Against the Wall mm-1

by Rebecca Zanetti

  Because he was right; she was a city girl.

  Wasn’t she?

  Chapter Eight

  Sophie sketched a quick design for a garden, including natural stone paths, a koi pond, and picnic areas. The site had been perfect for the memorial, and she’d enjoyed tromping through the brush with Jake after he’d thrown on cowboy boots. Even in a suit, the man looked natural surrounded by wild nature. He hadn’t tried to kiss her again, and she told herself she was glad. There was no future for them.

  Although that hadn’t stopped her from agreeing to dinner with his family. She glanced at the clock. He’d return for her in less than an hour.

  The cell phone jarred her out of her musings.

  “Hi, Sophia.” Preston’s voice came smooth and sure over the line. “Miss me?”

  Not so much, actually. Interesting. “I’ve been working. How’s the Seattle job going?”

  “Don’t ask. We’ve run into some interesting competition. How’s it going with the tribe?”

  Her shoulders hunched. “I’m not sure. They all like the design but don’t want it on the Charleton Group’s land.”

  “Still?” He rustled papers over the line.

  “We may not have tribal support when we face the county commissioners next week.” Dread chilled her gut.

  “The Group’s lawyers are pretty good. You’ll just describe your design and they’ll do the proposal for the permit.”

  Thank goodness she had backup at the hearing.

  “But I’ve done a bit of research. You haven’t run across Jake Lodge, have you?”

  The air caught in her lungs. She took several deep breaths. “I’ve met Lodge. He’s the tribe’s lawyer.” And the man who had kissed her into oblivion. “Why?”

  “He’s good. Really good. Took on the state twice, won both times in the U.S. Supreme Court. Tell me he’s not involved in opposing the project.”

  Sophie coughed. “I’d say he is involved. Very. Though he hasn’t seemed too fired up about opposing us.”

  “Probably the calm before he strikes. I’ve heard he’s the shark of all sharks. Plus, there are rumors that the tribe wants to build its own golf course over by the casino and are out to prevent any competition.”

  “No, you’ve got it wrong. Jake’s not like that.”

  Quiet slid across the line. “Just how well do you know him?”

  “I’ve met with him regarding the proposal.”

  Preston cleared his throat. “Of course. Well, I guess I’d just tell you to watch your back.”

  She needed to get off the phone. Now. “No problem.”

  “So have you given any thought to taking the cruise with me?”

  No. Not at all. She’d been too busy mooning over a dangerous, country badass of a lawyer who might just torpedo her proposal. “The cruise? I, ah, don’t know. I should probably concentrate on work right now. We need to save Uncle Nathan’s company.” She didn’t want to hurt Preston’s feelings. He was a good man. On paper, they so worked. In reality? Maybe not.

  “I’m not taking no for an answer. Keep thinking about it. ’Bye.” He clicked off.

  Sophie shut the phone and stared sightlessly at the drawings before her. Just a week ago she would’ve jumped at the chance for a cruise with Preston. Now she balked. Why? She reached for her sketchbook and flipped it open to the second page. The answer stared back at her with Jake’s eyes.

  What was she thinking, agreeing to a dinner at the Lodge house? Jake stirred feelings in her that all but guaranteed a broken heart when she left—when she returned home.

  Why did home seem so far away?

  Hurriedly, she changed and then headed downstairs. She waited for Jake on the wooden porch swing, her nervous motions swaying it back and forth.

  Thick boots thudding on the wide steps announced his arrival.

  “No Armani tonight, Jake?” Sophie raised an eyebrow at his black graphic button-up shirt, low-slung jeans, and polished cowboy boots. Combined with the deep black eyes, rugged face, and jet hair curling over his collar, he all but screamed bad-boy handsome. A true temptation for some girl to try and tame.

  Some country girl to try and tame.

  “You look spring pretty, Sunshine.” His grin was pure sin.

  Electricity zinged through her when she took his proffered hand. “I think your family is matchmaking.” It wasn’t what she’d meant to say.

  “They like you.” He flipped her around, pressing her against the hard metal of the truck. “So do I.” He lowered his head, giving her all the time in the world to resist or shift away.

