The elevator doors slid open and there he stood before her.

  “Quay,” Tykira breathed, while silently cursing herself for the sultry, needy undertone in her voice.

  Quay stepped forward smoothly urging her back into the elevator car. “Did you accept the proposal?” He asked once the doors had closed behind him.

  “I did,” she confirmed, wincing when she noticed a smirk tilt the corner of his mouth. “It’s a great opportunity,” she managed to say, but found it impossible to maintain eye contact when he stood so close.

  “Are you sure you can handle it?” he asked.

  Ty’s temper flared. “Would you ask me that if I were a man?”

  “I would if you were a man who’d never done a job like this before.”

  “Bull,” she replied. His smirk only deepened. Tykira took a step closer, dismissing the way his deep-set eyes appraised her. She would give anything to know what he was thinking.

  “Good luck,” he whispered, and pressed the button to reopen the doors.

  Ty tried to utter a response, but the potency of the moment had robbed her of her voice.

  Taking great care not to brush against any hard, powerful part of his body, she gingerly eased out of the elevator.

  ALTONYA WASHINGTON

  is a South Carolina native and graduate of Winston Salem State University in North Carolina. Her first contemporary novel, Remember Love, BET/Arabesque 2003, was nominated by Romantic Times BOOKclub as Best First Multicultural Romance. Her novel Finding Love Again won a Romantic Times BOOKclub Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Multicultural Romance 2004. She presently resides in North Carolina, where she works as a senior library assistant.

  A Lover’s Pretense

  ALTONYA WASHINGTON

  To all the fantastic, beautiful readers

  who never tire of asking “Will there be a sequel?”

  Yes guys, prepare yourselves…

  Dear Reader,

  Thanks so very much for your overwhelming approval of the Ramsey family. I hope this latest Ramsey family sequel, A Lover’s Pretense, proves to be just as enjoyable as my other Ramsey romances. Hopefully, you’ll obtain more insight into this tumultuous family. Like his twin, Quaysar Ramsey was just as exciting to create, and I had a wonderful time bringing to life Quay and Tykira’s rocky and intense relationship. As always, I welcome your questions and comments. E-mail me at altonyawashington@yahoo.com.

  Be blessed,

  AlTonya Washington

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Prologue

  No way. It was impossible. It was simply not possible that this man could be any more magnificent since she last saw him almost fifteen years ago.

  Tykira Lowery pondered what was, to her, such a huge improbability as she headed into Damon and Catrina Ramsey’s immaculate country estate just outside Seattle, Washington. Ty had given in to her mother’s insistent demands that she attend the wedding of Quaysar Ramsey’s twin brother, Quest. The twins were the sons of her mother’s boss. In truth, she’d been almost afraid to say anything other than “yes” to the woman. Roberta “Bobbie” Lowery rarely demanded, never yelled and certainly never delivered ultimatums.

  But she’d done just that and Ty really couldn’t hold her mother at fault. After all, she hadn’t set foot in Seattle since leaving for college in Hampton, Virginia, in the fall of 1990. Bobbie had abided by her daughter’s wishes to not return to her home state of Washington, and had spent time with her only child elsewhere. Once Ty was financially able, she flew her mother out to one exotic locale after another. Clearly, Bobbie had simply been biding her time, waiting to play on her daughter’s emotions and guilt for never visiting home.

  But now, Ty owned up to the fact that it had been a mistake to give in to her mother’s emotional manipulating. As her cream pumps clicked across the gray and black marble checkered foyer and into the sunken ballroom, the ruffled hem to the skirt of her roseblush crepe suit flipping flirtatiously with her every step, Ty realized that she had indeed gravely underestimated how powerfully she’d be affected by being there.

  More specifically, by seeing Quaysar Ramsey again.

  The overwhelming sensation should have come as no surprise. She’d suspected that she’d be more than a little shaken to see him. Though she knew he’d be at the wedding, he was actually the last person she expected to see the moment she arrived.

  Tall and muscular, he had the power to make her feel incredibly small and feminine—something she never admitted to liking. But, being a woman two inches shy of six feet, feeling less dominant was quite often an exquisite luxury. Quay Ramsey not only had the ability to make her feel that way, but when he looked at her, she forgot every and anything else. Those bottomless, pitch-black eyes were set so deeply beneath the sleek brows that slanted above….

  He was still fierce looking and agitatingly arrogant. Confidence personified. He’d had no idea who she was—that was clear. When he’d almost hit her SUV with his car in the driveway a few minutes ago, she’d reveled in the power of his confusion as she verbally slammed him. Of course, during her “verbal slam” she was constantly trying to hear her own voice above her heart, which beat a thousand drums in her ears. Still, she managed to coolly order him out of her way, and the look on his face was sheer delight on her part.

  The smug smile curving her full mouth diminished slightly. What would happen when he saw her again later? She hadn’t thought that far ahead. Uhoh, no time to do so now, she told herself. A woman who looked like Catrina Ramsey was eyeing her with that almost certain look of recognition. Tykira smiled and wiggled her fingers in a tentative wave.

