“This isn’t over,” Ranger said and winked. “It’s just an appetizer. The main course comes later.”
“Did you not hear me say we might end up with broken hearts? Our work will keep up apart.”
“We’ll find a way. And what the hell, I might get a broken heart from a bullet on a mission, but that doesn’t keep me away.”
Getting her to admit she wants to marry me will be the most difficult mission I’ve had. I won’t give up, and I won’t let her, either.
Ranger gave Haley the bedroom closest to his. Her mother slept further down the hall. She’d been amazed how Ranger had wrapped her mother around his finger. She’d do anything for him and cooked all his favorite foods after she’d gotten them out of him. Haley sat at the small table in the kitchen, watching them tease each other.
“I do think this chocolate cake is delicious, but that apple pie and ice cream are my number one favorite so far.”
“You are a hard taskmaster,” Mrs. Quinn said with a smile. “But you will enjoy the lobster soup I’m making for lunch.”
“I’m hungry. When can I test it with a large bowl full?”
“Take my daughter out in the garden. She still looks pale. I’ll bring it out with toasted bread and a salad in about thirty minutes.” She winked at Dirk.
“That will give you time to court Haley and kiss her. Get on with it. I want my first grandchild. My sons are taking too long to get married, and they’re too busy to give me grandchildren.” She grinned and added, “I’d prefer the first be a girl.”
Dirk roared with laughter. “You are a demanding woman.”
Mrs. Quinn stopped teasing and looked up at Dirk. She always called him that, saying two names were confusing. She put her small hand on his chest.
“Because of you, I’ve come out of the shell I’ve lived in for years.” Tears came into her eyes, and Dirk pulled her close.
“You’ve always been the person you are now, inside. I only tapped on that door, and it burst open.”
She glanced at her daughter. “He is a good man. Grab him while you can. Now, both of you take a glass of tea and go outside. It’s a lovely day.”
It was lovely. Haley carried their glasses, and Dirk moved the chairs around and wiped off the morning dew. When they sat, Haley stared across at him.
“What?” he asked.
“You have charmed my mother, and she is like I’d always hoped she’d be, but my father kept her down. I can see that now. She did tell me once her parents were very strict and happy when she accepted my father’s offer of marriage.”
“I’m glad she’s so happy and comfortable in my house. I suspect she was too timid to rebel against your Dad for fear of what she’d do if he left her.”
“I think she was always frightened, but in my rebellion with her, I never saw fear.”
“It’s not too late to relax and reach out to her.”
“I know, but it takes time to break through a wall.”
“Not too long, I hope. I want to marry you and have a family.”
Changing the subject, as she often did with him, she asked, “Where’s my Sampson? He’s part of my family.”
“When you were so sick, I asked Jackson if he and Kayla would continue to keep Sampson. They agreed. Their son has fallen in love with him. Sampson stays right at his side.”
“You’re hinting I ought to give Sampson to them.”
“No. I only want you to realize Sampson’s been well cared for and loved.”
“I know.” Haley lowered her head, and tears ran down her face.
Dirk jumped up and lifted her into his lap. “Please don’t cry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”
“I know you didn’t, but I also realize Sampson needs a home with a child. A home where his caregiver isn’t going off for weeks at a time. It was selfish of me to take him. I won’t remove him from a place where he is loved and happy.”
“Wait until we go to the barbecue at Wolf’s tomorrow. Everyone will be there, and you can visit with Sampson.”
“All right. I can’t believe I forgot about Sampson for so many weeks.”
“Remember, you were poisoned and near death. It takes a long time to recover fully. You’re doing better, recovering more quickly than I expected.”
“I’m working hard at getting back to the strength I had before. My physical therapist says I've done exceptionally well.”
Her mother joined them as Haley finished speaking. She put the soup and salad on the table and then the cups and silverware.
“That was a heavy tray,” Dirk said and helped her empty it. “Why didn’t you call me?”
“I peeked out and saw you were having a serious conversation. I wasn’t going to interrupt. Have you talked my hard-headed daughter into marrying you?”
“I’m trying to convince her.” Dirk smiled and pulled out a chair for the woman he hoped to have as his future mother-in-law.
She’d patted his hand when his cell rang. “Go ahead and start without me. I have to take this call.” Dirk took long strides into the house and his office.
Chapter 11
“What’s up?” he asked the captain.
“The police chief called. At three today, the SWAT team will arrest Zilah. They have all the evidence they need. He thought you might like to go along with them. You’d have to stay in the back until they have him cuffed.”
“I’d love to. I want to look this monster in the eye.”
“All right. Meet the Chief at the restaurant next door to Zilah’s residence.” Ranger copied down the address as the captain rattled it off. “They’ll head up as soon as you arrive. Don’t be late.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be early.” He hung up and decided not to tell Haley or her mother until the raid was over. But he would ask Alec to stay with the women. No sense in letting his guard down yet.
When he sat down outside, Haley looked up. “Do you have to go on a mission?”
“Not yet. But Buchanan wants us to gather for a meeting at three. I’m sure you two can enjoy the house without me for a while.”
Haley looked frightened.
