by Mona Ingram
“Are you disappointed?” He watched her intently.
She hesitated, sensing that her reply was important to him. “Not at all; I like the real you. What surprises me is that you could fool me so completely.”
He dismounted and cupped some water in his palms, but not before she noticed a shadow cross his face. Something was bothering him, but she couldn’t imagine what it might be. He drank deeply, then wiped his hands on his jeans. “I regret that,” he said, finally meeting her eyes. “But it was necessary.”
“I understand.” She frowned. He had withdrawn, and she didn’t know why. Deciding that there was nothing to be gained by probing further she pointed to a rise in the distance. “Maisie sent along a thermos of coffee. Is that a good place to stop for a break?”
He nodded. They rode easily, side by side. Groups of cattle dotted the hillside, grazing contentedly while the young chased each other on stiff legs. Here and there, newborn calves lay sleeping in depressions in the ground, their presence betrayed by the flick of an ear.
Pausing at the top of the rise, they dismounted and left their horses to graze. Olivia drank in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. “I don’t know how you can bear to tear yourself away from here,” she said, spreading her arms and turning in a slow circle. “I think it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”
He watched her reaction with approval and a slow smile softened his face. “I agree. And from now on, when I leave it will be strictly for personal reasons.” He pulled out the thermos, and two enameled cups. “As far as I’m concerned, that was a one-off mission for IATO.” He poured the steaming coffee. “There are a lot of Special Forces alumni like myself who’d like another chance to kick some ass. And the way the world is changing, they won’t be short of volunteers.”
She was alerted by something in his voice. “Why do they do it, Josh?” He handed her the cup and she looked around for a spot to sit. A cluster of pine trees offered some welcome shade. “Is it the danger? Is that what makes men go off on these missions?” She sipped thoughtfully. “Dirk’s retired from SAS. And you’re no longer with Special Forces. What’s in it for you?”
His body tensed and she glimpsed the flash of pain again. He silently kicked at some pinecones, clearing a space for them to sit down. Then he seemed to get control of himself and sank onto the ground, indicating the space beside him. “I don’t know what makes the other guys come back for one last kick at the can.” He gazed into the distance and she would have given anything to know what he was thinking at that moment. “I suppose for some of them it’s the danger. That would be a fair assessment. But for the rest of us, it’s something we have to do.” He was striving to keep his tone light. “I can’t begin to put into words how good it feels to know that Blazek is out of business.” He stared into the mug.
A magpie landed in the tree above them, breaking the silence with its raucous chatter. Olivia turned to Josh. “I’ve been afraid to ask you, but I have to know. Did Blazek die in that last explosion?”
His head jerked up. “What? Oh, no. It was a close call, but I saw him drive away in his Hummer. No one at the villa was hurt, either. We made sure of that.”
“Thank goodness.” The relief was overwhelming. “In spite of everything, he is Eliska’s father.” She shot him a quick glance. “Although why I should care about him, I don’t know.”
She started to tremble. “I’m not a brave person, Josh. I’m ashamed to admit it, but when he walked across the floor of that warehouse, I was terrified. I kept telling myself that Eliska’s father wouldn’t harm me, but deep down I knew he could be ruthless.” Tears started to roll down her cheeks and she let them fall.
“Come here.” Josh pulled her into his arms. “I’ve been expecting this.” He lifted her effortlessly onto his lap and held her like a child, stroking her hair with one large hand.
It felt so good to be held. “I’m sorry,” she hiccupped. “I didn’t mean to cry.”
He rocked her gently. “With everything you went through I’m surprised this didn’t happen long ago.” Tipping up her chin, he brushed his lips against her forehead. “You’re an amazing woman, Olivia MacMillan. A few tears aren’t going to change that.”
She closed her eyes and enjoyed the security of being in his arms. He smelled of soap, horses and his own intoxicating scent. When had he last kissed her? Monte Carlo and the Costa del Sol seemed to have happened in another lifetime. Whenever it was, it had been too long ago. The memory shimmered through her and she snuggled against his chest, aware of the rapid beating of his heart.
