Close Quarters

eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1520 Macon GA 31201 Close Querters Copyright © 2008 by Denise A. Agnew ISBN: 1-59998-483-0 Edited by Angela James Cover by Anne Cain All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: May 2008 www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters Denise A. Agnew

Dedication To my husband Terry, who has been there every step of the way.

Close Quarters

Chapter One Neena Williamson gazed out the coffee shop window at the setting sun and knew this day would end on a rotten note. She didn’t know how she knew. She just knew. Things came to her like that, whether in this modest coffee shop on Main Street, or at home while she took a bath. She never knew when notions would hit her. Tonight, as dusk lent a reddish glow along Clarksville’s brick buildings, she recognized the odd, creepy light that forewarned. Today had been one hell of a hard day at work, and her mood had gone downhill along with it. But java and coffee cake would put things right. They always did. Davina’s Coffee Shop held few customers at seven thirty p.m. Most people in this small town had dinner with their families. The scent of grease permeated the air, and while she admired a good burger with the best of them, the smell tonight hung heavy and oppressive. Then something happened that jerked her right out of her cynical viewpoint. She almost choked on her coffee cake as a man walked into the shop with the most butt-ugly Hawaiian shirt she’d ever had the misfortune to see. She took a sip of coffee to ease her cough, then cleared her throat. As the door shut behind the man, the bell tinkled. She looked away before he could capture her gaze and see the dismay she felt for his lack of fashion sense. His strides carried his long, lanky body right to the counter, where he slid onto one of the stools. She sipped her black coffee and restrained a grimace. Whoever had fixed the coffee this evening had somehow reduced the shop’s famous beverage to a bitter sludge. She appreciated another delicious bite of the coffee cake. Another man sauntered in and snared her attention. Over six feet tall, the guy screamed gorgeous, all male command. Now this guy could dress. His blue polo shirt was www.samhainpublishing.com

5

Denise A. Agnew

tucked into well-tailored grey slacks, and he carried one of those old-style brown leather attaché cases. Intriguing. His shoulders were broad, his face as clean cut as a Dudley-DoRight picture. He smiled at her with blinding white teeth. She grinned in response and nodded. He slid into another booth along the north wall. From here she could glance at him and appreciate male beauty in all its glory. She sucked a breath into her lungs. Now that is a man. She closed her eyes and imagined him in a kilt. No. A Viking with that blond hair. Interesting possibilities. She grinned. Well, what the hell? Nothing like the present to start. The charity calendar waited for no one. She grabbed her purse on the seat beside her and fished out her card. She marched over to the man’s table, wishing she’d brought one of the fliers she gave out to potential calendar models. “Excuse me,” she said to the blond. He looked up, his gaze curious. “Hi.” “This may seem a bit weird, but I’m Neena Williamson and I want to put you on a charity calendar.” She handed him her card. “Men of Clarksville calendar. I have several guys already signed.” She shrugged. “Actually, you’d be December. You’re the last man we need.” His eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second, then his stunning smile came out to play. “Charity calendar. You’re kidding, right?” “No, not at all. I’m the chairperson this year for the Clarksville Children’s Relief Fund, and we’re starting now to gather guys who are perfect candidates to be on the calendar that comes out next year.” Again that gleaming white smile beamed. “Wow, this is flattering.” He held his hand out to her. “Jacob Bellamy. Pleased to meet you.” He whipped out his wallet and handed her a card. “I’m at the Adelson Building on Fourth Street at Adelson and Bellamy.” Ah, that Bellamy. Clarksville had one super rich family in town, the type who owned acres of land on a ranch nearby. She glanced at his glossy business card. “You’re a lawyer?”

6

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“Guilty as charged.” “We don’t have any lawyers signed up for our calendar yet.” “Count me in, Neena. You don’t mind if I call you Neena?” “Not at all. Give me a call at that number tomorrow, and we’ll discuss details.” “You got it.” He winked. As she walked away, Neena’s smarm alert went off. He grinned a little too widely, his handshake holding too long, his eyes sparkling with a mischief that reminded her of a teenage boy with a plot up his sleeve. She returned to her booth. Good deal. No more hunting for men. She’d spent months trying to convince gorgeous men in town to pose without their shirts for a good cause. When she’d found a hunky man for the calendar, she’d been gratified by his lack of arrogance. Modest down to the core, the men of Clarksville had dented her normal skepticism. Now, to finish her cake and coffee before she headed home. The man on the barstool bounced one leg up and down like the teenage boys she’d attended high school with—always too much energy and nowhere to put it. By now he had a cup of coffee. Maybe the high-test version, if his twitchiness gave any indication. Still, Neena found her natural curiosity drawing her attention time and again to the man on the barstool with the hideous shirt. With his back turned to her, she could observe him without a problem. Well, sort of. The mirror behind the counter would negate her ability to stare at him too hard for too long. He might notice. What man in his right mind wore a shirt with a lime green background and giant red and yellow flowers on it? Maybe he didn’t have much money and had purchased the garment at a thrift shop. His carpenter jeans seemed too big as well, the hems long enough to flap over his athletic shoes. At this angle, she caught a glimpse of the top half of his face. Thick black hair, the type that curls where it shouldn’t, grew down to collar length. Dark brows slashed over deeply intense brown eyes. His lashes were long and luxuriant for a man, she noted with disapproval reserved for the envious.

www.samhainpublishing.com

7

Denise A. Agnew

Just then, he glanced up from his menu and stared into the mirror. Right at her. Before she could look away, she saw intentness mixed with utter boredom in his eyes. Well, all righty then. She glanced quickly at her coffee cake, heat burning her face. She shoved down her embarrassment and dug into the remaining cake. Neena’s gaze wandered to the sloppy man’s back. His shirt hung loosely from his shoulders. At least two sizes too large. Definitely thrift shop. She shifted in her booth seat and popped the last morsel of coffee cake into her mouth. She savored the flavor and the guilty sugar high. Caffeine and sugar. Maybe not the best food choice for dinner, but damn it, she deserved it. Nothing like an excruciating day at work to justify a leap into bad-for-me food. The door opened and Neena’s favorite person entered. Kat Shiffer waved and smiled, and the world turned a whole lot brighter. As her friend glided toward the booth, Neena saw the blond guy’s gaze swivel toward Kat. Oh, yeah. There it was. That admiring, soready-to-eat her expression men possessed once they spotted Kat. “Girl, fancy seeing you here,” Kat said as she slid into the opposite side of the booth. “What are you doing here?” “Enjoying dinner. Well, a snack, anyway. Davina’s famous coffee cake.” Kat’s grin widened, and she licked her lips and groaned. “Sounds positively sinful. I have to pick up a dozen donuts for the office meeting tomorrow and wanted to order a box ahead of time. Those skinny bitches eat like horses and it doesn’t put a pound on them. Makes me wonder how many times in a week they hit the Pilates.” As sleek as a racehorse, the over six-feet thirty-something was Clarksville’s premier selling real estate agent. On the move, on the groove, she sold properties around the area faster than anyone in town. Her blue eyes always held a hint of teasing, just like they did now. “I suppose you never eat the donuts?” Neena asked. “Nope. Why do you think I’m jealous of the bitches?”

8

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Neena laughed, and saw Jacob look up from his plate of coffee cake. Jacob winked again, and she nodded in acknowledgment. She didn’t go for the winking thing. Somehow it reminded her of a dirty old man. Her stomach curled. Ugh. Her friend leaned forward on the table. “How is the calendar thing going?” “Excellent. I just gave my card to that blond guy behind you. He’ll be December.” True to form, Kat turned around and stared. “Stop that,” Neena said. “Don’t stare.” Jacob didn’t seem to notice as he read a Wall Street Journal. Kat’s eyebrows waggled. “Wow. He’s hot.” “And that surprises you how? Women aren’t going to buy a calendar with guys who aren’t buff.” Kat’s expression morphed to mischievous. “How do you know he’s that buff?” “Come on. I can tell. That polo shirt and slacks can’t cover the fact he has a killer chest.” Kat sniffed. “Hmmm…I dunno. Say, how many more guys do you need?” Neena acknowledged in relief, “None.” Kat gestured with her left hand. “Hmm. Don’t you need some alternates? Like a January preview guy? What about the guy on the stool?” Neena made an exaggerated grimace. “Surely you jest. Have you seen his shirt?” “Well, yes.” “And?” Kat tapped her chin with her index finger. “Yep. Pretty pathetic isn’t it?” “Keep your voice down.” Kat whispered, “Pretty pathetic isn’t it?” “I heard you the first time. He looks like some…beatnik.” “Beatnik? What generation are you from?” “Blame my parents. I learned all sorts of intriguing words from them.” “You’re a throwback.” “Me? You see that waitress’s beehive?”

www.samhainpublishing.com

9

Denise A. Agnew

“Okay, maybe you’re not so bad.” “Fess up. Who is the guy on the stool?” Neena asked. “How do I know?” “Come on. You know everyone in town.” “I don’t know him personally, just by reputation. He’s a handyman. A do-it-all dude around town. My dad knows him and says he’s harmless enough.” “Harmless?” “He’s a loner. Rarely talks, keeps to himself, works hard and doesn’t ask questions.” “Great. That’s always what they say about the serial killer or the mass murderer. ‘Gee, he seemed like such a nice man.’” Kat rolled her gaze to the ceiling for a moment. “He’s not like that, you nut.” “Sure, sure. That’s what you say now.” “He bought the old Peterson place outside town.” Curiosity and surprise made Neena lean over the table. “Did you sell it to him?” “No, damn it. Claudia Humphries did—the old bitch. She’s been trying to catch my record as best-selling realtor for weeks now.” Neena smiled. As much as she liked Kat, she had a competitive streak ten miles wide. “So he must have a little money.” “Very little. The place sold for almost nothing.” “I’m not surprised. It’s been around as long as the universe and it’s run down.” “I hear it isn’t anymore.” Kat gestured with one bejeweled hand. “Anyway, he does odd jobs around town. You name it, he can do it.” Kat waggled her eyebrows. “He can rearrange your chaise and give you a lube job.” “God, Neena, he’s going to hear you.” “No he’s not. You’re paranoid because you have that Bionic Woman hearing thing going on.” “It’s not bionic. I just have decent hearing, unlike you young whippersnappers who listen to music all day on your iPods.”

10

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Kat snorted. “Oh, yeah. You’re ancient. Let’s see…on your last birthday you turned thirty-one. Practically a hag. And I saw you walking in the park the other day with your iPod, so don’t give me that shit.” Neena grinned. “I’ll look for someone else for the calendar. I’m sure he would say no even if I did ask.” “Why?” “He’s a…a handyman.” Kat’s mouth twisted in a sardonic smile. “Oh yeah. I mean, you’ve got doctors, firemen, policemen…” “A lawyer now.” “A lawyer. What would you want with a guy who lives in a shack in the woods and doesn’t seem to have many friends?” Neena was even less interested in the guy now. “Is he a recluse?” “Don’t worry. I don’t think he’ll go all Unibomber on us or anything, but Dad says he just keeps to himself. The man’s private. There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert. You should know that.” She did. And for a moment she allowed shame to filter through her. At her core, she was an introvert…a big one. She worked hard to give the illusion of extroversion. Neena shook her head and pushed away her cold coffee. She looked at her watch. “Why are we even talking about this guy? That shirt alone is enough to scare small children, and he’s…” Kat lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone. “Not hunky enough? Watch out, Neena. Your tiny nose is all wrinkled up like a prune.” Neena schooled her features to blandness. “Is not.” Kat simply smiled and stood. “I’ve gotta get home to the husband. See you soon.” “Groovy,” Neena said. Kat snorted and moved away. After Kat selected her dozen donuts and left the coffee shop, Neena took another quick glance at Handyman and realized Kat had failed to tell

www.samhainpublishing.com

11

Denise A. Agnew

her his name. Well, what did it matter? She fished her wallet out of her barrel handbag. It wasn’t like she planned to ask him to participate in the calendar. She wandered to the cash register, ready to pay and head home to Scooter. As she passed Handyman, the door opened fast with an angry ring. A man wearing a black mask and holding a big gun barged inside. Involuntarily she took a step back and bumped into a body right behind her. Big hands clamped on her upper arms from behind and held her steady. Her breath caught in her throat as the gun came up and pointed at her. “Don’t fuckin’ move, lady.”

12

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Chapter Two Neena always thought her end would come easily, without pain, perhaps when she was ninety-five and in bed. Instead she stared down the business end of the gun barrel as it yawned wide like the jaws of a shark. Her heart didn’t race; it seemed to come to a complete stop and her breath seized somewhere in her throat. The hard hands on her arms didn’t move either, as if the person behind her took comfort in holding her, or using her as a shield. Black mask guy gestured at the stunned waitress standing at the cash register. “Open it up and hand it over.” Wide-eyed and trembling, the waitress removed money from the cash register with fingers flying. The criminal glared at Neena, his glacial blue eyes flashing. “Come here. You’re goin’ with me.” “What?” Neena asked, breath still strangled somewhere in her throat. “You heard me.” The hands on her arms loosened, but not by much. A deep, confident voice rumbled behind her. “Take the cash and leave her here.” Neena’s mind raced. She didn’t recognize the voice behind her, and she didn’t dare turn to look. There weren’t many people left in the coffee shop. She thought the only man who could be standing behind her was Handyman. No, no. Please don’t mess this up and make this weirdo start shooting. As the waitress shoved the money at the robber, Jacob sprang out of his booth toward the door. The robber swung toward Jacob. A bang assaulted Neena’s ears and the blond man fell to the floor, blood spreading from a wound in his back on his upper right shoulder. The waitress let out a strangled sound somewhere between a gasp and a

www.samhainpublishing.com

13

Denise A. Agnew

whimper. Another waitress screamed. Oh, God. Oh, God. The waitress who screamed started toward Jacob. “Don’t touch him,” the shooter hissed. “But—” the waitress started. “Don’t touch him or you’re next.” This is so not good. “Now, I fuckin’ told you all not to move.” He gestured with the weapon. “Give me your purse, girly.” Neena slowly handed him her purse. He riffled through it, jammed her cash into one pocket of his baggy jeans, and dropped her wallet and purse on the floor. “Okay, girly. Like I said, you’re comin’ with me.” “I—” The man behind her squeezed her shoulders slightly. “Take me instead.” What? He was offering himself? The masked man glared. “You’re not near as good lookin’, asshole.” “Look, you don’t need a hostage. You’ve got money,” The man behind her said. The man’s hands left her shoulders and she dared turn toward him. Yep. It was Handyman, fishing out his wallet. He didn’t even glance at her, but she saw the nononsense, absolute steel hardness on his face. Handyman held his wallet out to the robber. “There’s three hundred dollars in there. Take it and leave.” The gunman looked like he might object and demand she come with him, but instead he looked through the wallet. “Damned if you ain’t tellin’ the truth.” He ogled Neena. “Now, girly, what’s your name?” “Neena.” “Neena, you’re coming with me.” Fear shot up her back. “Please—” “Take me instead,” Handyman said again.

14

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

The robber’s gaze darted from Handyman’s unwavering expression to Neena. “Well, well. This here asshole has a real hard-on for you, honey. But I’m not interested in his ugly mug. Okay— You…pretty waitress. You’re comin’ with me. Come on. Move it.” “No,” the young waitress who wanted to help Jacob whimpered. “I said, take me—” Handyman started. “Shut the fuck up!” The robber took a bead on Handyman’s head. Neena gasped, unable to restrain the sudden, stark fear slicing through her with razor sharp teeth. “No.” Handyman stared down the robber, totally unflinching. Not begging for his life. His eyes as glacial and unemotional as anything she’d seen. Maybe Handyman was as ruthless as the robber. The two men played stare-down, and when her gaze flicked to the masked man’s eyes, she saw emotion through the ski mask eyeholes. “You are one tough fuckin’ bastard, aren’t you? You’re lucky I don’t kill you right here.” Handyman didn’t speak, just continued to stare. The robber’s gaze pulled away from Handyman and he motioned at the waitress with the gun. “Where is the fuckin’ cook?” “He’s gone for the night. The kitchen just closed,” the older waitress who helped Neena earlier said. “Right.” He nodded toward Neena again. “You and Hawaiian Punch here go to the back. Now. And if any one of you tries to run, I’ll hunt you down and shoot you.” Handyman guided her around, his hands firm. “Do as he says.” As she looked up at Handyman, she saw his eyes had turned even more deadly serious. As calm and frigid as a polar cap. How could he be so calm? “Get a move on it!” The robber was behind them, and she quickened her pace as she headed through the door to the kitchen. To her surprise, Handyman kept one hand on her lower back. His big hand felt somehow comforting—a bit of security in this tenuous situation. She saw movement out

www.samhainpublishing.com

15

Denise A. Agnew

of the corner of her eye and jerked. Huddled under a counter, the skinny young cook watched them enter, his eyes as wide as plates. “God, Anderson,” the masked gunman said to the cook. “What the hell are you doing? You’re supposed to be helping me, not acting like a dumb ass. Get off the floor.” The cook stood. “What are you doing with those people?” “Puttin’ them away and then taking that waitress girlfriend of yours with me.” “What?” “You heard me.” “Who did you shoot?” “Some peckerwood who couldn’t wait to show the ladies how big his dick is. Move it! Get out there and secure those women.” When the cook walked out of the kitchen, the robber gestured toward the open doorway of a small, dark room. “Get in there,” the robber said. Handyman flipped on the light switch as the gunman nodded toward Neena and practically hissed his next words. “Move it, prissy.” She did as told, her knees trembling with weakness and her heart banging a relentless drum in her chest. What did the nutcase have in mind? The aforementioned lunatic slammed the door and left them inside the room. She flinched. The lock engaged from the outside. A spark of intuition alerted her. Solid. No nonsense. Immediate. Before Handyman could say a word, she dashed toward him. “Get away from the door!” She practically dived, and as her body hit him and his arms encircled her, bullets slammed through the door. Fear riddled her, but she felt no pain as Handyman grabbed her close, braced to keep from falling and pressed her into his solid body. “Shit!” Handyman growled. He moved swiftly, pressing her back into the corner, his body a shield. If anything ricocheted, he’d feel the sting of a bullet first.

16

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Her face buried against his shoulder and he wrapped one arm around her waist. The other hand came up and cradled her head to his shoulder. Her fingers twisted in his shirt, bunching gobs of the loose garment in her fists. He held her like that, his breath coming quickly, her heart slamming in her chest, for what seemed forever. The shots stopped. Dragging noises and the sounds of something massive being pulled in front of the door startled her. She pulled back slightly. “Oh God.” Handyman’s eyes no longer held ice. Those deep brown eyes turned dark with serious worry. “Are you hit?” “What?” She felt dazed. “Are you hit?” “No. I’m great.” Right. If that wasn’t the stupidest, most absurd thing she’d ever said. She trembled from head to toe, and the shock of what happened reverberated through her in waves. “You…are you okay?” she asked, the words escaping with a dry croak. “I’m great.” She registered the heat and hardness of his body. Her breasts mashed to his chest, his hips and thighs pressed along hers. Close up, his face held the chiseled hardness of an old west movie hero, without anything fancy to pretty him up. A cut jaw, a nose slightly on the big side. Only his mouth was sculpted, lips just right on a man—not too big, not too thin. He felt so warm, so protective— He released her and walked toward the door. He tried the knob. When it didn’t budge, he slammed one palm against it. He tried kicking it down, but the door wouldn’t budge. She realized the room was a huge pantry with shelves on three sides. No way out. Handyman tried budging the door one more time to no avail. “Damn it!” That’s when true fear slammed her. Like it or not, she was trapped in a locked room with a total stranger. Tears gathered in her eyes and spilled over her eyelids before she could stop them. Handyman turned toward her, striding across the room until he cupped her shoulders.

www.samhainpublishing.com

17

Denise A. Agnew

“Hey, it’s going to be all right.” She nodded and buried her face in her hands. “I know. I just…” Tears spilled, and a sob escaped her. “Hey, hey. Easy.” He gathered her close once more, and she found her hands buried in his big shirt again. As tears spilled from her and she gulped and sobbed, she tried to regain control. Embarrassment sliced her with cruel fingers. His touch slipped through her hair, gently massaging her neck. “It’s all right. He’s gone.” Velvet and husky, his voice held safety and comfort. Poor fashion sense or not, his voice was to die for. So was the body pressed along hers. She felt muscles. Lots and lots of glorious muscles. Or maybe the fear had destroyed her reasoning ability and she wanted the man holding her to play the hero. Right now, with a tenderness that put her off guard, he fit the lead part in her adventure movie down to a capital T. Only difference is, he hadn’t whipped out a gun and gone Kung Fu on the bad guy’s ass. Which in reality made perfect sense. If Handyman had played knight on a white horse, they’d be dead. She shivered and then did another stupid thing. She slid her arms around his waist and held on. Yeah, he has a trim waist, too. Hmmm… “When that jerk pointed his gun in your face, I thought he was going to kill you right in front of me,” she whispered through a sob. “So did I.” His voice rumbled deeply, so matter-of-fact she couldn’t believe how distant he sounded. His arms tightened around her in a gentle squeeze, the only sign that he felt anything about his near miss with death. “You had a gun pointed at your head, and here I am babbling like an idiot.” She gulped back another sob. “So did you, remember? You were looking right down the barrel for a long time.” Right. She had. Her tears started to dry, and the fright calmed somewhat. She forced herself to pull back out of his arms. “God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to go all girly like that.”

