by Lori Foster
Damn it, she would not be that easy. She would not be like everyone else. She would not—
“What compromise?”
He smiled over her surrender. “Give me a kiss—just one, Nadine—and I’ll take Rookie and head out.”
She had to know. “Why?”
Ever so slowly, Shohn lifted a hand and slid his rough fingers over her cheek, around her ear and into her hair until he cupped her head. Her topknot threatened to come undone, but seriously, she just didn’t care, not with him looking at her like that, drawing her in closer, breathing in that low, husky way.
“Because I need to know how it is with you,” he whispered.
Yeah, she kind of needed to know, too. A little dizzy with the idea of tasting him, Nadine wavered on her feet, drawn to him, sinking closer…
Satisfaction put a wicked gleam in his eyes seconds before he leaned down and took her mouth. At first the kiss was gentle, warm, damp—but slowly it grew firmer, hotter, wetter as he moved his tongue over her bottom lip, just inside her lips, then he sealed their mouths together and his tongue stroked in.
His hands wrecked her hair and she didn’t care.
Her hands gripped his shoulders, but he seemed to like it.
On her tiptoes, she fit herself to his hard frame and relished the solid strength of his big body. He moved one arm to her lower back and arched her in closer, higher. His mouth ate at hers, his tongue delving, his hot breath on her cheek.
Nadine groaned with the pleasure of it. If she’d had a bed nearby, they’d have been in it.
Suddenly they heard footsteps outside along with the sound of doggy nails on her wooden front porch.
It was Shohn’s turn to groan as he released her.
Nadine knew she was busted, that even a blind man would be able to see that they’d just been making out.
Then Shohn surprised her. He put a finger to her lips and steered her to the dividing wall, out of sight of the front door. His thumbs brushed her cheeks and he bent to kiss her once more, then again, before finally stepping back.
After running both hands through his hair in palpable frustration, he grabbed up an empty Coke can and, using it as a prop, went to the door as if he hadn’t just stolen her will or her independence or her twice-cursed, stupid pride. He even pretended to drink from it.
Cowering back like a guilty college co-ed, Nadine tried to level her breathing as she listened to Shohn greet her assistant and Amber’s dog.
“Hi, there,” Roxi said. “We didn’t get a chance to meet earlier.”
“Hi, yourself,” Shohn replied.
Nadine wanted to leave her hiding place to kick him in his sexy backside. Hi, yourself, she silently mimicked. Oh, she could just imagine what Shohn was thinking while looking at Roxi. Blond hair, blue eyes, petite and—damn her—very nice, as well as good with animals.
Shoulders slumping, Nadine called herself three times a fool.
“I’m Roxi, Nadine’s new assistant. You’re Shohn Hudson, right?”
“Guilty.”
Oh, he was guilty, all right. Guilty of being too blasted hot for his own good.
“Well, your cousin called. She said she’d already left a message saying that you were picking up Rookie. She wanted me to make sure Nadine got it. Since I was ready to go, I figured I’d walk Rookie along with me.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Nadine’s very protective of the animals,” Roxi said. “They adore her, and vice versa.”
Nadine appreciated the defense.
“Amber trusts her completely,” Shohn agreed. “I’ll be sure to tell her how careful Nadine was before letting me have Rookie.”
“Well,” Roxi said with hesitation. “I can’t really let you have him, either. I need to give him to Nadine.”
“Sure, no problem.” Shohn walked over to the wall so he could see her. “You about done? Your assistant needs to see you.”
Done recuperating? No. Done breathing heavy? Not even. Nadine pasted on a smile. “Just finished up.” As if she’d been cleaning, she dusted off her hands as she rounded the wall.
Roxi smiled. “You heard?”
“Yes, and since I got a little hung up here, I, too, appreciate it that you brought Rookie over. Let me say goodbye to Shohn and I’ll be right up.”
Roxi nodded. “It was nice to meet you, Shohn.”
“And you.”