  Quay was strolling back into the foyer. He jingled the keys against his palm and tried once again to place where he’d seen the woman from the driveway. He’d certainly recall having met someone like her—all that rich black hair, glossy and bouncing to the middle of her back; molasses skin just like his own. Although, he was willing to bet his last dime that her skin was supple and satiny with a soft desirable fragrance clinging to it…

  Dammit! Who was she? He wondered, glancing toward the keys again as if they held some answer. She knew him quite well as she’d been so kind to share during their run-in—no pun intended—out in the courtyard.

  Then there was her height. He liked his women tiny and curvaceous. Of course, that was a preference he’d developed in yet another vain attempt to keep his mind off of…

  Hold it. No way.

  “Can’t be,” Quay breathed, his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination as he bounded toward the ballroom.

  He scanned the crowd, knowing she’d stand out. After all, how many Amazons with silky midnight skin, amazing tresses and the most entrancing doe eyes could there be in the world? And suddenly, there she was, swaying to the soft classical tune the quartet performed from the alcove. His steps were halted just briefly before they resumed and he headed straight for her.

  How could he have not known it was her? They’d been in one another’s lives since infancy. Tykira Lowery had taken an immediate, surprisingly intense liking to the overtly sensual and clearly outspoken Quay—as opposed to his quieter, more serious twin brother, Quest. She’d loved him before he even admitted to liking girls, was Quest’s usual tease. Quay loved her, too, but a small voice warned him of the danger. He couldn’t let anything happen to Ty especially when his feelings for her were just as deep and overwhelming. He’d felt the need to protect her no matter the cost. Still, over the years, the man in him had daydreamed of Ty. He wanted just a moment, just one moment to allow himself to pretend they could be a normal couple—loving and living without fear. Quay knew she’d hate him forever afterwards, but he believed he could take that for just another minute in her arms.

  Tykira was laughing and slapped her dance partner’s shoulder.

  Yohan Ramsey, the groom’s cousin, feigned surprise. “Ow,” he uttered playfully.

  “Ow, is right if Mel walks in here and sees us. Stop holding me so tight. I don’t want her upset with me,” Ty teased, referring to Yohan’s wife.

  Like someone had pulled a plug, the happiness on Yohan’s dark face drained away. His eyes pooled with a sadness not to be ignored.

  “Han? What is it?” Ty whispered with concern, noticing his reaction.

  “It’s okay,” Yohan assured her in his deep voice. “Melina and I are separated. Hmph,” he gestured and shook his head slightly as though he were in a state of disbelief. “It’s been six years. We should be divorced.”

  Ty closed her eyes as recollection dawned. Her mother had informed her of the couple’s troubles and subsequent separation long ago. She searched his eyes with hers. “You wanna talk about it?” she asked.

  Yohan’s easy expression returned. “Some things are best left alone. Besides, I think my cousin wants to cut in.”

  Ty blinked and turned to find Quay standing right behind her.

  “Not quite, Han,” he said, curving his hand around Ty’s upper arm and leading her from the ballroom.

  Ty swallowed, trying to remain unfazed by the feel of his fingers snug around the crisp material of t
he tailored crepe cutaway jacket.

  “What are you doing here?” Quay muttered as they walked.

  “It’s your brother’s wedding day,” she reminded him. “Mama threatened to stop visiting me altogether if I didn’t show up.”

  At last they were on the balcony. Quay leaned against the doorjamb of one of the French doors and watched her. “Q’s wedding, that’s the only reason?” he asked, looking completely unconvinced as he settled his hands into the pockets of his black tuxedo trousers.

  Tykira’s temper flashed and she opened her mouth to retaliate. The sound of approaching guests stifled her remark.

  Quay must have figured they would be less bothered if they hid in a crowd because he took her arm again and led her to the dance floor. He pulled her into a snug, arousing embrace. Reminding herself how much she despised him, Ty tried not to get lost in how fantastic she felt in his arms.

  “How long do you plan to stay?” he asked, effectively casting a sour element to the dance.

  Ty rolled her eyes while silently warning her hands to remain firmly planted against his chest and not to venture upwards to choke his neck. “I’ll be here long enough to visit my mother and your family.”

  Quay tugged his bottom lip between his perfect teeth. “But not me?” he probed.

  “Why you?” she threw back.

  “Tyke…” he almost purred.

  When his right dimple flashed, Ty realized that he was taunting her. “You still enjoy hurting me, don’t you?” she asked, hating the way her voice wavered on the question.

  Something flickered in Quay’s black eyes but he masked it before it grew too telling. “Hurting you isn’t what I had in mind…unless you’re into that sort of thing now.”

  In a flash, Ty jerked out of his arms and laid a cracking slap on the side of his face. Infuriating her more, Quay only grinned while brushing his knuckles across his jaw.

  Ty shoved his chest. “You’re still the same conceited jackass you’ve always been,” she said, sounding as though the discovery really didn’t surprise her. Pressing a hand against her pearl choker, then brushing her fingers across the single button that secured her chic double-breasted jacket, she turned and made a regal exit from the dance floor.

