“Okay, maybe I need to rephrase. Would T.C. or Reid be comfortable with you going to a bar alone?”
Her brothers? Was Cord actually comparing himself to her brothers? Was that how he saw her, like a younger sister?
She pushed away her outrage at the idea and focused on his question. “No,” she finally, reluctantly, admitted. “But the two of them would have known better than to try and outright forbid me to do something. They know how stubborn I am. They would have suggested we organize a group of friends and all go together.”
He took a step closer. “Is that what you want me to do?”
If she reached out, she could trail her fingers over his firm jaw. Or wind them in his shaggy hair and tug him closer for a kiss. Distracted by her thoughts, at first she couldn’t formulate an answer.
“Is that what you want me to do?” he repeated, his voice a silky low growl.
Suddenly every part of her body tingled. If she dared, she’d tell him exactly what she really wanted him to do.
No. Turning around, she stalked to the window. They’d been talking about going to check out the bars. “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Her comment came out a little more prim than she’d intended. Oh, well. She forged on. “This isn’t a fun night on the town, Cord. I’m looking for your niece. If I find her, how do you think she’d react if she saw you?”
“She won’t.” The pure masculine confidence in his voice made her smile.
“Fine,” she conceded, though less than gracefully. “You can come with me as long as you promise to stay in the car.”
“Agreed.”
“Good.” Her earlier weariness had returned, so she headed toward her room. “I’m going to go take a nap for an hour or two. I’ll see you later.”
He nodded, not commenting, though she felt his gaze on her until she turned the corner in the hall. This time, Truman didn’t follow her. She considered calling him, but knew Cord had been missing his dog.
Once inside her room, she hurried to the mirror, her cheeks hot and her body aching. For Cord. How wrong was that? Because what could be worse in the middle of this than to start a sexual relationship with the bounty hunter who’d been hired to bring her back?
*
The knowledge that Piper lay sprawled out in her bed unsettled Cord more than it should have. Restless, he puttered around the house, finally parking himself in front of his computer and checking email.
There was one from Fowler, asking for an update. Cord typed out a quick reply, simply stating things were going well. Which was the truth, although slightly evasive.
Once all his email had been read, he shut down the desktop and wandered into the kitchen. Glancing at the wall clock, he saw over ninety minutes had passed.
Still no sign of Piper. Briefly, he allowed himself to entertain the idea of going to wake her, but the way he instantly got hard told him it wouldn’t be a good idea. They’d both end up tangled in her sheets, assuming she wanted him as badly as he did her. Something told him she did.
Needing a task to keep him occupied, he began rummaging through his cupboards. He figured he might as well make dinner since they wouldn’t be going to check out bars until at least eight or nine.
He had the necessary ingredients to make one of his favorites—chicken stir-fry, so he put some jasmine rice in the rice cooker and got busy.
Half an hour later, the kitchen smelled wonderful, the dog had been fed and the homemade meal was ready. Eyeing the wok full of food, Cord’s stomach growled. Still no Piper.
Turning back to give the chicken one last turn, he debated. Maybe if he just knocked on her door and didn’t go inside...
“That smells amazing.” Piper’s voice, husky with sleep. “I didn’t know you could cook.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he said, turning. He kept his tone light while he took in the sight of her, spiky blond hair even more mussed and tousled, her green eyes still drowsy with sleep.
Sexy as hell. His body reacted with a vengeance.
“Sorry about the long nap,” she said, yawning and stretching, which only served to draw his gaze to her perfect breasts. With a jolt of lust, he realized she wore no bra underneath her oversize T-shirt. His body responded, of course. Tightened and swelled. So much so, it was painful.
“Are you hungry?” he managed, well aware he needed to stick to the mundane. “I hope so, because dinner’s ready and I’m starving.”
“I could eat,” she said, grinning. As she moved toward the table, he couldn’t help admiring her cute, heart-shaped backside. Damn. If he got any harder, he would shatter. Clenching his teeth, he averted his eyes. “Let me dish you up a plate.”
