Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite)

by Larie Brannick

  A soft knock on the door brought him out of his musings. He hadn’t ordered room service, and housekeeping had already done their thing. Only one other person knew he was here. Pulling the door as far as the chain would allow, he glared at the jittery mouse of a man he’d recruited to do his grunt work who stood in the hall. “What are you doing here, Kipp?”

  “Mont…ah, Mr. Anderson, you said you wanted to know when the surveyors set up at the new location.”

  Jesus, what was this guy smoking? Patience, Monty, patience. He blew out a frustrated breath. “I said I wanted you to call me when they finished their work. I also told you I didn’t want to meet you here.”

  The other man fidgeted, shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Uh…sorry.”

  “Kipp, did you drive all the way from Big Rock to tell me this?”

  “Oh. Yeah. There’s some chick hanging out at that old cabin. Looks like she’s moving in or something.”

  Monty released the chain and swung the door wide open. “Get in here.” He grasped the other man’s arm and pulled him into the room. “What the hell do you mean she’s moving in?”

  Kipp jumped at the sharp crack of the door slamming behind him. “Dude, I mean, Mr. Anderson, I don’t know. She hauled some boxes in and stayed the night.”

  Monty’s contact at the courthouse said Meg was staying on the property. Surely she wouldn’t leave her cushy job in San Diego to live in a ramshackle cabin. He dropped Kipp’s arm and paced to the other side of the room. His investors were getting antsy and wouldn’t keep doling out cash on speculation. The legal dispute over the deed transfer was only meant to buy him some time until he could get her out of the picture permanently.

  While his existence had been a constant struggle to gain the slightest advantage, Little Miss Reynolds had lived a charmed life. Had stolen what should have been his. He’d been patient, biding his time until conditions were right to even the score. Looked like his timeline just moved up.

  “So…um, what do you want me to do?”

  Right. One more loose end to take care of. He turned to face the tweaking sycophant. “I need a drink, Kipp. Let’s go for a drive.”

  Chapter Five

  Meg felt her legs turn to rubber when Jake smiled and stepped closer to her.

  “Rex will be fine. The x-rays showed a clean break, and fortunately, he doesn’t have any other serious injuries. I’ve already cast his leg. He’s a little weak and bruised but should recover fully.” He hesitated. “He’ll be coming out of the anesthesia soon, would you mind staying with him while I get a kennel ready?”

  “Of course, I’ll help. And there’s a phone number on his nametag. Maybe we can call his owners when we finish, let them know where he is.”

  “Great. I scanned him for an identification chip, but he doesn’t have one. We’ll call once I have him settled.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and steered her towards the exam room.

  Unable to form words, Meg nodded. Was it her imagination or was his thumb stroking up and down her back while he guided her to the exam table?

  His sexy grin showed his straight, white teeth and made dimples in his cheeks appear. “If you could stay here to make sure Rex doesn’t try to move, I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay, sure.” She turned to check on Rex. He was out for the count. Poor puppy wasn’t going anywhere on his own.

  When Jake returned, he carefully lifted Rex from the table and made his way through the doorway, motioning to Meg with his head. “The kennels are through here.”

  She followed him to a separate room where a half dozen dog kennels lined one wall. Two Jack Russell terriers jumped up from their beds, tails wagging and ears perked up with curiosity.

  “These two are here for overnight boarding.” He lowered Rex gently into one of the pens and placed him on the blanket. The dog gave an exhausted whine and settled himself on the bed. Jake made sure he was comfortable then closed the door and stood, turning his attention to the other two dogs. “Hey you guys, how was dinner?” He rubbed each of their heads, his brown eyes alight with affection. “I’ve already fed these two, but I need to go out and check on the other animals.” He seemed to hesitate. “How about a tour?”

  She really should refocus on her to-do list and leave him to his work, but pleasure fluttered in her tummy at his invitation. “I don’t want to interrupt your schedule any more than I already have. I’m sure you have other appointments.”

