With shaking fingers, Kellie scrolled up to see what else MacGyver had discussed with him.
MEET GIRL IN WEDDING DRESS IMMEDIATELY. WALLY’S. CRITICAL YOU KEEP HER UNDER WRAPS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Oh, God! She’d been right the first time. MacGyver was working for Tony.
A noise jerked her attention toward the hallway. The bathroom door opened and closed. Footsteps trod lightly toward her door. Kellie’s gaze darted around the room and landed on MacGyver’s handgun on the table by the window. How careless of him. She flew off the bed, grabbed the gun and released the safety, drawing a bead on the door just as MacGyver pushed it open and stepped into the room.
* * * *
MacGyver froze. What the hell? Slowly, he swung the door closed and heard it latch behind him. Not only was Kellie pointing his own gun at him like she knew what she was doing, but her chest was heaving with the effort. Something had definitely gotten her riled while he’d been gone for less than five minutes.
“Kellie? Did you talk to your stepdad?”
She shook her head. “But you got a text from The Congressman.”
“Okay.” MacGyver searched until he spotted the phone lying on the bed. “May I read it so I’ll at least know what we’re talking about?”
“Go ahead.” She motioned toward the bed with the barrel of the gun. “Then tell me again how you’re not working for Tony.”
What did the congressman have to do with Palazzi? MacGyver raised his hands, palms out, and moved to the bed. Picking up the device, he tapped the screen until the original text appeared and followed the thread to the end.
Shit! He read it again. No wonder she was freaking out. The congressman had thrown him under the bus with his cryptic message, and still he gave no explanation as to what was going on. How was he going to explain this when he didn’t understand?
MacGyver shook his head as he looked at Kellie. “It’s not what you think.”
She gave a bitter laugh. “What is it then?”
“Remember when I told the cop I was in town on business?”
Kellie nodded but didn’t relax even a little.
“Congressman Norwell hired my company to find a missing person—a man by the name of Jeremy Dahl. Do either of those names mean anything to you?”
“No. Should they?”
MacGyver moved to the end of the bed and sat, crossing one ankle over the other. “I thought you might know the congressman. I was in that bar waiting for information on Dahl when the first text came in. The congressman didn’t say why he wanted me to meet and keep track of you, but I figured it must have something to do with the case. You’ve never met Congressman Norwell…from California?”
“Do you seriously expect me to believe that text wasn’t from Tony?”
“It’s the truth, Kellie. Ask Travis. He’ll tell you the exact same thing.”
“What would that prove? That you’re both working for Tony?”
MacGyver heaved an exasperated sigh. “If I were working for Palazzi, why would I have kept him from grabbing you at the hotel this morning? He could have had you without any help from me.”
For an instant, puzzlement covered her expressive features. He’d created at least a little bit of doubt.
“Put the gun down, Kellie. Let’s talk about this. You know I’ve got your back.”
Clearly, she was tempted, but then her jaw firmed and she shook her head. “No. I don’t know what to believe, but I can’t stay here.” She sidled toward her bag near the edge of the bed. “I’m going to walk out of here and you’re not going to move.”
MacGyver raked a hand through his hair. Damn it. He couldn’t let her leave. It was still too dangerous. By stopping her, he would destroy the thin layer of doubt that made her hesitate. He had no choice.
Kellie leaned over to grasp her bag and the hand holding the gun lowered slightly. MacGyver sprang toward her. She straightened and brought the weapon up again, but he was too close for her to maneuver. With an outward thrust of his arm against hers, he shoved her hand to the side. Green eyes widened, and fear flared her nostrils. She desperately tried to maintain distance between them, but he continued to close in, plucking the gun from her fingers and tossing it toward the bed.
She got in a solid punch to his gut, but it probably hurt her hand worse than it did him. While she was momentarily sidetracked by the pain, he spun her around and clamped his arms around her torso, imprisoning her arms at her sides.
“Let me go!” She growled the words, punctuating them with a stomp of her foot that came within an inch of his toes.
