by Joan Hohl
“You win. I don’t often get out of kitchen duty.” Hawk led the way outside to let Tanner choose the horses for the hunt.
At the door, Tanner paused to tell Bri how to find the room where he had stashed her gear. No sooner had he shut the door behind him when Hawk lit into him.
“Are you out of your mind?” he demanded, striding for the stables.
Tanner sighed. “Don’t start, McKenna. I had my fill arguing with Brianna back in Durango. I’m not in the mood to argue with you.”
Hawk snorted. “In the mood or not, you’re getting an argument. Dammit, Wolfe—”
That’s as far as he got before Tanner cut him off. “Yeah, dammit. Hell, double dammit. What else was I supposed to do?”
Reaching the stable, Hawk yanked the door open and flicked on the lights to illuminate the dim interior. “How about making it clear you wouldn’t bring her. End of argument. Period.”
“I tried that.” Tanner gave his best friend a fierce scowl. “Didn’t work. She told me if I refused, I should forget it, she’d find herself another hunter.” He exhaled in a bid to ease the tension riding him.
“And you didn’t want to give up a big payoff?”
“Are you nuts?” Now Tanner was getting angry. “Hawk, you know me better than that. And you know as well as I do there are bounty hunters out there that will agree to any conditions, even to allowing a woman to hunt with them, if the price is right.”
Now Hawk sighed. “I know. But I don’t like this at all. Brianna is a beautiful woman. A nice woman.” He strode inside. “I’d hate like hell to see her hurt.”
“Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. I feel the same way.” His mouth curved into a wry smile. “That’s why I’m not taking her along.”
Hawk narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Aah, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“You got it, ole buddy.” He grinned. “I’m leaving her here, in your capable hands.”
“But what the hell’s the difference if you leave her in Durango or here with me?”
“Hawk, you’re not thinking,” Tanner chided him. “If I’d have left her in Durango, she’d have either contacted another hunter or set out on her own.” He shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about that. Out here, with you, she’s stuck. All she can do is ask you to drive her back to Durango.”
“Where she will promptly look up and hire another hunter,” Hawk pointed out.
“I know, but by then I’ll be way ahead of the pack, so to speak.”
Hawk shook his head as if in frustration. “And when you bring him in and hand him over to the law, you know damn well she will likely hand you a check for the original ten grand posted.”
“I know.” Tanner nodded. “And I don’t care. Hawk, it’s no longer the money. It’s Brianna and her safety.” He paused before continuing. “I’m attracted to her. Very attracted. It was there from the minute I opened my door and saw her standing there.”
A small smile tugged at Hawk’s lips. “That’s understandable. Brianna’s gorgeous and sexy as hell.”
“Tell me about it.” Tanner shook his head. “She had no sooner walked into my place and I wanted to swing her up into my arms and…well, never mind. I’m sure you can figure it out for yourself.”
“Sure.” Hawk nodded. “I’ve been there.”
“I have, too, but not like this,” Tanner admitted. “This is stronger than—” He broke off. “The point is, I couldn’t leave her in Durango and I can’t take her with me. This Minnich creep is a killer. He’s killed at least one woman, and the law suspects there’s more. If anything happened to her, if he got a chance to harm her in any way, I swear I’d go berserk.” He shuddered at the very idea of Brianna injured. “Hawk, I can’t take her with me. I can’t take that chance.”
Hawk nodded. “There’s the hunter I know and love like a brother. You had me a tad worried that you had slipped a cog.”
Tanner laughed. “Not to worry. Now let’s look at horses.”
Hawk paused at the second stall inside the stable. “We’re going to have to play it cool, you know?”
“Yeah.” Tanner nodded. “We can’t take a chance of her getting suspicious. Leave the lights on in here when we leave. I’ll bring her out to show her the horses we’ve chosen.”
“Show her the mare.” Hawk indicated the chocolate-brown horse in the third stall. “She would be the logical choice for a woman.”
