Cole shrugged. “Have no clue. I’ve been out on a trail all afternoon with a group.”
“I’ll call Deke” Jennifer grabbed the phone, and Cam could see by her disappointed expression that Moon wasn’t still working in the kitchen. She hung up. “Sorry. No. He said she left hours ago. I’ll radio Jace. She might be with him.”
“No use. I saw him and he hasn’t seen her since this morning.”
“What’s going on?” Chase stepped from the hallway, his gaze narrowed.
“Moon is missing,” Jennifer said.
Cam sighed. “Well, we don’t know if she’s missing. She just can’t be found.”
“When was she last seen?” Chase asked.
“I saw her earlier in the kitchen,” Cole said.
Chase lifted his radio from his belt. “Let’s see if we can get someone to tell us if they’ve seen her.”
“While you’re doing that, I’m going to get out there and see if I can find her.” Cam was already heading to the door. The last thing he could do was sit and wait. If he had to be somewhere he should be at her cabin. It was possible that was where she’d go.
Back at her cabin, he got out and checked the perimeter, seeing that her Gator was parked in the back, hidden from view. That raised his suspicion. He hurried around to the front door and pounded hard. He didn’t wait for an answer, he lifted his foot and with one hard hit, the wood splintered, sending the door slamming into the wall. He’d worry about the damages later.
“Moon?” The cabin appeared empty.
He switched on the light, scanning the empty space, looking for any evidence that she was here, or of foul play. There was nothing that seemed out of the normal. The place was nice and tidy.
“Cam?” came a muffled voice.
He stepped around the corner and that’s when he saw that a chair had been stuck under the knob. He hurried, threw the chair out of the way and dragged open the door, almost pulling the door off its hinges.
Moon stood in the center of the small space, her eyes red. “Thank, God,” she muttered.
Before he asked, he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her against him for a bear hug. “What happened?” he whispered in her ear, holding her tight against his chest. She seemed wobbly so he picked her up, carried her to the bed and laid her down. He wasn’t about to leave her side so he sat down next to her. “Tell me.”
She looked up at him with glossy eyes and flushed cheeks. “I-I don’t really know. I stopped here to grab a new shirt on my way to fix the fence and while I was in the bathroom, the door slammed shut, and I couldn’t get out.”
“How long have you been in there?”
“No clue. Long enough that I was starting to go crazy. I’m claustrophobic.” Her breathing was slowly coming back to normal.
“You missed our date. I came looking for you.”
“How late am I?”
“Two hours.”
“I was in that hole for that long?” She scooted upward to lean her back against the wall. “I spent a while yelling for help, but staff row is quiet during the day. When my throat started hurting I stopped, knowing it wouldn’t do any good. Someone was knocking, but they must not have heard me.”
“It was me. I’m sorry. I should have looked around then. I knew when I saw your Gator parked in back something had happened.”
“I didn’t park it in back. And how did the door get stuck?” Her voice was raspy.
“Someone had wedged a chair against it. There was no way in hell you could have gotten out.”
She blinked, her expression full of confusion. “What? You mean someone deliberately locked me in my bathroom? That makes no sense.”
“No, it doesn’t. But that chair didn’t just walk itself over and wedge under the knob. Or your Gator didn’t drive itself behind the cabin.”
“Who would do such a thing?”
“Great question.” He kissed the top of her head. “Where’s your radio? I have to let Chase know I found you.”
She pointed to the nightstand. “He’s looking for me?”
“We all were starting to get worried, sweetheart. You didn’t show up where you were supposed to today and the last place you were seen was in the kitchen.”
“I was helping out.” She tangled her fingers in her hair.
He reached for the radio and hit the button. “Chase, Cam here. I found her. Over.” He hoped no one heard the trembling in his voice.
A few seconds later, static broke the line. “Where? Is she okay?”
“She’s fine, but shaken up. Someone locked her in her bathroom.”
“Shit! I’ll be there in a few.”