  She didn’t move. Her breath caught with anticipation.

  Warm and soft, his lips wandered over hers before he deepened the kiss to something intimate, something demanding. Sophie sighed deep in her throat. One broad hand molded itself to her lower back and pulled her against him. Sheer masculine strength met her softness.

  Her heart pounded, and need thrummed between her legs. Her nipples peaked to sharp points. Fire lashed through her nerves—fire for him.

  Jake raised his head, his face an inch from hers, his eyes the dark clouds of a summer storm. “You have a decision to make.”

  “What?” Confusion battled with the desire ripping through her veins.

  “There’s something here.” He dropped a gentle kiss to her lips. “I want to explore it.”

  “Jake—”

  “I’m not asking for forever. We both know our lives exist in different worlds. But we’re here now. For a brief time.” Broad, warm hands slid down her arms.

  She fought a shiver. God, it was tempting. To lose herself in all that strength. The pure maleness of the man. “I’ll think about it.”

  His triumphant grin made her question her sanity. She barely knew the man, for goodness sake. Jake released her and opened his door. She scrambled over the seat and secured her seat belt.

  “How’s the garden design going?” he asked once they were on the way.

  She shook her head to concentrate. A dangerous ache pounded through her body, blooming at the apex of her legs. “The garden? Great. Mrs. Shiller helped with the placement of flowers and shrubs.”

  “It’s very nice of you to include her.” They sped out of town toward the surrounding mountains. “Are you seeing anyone?”

  Sophie jumped at the unexpected question. “No.” An invitation to a cruise didn’t count.

  “Me neither.”

  “I said I’d think about it.” Jake Lodge was becoming too much of a temptation. Her body pressed her to say yes. Her mind reeled to keep sane. She turned and admired the changing landscape, searching for a safe topic of conversation. “Rumor has it Quinn won the Buttercup pot the last couple of years.” She sent a sly glance his way.

  Jake grinned. “Yeah, Quinn has a knack for it, I guess.”

  “You’re not in cahoots?”

  “No.” It was his turn to glance sideways. “But…you won’t tell anyone?”

  “I promise.” For once, she‘d be in on the joke.

  “He has a formula.”

  “A formula?”

  “He takes last year’s time, subtracts two seconds for Buttercup’s aging a year, and then multiplies it by a factor of how many injuries I’d sustained the past year.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep. He’s won the last four years in a row.” Jake’s deep chuckle sent a skittering along her nerve endings.

  “Do you get injured a lot in court?”

  “Not usually in court. I work my ranch, and injuries are common. But my brothers and I have the routine down, so we’re fairly safe.”

  “You and your brothers seem really close.” Longing flowed through her as she realized she’d missed out on something important by being an only child.

  “We are. If for no other reason than to keep Dawnie safe. That woman’s a menace. The second she started noticing boys, one in particular, life changed for all of us.”

  “Hawk seems like a decent guy.” A group of horses caugh
t her attention, their manes spraying a myriad of colors through the wind as they galloped over hills.

  Jake flashed her a surprised glance. “He’s way too old for her. And a dead man if he goes near her. Besides, his job’s screwing him up as bad as—” Jake’s jaw snapped shut.

  “Screwing him up as bad as the Rangers did you?” Would he let her in? Actually let her know him? The desire for his trust caught her unaware.

  “Who’ve you been talking to?” His attention was riveted completely on her.

  Man, he probably nailed witnesses on cross-examination. “Nobody.” Sophie struggled not to squirm.

  Jake turned his focus to the road and she relaxed. “I’ve made my peace with the things we did in the service. And no,” he noted as she leaned forward to speak, “I won’t tell you about it right now.”

  “Oh.” She sat back, way too much pleasure coursing through her at the idea that they had more than “right now.” “Were you married while in the army?”