MacGyver held her tighter, refusing to give her room to launch an attack on his person. Still, she struggled, swearing a blue streak that rivaled any man’s vocabulary of four-letter words. He grinned and let her wear herself out. She was a fighter, for damn sure, but she didn’t have the upper body strength to break his hold. Even so, it was a full two minutes before she admitted defeat and stopped fighting him.
“Are you finished?” With any luck, she was, because her body squirming against his and the scent of honeysuckle in her hair was awakening a need within him other than self-preservation.
“Go to hell!”
Oh yeah—she was mad now. “I just want to talk to you. I’ll let you go if you promise to hear me out.”
“Why should I? I can’t believe anything you say, and I’m not making it easy for you to turn me over to Tony.”
“Goddammit, Kellie!” MacGyver released her and stepped back, keeping his body between her and the door. “I don’t work for Tony Palazzi. I’m on your side in this thing. Don’t ask me why, but I couldn’t walk away and leave you at Wally’s Tavern, and I can’t do it now. I promised to see you and your stepfather somewhere safe and I will, but you have to trust me.”
“You and the congressman?”
“I don’t know what the hell he has to do with this, but I’m not telling him where we are without a damn good explanation.” Actually, MacGyver would like to throttle the congressman about now. “And even if he manages to convince me, you get the final say. I told you I’d have your back, and I always keep my promises.”
This time she didn’t fire back at him. Her eyes softened as she searched his face, and her body language wasn’t as confrontational as before. Some of the tension left him.
“Now, if you still want to go, I won’t stop you.” He turned away and strode to the bed. Picking up his handgun, he flipped the safety on, then faced her again. “If you insist on going alone, you might need this.” MacGyver held out the weapon. Concern that she might take him up on his offer made his hand shake.
Her attention flicked from him to the gun and back again. For what seemed an eternity, she scrutinized him with distrust, doubt and that same wariness he’d become familiar with. Finally, she shook her head. “I’ll stay.”
MacGyver relaxed marginally as he strode toward her, shoving the gun in his back waistband. He shouldn’t get too close or hold her in his arms, and it would definitely be a mistake to kiss her, though every neuron in his body urged him to do just that. The vulnerability that flashed across her features made him pull up in front of her and gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Yeah, I was hoping you would.” He wound his hand in her hair and pulled her closer, aiming for her full red lips. At the last second, he settled for a lingering kiss on her forehead. “You won’t be sorry.” Would she ever really believe she could trust him? He turned her toward the bed. “Go. Get some sleep.”
Without a word, Kellie moved to her side of the bed and slid between the sheets. “MacGyver?”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t know if this makes a difference, but if I were going to believe anyone, it would be you.”
Meaning she wasn’t ready to put all of her faith in him yet. Damn the congressman. Damn Wally’s Tavern. And damn her intoxi
cating green eyes. “Night, Kellie.” He turned out the lamp and settled on top of the covers. His eyes wouldn’t stay closed, and he finally gave up. Grabbing his phone from the nightstand, he reread Congressman Norwell’s texts. Shaking his head, he pounded out a reply and hit send. Norwell wasn’t getting what he wanted until MacGyver got some answers.
When Kellie’s breathing evened out and he was sure she was asleep, he rolled toward her, until her back was again pressed against his front, and draped his arm across her thigh.
He’d wanted to have a serious talk with her tonight about Jeremy Dahl, Palazzi and the money he’d claimed was stolen. MacGyver had gotten some of the answers he’d wanted. She didn’t know Dahl or the congressman. So why had he been directed to meet her and keep her out of sight? And why was he glad he’d been there when trouble found her in that bar, instead of being irritated at the distraction from their case?
Yeah, he was in big trouble. The runaway bride had cast her spell over him, and the lines between short term and long term were starting to blur.
Chapter Eight
Lightning flashed across the dark clouds to the northwest, and thunder boomed a few seconds later. The knot in Kellie’s stomach grew exponentially. They’d left the airport in Deer Park as dawn broke, still barely catching a break in the severe weather system at Felts Field on the outskirts of Spokane, landing in heavy winds as the rain pelted their small aircraft.
