McAllister Justice Series Box Set

by Reily Garrett

  He’d responded to her.

  He felt something, but any female with working lady parts could’ve produced that reaction.

  In counterpoint, instead of embarrassment continuing to degrade her self-confidence, determination stiffened her resolve. The foreboding detective had met his match, and she intended to make him understand it.

  She might lack the physical attributes that drew a man’s immediate attention, but Matt’s responses proved he considered her more than one of the guys.

  The scowl he adopted whenever heat infused his gaze after her sexual innuendos offered further proof that he cared, he wanted. Dark brows hunched together in a tight frown had become part of his façade to keep her at a distance. When she’d trampled his line in the sand, he’d buckled.

  “And so it begins...”

  Grit and an iron will muffled the heavy metal drumming in her skull. A hot shower would loosen her muscles and sober her thoughts. In order for her plan to succeed, she needed help.

  No one knew more about driving men crazy than Alena, with Lexi running a close second. Years of Alena warning, “Someday you’ll appreciate your attributes and want to make the most of them,” now haunted her thoughts. That day had arrived on the wings of a hazy alcoholic residue and under the cloud of self-disgust.

  Rustling downstairs advised Matt was up and moving around, which meant she could indulge in a rare but favorite past time. Some of her best puzzle-solving solutions occurred within the warm, vaporous haven of a steam shower. The first time she’d seen all the jets and knobs, the luxury feature went to the top of her wish list for when she purchased a house of her own. She’d used it twice after long hikes, claiming it helped ease sore muscles. Matt had just shrugged and nodded.

  The fact she didn’t have clean clothes to wear aided her agenda as she padded to the master bath. Steamy water sluicing down her body melted away the tension and smoothed the edges of the plan forming. She was a woman who’d put herself through college and inserted herself into a man’s profession. No one with big tits and blonde hair was going to stand in her way.

  With the outline of her plan in mind, she dried off then toweled her hair dry. Natural waves had drawn Matt’s attention the prior evening, sifting his fingers through it before cupping her ass. The guttural rumble from his chest had weakened her knees.

  A devious smile twisted her lips as she gathered her socks and lingerie. Fate provided what she needed in the form of Matt’s soft denim shirt. The length was perfect, inches above mid-thigh. Before going downstairs, she sent Lexi an IM. Plucking ideas from a mind more convoluted than her own armed her with confidence.

  Biting the inside of her cheek kept her from giggling en route to the kitchen. With Gila draped around her neck, she padded down the steps, staying close to the wall to avoid any squeaks.

  Matt stood at the kitchen counter, drinking coffee and contemplating something out the back window. A wonderful aroma filled the downstairs. The posterior view revealed tension in his shoulders, as if a great weight had settled on his mind.

  “Hey, there. What are you up to?”

  He pivoted.

  Coffee spewed onto the counter. The resultant choking necessitated her patting him on the back as any concerned guest would do. Close proximity brought forth his masculine and woodsy scent.

  Suspicion and doubt anchored eyebrows hooked downward in scrutiny. “Um, getting ready to pack lunch for this afternoon. How are you feeling?”

  Hangover, lack of sleep, and horny wasn’t a wonderful combination. In light of his near-perfect shape and all the hard muscles combined with the assault of his unique scent, she wasn’t sure how or where to begin.

  She cocked her head side to side in considering her options. Waiting until he took another sip, she decided to keep him as off balance as possible. “Actually, pretty good, considering. Your bathroom shower has wonderful water pressure.”

  His noncommittal, “Hmm,” preceded his closer scrutiny.

  “I was wondering if you would mind throwing these in with your laundry. This particular set is my favorite.” And her only sexy pairing.

  The look of horror when she handed him the silky bra and thong paid for a dozen more pair.

  His coffee cup thudded on the counter, slopping the aromatic and life-giving fluid on the black and gold granite. “What game are you about, Katt?”

  “Why is it a sin that I don’t want to wear dirty clothes? Don’t you wash your own?”