“It’s okay, honey. I asked my neighbor, Alec, to stay here until I get back.”
“I’m all right. I’m fine, really,” Haley said.
“It’s not for you. It’s for my peace of mind. I knew you’d say what you just did. And I want my cook,” he teased her mother, “to be safe, too.”
The SWAT team quietly gathered around Zilah’s front door. The leader looked at the police chief, who nodded the go ahead. They’d placed a small explosive to take out the door. One man lit it, and they stood back.
The door boomed open and fell flat. The SWAT team raced through the condo. Mr. Zilah turned calmly to face them as they entered his library. He grinned. “My, my. Such a rush and so many people. To what do I owe this visit?”
The SWAT leader read out the many charges against him.
“I think you might have made a more accurate list.” Then Zilah frowned. “I will never be found guilty. You are wasting your time.”
“It’s no bother,” the Chief said. “We have accommodations for you. Not quite as nice as these, but,” he shrugged, “You’ll have to get used to places not as fine as you’re used to living in.”
One of the SWAT team members cuffed Zilah and pushed him forward. Ranger stepped in front of the older man.
“I’d like to kill you or see you put to death for trying to kill my future wife. But I think you’d like rotting in jail better. Some of the inmates you’ve done wrong are sure to find a way to finish you off.”
Zilah’s face turned an ugly dark red. “I still have enough power to see you dead.”
“Try, then I can shoot you.”
When Zilah tried to get free, they all laughed.
“The only thing we’ll miss about you,” the Chief said, “are your donations. You threw us off for a while. Come on, let’s get him to jail.” The police chief led the way.
Ranger wa
lked beside him. “I doubt anyone wants to save him.” The police chief saw Ranger’s gun in his hand. “You expect trouble.”
“My neck’s aching. I always believe it’s a warning.
The Chief chuckled. “I guess we all have our superstitions.”
Ranger stepped ahead of the group and opened the door partially. The glint of the sun on the roof across the street warned him. “Pass the word, gunman on the roof,” Ranger whispered.
One of the SWAT team members came forward. “I can get this,” he said and walked toward a small side window partially opened.
“I’m sure you can,” Ranger said. “But do you mind if I back you up? I’m a pretty good shot myself.”
The sharpshooter looked at him. “I won’t miss.”
“All right. My lady almost got killed because of your prisoner. I guess my anger made me want to interfere. I’ll step out the door and pull one of your men partially out. The shooter will think it’s Zilah.”
“Good idea. He’ll rise to shoot, and I can take him out.”
Hoping the plan would work, Ranger opened the door partway and pulled a SWAT member forward.
It happened quickly, and the shooter fell backward when hit. His shot went wild in the air. Ranger and several of the SWAT members ran to the building. Some took the elevator while the others ran up the stairs. Ranger was on the elevator with the sharpshooter. They ran to the wounded man and kicked the gun further from him. Ranger knelt at his side.
“I wanted to take out Zilah.” He laughed, and the blood on his chest spread further.
“Don’t talk. An ambulance is on the way.”
“Too late for me. I planned to take my money and go overseas. No one knew my name but the boss.” He tried to take a breath. “I guess there is karma.” His eyes closed as he took his last breath.
The sharpshooter bent down to examine the floor. “Here’s the bullet buried in the concrete. I’ll dig it out.”
Ranger stared at the dead man. He got what he desired, but all the deaths lately and almost losing Haley had his shoulders bent.
“Are you all right?” the sharpshooter asked.
“Yes. It’s difficult to believe this is the end of this murderous group, but there’ll be another. Evil always raises its head where you least expect it.”
He shook the man’s hand. “Tell the Chief thanks for letting me be involved. I’m going to see Miss Quinn and tell her she’s safe.”
Ranger knew the man was puzzled by Ranger’s reaction. Hell, I am, too. Once in his car, Ranger drove out to the beach and let the unexpected tears flow. Maybe my head injury isn’t healed completely. His chest hurt when he’d finished. His cell had rung several times and did again.
“Damn it, man, where are you?” Alec asked. “We’ve all been worried. It’s all over the news about the shooting and Zilah’s arrest. That was several hours ago.”
“I’m all right. I needed time to digest all that happened.”
“Give me that phone.”
He heard Haley’s voice and knew he needed her.
“Get home right now. I want you here.”
“Wow, you can be bossy, but I like it. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” He started the car. “Can you hear the engine?”
Her voice softened. “Get home safe.”
Untitled
When Ranger got to his house and opened the door, it was silent. “Haley,” he called out.
“In here,” she answered.
He followed the sound of her voice and found her standing in his bedroom door. His heart dropped. All she wore was a see-through gown. Ranger swallowed with difficulty. His throat had gone dry.
Haley reached out and took his hand. “Come in.”
Ranger glanced down the hall. “Where’s your mother?”
“She’s enjoying a night at a lovely hotel with all her meals and entertainment paid for by us.”
“Really?” Ranger smiled and leaned down. His lips brushed across hers. He deepened the kiss as his hands drifted downward and cupped her soft buttocks.