  “No. I married Em one month after my discharge.” He frowned. “She was too young. Wanted a big life in the big city. I just wanted a normal life. After the army.” He turned the truck through the massive logs standing vigil at the foot of his parents’ ranch. “We had dated in high school and ran into each other my first night back. I hadn’t even seen my parents yet. Tequila led to bourbon, and one thing led to another. We found out she was pregnant three weeks later.” He shook his head. “Leila is the biggest blessing of my life. But I wish things had been different for Emily.”

  “How did she die?” Sophie kept her voice low. He was trusting in her, whether he knew it or not.

  Jake sighed. “I’m not sure what happened. I knew she was unhappy here, but it could’ve been postpartum. It was the dead of winter and I was back east arguing a case. She asked my mom to watch the baby. Then Emily packed her bags into a little two-seater sports car I’d bought her during the summer and headed out. In a blizzard. In a summer car.” His voice turned hoarse. “She slid off the road and down an incline. Doc said she was dead on impact—that she didn’t suffer.”

  Sophie’s heart clenched. “I’m so sorry, Jake.” She ran a hand along his tense arm, the muscles rippling at her touch.

  Jake nodded. Then he stopped the truck in a circular drive of the two-story log home and turned toward her. “Enough bad memories. We’re supposed to have fun tonight.” His knuckle brushed her cheekbone. “And you’re supposed to be deciding to sleep with me.”

  Chapter Nine

  Tom saved Sophie from having to reply when he hurried out a massive double-wooden door and opened her door. She accepted his hand, and he helped her to the ground. Sophie smiled at her savior and turned to admire the large, custom log home. A wide, gleaming wood porch ran the length of the front and invited people to sit on swings or comfortable-looking chairs.

  “Sophie, we’re so glad you could make it.” Tom took her hand and led her up the porch and into the warm interior of a stoned entryway. The smell of apple pie filled the air while soft country music floated throughout.

  Directly ahead, floor-to-ceiling windows showcased Mineral Lake and the surrounding mountains. A massive stone fireplace took up one wall while beautiful Western oils filled the other. Sophie took a moment to admire the deep colors of a Gollings painting of barely tamed horses stamping the snow around a circle of teepees, then swept her gaze around the rest of the room.

  Leather couches and hand-carved wooden tables sat comfortably on a thick Native American rug. Several coloring books and a smattering of crayons scattered across the largest table, and the smell of leather and pine mixed with the apple pie scent.

  An excited feminine shriek made Sophie jump when Leila flew into her with Colton on her heels.

  “Help, Sophie, help me.” Leila shielded herself behind Sophie’s body, her tiny hands tight on Sophie’s waist.

  “She can’t protect you,” Colton growled out in a low, monster-like voice.

  “Yes, she can.” Leila poked her head around to stick her tongue out at her uncle. “I’ll tell the sheriff on you, Uncle Colt.”

  Colton grabbed for her just as she dodged to the other side of Sophie, who struggled to keep her balance. “Then I’ll have to tickle both the sheriff and you, squirt.”

  “Don’t let him get me.” Leila giggled from behind her.

  “I’m pretty sure we can take him, Leila,” Sophie said solemnly, trying not to laugh.

  The game ended when Jake yanked his daughter into the air to smack noisy kisses along her face. “Is Colton picking on you, precious?” He shut the front door with a click.

  “Yes, Daddy.” Leila giggled again. “Beat him up.”

  “Ah, Leila, it’s just too easy. A man my age needs a challenge.” Jake swung her onto his back.

  “A man your age needs a walker,” his brother retorted. Then he turned vibrant blue eyes on her. “Hi, Soph.”

  His easy hug brought a lump to her throat. They were just like the families she used to watch on television.

  “Oh, hello, Sophie.” Loni walked in from the left, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Come give me a hand in the kitchen, would you?” She nodded to the men. “The salmon isn’t going to barbecue itself, boys.”

  Sophie grinned as the men headed through the kitchen and gathered around a humungous silver barbecue on the outside deck with Leila still perched on her father’s shoulders.

  “What can I do?” Sophie glanced around. Chopped vegetables sat on a large cutting board near a deep red bowl.

  “Sit at the bar and keep me company.” Loni nodded toward thick brown barstools on the other side of the spotless silver granite countertop. Sophie took a seat while Loni poured them both a glass of wine.