Without waiting for a response, he did just that. Made two plates and, even though he could barely walk, carried them over to the table.
He plunked hers down in front of her, along with a fork and paper napkin. Then he slid into a chair, praying she hadn’t noticed the massive bulge in the front of his jeans.
A quick glance showed she seemed entranced by the food. She inhaled deeply before picking up her fork. “Amazing.” Stabbing a piece of chicken, along with a sliver of carrot and a snow pea, she took a bite. Chewing slowly, the little moan of pleasure she made did nothing to help dampen his arousal.
“That is so good.” Completely unaware of his state, she smiled at him. “You make a mean stir-fry, Cord Maxwell.”
Hell. Even the way she drawled his name turned him on. What the hell was the matter with him? In a few hours, they were going in search of his missing niece, and he needed to keep his act together.
He grabbed his fork and started shoveling food into his mouth, barely tasting it.
“Are you okay?” she asked, making him realize she’d stopped eating and, fork in hand, eyed his nearly empty plate.
“I’m really hungry.” He’d gotten skilled at answering truthfully without giving everything away. “As a matter of fact, I’m going for seconds. How about you?”
“No, thank you.” At least she’d turned her attention back to her meal. And his arousal had subsided somewhat. Thankfully.
He ate the second helping slower while standing up. Though she glanced at him, she didn’t comment until he’d finished.
“That was really great.” Pushing to her feet, she brought her now empty plate over to the sink.
“I’ll wash up,” he told her, leaning in to take her plate and getting a whiff of some kind of body lotion that smelled like strawberries instead of peaches. Of course his body reacted instantly.
“Great.” She ruffled her still-mussed hair. “I’m going to go get cleaned up and dressed for checking out bars. I thought we’d leave around eight.”
He answered in the affirmative and got busy rinsing dishes. A few minutes later he heard the shower start up and tortured himself with visuals.
This had to stop. He didn’t know how much more he could take. Maybe if the two of them actually gave in to the desire that blazed to life every time they got close to each other, they could get it out of their systems.
He decided he’d mention that to her after they got back from searching for Renee. While he hated to be pessimistic, he seriously doubted they’d have much luck. Wherever his niece had taken off to, he’d begun to believe it was far, far away from here.
Dishes put away, dishwasher running, he wiped down the countertops and eyed the damn clock again. He wasn’t one for waiting around to take action. Time actually had begun crawling.
At least he only had fewer than thirty minutes before they left.
Wandering into the living room, he clicked on the TV. A mindless sitcom might be the perfect distraction.
And then Piper strode into the room wearing a short skirt, sexy high heels and a tight, plunging shirt that left little to the imagination.
His heart stopped, right before a bolt of pure lust restarted it. And then he pictured her walking into a bar—alone—dressed like that. Every man in the place would have exactly the same rea
ction.
“That bad, huh?” she asked drily.
“What?” He blinked, needing to clear the red fog of desire.
“My outfit. I take it you don’t like it. You look like you swallowed something bitter.”
He cleared his throat. “Uh, no. It’s nice. Too nice. Is it really necessary to dress like that?”
“Oh.” Tugging her blouse up, she gave him a wry smile. “Too low cut?”
Just like that, he snapped out of it. “You’re a grown woman,” he said with a shrug. “If you feel it’s appropriate, who am I to disagree?”
“Okay, fine.” She flicked a little clutch purse at him. “If you’re ready, let’s go.” She waited, watching him expectantly, though her happy smile had vanished and he felt like a jerk for killing it.
“I’m ready.” Still way too aroused, he stood. “Piper?”
“Yes?” She turned her head, glancing at him over her shoulder.
“There’s nothing wrong with your outfit.”
A flicker of that smile, quickly gone. “That’s it? That’s the best you can do?”
He took a step closer, then another. “No. I can do this.” Reaching out, he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her to him. She didn’t resist, though she stumbled in her sky-high heels.