Replacing the radio, he turned all of his attention to her. “Did you notice anyone following you from the kitchen?”
She shook her head. “No. Of course not. Yet, I wasn’t paying a lot of attention either.”
“Did anything happen while you were there?”
“Besides Cole apologizing for being a jerk, no. Nothing the least bit unusual.”
Cam swallowed against the sudden constriction in his throat. “Do you think Cole could have followed you here? Locked you in?”
Her gaze narrowed and she chuckled. “Cole locking me in the bathroom? No. Why would he?”
“Why would he force himself on you?”
She lifted one shoulder and let it drop. “Cam, he didn’t force himself on me. He just made a fool of himself by thinking he could convince me to sleep with him. And as I said, he apologized and he seemed sincere.”
“Yeah, I bet he is,” he snarled. “Either way, you’re going to have to speak to Chase since he’s on his way. Whatever you decide to tell him is fine with me, but as much of the truth as possible would help him be better prepared to keep people safe around here.”
“I can’t tell him everything, Cam.”
“Okay. But I’m going to tell you that I’m not leaving your side tonight.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Cam convinced Chase that he wanted to stick around with Moon long enough to make sure she was okay and not dehydrated. Cam also promised he’d repair the door. Once alone with her, he clicked off the overhead light, leaving on the dim, golden light of the table lamp.
“Thank you,” she said with a small smile.
“For what?”
“What do you mean for what? Not only did you save me, but you’re not leaving my side.” She scooted over on the bed and patted the space beside her.
He wasted no time in kicking off his boots and joining her. He reached an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Damn. Today scared the hell out of me.”
“Me too.”
“Look, I’ll back you in whatever you decide, but do you really think it’s best not to tell Chase what happened in the barn between you and Cole? It’s strange that Nola was attacked and now this with you. It has to be related.”
She lifted her chin, looking at him through the veil of her long lashes. He wouldn’t have been taken back more if he’d been kicked by a horse in the chest. This woman had him wrapped around her finger and he wasn’t complaining. “If I thought Cole had anything to do with locking me in the bathroom, or the attack on Nola, I would gladly offer him up for slaughter, but I don’t think he’s a bad person. A little confused, and immature, but not a psycho.”
“I’m glad you can see those character traits in him, because I’m not so sure. I hope you’re right, but then that leaves someone else who is the psycho.”
Leaning on her elbow, she tucked her hair behind her ear. “That’s why Chase is calling the sheriff in the morning. He doesn’t think there’s anything that can be done, but at least law enforcement can be aware of the situation, maybe ask around to see if anyone noticed anything unusual.”
He reached down and took her small hand into his, entwining their fingers. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“Cam, I really don’t think whomever locked me in the bathroom wanted to hurt me. They had to be in here waiting for me and had ampl
e opportunity to hit me as they did Nola.”
“True, but leaving you locked in the bathroom certainly isn’t being kind.” He reached for the glass of water he poured earlier and held it out for her to take. “Drink up. You have to be dehydrated which isn’t good for you or the baby.”
“Yes, doc. She brought the glass to her lips and drank it down. “Am I a good patient?” She tilted her chin and smiled in a way that could have knocked his socks off.
“The best.” He kissed her forehead and placed the empty glass back on the stand. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it seems as if someone was keeping you from meeting me.”
“Hmm…that could be possible if anyone knew about us. Farfetched though.”
“Cole’s the only one who knows about us, right?”
Her tongue came out to moisten her lips. “And Susie. Oh, and Jennifer.”
“You told them?”
“They’re my friends.” She tapped the top button of his shirt. “Is that wrong?”
“No, but you did tell me that we couldn’t tell anyone. Sweetheart, I don’t care who knows. In fact, I’ll go climb up the mountain and yell it to the world, but it’s important that we’re on the same page. We know it’s possible that Cole leaked the secret, but what about Susie and Jennifer?”