She looked up to see him staring into the distance, his brow furrowed. “What’s the matter?” She dabbed at her eyes, her own emotional outburst forgotten.
When he answered, his voice seemed to come from far away. “I didn’t expect to like you, you know.” A faint grin touched his face and then disappeared. “I think I told you that the first day I met you.”
He was far too serious. “What are you trying to say?” She touched her fingers to his lips.
Grasping her hand, he placed a kiss in her palm and then he lifted her, setting her on the ground beside him. “I can’t think when you’re so close,” he said. “I need to do this properly.” He stood up and walked a few steps away, his back to her.
She stilled. “You’re sorry you brought me here, aren’t you!” She scrambled to her feet, her eyes flashing. Facing him, she poked him in the chest with a stiff finger. “If you’re trying to let me down gently, I’ve got news for you Cowboy. You’re not doing a very good job of it.”
He stared at her. “What are you talking about? I’m happy that you’re here. As a matter of fact…” He swallowed. “Listen. I’m trying to apologize. It’s been eating away at me ever since Blazek’s men took you from the yacht.” He took a deep breath. “We used you, Olivia. It was wrong, and you were put in danger because of it. I don’t think I can ever forgive myself for that.”
She relaxed as his words sunk in. “That’s what this is all about?” She gave a relieved little laugh. “Okay, so I was mad when you first told me, back at the villa in Monte Carlo, but I got over it. Remember?”
With a groan of frustration, he pulled her against his chest. “Yes, I remember, but…”
She touched her fingertips to his mouth, cutting off any further explanation. “No ‘buts’. It’s over, Josh. Let’s not spoil this beautiful day.” She smiled into his eyes and saw the tension drain out of them. “There is something you could do for me, though.” She raised her lips.
“Gladly.” His mouth covered hers with a fierceness that left her breathless and wanting more. “Olivia.” His voice was raspy. “I’ve wanted to do this for days, but I didn’t know how.”
She pulled back. “You seem to be doing very well.”
“You know what I mean.” He deepened the kiss, his mouth slanting over hers with startling urgency. A gentle breeze rustled the trees, and the horses shuffled nearby, but Josh and Olivia were unaware of their surroundings. The rapid beating of his heart matched her own, and a sigh of pleasure escaped her lips.
The sound of pounding horse’s hooves broke them apart.
“Josh.” Clint was breathless. “Thank goodness I found you.” His face was flushed. “One of the young calves is all tangled up in the barbed wire over by Trout Lake and I can’t find my wire cutters.” He slapped his thigh angrily. “I must have lost them last time I was out.”
Josh ran to his horse and checked his saddlebags. “I’ve got mine. I can give you a hand.” He turned to Olivia. “Would you like to come, or would you prefer to go back to the house?”
“How far is Trout Lake?”
Josh glanced at Clint for confirmation. “Three, four miles?”
“’Bout that, yeah.”
“Then I’d better go back to the house.” She shook her head. “I haven’t done much riding lately, and I’d just hold you up.”
His eyes lingered for a tantalizing moment on her mouth and then he mounte
d. “You can find your own way back?”
She smiled. “Get out of here.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He touched his hat and rode off.
* * *
“Over by Trout Lake, you said?” Maisie was chopping green onions for a potato salad.
“Yes. Clint said it was three or four miles from where he found us.”
“Then they’ll be late getting back. Just as well it’s a cold supper.” She stirred the salad. “Josh will do anything to save one of his animals. It’s not unusual for him to stay out there all night when one of the horses is foaling.”
“I can understand that. I have a horse at home.”
Maisie appeared to scrutinize her more carefully. “Even so, I’d like to see him get out more. He’s been hiding away here too long, if you ask me.”
“Hiding from what?”
Maisie banged the spoon against the side of the bowl. “Nothing. I’m just an old woman who talks too much.” She placed the bowl in the refrigerator and moved to the sink.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” It was a feeble attempt to get the housekeeper to talk some more and she wasn’t surprised when it didn’t work.