  Instead of arguing, his jaw dropped and closed twice before he turned and headed toward the laundry room off the kitchen. After disappearing around the corner, a soft groan followed by curses brought Damien up from his bed.

  “Thank you. I assume we’ll stop by my house today and pick up my survival gear and more clothes? Also, I wanted to talk with Alena for a bit. She said she could meet me at my place.”

  Affirmation came in the form of a soul-searing rumble. “Just what I need, women ganging up on me.”

  You have no idea.

  Minutes later, he returned—in apparent control of his faculties. “I know you’ve done a bit of hiking recently, but this course you’re taking requires you to be in some semblance of decent shape.”

  “I think my shape is okay. What do you think?” Using her hands to smooth down her flanks and rest on her hips resulted in a fire smoldering in his gaze.

  His stalking approach forced her back against the counter with an audible gulp. Pushing him had proven the only way to elicit sincere if raw responses. She knew where his buttons lay and intended to stomp all over them. Lexi had confided much after Katt’s kidnapping, including the extent of Matt’s distress. The resulting bond had grown stronger over time, regardless of how much he pushed it away.

  Maybe taunting a predator wasn’t such a good idea.

  “Don’t, Katt. It won’t work. We both know I’m not the man for you.” He stood inches away, his breath laced with coffee, his gaze piercing her confidence.

  “Absolutely not. You’re like, ancient, right? Sorry about last night. You know how alcohol melts away the years.” If she hadn’t known him so well, she’d have missed the flash of hurt before something else, something darker, took up residence in his gaze.

  “As I was saying before you intentionally tried to derail me, this course entails not just basic survival skills, but will also test your endurance. Our recent hiking and canoeing will help. We’re going out today to do both. I want to test your tolerance levels before we leave Monday morning.”

  “We gonna drive out to Ruckle Ridge Loop?”

  “What? No. You’re not ready for that. The last thing you need to do is slip on moss and take a dirt slide. That’s a dangerous trail.”

  “Hey, I have good, sturdy boots, and we can use trekking poles. It’ll be fun.”

  “You also have a hangover. We’ll save that for another time.”

  “How did you get a spot in the course so quickly?”

  “The same way I helped you get a scholarship of sorts. I helped the owner out a few years back.”

  “Which means the owner is what? Blonde, built, and dumber than a door post?”

  “No. He is short, borderline genius, and intuitive as hell. I told him you’d stepped into something over your head and needed someone to watch your back. He agreed.”

  “Well, let’s have some breakfast. I’m hungry.” The queasiness in her stomach declared otherwise.

  Once settled into their former easy comradery, Katt was able to breathe without the quiet suffocation of Matt’s analytical observation. Breakfast passed in relative silence.

  By unspoken agreement, neither referenced Molly, her sister, or the fact that some prick had used her head for target practice. If trouble decided to come for her, there was nothing she could do that Matt and his brothers hadn’t considered.

  Hiking trails along the banks of Salmon River weaved through trees and late summer undergrowth. At times during the steeper sections, she used surrounding roots, boulders, and tree trunk
s for handholds to maintain balance. On their first break, a stop in a gorgeous moss-covered meadow of talus and scree took her breath away. The picture taken with her instamatic would make a nice addition to her collection.

  Ever present in the back of her mind was the recollection of her misguided B&E at Denny’s house. If the thugs who’d taken a pot shot at her learned her identity, they’d come for her in the same manner they targeted Molly. It didn’t solve the mystery of what they’d hoped to find. That something was small enough to fit in a drawer’s space. According to Luc’s interview with Solar Horizon’s CEO, they’d reported nothing stolen, nor were any critical processes near completion.

  “Stop it.” Matt’s command from behind halted her mid-step.

  “Stop what?”

  “Thinking about the case. You’re not paying attention to your surroundings.”

  “Of course, I am. I always do.”

  “Then why are you not respecting the rattle snake to your side?”

