Less-than-Innocent Invitation

by Shirley Rogers

  He joined her, his mouth taking hers with fierce need. He wanted to make her his in every way—with his mouth, his hands, his body. He wanted her to feel as desperate at the thought of leaving him as he did. He wanted to brand her his in every way possible so when she did leave she would know that no other man would make her feel what he could.

  She arched against him as his hands explored her body, moaned as his mouth left hers and trailed kisses down her throat and shoulder to her breast. Sucking gently, he drew her nipple into his mouth, nibbled it with his teeth, savored her taste, her smell, her essence.

  He looked at her as she writhed beneath him, watched her eyes glaze with passion as she bit her lower lip. And still he moved lower, kissing her belly, her thighs, between her legs.

  Melissa’s hips thrashed as Logan’s tongue stroked her. Something had changed between them, something emotional and intimate and earth-shattering. The intensity of his lovemaking, of her response to him, took her breath away. Her heart swelled with love as he moved over her.

  She welcomed him inside her, tightened her arms around him as he slowly entered her. Opening her legs, she arched upward, wanting more of him than he was giving her. But Logan took his time, filling her ever so slowly. Hot and hard, building on the fire he’d created within her, he teased them both as he withdrew then entered her again. When she thought she could no longer stand it, he answered her unspoken plea and stroked her body with his over and over until they crested the peak of desire together.

  Feeling as though she’d never be normal again, Melissa ran her hands over Logan’s back, loving the feel of him on top of her, still inside her. Her heart shifted. She’d known becoming involved with Logan was dangerous, but she’d also known that she couldn’t have stopped what was happening between them. And as much as it hurt to think about leaving one day soon, she couldn’t regret loving him.

  Had she ever stopped loving him?

  Tears filled her eyes and she tried her best to stop them. Despite her valiant effort, they spilled down her temples and fell into her hair.

  Logan lifted his head and looked at her, his expression one of concern. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” she told him, hoping he’d believe her. She wasn’t surprised when he didn’t let the subject drop.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, his tone serious and caring. “Did I hurt you?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Really. It’s just…”

  I love you.

  Clamping her lips together, Melissa stopped herself from blurting out the words.

  Logan studied her face, his heart pounding. “What, sweetheart?”

  She couldn’t tell him. Confessing that she was in love with him would only complicate everything between them. He didn’t love her. And once she wrapped up the story, she’d leave. “I guess what happened earlier is finally hitting me.”

  “It’s over now.” He kissed her tenderly, then moved to her side and drew her into his arms. He didn’t want to let her go. Ever. But he knew in his heart he would have to. He’d asked her to stay once before and she hadn’t.

  Their circumstances were different now, but the end result would be the same. She lived in Houston. There was a big promotion waiting for her. He knew she had a future in broadcasting and that one day he’d turn on his television to see her anchoring for a major network. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he stood in her way.

  All those years ago he’d been selfish, expecting her to stay in Royal because they were in love. He knew he no longer had the freedom, or the right, to ask that of her. She cared for him, he knew. He could tell by the way she touched him, kissed him.

  But that wasn’t love—at least not for her.

  No, he couldn’t ask her to give up everything she’d worked for to stay here. He toyed with the idea of going with her to live in Houston, but knew that would never work.

  What would he do in a big city? How long would it be before his missing the hard work of ranching came between them? He was a rancher. Like so many ancestors before him, the dirt of the Wild Spur was in his blood. He’d feel useless anywhere else.

  Hell, if he offered to move, would she reject him as she had years ago? No, going with her wasn’t an option.

  Melissa sighed. “I know. I’m just feeling emotional, I guess.”

  “That’s natural after something traumatic happens.”

  She turned in his arms, raised herself up on her elbow and propped her head on her hand. “I suppose.” Tracing his chin with her finger, she said, “I’m glad you were there, Logan.”

  “I am, too, sweetheart.”

  “Do you think Rick will be able to get access to some equipment tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, it’s probably already set up. I’ll call Mark in the morning.”

  “I’d like to ask another favor, then.”

  Logan kissed her, then cupped her breast. “Anything you want.”

  “Mm, that sounds promising,” she answered. “But that’s not the kind of favor I was thinking of.”

  He dropped his hand to her hip. “All right, what?”

  “I was wondering if your contact at the station would let Rick and me do some work on our story there. Since we’re not on a schedule, we could go in any time they’d have the equipment available.”

  He faked a frown, then laughed. “Just my luck. I have a naked woman in bed with me and she’s thinking about work.”

  Melissa playfully smacked him. “I can always go back to Houston.” Afraid of losing what little time she had with him, she hadn’t wanted to leave until she was due to return to her job. But she and Rick had a lot of footage so far and she wanted to get some preliminary editing done.

  The thought of her leaving, even for a day, made his gut twist. Sitting up, he said, “I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

  “Great!”

  “What do I get in return?”

  She traced a path down his belly and caressed him. “I’ll think of something,” she whispered, then crawled on top of him.

  Logan groaned as she scooted down his body, kissing his belly, her tongue wet and hot as she moved lower.

  He wondered if she needed any more favors.