“What are you doing?” Her voice had gone faint, desire glazing her eyes.
“Showing you exactly how you’re going to affect men when you walk into a bar looking as sexy as you do right now,” he growled.
“Now, that’s a compliment,” she began. She never got to finish, because he pulled her to him, claiming her mouth with a desperate sort of possession he didn’t want to think too much about. Not right now.
Her mouth opened as she yielded to him. He deepened the kiss, tangling his hand in her short, sexy hair as he inhaled her scent—still strawberries, and fought to keep from pushing her up against the wall and burying himself deep inside her.
“Okay, stop.” Breathing hard, she pushed him away, her expression dazed but determined. “Your attempt to distract me, for whatever reason, won’t work. I just put lipstick on. We’ve got a full night ahead of us. I’d like to get started.”
Fighting to get his body under control, all he could manage was a nod. He followed her out the door to her car and climbed in the passenger seat.
The first bar they went to was a bust. The instant Piper stepped inside, she knew she wouldn’t find Renee here. In fact, when she looked around, she was probably the youngest person there. Hard-core drinkers and loners dotted the smoky interior. Even the guy working behind the bar appeared to be drunk or stoned.
She supposed she was lucky that no one even looked up when she came in. Except the bartender, who cocked one eyebrow at her but didn’t speak.
Back in the car, she drove to the second spot she’d mapped out. The crowded parking lot told her this place would be a better choice. “Fingers crossed,” she said.
Cord nodded. “I’ll be right here. Let me know if you need me.”
“I will.” She took a deep breath and headed in.
The instant she stepped inside, she got a good vibe. The DJ played current hits and the small dance floor was packed. Despite the deafening music, everyone appeared happy. No one even gave her a second glance as she scanned the room.
There. The young woman behind the bar. Pulling out her phone, Piper checked the photo she’d had Cord text her. Yep. She’d found Renee.
Chapter 8
Now what? As Piper made her way toward the bar, a determined man in a suit stepped in front of her. “Let me buy you a drink,” he said, leering down her blouse.
She wished she could swat him away like a mosquito. Since she couldn’t, she simply smiled sweetly and said no. When he persisted, she told him she needed to tell him a secret and to lean in. Then, mouth close to his ear, she said, “When I yell run, you’d better do it. Because in about ten seconds, my linebacker boyfriend is going to come out of the men’s room and see you bothering me. It won’t be pretty. The last guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer is still in the hospital.”
Eyes wide, he backed away so quickly she had to stifle a laugh. “Sorry,” he mumbled, disappearing into the crowd.
Moving as quickly as she could, Piper wound through the press of people and made it to the bar. She climbed up on the single remaining stool and smiled at Renee.
Renee smiled back. “Love your hair,” she said. She had one piercing on the side of her nose with a diamond in it and the deep red of her hair was streaked with blue and blonde. This unusual color combination actually worked, bringing out the brightness of her hazel eyes.
“Thanks.” Due to the volume of the noise, Piper had to practically shout. “I like yours, too.”
“What can I get you?” Renee asked. “I make a mean margarita. I promise it’ll be one of the best you’ve ever had.”
“Great. I’ll take one.”
While Renee went to make the drink, Piper eyed her, trying to figure out what to say or do now. She knew instinctively if she told the younger girl the truth, that her uncle waited in the car, Renee would get spooked and take off.
A moment later, Renee brought the margarita. “Here you go. Listen, if you want to start a tab, that’ll be fine. Todd over there will be taking over for me.”
“Is your shift over?”
Renee nodded.
“I don’t want a tab. Can we settle up before you leave?”
“Sure, no problem. Give me a second.” At least that would stall her for a minute. While Renee worked on a computerized machine, Piper sent Cord a text.
She’s here. About to get off work. Watch for her to leave in a few minutes.
He texted back one word—Okay.
Heart pounding, Piper prayed her hands didn’t shake as she handed over cash, plus tip. Renee smiled and thanked her.