  He shook his head. Dark blonde bangs fell across his forehead with the movement, and Meg had the urge to smooth them back. “I’m pretty much through with clinic for the day. I live next door so I’m available for emergencies.” He opened the door for her. “The other kennels are outside.”

  Meg knew she should get out of here, but her body completely ignored her brain. She followed him outside. They were greeted by the enthusiastic barks and howls of the four dogs housed in what resembled batting cages. “Are they patients, too?”

  He smiled as he entered the first one where a hound dog mix wagged its tail at Jake’s arrival. He affectionately scratched the dog’s head before running his hands across its ribs. “You’re finally putting a little meat on your bones, Polly. Good girl.” Jake looked back at Meg. “These are strays that people have found and brought to me. I make sure they’re healthy and socialized enough to adopt out.” He dumped out a large water bowl and grabbed a hose. “Would you mind turning on that spigot for me?”

  She spotted the faucet and turned the handle. “What else can I do?”

  Meg pitched in to help him feed the dogs, petting and playing with each one. His soothing voice and powerful, but gentle, movements mesmerized her the way it did the animals. Her heart melted, then sped up when he smiled and walked toward her, taking her hand as he steadied her way to the stables.

  Meg’s hand tingled, and her whole body buzzed with awareness as they walked the path to the corral. Her body had never responded so strongly to the simple touch of a hand. She was trying to make sense of it when Jake released her to open the gate.

  “Just wait ’til you see this.”

  She could tell by his grin that he was anxious to show her what waited inside. They stepped through the doorway, and the sight of the mare and her new baby took Meg’s breath away. They were absolutely beautiful. Jake went into the stall while she waited outside the stall gate. She held her breath as the curious, new foal made her way over and grinned when the little beauty lifted her head to get a better look at the stranger. Meg stroked her velvety soft nose and scratched the silky coat on her neck and behind her ears. The filly leaned into her hand trying to get closer. “You like that don’t you? You’re such a pretty girl.”

  …

  Something shifted in Jake’s chest when Meg cooed to the horse, totally at ease with the animals. “You’ve been around horses before?”

  “Yeah, I learned to ride when I was young, but it’s been a long time. Maybe now that I’m back…”

  “Back from where?”

  “I’ve been in San Diego for the last five years.”

  “That’s right. Your grandfather told me. San Diego’s a nice place.”

  She gave a noncommittal shrug. “It’s nice.”

  Nice, hmm? Jake sensed there was a story there, and suddenly, he desperately wanted to know what it was. He finished with the mare and foal and latched the gate. It didn’t take him long to check the other horses and replenish the feed and water. Hand on her back, his fingers itching to move lower to cup her luscious behind, he steered her outside.

  “It’s beautiful here. Thank you for showing me around.” She stepped away from his touch. “And for taking care of Rex. Oh, can we call his owners to let them know we found him?”

  “Thank you for bringing him to me, and yes, let’s go call. They’re probably worried.” Jake hoped the dog’s owners would be happy to hear from him and it wouldn’t be a case of abandonment. “Come on. We’ll use the phone in my office.” Back inside, Jake picked u
p the collar off the counter where Meg had left it earlier and checked the nametag. “It’s an out of state number.”

  “But how would he have gotten here? He looks well taken care of, and Border Collies are a smart breed. Surely he wouldn’t have just wandered off.”

  “It’s tourist season. A lot of people bring RV’s with the kids and pets. Maybe they’re out here on vacation and Rex got lost.” He arched a brow at her. “You know a lot about dogs?”

  Her smile seemed a little sad, and Jake wanted to hug her close and comfort her. “We had a Border Collie when I was growing up. I just remember how smart Skip was.”

  Jake dialed the number and got an answering machine for the Taylor residence. He left a message detailing what had happened and gave the clinic number as well as his cell phone number. “I guess now all we can do is wait.”

  “Right.” Meg’s eyes darted around the room, looking everywhere but at him. “Listen, Jake.” She finally focused on his face. “About yesterday. I’m sorry for the way I acted. I haven’t really been myself and wasn’t expecting to see anyone else in the canyon. I apologize.”