  “How are the designs coming?” Loni asked while resuming her chopping.

  “Great. I should have something concrete for you by tomorrow’s meeting.” The buttery chardonnay tasted of smooth sweetness.

  “Perfect.” Loni looked up with serious eyes. “The council met, and we all really like your golf course design.”

  “But?” She steeled herself for the news.

  “But we don’t like it in that location. We’ve put out some feelers for alternate places. Sorry.”

  They were rejecting her design and not her, but her stomach rolled. “I was afraid of that. Jake already warned me the council wouldn’t support the project.”

  “Really?” Loni raised an eyebrow.

  “That’s the only property the Charleton Group owns, and they’re pretty determined to develop it.” There had to be a way to convince the tribe to back the design. What if her uncle lost his business? Failure tasted like ashes.

  “Well, the county commissioner meeting should be interesting, then. Though I have to tell you, the land always wins.” Loni scraped the veggies into the bowl. “Let’s head out to the deck.”

  Sophie took a deep breath. She’d enjoy dinner with a nice family, and then go back to her room and figure out another angle. They could still win without the tribe’s backing.

  She grabbed the other salad sitting on the counter, followed Loni to the deck, and settled into a cushioned chair between Jake and Leila at the round glass patio table. The sun set to the west, spreading fingers of pink and orange across the sky. Colton sat across from her, and the disappearing sun highlighted the myriad of colors in his hair. She should’ve brought her oil paints.

  They all dug into the fish and salad, and Loni passed homemade rolls around that smelled better than anything found in the city. After a short time, Sophie relaxed and started to enjoy the excellent meal.

  The casual teasing between Jake and Colton made her laugh; their easy camaraderie was something she’d missed, being an only child. Both brothers growled when she asked about Dawn’s absence. Apparently the girl was on a date. So maybe having older brothers had its drawbacks.

  “Who is she out with?” Sophie took another sip of wine after Tom topped off her glass.

  “Some college senior.” Colt
on said the word college like an expletive. Jake and Tom nodded. “She’s just out with Frankston to make Hawk jealous.”

  “Hawk’s too old for her.” Jake reached over to tug his daughter’s ear. She squealed and slapped him playfully before digging back into her apple pie.

  “He’s only a few years older.” Loni slid another piece of pie onto Colton’s plate.

  “I wasn’t talking birthdates, Mom.” Jake’s eyes hardened as he stared at something only he could see.

  “He’s a good kid.” Tom pushed his plate away from himself and groaned. “But Jake’s right. He’s too old for our girl.”

  “Our girl knows her own heart, boys.” Loni grinned as Jake yanked on his daughter’s braid again.

  “Knock it off, Daddy.” Leila grinned around a mouth full of apples. “Or I’ll tell the sheriff on you.”

  Colton frowned. “What’s up with all this telling the sheriff talk, kid? I’m the cool uncle.”

  “Yeah, but Uncle Quinn has a badge. And a gun.” Leila’s eyes lit up as Colton sat forward.

  “I’m way tougher than the sheriff,” Colton said.

  “Yeah, but he really loves me, Uncle Colt.”

  Sophie didn’t miss the sly grin Jake gave his mother.

  “I love you more, baby doll,” Colton said.

  “Enough to give me that new pony Merriment foaled last month?” The little girl pursed her lips.

  Tom guffawed in laughter. “Boy did you walk into that one, son.”

  “I was thinking the new foal would make a good Christmas present for a really good little girl.” Colton raised an eyebrow at Jake, who gave an imperceptible nod.

  “I’m really good.” Leila widened her eyes to pure adorable innocence.

  “Hm. I don’t know.” Colton shook his head.

  “You’d be my favoritest uncle, Colton.” The little girl flung herself onto his lap and wrapped tiny arms around a strong neck.

  Colton’s eyes softened as he gazed at the little minx. “You are going to be one very dangerous woman someday, baby doll.”

  “Then it’d be good to be my favoritest uncle, wouldn’t it?” Leila smacked his cheek with a wet kiss.