“You haven’t even tasted your drink,” she chided.
“Oh, sorry.” Hating that she felt so flustered, Piper took a gulp of her margarita. “Wow.” She took another. “That is really good.”
Renee beamed. “I can’t explain, but tending bar is like a dream for me. I’ve wanted to do this ever since I was a little kid.”
“A little kid?” Propping her chin in her hand, Piper studied her. Except for her height, Renee looked nothing like her uncle. With her bright red hair, fair skin and freckled nose, she must resemble her father.
“That seems an odd goal for a small child to have.”
“Maybe.” Renee shrugged. “But my mom used to take me to bars a lot. She’d leave me there while she flirted or danced with men and I always watched the bartender. They were everyone’s friend. They listened, brought drinks and cleaned up messes. If we went to the same place a lot, they got to know me and kept an eye on me, too. I always felt like they were sort of guardian angels.”
Moved, Piper reached across the bar and lightly touched the back of Renee’s hand. “That’s kind of sad, you know. But heartwarming, too.”
“Do you think?” Clearly done talking, Renee moved away. “You have a good rest of your night, all right? If you need another drink, Todd will fix you up.”
Piper watched until Renee disappeared, going through double doors to an area marked Employees Only.
“So that’s why you dissed me.” The guy in the suit was back, sneering. “You like the ladies. I don’t see a boyfriend.”
Piper got up, drank the rest of her margarita in a few gulps—no sense in wasting a good drink—and turned to go. Hopefully if she ignored him, he’d leave her alone.
Instead, he grabbed her arm. Hard. “Don’t walk away when I’m taking to you.”
She jerked herself free. “Leave me alone. I’ve already made it clear I’m not interested. Don’t make me scream.”
He appeared startled that she’d even consider doing such a thing. But at least he didn’t try to stop her as she made her way toward the door.
Outside, she hurried over toward her car. She made it just about halfway when her r
ejected suitor rushed up to her and shoved her, knocking her to the ground.
Stunned, knees and hands bleeding, she struggled to get up. Before she could, she saw Cord out of the car and barreling toward the suit guy.
By the time she’d made it back to her feet, Cord had punched the other man in the jaw, sending him to the asphalt. He yanked him back up, propelling him over to Piper. “I think you owe her an apology,” he snarled.
“Sorry.” Surly, but more than she’d expected. A guy like him seemed the type to keep fighting, even when outmatched.
“Apology accepted.” She—they—needed him to go away. From the corner of her eye, she saw Renee exiting the building.
“I’ve got to go,” she said, limping over toward the younger woman as fast as she could.
Behind her, suit guy called her an unflattering name. Though she didn’t look back, she’d just bet that next sound was Cord’s fist connecting with dumb-ass’s jaw again.
“Excuse me,” Piper called out. “Some guy just attacked me in the parking lot. I’m not sure what to do.” She stopped under a light pole, so Renee could see the full extent of her damage.
Renee turned, her eyes widening as she took in Piper’s bloody knees, torn skirt and scraped palms. “Where is he?” she asked, pulling out her phone as she scanned the parking lot. “I’ll call the police.”
Piper saw the second Renee recognized Cord. She stiffened, looking from Piper to the scuffle that still went on. “Which one?” she asked. “Which of those two guys attacked you?”
“The one in the suit,” Piper said.
“It doesn’t matter,” Renee spoke into her phone, giving the address. “I’ve just called 9-1-1. The police are on their way. I’ll have both of them arrested.”
The police? Piper panicked. If they recognized her—and they probably would, since Eldridge’s disappearance and suspected murder had resulted in multiple APB’s being issued—they’d probably haul her in for questioning.
She couldn’t have that.
Turning to run, her ankle gave out and she fell again, this time with a loud cry of pain and frustration.
Instantly, Cord ran over. Renee stiffened, but she didn’t bolt.
Runaway Colton Page 10
