He laughed instead. “I may have heard that a time or two before.”
She continually amazed him. When he expected her to be frightened, she’d inevitably fall back on some inner strength, enabling her to rise to the challenge. He didn’t understand it, but he admired the hell out of her. Especially since that little smile she wore right now was for him and so damn sexy he felt its pull in every cord and sinew.
Blake circled the small airfield, and MacGyver directed her attention to the two vehicles parked haphazardly on the runway, doors open. Three people stood grouped together, apparently watching the airplane as another appeared to hold a phone to his ear.
Kellie leaned over him to wave from the window, and her lighthearted reaction to escaping Tony’s thugs yet again prompted his grin and was at least partially responsible for him sliding his arm around her shoulders. He regretted taking the liberty immediately—since he’d already taken plenty—but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she rested her head against his shoulder for a brief moment.
It was probably only wishful thinking that she was finally starting to surrender to his wit and charm. Like that is ever going to happen. And just as well it didn’t, since this blonde-haired, green-eyed sorceress was making it harder and harder to focus on the short term.
A wisp of a smile stayed in place as she shifted away from him and leaned back. MacGyver reached across her for the lap belt and buckled it around her. His hands lingered at her waist, and a rush of heat enveloped him…until Blake, clearing his throat, broke the spell.
“Name’s Blake Sorenson, but I’ll answer to just about anything.”
“Travis Monroe. Likewise.” The two men shook hands.
“You served with my man, MacGyver?” Blake nodded his head toward the back.
“That’s right—one of only a few men I trust with my life.”
“Fucking A! He’s the best. Hey, did he tell you he saved my sorry ass a few years back? Course, I had to save his first.” Blake let loose a hearty guffaw and glanced over his shoulder, looking from MacGyver to Kellie and back again. “Hey, buddy. Are you going to introduce me to this gorgeous lady, or do you plan on keeping her all to yourself?”
Aware of his friend’s reputation with the ladies, MacGyver eyed the pilot dubiously. “Blake Sorenson, meet Kellie Greyson.”
The teasing smile held for a moment and then dissipated as Blake turned halfway in his seat and swept an assessing perusal over Kellie. Sorenson was a natural-born flirt, but the way he was eyeballing her, as though sizing up the enemy, bordered on hostile. Kellie tensed, and MacGyver couldn’t blame her. What the hell?
“Thanks for the lift, Blake.” Kellie’s weak smile appeared forced as she extended her hand.
Blake removed his sunglasses and hooked them on the neck of his T-shirt, then gripped her hand. “Ms. Greyson is it? Have we met somewhere?”
“I don’t think so.” Kellie’s answer was quick and defensive. “I mean…it’s possible, but I’d remember you if we’d met before.” She laughed, a dry brittle sound with no humor.
As Blake continued to study her, she tugged her fingers from his grasp and crossed her arms over her stomach. MacGyver would have had to be comatose to miss the abrupt chill in her body language. Whatever had transpired between them, it’d made her damned uncomfortable.
With a familiar grin, the pilot seemed to shake off his musings. “I am hard to forget, honey.” Blake winked and turned back toward the front, focusing on the plane’s instruments as though something noteworthy hadn’t just gone down.
Travis’s quick glance into the backseat, eyebrows raised, told MacGyver he hadn’t imagined the exchange or the uneasiness that had gripped half the occupants of the small plane. He shrugged slightly in reply.
Leaning toward Kellie, he lowered his voice so only she would hear. “Everything okay?”
When she met his gaze, wariness had returned in her strained smile. “Fine. Just not a big fan of flying.” She laid her head against the back of the seat and closed her eyes, apparently satisfied she’d appeased his curiosity.
Right. And elephants have fucking fairy wings.
Chapter Seven
Can this possibly get any worse?
MacGyver’s pilot buddy was also a former Navy SEAL—and not just any SEAL. Lieutenant Commander Blake Sorenson. MacGyver’s introduction had rocked her already unstable emotions. Not that Blake needed an introduction. She’d Googled his name when she’d first learned he was the man pushing for her court martial.