In no time, Brianna had the kitchen spotless and went in search of her room, musing on the idea that Boyo obviously liked her, for he padded after her.
Finding the room easily, Bri stepped inside, and immediately wondered if Hawk had frequent visits from lady friends. The bedroom had definite feminine touches, including a vanity table and bench, the surface littered with an array of skin-care products, makeup and a silver-backed comb-and-brush set.
Along the back wall was a queen-size bed, set between two windows through which the last rays of sunlight shone. Crossing the room, Bri drew back a sheer curtain panel to stare out at the vista. A huge meadow spread out from the side of the house and along the foothills of the mountain. She was puzzled for a moment by a large, flat, whitish circle on the ground a good distance from the house.
Then realization dawned. The white circle was a helicopter pad, right there on the edge of the meadow.
How convenient, she thought, smiling as she turned away from the window. A chopper would come in very handy when snow blocked the roadways in the dead of winter.
She had to smile. Boyo had made himself comfortable and lay stretched out on the foot of the bed as if it were his right to do so. Deciding it probably was, she walked back across the room, sitting down at the vanity to gaze into the mirror. Her hair, drying now, twirled into its natural waves. Her face appeared pale and dull. Bri was considering whether to retrieve her makeup case when she heard the front door open, close again and Tanner call to her.
“Brianna, Hawk’s making a fresh pot of coffee. Do you want some?”
Sliding off the bench, she went to the door and called back, “Yes, I’ll be right there.” Glancing at the dog, she said, “You coming?” Boyo lifted his large head to give her a soulful look, then his head plopped back onto the mattress.
Guess not. A soft smile on her lips, she glanced again in the mirror, shrugged and left the room, thinking the hell with the hair and makeup. If Tanner and Hawk didn’t like her bare face and unruly waves, they could just get over it.
“I like your hair down like that,” Tanner said as she strolled into the kitchen. He grinned. “All kinda wild and loose around your face.”
Bri gave him a droll look. “Thank you.” Might as well admit to the truth, she thought, smiling back at him. “I didn’t bother to brush it.”
“You didn’t need to bother,” Hawk said, placing two steaming mugs on the table. Crossing to the countertop to retrieve the third, he tossed over his shoulder, “You’re among friends.”
“I would hope so, as it’s two to one here.” She calmly glanced from Hawk to Tanner. “Not that those are bad odds, you understand, or that I couldn’t handle the two of you. But it could get ugly.”
Silence for a moment. Then both men broke up with laughter.
“I like this gal’s style, Wolfe,” Hawk said between lingering chuckles. “She might even be able to handle you, maverick that you are.”
“I wouldn’t bet the ranch on it, ole buddy,” Tanner advised in a slow drawl.
Could she handle him? Bri asked herself hours later as she lay in the wide bed, staring at the diffuse moonlight shimmering on the ceiling through the sheer curtains. That same question had played games with her mind throughout the rest of the evening.
As soon as they had finished their coffee, Tanner had taken her to the stables to show her the horses Hawk had chosen for their use. Tanner’s mount was a big roan with a shiny dark-red coat. For Brianna he had picked a brown mare, smaller than the roan but with a sweet temperament. The minute Brianna stretched
out her palm, the mare poked her head over the gate on the stall.
Pleased with Hawk’s selections, Bri introduced herself to the horses, talking softly to each as she stroked their noses and long necks in turn.
“I noticed from the bedroom window that Hawk has a helipad in the back pasture,” she said later as they walked back to the house. “Does he own and fly his own personal helicopter?”
“No. He has the pad because he’s alone out here most of the time. Although Hawk is a careful man by nature, accidents can always happen—to humans and animals. He installed the pad for convenience and for a quicker medical rescue response if needed.” He tossed her a grin. “But, though he has lived here for a long time, he put in the pad only after Cat began using the ranch for a vacation getaway when she needed some space to be herself, breathe fresh air, roam free on the grounds.”
“I see,” Bri said, but then shook her head. “No, I guess I don’t see. I can understand her wanting to visit her brother, but you said before she uses Hawk’s place for a hideout. From what?”