She pulled away from him, and he groaned. Taking his hand, she led him to the bed, and slowly undressed him, kissing his body as the clothes came off.
Haley stepped back and stared at his strong, muscular body. “I’ve got to buy a gun.”
Dirk’s eyebrows rose. “What for?”
“To keep all the women away from my man.”
He scooped her into his arms. “So, I’m your man. That makes you my woman.”
Haley smiled. “Yes.”
He fell onto the bed and rolled so she landed on his chest. Her warm, soft body curved into him.
“We fit together pretty well,” he whispered in her ear and bit her ear lobe lightly. Then he rolled her over again, leaning up on his elbows so he could study her body from her head to her feet. When she blushed all over, he grinned.
“Hasn’t anyone looked at you like I am?”
“No. As I said, the majority of the men I dated didn’t get to this stage before I told them to get lost.”
“You told me, but I didn’t listen.”
“I noticed.” Her hands rubbed across his wide shoulders and down to his chest. Then she pushed him over on his back. “You let me.”
“Yes. I want to see what you have planned for me.”
“I’ll start at your head.” She ran her fingers through his thick hair and leaned in to kiss his lips. She ran her tongue over his ear.
Dirk rolled her back under him. “No fair. I want to taste, too.” His head dipped, and he sucked on her nipple. When she shivered, he grinned.
“Are you cold?”
“You are wasting time. Get busy.”
He suckled her breasts and ran his teeth across each nipple. When he did, his hand slipped down to rub her most sensitive spot.
“Stop,” she said on a gasp.
Surprised, Dirk looked up at her. “Did I hurt you?”
“No, you’re going too fast. I want time to know your body, too.”
He laughed. “Darlin’, we have all night. I intend to make love to you until the sunrise shines in this room, and maybe after that.”
“You know I’ve only done this twice, and that was in high school.”
Dirk’s head went back. “Really?”
She blushed. “Yes.”
“Then I’ll take it as slow as I can.” He turned her on her stomach and started at her neck, kissing, nibbling, and rubbing as he moved downward.
“Oh, my gosh. I may marry you just for the backrubs.” Her voice was hard to hear, and he leaned forward.
“Did I hear you say you’d marry me?”
She glanced over her shoulder. “I said I might.”
“Ah, so you did. I expect a yes by morning.”
She giggled, and he sat back on his heels.
“Don’t stop,” she moaned.
“I can’t help it. I’ve never heard you giggle. If I hadn’t heard it myself, I’d never have believed it.”
“Enjoy. I seldom giggle.”
“I’ll bet I can make you giggle whenever I want.”
“Have you forgotten what we are doing? You’re worse than a woman, talking too much.”
“That does it.” He flipped her onto her back and moved down to kiss her stomach. His fingers slid into her wetness and moved across the spot that made her beg for more. He moved lower and tasted her sweetness as his fingers tightened on her nipples.
He glanced up at her face and reached for the condom he’d spotted on the bedside table. At least one of us thought of protection.
“I love you,” he whispered and slid into her hotness.
She arched her hips to take him in. When he went deeper and faster, her scream of pleasure echoed in his ears.
Ripples of fire raced through her body as she followed his faster pace. Her breath came in gasps as he took her higher and higher. When he shifted his angle and pressed on her nub with each thrust, she screamed and flew into a sky of pleasure. Every part of her body s
hook, and when she tightened on him, he yelled out in joy as they experienced the waves of pleasure together.
When the shaking and hard breathing lessened, Dirk turned on his back and pulled her close. He kissed her forehead.
Haley nuzzled his neck and raised her head to kiss him. “I’m glad I sent Mom to the hotel.”
“Me, too. How did your mother take being asked to leave for the night?”
“She was very happy to go.” Haley raised her head and looked at him. “You must know from all her remarks that she prefers you for her only son-in-law.”
Dirk rolled her on her back. “I did get the idea she preferred me. Why did you call me at that particular moment?”
“I’d tried to reach you, and you didn’t answer. Then…” Haley hesitated and looked away. “I called Captain Buchanan,” she said in a rush. “I hope you won’t be mad at me. He said he’d check with the police chief. When he got back to me, he told me they’d been successful, and you’d left soon after.”
She looked back at him. “I sensed something was wrong, and I almost cried with relief when I heard your voice.”
Dirk kissed her and rolled off the bed. “Let’s shower, eat a bite, and we’ll talk again outside on the patio.”
“You mean shower together?”
He smiled. “You haven’t done that before, either?”
“No. You must think I’m the most boring and unskilled woman at lovemaking that you’ve ever met.”
“I’m thrilled. I get to show you all the pleasures we can experience together.” He picked her up and strode into the bathroom before setting her on her feet. “Let me adjust the water temperature and we’ll get in.”
When he was satisfied, he took her hand and they got into the shower together. “Put your arms around my neck.”
Haley did as he instructed. Then he lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. When he backed her against the tiled shower wall, his hands caressed her breasts as he slipped into her heat. Instinctively she tightened around him and moaned.
He whispered, his hot breath against her ear, “I love you, and I’m going to convince you to marry me.”
The SEAL’s Surprise Mate - Rachel McNeely Page 14