His thick, black hair was longer now, just meeting the collar of his Levi’s jacket. Stubble covered his cheeks and chin, making him appear older than his reported thirty-four years. A scar zigzagged from his forehead above his right brow, disappearing into the hair at his temple. Dark, chocolate brown eyes held anger, directed at her.
Sorenson had almost certainly recognized her, too. Though they’d never met in person, he could have seen her picture on the news. The suspicious way he’d asked for confirmation of her last name seemed to indicate he remembered her by another.
Her final deployment to Iraq was the time period in question. Probably safe to narrow that estimate further to the worst day of her life—a day that made the last couple look like a romp through a field of daisies.
Kellie laid her head against the seat and closed her eyes, shutting out MacGyver’s curiosity. The tension between her and Blake hadn’t been lost on MacGyver. He knew something was wrong, and she couldn’t allow the concern in his eyes to coax her into confession. It was her burden to bear…alone.
She’d been Kellie Bowman back then. Her biological father’s name was on her birth certificate…and Anna’s. Kellie had legally changed hers to Greyson, her mother’s maiden name, after returning to civilian life.
Did Blake know who she’d been a year and a half ago? Maybe she was just being paranoid. If only. The truth had stared back at her when his smug regard seemed to penetrate her soul. Would he tell MacGyver and Travis?
So what if he does? She’d saved a young girl from injury or death that day, and she wasn’t sorry for her actions. The Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Division had eventually agreed she’d been justified. Unfortunately, all anyone seemed to remember was her name linked with criminal investigation. The damage had been done by the first wave of media attention. Neither the results of the investigation, nor the commendation she’d received, had been reported with the same level of zealousness.
A weight landed on her, and she cracked her eyelids open as MacGyver finished tucking the edges of his jacket around her. What was with this guy? Considerate, kind, honorable and drop-dead gorgeous—he had it all. MacGyver was a guy who could distract her from finding Anna if she didn’t keep her distance. Too bad, because he was also a man she could easily be attracted to…if the timing wasn’t all wrong.
“Thanks. That feels good.”
“My pleasure.” He slouched until his shoulder came level with hers, and he only had to swivel his head to speak close to her ear. “Where’d you go? Want to talk about it?”
Deep blue eyes pinned her and almost convinced her she could tell him anything. In all fairness, maybe her secrets would be safe with him, but baring her soul was something she hadn’t done in a very long time. And it wouldn’t happen today, either.
“I’m fine, really. Just a little tired and worried about Pop.”
“It’s too noisy in here, but as soon as we land, you can take my phone and give him a call.” He leaned closer. “I’ve got your back if you want to sleep.”
Like I can sleep with all the adrenaline pumping through my veins. “I might take you up on that.” She smiled at the genuineness of this man she’d known for less than twenty-four hours. How did he do that? Reassure her and arouse her with only a few words?
Kellie settled back anyway. Soon, the drone of voices blurred with the buzz of the engine. With MacGy
ver close beside her, she was safe and warm…just in case she dozed for a minute.
* * * *
Kellie jolted upright and would have jumped from her seat if the lap belt hadn’t nearly cut her in two. Immediately, MacGyver was there, warm hand splayed on her thigh, somehow comforting, while a roar vibrated on the inside of her head. What the hell was that?
“Whoa. You’re okay. Just a little thunder and lightning around Spokane.” MacGyver looked away as another voice joined the barrage of commotion.
“They’re not letting any aircraft land until the storm lets up.” The pilot checked his navigation charts. “Closest airport outside the weather warning is Deer Park, about twenty miles north. Or I can set her down in a field. Your call.”
MacGyver swung back to her. “How long will it take your stepdad to reach your cabin?”
