She nodded and turned toward the doorway. “Very well. Good-bye, Sheriff.”
“’Bye, Juliet.”
The door shut behind her with a sad sense of finality. Quinn Lodge glared at the damn cookies. What now?
…
Although early, the country-western bar was already hopping. The band blared a quick tune, and several couples two-stepped across the sawdust-covered dance floor. Juliet eyed the clear liquid in the shot glass from her table near the bar. “I’m not sure doing shots is such a good idea.”
Sophie shrugged and sipped her ginger ale. “Why not?”
Anne tipped back her head and downed her shot. “Yeah. Why not?” Then she sputtered, her eyes watering.
“That’s why,” Juliet said slowly. But what the heck. She grabbed the glass and poured the heated alcohol down her throat. The liquid rushed down and exploded in her stomach. She gasped and coughed.
Sophie smacked her on the back. “There you go, girlfriend. Now, did Quinn eat one of the heart-shaped cookies?” Her laugh competed with the band.
Juliet flushed. “Not while I was in his office. They just ticked him off.” She sighed. “I don’t think he’ll let anybody push him into forgiving me. This whole plan by the town is going to backfire.”
“I told Loni that.” Sophie’s eyes widened, and she slapped a hand over her mouth. “I mean, I, uh—”
“Loni’s in on this?” Juliet gasped.
“Yep.” Sophie nodded. “She likes you. A lot.”
That was just sweet. Her heart warmed. “Well, that’s nice.” Juliet brushed sawdust off the table.
The fast song stopped, and Dawn Freeze stepped up to the mic to sing a country ballad. The entire place quieted. Low and sexy, the young woman’s voice crooned around the room, creating a cocoon of intimacy. Several couples slid onto the dance floor.
Juliet leaned forward. “Wow. She can really sing.”
“Yeah.” Sophie grinned. “The guys hate her singing in a bar. Jake keeps trying to get her to sing more in church.”
Considering his little sister was wearing tight jeans and a black half T-shirt that showed very smooth skin, Juliet imagined none of the brothers like it much. Her gaze caught on a man across the bar watching Dawn with heated green eyes. “When did Hawk get back to town?”
“Last night. He’s on leave for a week.” Sophie turned as Colton plunked down a beer in front of Hawk. “Oh, great. There’s our babysitter.”
Juliet waved. “Don’t be silly. He’s here to hang out with Hawk and watch his sister.”
Sophie frowned. “Colt can multitask, believe me. Damn protective Lodge-Freeze men.”
“I miss my husband.” Anne hiccupped. She motioned to the waitress. “Another round, Millie.”
Juliet’s eyes widened. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I went into my purse to give Quinn the false identification stuff I bought in New York, and it was gone. I have a terrible feeling my lawyer did something he shouldn’t have done.”
Sophie snorted and reached for her newly delivered plate of nachos. “That was me, girlfriend.”
Juliet gaped. “Destroying evidence is illegal.”
“So my rather angry husband explained in great detail when I told him what I’d done.” Sophie reached for the bowl of pretzels. “Though, he kind of looked relieved, too.”
“He yelled at you?” Anne gasped.
“Nope. I’m all pregnant and delicate, you know?” Sophie grinned.
Juliet shook her head. “You broke the law.”
Prove it.” Sophie’s smile turned a bit lopsided. “No proof, no crime.”
Anne took another shot and sputtered. “Remind me not to tick you off.”
Sophie nodded. “Yeah. Don’t tick me off. I know stuff.”
For some reason, all three women thought that was ridiculously hilarious. Their laughter brought interested looks from both Colton and Hawk. Sophie gestured toward them in what could only be called a smart-assed wave.
They laughed harder.
…
Juliet sighed deeply right around midnight. “I think I’m too sad to get drunk.”
Sophie sighed heavily. “Not me—I miss drinking.”
“I’m not drunk.” Anne rubbed her nose. “But I can’t feel my nose.”
Sophie patted her hand. “You don’t need your nose tonight.”
“True.” Anne nodded wisely. “So true. But when Charlie gets home next month, I hope I can smell him. He always smells so good.”