18

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“It’s okay. What just happened scared the shit out of me, too.” A man who’d admit his fear. Interesting. His expression might show no fear and his voice gave no indication of the trauma he’d faced. Yet he could speak the words. Neena became aware of a shift in perception. Not a smidgen of change, but a whopping ugly belief that she’d altered in the last few minutes. That the world had undergone a drastic, nasty transformation. She’d never believed in a rosy world, but this one had sharp thorns. She held her hands in front of her. They shook. A heat wave and then a cold flash washed over her in relentless strokes. Her stomach curled. Shaking, she put her back against the one wall minus shelving and slid downward until she plopped on the floor. Cold and hard, the landing felt brutal against her ass. Incongruously she noticed a run in the right calf of her thigh-high stockings. A jagged, gaping slit that might have been there before the robber came into the coffee shop, or maybe happened sometime in between. Who knew? Who cared? For a second she gave a damn. A really big damn. Then she took a shaky breath. She was acting like an immature, shallow twit. She’d buy more. Ten pairs more if she survived her stay in this stupid pantry. Then she wanted to smack the robber across the face with her purse for the inconvenience. “Damn it.” Handyman glared at the door. He peered through the half dozen bullet holes that had come through the doorway. “The bastard put something heavy in front of it. Can’t see a thing.” “You think?” she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. Then she regretted her snarkiness. “I’m sorry. I’m just…pissed off.” “You think?” he asked with a smile. She cracked a reluctant half grin in response. “I’m sitting here getting twisty headed because I have one big-assed tear in my stockings. How messed up is that?” Her hands still quivered, and she hated that even more. “Hey.” He knelt down in front of her. He touched her forearm and gently squeezed. “You look like hell.” “Thank you.” His frown deepened. “You’re trembling.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

19

Denise A. Agnew

“I hate to admit it, but I feel sick.” His big hand caressed her hair, pushing it back from her face. This surprised her so much she gazed into his concerned expression with curiosity. “Probably adrenaline. You just came down from a big rush.” “You know about adrenaline?” “Yep. Take deep breaths if you feel dizzy.” She put her hands to her head, in case she needed to hold her skull on her shoulders. “Good idea.” He stayed kneeling in front of her while she sucked in one big breath and then another. It worked. “Better?” “Much. Thank you.” His gaze, mysterious yet calm as a slow flowing river, captured and held hers. “You ever see a man shot?” She put her hands down. “Are you kidding? I hate guns. It was so…loud.” “Yeah. In a confined space. In any space.” “Why did you ask me that?” “Because it would explain your reaction. It’s not because that coffee cake is making you sick.” “Never. Davina makes the best coffee cake there is. Hey, wait. You noticed what I was eating?” “You noticed something about me. I saw you glaring at me a few times.” Under the circumstances, she couldn’t dredge up the energy to feel embarrassed. Misdirection had worked for her often. No need to stop now. “Have you ever seen a guy shot?” His eyes hardened, as if he’d not only seen a man shot, but perhaps witnessed far worse. “Yeah. Yeah, I have.” He peered around the room. Handyman observed the corners, as if assessing any reasonable escape route. Determined not to be a girly girl anymore, she stood on wobbly

20

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

knees. He followed. She rubbed her hands down over her hips, aware that her serviceable white blouse and blue gabardine skirt felt hot. The room probably didn’t have much ventilation. Hands on hips, he turned to her. From here, his shirt was still ugly. But something about Handyman was different. Less…geeky. She sensed a hard core inside him, and her intuition told her she’d been wrong about him in more than one way. Neena’s earlier concern arose. She didn’t know him. And she was stuck in here for God knows how long. Yet her priorities had changed, too. In one striking moment, she understood things about herself she’d stayed blind to for a long while. She’d start off the rest of her day with a fresh slate. She also had another revelation. Handyman probably wasn’t a rapist or mad murderer, thank God. That would have really capped her day. Instead she’d felt his strength of character, and a solidness that gave confidence. Standing near, Handyman’s presence supplied comfort. So did the very human concern in his eyes. “You were great out there. You didn’t panic.” “I think I was too startled…too amazed to panic.” He nodded. “That’s the way most people are.” “I couldn’t move.” “Everybody reacts differently in a crisis.” Silence dropped between them like a guillotine blade falling. Like that sharp edge, she felt fatalistic. As if the other shoe would fall, and she’d discover a greater horror than the one she’d experienced minutes ago. How many minutes? She glanced at her watch and registered the time. Almost eight. “We’ve been in here less than ten minutes.” He leaned his back against the wall next to her. “Cell phone!” She reached for her purse, then remembered she didn’t have it. “Damn. Do you have a cell phone?” “Nope. Have one at home but I keep forgetting the stupid thing. It’s not against the law not to have a cell phone. I don’t talk on the phone much.” Now it was his turn to slide to the floor and land on his ass. He drew his mile-long legs upward and planted his feet

www.samhainpublishing.com

21

Denise A. Agnew

on the floor. His arms draped over his knees. She could see his white athletic socks. “I’m not putting a damned Bluetooth in my ear that makes me look like ‘we are Borg’ from Star Trek either.” She made a small, appreciative laugh. “Jacob was wearing one of those,” she blurted the memory, then winced. “The blond guy that got shot?” She nodded and swallowed hard. “He’s all right. Someone’s probably helping him right now.” He slanted a curious gaze her way. “Did you know him well?” “No. I saw him and he…well, he looked like a calendar candidate for the charity I’ve put together.” “Calendar?” “You know.” She shrugged. “The kind where men pose half nude.” “Beefcake eh?” “Of course.” “Hmm.” “You disapprove?” “Hell no.” Yet she heard a hint or nuance in his voice that didn’t jibe. “I’m not in the business of telling women what to like and not like.” She decided to change the subject. “Do you hear any sirens?” “Nope.” “Someone has to find us soon.” “The shop closes at nine. Someone will walk in soon if they haven’t already. But I don’t think the first place they’re going to look is this big-assed pantry.” “You’re right.” She sighed. “You’re telling me to sit tight. That we’ll be here a while.” “There’s a good chance.” Silence fell again until he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “I didn’t say thank you.”

22

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Her high heels were killing her, so she sank to the dirty floor again and sat next to him. “For what?” “For probably saving my life. You knocked me away from the door when the ass wipe started shooting through the door. How did you know he was going to do that?” “I just guessed. Seemed like something a horrible man like him would do, you know?” “You’re not claustrophobic, are you?” He peered at her intently. “No. Besides, this storage area is pretty big. It’s stuffy in here, though.” She undid the first button of her utilitarian, short-sleeved white blouse. She slipped a hand through her hair. It had started to slide from the artfully arranged bundle at the back of her head. She removed the brown clip from her hair and her wavy strands fell about her shoulders. She felt his stare and dared look up. Undeniable male appreciation sparked in those mysterious eyes, smoldering with sexual interest. Hunger. Shocked, she allowed her mouth to drop open, her gaze locked with his as an unexpected response tumbled and built within. She didn’t expect him to be interested, number one. Number two, the tight heat coiling in her stomach, the way her nipples beaded against her bra…oh, boy. Not what she expected either. Now was so not the time to get aroused. Neena hastened to speak, to say anything to block her unwanted and unexpected response. “And I have to thank you. You kept that creep from taking me with him.” “You’re welcome.” He sighed, the sound long and weary. “I vowed I wouldn’t be around this shit anymore and now here it is.” “What shit?” He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s a long story.” “Come on, you can’t leave me hanging.” “Don’t worry, I’m not a criminal.” “I know.” “How could you know?” “I…I just know.” “Humph.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

23

Denise A. Agnew

“Do you want me to think you’re a criminal?” “Hell, no. Look, I don’t like violence.” “Who does?” “Believe me, there are people who eat it like candy.” “You mean like in books and movies?” “No. That doesn’t bother me. It’s not real.” Disturbed on a fundamental level, she backed off. Maybe, for once, her instincts were wrong. Maybe he lied and he did like violence. And she was caught in here with him. No. Her instincts had rarely proved her incorrect. After another long pause assailed them, she said, “If we’re going to stay here forever, I guess we should make conversation.” “About what?” “Well, first, we don’t know each other’s names.” She held out her hand. “I’m Neena Williamson.” He clasped her hand in his warm, large grip. His eyes held genuine curiosity and a probing intensity that stirred unidentified insecurities inside her. “Pleased to meet you Neena. I’m Mitch Gilroy.” Mitch. Well, the name certainly fit. Tall. Strong. She hadn’t expected the name or the strength. Even in high heels, her five-foot-eight didn’t top his height—he was easily sixfoot-three. When he’d held her all along his body, she’d felt his potential, a tensile strength. Another point shifted within as Neena allowed her mind to open. Whether she wanted to admit it or now, she found Handyman attractive. Mitch wiped his forearm over his forehead. “It’s hot in here.” She wanted to unfasten one more button, but thought the better of it. “That’s for certain.” “Since we’re stuck here, tell me this…what brings you to the coffee shop?” “Stress. I work in the mayor’s office. I’m his executive assistant. Since he’s up for reelection soon, things have gotten a little…hairy.”

24

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

He nodded, his gaze assessing once more. “I can understand why. He’s not too popular these days.” She couldn’t say too much, though part of her wanted to express, with perfect vehemence, how much she disliked the mayor. “I’m looking for a lower stress job.” “Good idea.” He lowered his legs and sprawled them in perfect male abandon. “Most people worry too much.” “Including you?” He grunted. “Me? Never.” “Never?” She was incredulous. “Everyone has worries. It’s un-American not to worry.” He shrugged. “With the exception of tonight, I’ve had low stress for almost two years.” “And before that you had a lot of stress?” “Yep. More than a lifetime worth.” “You live out in Slanta Forest. That’s a beautiful and tranquil place. I wouldn’t mind living there. It’s so lush and the high altitude is fresh. I really like it.” “Yeah, how did you know I live there?” Suspicion laced his voice, and when she took a chance and looked into his eyes, she saw it there as well. “I’ve lived in Clarksville almost ten years. I hear things. Don’t worry. I’m not some sort of mad stalker.” One of his brows quirked. “Uh-huh. So you didn’t know my name, but you knew where I lived?” She shifted on the hard floor, none too comfortable physically or mentally. “My friend Kat who was sitting with me in the booth told me. She’s in real estate.” He leaned his head back against the wall again, and a strand of almost black hair fell over his forehead. “What else did she tell you about me?” “What makes you think she told me anything else?”

www.samhainpublishing.com

25

Denise A. Agnew

His gaze hardened, all sign of the temperate side lost. He looked unrelenting. A granite stonework determined to learn answers. “Why were you talking about me in the first place?” She swallowed hard, an odd embarrassment making her hesitate. “Because she said you might make a good model for the charity calendar I’m doing.” Incredulity marched over his face. “What?” “You know…I mentioned that I’d walked up to Jacob and introduced myself and told him about the charity calendar and asked if he’d like to be in it.” “I remember.” The lie rushed out so fast Neena didn’t have time to formulate a background for her fib. “I told Kat you wouldn’t be interested.” He smirked, then big amusement curved his lips and made him something she hadn’t expected yet again…devilishly handsome. His eyes sparked with humor, his nose was a patrician haughtiness, his mouth carved to perfection. Yet his jaw, cut raw and tough, shattered any ideas that he might qualify as a pretty boy. “What makes you think I wouldn’t be interested?”

26

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Chapter Three From the twinkle in his eyes, Neena couldn’t tell if Mitch was teasing her. She glanced at his supremely baggy shirt and his pants and fumbled for a reasonable answer. “Well…the men we pick have to have a certain look.” He slowly rose to his feet and stared down at her. “Pretty boys?” “Most women are attracted to the tough, rugged types on these calendars. You know, cops, firefighters, construction workers—” “Soldiers?” “Sometimes.” “I do construction when it suits me.” She stayed silent, not sure what to say next. “You’re the be-all-and-end-all of the project and say who qualifies?” he asked. “Yes. I’m amazed at how much time it’s taking to set it up.” He crossed his arms. He had nice forearms, lightly dusted with dark hair. Very nice forearms. “You’re the photographer, too?” “No. We have a photographer lined up, though. I’m just the chairperson for the charity and said I’d volunteer to find the men. I locate guys who have good form.” “What if you pick someone who hasn’t got good form?” She crossed her arms, mimicking him in stance deliberately. It seemed right and defensible. “I’m a woman. I know a good-looking man when I see one.” “Women’s tastes don’t vary?” “Of course.” Exasperation colored her voice. “But…God, I can’t believe we’re even talking about this at a time like this.” “What should we be talking about? World peace?” She wrinkled her nose. “Now you’re being sarcastic.” “Yeah. I am.” www.samhainpublishing.com

27

Denise A. Agnew

The challenge in his voice stimulated her in a way she didn’t wish to acknowledge. She’d rarely liked sparing with a man verbally, but Mitch made her want to wrestle him to be right. A weird excitement danced in her belly, vibrating outward until she couldn’t tell if it was leftover fear from the robbery or if this man somehow created this feeling within her. Ludicrous. For a moment her imagination went wacky, and she visualized rolling over and over with him on a plush bed with lots of pillows. Naked. Heat rose inside her at the silly thought. As if. He switched topics. “Where did you live before you moved to Clarksville?” “Chicago. My family was from there.” “Was?” She drew in a slow breath. She always had to do so before explaining in any detail. “When I was fifteen my…” She’d become skilled at explaining what happened, but in this dark, uncertain moment she didn’t have the strength. It angered her almost as much…no much, much more than the run in her expensive thigh-highs. Her garter belt started to itch, the lace abrading. Suddenly she hated this coffee shop more than she could say. He didn’t press, just watched her with those keen eyes that demanded answers. “It’s a long story,” she said. He blinked, the motion slow and certain. “Don’t tell me your secrets, and I won’t tell you mine.” She smirked. “You weren’t going to anyway.” Damn, but his smile could be a killer. Maybe he could pose for the calendar, but only in a facial shot. “Something growing on my upper lip?” he asked. “Actually, yes. You have a five o’clock shadow.” “Normal for me. I get a heavy shadow around three in the afternoon. It’s a pain in the ass. Sometimes I have to shave twice a day.”

28

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Her face flamed up as she imagined his cheeks brushing along her neck, just touching her nipples or her clit… Holy, holy…her imagination was working way over time. “Something wrong?” he asked. “Not at all.” She stood once more, afraid that the heat she felt had as much to do with him as it did lack of ventilation. “Where are you from?” “Everywhere and nowhere.” “Okay. So you want to be obtuse. I can live with that. After we get out of here I’ll probably never see you again.” “Probably not.” Did she hear a tinge of regret in his voice? A squeaking noise reached her hearing. She put her ear against the door. He came up next to her. “You hear something?” “I thought I did.” They went silent. A full minute ticked by. She sighed. “Nothing. Surely someone would have called the police by now. Someone must know something is wrong.” “We’ll be fine.” Mitch towered over her, a reassuring presence. She appreciated him more than he knew. “I know.” “If it’s any consolation, I wish I did have a cell phone with me.” His voice rumbled softly, a deep and husky delicious tone that comforted. She liked it way too much. She calmed, ready to settle down on the nasty floor once more. “Too bad, Handyman.” “Handyman?” Ah, damn. She’d done it once more. What was it about him that made her say stupid things and more than she wanted to? “When Kat explained that you do odd jobs around town, that’s the name that popped into my head.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

29

Denise A. Agnew

He leaned one hand against the door. “Interesting.” “What types of work do you do?” He stepped away, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Lots of things. Plumbing, tile work, some electrical stuff, construction. You name it, I might be able to do it.” “Impressive. Where did you learn all that?” “I’ve had an interesting life.” “Have you always been a handyman?” He didn’t look at her. “No.” His secretiveness made her already piqued, overactive imagination slam into overdrive. She had to know what he did before. First, though, these damn shoes had to go. She gripped one shelf and slipped off a sandal, then worked on removing the other. She caught his gaze meandering over her legs. Good. He wasn’t immune. She dispensed with the other shoe and left them sitting on the floor. “Let me guess.” She paced along the cold concrete. “You were a public defender but got tired of representing scum bags.” His lips twitched. “Nope.” “You were a lumberjack but felt bad about cutting down trees.” He watched her walk from one side of the room to the other. “Nope.” “A priest who lost his faith.” “Nope.” “An executive that hated his job, took early retirement, and split businessville.” “Not even close.” She lifted one eyebrow, working hard to guess what this tough-as-nails dude might have done for an occupation. “A sculptor who has lost his inspiration.” “Not only no, but hell no. I couldn’t sculpt a thimble.” “A Kung Fu master.” “Not my particular brand of martial arts.” Oh, now we are getting somewhere. He admits to having a risky side. She laughed. “Well, that does it.”

30

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“You give up?” Intrigued beyond bearing, and cursing where this whole adventure might lead, she walked toward him. “Not quite. There is one other thing I can try.” Oh, I’m goin’ to hell for sure on this one. She almost didn’t do it. Almost didn’t stand in front of him and reach out. Sometimes, during times of powerful emotion, she swore she could sense people’s true motivations and emotions from simple touch. Neena had to know and human touch might be the only way to discover the truth. She placed her hand on his forearm. She felt danger. Adventure. Extreme loss. The anguish he’d felt at one time or another still permeated deep. She almost gasped. This man had done something very, very perilous on more than one occasion. Mitch stayed still, his quietness sending a thrilling jolt straight up her hand and into her arm. Her breath caught as the implication sizzled and popped low in her stomach. A coiled, predatory nature lay deep within him, even if he did an excellent job of hiding it. What she felt singed her on a primal level, both appalled and sexually aroused at the same time. My God. How could I be attracted to this man after what I’ve felt? She gulped and jerked her hand back. “You were in an occupation that required a willingness to kill.” His eyes narrowed. “What are you? Psychic or something?” She took a shivering breath and decided to tell him the truth. Something about being locked up in here freed her, oddly enough. “Don’t knock it until you try it. Yes, as a matter of fact, I am sometimes. I’m very empathic to be precise.” He didn’t move, but his gaze went thermonuclear, a blaze of smoldering intensity that singed her down to her toes. His lips parted. He started to say something, then shook his head. “Well, don’t quit your day job, Neena. I’ve never done anything dangerous in my life.” Hmm. He lied. Big time. But why? “You said you’ve seen someone get shot before.” He grunted and walked away. “Yeah, well, that doesn’t mean I’m freakin’ John Wayne or anything.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

31

Denise A. Agnew

Mitch’s hacked-off tone clued her in. Time to back off for now and regroup. She’d gone too far and scared him. “Fuck,” he said softly under his breath. “Is it hot in here?” Heat tingled in her stomach. The way he said the word it didn’t come out as a curse. At least not that way. Instead it sent a firestorm of reaction jumping and dancing within her hormones. She imagined him engaging in that activity…with her. He started opening his shirt. She looked away, and before she knew it, the Hawaiian monstrosity of a shirt opened all the way down the front. She couldn’t help it. She took a quick glance and saw everything she couldn’t help wanting to know. Dark hair swirled over hard, molded pecs and a broad chest, trailing in a light covering across a six-pack stomach and into the waistband of pants that rode low on his hips. Oh. My. God. If those pants weren’t so baggy… Her imagination flared. What would he look like naked? Wrestling with him sounded more intriguing by the moment. Her awareness of just how stupid wrong she’d been about him smacked her square in the face. Not only did he possess broad, powerful shoulders, but his chest was, to use a much overwrought cliché…to damn die for. She would have bet about a thousand dollars that his legs were as powerful, his biceps corded with muscle. The man was, to put it bluntly…hot. Capital R ripped. Spread-chocolate-on-me-and-lick-it-off gorgeous. If the position wasn’t already taken, she’d tell him he should audition for James Bond. Oh, Neena. What a fool you’ve been. Not only could he audition for the charity calendar, he could star in a calendar all on his own January through December and a special extra month for the following year. He cleared his throat, and then she realized she stared again. Pretty soon Mitch would think he’d been stuck in a pantry with a nymphomaniac. “Everything okay?” he asked. “You look a little dazed.”