She extended the handle of her suitcase and rolled it along as she tried to match the lengthy strides of MacGyver and Travis. The early 1900s airport terminal loomed ahead, through rain coming down in sheets. For the second time in three days, she was drenched.
Blake Sorenson had stayed with the plane, fueling up with hopes of taking off before the storm worsened. She’d be glad to see him go.
The last two days had been a new low for her, and it was going downhill from there. She’d failed to learn anything about her sister’s disappearance, forced Pop to leave everything he’d ever known behind to flee the state and suffered the worst hangover she’d ever had. Now Blake had her stomach tied in knots. She’d sensed his scrutiny of her frequently, and it was obvious he hadn’t liked what he saw.
For a while, it’d seemed as though everything might be all right. She’d escaped Tony’s clutches with the aid of MacGyver and Travis—men who would surely prove helpful in reuniting with her stepdad while staying under the radar. Providing she could keep her suspicions in check long enough. Her trust for them was growing, which was a miracle in itself.
She’d borrowed MacGyver’s phone first thing this morning and again upon landing, dialing Pop’s number and leaving messages each time her call went straight to voice mail. He’ll call. Stay positive.
Talking herself into the right frame of mind wasn’t working, and Blake’s smirks and subtle digs weren’t helping. Neither was MacGyver’s protectiveness.
He held the terminal door open, and she slipped inside without looking at him. He came up behind her as Travis continued straight ahead toward a sign advertising rental cars. Gently, MacGyver pried her fingers from the handle of her suitcase, and she turned to face him.
A frown skimmed MacGyver’s smooth brow, gone as quickly as it appeared. “You’ve been quiet all morning. You’re not still worried about the text, are you?”
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about the identity of the congressman, but I believe you’re telling me the truth.” And she’d keep believing that right up until she had evidence to the contrary.
“And Blake? He’s acting strange, even for him. Obviously, he makes you ill at ease. What does he know about you I don’t?”
Kellie gritted her teeth as anger churned her stomach, but it wasn’t enough to keep from dumping on MacGyver. “I don’t know why your friend’s acting like an ass, but I bet, if you asked him, he’d tell you what he thinks he knows. Then you can tell me, and we’ll both be enlightened.” Damn, that felt good! But it was stupid to lose her cool. She’d learned the hard way that defensiveness and resentment only made things worse. She whirled away from him on a frustrated sigh.
MacGyver caught her elbow before she could take a step. She turned slowly and looked pointedly at his hand.
He sidled closer, his warmth permeating her wet shirt. His lips tickled her ear as his soft chuckle moved the hair near her face. “I’d rather hear it from you. Full disclosure, remember?”
Kellie pasted on a fake smile and strove for a more neutral tone. “I’ll tell you anything you want to know about Tony Palazzi. My life story is another matter entirely.”
His slow grin answered her snub, and he removed his hand from her elbow. “We’ll start with Tony Palazzi and see how far we get.”
Interrupted by a stream of expletives, she glanced toward the entrance to the terminal just as the door closed behind Blake Sorenson. His worn, gray duffle bag hit the floor with a dull clang.
“Sonofabitch! I’ve gone swimming and not gotten this damn wet.” He gave his head a shake, sending water from long strands of black hair every which way. A slight limp she hadn’t noticed before caught her attention. “All planes are grounded, and the airport’s closed. Looks like I’m stuck here for a few hours. Mind if I tag along?” He addressed MacGyver but glanced sideways at her as though expecting her to object.
Just what I need! Kellie brooded silently. She couldn’t catch a break.
“We’re heading east as soon as Travis gets a car. You’re welcome to ride with us, but it could be a few days before we get you back to your plane.” MacGyver’s expression was guarded when he glanced briefly at Kellie.