Juliet sighed and scooted out of the booth. “I think it’s time for water.” She headed over to the bar and skidded through sawdust. Regaining her balance, she stopped short as a woman stepped in front of her. “Amy?”
Amy Nelson nodded, her gaze sweeping Juliet’s jeans and boots. “Nice outfit, career killer.”
“Thanks.” Juliet glanced down at Amy’s short skirt and vested top. “You look like a high-priced hooker.” Oops. Maybe the alcohol had affected her.
Amy put both hands on her ample hips. “Why are you still in town? Time to leave.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re already ruined Quinn’s chance of being sheriff again.”
Juliet struggled to maintain a polite smile. “I don’t think so. Quinn will still win.”
“No, he won’t.” A fierce smile split Amy’s face. “Which is all right and in the plan. With all his money and all his charisma, the man could go much higher than sheriff, if he had the right partner directing him.”
Juliet snorted and then covered her mouth in embarrassment. Taking several deep breaths, she clasped her hands. “Quinn doesn’t take direction from anybody.”
“I admit I’ve had to be careful. But now that he’s out of the sheriff race, he can enter the Senate race next year. I’d love to live in DC.” Amy frowned at Sophie and Anne as they laughed back at the booth. “But I’ll have to get him out of this podunk town and away from his family. They are definitely holding him back.”
Anger danced spots in front of Juliet’s eyes. “Wait a minute. You’re the one who alerted the Billings paper?”
“Yep.” Malicious glee danced in Amy’s eyes. “I can’t tell you how helpful you’ve been.”
“This conversation is over.” Juliet lifted her head and turned to sidestep Amy.
The woman dug sharp nails into Juliet’s arm. “Get the hell out of town before I destroy you farther.”
“Let go of me.” Juliet used her most regal voice.
Amy dug deeper and then shoved.
The world disappeared. Temper roared through Juliet so quickly she staggered. Clenching her fist, she swung and nailed Amy right in the jaw. The woman flew into the bar and slid down to the floor.
The front door opened to reveal the sheriff.
Juliet’s eyes widened. Fists bunched and slightly drunk, she stood over the sheriff’s ex-lover after having just clocked her one.
Oops.
Chapter Eighteen
Quinn had stuck Juliet in the same jail cell as last time. The wool blanket on the one cot shifted as she settled against the concrete-block wall. The damn man had taken one look at the scene in the bar and handcuffed both Amy and her. Handcuffed!
About an hour had passed before Quinn appeared on the other side of the bars. Even with anger warming her chest, her gaze ate him up. Tonight he’d donned faded jeans, scuffed cowboy boots, and a long-sleeved, dark green T-shirt. He’d tucked his gun at his waist, and the deadly weapon looked right at home. A deep shadow covered his jaw, and pure irritation shone in his black eyes.
She lifted her chin and refused to talk first.
“How’s your hand, slugger?” he asked.
She crossed her arms. “Fine.”
“Good. Amy Nelson has decided not to press charges.” Quinn wrapped his hands around the bars.
Juliet lifted one eyebrow. “Really? That’s surprising.”
“Not after I explained that witnesses saw her push you before you laid her out, and that if I arrested y
ou, I’d have to arrest her, too. I doubt the governor would appreciate bad press right now.”
“Good.” If the floor would open up and swallow Juliet, she’d be fine. “So I guess I am free to go?”
“Maybe.” The sheriff didn’t twitch, apparently in no hurry to allow her out of the cell. “When I asked you to help out Anne, I didn’t mean to get her drunk and then get into a bar fight.”
“I’m aware of that fact, Sheriff. I do apologize for my part in the disaster that became our night out.” She stood. “Now, unless you feel I deserve more jail time, I’d like to go home.”
His eyes darkened. “What you deserve is a good walloping that keeps you from sitting for the next week.”
Her head jerked up. Nails bit into her palm when she clenched her already aching fist. “I do beg your pardon.”
“Oh, you’d beg.” He stepped closer to the bars. “Enough of the nonsense, Juliet. I don’t have time to chase you all over town, break up bar fights, and drive home drunk women who cry the entire time because they miss their husbands. Either promise you’ll behave, or I’m leaving you in the cell for the night.”