32

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Um, sure. She tried to school her face into a bland expression. Not as if she was looking at him like he was Davina’s coffee cake or anything. She decided she’d suffer the torture of eating crow. “I’m fine. But I think I have something to apologize for.” His brow creased. “Why?” Before she could speak, he held his hand up. “Shhh. I hear something.” A dragging sound assaulted her ears. Whatever was up against the door groaned and creaked as it was pulled away. A pounding came on the door. Mitch clasped her arm and drew her away from the door. He placed himself in front of her as a shield. She peered over his shoulder. Several voices, all male, echoed through the doorway. When the door sprang open and two Clarksville police officers walked through the door, Mitch and Neena stepped back automatically. “Thank God,” Neena said. “We thought we’d never get out of here.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

33

Denise A. Agnew

Chapter Four Mitch woke with a gasp and bolted upright. Fuck. Not again. He drew in one shuddering breath and then another. He hadn’t experienced a dream like this in a year. Sweat trickled down his spine, and he shivered. A cool wind stirred the shade on the open bedroom window. He left the bed, walking across the room to stand in front of the window and gaze through the shade slats. Outside the rain trickled, clinging to the windowpane. He thought he’d banished the dreams that once plagued him. As he turned from the window and entered his master bathroom, he stared into the mirror and the nightlight threw an eerie glow over his face. He shunned turning on the light and opened the medicine cabinet to the left of the sink. His left hand went for the single medicine bottle, then stopped. He didn’t need it. Hadn’t needed for months. He sure as hell wouldn’t start now. The psychologist had given him the pills “just in case”. Just in case he burst from a dream filled with explosions and violence and the screams of the dying. Yeah, just in case he didn’t want to fight this malaise that clung to him the way a cold sweat used to cling when he’d awakened in that hospital. He closed the cabinet and returned to the window. Rain-soaked air caressed his nakedness almost like a woman’s touch. He strode back to the bed as images of one particular woman popped to mind. He’d like to have her close, pressed up against his body again. In the eight days since the robbery at the coffee shop he’d awakened with nightmares of his past haunting him, and every night he also had a wild dream about the one woman he needed to forget. He closed his eyes and visualized Neena Williamson the way she’d looked the last time he’d seen her. The police had wanted to interview her separately from him. She’d driven to the police station in her car and he in his. He didn’t see her after that, but part of him wanted to ask the police to let him see her. Mitch couldn’t forget the silky fall of her hair as it streamed down over her shoulders in a russet wave. Parted on the side, her hair 34

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

had those trendy side-swept bangs he’d seen a lot of women wearing. Her navy blue suit, with a jacket that tucked in close to her waist and a pencil skirt that curved over her pretty ass…ah, shit. He didn’t need to think about this. Her eyes, a shade of subtle green, had widened numerous times over their pantry encounter. Her breasts, not too big and not too small, had caught his attention again and again. Son-of-a-bitch. He didn’t want to think about her this way, didn’t want to see her again. Just as well he resisted thoughts of calling her. After all, she didn’t need his type around. And he didn’t want her psychic garbage mucking around in his brain. No one dug around in his thoughts anymore. Blood rushed south and his cock rose to attention. He’d gone hard and hot like this every night and wanted relief. Despite the good intentions to forget her, he reached down and circled his erect cock. He stroked, working the stiffening flesh as pleasure burned. It didn’t take long for him to give up. His cock stayed stiff, his body screamed for release, but nothing worked. He could have stroked himself all night but nothing would get him off. He groaned. What woman would want a used-up, sleep-deprived, horny man who couldn’t finish the deed? A woman like Neena deserved a whole man. Now, if he could just stop having these dreams, both about two years ago and about Neena, he’d be in a good place. He tried to return to sleep, but it never came. Several hours later, he lay on his old beat-up chaise on the back patio. Half asleep, he felt groggy and glad as hell it was Saturday. His cordless phone rang, and he jerked to attention. He grabbed the phone. “Yeah.” “Mitch Gilroy?” The breathy voice didn’t register, but it sounded familiar. “Speaking,” he barked out. “Oh, hi.” The woman’s voice turned a little husky, sending a rush straight to his groin. “This is Neena. Neena Williamson?” Her voice, silky and sultry, started a sizzle in his veins he hadn’t experienced in years. God, he wished she’d keep out of his mind. He heard the uncertainty in her voice. He opened his eyes all the way and sat up. “Hey, Neena. How are you?”

www.samhainpublishing.com

35

Denise A. Agnew

“You sound…a bit out of it. Am I calling at a bad time?” “No.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry I growled. I was almost asleep.” “Oh, no. I didn’t mean to wake you.” Some weird nuance in her voice pushed him to smooth her apprehension. “It’s okay. What can I do for you?” “Are you still interested in my charity calendar?” He almost said no. “Yeah. I’m still interested.” “Good. Then we need to get together so you can sign a release.” “Legalities, eh?” “Yes.” “When?” “When is convenient for you?” “Right now.” A long pause came over the line until he thought he’d lost her. “You still there, Neena?” “Yes. If you’re not busy we can meet today.” “I’m not working this weekend except for emergencies.” He gave her directions but she said she knew the location. When he hung up Mitch remembered he hadn’t cleaned the house in two weeks. Damn. The place is a pit. What do I care? It’s not as if I want to impress her. She’d just have to take his house like it was.

As Neena drove up the long gravel driveway toward Mitch’s house, she noted the trees had been trimmed back from the narrow drive. Last time she’d driven by, months ago, it had looked claustrophobic, a driveway to a haunted house. Golden sunshine danced through the pines and aspens and caused shadows to sway over her small SUV. The refreshing breeze floating into the car from her sunroof promised to end soon with rain. Afternoon thunderheads reared their high altitude heads over Wyoming. As she

36

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

halted in front of his house, her mouth popped open. No more did tangled weeds cover the rickety door and trail over the broken down porch. Shingles didn’t hang haphazardly over the roof, and the windows no longer gaped like the eyes of a monster from a late night horror movie. Mitch had transformed the place. Before she could shut off the car, the black wrought-iron security screen door opened and Mitch ambled onto the porch. Her mouth watered. Literally. A sweet, deep heat pulsed between her legs at the sight of his broad chest covered in a form fitting navy T-shirt and his well-fitted sweatpants shorts. She hadn’t seen him since the night of the robbery, hadn’t dared to call him though she’d wanted to the very next day. She’d ached to talk to him the entire time. God, he looked good in clothes that fit him. Damn. Since it was Saturday, she could get away with a baggy white t-shirt and shorts. She left the car, leather briefcase and purse in hand. Mitch greeted her with a smile that made her wonder what he had up his sleeve. “Hey. Good to see you.” “Thanks. Good to see you, too.” As he let her into the house, he gazed at her briefcase. “A pink briefcase?” She quirked one brow. “Do you have something against pink briefcases?” “I never would have figured you would have one.” “Hmm.” She followed him through the living room. “Why not?” “Because some of the women I’ve run into who make sure their shoes are coordinated with their handbags and briefcases are shallow.” Surprised, she glanced down at her pink athletic shoes as if she’d never seen them before. Her small organizer purse, slung over her left shoulder, was a matching violent pink. Only the gentle teasing in his eyes told Neena he meant no offense. “Someone in your past that put you off pink?” “There was this typing teacher I had in high school. Queen bitch of the universe. Organized as hell but cold as ice. She always, always had coordinated briefcases and shoes. Mrs. Gordensky. Must have had five damn briefcases.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

37

Denise A. Agnew

She laughed. “Typing teacher, eh? Never would have suspected you of taking typing. You seem a little more like…” “Yeah?” He walked closer. Drawn to him, but cautious, she didn’t move. “Wrestling? Football?” He grinned, and a flash fire ignited in her stomach. “Not even close. I was a geek child. I was on the tennis team, though.” Neena couldn’t believe it. “I would have thought…” She shook her head. “Never mind.” “What were you going to say?” “There’s just something about you that makes me think you’d be more action man.” His good humor vanished, his expression clouding. “That’s what my father wanted me to be. Football, wrestling.” “Being a teenager can suck.” “Ain’t that the truth.” “A geek, eh? Such as in chess club and science class?” “I was a dichotomy. I loved tennis and science, and yet I wasn’t that interested in chess.” She laughed softly, and his grim expression eased. He had such a mobile face, much more open now that the tension of a robbery hadn’t stolen it from him. She sensed a stinging wound in this man, but also saw he didn’t want to talk about it. She didn’t know him that well. At the same time, she felt as if she’d known him forever. She didn’t understand it, but there it was. She slipped her purse off her shoulder and placed it with her briefcase on the floor next to a chair. He’d decorated in a style equivalent to Craftsman and Mission, the lamps, tables, and chairs reflecting authenticity to the house’s era, but with additional modern touches. She glanced around in complete appreciation. “This place is beautiful.” “Hell, and here I thought you’d wrinkle up your pretty nose.” “Why would I do that?”

38

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“I haven’t cleaned the place for two weeks.” She said truthfully, “The place looks fine. Are you one of those men who thinks if he has a few dust bunnies here and there that the place is a pit?” Recognition flashed in his eyes. “Sometimes.” “You’re a perfectionist?” “Only with myself.” While she understood how harsh perfectionism could rule a person’s life—she’d suffered from it too long—she liked that he didn’t extend it to other people. “I just expect people to do their jobs. Not overdo their jobs,” he said. “Then you’ll be happy to sign these papers so I can get out of your hair and you can clean house if you like.” He stuffed one hand through his thick, glossy, dark hair. “Nah. I think I’ll let the dusty bunnies accumulate until tomorrow.” He nodded toward a cozy-looking side room. “Let’s go in the den. You want something to drink?” “No thanks. I’m good.” Once seated on the small but comfortable blue couch in the room, Neena almost felt like he sat too near. It didn’t matter that he couldn’t sit any farther away and still be on the couch. Her breath hitched as she caught a brief, warm hit of his low-key aftershave. To yank her wayward attention back to the task at hand, she drew out the waiver papers and handed them to him. “They’re simple. It won’t take a minute for you to sign them.” “I’ll read them first if you don’t mind.” He smiled. “Sure.” She laughed nervously. “We aren’t going to sell your picture to Playgirl or anything.” His eyebrows went up. Oh, crap. She couldn’t believe she’d used her out loud voice. The last thing she need was Mitch backing out of the shoot. “That’s a good thing. I’d never pose for Playgirl even if they paid me a million dollars.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

39

Denise A. Agnew

As he read the waiver, she scanned the room and found much to admire. She didn’t see any family photographs anywhere and thought that unusual. She didn’t feel at ease asking him about it, though. As he signed the papers, a flash of lightning streaked through the sky. She flinched as thunder crashed almost immediately. “Oh, God. That was close. I’d better get out of here before—” Rain poured from the sky in drenching sheets. “Holy cow. That came up incredibly fast.” He stood. “I’ve got some windows open. Be right back.” He worked quickly around the small house and returned within minutes. Rain pounded the earth in drenching sheets, and new spikes of lightning ripped through the atmosphere. She flinched with each rumble, unable to control her reaction. “You okay?” he asked as he came back to the room. “This is crazy. I saw the clouds but I had no idea.” “It’ll end soon. You know how most summer storms are here.” He sat and signed the pages, his penmanship smooth and readable. She didn’t know too many men who owned legible signatures. He held the documents out to her. “Here you go.” “Thanks again. We have a photo session on Monday evening at seven.” She gave him the name of the studio. “Can you make it?” “I’ll put it on my calendar. What do you want me to wear?” Good question. Her gaze danced over his casual attire. “Something like what you’re wearing now is good. Do you own a tool belt of any kind?” His grin was cocky and filled with good humor. “Now if that isn’t a damned stereotype.” “Well,” she said without rancor, “we are trying to fulfill women’s fantasies and sometimes those are filled with clichés. Many women like construction workers in their fantasies.” “Okay.” He leaned forward and braced his forearms on his knees, his hands clasped between them, his expression open once more. “I’ve got a tool belt. Anything else?”

40

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

A picture flashed in her mind and her cheeks started to burn. Her hands bunching up gobs of that ugly shirt. “Definitely not the Hawaiian shirt.” His eyebrows tweaked upwards. “You really did hate that shirt, didn’t you?” She bit her lip and saw his gaze dip to her mouth. The heat in her cheeks rushed down her neck and settled over her breasts. Her nipples tightened. “I did. It’s not the best color for you.” “Believe it or not, I don’t care what colors look good on me. I’d been painting a house and it was a sort of don’t-give-a-crap shirt. The pants were the same.” “They were rather…baggy.” “You don’t like guys in baggy pants? That’s the style.” “I don’t care. I think it’s uglier than sin.” She wrinkled her nose. “Besides, how can a woman truly appreciate a man’s physique if he’s wearing a shirt five sizes too large and pants equally as big? It’s ridiculous.” He nodded, a grin teasing his mouth and his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I usually don’t wear baggy clothes.” “Sorry. When I first saw you, I made a lot of assumptions that I shouldn’t have.” “Don’t apologize. I did the same thing to you. I thought you looked a bit prissy. A babe, but prissy just the same.” Her mouth opened but nothing would come out for several seconds. Finally, she said, “A babe?” “Yeah. You’re very pretty.” His voice went husky, his eyes hot. A soft, stirring fluttered in her belly. Nina recognized arousal when she felt it, but that didn’t mean she had to do anything about it. She trained her gaze on the rain coming down in furious sheets. “Thank you. Wow, would you look at that rain. I think it’s getting worse. I’d better head out.” She reached for her handbag and briefcase. “Hell, no,” he said suddenly and stood just as she did. “What?” “It’s too dangerous out there. You’ll get soaked.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

41

Denise A. Agnew

“Thanks for the concern, but I’ve been in rain before and haven’t melted yet. Plus, I’ve driven in bad weather many times.” “My driveway gets sloppy as hell. Your car will get stuck and then we’ll have a hard time getting it out. Just wait for a while until it clears up. I’ll worry about you if you’re driving in this.” His concern and vehemence surprised her. “The road will still be muddy after it stops raining.” “That’s true, but at least if you get stuck, it won’t be raining when we try and get your SUV out.” Part of her wondered if he wished she’d stay because he wanted her company. But that didn’t seem plausible. Just because he flirted a bit didn’t mean he had any true desire to know her more deeply. “All right. I’ll stay.” He relaxed back onto the couch. She settled on the edge of the couch, not at ease. Seeing his tall, muscular body sprawled like a jungle cat stirred more unwanted arousal deep inside. God, what was she thinking? He allowed his legs to fall open the way most men did when they sat, his hands splayed on his thighs. God. She jerked her gaze away from the sight of all that scrumptious masculine flesh. To avoid thinking about stripping his clothes off and discovering every inch of his stalwart body, she said, “As for props at the shoot, you said something about soldiers when we were stuck in the pantry. Do you have any of those fatigue pants?” The idea he might have been a warrior of any kind sent heat stirring inside her again. She could easily picture him in the role now. “I mean…were you a soldier?” “I don’t have any fatigues. Nobody does. They don’t call them that anymore.” She smiled. “Well excuse me. You know what I mean. I’ve seen a few military wearing them.” “I know what you mean, and no, I don’t have any.” That idea jettisoned, she said, “How about a suit? A really nice suit.” “I’ve got that. I went to my sister’s wedding in January.”

42

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Pleased, she allowed the excitement inside her to ebb into a dull roar. “Excellent. Bring that and the tool belt. Those will be good for starters.” “All right, but why do I need two changes of clothing if I’m only Mr…” His nose twitched. “Mr. December?” “The photographer will want to try different looks on a guy to see what works best.” “Got it.” He laced his hands over his stomach. “And here I thought you might put me in some dumbass Santa costume or something.” She laughed. “Well, you’re right. We are.” Incredulity swept over his features. “You’re kidding?” “Lucy suggested it. You’ll wear the pants and just not the shirt. No beard either. But that Santa hat is a must.” His lips curled in derision. “I’m not wearing a Santa hat.” “Be a good sport, Mitch.” “No deal. No Santa hat.” She sighed and stood. She wandered over to the window and watched rain cascading down the window. “I never thought you’d be the kind of guy to find a Santa costume threatening to your masculinity.” “Nothing threatens my masculinity, Neena.” She heard footsteps behind her, and when his hands cupped her shoulders, she twitched in surprise. “Easy.” “I’m a little jumpy still.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” “You didn’t. I’ve been having weird dreams all week.” God, why did I let that slip out? He gently turned her toward him. “About what?” She shook her head. “About being back in that pantry. Only this time the walls are closing in on us.” “Damn. I’m sorry.” His hands coasted up and down her arms. She shivered. He stared down at her, understanding clear in his eyes. Feelings she’d fought off rushed

www.samhainpublishing.com

43

Denise A. Agnew

forward. With his hands on her arms, she appreciated the steadiness he offered. A sanctuary she didn’t expect. He was so handsome like this. So…edible. How had she ever, ever thought of him as anything other than absolutely yummy? She must have been loco. “Thanks for stepping in for Jacob,” she said. “You’re welcome. How is he?” “It’s a good thing a bystander saw the shop lights on and his body sprawled on the floor. He could have bled to death.” He rubbed her arms once more. “That jackass could have killed us. He could have taken you away and tried God knows what. But we’re okay now.” His understanding eased the fear. “I know that intellectually. But sometimes emotionally I forget. Do you know what I mean?” “More than you know.” “At least they caught them.” The robber’s girlfriend, the young waitress and the cook had all been in on the robbery. The young waitress had somehow convinced her boyfriend and his robber pal that Davina kept a lot of money in the safe. When they’d discovered it wasn’t true, well, it was splitsville. Police had nailed them two counties away that evening. The police had found a large cabinet of canned goods rolled in front of the pantry, and once they’d removed it, they’d discovered Neena and Mitch. “The rain is easing now,” she said. She noticed he didn’t offer to talk more about her dreams. “Stay until it stops.” She heard a note of need in his voice, and it surprised and frightened her all at the same time. Not because she feared him, but because she wanted to stay far too much. She turned away from his gentle grip and gathered up her pink accessories. “I need to go. Thanks for the shelter. And thanks for signing the papers. I’ll see you Monday night.”