Pop had left Vegas late yesterday afternoon. He would have found a place to spend the night as soon as it got dark. He couldn’t see well at night anymore. Today, he might have made it to Boise before he stopped. “He’ll probably be there sometime tomorrow, late morning. That’s if he doesn’t make any unnecessary stops.” Kellie sat straighter and braced herself against the turbulence that battered the small plane.
“Let’s head for Deer Park. We’ll spend the night there. Hopefully, the weather will be better tomorrow.” MacGyver sat back as he gave instructions to Blake.
“I hate to burst your bubble, MacGyver, but last time I was there, they had zero motels. There’s a nice bed and breakfast not too far from the airport, but if you’re thinking of separate rooms for four, I can pretty much squash that plan.” Blake glanced over his shoulder. “Course, I don’t mind doubling up. How about you and me, Kellie?”
She’d worked with guys for too long to let a little sexual harassment get to her, but Blake’s comment was somehow different—almost malicious. “Sorry, Blake. I don’t take on charity cases.”
“Burn!” Travis swiveled toward her and held up his hand for a high five.
Even Blake laughed good-naturedly, but a muscle along the hard line of MacGyver’s jaw worked in obvious anger. “Kellie can have her own room. I’ll bunk on the floor somewhere.”
No one argued. Obviously, she wasn’t the only one who sensed his displeasure.
After speaking with the air traffic controller at Felts Field, where they’d originally planned to land, Blake adjusted their course to the north and, within minutes, they were flying in mostly clear skies. MacGyver Googled accommodations in Deer Park and got the number for the bed and breakfast. He was able to book two rooms—all they had—and obtain a recommendation for a place to eat only a block away. Kellie was starving, with good reason. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten.
There was a cab waiting for them when they landed and they loaded their few bags into the trunk.
“I’m going to run a few diagnostics on the plane and maybe have a drink. I’ll meet you at the restaurant later.” Blake closed the trunk lid.
“I could use a drink too. How about if I give you a hand?” Travis glanced toward MacGyver and something passed between them that Kellie apparently wasn’t intended to understand.
“We’ll see you later then,” was all MacGyver said as he held the cab door open for her.
The ride into town was short and quiet. The sun was sliding toward the horizon when the cab stopped in front of Baxter’s Bed and Breakfast. Phil and Lonnie Baxter met them at the door in a whirlwind of small town hospitality.
“Well, aren’t you two just the cutest?” The sixtyish Lonnie included them both in her cooing, but it was clear she only had eyes for MacGyver. Who could blame her?
MacGyver, evidently uncomfortable with the blatant flirting, in front of her husband too, stayed close to Kellie and touched her possessively every chance he got as they checked in. She tried to keep from laughing.
“Will the two of you be sharing a room?” Lonnie held out a room key.
“Um…” MacGyver froze, obviously not wanting the woman to know they weren’t together, but also hesitant to make any claims on Kellie after he’d promised her a room of her own.
She snatched the key from Lonnie’s fingers. “Yes. Actually, we’re newlyweds.” She beamed as Mrs. Baxter’s hopeful smile faded.
Mr. Baxter led the way upstairs.
Alone in their room finally, they both started laughing.
MacGyver shook his head. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
“Glad to be of help, but I’ll be paying you back for a while yet.” Kellie looked around the room.
The queen-size bed took up the biggest share of space. A wooden chest sat at the foot, covered with a hand-crocheted afghan in a multitude of colors. An east-facing window looked out over a quiet residential street. Two chairs and a small, cozy table sat against the wall, where the morning sun would warm them while they took their coffee. An ice bucket, some wineglasses and a covered plate rested there.
Kellie strode to the table and pulled a bottle from the ice. “It’s Chardonnay. How thoughtful.” She lifted the cover from the plate, and her stomach gave away her hunger with a loud grumble when the cheese, sausage and crackers appeared. Grabbing one of each and forming a petite sandwich of sorts, she inhaled half before turning to show MacGyver.
He still stood in front of the door, hands on his hips. “Listen…I’ll slip into the other room when Blake and Travis get here.”