Her spine straightened one angry vertebra at a time. “While I know you have no reason to believe me, most of those issues weren’t my fault. Now either let me out, or allow me to call my attorney.”
He kept her gaze, and she fought the very real urge to step back. Finally, with an irritated male sigh, he unlocked the door and slid the bars open. “I’ll drive you out to Jake and Sophie’s. They’re waiting for you.”
“No, I—” Her protest caught in her throat at the flare of anger in his eyes. “That would be fine. Thank you.” Frankly, she didn’t want to go home alone.
He escorted her out of the station and to his black truck, waiting until her seat belt had been fastened before pulling out of the parking lot. They drove in silence through town and toward the reservation.
The moon caressed his rugged face, enhancing his hard jaw and full mouth. Every once in a while, his Native heritage stood out in primitive relief. Tonight was one of those nights.
Her glance caught on his large, capable hands on the steering wheel. “Sorry you have to drive me home.” His grunt in response had her rolling her eyes. “Your sister is an amazing singer.”
“Humph.” Quinn glanced out at the clouds rolling across the moon.
Fine. The sheriff didn’t want to talk. Juliet shoved hair out of her way and glanced at the darkening forest outside as the moon disappeared. Thunder rumbled in the distance. The sky crackled and opened up. Rain pelted the truck.
Quinn flipped on the windshield wipers with a flick of his wrist. “Are you warm enough?”
“I’m fine.” She hugged herself with her hands and chastised herself for not wearing a coat.
A cop’s gaze raked her head to toe. Without saying a word, he increased the heat. “Stop being stubborn.”
“Me, stubborn?” She glared at him. “You’re the most stubborn person I’ve ever met.”
His cheek creased.
Suddenly, he veered the truck toward the trees. Swearing, Quinn hit the brakes and yanked the wheel. Only his quick reflexes kept them from hitting a huge lodgepole pine. They rolled to a stop. Quiet descended.
He eyed her. “You okay?”
“Fine.” Except her heart might’ve been bruised from beating so hard against her rib cage. “What happened?”
“Deer. I want to make sure I didn’t clip him.” He jumped out of the truck and into the rain.
Clunks sounded from the back. Quinn shone a bright light into the forest. Juliet released her seat belt, leaped from the truck, and hurried toward the sheriff.
Quinn looked over his shoulder. “Get back in the truck.”
“No.” She stepped gingerly off the road. “Two pairs of eyes are better.”
He wiped rain off his forehead. “Juliet, the rain is freezing, and this will just take me a minute. Now get your ass back in the truck.”
“I am so finished taking orders from you, Quinn. Kiss my butt. Twice.”
He barked out a laugh and turned to shine the light into the trees. No animal stared back. With a shrug, he turned and was on her before she could take another breath. Hands on her hips, he lifted her easily, walking backward until he’d opened the door and plopped her on the seat.
Enough was enough. She kicked out with all the frustration and anger she’d stifled for days. And nailed him right in the thigh.
They both froze for a second. She opened her mouth to apologize, but he was faster. He pulled her toward him, his mouth smashing hers with what must be the anger and frustration he’d stifled for days.
Sharp teeth nipped her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth in surprise.
He dived in.
Gone was the congenial sheriff and the gentle lover. In his place stood a primitive man she wanted more than her next thought. His fingers threaded through her hair held her in place. His hips kept her legs apart, and his mouth took what he wanted. No finesse, no kindness, just pure, raw lust.
Sharp pangs of need ripped through her. Her clit ached. She moaned deep in her throat.
He released her, his eyes blazing.
She ripped open his shirt, needing to feel him. All of him.
His free hand grabbed the bottom of her shirt and hauled it over her head. The second the flimsy material was free, his mouth took hers again. One flick of his finger released the front clasp of her bra, and his hand, calloused and demanding, palmed her breast. Her nipples peaked. He tweaked one, and she whimpered with raw need.