44

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Okay then. I’ll see you Monday.” She left, the rain a light sprinkle upon her. As she jumped into the SUV and took off, she inhaled deeply. She hadn’t realized the tension that had built within her. Luckily, her SUV didn’t have trouble with the mud in his driveway, but her vehicle would need a carwash for certain. As she pulled out onto the blacktop and headed toward town, she tried not to remember how strong his legs looked in shorts. Long, hard thighs dusted with dark hair. Strong calves also dusted with dark hair. Tanned, but not baked flesh. God. Then she tried in vain not to imagine him in that tool belt. And nothing else.

www.samhainpublishing.com

45

Denise A. Agnew

Chapter Five “You’re as jumpy as a…I dunno what,” Kat said to Neena as they sat with photographer Lucy Creed and waited for Mr. December to arrive. Neena crossed and uncrossed her legs for the umpteenth time. “Am not.” Lucy ran a hand through her short, spike platinum hair. “Yeah, you are.” Disgusting. The woman was so beautiful that one of the two men at the shoot tonight had flirted big time with her. Well, to be fair, they’d flirted with Kat, too. Maybe my pride is wounded. Yep, Mr. January, a firefighter with the county, hadn’t paid much attention to Neena at all. “He’s late,” Neena said in strict disapproval. “I can’t stand it when people are late.” Maybe there was something, besides Mitch’s Hawaiian shirt, that she could disapprove of. Maybe then she would stop daydreaming about him all day. She fanned herself with the newspaper. The studio was small, the building old, and the air conditioning unreliable. The hot flash she felt might have at least as much to do with thinking about Mitch in a tool belt as it did faulty air conditioning. When he walked in not much more than three seconds later, her face burned with embarrassment. She’d said she couldn’t stand when people were late loud enough that he must have heard her. Maybe that explained the rigid, harsh look on his ruggedly handsome face. He walked with that loose-limbed confident stride. His jeans and white T-shirt fit him to perfection. He’d slung a garment bag over one shoulder and a duffle bag in his other hand. “Hi ladies.” He dropped his black duffle bag at his feet; he kept the garment bag looped over his shoulder. “Sorry I’m late. I was working on Mrs. Corbett’s roof leak today, and by the time I finished the job I was sweating. I had to stop by my house and get a shower. Then there was a traffic jam on Delta Street, if you can believe that.”

46

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

She noticed his hair was damp. Even from here he smelled clean and delicious, and a wild tremor tingled through her belly. “No problem.” Lucy introduced herself and shook hands with him. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” “Still, I’m sorry I was late.” He glanced pointedly at Neena. “My cell phone battery died.” “You forgot to charge it, or you refused to bring it with you?” she asked automatically. Kat and Lucy gave her concerned looks. She’d have to explain his aversion to cell phones later. His mouth curved. “No, it just died. I think I need to buy a new phone. The one I have is ancient. Then again, maybe I just won’t buy one. I’ll have to rely on plain old land line phones.” “What a concept,” Kat said as she reached out to shake his hand. “I’m Kat.” No, I ain’t gonna go there. If he’s up for a fight, he isn’t getting one. She did want to swipe that smug grin off his lips, though. With her mouth. Oh, God. God. They needed to finish this shoot and get him the hell out of here. Then she needed to visit a psychiatrist before she imploded thinking about him in this noholds-barred lustful fashion. “Anywhere I can change?” he asked them. While Lucy showed him the back room, Kat leaned over and said softly, “He’s absolutely freaking gorgeous. I never would have thought in a million years he’d look like that in clothes that fit him. I thought he’d be skinny.” “Me, too.” “Or maybe hiding a gut or something.” “Me, too.” “Instead he’s ripped. I mean, did you see those arms?” “Yes, Kat,” she said with sarcasm. “I have two eyes.” “Yes, but sometimes you don’t see.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

47

Denise A. Agnew

Rather than retort, Neena clamped her lips shut and waited for the show to begin. Whether she wanted to or not, she knew the sight of Mitch Gilroy in almost nothing would cause her heart to blast out of her chest. Lucy came back into the room, a grin on her face. “Mr. December will be ready in a minute.” Kat waggled her eyebrows and sank back into her folding chair. She curled her fingers around one knee. “What took you so long?” Lucy returned her friend’s teasing expression. “We got to talking about old times in Clarksville.” “You know him from way back?” Kat asked. “Yep. We went to high school together. He was a nerd bucket back then.” “So he tells me,” Neena heard herself say. When her friends turned curious looks on her, she opened her mouth to explain. Before she could speak, Mitch strode into the room without his T-shirt, in jeans, bare feet, and with tool belt secured around his waist. Several tools dangled down. His powerful chest and well-carved arms, along with those gorgeous stomach muscles, caused Neena’s pulse to race. He was beautiful. No, not beautiful. He represented hardened, unvanquished, total masculinity. One tool on his belt hung close to his crotch, and Neena felt a new sensation stir inside her…new only in that it was twenty times stronger than the lust she’d felt before. This one sucker punched her. She gulped. Lucy fiddled with her camera equipment and then had him stand with his back against the white background. Lucy directed him on where to stand and handed him a hard hat. “Pose for me, Mitch. Give me a look that screams sex.” Standing awkwardly, hands on hips, he still managed to befuddle Neena’s hormones and set them dancing. Mitch put on the cockiest, sexiest smile Neena had ever seen on a man. She melted onto her folding chair. With a smooth movement, he held his hard hat in front of his crotch. Neena’s corpuscles about exploded.

48

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Lucy snapped off shots. “That’s fantastic.” Fantastic didn’t cover it. By obstructing a view of his package with the hard hat, he enhanced a woman’s curiosity to see just what he was hiding. Lucy asked him to move again. One after another, Lucy took shots as she directed him to pose this way and that. Enraptured by the sight of strong muscles moving, flexing, Neena craved to touch him, to trace her hands over each hard male angle. “Costume change,” Lucy said after he’d already posed numerous ways for the camera. Mitch crossed his arms. “Not the Santa thing.” Lucy put her camera down on a table. “You really don’t want to do the Santa costume, do you?” “Not if I can help it.” “Okay, then. Put on the suit, but leave off the shirt.” “Just the jacket and pants and shoes?” “That’s right. But tell you what, I just got an idea for one more shot. Put the hard hat on your head. Now, flex your biceps. Both arms please.” Neena thought she’d swallow her tongue. She gaped in stupefied appreciation as his wonderfully carved arms bunched, flexed, showed his power. Kat nudged her with her elbow. She glared at Kat, who waggled her eyebrows. Neena could read her friend’s mind. Isn’t he scrumptious? Neena’s gaze cruised from his gorgeous eyes to bulging muscles, the hair sprinkled across his pecs and leading down over that muscled stomach. She couldn’t ignore her physical cravings anymore. Admit it, Neena. He’s delicious. Tasty. A morsel you’d love to nibble on until he returned the favor. After Lucy finished snapping more photos, he returned to the room in the back to change. The ladies chatted about inconsequential things, but Neena had difficulty pushing images of half-naked Mitch from her mind. Like indelible ink, he was stamped into her memory. When he came out with his dark grey suit minus the shirt, her libido went into overdrive. Again and again, Mitch proved he had what it took to model. Yet he wasn’t a pretty boy model. No way.

www.samhainpublishing.com

49

Denise A. Agnew

When they wrapped up, Neena felt sorry the skin show had finished. She could have spent the entire night watching his muscles, his glorious tight ass, his stalwart legs. Never in her life had she desired a man more than she did Mitch. At the same time, her desire worried her. Getting involved with him would qualify as a mistake. She doubted he wanted a relationship with her, and connection with Mitch could mean disappointment and…no, she wouldn’t do anything that might make him think she wanted a relationship. He wouldn’t understand her past. Lucy clapped for Mitch. “That was fabulous. Have you ever considered modeling full time?” “No way.” His immediate answer didn’t surprise Neena. “I’ve got my life planned out like I want it.” “I know this agency in New York that would die to hire you.” Lucy’s eyes danced with teasing amusement. “You could use these photos we took today as the start of a portfolio.” “Nope. I’m a handyman.” His gaze darted to Neena. “That’s all I want to be.” Lucy threw up a hand. “Okay, but if you ever change your mind, let me know.” Kat stood and wandered his way. “What made you say yes to the calendar?” He watched Kat walk toward him with clear interest in her well-curved body. Jealousy burgeoned within Neena, and she shoved it into the background. She couldn’t be jealous of something she didn’t have with him. His gaze darted to hers. “Well, it was Neena. She convinced me.” Kat and Mitch talked more, and Neena watched Kat’s interaction with him. Though she wouldn’t call his attitude over friendly, Kat did flirt. She couldn’t fault her friend— she always flirted with men and wouldn’t consider Mitch any different. After he’d changed into his original T-shirt and jeans, Kat said she was leaving. “It’s dark out,” Mitch said. “I’ll walk you to the car. Or we can all go out together.” “Let’s go out together,” Lucy said. On impulse, Neena patted him on the shoulder. “Thanks so much. You’re quite the gentleman.”

50

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

He shrugged. “Any man would do it.” Lucy made a doubtful noise. “Not my last boyfriend. I suppose I should have asked him to walk me out to the car sometimes.” “You shouldn’t have to ask,” Mitch said. “This may be a small town, but men should look out for women.” Neena saw Lucy and Kat’s eyes widen at his statement. By their smiles, she figured they found his declaration amazing. She found it refreshing. “Don’t you think women can take care of themselves?” Kat crossed her arms and hardened her face into what Neena affectionately called her “challenge” face. He scrubbed one hand over his jaw. “Of course. My sister Jessica is a black belt in karate. She can kick ass with the best of them. I’d still walk her to the car if it were dark and late. I want her safe.” His obvious affection for his sister warmed Neena’s heart clear through. A wild fantasy flitted through her head of Mitch saying the same thing to her. She could hear it in her head. I want you safe, Neena. Then, beyond any reason, she imagined him saying, I love you, Neena. She gulped. Oh, man, this couldn’t happen. She couldn’t get wrapped up in him this way. She was losing it. “You are a gem.” Lucy grinned. “Your sister is very lucky to have you for a brother, Mitch.” This time his face reddened a bit. “Right. She wants to brain me sometimes, so I don’t know if I’d agree with you there.” Lucy clucked. “Nonsense. I have two older brothers and I love them dearly. But they are total pains in the ass.” They all laughed, and Neena felt a strange sensation. She couldn’t wait to escape, and at the same time, she wanted to stay here in the happy, friendly atmosphere rather than return to her small house on the outskirts of town.

www.samhainpublishing.com

51

Denise A. Agnew

Once Lucy closed the studio and Mitch walked them all to the parking lot, Neena noticed he’d parked next to her. As the other ladies sped off in their vehicles, he stopped next to her car. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” She leaned her arm on the open driver’s door to her car. Mitch moved in close, and her hormones jumped and took notice. “It was good. It wasn’t as bad as I thought.” “You did an excellent job. Whichever photo Lucy selects will blow away the ladies.” He shook his head. “If you say so.” “You are about the most modest gorgeous guy I’ve ever known.” Her face flamed as she realized she’d used the word gorgeous. “Gorgeous?” His eyebrows went up. “Surely you jest.” She reached out and squeezed one of his biceps. “Are you kidding? Look at these biceps. You work out and women will appreciate that more than you know.” “Thanks.” He shuffled his feet, and she liked that small display of uncertainty in his face and actions. “Oh, by the way. I forgot to mention this to you earlier. We’re having a charity ball next weekend to raise more money. The calendars won’t be on sale yet, of course, but we’ve invited all the guys who are posing for the calendar.” She dug into her briefcase and handed him an invitation. “Originally the mucky mucks in town thought the charity ball should only be for the people who wanted to pay two hundred dollars a plate for charity. I told them the guys in the calendar should attend as our guests and not pay two hundred dollars a plate. They agreed late in the game. So I’ve been delivering invites to the guys. I’m so sorry I didn’t give you one earlier.” He glanced at the envelope. “I’m not sure yet if I can come. I might have some work scheduled that weekend.” A twinge of disappointment touched her, which she shoved down ruthlessly. “I understand. No problem.” She forced the next words from her throat. “Say, this is off topic, but I wondered if you could help me with a couple of house projects.”

52

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

He moved nearer, and she inhaled deeply. His clean, crisp scent lured her into a sensual frame of mind. “Sure. What do you need?” “My house is an old Mediterranean style. Tuscan, I guess you could say. There’s some plaster coming off the wall in the back. Plus, I’ve got a rattle in my plumbing coming from somewhere, and there’s two roof tiles coming loose. I just noticed that last week. Things are starting to pile up.” “How old is the house?” “It was built in the twenties. Former owners did upgrades, but since I moved here ten years ago, I’ve only updated the kitchen.” “I can come by tomorrow evening and check it out if you’re not busy.” That soon? “That would be great. How about six?” “That’ll work. I’ll see you then. Drive safe.” Then, before he turned away, he asked, “Wait. One question. Were you angry at me tonight?” Puzzled, she frowned. “What? No. Why would you think that?” “A good chunk of the time when I was talking to Kat, you had this frown about twenty miles wide.” “Oh, God. I’m sorry…I…” What could she say? The truth? “Did I? I didn’t mean to.” His eyes narrowed. When she looked down at her feet, he lifted her chin. “It’s okay. What was going on in your head?” “Um…well, she’s married. I didn’t want you to think you could…you know.” He grinned. “What? Come on to her?” “Yes.” “I know she’s married. I saw her wedding ring. I don’t do adultery, Neena.” “I wouldn’t think you would.” His fingers brushed her chin lightly as he tilted her chin up higher and brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. “Are you jealous?”

www.samhainpublishing.com

53

Denise A. Agnew

Caught off guard by his directness and how close he hit to the truth, she caught his wrist in her hand. “Of course not.” His gaze went from warm to thermonuclear, a husky resonance in his voice. “Maybe this will put your mind at ease.” Before she could think, his mouth covered hers gently. She muffled a soft moan of surprise, and as her lips parted on his pressure, his mouth coaxed hers into an instant response. He kept her steady under his slow, lush kiss. His hand moved to cup her face gently, and she couldn’t resist the tender touch. Hot, stirring arousal blossomed. She ached deep within, a craving more intense than anything she’d felt for him so far. She quivered with exquisite desire, amazed and thrilled by sensations she hadn’t experienced in what seemed ages. It seemed as soon as the kiss started it ended and his mouth left hers. “Goodnight.” He backed away. “See you tomorrow evening.” She stood in stunned silence, her heart drumming in her chest, her pulse throbbing along her veins. She realized she’d wanted more, that her body craved a stronger, deeper kiss. As he slipped into his car, she jerked out of her flabbergasted state and entered her own vehicle. He followed her from the parking lot and made his turn a few blocks later. His kiss, though gentle, had driven every thought from her head, swamping her in pure sensation. She couldn’t stop thinking about it. All the way home, she kept seeing him striking poses for the camera, and she wondered if the images, like his kiss, were burned into her mind forever.

54

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Chapter Six “He’ll be here in…” Neena gazed at her watch as she scampered around the living room. “…ten minutes. Crap.” She hadn’t cleaned the house in two weeks. She snorted. That’s what Mitch had complained about. So they both had trouble keeping the house clean, eh? Life lately had moved into a frantic pace, a chaotic series of distractions at work and with the charity. Today she’d worked hard at the mayor’s office, hating her job more and more and trying to think of ways to maintain her sanity, while hoping the job interview at the Department of Health and Human Services she had this week would pan out. She desperately needed a distraction tonight, and she couldn’t relax, couldn’t find solace in a hot bath or the small glass of white wine sitting on a coaster on the living room coffee table. She felt shaky, out of sync, and she hated it. Couldn’t life be simple for a change? Why did she have this struggle to keep her mind on her business and job hunting and off the thoroughly confusing Mr. Gilroy? She stood in the middle of her living room, proud of the dark wood and leather furnishings, the wood shutters, the other touches she’d purchased over ten years until things were situated how she’d always wanted them. She had a great home of her dreams, with the exception of the things she hoped Mitch would fix. Yet something remained missing. The doorbell rang and she started. Get with the program. Stop being so jumpy. She sucked in a deep breath and checked the peephole in her door. Mitch stood at her door, a duffle bag in one hand, his other hand in his jeans pocket. He wore a navy T-shirt, this one with a startling yellow smiley face dead center. Definitely not what she would expect. She grinned and opened the door. “Hi there.” She opened the screen door for him. “Come in.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

55

Denise A. Agnew

His returning smile filled Neena with a warmth she couldn’t ignore, and an excitement she started to accept. “How are you?” “Eager for you to tell me if you can fix these problems.” Her gaze dropped to his shirt. Even the smiley face couldn’t distract her from his broad chest. “Now this is an improvement over your Hawaiian shirt.” His wicked grin said it all as he settled his duffle on the floor. “You like it?” “It’s cute.” He grimaced. “Cute?” “Better than a Hawaiian shirt.” They stared at each other and Neena experienced that vibe, that crazy jumble of sensations that bubbled within her stomach and shot through the rest of her body like lightning. His gaze heated, his attention flattering as he ogled her Mickey Mouse t-shirt and matching shorts. “You look beautiful. No smiley face in sight.” God, how could she resist this? He made her feel…what? Flustered? Out of control? You name it, she felt it all. “Umm…thank you,” she managed to say, her throat tight with nerves as she led him the rest of the way into the living room. “Where did that come from?” “What? Telling you that you’re beautiful?” He came right up to her, so close she could smell that delicious scent of his. “As I was looking at you, I realized that I called you a babe and pretty the other day. But that doesn’t cut it. Not by a long shot.” He reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. His fingers sent a tingle over her skin that settled low in her stomach. “But I made a mistake last night. I kissed you, and I think I scared you. I apologize.” Her high plummeted. He thought the kiss was a mistake. Damn. Maybe he was right. At the same time, it didn’t feel good to hear him say it. “Don’t worry, Mitch. I don’t expect anything from you. Maybe we have a little attraction going on between us, but we don’t have to take it anywhere. I’ve thought about it, and I think it was the robbery. We

56

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

were in the wrong place at the wrong time, almost got our heads blown off, and the connection it built between us was natural.” There. She’d said it. It might feel like hell, but she’d opened her big mouth and let it out. “You’re probably right. I’m glad I’m not crazy, though. I felt this…this thing between us and wondered if it was my imagination.” “No.” She sighed. “It’s not.” He nodded in agreement. “We don’t have to give into it.” Her heart dived into the basement. “You’re right. So…let’s get to work, eh?” She shifted gears quickly. “You’re a brave man, Mitch Gilroy.” “Why do you say that?” “Because there isn’t one man I know who could wear a smiley face on his shirt and get away with it. Their friends would shred his ego.” “Guess he doesn’t have much of an ego if they can do that.” “Damn it, Gilroy, you’re way too self-contained. Don’t you realize most people don’t have egos that intact? Without dents?” “Who says I don’t have dents?” He asked the question quietly and without rancor, but she sensed an edge in him that her question had prompted. A rebirth of anger that stirred her curiosity. Better not resurrect old, unwanted feelings either for him or her. He asked to see the roof first and brought a big ladder from his truck. She held the ladder for him as he climbed up, and his tight butt encased in jeans dared her not to look at it. She did anyway. She swallowed hard as she tried reciting mentally all the names of the presidents of the United States. It didn’t work—her gaze went right back to his prime choice ass, and she stared unashamedly until he reached the roof. “Be careful!” She worried about him falling, but he seemed extremely agile. He located the trouble with her tiles and within short order had fixed the problem. He climbed down. “That was simple.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

57

Denise A. Agnew

They agreed the plastering on the outside of the house would take more daylight than he had to make the repairs. Back inside the house, it didn’t take him long to fix the rattle in the pipes and a small leak with the kitchen faucet, a simple adjustment here and there. She watched him work, which ended up being a huge mistake. His muscles rippled and flexed and bunched until her libido sat up and howled to the moon. She wouldn’t make it. Taking in the power within his body, the pure testosterone that permeated him, she found herself completely aroused. Her nipples tightened, her body aching for his touch. She’d have to grab the vibrator gathering dust in her bureau and find relief once he’d left. Not that it would do much good. She hadn’t found the time, hadn’t found the interest lately in acquiring sexual satisfaction with a cold instrument. The last time she’d tried it hadn’t worked. No orgasm. As he worked under the sink, he arched his back a bit and shifted. His T-shirt worked upward and left a gap that showed skin. Neena fixated on the powerful stomach muscles sprinkled with dark hair, then trailed down to his crotch and the obvious bulge. God help me. She didn’t know which of his physical attributes rejuvenated her hormones more— staring at his sex or eyeing his ass. Both things had turned her to putty. Face it girl. Everything about him turns you on. When he climbed from under the sink, she averted her gaze and folded her arms. She could keep this professional. All business, indeed. The small crystal clock on her fireplace mantle tinkled out a charming tune signaling eight o’clock. He wiped his hands on a rag, then jammed the rag into his back pocket. He gathered up the toolbox he’d left on the floor. The toolbox wasn’t as intriguing as a tool belt, naturally, but it accomplished the job so she couldn’t complain. “Thanks so much,” she said. “How much do I owe you?” He quoted a very reasonable price. “That’s all?” “Yep. I’m not out to make big bucks at this, just a reasonable wage for good work.”