  The room was alive with laughter over the scene and as Ty exited the ballroom, she heard someone remark that she and Quay were like fire and gasoline—a volatile combination. Amidst all the amusement, however, she never saw that Quay’s eyes were filled with the darkness of regret.

  Chapter 1

  Two years later…

  The penthouse office of Ramsey Group was alive with conversation and cheer. The executive members of the real estate conglomerate had gathered to discuss final matters concerning their largest project to date. Holtz Enterprises of Vancouver, Canada, had commissioned the group to construct a state-of-the-art, yet old-world style ski resort. The organization had purchased property in the mountainous regions just outside Banff, in the neighboring province of Alberta. They wanted a mammoth-sized, impressive, unequalled castlelike resort to sit high atop one of those mountains. The organization wanted no expense spared—nothing but the best. And Ramsey Group was the perfect choice. It was well equipped to oversee all aspects of the project including contracting and construction. The development division began working diligently two years prior and now the project was nearing completion. Another six to eight months would produce a destination like no other.

  While the actual completion of the resort was going smoothly, there was one aspect that still needed to be addressed: transportation. Holtz wanted a nonstop service to shuttle passengers from Calgary to the resort by train. The rail would travel up the foreboding mountainside to its peak. Ramsey didn’t build trains, so the question before them now was who could they entrust with such a gargantuan task.

  Quest, who was assigned with finding the rail design company for the project, believed he’d found his choice.

  “I’m leaning toward a design company out of Colorado,” he said, standing at the head of the long rectangular conference table. “They’re very well known in the rail community in spite of the fact they’ve only been incorporated for five years. I want you guys to look over their portfolio,” he said, passing a stack of packets around the table. “I’d like your decisions by Wednesday’s meeting.”

  Everyone at the table nodded their agreement. Some were already tearing into the packets and reviewing the enclosed material.

  “If there are no other questions…?” Quest prompted, his sleek brows rising as he paused for reactions. “In that case, meeting adjourned,” he said when no one spoke up. “Quay? Wait up, man,” he asked, before his brother headed out with the rest of the group.

  Quay shook hands with Russ Anderson, one of Ramsey’s chief architects. They made plans for drinks later that week. Then Russ left, closing the door behind him.

  “What’s up?”

  Quest watched his twin perch on the corner of the long table. Then, bowing his head, he cleared his throat softly. “I’m leaning toward Tyke Designs to build the rail,” he announced.

  “Tykira?” Quay breathed, his black eyes narrowing as he spoke. Sure, he was well aware that she was in the business. Aside from Quest and perhaps Mick, no one knew how closely he’d kept tabs on the woman since seeing her two years ago at his brother’s wedding. “Why?” he asked, watching Quest shrug.

  “Her company is impressive as hell. Innovative and fresh,” Quest raved, taking his place on the opposite corner of the table. “They’re a highly sought after group and I don’t think we’d be disappointed.”

  “Cut it. You know that’s not what I meant.”

  “Well that’s what I meant,” Quest countered, his gray stare sharpening as he stared down his mirror image.

  Quay uttered a quick, humorless chuckle. “You, better than anyone, know what the situation is here. Why would you suggest this?” he whispered.

  “Quay, no one’s seen or heard from Wake Robinson in almost three years.”

  “Is that supposed to reassure me?” Quay threw back with cocky sarcasm. “Because it doesn’t.”

  “Get over it,” Quest suggested while shaking his head and reaching for the chocolate-brown suit coat on the chair behind him. “Once I hear from the rest of the team on Wednesday, I’ll be putting in a call to Ty.”

  “And you’re so sure they’ll go for this?”

  “I’m positive.”

  Quay gnawed the inside of his jaw, his dark eyes following his brother’s every move. “And you think the family is going to support this?”

  Quest’s knowing smile triggered his left dimple. “They all love Tykira, you know that.”

  Quay waved his hand. “It’s not about that,” he said, moving off the table.

  Quest studied the invisible pattern his index finger traced on the cherrywood finish. “Well maybe it’s about the fact that you’ve lived like a virtual hermit for over two years now?”

  “Dammit, Quest, does it matter that her life is at stake if this fool ever discovers how I feel about her?”

  “Ah Quay,” Quest sighed, not wanting to tell his brother that he was overreacting. That he felt his worries were unfounded. After all, it had been fifteen years since he and Ty had had any semblance of a relationship. Fifteen years since Quay had pushed Tykira away believing that he was saving her life. For that reason, he had no sympathy for his brother. He knew how deeply Quay felt for Tykira. “Have you ever thought of protecting the woman you love by keeping her close instead of shutting her out?”

  Quay’s hearty, contagious laughter filled the room. “Damn, you’re one to talk. Hell, Q, I said almost those same words to you back when you were about to lose Mick for good.”

  Quest smiled. Stepping close to his twin, he patted his shoulder. “Then I guess you already know what you have to do, right?” he challenged, and then left his brother alone to think.