Kellie held up the food to entice him. “You should come get some of this. It’s really good.” When he didn’t move, she picked up the plate and stepped toward him. “They’re just going to make you sleep on the floor. Why not stay here? There’s plenty of room.” What was she doing? What if he thought she was offering more than a place to sleep?
What am I offering exactly?
MacGyver peered toward the bed. “I guess I could sleep on the floor, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
Kellie stopped in front of him and held the food platter out until he took a sampling of cheese and sausage. “Why would you sleep on the floor? It’s not like we haven’t shared a bed before.” Oh shit! Clearly, she had no filter tonight.
He stared for a moment, apparently also trying to figure out what she was doing. His eyes darkened and a grin lifted one corner of his mouth.
“That was before that mind-altering kiss we shared outside the hotel.” His intense examination of her lips was so open and intimate, it could have been a caress. “I’m not sure you should trust me.”
“Who said I do?” Kellie shoved the plate into his hand, grabbed her bag and headed for the shared bathroom across the hall. “I’m going to get cleaned up. Why don’t you open the wine?” He was still standing in the same spot when she closed the door, leaving him alone.
Halfway through her shower, Kellie hit a wall. Too tired to put on clean clothes and makeup, she dried herself, combed her hair, brushed her teeth and slipped into an oversized T-shirt. MacGyver could go to the restaurant if he wanted, but she’d had enough for one day. A few more bites of cheese and crackers would satisfy her hunger. A glass of wine would take the edge off her problems long enough to fall asleep.
When she returned to the room, the only light was from a lamp on the bedside table. The half-empty plate of appetizers and a full glass of Chardonnay sat there as well. MacGyver was propped against the pillows on one side of the bed, barefoot and shirtless.
Kellie practically choked on her tongue. She hadn’t been in a position to truly appreciate his ripped abs and deliciously muscular chest this morning. Just the right amount of dark hair dusted his pecs, narrowing into a fine line down the center of his ridged abs until it disappeared beneath the waistband of his jeans. He was one fine-looking man, but she had no business wondering where that sexy strip of hair went from there.
“Are you changing or getting undressed?” Kellie forced her stare from his body and feigned more interest
in her wine than she felt.
“I was going to change my shirt, but I sat down here to drink my wine and never got up.” He rasped both hands down his whiskered face. “Guess I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
“Yeah, me too. Should we—do you want to skip the restaurant?” Kellie grabbed some food from the appetizer plate and offered him some.
He took it with a grateful smile. “I can’t think of anything I’d like better. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Are you kidding? I’m going to finish off this cheese plate, drain this glass and go to sleep, not necessarily in that order.”
MacGyver chuckled. “Sweet. I could kiss you right now but that’s probably not the best idea.” He handed her his cell phone. “See if you can get your stepdad. I’ll go brush my teeth. Be right back.”
Just what she needed. Another reminder of the explosive kiss they’d shared. Heat traveled up the back of her neck as she reached for his phone and dropped onto the edge of the bed. After MacGyver left the room and she heard the bathroom door click shut, she dialed Pop’s number and hung up when it went immediately to voice mail. Of course, Pop would have turned it off for the night. It didn’t mean there was anything wrong. He wouldn’t recognize the number, so he might not answer, even if it was on.
Kellie called back again and waited for the tone. “Pop? I lost my phone, and I’m borrowing this one from a friend. Call me when you get this, okay? Love you.”
She dropped the device in the center of the bed and attacked the appetizer plate again. Savoring a mouthful, she washed it down with wine. The phone vibrated once, and the screen lit up. Someone was texting MacGyver. Someone named The Congressman.
WHERE ARE YOU? IS THE GIRL WITH YOU? TELL ME WHERE WE CAN MEET SO I CAN TAKE HER OFF YOUR HANDS.
Kellie stopped chewing and stared at the phone. Was she the girl? Of course she was. She was the only female in the group. The only person who would want to take her off MacGyver’s hands was Tony. Was he the congressman?
Honor Among SEALs Page 10