“They’d never tell. And let’s not blame Cole for every little thing that happens.”
“So, now you’re into defending the man?”
“I’m into keeping it real.”
“Do you see that it makes sense that he could be the one who locked you in the bathroom? He didn’t want to hurt you, just keep you away from me.”
“Okay, I get that it is suspicious, but I don’t want to talk about Cole anymore tonight.”
“What do you want to talk about?” He lifted a brow.
“I don’t want to talk about anything.” She winked. “Understand?”
“Clearly.” He cupped her cheeks and kissed her. “Tomorrow though we have to talk about the baby. Okay?”
She nodded. “Tomorrow.” She slid over top him, situating him between her thighs. She kissed him, making her way along his jaw to his lobe. She rolled her tongue over the plump flesh then dragged it in for a quick nibble. He inhaled sharply. “You’re one sexy man, doc.”
“Are you buttering me up, sweetheart?”
“Why would I do that?” She pulled back. “You’re right where I want you. In my bed.” She smiled proudly.
His brow lifted as his fingers slipped down her spine and curved around her waist. His cock hardened in his jeans against her precious core. “I must say, I like you not wearing a bra.” He brushed the backs of his knuckles over the shape of her hard nipple in the thin shirt.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to thank the person who locked me in the bathroom. It so happens I pulled off my shirt and bra and dropped them on the floor before I headed into the bathroom. Thankfully, I had this shirt,” she plucked the cotton, “hanging on the back of the door drying.”
“As delicious as you look braless, the only thing I can say to the bastard that treated you so poorly is that he should get ready to have my fingers wrapped around his neck.”
“Oh, my hero.” She dramatically waved her hand to fan her face.
“Naughty woman.” He flipped her onto her back and pinned her against the bed.
*****
Moon thrashed against Cam’s hard body. He stretched over her, his gaze holding hers as the bulge behind his zipper grew harder. He slowly lowered his face and kissed her, sweeping his tongue passed the seam of her lips.
It didn’t take long before she completely relaxed, curved her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts against his broad chest. His erection pressed into her with obvious insistence. She rolled her hips, teasing him, rubbing the bulge that rubbed her cleft. He swirled his hips, rubbing their bodies together.
“I shouldn’t be doing this—we shouldn’t be,” he murmured against her lips.
“Why? Because we might get caught?”
“Because you could still be dehydrated and need to drink and rest. I’m a doctor after all.”
“Then doctor, I need the medicine that will assure my happiness and well-being. It starts with me opening the bottle.” She slid her hand between their bodies and unsnapped the button of his jeans. The zipper loosened. His cock stretched, but his boxers kept him contained.
“I swore an oath to help people. Let me know what I can do for you.” He nibbled her neck then moistened the spot with his tongue.
She wrapped her fingers around his shaft through the cotton of his boxers. “I think a few orgasms are what’s in order. Can you handle that?”
“Can I handle that?” he muttered against her skin. “Oh sweetheart, not only can I handle that but I’ll work really hard to make you feel good.”
“True. You certainly made me come again and again the last time.” She smiled.
“Really? Multiple orgasms?”
“Yes. I lost count.”
“Fuck! I think I just squirted a bit.”
She dipped her fingers into the elastic of his boxers and swept her thumb across his plump head. “Is this the equivalent to when a woman gets wet?”
He chuckled and it vibrated her chest, tingling her nipples. “This is my body’s way of saying that I’m horny and in dire need of your sweet body.”
“It appears we’re both needing each other.”
“I do believe you’re right.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
*****
Scintillating.
That was the single word that popped into Cam’s mind when he watched Moon wiggle out of her jeans. Her sexy, polka-dotted panties made his mouth watered. He was caught between wanting to rip them off with his teeth and wanting to watch her do a striptease. Then came the shirt. She dragged it up and over her head, leaving her bare breasts exposed to him. His breath caught in his constricted throat and his lips naturally puckered. Her tits were perfect. Glorious beauty standing before him.