  “Joe Fisher is the manager of WRYL, your affiliate here,” Logan stated at breakfast with Rick and Melissa the next morning. He’d talked to Mark while Melissa was dressing and had learned that arrangements had been made for Rick and Melissa to use the station’s facilities. “He’s agreed to see you at nine this morning and to set up slots for you to use their equipment while you’re putting your story together.”

  “You’re quite the miracle worker,” Melissa commented, then gave Logan a sweet, yet seductive smile as she bit into her buttered toast. He’d worked miracles with her in his bed several times during the night.

  Rick cleared his throat, breaking the obvious spell between his coworker and his host. “That’s great.” Swallowing the last of his coffee, he sat back in his chair.

  Giving Melissa an impressed look, Logan told her, “Joe recognized your name when Mark mentioned you.”

  Surprise lit her eyes. “Really?”

  “Yeah, he said something about seeing some of your work. Mark said he seemed really interested in meeting you.”

  “It’s nice of him to help us out.”

  “As soon as you’re done, I’ll call the sheriff.” And the members of the TCC. They were planning to meet to view the video, hoping to recognize the figure.

  “I want to go with you to meet with him,” Melissa said. “I have some more questions I want to ask him.”

  Logan had started to speak when his cell phone rang. “Excuse me.” He left the room. After a few minutes, he returned and sat. “That was my foreman. There’s a fence down and about a hundred head of cattle free.” He released a heavy sigh. “I’m going to have to stay here and help round them up.” His expression became serious as he looked at Rick. “I want you to stick with Melissa every minute while you’re gone.”
/>
  Rick nodded. “I will. Don’t worry about her.”

  Melissa pushed her plate away. “Okay, you two, I’m sitting right here.” She pinned Logan with a stare. “I don’t need a keeper.”

  “I just want you safe. The best way to be sure of that is to have Rick watch out for you.”

  “I’m not in any danger,” she protested.

  His lips twisted. “We don’t know that for sure.”

  “But you suspect that the person who caused the accident was after the map. It doesn’t make sense that they would harm me.”

  “You and Rick might have caught the thief on tape,” Logan pointed out. “The thief might be responsible for killing Jonathan Devlin and may kill to get the tape. Until we know what’s going on, you stay with Rick.”

  “Do you trust Joe Fisher?” Rick asked.

  Logan had known Joe for years. “Yes,” he answered without hesitation.

  “Then Melissa will be with either Joe or me the entire time we’re gone.”

  “Thanks. And give me a call as soon as you have the tape finished.”

  Melissa pouted, but that Logan showed his concern for her sent a warm feeling all through her body. “All right,” she told him. “You win this time.” It was easy to give in to Rick and Logan because, at the moment, she didn’t have any plans otherwise. “But I do want to go with you when you talk to the sheriff. And don’t even try to talk me out of it.”

  Ten

  “What’s going on with you and Logan?” Rick asked, breaking the silence between them as they drove toward WRYL.

  “What do you mean?” Melissa asked coyly.

  He smiled at her and his eyes twinkled. “Sugar, you’re not fooling me with that innocent act. You and the cowboy have been joined at the hip since we arrived.”

  Blushing, she gave him a sidelong glance. “We’re old friends. We’re just getting reacquainted.”

  “Reacquainted in bed?”

  “Rick!”

  At the honk of a horn, he turned his attention to the road. “Look, the sparks have been flying between you two since the night of the anniversary ball.”

  “Oh, pleeeze.” She rolled her eyes.

  “The man wanted you that night. It was written all over his face when he walked up to you.”

  She shook her head and chuckled. “No, actually, I think he wanted to throttle me.”

  “Not hardly, babe.” The song playing on the radio filled the cab for several moments, then Rick looked at her again. “He’s been very accommodating since we’ve arrived.”

  “Yes, he has,” she answered softly. Melissa thought about Rick’s comment. Logan had been helpful. He’d gone out of his way to be open and friendly. For years she’d mentally forced him into a tiny box that he no longer seemed to fit, and no matter how hard she tried, he wasn’t going back into it.

  She still didn’t want to believe that she was in love with Logan again, but it was silly to deny it. Sighing as Rick turned right off the highway onto the main road that led to the center of Royal, she stared out the window.

  Where was her relationship with Logan headed? He hadn’t made any promises and she hadn’t asked for them. To believe they could have a happily-ever-after ending between them was foolish. In a few days she was going back to her job in Houston. Back to where she belonged.

  But after being here with Logan, living in Houston seemed a lifetime ago. She’d once thrived on the excitement of a big city, relished her work as a reporter, looked forward to achieving even more success with her job.

  Now she knew they were only replacements for what was lacking in her life.

  Love.

  Fulfillment.

  Logan.

  Maybe her heart would survive the trauma of living without him.

  She remained silent as Rick parked in the lot at the television station. One thing she couldn’t seem to stop thinking about: she’d never been happier.

  Getting out of the truck, Melissa waited for Rick to retrieve his camera from behind his seat.

  She was happy with Logan. She loved him deeply, cherished each moment with him. But that didn’t mean they had a future together, did it?