He released her hair and grabbed her jeans with both hands. The button zinged against the windshield, and the zipper ripped free. Strong hands dragged off her boots, the jeans, and her panties. Jerking down his jeans, he gripped her ass, lifted her, and impaled her.
She gasped in shock.
He was too big…too much.
Rain slid down his torso, and she rubbed her hands into the wet hardness.
He stood in the rain, at home in the dangerous storm. Droplets pelted him, matting his hair and dripping over the hard angles of his face. Hard hands kept them groin to groin. His easy strength in bearing her weight cascaded tingles through her abdomen. Hot and sexy, those tingles had nothing on the flaring nerves where his cock stretched her.
His gaze pinning her, he ran one hand up her spine to secure the back of her neck. Then he lifted her and plunged her back down along his length. His groin slid against her clit.
Spikes of pleasure rippled from where they were joined. Her mouth opened wide on her exhale.
A satisfied smirk creased his face.
Need and want shot through her. She grabbed his shoulders to lift herself, to get him moving.
The hand on her hip and the one at her nape prevented her movement. His watchful gaze kept her captive as he stood in the storm, holding her. Controlling them both. Then he waited. Determination sharpened his cheekbones, hardened his jaw. The man would wait until day broke.
Something feminine stretched awake inside her. She took in the dangerous warrior, seeing him finally for the primal being he was at heart. The sheriff tempered his wild nature with good humor and a protective embrace encompassing the entire community. For the first time, she glimpsed the predator inside.
Feminine instinct took over. She smoothed her palms on his shoulders and relaxed her body. Relaxing into his strength, to his will, she allowed him to take her wherever he wanted to go.
A masculine gleam lightened his eyes.
He shifted until they both stood in the rain, her back to the truck. Then he thrust inside her, pounding with a ferocity wilder than the storm. The coolness of the water contrasted with the heat from the male taking her, throwing her into a maelstrom of sensation. The hard pounding, the chilled rain, the warm man, the love bursting through her heart…swirled together until her mind shut down.
His fingers gripped her hips, his hard shaft pounded inside her, leaving his mark as completely as he’d left his b
rand in her heart.
With a cry of his name, she broke. Splinters of shooting pleasure cut through her, and she rode them out, lost in the sensations. He growled her name and ground against her. The orgasm lasted forever. Finally coming down, she relaxed against him. He held her tight.
Quinn walked them back to the open truck door and set her gently on the seat.
Her heart clutched. Not a word had passed between them. Without looking at him, she grabbed her shirt off the steering wheel and scooted over to the passenger side.
What now?
…
Juliet frowned at Sophie sitting across the scarred wooden table in their booth. The scents of grease and burned toast coated the air. “I don’t care how bad your cravings are. I shouldn’t be out in public today.”
Sophie rubbed her baby bump. “Come on. Leila is at Loni’s, and I needed a greasy meal from the Dirt Spoon. Nobody will recognize us here.”
Juliet shook her head. “I appreciate you letting me stay the night, but we should’ve stayed at your house for breakfast.”
“The guys had to fix fences after the storm last night. It was easy to get away so we could talk.” Sophie studied her. “You were rather disheveled when Quinn dropped you off last night.”
Disheveled and heartbroken. The sheriff hadn’t said a word after handing over her clothing and dropping her off. Well, nothing but an order to stay at Jake and Sophie’s until he fetched her the next day. “I don’t want to talk about it,” Juliet muttered.
Sympathy curled Sophie’s lip. “I understand. I’m married to a Lodge, remember?”
“Yes, I know. But Quinn and I aren’t married. Heck, we’re not even talking.” Sure, he’d mounted her like she was a prize mare the previous night, but without talking, there was no intimacy. “I could just shoot him.”
“Been there, seriously considered doing that.” Sophie took a deep drink of an herbal tea before grimacing. “Shooting Jake, I mean. I never wanted to shoot Quinn. Until now.” Loyalty lifted her lips in a sweet smile.
“I’ve probably broken enough laws lately,” Juliet said wryly. “I’ll be right back.” She headed to the restroom, filing through the room filled with several people she’d seen at the bar the previous night.
Under the Covers mm-2 Page 14
