Rough Edges

'When Beauty meets the Beast'.
ROUGH EDGES has been published! Romance at Heart Publishing released it in ebook format only, at the moment, in April 2005. Hope you enjoy this excerpt. If you'd like to purchase it go to www.rahpubs.com. Enjoy! CHAPTER ONE
May 2000
San Antonio

Gina Liberatti didn�t reach for the phone when it rang. Her attention was completely focused on the amazing �before� and �after� shots of her latest client. The physical changes in Mrs. Amelia Murphy were profound, even though the items Gina had suggested the woman alter were minimal.

The shorter hairstyle removed ten years from the woman appearance. Taupe colored eye shadow and peach blush were more natural appearing than Mrs. Murphy�s previous signature make-up of harsh blue shadow and stop sign red lipstick. But, Gina�s recommendation of a minor facelift made an astonishing difference.

That�s what people paid Gina to do; polish their appearance. Gina�s relatively newfound vocation in life as an image consultant was fulfilling, albeit not as prosperous as she would have liked, but the business was steadily growing. Money had never meant a whole lot to her while her husband had lived, but it did now. Since Charlie died, she�d learned raising two sons on one income wasn�t easy.

The phone�s persistent ringing gained her attention then and she punched the speaker button. �I�m here Ruby.�

�Your four o�clock appointment arrived five minutes ago.�

Gina frowned as she sank against the back of her ergonomically correct chair and proceeded to absently tap the end of the pen against her desk blotter. �I thought Miss Schneider canceled for today.�

�She did, but I filled the spot. Remember?�

Gina didn�t recall but wasn�t surprised. She had a lot on her mind lately; in particular, her fourteen-year old son�s latest attempts at becoming a fist-class juvenile delinquent. Gina had spent money on psychologists but Jack had charmed them all. Heavens, they made it sound like she was the problem, not her kid! And forget the school counselors; they were so busy dealing with the really hard cases her son appeared angelic in comparison.

�You know, Gina, the more I look at this guy, the more I think we should send him on his way,� Ruby murmured.

�What�s wrong with him?�

�He�s sort of, well -- hairy.�

�What!� Gina wondered if she�d heard right.

�Why don�t I just show him in?�

�Good idea. Give me a sec, though.�

Gina knew by her secretary�s cryptic reply that this potential client wasn�t husband material. Ruby was always on the lookout for a husband, number three this time, which Gina couldn�t understand at all. One husband had been more than enough for her. Just before she depressed the speaker button, she heard Ruby say softly, �My, oh, my.�

Gina frowned. �Ruby? Are you still there?�

�He�s in front of the magazine rack,� Ruby said, her voice a muffled whisper. �Now he�s bending over, waaaay over, and--Sweet Lord in Heaven!�

Gina kept her voice calm, though she felt like shrieking at the top of her lungs. �What in the world is going on out there?�

When her secretary didn�t reply Gina slammed down the phone, scrambled from her seat and crossed the office. With a hand on the doorknob she bent to retrieve one of the black, high-heeled shoes she�d kicked off earlier. As she slid her foot inside the shoe the door suddenly opened and smacked her hip.

�Ahhh!� she shouted as she toppled to the floor and landed on her hands and knees. She looked up and scowled into Ruby�s surprised expression, until she noticed the tall, brawny, red-eyed beast towering behind her. Okay, so his irises were brown, but the whites of his eyes were definitely bloodshot. She stared at him until she had a vague idea of what the man, not a beast, after all, looked like beneath long sideburns, a bushy mustache, and a full, dark beard. She couldn�t help but wonder what he was hiding behind all the hair. He looked fierce and intimidating, until she met his warm, sherry-colored eyes, the corners crinkling with humor. Somehow his dark brown curly hair touching the wrinkled collar of his shirt made him appear a bit more approachable than she�d initially thought.

�Well, I�ll be damned,� he said in a strong, Texan drawl.

Ditto. Gina was fairly certain she�d be damned if she took him on as a client. Yet, with his dust-covered, hopelessly rumpled clothing, scuffed boots and all that hair he�d be her most challenging client to date. Luckily, these were all external improvements that should be easy to change. Now a man�s character was an entirely different matter.

Gina hadn�t noticed his battered black Stetson until he handed it to Ruby then edged around her.