  She’d said as much to Logan when she’d pointed out they led separate lives. He hadn’t corrected her, hadn’t tried to make more of their relationship than the physical love they shared. That, more than anything, told her how he felt.

  Yes, she loved him, but he didn’t feel the same.

  So where did that leave her?

  Joe Fisher was waiting for Melissa and Rick when they entered the lobby. About fifteen years older than her, Joe was balding and had the kindest blue eyes of anyone she’d ever met. “Hi. I’m Melissa Mason. This is my videographer, Rick.”

  “You don’t need an introduction,” Joe said with a cordial smile. “I know exactly who you are. It’s so nice to meet you. And you, Rick. Please come this way.

  “Do you have time for a quick tour of the station?” he asked.

  “We’d love one,” Melissa answered for them. She could hardly say no, and besides, she’d been impressed by the décor. It was both professional and attractive.

  The station was smaller than theirs in Houston, but the technology was state of the art. Melissa complimented him.

  “We’re quite proud of it.”

  Joe led them through the engineering department and showed them the editing facilities. “Make yourself at home. If you have any questions, there’s an assistant production coordinator in the next room.”

  An hour later they were done copying the accident video. They left with two tapes: one for them and one for Logan. As they drove to the ranch, Melissa called Logan to let him know they were returning. He was standing in the driveway when they pulled up. Rick dropped her off, then backed his truck up and drove to his cottage.

  Melissa held out one of the tapes as she approached Logan, but instead of taking it he pulled her to him and kissed her. For an insane moment, she allowed herself to fantasize what it would be like to be greeted with his kisses for the rest of her life, to live on his ranch, to have his love for eternity.

  Aware that wasn’t going to happen, she banished the longing from her heart and kissed him back, telling herself she should be grateful for having the time with him now.

  “Mmm, that was nice. Care to take this inside?” Melissa whispered when Logan lifted his mouth from hers.

  Logan could think of nothing he’d like more. The thought of making love to Melissa consumed him. Day and night.

  What’s happened between us is wonderful, but it can’t last. We both know it.

  Melissa’s words haunted him. She’d made it clear she wasn’t expecting more than an affair. His gut twisted. For her, their affair was just about the sex.

  He didn’t have her heart.

  “There’s nothing I’d like more, but I have a meeting at the club in thirty minutes.” He moved his hips against hers, the bulge in his jeans pressing against her belly.

  “Really?”

  Taking the tape, he said, “We’re going to view this to see if anyone recognizes the blurred image of the person taking the map.”

  “I want to go with you.” Melissa held Logan’s gaze. “I know Gavin will be there. I want to talk with him to see if he’s learned anything more about what happened at the museum.”

  “I’ll ask him for you. I know he has another meeting to go to after this one. Maybe he can talk with you later today.

  “I hope so.”

  “I don’t want you waiting in the truck and you won’t be allowed inside,” he told her. “The club is for members only.”

  She snorted. “No women allowed? What kind of things go on inside there, anyway?” she asked.

  He grinned engagingly. “Curious, huh?”

  “As you said to Gavin, I’m a reporter. Maybe I’ll do a story on it.”

  Logan knew she was teasing by her playful expression but couldn’t stop the discouragement from coming out. “I don’t think that would be a good id
ea, sweetheart.”

  “What? You don’t want the world to know that you’re heroes who thwart crime and save damsels in distress?”

  “Heroes?” He laughed easily. “You have quite an imagination.”

  Melissa studied his expression and found it just a little too practiced. “My imagination is fine. As a matter of fact, I’m imagining myself naked, crawling on top of you and—”

  “Stop it, you’re killing me,” he said with a groan. Torn between duty and desire, he glanced at his watch. He cursed when he realized he had just enough time to get to his meeting. He kissed her pouty lips. “I really do have to go, Melissa.”

  “All right,” she said with frustration that was a little bit fake and a whole lot real. “Your loss.”

  “I’ll make it up to you when I get back,” he promised.

  “I’m going to hold you to that.”

  He grinned as she moved out of his arms. “I was hoping you would.”

  Mark Hartman was the last member to arrive. Though he walked in only minutes after Logan, who had just taken a seat a the conference table, he still got a good ribbing from his friends for being five minutes late.

  “Nice of you to join us,” Connor quipped, rocking back on two legs of his chair.

  “Yeah, it’s not like we don’t have other things to do,” Jake added with a laugh.

  Mark frowned. “All right, knock it off. I’ve lost another nanny and I haven’t had any luck finding a replacement.” He plopped into his chair and slumped down, looking both frustrated and worn out.

  “Someone will turn up,” Logan offered.

  Concern etched his features. “Yeah, but in the meantime my niece is having to adjust to temporary sitters. The self-defense studio is thriving and I need someone I can count on, someone who doesn’t mind taking care of her on the spur of the moment.”

  Tom gave him a reassuring look. “It’s not like you planned to raise a child. Losing your brother and sister-in-law unexpectedly was hard enough. Not everyone would have stepped up to raise their niece.”

  “Yeah,” Jake chimed in. “We all know how much you love her. You’re doing the right thing. Give it some time. It’ll work out.”