Alaskan Heat

by Pam Champagne

  The woman had enough insecurities to fill a number of dumpsters. Her brothers had gone overboard protecting her over the years. Now she doubted her ability to do anything with any degree of skill. Zilch for self-confidence. Why had Jeb and Cal shielded her like they had? If he ever met up with them again, he’d give them a piece of his mind. Even though they’d more than likely beat the crap out of him.

  The rest of the day he put himself on auto-pilot and drove, half-heartedly enjoying the stupendous scenery. He tried to formulate a plan for trapping Jack and Bob, but came up blank. He was counting on Dan and Maria to help him brainstorm. He munched on crackers and peanuts. After five hours, he admitted he missed Sophie’s chatter.

  When they rode into Whitehorse, Yukon Territories, a spark of exhilaration hit him. Tomorrow night they’d be in Eagle, Alaska. The days had grown longer the farther north they’d traveled. It was nine-thirty, yet the sky was bright. He resisted the urge to keep driving. Sophie needed a good night’s sleep and so did he.

  Ten miles outside of town, he turned into a rustic campground. As much as he craved peace and isolation, he once again chose a site near other campers. He reached across the seat and shook Sophie. She sprang at him with fire in her eyes.

  “Hey! It’s me.” Hawk stared into her unfocused eyes. “I’m stopping for the night. Must have been some dream.”

  The stiffness left her body and she yawned. “Sorry. Guess I’m jumpy.”

  “A bit. What’s for supper?”

  That earned him a small chuckle. “Leave it to a man. Always thinking of his stomach.”

  Amongst other things. Wisely, he left the words unspoken.

  Chapter Nine

  Sophie half-heartedly slapped together hamburger patties, putting off the inevitable phone call to Stan. She had at least ten voice mails and twice as many text messages. Tomorrow they’d arrive in Eagle. She had to find out Stan’s plan. She didn’t trust Hawk not to drop her by the side of the road as soon as they crossed the border. Bringing the burgers to Hawk to barbecue, she mumbled an excuse about making a salad and hurried into the camper.Stan picked up on the first ring. “Where the hell have you been?”

  “Hello to you too. Look I don’t have much time.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Whitehorse…in the Yukon. We’ll arrive in Eagle tomorrow evening. I need information. Hawk’s not going to give up and come in from cold.”

  “That’s too bad. Our people in Alaska have been monitoring the situation in Eagle. The news isn’t good.” Uneasiness in his voice carried through the phone line.

  Dread mushroomed, filling her chest. She closed her eyes and leaned against the counter. His next words clogged her air passages.

  Stan grew impatient. “Are you listening?”

  “Yes, but I can’t—”

  “You can do this, Sophie. You have no choice.”

  No. I. Can’t. She hated the subterfuge. She hated the danger. “I need to tell Hawk what’s coming down. Someone could get hurt.”

  “No!” Stan shouted. “He’d never agree. We do this my way. Just follow the plan.”

  “But—”

  Sophie slid to the floor, listening to a dial tone. Oh, God, she’d never be able pull this off. She’d fail like she always did. Regardless of the end result, when this was over Hawk would be lost to her forever.

  Engrossed in her misery, she didn’t hear the screen door open. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve run into Big Foot.”

  “What?” The warm concern in Hawk’s eyes pounded guilt through her heart. “Nothing. I’m fine.” She slid her cell into her pocket, avoiding his gaze, and lied. Something she was getting good at. “I just called Cal. As usual, he read me the riot act, telling me how crazy I am to go into the wilderness on a camping adventure by myself.”

  “Your brothers didn’t do you any favors by treating you like a piece of china. Come outside. Supper’s ready.”

  She stalled. “I haven’t made a salad.”

  “No matter. It’s late. Come eat.”

  Why did Hawk choose now to be nice? If she took one bite of a hamburger, she’d either choke or hurl. But she had to. Otherwise Hawk would know something was wrong, and she had to avoid that at all costs.

  Dragging her feet, she followed him to the campfire.

  At first, Hawk either didn’t notice or ignored her silence. He ate with enthusiasm and appeared at peace in his own world. Probably going over his strategy for tomorrow. Sweet Jesus. If he knew the truth, he’d…no, she wouldn’t think about it. How many times had she asked him to trust her?