He watched her go, but when she was out of sight, he immediately turned to Nadine, kissed her before she could decide if she wanted him to again—but of course, she did—and then he took the leash.
He was smiling as he stroked the dog. “You ready to go, buddy? Amber will be home soon.” At the mention of Amber’s name, Rookie barked his approval.
“Goodbye, Shohn.”
He winked at her, saying, “I’ll see you around, Nadine,” as he gathered his clothes and headed off the porch.
Not unless you get a dog, Nadine thought. For her own well-being, she intended to steer clear of the awesome Shohn Hudson. He was too dangerous, too outrageous, and far, far too appealing.
If she wasn’t careful, she’d end up like all the other ladies after all.
* * *
SHOHN HUNG AROUND his uncle Morgan’s house, waiting for Amber to get in. At twenty-six, a year older than him, Amber had her own place. Her own business, too, a nice bookstore that kept up with the times and pleased everyone in Buckhorn. But whenever she returned from out of town, she always spent the night with her folks for a little R and R before returning to work.
And so Shohn waited.
His parents had come up the hill to visit Morgan and Misty, too, and they all sat on the front porch, his mom and dad on the porch swing, Morgan in a big chair with Misty on his lap. Shohn lounged on a step. He’d pulled his shirt back on, but the night air remained muggy so he hadn’t bothered to button it.
Since Morgan had been the town sheriff for a long time before becoming the mayor, everyone in the family was used to seeing a Hudson with a gun strapped on. No one reacted to it—in fact, he just realized that Nadine hadn’t reacted much to it, either. Huh.
Usually the ladies either acted fearful, or turned on by the idea of him being armed. Nadine had just been…Nadine. Bossy and spirited, casual and easy to be with.
Why had he never before realized how special that was?
It was nine o’clock, and the sky had turned a deep purple streaked with crimson over the lake. The sight never failed to lull him—even when he felt more testy than usual over a certain soft but stubborn woman. Damn, but she’d tasted good.
“See that look on his face, Sawyer? I do believe the boy might have women troubles.”
Shohn smirked and turned his head to address his uncle Morgan. “Doesn’t matter how old you get, you always have Misty in your lap.”
Morgan hugged his wife to his chest. “Old.” He snorted. “Don’t make me get up or you’ll regret it.”
“I was just saying.” He did love tweaking Morgan.
“Never take for granted the best things in life.” He patted Misty’s hip. “And she is the best.”
“Morgan,” Misty protested even as she laid her head on his broad shoulder.
Time had been good to Morgan. Even with a little gray at the temples, he still looked strong as an ox and far too imposing, but around Misty, he was all heart.
“It’s true,” Morgan said to his wife. “You’re even sexier now than the day I met you.”
Shohn’s mother smiled. “As I recall, you almost ran her off.”
“Not true, Honey. Your sister is far too pigheaded to turn tail and run, even from me.” He kissed Misty and murmured, “Thank God.”
Shohn’s dad, always more somber, got up from the swing and came to sit on the step with h
im. “Something on your mind other than Morgan trying to embarrass us all?”
Misty laughed. “Stop it, Morgan,” she chided when he continued to nuzzle her.
“You’re still a hot little—”
She smashed a hand over his mouth. “One day, he will mellow,” she promised everyone.
Morgan said, “The hell I will.” Then he looked at Shohn. “So spit it out. What has you brooding here with us? Did some young lady finally turn you down?”
“What makes you think it has anything to do with a girl?”
“Because I know the look, having been there and done that.” Morgan grinned. “Sawyer knows what I’m talking about.”
“Thank God it was a long time ago. Unfortunately I had to put up with your uncles all butting into my business.”
Shohn looked at his mother, and saw her smiling. No doubt there was a good story there, but he’d save it for another time. “I’m not brooding. I’m just waiting for Amber.”