58

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Pleased, she went into her den and retrieved her checkbook. After she wrote him the check, she returned to her living room to find him standing at her mantle. His attention had landed on the pictures of her and her mother she’d lined up along the mantle. Five photos in all. Some before the incident. Some after. She swallowed hard. The incident. Thinking about it that way eased the lump that surged to her throat every time she remembered it. He turned slowly, as if he knew she stood there. His gaze held the inevitable curiosity that she saw in everyone’s eyes when they saw pictures of her mother after the incident. “Great photos. Is that your mother with you?” “Yes.” She stood in the threshold to the living room, almost afraid to step forward, paralyzed by something she didn’t understand. She found the strength to put one foot in front of the other. “Here’s your check. Thanks again. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.” “You’re welcome. I’m not sure if I can make it back tomorrow night to fix the plaster. I’ve got several jobs the rest of the week that’ll keep me busy. Do you mind if we schedule a time for me to come back next week?” “Not at all. When?” “Sunday at noon?” “It’s a deal.” She almost asked him if he’d like to come to dinner, but she kept her lips sealed. He headed for the front door, his toolbox in hand. She opened the door for him and once he stood on the porch, he said, “I’ll probably see you at the charity ball Saturday night.” “Oh, good,” she said with enthusiasm, pleased with the idea more than she’d admit. “What kind of monkey suit should I wear?” She cleared her throat. “Oh, I should have mentioned that before. It’s a black tie affair.” “Tux?”

www.samhainpublishing.com

59

Denise A. Agnew

“If you have one.” “I don’t, but I can get one.” “I’m so sorry. I mean, it was short notice as is—” “Neena, don’t worry.” His gaze changed from amused to something far more serious, a flash fire she felt to her toes. When he stepped forward and his hand came up to cup her cheek, she started a little. He caressed her cheek with his thumb. His mouth hovered close over hers. “I wasn’t going to do this. But I can’t help it. I’ve got to taste you. Please tell me it’s all right.” Oh. Oh, my. Is it ever. She didn’t speak; she acted. Her hand slipped into the thick hair that curled at the back of his neck, and she pulled him down to her. His mouth found hers, and right there on the front porch, his kiss glided feather-light on her lips. Not demanding. Not asking for anything more than a momentary, delicious contact. Hot and yet filled with tenderness, his lips moved over hers tentatively. Before she could respond, he moved back. To her surprise, his eyes held a special torment. As if he wanted far more but held back with the greatest restraint. Her mouth tingled, her body throbbed in places she hadn’t realized owned an erogenous zone. Emotions overwhelmed her. Searing lust. A gut-wrenching yearning. Breathless, she said, “Mitch—” “I’ve got to go. Goodnight.” “Goodnight.” Mitch gave her one last hot look as he turned away. Neena watched his big, hunky body as he walked, and she couldn’t take anymore. She shut the door quickly and leaned back against it, trying to catch her breath. She closed her eyes and replayed the kiss. The sensation of warm, giving lips searching hers long enough to catch fire, the sensation of his slightly callused fingers caressing her face. She shuddered with suppressed need. But it couldn’t destroy the horniness inside her that threatened to drive her insane. “Face it,” she said out loud, “you are so dead.”

60

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

She wanted to appease the ache inside, the one that asked a thousand questions both mental and physical. Why had he kissed her when they’d agreed not to go forward? Why had she helped him kiss her? She released a long sigh. It was gonna be a long night.

Mitch drove around town until he figured he’d wasted enough gas. By the time he reached home, put away his tools, then sank naked into bed, he hoped sleep would overcome his urges. No such luck. His body hummed with suppressed sexual energy. He switched on the bedside lamp and got out of bed. He put on a pair of shorts and athletic shoes and headed into his garage. Once there, he stepped onto his treadmill and jogged like a madman until he realized he had passed his usual goal by two miles. His breathing came hard, his arms and legs pumping as endorphins flooded his system and helped him to forget. Forget her lips. Her sweet body. The desire he thought he recognized in her eyes. But maybe he was just fuckin’ foolin’ himself. Maybe he just wished she’d grab him, toss him on the bed and tell him she wanted down-and-dirty, no-strings sex. Holy mother of God. He closed his eyes and imagined what she’d look like naked. Lush lips, plump breasts, curved hips, and hidden secrets that he’d savor with his fingers and his tongue. His cock hardened to stone, and he gritted his teeth in reaction. Such a bad idea, Gilroy. A damned bad idea to keep thinking about her. Finally he switched off the treadmill. He slugged down a half bottle of water, then settled onto his weight-lifting machine and pumped iron. He put his body through the paces, but his traitorous mind kept returning to the kiss he’d shared with Neena. The one

www.samhainpublishing.com

61

Denise A. Agnew

he’d vowed not to take. Standing on that porch, in those silly Mickey Mouse clothes and her hair tumbling around her shoulders, she’d looked absolutely, undeniably fuckable. His lips still remembered the taste of wine on Neena’s mouth. He’d almost taken the kiss deeper. When she’d pulled in close for a kiss, he’d almost succumbed to a desire to plunge his tongue in and lick every inch of her mouth and discover more flavors, more nuances. Ah, hell. He was so dead. He worked the iron, muscles straining, body protesting as he pushed farther. If he did this long enough, he could banish demons threatening to keep him awake at night, and the pretty angel who had come into his life. He couldn’t afford to care as much as he did, though, because once she found out what he’d done, she’d turn away from him so quickly his head would spin. The idea made him ache. She made him feel so alive. He’d smiled more since she arrived in his life. Maybe he’d make an excuse and not attend the charity ball. Right. Damn. He needed to find a tux somewhere in this town damned fast.

62

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Chapter Seven “He did what?” Neena asked into the phone, incredulous. “Bucky Trent escaped from the county jail during a transfer to the pen,” Eve Carmichael-O’Callahan said calmly. “I saw it in the paper this morning. See what you miss by not subscribing to the paper?” “I love the fact that I miss the news most of the time. Keeps my mind free and clear of negative junk. I have enough garbage going on at work to keep me entertained, thank you.” Eve chuckled. “I know.” Neena stared at her mantle, seeing her mother’s face and yet seeing nothing. “And you’re calling to tell me this why?” “I was worried.” Good ole Eve. Neena had met Eve a few months back when Eve had volunteered to work on the charity ball. They’d become good friends and touched base whenever they could, including lunches and other events like mindless girly days when they’d shop until they dropped. “Why would you worry?” Neena asked, puzzled. “Honey, I’m worried because he’s out of jail. It makes me nervous to know he’s running around out there, and I thought you might be a little afraid. It was just a couple of weeks ago he held a gun to your head and threatened to drag you off and do God knows what.” Neena sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear. Her friend’s voice vibrated with deep concern. “Sorry. Thanks for caring, but I’m fine. The bastard is long, long gone. Why would he stick around here?” “It’s just a weird feeling I have. You of all people should understand that.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

63

Denise A. Agnew

“Yeah, I do. But I haven’t sensed anything, and I usually get vibes about this sort of thing. So you can put your mind at ease. He’s a petty thief.” Eve’s sigh was far louder than Neena’s had been. “He’s been indicted for armed robbery, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. We aren’t talking about a petty thief.” “Okay, okay. What do you want me to do?” “Just be careful.” “Okay, I will.” “Good. We’ll see you at the ball tonight.” Neena smiled, sank down onto her leather easy chair and put her feet up on the ottoman. “I’m so glad Sean is home. I know you missed him.” Eve’s warm laugh echoed over the phone. “That’s for sure. Say, Kat said something about you getting involved with Mr. December.” Teasing tinted her voice. “Mitch Gilroy the town handyman?” “What? Why did she say that? The little brat.” “It’s probably all over town by now.” “I don’t think so. No one has said anything to me until you did. Besides, it’s bull. I’m not involved with him.” “Well, I wouldn’t be so quick to say it isn’t all over town. Moira Caravantes hinted at it the other day when I saw her in the grocery store.” Neena groaned and closed her eyes. “Damn that Kat. I am going to strip a piece off her hide.” Eve laughed again. “I’d better shut up then. We’ll see you tonight.” After they hung up, Neena hurried to shower and dress. She had a good two hours before she needed to arrive at the conference center downtown, but nerves demanded she make an early start. She spent way too much time placing her favorite musk scent at her pulse points, especially behind her ears. She hadn’t done that in ages. What made her think she’d find herself close enough to Mitch that he’d smell her perfume? She admitted wishful thinking motivated her at this point. Maybe she’d finagle one dance out of him

64

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

tonight. One dance so she could experience what it felt like if she never had another chance. By the time she hopped into the car and backed out of the driveway, threatening thunderheads piled high over the mountains. As she drove, she spent way too much time with butterflies doing three-sixties in her stomach and tumbling about like gymnasts. What if Mitch didn’t come? She hadn’t talked to him the rest of the week, not that she’d expected to have the opportunity. All week she’d caught her mind drifting to that last kiss—hell, the first kiss they’d shared occupied her fantasies as well. And boy, the fantasies. She’d wished, with a horrible, intense longing, that she could enact some of those hot fantasies with him. At the same time, she couldn’t allow pure sexual starvation to dictate her actions. She needed to feel deeply for a man before she went to bed with him, and giving too much of herself away for inspection would only complicate her life. Nope. Better she just keep a polite distance from now on. No more kisses. No more erotic fantasies about Mitch feasting on her nipples, sucking— “Stop, Neena,” she said out loud. She barely had time to park in the side lot adjacent to the center when the first big drops of rain fell from the sky. She wrapped the red velvet shawl around her shoulders, gathered her small matching red velvet handbag and hurried into the building. Once inside the foyer, she stopped by the coat check area and greeted Millie Fillmore behind the high desk. The older woman’s smile beamed in her wrinkled face. “Can I take that shawl for you darlin’?” Millie asked. “It’ll be hard to dance with that around your shoulders.” Neena almost kept the shawl, wondering if there would be any dances for her tonight. Most particularly with Mitch. “Good idea.” She kept her purse and went inside the big open area that converted into a ballroom. The decorating committee had worked hard, long hours to transform the place into a fairytale. Potted plants, some tropical in nature, scattered here and there about the room and between the large round tables. The tables were covered in midnight velvet, the

www.samhainpublishing.com

65

Denise A. Agnew

centerpieces adorned with fresh flowers. Muted lighting gave the place a sleepy, sexy atmosphere. A bar was set up in two places, and already several people gathered in the room with drinks in hand. She glanced around, but saw no sign of Mitch. She didn’t want to care if he showed up, but she did. Before she could pine for Mitch much longer, several people from the various charity committees arrived, and she assisted with making certain things fell into place before the official start. During preparations, she tried not to keep glancing around every ten minutes to see if Mitch had arrived. Soon the room bustled with people, a good two hundred in all. Kat and her husband arrived, and so did Eve and Sean. The cocktail hour was hopping. She’d settled on a diet cola and sipped it while chatting with the various two-hundred-dollar-a-plate patrons who milled about the sparkling room. Twenty minutes into the cocktail hour, disappointment settled onto her like the thunderheads creating a downpour outside. From time to time she heard the rumble, and everyone who came in said the downpour had turned monstrous. She hoped Mitch was safe. A few moments later, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a head of thick, almost black hair and a tux. She walked toward the corner of the semi-dark room. Anticipation excited her, and though she’d cautioned herself to chill out, the feeling increased. There he was. Mitch. He was smiling and talking with one stacked, tall, beautiful blonde. Sweetie Chaucer. Sweetie the Mega Fauna as some people not so affectionately called her. No one knew how Sweetie had earned her dubious first name. She had a killer body, but everyone doubted her prow was home grown. She looked like she might have stock in silicone hidden somewhere in that low-cut dress. Before Neena could approach her and Mitch, Kat marched up. “Hey there, good friend, what’s up?” Kat asked. Her gaze searched until she apparently saw what distracted Neena. “Oh, oh. Lookie there.” “What?” Neena asked artlessly.

66

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“Isn’t that Mitch with Miss Mega Fauna?” “Shhh…someone will hear you.” “Okay, isn’t that Mitch the flamin’ hot hunk with Miss Sweetie, I’m a 36 double D Chaucer?” Kat asked in a much lower tone of voice. “God, Kat, I swear to the heavens you—” “Oh, look…she’s leading him off by the cummerbund. And he has one hot cummerbund. Isn’t it red? It fits your dress perfectly.” Neena looked down at her red velvet, full-length dress. It swept down her hips, cupping her body’s curves and ending in a flirty mermaid skirt around her feet. Her highheeled matching red sandals already earned the first award for a world-class torture device. She would persevere, despite iron maiden sandals and Sweetie the Mega Fauna. “Have you talked to him yet?” Kat asked. “No. Why?” “The way you’re staring daggers at the both of them, it made me wonder. Come on, fess up. The guy has you all in knots.” Neena took a sizable gulp of her cola and coughed when half of it went down the wrong way. Kat patted her on the back. “Easy there, pardner. You okay?” “I ought to strangle you.” “Me? It sounds like you’re strangling enough for the both of us.” Neena glared at her friend, and Kat’s shit-eating grin only enhanced the woman’s beauty and charm. She could get away with a lot of silliness mixed in with her irrepressible good nature. “You told Eve about Mitch.” Kat shrugged. “So? She knows about him already. Remember, he’s a local legend. First-quality repairs. You have to admit he takes some pretty striking photographs. That man is destined for stardom. Great hands, I hear.” Neena made another strangling noise. “Oh, yeah?” Kat looked innocently around the room. “Not the way you think. So how did you like his repairs the other night?” She waggled her eyebrows.

www.samhainpublishing.com

67

Denise A. Agnew

Neena couldn’t control a snorting laugh. “They were exquisite. I’m getting more repairs soon.” Her friend’s eyes widened to the size of teacup saucers. “What?” “Never mind. Just don’t start any rumors around town about Mitch and me. There’s nothing going on. So get over it.” “But—wait. Here he comes. I’ll let you to continue your ‘nothing-is-going-on’ relationship.” Before Neena could execute plans to throttle her friend, Kat hurried away. “Shit,” Neena whispered under her breath. Her breath left her lungs entirely when Mitch crossed the room toward her. In a tux, he spelled sophisticated sin. A hottie guaranteed to wipe her mind clean of any man she’d ever kissed. He moved like magic, his stride firm, competent, reeking of perfect masculine power and confidence. He flashed a grin, and that rugged face transformed into meltingly gorgeous. As he weaved through the crowd, he stopped briefly to say hello to several people who snagged him by the sleeve. Whenever his gaze touched her, she stayed glued to the spot, transfixed. Each look he threw her way held an undeniable spark. Oh, damn. She was going down for the last time, no chance of surfacing for one last life-saving breath. “Hi,” Mitch said huskily as he finally stood in front of her. He took her hand and raised it to his lips. She managed one word. “Hi.” When his mouth touched her hand, a shiver of pure desire skated up her spine. He released her hand quickly, but she knew she’d feel that touch all night, if not for days after. When their gazes locked, she caught her breath. Even with her high heels, he towered over her. His tux fit as if made for him, covering his broad shoulders to perfection, his pants creased razor-sharp, his shoes shined. She could die right here, expiring from an overload of sexual attraction. Her pulse skittered, stuttered, then jumped into the running of the Kentucky Derby. A flash of knowing hit her like a sledgehammer. He wanted to be with her. Desperately. Alone.

68

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

He wanted to kiss her again and again. Oh, God. She could suggest they find an empty room in the conference building to slake some of the thermonuclear heat exploding between them. No. No. That was crazy. But, man oh man, it sounded wonderful. “You’re beautiful,” he said, his voice deep and velvety against her ears. “That dress is fantastic on you.” His attention devoured her with a hunger she knew couldn’t be faked. Mitch Gilroy didn’t fake his emotions. She understood that instinctively. She immediately attempted to steady her pounding heart. “Thank you, kind sir. That tux is superb.” She couldn’t help patting the cummerbund. “And bright.” “I found it at Drake’s Formal Wear. It goes back tomorrow.” “Good pick.” She finished her drink and placed it on a small table nearby that had already collected numerous empty glasses. “Dinner should start soon. You and the other calendar guys have an assigned table over there.” She pointed. He grinned. “Oh goody.” His genuine amusement sent a spiral of heat through her. She loved it when he smiled. She would bet a million dollars he didn’t know how charming it was. “I didn’t see you come in earlier.” “I just got here. Mrs. Granier’s roof sprung a leak. She begged me to come over today. You’d think no one else in town could do the job. I finished just in time to get home and dress. Then Buckboard Road flooded, and I took another route.” He grinned. “Did you think I wasn’t coming?” “Well, the thought did cross my mind.” “Would you miss me?” She wouldn’t answer that one. “Did you hear that Bucky Trent escaped jail?” “What?” He frowned deeply. “When?” “Sometime during a transfer yesterday, I guess.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

69

Denise A. Agnew

“Damn it.” “My friend Eve was all worried and told me.” “Now I’m worried.” “Why?” “Because I’m concerned about him coming back into town and getting some screwed up idea about bothering you.” She shrugged. “Eve said the same thing, but I think the guy has skipped the county. I’m sure of it.” The lights went up and the elevator music played louder. A call came over the loud speaker. “Could everyone take their seats? We’re about to start.” Mitch frowned again, his brow creasing. “I need to talk to you later. Could we speak in private?” “There’s dancing after the dinner. You could stay for that.” “I dance like a monkey with four legs.” She giggled, and the sound embarrassed her. She leaned in closer and breathed in his scent. Oh, yeah. There it was. His essence. That certain something made her giddy and girly. “Stay, Mitch. We can talk then.” “Save a dance for me, then.” “Oh, I didn’t mean you had to dance.” He gathered her hand in his again and pressed it gently. “I want to. If you can put up with me tromping on your feet occasionally.” “Ouch. Oh, before I forget, did you know that I get to introduce you tonight, and you have to walk up on stage while your photograph is flashed up on the screen behind the podium?” He made a face. “Yeah, I remember you telling me that. I’m not looking forward to it. But I’ll do it for you.” He winked and sent her another admiring look as he released her hand and headed toward the calendar man table. She made her way through the milling crowd and caught