  “Hey, you had every right to be startled. And I understand you being upset. You’d just lost your grandfather and weren’t expecting to find some guy making himself at home on your property.” Sadness deepened her incredible eyes, and the urge to pull her into his arms was so strong he had to stuff his hands in his pockets to keep from grabbing her. “I was there for the same reason, you know, to feel close to him. I didn’t find out about John until a few days ago, I didn’t even know about the funeral or I would have been there.”

  They stared at each other for a long time, neither one breaking eye contact until Meg’s phone chimed and broke the silence. “I should be getting back to my errands.” Meg stepped away. “Would you mind if I say goodbye to Rex before I go?”

  Jake scrambled for something to say. Some way to keep her here with him. He wasn’t ready for her to leave. “Sure. I’ll come with you.”

  Rex was resting peacefully in the kennel. Jake’s heart skittered as Meg stroked the dog’s fur. The look on her face nearly crushed him. Her lush bottom lip trembled slightly, and she sighed as if the weight of the world were on her shoulders. He brushed his fingers over her arm. “Hey. You okay?”

  She turned to him and smiled shakily. “Sorry. You probably think I’m some kind of emotional flake.”

  He shook his head. “You’ve had a lot to deal with lately. That you took the time to rescue Rex and bring him here tells me you’re anything but a flake.”

  After latching the door, he touched her elbow. “Have dinner with me.” The words were out of his mouth before he realized he’d been thinking them, but he was glad he’d said them.

  Meg’s eyes widened, but she didn’t pull away. “Oh. Well, I really should be getting back to the cabin.”

  “Come on. You’ve been helping me all afternoon, and I’m starving. What do you say?” He loved the way she bit her bottom lip when she was thinking and wanted nothing more than to take over the task himself. “Please?’

  “Okay. Thank you. That would be nice.”

  Jake hadn’t realized he’d been holding his breath until he felt his lungs relax at her answer and couldn’t suppress his smile. “Great. Let me wash up and we’ll go.” They walked out of the clinic into the late afternoon sunshine, and he guided her across the lot toward the house. “You’re welcome to come in and freshen up.”

  Meg ran a hand over her hair before smoothing the front of her shirt.

  “I mean, you look great. I just thought you might—”

  She gave him a skeptical look then smiled. “Nice save. I’m a mess. We could always hit a drive-thru.” She turned and headed for her car.

  Jake felt a jolt of panic that she’d changed her mind until he realized she was only getting her purse. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she walked back to him and felt his guard slip another notch.

  …

  Meg emerged from Jake’s bathroom feeling refreshed after washing her face and putting her hair up. She took an extra minute to apply a coat of mascara and a quick sweep of lip gloss. The sun had pinkened her cheeks, giving her a pleasant glow. She walked down the hallway to the large living room, expecting Jake to be waiting for her, but instead, found herself alone in the beautiful room. The space was still bright from the early evening sun, the south facing windows letting in the light without taking the sun’s full heat. A few simple but tasteful southwestern prints hung on the eggshell walls, and comfortable-looking leather furniture was arranged around a large entertainment center. It took up one full wall, and she walked over to it where a few photos were grouped on the shelves.

  In one, Jake stood smiling in his graduation cap and gown with an older couple she guessed to be his parents. In another, he was dressed in ski pants and jacket on the side of a snowy slope, his arm around a beautiful chestnut-haired woman, both grinning ear to ear. There were a few more of his parents and one of a man who resembled Jake posed with what she assumed were his wife and two blonde little boys. Jake’s brother maybe? Several medical reference manuals as well as some mystery novels and some westerns took up the shelves. Her gaze drifted back to the picture of Jake and the brunette on the ski slope, and she felt a pang of jealousy. Ridiculous since she’d only met him a day ago, but there it was all the same.

  Footsteps in the hallway alerted her to Jake entering the room. “Oh, there you are. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.” He’d changed clothes and now stood in the doorway in jeans and a black polo shirt that fit his broad chest perfectly, the short sleeves showing off his well-muscled arms. Damn.