Honey said, “I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”
Oh, great. He could tell by his mother’s tone that she, too, thought he was brooding. “Maybe I’ll just catch up with her tomorrow.” But he no sooner said it than headlights shone down the hill at the bottom of the long driveway leading up to the houses.
His dad and uncles owned fifty prime acres surrounding the lake. His parents lived in the same house that had once belonged to his grandma. Morgan had built a nice house farther up the hill but well within visiting distance. His brother Casey lived down the hill with his wife and kids. Uncle Jordan had moved into Georgia’s house back when they’d married. And Gabe kept a place in town with his family, closer to where he worked as a handyman.
One day, Shohn thought, he’d build his own house on a piece of this land. It was what the family wanted, what he wanted. He couldn’t imagine living away from the lake. Not forever.
“Why do you need to talk to Amber?” his mom asked.
“I told you, Honey.” Morgan grinned. “Women trouble. You know Amber is the resident know-it-all.”
Misty smacked his shoulder. “She’s very helpful to everyone.”
“So helpful that she has them all wrapped around her little finger,” Morgan said.
True enough, Shohn thought. Gabe’s daughters, Kady, April and Briana, rarely made a move without consulting with Amber first. Garrett, Amber’s younger brother by two years, gave her hell about being nosy but any girls he actually liked he brought to Amber for approval. Adam, Jordan’s son, who was twenty-eight, wasn’t averse to listening when Amber doled out her unique brand of wisdom. Only Lisa, Jordan’s daughter, who was a regular barracuda in the business world, seemed content to keep her own counsel. At fourteen and twelve, Casey’s kids were still a little too young to need dating advice, but they showered Amber with proper adulation.
“My girl missed her calling working in a bookstore,” Morgan said. “She should have been a bartender.”
“Morgan,” Misty and Honey said at the same time.
Sawyer laughed. “At least that way, she’d always have an ear to bend.” He slapped Shohn on the shoulder. “I have early appointments tomorrow, so your mom and I are heading home. You going to stop in before you leave?”
His dad saw more patients now than ever, but still worked from home. Shohn shook his head. “I’ll help Amber round up Rookie and then head on to my own bed. I’m leading a school field trip through the gap tomorrow. Second-graders.”
Honey smoothed his hair, bent and kissed his ear and said, “If you need to talk, you know where to find us.”
After shooting a dirty look at Morgan, which only made his uncle grin, Shohn tipped his head back to see Honey. “It’s fine, Mom. No worries, no women troubles, nothing like that.”
“Famous last words,” Morgan said. Then he stood with Misty held in his arms. “Tell Amber we’re inside. You’ll have five minutes to talk before I come out to get her.”
“Yes, sir.” Knowing how Morgan adored his family, Shohn appreciated the effort. When Amber’s truck pulled into the long driveway, he walked out to meet her. Rock music blasted from the radio, and when she cut the engine, near silence fell around them. Only the chirping of crickets and rustling of leaves disturbed the darkness.
Long dark hair windblown from the open windows, Amber hopped from the truck, saying, “Hey, cuz, what’s up?”
He heard the worry and hurried to say, “Not a thing. Rookie’s in the house, playing with the other dogs.”
The animals all got along well, but together, they could be a handful. Though Morgan and Misty always offered, Amber liked to leave Rookie with Nadine for overnight stays.
“Nadine let you have him okay? Sort of sounded like she was hesitant to turn him over to you.”
“It’s a liability thing.” He hefted her heavy suitcase from the truck bed then spotted some boxes, too. He set the suitcase down. “I can carry this stuff in for you in a minute.”
Amber paused, her expression alight with curiosity and anticipation. “What is it? What’s going on?”
Yeah, she did that to everyone, already knowing stuff before she was told. “I wanted to talk to you about Nadine.”
Throwing up her arms, Amber whooped. “I knew it! She’s perfect for you. Marry her and let her have your babies.”
Whoa. “What the hell, Amber. Are you nuts?”
She laughed then slugged him in the arm. “Just teasing. What about Nadine?”