Ruby held the hat at arm�s length, away from her stylish red dress. It took all of Gina�s fortitude to keep a straight face. He lowered his hands toward Gina. �Allow me.�

She liked the fact he waited for her nod before he took her hands and pulled her to her feet.

She didn�t mean to be impolite but she couldn�t help but sweep a lingering look over his body. He was at least six-four and built like a linebacker. He also appeared right at home in a pair of too snug, faded jeans that encased his long legs.

Gina was not a woman who ignored a good-looking guy in a pair of tight jeans but his were also an inch too short, possibly relics from his younger years while he was still growing. His wide shoulders stretched the fabric of his chambray shirt, the cuffs rolled back to reveal strong, hairy forearms.

Her cheeks turned hot when she saw the appreciative look in his eyes. �Thank you,� she murmured as she tugged on the hem of her fawn-colored jacket and smoothed down the matching narrow skirt.

�Sorry, boss,� Ruby apologized. �What were you doing behind the door?�

�Retrieving my shoes,� she said, thinking that�s what she got for kicking them off, as she did between appointments.

Gina started to reach for the shoe until the man offered, �I�ll get it.� He went down on one knee, scooped the shoe up in his big hand and grinned up at her. �Better hold on to my shoulder.�

Hold on? Why?

He took her foot and raised it off the floor. She wobbled on the other foot, until she was forced to latch onto one of his broad shoulders. It was either that or fall again. The warm sensation of his hand on her calf as he slid on her shoe prompted her to think silly thoughts of Cinderella. As she stared down at his shaggy head she decided he didn�t look like the prince in that particular fairy tale, but resembled the huge, furry beast from another.

�Thanks,� she said, feeling heat seeping into her cheeks.

His gaze was still focused on her shoes as he rose to his full height. �They�re pretty.� He folded his arms across his chest and added, �But I thought ladies nowadays liked comfortable, athletic-style shoes.�

�If one is in to exercising, perhaps.�

Gina�s idea of exercising didn�t include working up a sweat. Playing a tame game of pool or table tennis with her sons was more her speed. Belatedly, she noted that her hand was still on his shoulder so she withdrew it.

He sent her another one of his captivating grins, even white teeth flashing in deep contrast against his tanned complexion. Gina couldn�t help but return his smile. Then she waved her hand toward a chair positioned in front of her desk.

�Please, have a seat.�

In two strides he stopped beside the chair, an expectant look on his face.

She sat down in her seat and decided she couldn�t quibble about his manners. Stretching out her hand, she said, �I�m happy to meet you, Mr.�?�

�Mitchell. Stone Mitchell.� He reached out and grasped her hand. �I own Falcon�s Ridge Ranch, about two hours south of here,� he announced with undisguised pride. �You come highly recommended, Miz Liberatti.�

�Why, thank you.�

�Excuse me, Gina?�

She looked up and met Ruby�s eyes as she stood in the doorway. �Yes?�

�Do you need anything before I leave for the night?�

Gina glanced at her watch �It�s only four-fifteen. You�re leaving already?�

�I have a doctor appointment. Remember?�

�Oh! I�d forgotten. Maybe she�d better make a doctor appointment. A tiny voice inside her chastised her then; there wasn�t a thing wrong with her memory, but again thought how her eldest son drove her to distraction!

"Would you please bring us some coffee before you leave?�

�Sure thing.� Ruby moved to Stone and handed him back his hat. �I�ll be back in a jiffy.�

Gina turned her attention back to Stone.

He tossed his hat on the chair beside him. �Nice place.�

�Thank you.� She smiled her appreciation.

She�d decorated the office in tones of mauve and navy. A Berber carpet of burgundy with flecks of blue covered the floor. A navy blue leather sofa and matching chairs were grouped for easy conversation. It was a classic, yet comfortable look.

Ruby returned with a large tray where she balanced a thermal coffee server containing cream and sugar, and two pottery mugs. She set the tray down on the desk. Gina leaned forward and poured two cups of coffee. �Cream or sugar?�

�Black, please.�

She slid the cup across the desk toward him then settled back in her chair. She glanced up in time to see Ruby back out of the office, a scowl on her pretty face.