70

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

sight of Kat a couple of tables away, grinning at her like a cat that had licked the cream. She’d probably seen Mitch kissing her hand. A few seconds later, Neena snatched a program from her table and started to fan her hot face. She must maintain control. She felt like everyone knew that Mitch had turned her into putty by simply kissing her hand. By being Mitch-the-gorgeous-Gilroy, damn it. She ate dinner and chatted with everyone at her table. As with most large events like this, the chicken was overcooked and the veggies way passed the definition of steamed. She caught herself sneaking peeks at Mitch. Women kept coming up to him. He’d been transformed from a frog into a prince by this calendar. Yet she sensed that he hid something deep within him. Something he continued to hide. Eve stopped by close to the end of dinner and told her that Mitch had paid the twohundred-dollar-a-plate charity contribution, even though he should get his dinner free. “I tried to return it to him, but he wouldn’t take it back.” Eve pressed her shoulder. “He’s a good one. Don’t let him get away.” Before Neena could protest her friend’s assumption, Eve’s husband Sean arrived and started another conversation. An endless round of speeches commenced in support of the charity. The mayor’s pompous and overlong speech made her teeth ache. She couldn’t wait for him to shut up. On the other hand, his speech wasn’t the last. He would introduce her soon, and then she would have to present the calendar guys in all their glory. She’d never found making a speech a nerve-wracking experience until now. The idea that Mitch resided in the audience watching her made her skittish as hell. As the mayor introduced Neena, and she wove her way between the tables, she tried not to look at Mitch and failed. He winked at her again and a flash fire burned through her body. Cheeky bastard. She’d get him back for this. How could she torture him? A half dozen fantasies blossomed in her imagination as she headed up the stairs and made her way across the stage. By the time she arrived, she almost forgot her short speech. She cleared her throat, adjusted the microphone and launched into her spiel. She didn’t dare look at Mitch.

www.samhainpublishing.com

71

Denise A. Agnew

One by one, she introduced the calendar men. Each man came across the stage and kissed her on the cheek, then broke into a pose for the crowd as their photograph flashed on screen. Soon it came time to present Mr. December. She called his name, and a round of enthusiastic cheers erupted around the room from both men and women. A couple of women—one of them Sweetie the Mega Fauna—let out a raucous cheer. Neena wondered if Mitch had ever given her car a lube job or changed her sidewalls or— Do. Not. Go. There. Mitch’s photo flashed up on stage, and more screaming commenced. Lucy had picked the one of him in tool belt with bare chest and the hard hat placed strategically over his package. When Mitch reached the stage, she half expected him to kiss her hand. Wicked smile in place, he cupped her face with one hand in that trademark way of his. Suddenly his lips were on hers. Just as the two times before, the kiss came quickly, achingly sweet and tantalizing. Only this time, she managed to lean in a bit and respond. Within a flash the kiss finished, and the crowd went wild. Her face burned like a torch as he walked away. He didn’t pose like he was supposed to, and the cocky grin on his face made her want to scream with embarrassment. She ought to brain him. She should refuse to dance with him. Her heart beat a mile a minute as she desperately tried to recover her composure. “There he is, everyone. Mr. December!” she announced into the microphone, smiling until she thought her face would shatter into a million frozen pieces. “Let the dancing begin.” Laughs and comments continued as she left the stage and continued on to her table. She would kill him. She couldn’t help glancing over at his table and noted he was nowhere in sight. Where had he gone? Oh, God. She wanted to kiss him again. So much. She was momentarily distracted when two men snagged her for a dance, and finally she saw Mitch in the crowd talking with several other couples. Relief flowed through her. Good. For a disturbing amount of time she thought he’d left. Not much later, he walked

72

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

toward her. Once more she found her heart pounding and her blood pulsing an erratic tattoo. She headed his direction, and when he reached her, he took her hand. His gaze devoured her. “I need to talk to you.” “What about dancing?” “Later.” “Okay,” she said a little breathlessly. She followed him, and he kept his grip gentle on her hand as they made their way through the crowd. No one paid much attention to their exit; the lights had been turned low for the dancing. Once out in the hallway, she asked, “Where are we going?” “Anywhere. Is there a room—” “This way.” She took the lead around a corner and into a secluded area dimly lit by an exit sign. Excitement made her voice even more breathless. “All the other doors will be locked.” He walked her backwards into the corner, and his hands came down on either side of her, palms flat on the wall. “I should bop you over the head with my purse.” She brandished the little clutch between them. “Why?” His eyes burned with intent. “What did I do?” “Kissed me. On the lips. In full view of the universe, that’s what.” “I couldn’t help it.” His voice went husky, deep with a full-throttle desire she couldn’t imagine meant anything else. “I tried telling myself I shouldn’t come here tonight. That I shouldn’t feel the way I do. It didn’t work.” “How…how do you feel?” “Like this.” He moved in, his arms caging her in as he swooped in for another kiss. This kiss, though, made all others he’d given her pale in comparison. This kiss was the gold standard. Neena’s arms went around his neck convulsively, and she held on for dear life as his kiss transformed from exploration to full-throttle hunger. His mouth conformed to hers,

www.samhainpublishing.com

73

Denise A. Agnew

ravenous and yet tender. His arms gathered her tight, molding her body to his hard chest and powerful legs. Against her lower belly she felt his hard-on. A very big hard-on. Her entire body flamed with craving to touch, to taste, to mate. His tongue plunged into her mouth, and she moaned in pleasure. Again and again his tongue stroked hers, his taste mint and coffee. She responded, teasing his tongue with her own. When his hands slipped down and boldly cupped her ass and squeezed, she gasped into his mouth and squirmed. His fingers drifted up to cup her head as he angled his kiss this way and that, trying to find the perfect, more delicious fit and discovering every angle as wonderful as the next. He broke away, his forehead pressed to hers, his breath ragged. “Not good enough. I need more.” He kept his grip on her hand. He started toward the exit. “My car’s this way.” “But it’s raining like a big dog out there.” He flashed a teasing grin. “You afraid of a little water?” “No.” She followed him into the pouring rain and they dashed toward his SUV. As the rain soaked her, she couldn’t believe she’d followed him into this maelstrom. On the other hand, how could she not have followed him? She laughed as they tumbled into the car and slammed the doors. He sobered, and then she was in his arms again. Wet skin rubbed against wet skin, their touches frantic and searching. She wanted him with a power so overwhelming she knew that her inhibitions had melted. Locked in an embrace with Mitch, set aflame by his kisses, she lost her mind. Gladly. “Are you cold?” he asked, his breathing quick. “Are you kidding?” she managed to gasp. After one mind-drugging kiss after another, his hand cupped her breast through the dress. As she gasped into his mouth, his fingers slipped the spaghetti strap down her shoulder. He cupped her naked breast in his palm, and the heat made her moan. His tongue mated with hers, the rhythm carnal and exciting. Her hands searched his shoulders

74

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

and plunged into his damp hair. His fingers wisped over her nipple, and hot pleasure streaked through her. She tore her lips from his. “This is crazy.” “Nuts.” “Insane.” “Do people expect you back here tonight?” he asked. “No.” “Good.” His gaze was serious, hot, needful. “Come home with me.” She might be nuts, but she couldn’t stop tonight from happening. Well, she could, but she would honestly regret it if she walked away from him now and didn’t experience his love making. “Yes,” she said.

www.samhainpublishing.com

75

Denise A. Agnew

Chapter Eight Mitch unlocked the screen door and front door, eager to lead Neena inside and discover how quickly he could bring her into his arms and taste her delicious skin under his tongue. He ached; his cock had been hard as a rock for what seemed forever. Rain pounded on the porch as thunder rolled and tumbled. Another flash of electricity followed close behind. Mitch fumbled with the keys before he jammed the right one into the lock. He couldn’t remember the last time nerves had caused him uncertainty with a woman. Last time he’d been nineteen and losing his virginity. God, why did he think about that now? Neena probably wasn’t a virgin—she’d kissed like a woman who’d experienced passion before, and although her responses had been hesitant at first, once she did respond, she’d heated like a firecracker ready to ignite. He wanted her in his arms again. If he’d thought they wouldn’t get caught, he would have taken her there in his car. He would have unfastened his pants, tore away her pantyhose and panties and found her heat and wetness. Would have allowed her to slip down over his cock until she swallowed him whole. He almost groaned imagining it, and his erection got even harder, if that were possible. No. He didn’t keep condoms in his truck, and he never had sex without a condom. Never. He wouldn’t take that risk. “Fuck,” he murmured softly as he wrestled with the doorknob. She squeezed his shoulder. “Having problems?” “Yeah.” He finally opened the door and they went inside. He relocked the door. He tossed his keys on a table beside the door and turned to her. Her hair, once artfully arranged atop her head earlier in the evening, lay in tumbled disarray across her shoulders. One thin strap of her red velvet gown had slipped down her shoulder. He almost groaned remembering what her nipple had felt like against his fingers. Tight. Aroused. Ready for the lash of his tongue, the sucking heat of his mouth. The curve of 76

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

her bust, the smallness of her waist, and the roundness of her hips called to him on the most primitive level. Her gentle smile held questions. Her dusky eye shadow gave her eyes a mysterious allure. His cock hardened a fraction more. He had to get inside her or die. Plain and simple. Yet the last thing he would do was frighten her. She looked too much like a woman who hadn’t committed to the next move. A woman on the threshold of deciding, of reversing the confident answer she’d given him in his car not so long ago. He burned to make love to her, but he didn’t want her hesitation and uncertainty. He started undoing his clothes, slowly. He tossed his tux jacket on the same table where he’d placed his keys. “Would you like something to drink?” “No. I’m good.” Her voice was gentle and soft. She walked toward him, and to his surprise, helped him undo his shirt buttons. She stared into his eyes and he allowed her to open his shirt and bare his chest. Her eyes widened a bit, and her attention glided over his muscles. She licked her lips, and his cock throbbed. Screw subtlety. “If you look at me like that…” he started to say. “What?” “I’ll have to do this.” He leaned down and did away with his shoes, tossing them aside. They skidded across the foyer. As she propped her back against the closed front door, he placed his hands down on either side of her about shoulder-width apart. Neena’s pupils dilated a little, and he smiled. Oh, yeah. She was still interested. But would she admit it? “Do you…?” She swallowed hard. “Do you still want me?” He laughed softly, and because he couldn’t stand it any longer, he drew her hand to his cock. Through the fabric he was still hard as granite. Her fingers moved under his, caressing his length. Oh, Jesus. Her lips parted. “I guess that was a stupid question.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

77

Denise A. Agnew

Mitch groaned as she continued to touch him, pressing and caressing until he gritted his teeth. He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear, “I still want you.” He pulled back enough to gaze deeply into her eyes. “But I’d never force you into anything.” Her hand left his cock, and then she palmed his chest. As she explored his pecs and circled over his nipples, he couldn’t restrain the hiss of breath that parted his lips. “Oh, man,” he said. “That feels good.” Before he knew it, they’d angled into a smoldering kiss. His tongue tasted her deeply, caressing as he slid dress straps down her shoulders. His hands traced along her delicate collarbone. Neena shivered. She moaned against his lips and leaned into him. As her tongue danced with his, she reached for his pants and swiftly undid the button and zipper. His cummerbund went flying. He worked at the back of her dress and the zipper slid downward until the garment fell from her shoulders and pooled around her knees. They broke the kiss, and she stepped out of the dress and nudged it aside. God help him. He’d never seen anything sexier. More…shit, he couldn’t describe it. Didn’t want to. He needed to map out her body, caress her into giving into his ravenous need to sink inside her. Her firm, small breasts owned pink-tipped, tightly aroused nipples. Her waist and curved hips led downward to a tiny pair of red bikini panties. But that wasn’t the kicker. She wore a red lace garter belt and red stockings that matched her high-heeled sandals. His gaze devoured her, and he wanted to dive right in and taste. Her creamy skin, pretty under the subdued lighting, was dusted here and there by freckles. “Man, oh, man,” he breathed the words. “Red everything.” She grinned, slow and sweet. “It’s that damn color coordination again.” “I like it.” “As long as I don’t remind you of your typing teacher.” Neena watched his hungry, smoldering look transform into a teasing, charming smile. “God, no.” He tilted his head to the side. “You’re damned beautiful, Neena. Absolutely beautiful.”

78

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

The reverence in his voice blew her away, and the admiration in his eyes cemented the reality. A man had never undressed her like this with his eyes, his gaze cruising across her breasts and down over her waist, lingering around her belly button and then dropping to the triangle of red cloth barely hiding her feminine secrets. His attention lingered on her legs before traveling back to her face. She couldn’t feel embarrassed or vulnerable with him. He was so close she could smell his male, musky scent that called to her on a primal level. If his hot looks hadn’t set her aflame, his body would have. His open shirt revealed fantastic, muscled chest and stomach. His dark hair flopped this way and that, mussed by the wind and the rain. While the furious energy had slowed, she knew once they touched, passion would explode. Eager to continue, she leaned over and removed her sandals. Now he stood even taller, towering over her. She felt so safe, so protected near him. Neena smiled. To think she’d ever thought him wimpy. What a fool she’d been. They took one step forward and brought their bodies together. She touched his arms, measuring the hard muscles as Mitch encircled her within his embrace. His hands glided downward until he could slide his palms under the small panties and cup her naked ass. “Oh, yeah.” As they touched, she palmed his chest and arm muscles. Delicious. Powerful. So virile. She swallowed hard. She craved his strength surrounding her. Mitch snuggled Neena against his body and they met together in a deep kiss. His mouth moved over hers and searched for sensual answers she gave without reservation. His powerful body aroused her, and in a sensual movement of arms and legs, they moved against each other. Mitch groaned into her mouth as she writhed, her hips doing a bump and grind meant to enjoy and seduce. He broke their kiss and shrugged his shirt off. Within seconds he swept her upward into his arms. She made a sound of surprise and gratification. He lifted her as if she weighed nothing, and if that wasn’t a turn-on, nothing was. Neena half expected him to carry her to the bedroom. He sat on the couch with her in his arms, his hands and mouth tender instruments as he played her. Tangling his hands in her hair, he ran his lips along her jawline.

www.samhainpublishing.com

79

Denise A. Agnew

“So damned pretty,” he said. “I almost can’t believe you’re real.” His mouth teased her earlobes, her neck, feathering with touches so light she shivered in his arms. His fingers traced a delicate, sensitive path over her breasts, plucking at the tips with strokes that caused her to gasp and arch in his arms. Neena flowed into the moment, the excitement humming in her veins turning into a sweet, luscious taste of sensual desires. Urgency tempered, desires once hot, now eased by gentleness. Few times in her life had she experienced this mindless fall into physical pleasure. She took it all, savored it, wrapped in the beauty of his embrace. Each kiss created a new ripple of excitement down in her lower belly. She’d waited too long to discover his touch in the deepest way possible. She felt wet, hot, so burning with a need to have him buried inside her. Her breast rested in the cradle of his palm as he gently plumped and tested her flesh. As his fingers plucked at her nipple, the heat stoked brighter in her womb. She writhed in his arms as he lowered his lips and licked her nipple with warm, wet strokes. Possessiveness snaked through her. She wanted all of him. Right now. “Please. I can’t wait,” she said as he released her lips. She drew his hand downward over her body, and the feeling of his touch brushing her ribs, her waist, her hip, sent new shivers dancing through her middle. His fingers dipped under her lacy panties and sought her folds. She gasped as his touch probed and discovered. Her head tipped back as her heart thundered in her ears. Mitch’s lips lingered along her neck. Two fingers slipped deep, and she gasped again as she flushed hot. “Wet.” His voice rasped deep against her ears as his fingers left her sheath and petted her springy curls. “So warm and wet.” Her hips moved as taut hunger sent a trembling rising higher inside her. “Please.” He released her just long enough to lift her into his arms once more and walk with her down the hallway. When he set her down just inside a darkened room, she waited in anticipation as he snapped on the light. Across the room a bedside lamp glowed soft. Masculine touches of dark, rugged furniture, the big mahogany-colored headboard

80

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

lording over the king-sized bed. Shutters were closed over the windows, sealing them in privacy. He peeled her panties over her hips and followed them down, down until she stepped out of them and kicked them away. Momentary shyness filled her as he stared, at eye level, at her pussy curls. She reached for the garter fastenings. “No,” he said in a thready whisper. “Leave them. It turns me on.” She smiled shyly. He brushed his fingers over her, and Neena tingled. Eager, she took two steps back and sat on the edge of the plush bed. She scooted backwards and sprawled out on the soft comforter. She smiled up at Mitch as he peeled his socks off, tossed them aside, then worked at his waistband. His chest rippled, his biceps bunched, muscles moving in a perfect masculine flow that heightened her awareness of him. When he drew off his pants and black briefs, his true masculinity was revealed to her inch by glorious inch. “Wow,” she said. He grinned. “Wow, eh?” He knelt on the bed and hovered over her. “Is that a good thing?” Tentatively she reached out and palmed his chest. “A very good thing.” His big body caged her in with arms and legs. He came down beside her. She closed her eyes, her senses swimming with the power of his seduction, the abandon she experienced under his touch. Mitch touched the side of her face, and she swallowed convulsively. “Mitch?” “Yeah?” “I’m not… It’s been a lot of years since I’ve had sex. And even then, I wasn’t very good at it.” “What?” He sounded incredulous. Her eyes snapped open, half afraid she’d see his disgust or trepidation. Instead, his eyes held curiosity and concern. “I’ve only had one lover, Mitch. When I turned twenty-one, I broke down and had sex for the first time. But now I realize what a mistake it was. I thought I wanted my best

www.samhainpublishing.com

81

Denise A. Agnew

friend, and he thought he wanted me. It was painful, dull and we weren’t…compatible, I guess.” He shook his head. “Darlin’, there’s no way you’re bad at sex. You’re so responsive. I can see in your eyes, feel in your touch that you want this.” His hand lingered along her jawline, then traced a pattern across her collarbone. “It was your first time and first times are rarely good. I’ll tell you about mine some day.” He winked. She smiled. “God, I’m sorry. We’re in the middle of this and I brought it up. I just didn’t want…” He nuzzled her ear, whispering softly, so husky and delicious. “It’s okay. Don’t worry. This is going to be wonderful, Neena. So good.” His fingers trailed downward until they brushed over her pubic hair, then between her parted thighs. He touched her and pleasure spiraled outward. She shivered as delight licked at her skin. “We’re so good together, Neena.” Her hands couldn’t stop moving over his body, though. She touched his shoulders, slipped her hands into his glorious hair. He slipped two fingers inside her, exploring with gentle back and forth motions until her hips arched with each thrust. She panted as excitement rose, threatening to unravel the barriers she’d erected. With a slow and deliberate movement, he worked his way down her body. Every nibbling kiss across her skin created shivers of fine, shivery delight. His tongue painted a path to her nipples, and he treated the taut nubs to feathery soft licks. She quivered, moving restlessly as he sucked each crest, tongued, flicked until she trembled uncontrollably. He licked a path around her belly button, teasing and tasting. She giggled uncontrollably as it tickled. Finally he centered between her legs. Shy and uncertain, even in her passion, she clasped his head. There was no doubt what he’d do next. She shifted and bent her knees, making a cradle for his exploration. He parted her thighs, his big palms rasping gently over the sensitive skin. He kissed her inner thighs, and the quivering she couldn’t control centered high inside her. Mitch drew in a deep breath, and she knew

82

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

he took in the musky warm scent of her arousal. She could no longer control her whimpers and the soft moans escaping her throat. She gasped as Mitch licked deep between her legs. Slow, long, exploratory tastes that feasted on her folds. Warmth expanded as his tongue smoothed with persistent strokes. Her heart started to thunder, her world tumbling as hunger built with a furious tempo. Desire quickened with a building tempo, quickening in a hot rush. She writhed. “Mitch, please.” He leaned over long enough to collect a condom box. Within seconds he sheathed his cock, and when he came down over her, her heart galloped with renewed nervousness. He propped on his elbows, keeping his weight off her as his hips lowered between her thighs. His cock eased inside her. He smiled down into her eyes. “Easy, darlin’. We’re still taking this slow.” He pushed, a couple inches of thick cock caressing her inner walls. “Oh,” she said in pleasure, aching higher and higher, wanting him inside her. “Okay?” “Wonderful.” She closed her eyes and savored the sensation. Her core opened to him, arousal and excitement making it so easy as his thick length pulled back, then thrust, then pushed. He whispered into her ear. “Slow. Easy.” She reached down and clasped his firm buttocks. He hissed in a breath, his eyes heavy-lidded. His nostrils flared. “Oh, baby.” His entire body shivered, and she gloried that she had this effect on him. Hot and fluid, his movements increased. A weighty hunger built in her groin. He thrust evenly, steadily until his entire cock thrust to her cervix. She felt Mitch along every inch, his size stretching and fulfilling the ache inside her. Instinctively she arched her hips, making his penetration deep. Her breath caught and held as he stayed immobile within. “Mitch, you’re torturing me.” She groaned the words. “Take it slow.” He licked her ear. “Just feel me. God, you’re tight. Am I hurting you?”

www.samhainpublishing.com

83

Denise A. Agnew

“No. Please don’t stop.” She held him within the fist of her womb, floating away on the beautiful dream. As arousal swelled inside her, she tightened her muscles over his flesh. Heat blossomed as tingling built. He drew out, and the pleasing friction sent a hard, wracking shiver through her body. “Come on my cock,” he whispered, his breath rasping in his chest as he held still inside her. His blunt words sent exquisite arousal higher within her. “Feel me,” he said again. His possessive touch filled her with glorious surrender. When he fastened his mouth over one nipple and started a sweet, gentle suckling, she came apart. She cried out as she contracted hard and fast, with deep, hot throbs of ecstasy. “Yeah,” he said, his tone guttural with male satisfaction. He thrust hard and she gasped. With a feral growl he stroked Neena. His arms came around her, possessive and hard. Deep, urgent strokes brought her higher and higher. She surrendered to his primitive dance, accepting the animal swell of brazen heat that rose higher and higher. Rocking hard against him, she responded fully to his urgent thrusts. Her thoughts spiraled away as wordless gasps left her throat. Caught up in the rhythmic tempo, she groaned every time his sex seated fully inside her. Each flex of his hips filled her with a mindless fever. She thrashed beneath him, driven crazy by their mating. She sobbed, bucked. She exploded, her breath hitching in her throat, then releasing on a gasping, whimpering delight. She clutched him within her depths. Suddenly, with a ramming thrust, he let go in a violent roar. His hips convulsed, pumped as he came with a shout of harsh pleasure, a sound almost like pain. Mitch floated on a mindless carpet ride for what seemed forever. Neena’s fingers clutched his back, and he levered himself up to his palms. He was shaking, weak with release. When he saw her lying beneath him, lips parted, a flush across her cheeks and her eyes closed, a primordial possession overcame him. He wanted her again. And again.