“From the city, the crowds, the polluted air. Also from the jerks who get their kicks by making cracks about her heritage.”
Anger flashed through her like a bolt of lightning. “I detest that sort of thing.”
“Hey, don’t attack me,” Tanner said in a calming tone. “I feel the same way. But, like it or not, I’m afraid there are still some Neanderthals screwing up society. Men like the animal who attacked your sister and raped and killed her friend.”
“I know.” Bri nodded, exhaling to release the anger. “I have to deal with the crude type occasionally in the library.”
“You work in a library?”
“Yes. I’m a research librarian at the University of Pennsylvania.”
“The men come on to you, make suggestive remarks?” His voice carried an edgy note.
Confused by the sudden sharpness of his tone, she gave him a quick glance. His expression was bland, but his eyes were cold. Now what was biting him?
“Well?” he prompted, his voice now as cold as his eyes. “What did the crude jerks say to you?”
“Oh, the usual.” She shrugged. “You know, juvenile things like, ‘Oh, I’ve found the ice-queen types are always the hottest.’”
“Wonderful.” His lip curled. “How smooth. How very debonair.” He shook his head. “That line should have all the women falling on their backs for him. Stupid kids.”
Bri shot a droll look at him. “That particular line came from one of the professors.”
Tanner stared at her a moment, then laughed. “Some men never grow up, do they, no matter how smart and well-educated they are.”
“So it seems,” Bri agreed with him, smiling as they strolled toward the house.
When they reached the porch, he came to a stop, turning to face her, grasping her shoulders. “I guess I’m no smarter than the others.”
“What do you mean?” Her voice began to fade and her breathing grew erratic, strained, as he lowered his head to hers.
“Fool that I am,” he murmured, his lips barely a half inch from hers, “I’m going to kiss you, Brianna.”
“Yes…please…” Her voice was swallowed up inside his mouth.
Incredible. His mouth claiming hers was absolutely incredible. And exciting. His tongue slid inside, sweeping every nook, tangling with her own.
Bri curled her arms around his taut neck, moving her body closer to him, against him. His arms circled her waist, drawing her closer still. Something seemed to sizzle through every cell of her being as he ground into her, making her all too aware of his erection.
Good heavens! She had never been kissed like this. At the time she had believed Mr. Smooth and Charming had been good, but he was a novice compared to the man she was now clinging to as tightly as ivy clings to a brick wall.
She wanted to cry out in protest when he lifted his head. She swallowed to keep it inside. “That was some kiss,” she said, striving for normal, attaining something similar to a croak.
“Yeah, it felt like more.” Releasing her, he stepped back, shaking his head. “But I’m not that much of a fool…I hope.”
Bri didn’t know whether to feel insulted or flattered. She felt confused. Who wouldn’t be when a man called himself a fool for kissing her? Numb, she allowed him to lead her into the house.
From then on he was all business—except for the occasional brush of his arm or his hand against her. Bri had reached a point in her life where she believed there were no accidents. She knew his touches were deliberate.
But why? That was the question nagging at her tired and befuddled mind. Nevertheless, she and Tanner went through their gear, deciding, along with the occasional suggestion from Hawk and nose nudge from Boyo, what they should take.
Bri was relieved to learn they were taking a pack animal, which allowed her to take a few items more than the absolute essentials. One of those items was a bag of dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses she had stashed in an inner pocket of her backpack.
“You can’t have any,” she murmured to the curious dog sniffing at the pack. She ruffled his wiry coat, lowering her head to whisper, “They can make you very sick, and that would make me very, very sad.”
The gear packed and ready for an early departure, Bri had excused herself and gone to her room, Boyo at her side. Once in the room, the dog again stretched out on the foot of the bed. Yawning, Bri curled under the plump comforter, as the night had grown much cooler.
Though it had been a long day, she couldn’t go to sleep. Her mind was restless, repeating the same thoughts over and over.
Could she handle Tanner Wolfe?
Did she want to?