�I�ll see you in the morning, Ruby. Have a good night.�

Gina ignored her secretary�s wide-eyed, apprehensive look, and smiled at the big man sitting comfortably across from her.

�Now then, what can I do for you, Mr. Mitchell?�

She heard the door close, satisfied Ruby had left for the night. She didn�t feel a need to heed her secretary�s warning look. For some incomprehensible reason she felt perfectly safe with this stranger.

�I�d like to hire you, Miz Liberatti. My neighbor, Stan Jenkins, said you did wonders for him.� He frowned and crossed one snakeskin booted ankle over his knee. �Hmm, more I think about it, it might have been his wife who said it, not him.�

Vivid memories of the hard-core cowboy-rancher for whom she�d performed somewhat of a miracle on months ago came to mind. Stan Jenkins was of the old school of thought on bathing; every Saturday, only on Saturday. The man was a rancher who worked hard and copiously sweated because of it. She�d managed to convince him his new wife wasn�t out of line expecting him to shower every day. The whisker and hair trim and a few sets of new clothing hadn�t hurt either.

She leaned forward, her hands around her cup. �Do you understand my line of work?�

�Stan explained everything to me.�

Gina saw a tinge of pink appear on his neck above his shirt collar, just below his beard. �What did Mr. Jenkins tell you?�

�He said you made a gentleman out of him.�

�Stan Jenkins was a perfect gentleman from the moment we met. I simply advised him in selecting new clothes, instructed him on proper table manners, and encouraged him to get a decent haircut.�

�Sounds good.�

Gina raised her brow. �Are you telling me you�d like the same advice?�

Stone set his own cup down on the desk. He reached up and raked his overly long hair off his forehead. But as soon as he removed his hand it fell forward again. �I haven�t had a haircut in awhile.�

Or a shave, she noted.

�Haven�t had much time since I�ve been mending fences and moving cows for the past month, pretty much none-stop.� He paused then, a discomfiting look on his face. �There�s something else I�d like you to do; teach me how to dance.�

�Excuse me?�

I�m an awful dancer,� he admitted. �Maybe you could help me choose some new clothes, too.�

She gave him the once over again and decided his was a very tempting proposition. �My rates are one-hundred twenty-five dollars an hour, and I require a two hundred dollar retainer when you sign a contract.�

�That�s all?� he asked.

She gave him a cool smile. �They�re competitive for the area, Mr. Mitchell.

By the time I�m through with you folks will be calling you Fred Astaire.� He cracked his knuckles and nodded. �Great.�

�May I ask why you feel compelled to make these changes?�

�I�ve decided it�s past time I married,� he announced.

Gina leaned forward and smiled. �So, who�s the lucky lady?�

�That�s the problem. I haven�t done any serious courting, but my goal is to be married by Christmas.�

Good grief! Christmas was only seven months away. Gina sank back in her chair with a sigh. �So, you�re telling me you don�t have a fianc�e?�

He shook his head, stared down at his boots.

�How about a girlfriend?� she asked gently, guessing his answer, yet hoping she was wrong.

�Like I said; I haven�t devoted a lot of time to wife hunting. Now that the ranch is up and running smoothly, though, I�m ready to tackle the job.�

He made looking for a wife sound like any other ranch chore. Gina found it hard to believe women weren�t calling him all hours of the day and night. In a rough way, he was handsome, and he did have his own spread.

�I�ve someone in mind, though,� he offered.

Gina sighed in relief. �Wonderful! Tell me about her.�

�She�s a widow lady who owns the ranch next to mine, The Rockin� J. She has hundreds of acres of grazing land, and deep wells that won�t run dry any time soon.�

Criminey! She�d asked about the woman and he was raving about land and wells.

�About those dance lessons, Miz Liberatti--� He tugged uncomfortably at his collar. �I have to tell you I�ve two left feet when it comes to waltzin� a lady around the dance floor.� He shrugged and muttered, �Never been any good at it.�

�You know, many women could care less about dancing,� she said gently.

His face colored again. �Maybe, but I figure it can�t hurt to learn.�

Gina eyed his long hair and beard. �I�m sure once we make some changes in your appearance your neighbor will be more than interested in you.�

�Maybe.� He rubbed his lips with a thumb, a thoughtful look on his face. �I guess it wouldn�t hurt for me to learn to talk a bit more refined, too.� His low, soft drawl was pleasant, but she hadn�t missed the sprinkling of light profanities in his speech.