He could barely breathe—could barely absorb the idea that he was falling in love. That he would be a father. It blew his mind, and yet, he was happy. Lord, he was elated. The next step was to divulge his feelings and ask her to be his wife.
She tucked her thumbs inside of the waist of her panties and he had tunnel vision as she slowly dragged them down her toned, shapely legs then gave them a toss at his head. He caught the lacy gift and brought them to his nose, inhaling the scent, a mixture of her and desire. He set the damp cloth aside and roved his hungry gaze over her naked, stunning body.
“Well, doc, are you waiting for an invitation?” She tilted her hip saucily, bouncing her breasts.
“Please, I’m admiring you. Once I touch you I’ll be lost.”
He slid to the edge of the bed and cupped the pale mounds, rolling his thumbs over her enlarged nipples. They grew tighter and he couldn’t resist the temptation to taste. He lowered his mouth and licked one pink bud, suckling it into his mouth and savoring the soft flesh.
She arched her back slightly, giving his mouth better access to her body. He smoothed his hands over her tight bottom, gently squeezing, then burying his face between her breasts. She smelled like promise and seduction. Her slight whimper vibrated her chest and he wanted to hear more of those tiny whimpers of pleasure. She was so soft, so warm…
“Let me help.” She grabbed his shirt and in one swift jerk, she opened the front. “There. Better.” She pushed the material from his shoulders, down his arms until it fell to the bed.
He smiled, looking up at her. “Now that you’re pregnant, I’ll need to treat you with extra care while we make love.”
She winced. “Cam, you won’t hurt me.” She cupped his cheeks and kissed him. “You’re a doctor. You know that it’s safe for a man and woman to continue having sex after she becomes pregnant.”
He swallowed hard. “It’s different when…”
“When what?”
He shrugged. “When I’m close.�
�� He nuzzled her palm, kissing the inside of her wrist, leaving a trail of more kisses along her arm until he reached inside of her elbow. There he licked the tender skin. He moved over and kissed her breast, her nipple and continued attention to the underside of her breast. Pulling her down onto his lap, she placed both of her knees on either side of his hips. They were eye to eye, nose to nose. “I’d never hurt you. I’ll only take care of you and our baby.”
Her eyes became like beacons as she cupped his face. “Cam, I already know that you would protect me—us—with your life.”
“If anything would ever happen…” He couldn’t finish the sentence. He gulped back a sudden rush of emotion. “The thought that an evil bastard was here and what he could have done. I don’t think I can ever leave your side again. I failed in protecting you.”
“You’ve lost before. I know the fear of losing again will always be in the back of your mind, but you don’t have to worry about me or your baby. You couldn’t change Corinne’s illness. Please don’t carry that guilt on your shoulders. She wouldn’t want that for you. And please don’t carry the heaviness of thinking you have to be superhuman to make sure I’m okay. Loving me is enough.” Realizing what she had said, she turned her cheek.
“No, sweetheart. Don’t dare turn away.” He cupped her chin and brought her gaze back to his. “Is that what you want? For me to love you?”
Her eyes misted. “How has this happened? I started this only wanting to temporarily rid myself of the loneliness, but something changed—something amazing.”
He entwined her satin hair around his fingers and kissed her. He held her as if his life depended on her being here in his arms. He knew then, in so many ways, his life did depend upon her being with him.
He could hold her, kiss her, for the rest of his days. The guilt of moving on no longer existed.
Palming her breast, he could suckle the mounds forever. Lick her stomach. Explore the soft pink lips that were now wet and ready for him. He could taste, sample, explore every nook and cranny of her and still never get tired of the gift.
His cock grew so long and wide that he swore if he didn’t remove the rest of his clothes soon he’d burst them into shreds. He carefully lifted her to her feet and stood. He pushed his jeans and boxers off his hips and tossed them with his toe.
A Perfect Cowboy Daddy (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 7) Page 14