Heart still pounding, Shohn scowled at her. “No way. You were serious.”
Holding her finger and thumb close together, Amber said, “Just a little, maybe.” She hugged his arm and leaned into him. “She really is perfect for you. But the babies can wait if you’re determined to drag your feet.”
Jaw loose, Shohn tried to shake her off, but she clung like a damned monkey. “I’m not marrying anyone.”
“Start with a kiss and see how that goes.”
Already done, and it had been oh-so-hot. But no way would he encourage Amber by telling her so. “You’re nuts.”
Amber grabbed him by his ears. “Have I ever steered you wrong?”
No, but today seemed to be a day full of firsts. Like the first time he’d really gotten turned on by Nadine, the first time he’d kissed her.
The first time a woman made him brood, just as Uncle Morgan claimed.
Shohn smothered a groan and asked, “Why Nadine? What makes you think she’s so great?”
“Oh, my God, it was incredible.” Always a little dramatic, Amber hunkered in close as if telling a state secret. “I was dropping off Rookie. He loves that place, you know, which makes it easier not to fret about him when I’m gone. I mean, he loves Mom and Dad, too, but the doggy hotel is like a vacay for him. Anyway, Nadine was filling out the paperwork, and two other chickies were in there.”
“Chickies?”
She flapped a hand. “Two of your flighty exes—women I had not approved, by the way. And they were prattling on about getting you up in the woods and out of your uni. Really explicit stuff, Shohn. Made me blush.”
Yeah, right. Nothing made Amber blush. “Baloney. You’re making that up.”
“Just the blushing part. Those two airheads were talking loud enough for even poor Fred to hear. He’s Nadine’s new groundskeeper in case you don’t know.”
“I heard all about Fred.”
“So anyway, they were talking about you like you were heaven’s gift to women and all, and I looked at Nadine, and she rolled her eyes.” Amber watched him expectantly, as if that should somehow be important.
“Sorry, hon, but if that’s the punch line, I don’t get it.”
Huffing, Amber clarified, “She was disgusted, Shohn.”
“Great. I disgust her.” Not when kissing her, but yeah, at other times, she had acted pretty p
ut out over stuff. “How does that make her perfect?”
“Don’t be obtuse.” Amber shoved him, or at least she tried to.
Since she’d been doing that sort of thing forever, roughhousing as if she were one of the boys, Shohn stayed prepared around her. He didn’t budge a single inch. He lifted a brow and waited.
Grabbing his shirt, Amber pulled him down to her level and enunciated clearly. “She doesn’t buy into your awesome rep, cuz.”
Well, that sucked, because he made a lot of headway with that rep, a rep he’d carefully cultivated with the ladies.
“She’s above that nonsense,” Amber said. “Nadine doesn’t see you as a charming stud at all.”
“Lucky me.”
Amber laughed at his lack of enthusiasm. “No, it’s better than that. I asked her a few things about you—”
He groaned. “God help me.”
“—and you know what? She thinks you’re smart and considerate. She respects your job and she knows some of the more heroic crap you’ve done, which means she’s been paying attention, just not to the hype.”
Shohn scoffed, but he was intrigued enough to prompt Amber. “I haven’t done any heroic crap.”
“Puh-leeze.” Amber walked around him and opened the truck gate. “You went out on the frozen lake to save that dog last winter.”
“I had all the right equipment so it wasn’t—”
“And,” Amber said with emphasis, “you helped track that one dope dealer who was trying to hide in the hills.”
“We were all tracking him. I was just lucky to find him fir—”
“And,” she interrupted again, “you scaled down Culper’s Cliff to save that boy when his doofus dad let him fall over.”
“Yeah,” Shohn agreed. “That was a little harrowing.” But anyone would have done the same.
“You’ve done tons of awesome stuff and Nadine knew about all of it.” Amber hauled out a heavy box. “She even remembered that time back when you two were early teens and you stopped that loudmouth Bob from calling her names.”