�Right,� she said. �Is there some pressing reason why you must marry by Christmas?�

Gina�s heart plummeted when she saw the uncomfortable expression on his face. She cursed herself for asking his reasons for marrying so soon, and listened intently to his reply.

�I�ve spent many a Christmas alone since I haven�t any family. I�ll be thirty-five next month and it�s time I settled down.�

�I understand.� And she did. Who was she to judge him when she�d only known her husband six months before marrying him?

�So, teach me how to slow dance, give me advice on buying new clothes and remind me not to cuss, then I�ll be ready to go courting.�

�Don�t forget the haircut.� She tilted her head to one side and stared at him. �You know, you may want to shave off the beard and mustache as well.� His expression told her he had no intentions of budging on the issue, including responding to her suggestion.

Gina decided she�d take up that particular crusade later. She came to her feet and extended her hand. �I do believe we�ve a deal. I�ll draw up a contract first thing in the morning.�

As Stone rose he reached out and clasped her hand. �I�m looking forward to working with you.� He released her hand and stretched his arms wide. �How about a dance lesson right now? There�s no time like the present, I always say.�

Gina stared at his eager expression and sighed. He was something else. She leaned down, opened a drawer and pulled out her monthly planner.

�Today is Wednesday. It appears I should be finished with two of my clients by Friday, which will free up my time considerably.� She met his eyes. �I really can�t fit you in before Monday.�

�How about Saturday?�

�My weekends are reserved for my children.�

He frowned. �We�ve got a problem. As I mentioned earlier, my ranch is over two hours away, which makes it damn, er, darned hard for me to get away during the week. I�ll meet you here at five on Saturday.�

She narrowed her eyes on him, thinking he�d perfected the art of persuasion. He reminded her of a steamroller rolling over everything in his path in order to have things his way. She�d love to argue, doubting folks rarely challenged him, but decided not to push her luck. He�d learn soon enough she controlled her own life.

But, she couldn�t allow him to slip through her fingers, for it seemed with every satisfied customer, she earned another by word of mouth. Her goal was to build up her clientele if she had any hope of tucking a substantial amount of money into her boys� college funds. She thought about her household chores, grocery shopping and chauffeuring the boys to and from baseball practice on Saturday and figured she�d be free by three.

�Saturday around five is fine.�

�What about your kids?�

�Things wind down by mid afternoon.�

�Then your husband takes care of them?�

She wondered about his innocent expression. Was it possible he was fishing to see if she was married? No, he hadn�t shown the least interest in her as a woman. Well, perhaps that wasn�t true. She�d seen the way he�d looked her over when he�d assisted her with her shoe. But then she thought about the neighbor rancher woman he planned on courting and decided his once over earlier was innocent.

�I�m a widow.�

His cheeks colored. �Uh, sorry. Why don�t you add the cost of a baby-sitter in your fee?�

She laughed. �My sons would take great offense at your name-calling. They�re twelve and fourteen -- almost fifteen. I�ve an elderly neighbor who keeps an eye on them for no charge.�

�Good.� He gave her a contemplative look. �Before I leave, just off the top of your head, do you see anything I could work on between now and Saturday?� He was tall and powerfully built. Unfortunately, his clothes appeared as clean as they could get, due to their hard use and age. One shirttail hung over his belt, the other had been haphazardly tucked into his waistband.

She twirled her finger in a circle, indicating he should turn around. He complied and she moved up behind him. Reaching high she lightly smoothed the chambray fabric along his shoulders, down the length of his arms to his wrists, noting the snug fit.

Her hands tingled.

She moved around to his front, gazed at his tanned neck and broad chest.

Her heart raced.

Then she made the mistake of meeting his eyes. Her breathing quickened when she noted his appreciative look. This wasn�t the first time she�d been this close to a male client before, but never had she experienced this heart-pounding sensation. This rugged cowboy was turning her on! So much for thinking his look earlier had been an innocent one. This guy was lethal to women, even with all of his whiskers.

The telephone rang, startling them both. Gina backed away from him, toward the phone. �Excuse me,� she said, snatching it up on the second ring.