“No thanks dearie.” She removed her apron. “I think I’ll go out and cut some flowers.”
Olivia knew when she was being dismissed. “Oh. Then I think I’ll make a few phone calls.”
* * *
“You’re where? I thought I heard you say Montana.” Justine’s voice sounded like she was in the other room. “What are you doing there?”
“Right now I’m at Josh’s ranch. You wouldn’t believe everything that’s happened.” She hardly believed it herself.
“Try me.”
“It’s a long story but it’s something I should tell you in person.” Olivia sat in the shade of the back porch. “You wouldn’t believe how beautiful it is here. I’m looking at the Rocky Mountains right now.”
“Olivia.” Justine’s voice took on a warning note. “You’re not breaking The Rules, are you?
“The Rules?” The cat jumped up on her lap, demanding attention.
“You’re not falling in love with him, are you?”
Olivia closed her eyes and she was back on the hilltop, the scent of pine resin sweet in the air and Josh’s mouth ravaging hers. Her heart began to flutter. “Oh, those rules. Of course not.” She rapidly changed the subject. “How’s everything coming along for the wedding?”
“With your Mother helping, it couldn’t be anything other than perfect. I’ve never seen a woman with such organizational skills. No wonder her charities are all so successful.” She paused and Olivia pictured her friend biting her lip. “You will be back in time, won’t you?”
“You can bet on it. Listen Justine, I’d better get going. I’ll see you on the Friday night before the wedding, if not before.”
“Okay.” Justine hesitated, and Olivia could sense that something else was coming. “You can bring him if you like.”
Olivia managed a convincing chuckle. She’d had the same idea herself, but discarded it. “Thanks, but I don’t think that’s in the cards.” She scratched behind the cat’s ears. “See you soon.”
The cat settled down beside her as she stretched out on the lounge. “I’d forgotten about those pesky rules,” she said dreamily, her hand in the animal’s soft fur. “I wonder if they still apply?”
* * *
“I’m real sorry, son.” Clint was apologizing again. “She’s a right pretty girl, that Miss Olivia. Do you reckon we’ll be seeing much of her around here?”
Josh laughed easily. “You’re about as subtle as a kick in the shins, Clint Jackson.” He laid a soothing hand on the calf slung across his horse. “But to tell you the truth, I don’t know how long she can stay. It was a spur of the moment sort of thing, coming here.”
“Well, I like her.” The foreman dismounted, opened the last fence then closed it carefully when they had passed. “I’ll call the vet.” They headed for the barn.
“Thanks, and I’ll explain to Olivia why she’ll probably be spending the evening alone.”
* * *
Olivia frowned in her sleep and brushed away an annoying fly that kept landing on her mouth. A low chuckle broke through the fog of sleep and the frown turned into a smile. She opened her eyes lazily. “Josh Morgan, you’re a pest.” Sitting up, she noticed the slanting rays of the sun. “What time is it? Is the calf all right?”
Josh twirled a large dark feather between his fingers, and then handed it to her. “It’s a little after six.” He brushed the hair from her eyes, and his hand lingered on her neck, kneading it softly. “The good news is, we got the calf, and the bad news is I’ll probably be spending most of the evening with the vet until we get it stabilized.” He shrugged apologetically. “I’m sorry Olivia.” His eyes caressed her face. “Have you noticed that every time it looks like we’re getting something started, we get interrupted?” His mouth twitched. “It’s getting damned annoying.”
She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. “Yes, it is,” she whispered, not attempting to hide the longing in her eyes. “But this is important.” She looked down at the feather in her hand. It was broad and black. “Thank you for the gift. Is this from an eagle?”
“Yes.” His eyes shone. “Clint thought I was crazy, stopping to pick it up, but I wanted you to be able to touch it. You can almost feel the power in this feather.” He offered her his hand, pulling her up. “Have you had anything to eat?”
“No, I was waiting for you. Do you have time?”