  “Oh, shit.” Katt jumped back, slamming into Matt’s chest. The warmth and security of his hands on her upper arms ensured she paused for a heartbeat longer than necessary while taking a deep breath.

  Narrowing her eyes, she turned and smacked him in the shoulder. “That’s not a rattler. It’s a gopher snake. Look at its tail. No rattle and the end comes to a fine point.”

  “The point is that you’re not paying attention. It could just as easily have been a poisonous snake. When you’re out here, whether with someone or alone, you need to keep your mind on what you’re doing. The rest of the world can take care of itself for a while. Got it?”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Again, he was right on target with a logic she couldn’t refute.

  It was impossible to maintain a blank mind, so she turned her thoughts to consider Matt’s point of view. He thought himself too old for her.

  By picking her time, choosing a slow and methodical path, and breaking their discussions into smaller segments of word chess, she intended to open his eyes. The two of them were much stronger together and could face any threat.

  “You’re using your longer stride to stress my endurance.” Thinking I’ll be too tired to test your resolve. They’d gone miles without a breather. “Let’s take another break.” Katt stopped to lean against an old oak tree, closing her eyes and enjoying the slight breeze against her face.

  “And you’re keeping up nicely. You should do well on at least that part of the course, but I wonder about your upper body strength.”

  “You’re welcome to check it out.”

  Sass was a function of their relationship. The ensuing silence, not so much. A slight roll of her shoulders relieved tension, as did adjusting the straps to her backpack. The process also thrust her small chest forward.

  She hadn’t heard his approach, yet when she opened her eyes, he stood inches away.

  “I intend to, Nugget. I intend to do just that. When you’re out on the course, you need to be aware of everything around you at all times.”

  “Changing the rules mid-stream isn’t fair.” The predatory gleam in his eye made her swallow hard. A breathless, pivotal moment ensued where she watched him weighing his options, discarding one after another.

  “Ah, but you need to learn that life is not fair. It can sneak up on you at the most inopportune moment and knock you breathless. What kind of mentor would I be if I didn’t at least teach you that much?” His eyes and mouth crinkled at the corners as he added, “Don’t play with fire, kid.”

  He stepped away, apparently unfazed by the proximity halting her breath. This time she closed her eyes in hopes of attaining mental balance. Score one for Matt.

  In treating her as a responsibility, he’d driven his point home on multiple levels. She should be more aware of a predator’s approach.

  He took the lead as the trail climbed at a steeper angle, switching back on itself with fewer places to rest. Sweat beaded her brow and upper lip, yet she refused to complain about the steady pace.

  Woodland wildflowers and dry pine needles laced the air to counter the scent of rotting, downed limbs while a few late berries provided a delightful snack along the way.

  “More water. You’re dehydrated.” He hadn’t even turned to face her, simply withdrew a bottle from his pack and handed it back.

  Twice more they’d stopped for a break, each with breathtaking views. The umpteen-mile hike included multiple secluded spots where hikers could take the time to cool off in one of the many swimming holes. They hadn’t seen many other adventurers yet.

  “How about we stop for a swim. What d’ya say?”

  “Not today. We’re here for a reason, and it’s not to play. Besides, I didn’t wear swimming trunks.”

  “So, wear your briefs and then go commando. Oh, unless you already are...? Either way is okay with me.”

  He pivoted and stopped until she stood nose to chest with him. His jaw worked from one side to the other, his contemplation waiting to take voice. “No, Katt.”

  “You and your brothers having a get-together tomorrow?”

  “You know we are.” Suspicion edged the uncertainty in his tone.

  “I was thinking about making some chocolate thumbprint cookies tonight.”

  Relief crossed his features before a small grin kicked up one corner of his mouth. “I love them. Make a double batch.” With a sigh, he turned and stalked forward.

  “Ya know, I can’t see Denny coming after me. I don’t think he was the one in the woods around your house, either. I don’t believe he’s capable of killing.”

  “Anyone will kill under the right circumstances. Don’t ever forget that, Nugget.”