84

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

He’d never had sex this powerful, this all-sweeping before. It shook him down to the core. Stunned, he felt his cock throb into full awareness. Another first. His cock had never responded this quickly after an orgasm. “I want you again,” he said, his voice hoarse. She opened her eyes and smiled. “Amazing. I didn’t think most guys could…” “Most can’t. I’ve never been like this before.” Her smile grew wider. “Really?” “Really.” God, he hoped she wasn’t too sore, that she could take him inside. “Only if you want it.” “Do I ever.” Her eyes sparkled, danced with a sweet, almost innocent allure mixed with pure seductress. Excited beyond bearing, he tossed the condom away and grabbed another off the bed stand. He crawled back onto the bed. “Turn over, darlin’. A man ever taken you from behind?” She immediately complied, coming up on her hands and knees and presenting the most gorgeous backside he’d ever seen. “No.” “Mmmm.” He palmed her round, pert ass. She was firm and delicious, but soft in all the right places. Her skin was pale but silky soft, a tantalizing sight that made his cock grow harder, thicker and longer with every second. He had to get inside her. “I can’t wait.” Sweating, his heartbeat rising, he urged her thighs wider. With one smooth, deep plunge, he hoisted himself to the hilt. “Ah, God.” Her gasp and soft moan was filled with passion, and gave him heady satisfaction. He wanted her pleasure more than his own and set about delivering. He fell into a motion, hips swaying back and forth. She learned the pace, pushing into each thrust as if she’d done this with him a thousand times before. Her eagerness blew his mind, rocketed his heart into overtime, his body into a steady fucking that drove him to the limits. Her slick heat embraced, pulsing around his flesh as her moans escalated and their broken murmurs of pleasure echoed in the room. He couldn’t stay

www.samhainpublishing.com

85

Denise A. Agnew

silent, didn’t want to for that matter. He allowed the grunts, the groaning and crude suggestions to leave his lips. He said things to her he’d never uttered to a woman before. Neena’s shrieks of agreement added fuel to his fire and he thrust harder, jamming into her with ruthless, pounding strokes. Their mating went on and on and as she shuddered around him once, twice, her cries escalating as she climaxed, he couldn’t take it any more. Orgasm tore through his body, racking him from the inside out, destroying him completely until he couldn’t think. Moans parted his lips, gasps for breath punctuating each satisfied sound as he came and came and came. And when he thought he’d died and gone to heaven, he slipped his arms around her and held tight.

86

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Chapter Nine Neena couldn’t sleep. Though she’d lain within Mitch’s arms for close to an hour, her mind tumbled with questions and general clutter. His arms anchored her to his side. He’d cuddled her so much tonight—his palms gliding down her back in a tender caress and landing on her ass for a squeeze. Or he’d brush his fingers lightly through her hair and press kisses to her forehead. She loved being held by him, enclosed in affection deeper than anything she’d experienced with a man before. Yet doubts creeping into her mind threatened to overwhelm. Fairy tales included this sort of love, if it could be called that, and adults understood fairy tales didn’t come true. Her heart ached to understand, to discover more at the core of the most wonderful lover she’d ever had. The darkness, lit only by the full moon, gave his bedroom an ethereal glow. Silvery light slanted over the bed. Her palm swept affectionately over his chest, and she gloried in the warmth of his strong body. When she tried to ease from his arms, he groaned softly. “Where are you going?” he asked, his voice husky with sleep. She sat up. “I think I’ll just sit in the living room for a while and watch some television. I can’t sleep.” He reached for a bedside lamp and switched it on. He rubbed his face, then put his hands behind his head. “Something wrong?” “No.” She didn’t want to lie. But conflict didn’t sit well with her either. Not about this relationship and the incredible feelings she’d discovered in his arms. When he snatched her back into his arms, she giggled. “Mitch.” “Mmm…you…taste…good.” He punctuated each word with a kiss.

www.samhainpublishing.com

87

Denise A. Agnew

He growled and nuzzled her neck, kissing and nibbling her tender skin until excitement tingled and danced low in her belly. Renewed arousal glowed in her loins, and she arched upward. His mouth captured hers and his tongue plunged within to start a carnal exploration. His hips lowered between her legs, and his powerful thighs spread her wider. She felt vulnerable and excited all at once. When his cock grew rock hard, she moaned in pure female power, delighting that she could trigger such a quick response. His hardness probed between her folds. She rotated her hips, lost in a sensual haze. He released her lips and his tongue rasped over one nipple. She gasped and held his head as he bathed her nipple with his tongue, then sucked the aroused nub into his mouth. Wet and eager, she arched her hips again. Yes. Yes. She ached with wanting him. As his cock slid home inside her, she groaned in satisfaction. She’d never wanted anything more than the sensation of his thick, long cock spreading her wide, touching her to the womb. “Mitch, please.” He complied with her request, his hips begin a slow, deep movement. His cock caressed her inner walls, dragging through, then parting sensitive tissues that pulsed and burned to know the final ecstasy. She was possessed, taken, and with each thrust, he brought her closer and closer to the edge. All thoughts of leaving his bed disappeared on a wave of staggering lust. Her hips arched into his again and again. Orgasm ripped through her, and Neena shattered as a piercing cry left her. Abruptly he pulled back. “Fuck.” She smiled, breathless and wanting him back inside her. “I thought that’s what we were doing.” His eyes blazed with the need to continue. “We didn’t use protection.” Damn. He was right, and for a moment the realization that he could have already made her pregnant sent worry through her. Yet her entire body craved their connection.

88

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

She climbed from under him and reached for the drawer. Her hand slid inside for the condom box and touched something cold and brutally hard. Neena drew the object from the drawer, and everything inside her froze as she stared at what rested in her grip. “A gun?” Her question came out hoarse as fear rocketed up her spine. “What are you doing with a gun?” His eyes were still glazed with passion. “Protection. What else?” Old wounds blossomed with renewed brutality. She put the heavy, sleek weapon back in the drawer and slammed it shut. Her hand trembled. “What is it?” he asked, his voice husky with unspent passion. “I hate guns.” “That’s understandable. You had one pointed in your face not too long ago.” He wouldn’t understand if she’d told him the honest reason why she hated guns. Few people did when she explained. He frowned and sat up, putting his back against the pillows. “You’re holding back, Neena. What’s up?” She sighed and leaned back into the pillows as well. He didn’t try to draw her into his arms. In this position, she stared at the vineyard tapestry across the room and not his searching eyes. Their passion had cooled as surely as if someone had thrown ice water upon them. She sighed. Where to start? “We jumped into this head first.” “This? Define this.” “Sex.” “Okay. Are you having regrets?” He sounded worried. “About the whole night?” “I’m not…I don’t know how to define what I feel. I wonder if we should have taken the time to learn more about each other.” He sighed. “Yeah, I suppose we could have. But we were hot for each other.” Her nipples tightened at his words. Astonishment rocketed through her. A simple statement, and Mitch could render her horny yet again. She didn’t think she had any

www.samhainpublishing.com

89

Denise A. Agnew

hormones left after numerous rounds of sex. His stamina amazed her; the one man she’d been with before Mitch had never made love to her four times in five hours. “True. But maybe…” “You said you didn’t regret this, but it’s sounding like regret to me.” His voice held a harder edge. “Then you find the gun and you turned cold.” “Don’t be angry, please.” “I’m not angry.” His voice went deeper and softer. “Let’s talk.” “Tell me more about you. Where you were born and what you did before you came to town.” Out of her peripheral vision she saw him shake his head. “I was born in Clarksville, but I left for the army when I was eighteen. I had fifteen years in and then I left.” That explained the gun, perhaps. Many military men kept one in the house. Still… “How long ago did you leave the military?” “Not quite two years ago.” “You didn’t retire?” “You have to have twenty years in for that.” “What made you leave?” When he didn’t answer, she turned her gaze toward him. Coolness masked his features, and his lips tightened into a thin line. “That’s a long story.” Hearing the reluctance in his voice bolstered her determination to know more. “I have the time.” “No, you don’t.” That stung. “Why not?” “It’s complicated and I don’t…” He shrugged. “I simply don’t talk about it.” Worry entered the picture, and instinct triggered. “Something bad happened. Were you…were you in the war?” He sat up straight, then eased off the bed. Mitch’s naked body, so stalwart and intimidating in its power, caught her attention despite the slightly confrontational tone of conversation.

90

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“Like I said, I don’t talk about the time I spent in the army. It’s over and done, and I have a new life.” Irritation reared its head. She gathered her hair and let it flow down her back. “You’re saying you expect me to just sleep with you not knowing anything about who you are.” He smirked. “You know who I am.” She shrugged. “Around the edges. I know you’re strong, brave as hell, and kind.” She quirked her lips in attempt at humor. Maybe he’d respond to that. “And you fuck like a bunny.” His gaze jerked up to hers, and reluctant humor flickered inside his intense eyes. “Is that a compliment?” “Is it ever.” She grinned. He snorted. “Well, I’m not brave and I’m sure as hell not kind.” His snarky tone surprised her, and so did his reaction to her praise. “Then who are you?” He glared into her eyes. “I’m a simple man trying to get along in life without too many conflicts and without complications.” “Everyone has conflicts and complications at some level. That includes even men who hide out in the woods and pretend they aren’t there. Is that what you did in the army? How did you avoid conflict?” Something inside her wouldn’t stop, and she plunged forward with her questions. “Did you sneak up on the enemy with your simple ways and lack of complications?” “Yeah, that’s exactly what I did.” His eyes looked incredibly cold and hard. “And I was damned good at it.” She’d seen that gaze before, when he’d stared down the barrel of the robber’s weapon. A frozen part of him that refused to thaw stared at her with total lack of remorse. “How do you do that?” she asked. “Stay uncomplicated?”

www.samhainpublishing.com

91

Denise A. Agnew

“Not just that. You go chilly and angry. You are such a warm man and so giving and then you…you just turn off.” His gaze flashed, fire removing the ice like hot oil in a frying pan. “You’re saying I’m like Jekyll and Hyde.” “In a way. If you were in the military and something horrible happened, I’d understand. Why do you need to hide it?” When he didn’t answer, she swallowed hard. “I’ll tell you about my past. Whatever happened in your past, it probably isn’t as ugly as mine. We can trade war stories and neurosis. That’s what lovers do, isn’t it?” “You have an ugly past? Right.” Raw disbelief in his tone shut her down like an extinguished light bulb. Damn him. Had she made a horrible mistake coming here tonight and sharing her body with him? In giving away a small part of herself, she’d expected more. “So you want me to drop the subject.” “Yeah.” He headed for the bathroom. “It isn’t open for discussion.” When the bathroom door closed, she winced. She hadn’t meant for this swift change from warm and fuzzy to cool and controlled. Remorse ached deep and painful inside her. Not that she’d asked him about his past, but that she’d thought she understood him. That she’d given so much of herself to a man who couldn’t care as deeply as she needed. Though it hurt like hell, she put her clothes back on piece-by-piece, slow and certain. She hated leaving without a word, and yet the hurt inside refused to ease. She feared if she said more, she’d dissolve into tears of disappointment over what could never form between them. She heard the water running in the bathroom and hurried to put on her shoes. She left the bedroom, wandered into the living room and grabbed her purse. As she left his house, she used the moonlight to show her the way to her car. She stepped gingerly over the muddy driveway and unlocked the vehicle. After she slid inside, she quickly turned on the car and started down the driveway. She glanced in the rearview mirror and saw the front door open and Mitch step out onto the porch. Had he stepped outside to tell her not to leave? What did it matter when all was said and done? He didn’t want to open up, and

92

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

she couldn’t be with a man who wouldn’t reveal his past to her. She shivered; the rain had cooled the night, and she’d forgotten her shawl at the party. She’d driven a few miles when headlights approached rapidly from behind. Worry leapt forward when the lights came faster and faster. Though the rain had stopped long ago, the pavement was still wet. The car passed in a flash, and she glanced over in alarm. It wasn’t Mitch. She had one opportunity to see the figure sitting in the rusted, old blue sedan. The man smiled, cold and with evil intent. She eased up on the gas. Her body turned icy, and then the driver did the one thing she didn’t expect. He slowed his vehicle significantly. She slammed on the brakes, but it wasn’t enough as he shimmied across the road on the rain-slick pavement. She swerved toward the roadside ditch, and her vehicle plunged downward. The front end slammed into the embankment. Jerked forward by the impact, she cried out. The seatbelt held her firmly in place. “Bastard!” She slapped her palm against the steering wheel. What was the creep thinking? He’d stopped. In fact, he stood at the driver’s side of her car before she could blink. At least he wanted to help— The man grinned. Her throat caught on a gasp. Though he’d worn a ski mask when she’d seen him in the restaurant, she’d seen his picture in the paper after his arrest. Bucky Trent was blond, his long hair tossing about his head, his cruel features sneering. “Open the door, girly. Remember me?” Her mind whirled. If she opened the door, she didn’t have much chance for survival. Was he honestly stupid enough to think she’d step outside? She saw him glance behind her car, and headlights raced up in her rearview mirror. Hope rose inside her. A witness. Trent sent her an ugly glare and then ran toward his vehicle. He jumped inside and tore off like a rocket, gravel at the side of the road peppering her car.

www.samhainpublishing.com

93

Denise A. Agnew

Relief hit her, and she put a shaking hand to her face. The other car came to a stop behind her, then a door opened quickly. A figure left the car and rushed to the driver’s side. A man leaned down and peered in her window. Mitch. Stark worry contrasted with the anger she’d seen on his face not long ago. “Are you all right?” His voice came through the glass, and she swiftly unlocked the door and opened it. As she sprang out, his arms encircled her waist and held tight. She buried her face in his neck. “Mitch, thank God you’re here.” His arms tightened protectively, fingers burrowing into her hair as he gathered her close. “It’s all right. Who was that jackass who ran you off the road?” “Bucky Trent.” “Son of a bitch!” He pulled back, his hands cupping her face. “Bastard.” “That’s what I thought.” His eyes blazed with concern. “Are you hurt? When I saw that car pull in front of you, and then you went off in the ditch…” “No, I’m fine.” She shivered, and he rubbed her shoulders. “We need to call the police.” “Already did.” A soft, warbling laugh left her throat. “For once you remembered the cell phone.” A quick, rueful smile parted his lips. “I have a new one, but I left it in the car all night. The battery is almost dead.” He drew her into his embrace once more, his arms tightening around her with a desperation that took her off guard. Tears filled her eyes. A shiver wracked his body, and he whispered, “God.” She drew back slightly and scanned his tight features. Emotion raged in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” He caressed her back, his touch almost frantic. “No, I’m not. When I saw your car go into the ditch—”

94

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Police lights flashed down the road, the rotating colors removing them from the moment. He left his arm around her waist as they turned toward the approaching police vehicle. “After we get done here, come back with me to the house. There’s something I should tell you.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

95

Denise A. Agnew

Chapter Ten Neena glanced at the small wall clock in the kitchen. Morning had broken an hour ago, and although tiredness worked into her bones, she felt content here in Mitch’s quiet presence. He leaned back against the kitchen counter while coffee percolated in the thermal carafe machine. The aroma teased her nose, and she settled on a bar stool next to the kitchen island. “I thought the cops would never finish investigating,” she said as the coffee pot finished its last gurgle. “Me, too.” A flurry of activity during the last few hours had exhausted her. From the police asking plenty of questions about Trent and what happened, to hiring a tow truck to pull her car from the ditch and hauling it to a nearby garage, she’d endured enough frenetic activity for a while. Mitch and Neena had taken to the idea of coffee after realizing they wouldn’t sleep any time soon. Neena rubbed her temples. “Do you think they’ll catch Trent?” He opened a cabinet and gathered two coffee cups. “They’ll get him.” She scrubbed one hand over her face and yawned. “I don’t think I’ll sleep until I know that creep is behind bars for good.” “You could go upstairs and lie down. Try to rest.” “I should let you get some sleep and head home.” “No way.” She frowned. “What do you mean?” “You heard the police.” “I know, but…” “But what? They said you shouldn’t be alone until they caught Trent. As a precaution.” 96

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“I’m not going to impose on your hospitality any more.” “You aren’t imposing. I’m your friend. Trust me when I say it isn’t safe for you to be alone right now. If Trent was stupid enough to come back into town and follow you around, that means he’s invested some twisted emotional need to stalk you.” There. He’d said it. Mitch was her friend and nothing more. Acid tumbled around in her stomach. “I’ll be fine.” Doubt etched his expression. “You might be, but I wouldn’t be all right if I knew you were out there alone.” He sighed and closed his eyes. When he opened them, genuine regret filled his gaze. “I’m sorry. Look, I’m trying to tell you how I feel, and I’m not doing a good job. Trent is loose out there, and he’s dangerous. That scares me. The thought makes me weak in the knees, okay?” She brushed off the implication in his words. “You’re the toughest guy I know.” “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but that isn’t what I mean. I’d be scared out of my mind if you were at home alone, okay? I’d worry about you every minute.” Surprise paused all other thoughts. Again he’d made her speechless. Thunder rumbled in the heavens for what seemed the hundredth time. Rain that had eased for a few hours returned with a vengeance, pouring down the windows and cocooning them inside. Bizarre weather for Wyoming, but nothing was going to plan. He poured coffee and placed a mug in front of her. She added cream and watched the liquid mix and turn her coffee a much paler shade, just the way she liked it. He leaned on the counter across from her, turbulence darkening his eyes. She sensed more emotion within him, but couldn’t say for certain what it was. “When your car went into the ditch, I thought my heart would stop, Neena.” His caring sent warmth clear to her soul. Words spilled from her. “Thank you for caring. I…it means a lot to me.” Tears stung her eyes, and she drew in a shuddering breath. “I appreciate you caring, and it sort of surprises me with the way we left things with you not wanting to open up to me. I can’t be with a man whose past is in shadow. Who can’t tell me what is haunting him.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

97

Denise A. Agnew

She’d forced the words between her lips, and her body ached almost as much as her throat. She felt beat up and a bit confused. She didn’t look at him, afraid of what she’d see in his eyes. After another gulp of coffee, he left his mug alone. Then she knew what she had to do. It was a risk. A huge gamble to open a vein and tell him her past. But if she did, Mitch would understand where her demons lay, and perhaps he’d trust her with some of his. She took a fortifying breath. “All my life I’ve battled bad memories, Mitch. They’ve kept me from feeling certain things. When I was fifteen my father…” Lines formed between his brows as he frowned. “Your father what?” “He was a raging alcoholic. It’s amazing he hid it as long as he did—he was a sheriff’s deputy here in town, and Mom was a nurse. My mother played the victim, the enabler for a long time. Even as a kid, I knew their relationship was wrong in some way. They didn’t love each other, and I sensed it. Little kids aren’t stupid. They pick up things like that.” Her back ached, and she stood so she could stretch her muscles. “I hid a lot when they fought. I played in a tree house we had out back and read. Did what every kid does to escape when they feel like no one understands them. I made it through his anger and erratic personality changes for many years. One night, he came home from a bar so drunk he could barely walk. I was surprised he drove home without crashing his car. Mom had grown some balls finally and told him she wanted a divorce.” “God,” he murmured. “She told him while he was that drunk?” “Yeah. It wasn’t the best timing. He had this gun rack on one wall in the living room. He was a hunter, too. I knew that he kept one rifle on the rack loaded. That’s the one he pulled off the rack and…” She took a quavering breath. “I was hiding around the corner listening to their argument. I remembered that Mom had this handgun in her drawer…” She drifted off, choking back a sob as memories threatened to overtax her. His eyes widened with understanding, with a dawning recognition. “How old were you?”

