Hardly, since they think owning a bar is something a Vaughn shouldn't be doing. I'd rather be some place where I'm welcomed."

She frowned at his words, but nodded. "I see. I remember Daniel saying..." She let the words drift off, as though she couldn't talk about her ex-husband. Brady hoped she was finally over his cousin, because it was time for Brady to take what was rightfully his.