  “Lexi said he purchased Molly’s diamond about six weeks ago. Unless he fooled me, which I don’t believe he did, that doesn’t sound like the action of a killer. It just doesn’t track.”

  “We don’t know how it all fits together until we have the remaining pieces.”

  “Are we going to rent kayaks or canoes when we get back?”

  “Canoe. Single. I like the open deck when I don’t know my partner’s skill level.”

  She smiled at the partner reference and wondered if he realized he’d referred to her as such. “Which means we’re going down a class one. Hell, Matt. I’ve paddled down class three rapids and avoided every obstacle, navigated tight passages, large waves, and strong eddies. I. Am. Not. A child.”

  “I’ve seen grown men go under who would’ve drowned if no one pulled their asses out of the water. It has nothing to do with age. It has to do with endurance and experience, and I haven’t tested yours. Until I do, I’m not risking your neck. Or mine. Period.”

  Treacherous footing forced her to concentrate on her step for the next hour, but the view at the top proved worthy of every stride. The beauty of the waterfall below them surpassed anything she’d ever seen.

  Even the burdensome mass weighing Matt’s brows appeared to have lifted as they settled to eat, the ledge overlooking the valley inspiring many return trips. Several times, he started to speak then shook his head and turned his gaze to the beautiful view.

  Not running the rapids didn’t mean paddling down the river was a breeze. Katt struggled to match his pace, grinning when he looked back and nodded his approval.

  Spray from the ripple and rush of spattering water cooled her skin and brought back memories of rafting in prior years. Laredo had challenged her to test her skills, their laughter ringing through the canyons.

  The afternoon proved cloudless and warm, a perfect day to enjoy nature’s gifts. They’d just edged closer to shore for a break when the familiar chime of Matt’s phone broke the idyllic moment.

  “Seriously? On your day off?”

  “It’s my brother. He wouldn’t call if it weren’t important.” One of the desiccant packets fell out when Matt removed his cell from the waterproof pouch. “Yeah, Luc. What’s up?”

  Katt couldn’t hear the conversation over nature’s watery serenade, so she occupied her time taking menta
l snapshots of the surrounding beauty. Several paddlers in kayaks waved as they passed on their way downstream.

  Matt’s jaw stiffened in anger with menace radiating from every pore. “When?”

  Closed eyes didn’t negate the growing rage enfolding him. After a minute of silence, he bowed his head. When he looked up, fury like she’d never witnessed blanketed his expression. “We’ll be back within the hour. I’ll stop by your place and pick him up on my way home. Are you sure Megan’s okay keeping him while I’m gone?”

  Katt hadn’t realized she’d held her breath until it exploded from her chest after he disconnected the call. “What’s happening?”

  “Someone broke into my home.” As if it were a mindless task to sort his thoughts, he picked up the paddle resting across his knees. “We’ve got to get back. Damien’s been drugged, but Megan says he’s okay. Before you panic, your little horror was safe in his cage.”

  “Was anything taken?” Katt struggled to paddle at her partner’s pace. Her arms ached with the effort, but she wouldn’t ask him to gear down.

  “Luc didn’t think so. They tossed the place, so it’s hard to tell. Said it looked as though someone thoroughly searched it.”

  “What were they looking—oh, shit.”

  “Yeah, I agree. It appears someone wants his jacket back. We still don’t have a match yet for the blood stain, but it is tangible evidence.”

  “Denny got the blood stain sometime Saturday night. Someone killed Molly several days later. Maybe the guys who found me in Denny’s house have tracked me.”

  “Possible, it’s all connected. Until we find Denny or Carina, we won’t know how.”

  They returned the boat and vests in short order with Matt’s focus persistently scanning the environment. Although she’d seen him in protection mode before, it still made her nervous.

  Reckless wasn’t a word she associated with Matt’s driving. If someone had broken into her home, she’d slew around curves and skid to a stop, too.

  Megan opened the door at Luc’s house before they could knock. It wasn’t until Damien wobbled over to Matt that he took a deep breath.