  “Hey, you.” Hawk waved his hand in front of her face. “You going to eat your hamburger or play with it?”

  Sophie glanced at her plate, surprised to see she’d broken the bun and meat into pieces. “Sorry. I’m not very hungry.”

  Pouring coffee from a thermos they’d filled at the last stop, he sat beside her, handing her a cup. “Want to talk about it?”

  She sipped the hot brew, shaking her head.

  “Thinking about today’s near miss?”

  “Not really,” she said, forcing a smile. “I guess the whole adventure’s catching up to me. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.”

  Hawk laughed. “Every woman should come with an owner’s manual.”

  Despite her anxiety, Sophie joined his laughter. “Now that wouldn’t give women a fighting chance.”

  “Finish your coffee so we can hit the sack.”

  “Go ahead. I’m going to sit by the fire for a while.”

  Sophie fought not to pull away from his hand as it cupped her chin. His penetrating gaze searched her soul. “My radar is bleeping. Something’s up. If it involves me, I want to know.”

  “Not everything is about you,” she snapped, immediately feeling remorse. Hawk dropped his hand as if she’d bitten him.

  “Sorry. Good night.”

  He tossed his leftover coffee into the bushes and walked away. “Don’t forget to douse the fire.” He tossed the words over his shoulder.

  Well, shit. She’d alienated the man who’d stolen her heart when all she wanted to do was jump his bones one more time and let him bring her to heaven as only he could do. Perhaps now her treachery wouldn’t come as so much of a surprise.

  She set her plate on the ground. “Here, Rueger. Enjoy.” Then she helped herself to the rest of the coffee and settled down to gaze at the million stars in the sky, looking for an answer to her dilemma.

  Hawk lay in the bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. What the fuck was wrong with Sophie? Had talking to her brother put her in this funk? He doubted it. She’d dealt with Cal her entire life. More of his bullshit would make her angry. It wouldn’t make her withdraw. Well, hell. Screw it. He didn’t care. He wasn’t falling in love with her. She was just stuck in his head and, after tomorrow, he’d knock her out. Go on with his life. Alone.

  Almost an hour passed. What was she doing out there? He decided to go check at the same time the truck door slammed. He listened to Rueger getting comfortable on the front seat.

  “Are you awake?” Sophie asked as she entered the camper.

  “Yep.”

  “I’m setting the alarm for three-thirty. That way we’ll get to Eagle by late afternoon.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Sophie undressed. His cock hardened as he kept an eye on her. Her back tapered to a slim waist before the slight flare of her hips. Long muscled legs hinted at strength, complimenting her femininity. Why a man would prefer a pencil thin woman, no matter how humungous her breasts, was beyond his comprehension. Sophie was perfect. She yanked an overlarge T-shirt over her head, ending the show.

  After placing her weapon on a shelf above the pillow within easy reach, Sophie climbed into bed. Hawk’s heart took a nosedive. If she put any more distance between them, she’d fall on the floor. She’d brought a chill to the warmth under the covers that had nothing to do with the night air. He’d give his eyeteeth to know what
rattled around in her mind. If she didn’t want to share, he’d stay in the dark. He waited a good fifteen minutes to see if she’d relax before he took the matter into his own hands.

  He drew her rigid body into his arms. “Relax. I just want to hold you.”

  “We need to rest,” she mumbled.

  Were those tears he heard in her voice? “You’re too tense to sleep.” He kneaded her shoulders and massaged her unyielding muscles, until she caved to his ministrations.

  “Feel better?” For once in his pathetic life, his intentions had nothing to do with sex. Tell that to his errant cock poking her buttocks.

  Sophie flipped to face him. “I want you.”

  He drank in her tear drenched face. Tonight he’d put his own needs and desires aside and make love to her like she deserved. Sophie was a lady and it was time he treated her as such. He kissed her forehead, brushed a curl from her cheek, ran his finger across her lips and trailed it to her breasts. She thrust forward, filling his hands with her soft mounds.