Great! She grabbed her suitcase and strode across the small terminal. MacGyver didn’t try to stop her this time. Why would he? No doubt he was eager to ask Blake how he knew her. So let them talk. She kept walking until her path was blocked by floor-to-ceiling panes of glass that overlooked the runway. Rolling her bag alongside a line of the least comfortable chairs she’d ever seen, she dropped into one of them, facing the windows.
Suddenly, MacGyver slumped into the seat next to hers. “First rule in situations like this—don’t wander off.” He retrieved his cell phone from his back pocket and handed it to her. “Try your stepdad again.”
Kellie chafed at his orders, but she refrained from engaging. She took the phone, forcing a thin smile. “Thanks.” Her scornful tone was anything but grateful, but he settled back in his chair anyway. Apparently, this was as much privacy as she was going to get.
With one finger poised to begin dialing, the phone vibrated in her hand, almost causing her to drop the device. MacGyver stretched for it, but she pulled her hand to the side so he’d have to climb over her to reach.
She knew that number. “It’s Pop.” Finally. He’d listened to her messages and dialed her back. Please let him be all right. Kellie swiped the screen to answer and pressed the phone to her ear. “Hey, Pop. Where are you?”
“Your stepdad is resting, Ms. Greyson. Charlie isn’t as young as he used to be. But if you do as you’re told, I’ll make sure he gets where he’s going in one piece. First, you’re going to ditch the guys you’re traveling with, and then you’re going to come to the cabin alone. We need to talk.” The man’s strangely familiar voice, dripping with thinly veiled threats to Pop, jump-started the erratic beating of her heart until her entire body pulsed.
Kellie sat forward abruptly, her growing tension apparently alerting MacGyver. He slipped one arm around her shoulders and leaned closer, his head resting against her hand as she held the phone.
Though she was sure she’d heard the voice on the phone before, she couldn’t place where. “Who is this? If you’ve hurt Pop, I swear to God I’ll kill you myself.” Kellie struggled to talk around the lump of fear in her throat.
“Now, now, sweetheart. Let’s not give away the game to your bodyguards. They’re out of this as of right now. Understand? If you bring them to the c
abin, I’ll have to settle for keeping your old man.” The coward was laughing at her.
A growl rumbled from MacGyver as he snatched the phone from her hand.
“No!” Kellie grabbed for it, but he caught her wrist and held it firmly, pressed against his massive thigh.
“Listen, shithead, that’s not going to work for me.” MacGyver snarled into the phone. “I’ll be with her all the way, and her stepdad better be unharmed when we get there, or this will be the shortest game you’ve ever played.”
Kellie stared in stunned disbelief as MacGyver ended the call abruptly. She would have jumped to her feet and popped him one, if he wasn’t still holding her wrist securely. “What did you do? You can’t talk to him like that! He’s got Pop! What if he—?”
“Calm down, darlin’.” MacGyver grinned at the couple sitting across from them who had lowered their magazines to watch curiously.
Kellie glanced their way, too, and scowled at their rapt attention. They both raised their reading material again and at least pretended they weren’t listening to every word. She turned to MacGyver, and the amusement sparkling in his eyes was the final straw. Anger and fear mixed to create an overpowering need to hit someone or something. Luckily, MacGyver was within range.
Pushing to her feet, she faced him and yanked on her arm, but instead of freeing herself, suddenly she was jerked forward onto his lap, straddling his muscled thighs as though he were a damn horse. Sputtering and huffing, not one demand to be released made it into full-length words before he slid his big hands into her hair, pulled her flush with his chest and crushed her mouth beneath his.
Bracing her palms against his chest, she pushed as hard as she could, gaining nothing for it—unless she counted his growing arousal pressed between her spread legs. His spicy scent assailed her as his mouth moved over hers, teasing the seam of her lips with his hot tongue. Her blood began to pulsate in her ears, making it hard to think about anything but the sensations rocking her and the strength of his hard edges and plains. Her traitorous female reactions sabotaged her best intentions. Winding her arms around his neck, she pressed closer, long buried needs overpowering internal warning bells.
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