“It will take at least half an hour for the vet to get here. Maybe more.” He slipped an arm around her waist, his touch proprietary. “Come on, I’m hungry.”
The vet arrived as they were finishing their coffee. “At least someone has good timing,” he observed wryly, nodding toward the vet’s truck.
“Oh, I don’t know.” She grinned up at him saucily. “The day isn’t over yet.”
Chapter Eleven
“Let’s see how this little fella is doing.” The vet disappeared into the stall and Josh turned to Olivia.
“I wish I could give you a better idea of when I’ll be through here.” He raised his arms helplessly. “But I don’t know.” He guided her to the door of the barn. Pulling her away from prying eyes, he ducked behind a stack of hay bales. Dust motes danced around them, golden in the last rays of the sun. Cupping her face in his hand, he ran the pad of his thumb across her lips. Unable to form a coherent thought, she watched as he lowered his head, and met him joyously. His mouth covered hers, bold and tender at the same time. His touch traced the outline of her lips and she opened her mouth, aware of a melting pool of heat growing between her thighs. His broad hands splayed across her back, pulling her against his growing erection. She whimpered helplessly, greedy for his touch.
“Josh,” she murmured, running her hands up into his hair. “Talk about bad timing.”
“Yeah, but I needed that.” He grinned crookedly and stepped back, taking a deep breath. “And if you think this is bad timing, guess what? Dirk is arriving tomorrow.”
“Oh.” Olivia tried to hide her disappointment. Her dream of several more idyllic days with him had just gone up in smoke. “I guess you’re pleased about that.”
“Well.” He looked around distractedly. “I understand the reason that IATO needs a report on the mission and that Dirk and I have to work on it together, but to be honest I was hoping for more time with you.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. How long can you stay?”
She looked up at the face she’d come to love. Forever…that’s what she wanted to say. “What day is it today? Monday?” He nodded. “I have to be home on Thursday at the latest. Justine’s wedding is on Saturday.”
“That’s right, the wedding! I’d forgotten about that.” A few strands of hay clung to her shirt and he brushed them away, his fingers skimming her breast.
Heat coursed through her veins like a bru
shfire at the end of summer. It was the most intimate contact they’d shared and Olivia couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to make love with this man. She looked up to find him watching her, reading her thoughts.
“We’d be dynamite together, wouldn’t we?” He reached out to her again, and tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear. “But I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll ever find that out.”
Her voice was little more than a whisper. “We’ll find a way.” The words hung between them and in that moment she wanted him more than she knew was possible.
The calf bleated, pulling them back to the business at hand. Olivia looked away first. “You’d better get back in there, or they’ll wonder what happened to you.” The sun had slipped below the mountains, and the air was turning cool. She nodded in the direction of the open barn door. “Go on now. I’ll still be here in the morning.”
“Do you promise?”
“Cowboy, you can count on it.”
* * *
Olivia filled the bathtub, adding a generous handful of bath salts. Easing into the steaming water, she relived the events of the past week. Ever since meeting Josh, she’d been swept along in an emotional whirlwind, ranging from weak-kneed attraction to blazing anger. His good looks and potent sexuality had been the initial attraction. That wasn’t surprising. What did surprise her was that the real Josh–the one she was starting to know–was even more attractive. He lived his life with quiet confidence and self-reliance that drew her like a moth to a flame. She slapped the bath water in frustration. And now, just when she was getting to know him, they were going to be interrupted again. Maybe he was right. Perhaps they never would get together. It was a concept she didn’t even want to consider.
* * *
Olivia stirred restlessly as moonlight spilled into the bedroom. Her silk nightgown lay across the foot of the bed, colorless in the pale light. She slipped out of bed and crossed to the window. Beside the river, the leaves of a willow hung perfectly still, silvered by the moon’s radiance. The beauty of this land took her breath away, even at night. Her family estate, hundreds of years old, had a familiar, genteel charm that calmed the soul. But this land was vibrant, pulsing with energy and possibilities. She smiled softly to herself. She loved them both.
