“That doesn’t sound like fun,” Megan said.

“Nothing’s much fun without you here. I might as well work. I miss you, Megan. Promise me that this is the last Christmas we’ll spend apart.”

Megan muffled a sigh. “I can’t make that kind of promise, Derek. Nobody can—unless they have a magic crystal ball.”

“Well, a man can dream, can’t he?” Derek’s chuckle sounded forced. “Are you still planning to sing at the town Christmas party?”

“That’s the idea. The Badger Hollow Boys are counting on me to perform.”

“In costume?”

“As Lacy? Yes. That’s part of the package.”

“But it’s a family event in a small town. Why not perform as yourself?”

“Because Lacy is more entertaining.”

“And sexier. You’ll have every man in the place panting for you. And sooner or later, one of them is bound to act on his feelings. You don’t know how men think, Megan. You don’t know what goes through their minds when they see you onstage in that cheap-looking getup. It’s like you’re . . . advertising.”

“We’re not having this conversation again, Derek,” Megan said. “Nobody wants to hear Megan Carson sing. I discovered that when I was auditioning for gigs.”

“But why not? You’re a beautiful, wholesome young woman.”

“That’s enough, Derek. I’m finished with this argument. And I’m tired. We can talk later. All right?”

“I’ll call you tomorrow night.”

“Fine.” Megan ended the call and fell back on the bed, her eyes gazing up at the ceiling. Derek was a good man, solid and dependable, she told herself. If she said yes when he proposed, he would always take care of her, always be there to protect her. Always.

“Take a chance, Megan.” Conner’s seductive voice echoed in her memory. “Climb onto this crazy ride and see where it takes us.”

But what was she thinking? Conner Branch was nothing but a charming player. His only plan was to give her a few thrills and drop her as soon as Lacy showed up. Lacy—a woman who only existed onstage and in his lusty, male imagination.

There were times when Megan was tempted to box up the wig, the makeup, the boots, the Stetson, and the beaded coat, toss them into a Dumpster, and walk away for good. But there was a certain magic in being Lacy; there was a sassy self-confidence that as shy, conservative Megan, she would never possess on her own.

Conner had said that he would call her. What would she say if he asked her out again? Would she be sensible and refuse to waste more time on a small-town heart-breaker? Or would she fling caution aside and take a chance?

She’d be a fool to see him again. But there was the memory of that kiss . . .

* * *