  Hawk clenched his jaw to stop himself from ravaging her. Go slow. Show some respect. He captured her open lips and savored her sweet mouth. Despite the fire raging inside, he kept the kiss low key. Her tongue flicked his, and he almost shot through the roof. Tearing his mouth from hers, he burrowed his face in her neck’s hollow. He hoped to God she was ready for him, because he couldn’t stand much more torture.

  Her fingers curled around his erection. He groaned loud enough that Rueger growled. “You’re so sweet,” he gasped. Sweet? She was so fucking hot, he feared going up in flames.

  “Sweet?” Sophie questioned. He felt her smile against his throat. “Am I in bed with a stranger? Where’s Joe Hawkins?”

  He pumped his hips because he couldn’t help it. “I’m right here, sweetheart.” Okay. It was now or never or he’d come in her hands. He thrust his knee between her thighs and covered her body with his. Like a homing pigeon, his cock found her moist opening, and he entered her with gentleness totally out of character.

  Sophie was having none of it. Bracing her feet on the mattress, she lifted her hips and thrust upward until their pelvic bones met. Fully embedded, he grabbed her hips, preventing further action on her part. Damn. She wasn’t making this easy.

  “Hawk? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Just let me bring you pleasure.” He moved in and out with slow precision, stifling the urge to pound into her core until they both screamed their release. The kitten-like noises coming from Sophie’s throat didn’t sound like the beginnings of a climax, whereas he was ready to blow a gasket. Not sure if this was part of making love to a lady, he took a chance and pushed his hand between their bodies, finding her clit. His thumb worried the nub. Sophie moaned. Her body stiffened, and he knew she’d climax soon. Somehow he managed to hold back until he felt her spasms. He let go and sank onto her softness.

  “That was…umm…different.”

  Huh? Not “Oh, Hawk, that was wonderful. You made me feel so special.” What the fuck was going on? Not knowing the appropriate reply, he rolled off and snaked an arm under her body, bringing her close. “Good night, Sophie.”

  Chapter Ten

  On top of Stan’s horrific announcement last night and Hawk’s strange behavior, Sophie had plenty to mull over on the last leg of the trip to Eagle. There was nothing she could do except follow her instructions from Stan, even though she loathed what she had to do. She prayed Hawk would understand, knowing full well it was beyond the realm of possibility. Last night he’d handled her like a piece of Waterford crystal. What was that all about? She’d come to expect his wild lovemaking and, although she’d reached a physical release, she’d been left wanting more.So far today Hawk’s remoteness overshadowed his polite demeanor. A quick glance in his direction confirmed he was preoccupied. They’d talked earlier and he’d given her the plan. His plan. She’d drop him off at Dan and Maria’s, turn around and head back the way she’d come. If only they had another thousand miles to travel.

  “I’m hungry.”

  “I can pull into the next store, although this stretch of road doesn’t look too promising. How about I stop at the next rest area and make tuna fish sandwiches?”

  Hawk flashed a toe-tingling smile. “Thanks.”

  Sophie swallowed a mouthful of her soda and reached into the bag of chips sitting on the seat. She’d stopped at a deserted rest area about a few miles from the border crossing. “We’ll be at the border in a few hours. We need to figure out how to smuggle you in.”

  “I’ve been thinking about it. You drop me off five miles from the crossing. I’ll cut through the woods and into Alaska. Meet you on the road a few miles from the border.”

  “Nice try, but no go.” Did he think she was crazy? If she went along with him, he’d take off. Sophie all but shoved the remainder of her sandwich in her mouth, more for an excuse to drop the conversation than because she was hungry.

  “You got a better plan? Oh, I know. We’ll just politely explain to the border patrol that I have no identification. Lost it on the way. I’m sure they’ll laugh and wave us through.”

  “Trust me. I have it under control.”

  Hawk mumbled something she didn’t quite catch, other than two words: dream on. If he still didn’t trust her, then perhaps her betrayal wouldn’t hurt him when they arrived in Eagle.

  “Are you fucking crazy?” Hawk asked a few minutes later when Sophie explained her idea.

  Sophie drew a lungful of air. “It’ll work. I’m a federal agent. They’re not going to tear apart the camper.”