  “No, but honestly, you would have been worth any wait. You look incredible.”

  Heat crept up her neck, the blush warming her face. “Thank you.” The man was freaking edible himself.

  He stood next to her. “You’ve probably figured out that this is my family.” He pointed to his graduation picture. “My parents, Robert and Linda. This one is my brother, Jared, and his family, and this one is me and my sister, Jenny, a few years ago on a ski trip to Aspen.”

  Meg nodded and tried to listen as Jake spoke about the pictures, but all she heard was that the woman in the photo with him was his sister. Her heart did a little happy dance, and the inexplicable jealousy went away. “You have a beautiful family, Jake.” She felt the familiar pinch in her chest when she remembered that she was alone. Her family was all gone now.

  “Yeah, they’re pretty great. We’re kind of all spread out now, but we try to get together at least a couple times a year.” Jake placed his hand at Meg’s elbow and started moving toward the door. “I don’t know about you, but I’m past the point of being hungry. How do you feel about Italian?”

  “At this point, I’d be happy with Chef Boyardee.” His callused fingers caused a pleasant friction against her bare skin, the tingle spreading clear to her toes. Her sandal caught on an area rug, and she stumbled. Jake’s hold on her arm tightened, keeping her from falling on her face. Very smooth, Meg. Why was she so nervous? It’s not like this was a date or anything.

  “You must be feeling faint from hunger.” He laughed. “We’d better feed you.”

  No, she was simply a klutz who couldn’t walk and think about sex at the same time. But she could hardly admit that to Jake. “I wish that were the case. My grandpa used to tease me that I could trip over a cordless phone.”

  They laughed as he led her out to his pickup truck. It sat higher than her old station wagon, and he helped her climb into the cab by putting his hand on her waist to help steady her on the running boards. When she was seated, he leaned over her, reaching for the latch on her seat belt. “Sorry, this thing tends to stick. I’ve been meaning to get it replaced.”

  That crazy electricity thing was happening again where he touched her, and she found herself a little breathless as his arm skimmed across her shoulder. If she turned her body an inch, he would have made contact with her breast. Her nipp
les hardened at the thought, and she had to fight the urge to cross her arms. Thankfully, the trip into town didn’t take long since traffic had died down on the highway, and Meg relaxed.

  Main Street was crammed with cars parked bumper to bumper for several blocks, and Meg didn’t hold out much hope of finding a parking space. Jake drove past a small, rustic stucco and rock building with a patio on three sides packed with diners at the outdoor tables. He slowed and turned left on the side street and then again into the alley and pulled up near the back door of the building. That killer smile attracted her gaze. “This is it. I know it doesn’t look like much, but the food is awesome, and the owners are great people.”

  Meg noticed the Private Parking sign attached to the wall of the building. “Are you sure you can park here?”

  He smirked at her, “Sure. It helps that the owner has a soft spot for me.”

  Meg had no trouble believing him. She was quickly developing a soft spot for him, too. “How did you manage that?”

  “I nursed one of his prized Great Danes back to health after she delivered her first litter. Ever since, I’ve been considered one of the family.”

  “I hope it extends to more than parking. It looks packed in there. You think we can get a table?”

  “Trust me.” There was that smile again. “Come on. Let’s go in.”

  Meg fumbled with the seat belt latch for a moment before it released. She opened her door and stepped out, but her foot slipped on the running board. From out of nowhere, two hands caught her by the waist, and she fell against a rock-hard chest. Jake pulled her to him and set her safely on the ground. Curling her fingers into the material of his shirt as she got her balance, she leaned closer to the solid warmth of his chest and felt the steady beat of his heart beneath her hands. His grip tightened on her waist as he drew her closer still and she closed her eyes, took a steadying breath. God, he smelled good. Clean and spicy and oh, so male. When she opened her eyes, she found find him staring down at her as if he could see straight into her soul. The flutter of excitement in her belly made its way lower, tingling between her thighs. Her tongue darted out nervously, licking her lower lip. She held her breath.