Damned straight, she wanted to.
Tanner couldn’t sleep. Even with his eyes squeezed shut, an image of Brianna shimmered before him, teasing his mind, tormenting his libido. That kiss, that blazing, scorching kiss. Would he ever get the memory of it out of his mind, his senses?
“Damn,” he muttered, tossing aside the comforter to allow the chill night air to cool his overheated body. “Stop reacting like a damn fool nineteen-year-old kid,” he grumbled, shifting position. “You’ve got a job to do. Get your mind off the woman and onto controlling your imagination and your hormones. There’s a lot of money at stake here…if she even pays you more than the original ten thousand posted.”
That last animal-like growl silenced him. Money?
He hadn’t really given a thought to the money since explaining his situation to Hawk. When had the money become secondary? Secondary? Tanner’s now-overactive mind repeated. Secondary to what?
“Brianna.” He whispered her name like a prayer. Brianna. Her name echoed inside his head like a mantra. She was the most unlikely woman. A guntoting librarian. A woman of privilege who knew how to shoot and ride and track. Not at all the type he normally consorted with, he reminded himself, let alone fell for.
Jesus. When had she become so important to him? Not simply her safety but her, the woman? The woman he wanted more than he had ever wanted any woman before.
In that instant he knew without a doubt he would spend the rest of his life hunting down that killer, if necessary. Not for the money, Tanner thought, deciding then and there not to accept any, but for Brianna, for her peace of mind.
He would do it even at the loss of his own peace of mind…not to mention his sanity.
Tanner knew Brianna would not be there when he returned to Durango. He knew, as well, that she would never want to see him again.
Still, he ached for her, ached to be with her in the most intimate way a man could be with a woman. Tanner pulled the comforter around his body, which was both shivering and burning for Brianna.
Damn. What was the matter with him?
Tanner snorted. As if he didn’t know. Still, he wouldn’t admit it, not even to himself.
Six
A light tap and a murmured “Brianna” woke Bri. Frowning, her eyes barely open, she wondered why Hawk and not Tanner had
come to wake her.
“I’m awake,” she muttered, raking her fingers through sleep-tangled hair. Other than a small night-light plugged into a wall socket, the room was dark, and she reached to the nightstand to switch on the light.
“Coffee’s fresh and hot.”
“Give me a couple of minutes.” Yawning, she tossed the cover back, grinning as Boyo lifted his large head, alert and apparently ready for anything.
“Hi, fella,” she said, ruffling his hair. “Go back to sleep, you don’t have to get up yet.”
Obviously Boyo wasn’t about to do any such thing as go to sleep. After stretching his legs, he jumped from the bed and padded to the door, waiting patiently until Bri opened it for him.
The hallway was well lighted, as was the living room beyond. Smiling, she wondered if Hawk had turned on every light in the house. That is, until she opened the bathroom door.
The bright sunlight filling the room jolted her like a shock. What the heck time was it? she asked herself, frowning as she entered the room. Hadn’t Tanner said he wanted to get an early start?
Puzzled, she nevertheless took a quick shower and ran back to the bedroom to look at the clock she hadn’t bothered to glance at before. The digital numbers flashed 8:45. Stunned, she pulled the heavy blackout drapes over the sheers aside, staring in disbelief at the blaze of sunlight pouring through the window.
Suspicion tickling the back of her mind, Bri quickly dressed, braided her hair and left the room, following the aroma of fresh coffee.
Hawk stood by the stove. Boyo had his nose buried in his food bowl. There was no sign of Tanner or the gear he had set by the door last night.
The tickle of suspicion expanded into certainty. “Where’s Tanner?” Her voice was cold, her stance stiff, her eyes narrowed.
“He’s gone…left about five,” he answered, warm compassion meeting her icy stare.
“Gone?” she repeated, voice rising an octave. “He left without me? That son of a—”
“Now, Brianna,” Hawk cut her off in a soft, calming tone. “Come have a cup of coffee and some breakfast and I’ll explain everything to you.”