  “I could leave right now and do it my way.”

  Her heart somersaulted. The moment had arrived. From now on, she had to assume the role of an actress. Please, God, let it worthy of an Oscar. “Do it and I’ll turn you in at the border. You wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of making it to Eagle.”

  She expected hostility, anger or perhaps a bit of cajoling. She wasn’t prepared for Hawk to slide over to her side, his gaze sincere. “You’d do that…after everything’s that happened?”

  “I have no choice.” She’d meant to sound forceful. Instead her words were hoarse. “Please don’t make me do it.”

  Disappointment shone in his eyes. His thumb brushed away a leaking tear. “This damn well better work.”

  “It will.” The confidence of her reply belied the self-loathing tucked away in a corner of her heart.

  Sophie exited the truck and Hawk followed suit. He held himself stiff and unyielding, reminding her of a condemned man. Once in the camper, he turned. The vulnerability in his eyes nearly brought her to her knees. “My life is in your hands,” He said, and then climbed into bed and pulled the blankets over his head.

  The truck bounced, rocking the camper, as it advanced toward Alaska. Hawk almost felt empathy for Rueger who rode in here every day, but at least he didn’t have fifty pounds of shit thrown on top of him. Sophie had tossed duffle bags, blankets and God knew what else onto the bed. She might as well have buried him alive. When she’d ordered Rueger to jump up, he’d wanted to strangle her. He concentrated on breathing slowly, reminding himself he wouldn’t suffocate.

  The truck slowed and eventually came to a complete stop. Sophie cut the engine and the door slammed. Jesus. Why’d she get out?

  “FBI?” a male voice asked. She must have shown him identification. “What’s your business in Alaska?”

  “I’ve been transferred to the Anchorage office.” Her smooth answer calmed him a bit.

  “Got the transfer papers?”

  Shit.

  “They’ve been forwarded. If need be, you can call my supervisor back in Montana.”

  Don’t offer anything, damn it.

  “Nah. That’s not necessary. I do have to have a look in your camper. SOP.”

  Hawk willed his fast beating heart to slow. He’d give anything to wipe the sweat trickling down his face into his eyes.

  “Sure. My dog’s in there. I gave you his rabies certificate.
The camper’s a wreck inside, though,” Sophie rambled on. “I’ve been tossing my gear on the bed.”

  Jesus! She was actually drawing attention to where he lay.

  The man laughed. “These things are great, but you don’t get a lot of breathing room.”

  The door squeaked open. The camper swayed as someone climbed in. Too heavy for Sophie. Rueger’s deep-throated growl vibrated against Hawk’s chest.

  “He won’t bite,” Sophie assured in her sweet voice.

  The camper dipped again. “Yeah, well, he appears to be possessive. Probably a good thing…you being a woman and alone.” The door slammed.

  Thank you, God.

  A few minutes later, they were barreling down the highway. Hawk pushed Rueger off and fought his way out of his claustrophobic hiding place. A long fifteen minutes passed before Sophie pulled over.

  “Worked like a dream,” she said after she opened the door.

  “You weren’t the one suffocating under fifty pounds of gear and a hundred pound dog.”

  “Stop whining and get in the truck.”

  Hawk grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and jumped to the ground. They were less than eight miles from Eagle. His eagerness to confront the scumbags who’d made him a fugitive was paramount in his thoughts. That and his need to put an end to his life on the run.

  “You know how to get to Dan and Maria’s?” Sophie asked as they drove onto the Taylor highway.

  “Once we get to Eagle, I’ll ask directions to their place. It’s a small place, less than two hundred people. Dan described it as more of an outpost than a town.”

  “Okay.”

  Hawk wondered about Sophie. She seemed tense. No, more like nervous, but he was so into his own agenda, he didn’t have time to coerce her to spill her problems. When she dropped him off, she was leaving. No way, no how would he allow her to stay, regardless of the argument he expected.

  When he accomplished his mission and cleared his name, he’d track her down, ask her out on a real date and see where it led. He’d toyed with telling her that before she left, but decided against it. What if something went wrong and Blair and Reed killed him? No, he’d keep his mouth closed.