98

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“Fifteen. Dad taught me to shoot a long time before that. I didn’t like touching them, but I got my mother’s gun and started back down the hallway. I wasn’t going to let him hurt her any more. I heard this shot and raced around the corner.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. “My dad had shot Mom in the face.” “Holy shit,” Mitch said with hushed horror in his voice. He came around the side of the island. He reached for her hands and gathered them in his own. “I’m so sorry.” “That’s not the worst of it.” “Your mother was dead?” “No. But I didn’t realize that at the time. There was blood everywhere. Then he brought up the rifle and pointed it at me.” Mitch’s eyes filled with repulsion. “Oh, God.” “I was quicker on the draw because he was intoxicated. I shot him, Mitch. I shot him in the chest and killed my own father.” Compassion softened his features. She shook with weakness, as if her body had unburdened a heavy load. He pressed her hands to his lips and kissed each one. “I called the police right away,” she said. “I was so afraid that they’d think I’d shot my mother and then him. But I couldn’t run. I wouldn’t. Luckily they believed me. And my father’s partner said that he knew my father was drunk when he left the bar.” “He let your father drive?” “Yes, and it got the man fired.” “What happened next?” “They ruled my shooting him as self-defense. Justifiable homicide.” She squeezed his fingers, holding on like a lifeline. “I’m afraid to ask what happened to your mother.” “She was in a coma for a week and lost part of her jaw. If my dad hadn’t been so drunk, he probably would have been steady enough to shoot straight. She’s suffered over the years and had many surgeries.” “She’s all right now?” “She’s doing well.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

99

Denise A. Agnew

Without another word, he drew her off the stool and into his arms. His welcoming, warm embrace soothed the scarred regions of her heart. Now that she’d shared with him, the pressure valve inside broke loose. She cried against his shoulder for what seemed forever. When she pulled away, she wiped at her cheeks with both hands. He kept his arms linked around her waist. “So you see,” she said, “whatever monster you have inside can’t be worse than the one I’ve carried, can it?” He smiled, but there was no humor in it. “I’m not so sure.” Mitch’s heart thumped nervously inside his chest as he drew Neena with him to the couch. As he settled down, she nestled beside him with a trust that disconcerted him. After he told her what had happened, maybe she wouldn’t want anything to do with him. Thunder rumbled low in the heavens, followed by a slash of lightning and a violent crash that made her jump. He slipped an arm around her shoulders as protective instincts gathered inside him. Nothing would hurt her ever again if he could help it. Huh. Who are you kidding? Trent almost got to her. What makes you think you can keep her safe? “Now I understand why you hate guns,” he said. “What I’m about to tell you won’t make that hate disappear.” She shifted, her lithe body light and settled trustingly into his side. “Fess up, Mitch. You can’t scare me. Whatever the truth is, I can take it.” “You said I was a tough guy, but I’m not.” He dragged his gaze from hers, so open and understanding. He stared into the night outside the window, where the storm pummeled his house, threatening to fight its way in like a beast. If he was lucky the burden he’d carried inside him, the one eating him alive for the last year, would die if he confessed. It would have nothing further to feed on, no more human flesh, no more soul to consume. “Start at the beginning,” she said. He stumbled through the introduction, telling her about his first tour in Iraq, the trials and tribulations. “I was a sniper.”

100

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“More guns.” He nodded, but didn’t look at her, half afraid he’d see reproach in her eyes. “If I’d known how easy that first tour would be in comparison to the second, I wouldn’t have felt so confident the next time Uncle Sam called. I kept thinking that if I could plug through another few months, I’d be home free. I’d never had to shoot anyone, even though my training was for deadly accuracy when needed.” “What happened?” “There was this soldier named Aziz Tariq, but he always went by a nickname of Jack. His mother and father had left Iraq when he was ten and brought Jack and his little brother Ahmed to Wyoming. Jack always said his parents wanted to start a new life with peace and wide-open spaces with clean air. I got to know Jack well. He was a military police officer and was married and had a new baby. Right before he came to Iraq, he found out Ahmed had disappeared and his parents couldn’t locate him anywhere. Jack got a note from Ahmed saying that he’d followed him to Iraq.” Dread rolled in his stomach as he pursued this story, part of him wanting to run as far and as hard as he could from his recollections. “Followed him?” she asked. “He worked through contacts in Iraq and found out his brother had turned into a radical fundamentalist.” His throat started to ache as he continued with his story. “Jack told me that Ahmed had said some things before the war started that made Jack fear for his brother’s sanity. Eventually his brother arrived at our complex and demanded to see Jack. Jack wanted to see his brother, but I tried to dissuade Jack from leaving our complex.” He put his hand over his stomach. “I had this nasty feeling in my gut. Ahmed claimed he had no ill will for his brother, but I didn’t trust him. I kept out of sight around one side of this building. I had my weapon at hand.” Her warm hand clasped his, and he read fierce empathy in her eyes. He could see that she understood, in part, what he felt in that moment, in the razor-edge pain that lacerated his heart. “What happened next?” she asked.

www.samhainpublishing.com

101

Denise A. Agnew

He swallowed hard and forced the words past his lips. “Ahmed pulled a gun and shot Jack point blank in the stomach before I could do a damn thing about it.” “Mitch,” she said with a gasp of sorrow. “How awful.” Mitch’s heart twisted with a special anguish. “Jack was a great man. A good person. He loved the United States and it tore him up to see what was happening to Iraq. He loved his family. He loved his brother.” Neena’s eyes shimmered with tears, and she caressed his cheek with a gesture so tender he almost gave into the sorrow contorting his insides. Instead, he drew a breath and finished his story. “I could have taken Ahmed out right then, but instead I drew my sidearm and demanded he stand down. I didn’t know that Ahmed had help on the sidelines. From out of nowhere there was a barrage of gunfire. I was hit in the left side. At first I didn’t feel it, and I started firing back and other soldiers joined in and took down the sniper who had shot me. The sniper also hit a few other people in the crowd outside the complex. I raced to Jack, but he was already dead. When men from my unit ran up, they saw the blood on me and realized I was wounded. Then the pain hit. I passed out and fell like a ton of bricks. At least that’s what they tell me.” Her hand tightened on his. “What happened next?” “I woke up later that day in a field hospital. It was a through and through shot, and luckily for me the bullet missed all my vital organs. I was sent back to duty a few weeks later.” “And your friend’s death haunted you?” He nodded. “But there’s more. Ahmed escaped amid the gunfire. But it’s what happened next that put the nail in my coffin. I was out on patrol and our unit was sent to round up some insurgents. I say round up, but that wasn’t the assignment exactly. In the firefight that ensued, I was able to see this guy getting ready to set off a bomb that would have taken out some of our men. Just before I took the shot, I realized the bastard was Ahmed.” “Oh, no,” she said softly. “What…what happened next?”

102

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

“I took the shot. I had to. But I felt a crushing pain that I had to kill Jack’s brother. When I came back from that deployment, I checked in with a shrink. I wasn’t sleeping, I was having trouble eating. I knew I wouldn’t be any damn good to anyone in my unit. The shrink recommended a medical leave. I took it and came back to Clarksville, and that’s when I saw this old house.” “You hungered for the peace you found here.” “God, isn’t that the truth.” He brought her hands up to his mouth again, so he could taste her sweet skin and drink in the healing. “When I returned to work, my ability as a sniper was gone because I wasn’t steady anymore. My shooting was totally off.” “Were you depressed?” “If you can call anger depression. It seemed I was pissed all the time and couldn’t control that either. I knew I was screwed up and also realized I had to do something about it. I was damned lucky the shrink agreed and wouldn’t put me out in the field again. He said my post-traumatic stress disorder was bad enough to keep me out.” “Was he right?” “Yeah.” He stuffed a hand in his hair, amazed that the pressure in his throat released, as telling her had transformed a part of him never touched by another human. “He was right.” “Then what happened?” “I discharged from the army and came here a year ago. When I bought the house, I knew right away what I needed to heal, to find balance.” “Peace and quiet.” “And a purpose…helping people.” She smiled brightly. “That’s a very good thing.” “Is it? Could what I’ve done ever be erased by the good things I want to do?” She frowned, her fingers loosening their grip on his. “Why wouldn’t it be? You served your country. You tried to rescue your friend Jack. You saved all those other men by preventing the bomb from exploding. If you could have saved Ahmed, you would have. You were put in a horrible position.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

103

Denise A. Agnew

“One I was trained to make.” “And you did. You did.” The way she said it managed to do the one thing all the shrink’s words couldn’t. Maybe the way she held his hand, the unexpected acceptance and care in her eyes created the environment for change. Whatever the magic, it eased that sore knot that had coiled tight within him for so long. A few doubts lingered, ones that he must answer once and for all. “Doesn’t what happened make you wonder about me? Aren’t you afraid of me when you hate guns?” Neena released his hands. “It wasn’t the gun in your drawer that scared me, Mitch. It was the fact you wouldn’t open up. I don’t hold what you had to do in war against you. You’re a good man, and I know that right here.” She touched her chest. Something hard broke loose inside him, overjoyed that she saw him the way she did. He was damned thankful. He cupped her face and leaned in for a quick comfort kiss. “Sometimes I feel like what I did to Ahmed wasn’t just to save the guys in my unit. It was revenge for Jack.” “That’s not who you are. The man I see is giving, and protective, and cares about others. A damn good handyman, too.” He chuckled. Her confidence in him filled a hollow that had grown in his soul for far too long. “Got anything you need fixin’?” She placed her index finger on her chin in a thoughtful gesture. “Let’s see. There is that lube job and I think some of my tile needs replacing, if you know what I mean.” He dived in and nibbled her ear until she giggled. “God help me,” he growled the words, “you are so delicious. I’m going to eat you up.” “Please do.” He grinned and kissed her again. “Thanks for sticking with me. For giving me another chance. Tonight made me realize something.” “What?” “I’m falling for you.” His voice sounded husky to his own ears. Tight with emotion and new fear.

104

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

She smiled, and the light it brought to his soul destroyed the demons he’d fought for so long. “Good. Because I’m falling for you, too.” His kissed her with a ravenous desire, their passion filling his heart with a newfound joy. “Stay with me.” “Okay.” She glanced at her watch and then linked her arms around his neck. “Maybe you’d like to spend the rest of the day talking? Or we could just show each other what we feel.” His lips settled over hers and demonstrated his preference without a doubt.

www.samhainpublishing.com

105

Denise A. Agnew

Epilogue Neena scanned the community center main room and caught sight of Mitch signing calendars at his designated “model table”. Wearing a plain red T-shirt over his powerful chest and a new pair of jeans, he looked every inch the casual man. Only she knew the complicated, complex person who boiled under his cool exterior. Over the last hour, he’d signed calendars one after the other with a lopsided, charming grin that melted most of the women in line waiting for his signature. Neena grinned when she noticed that none of the other models signing calendars had a line as long as Mitch’s. Kat headed her way, a perfectly evil grin plastered on her face. She fanned herself with the calendar. “Whoa doggie. It’s a jungle over there. You’d better get over there before you miss your chance to have your calendar signed by all the hunks.” Neena settled down in her folding chair to wait. “Don’t need it. I get a personal signing later. In private.” Kat poked her in the ribs with the calendar. “Smug wench. You are deliriously happy these days, aren’t you?” Neena didn’t have to think long. “Well…yes.” Kat laughed. “When is the wedding?” “What wedding?” “Don’t be quaint with me. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other, and you’re over at his house every day or he’s over at your house every day. It’s been going on for two months now.” Neena released an exaggerated sigh. “I suppose I could tell you first. Since you’re my friend and all.” Kat plopped down in another folding chair next to Neena and leaned forward. “What are you talking about? Spill it or I’ll have to do some damage.” “We’re engaged.” The words tasted just right. 106

www.samhainpublishing.com

Close Quarters

Kat released a whoop that caused several women in line for a calendar to turn around and stare. She gathered Neena in a rib-cracking hug. “That’s wonderful. I always knew you two were right for each other.” “Always, eh?” “Absolutely. I’m always right, remember? Would you look at that?” Kat said as she opened her copy of the calendar. “That’s incredible. Mr. December is the most gorgeous man in this thing.” For several minutes Kat insisted on wedding plans discussion, even though Neena and Mitch had talked about eloping. Maybe they’d have to consider a small, private wedding or their friends would kill them. Kat in particular. Soon the calendar signing for charity wrapped up. On the makeshift stage, facing a large crowd, Neena announced the whopping amount the calendar sales had accumulated for charity. After the screams died down, Neena found Mitch waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. Before Mitch found himself mobbed by more ladies wanting his signature, she dragged him out of the large room and toward a secluded corner. He brought her close. “Damn, I’m glad that’s over. I’m getting writer’s cramp.” “Poor baby.” He kissed her forehead. “I just want to go home with you.” His breath puffed hotly into her ear as he licked her earlobe. “And make love to you.” “Mitch, you are a very, very bad man.” “Complaining?” “Never.” He leaned back enough to cup her face in both hands and gaze into her eyes. “I’m one lucky man to be with you. You’ve made me whole.” “Ditto.” She sighed in ecstasy as he drew her into a passionate embrace. When he let her up for air, she said, “Kat’s insisting on a big wedding.” “What?” He drew back and gave her a big frown. “Since when does she get a say?” “Since she’s the matron of honor.” “Shit, that woman is the most presumptuous friend you’ve got.”

www.samhainpublishing.com

107

Denise A. Agnew

“The nicest one, too. She’s promised to give me an equally large bridal shower if I have a big wedding.” “And?” “I get lots of naughty undies for the wedding night.” “On second thought, I think I really, really like Kat.” “Thought you would.” She grinned. “Let’s go home. You can sign my calendar.” He trailed kisses over her face and ended up at her neck, tasting and teasing. “I’ll sign more than your calendar.” Then he winked at her. “Say, do I get to wear my favorite Hawaiian shirt to the wedding?”

108

www.samhainpublishing.com

About the Author Romantic Times Book Review Magazine calls Denise A. Agnew’s novels “topnotch” and she’s received a TOP PICK. Denise’s record proves that with paranormal, time travel, romantic comedy, contemporary, historical, erotic romance, and romantic suspense novels under her belt, she enjoys writing about a diverse range of subjects. Her experiences with archaeology and archery have crept into her work. Denise lives in Sierra Vista, Arizona with her real life hero, her husband. Stop by her website at www.deniseagnew.com for excerpts, contests and all the news on her novels.

Look for these titles by Denise A. Agnew Now Available: Male Call Unconditional Surrender Private Maneuvers

Coming Soon: Intimate Alliance (print)

He’s the protector she never wanted—and the love she can’t let go.

Lessons in Trust © 2008 Kate Davies Princess Lucia du Charbonneaux loves her life. Afforded a level of autonomy rarely enjoyed by royalty, she lives on her own and chooses staff members who give her the space she needs. But her new bodyguard refuses to play by the rules. His insistence on shadowing her 24/7 is cramping her style—and the sparks flying between them are on the verge of melting her carefully constructed Ice Princess façade. He needs to go before those sparks get too hot. Eric Delmonico would be happy to leave. The infuriating, challenging, whip-smart princess is a royal pain. Not to mention her sinfully sexy body keeps him up at night in more ways than one. But her brother gave Eric the job, and he is determined to stay until the threat against her is neutralized. An attempt is made on her life, and Eric spirits her away to a safe house in the country where passion ignites, leaving them both shaken. Together they must work to find the assassin before Lucia’s safety—and the connection between them—are lost forever. Warning: This book contains hot lovin’ and frank language.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Lessons in Trust: It was well past one a.m. when Eric finished his debrief session with palace security. He’d placed two guards outside Lucia’s suite and another patrolling the grounds outside the living quarters while he was gone, but he still felt better coming back to guard her himself. It was his job, after all. It had nothing to do with anything personal. She should have been long asleep. But as he let himself into the suite, she stood up from the couch and took a step forward. “Well?” He shook his head. “They drove away before gate security could get a read on the license plate.”

“It’s like a bad dream.” She wrapped her arms around her stomach, pacing a little. “I mean, it didn’t really seem real until now.” He nodded. There wasn’t much he could say. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to get to sleep tonight,” she said with a selfconscious laugh. “I keep remembering that race through the alley. You really did take our lives in your hands.” He shrugged. “I’ve been teaching evasive driving for five years. That was a piece of cake.” “Still…” She sighed and dropped down on the couch. She’d changed after he brought her back to the suite, he noticed. Her outfit was probably called a lounge set, but it looked like a pair of sweats and a T-shirt to him. It was probably a testament to how messed up he was that he found her more attractive in that than the designer dress she’d worn to the premiere. “It’s a bit different for me, isn’t it? I’ve never been in a situation such as this before.” She looked shaken. Against his better judgment he went over to the couch and sat down next to her. The princess didn’t move. She just sat staring forward, her eyes wide. Steeling himself, he picked up one of her hands and held it. It was cold as a block of ice. “It’s tough when reality hits you in the face, isn’t it?” She still didn’t respond, so he put one arm around her shoulders. “Hey, buck up, okay? You’re fine. You’re safe.” With a little sob, she turned and buried her face in his shoulder, wrapping her arms around him and holding on for dear life. And it was his movie theater fantasy come to life, both better and far worse than the imagined version. She was warm and soft and pliant in his arms, her curves fitting against him perfectly. She took a deep, shuddering breath, and her breasts lifted, her nipples brushing against him through the soft fabric of her outfit. Damn. Was she not wearing a bra? He gritted his teeth and rubbed her back, trying to comfort her without getting too wrapped up in how good it felt to have her in his arms.

Finally she let go, shifting away from him with a shaky laugh. “You must think I’m an absolute goose,” she said. “To get emotional about something so silly.” “It’s not silly.” He crossed his legs, resting one ankle on the opposite knee, hoping it would mask the evidence of his reaction to her closeness. “And it’s not just about being followed tonight. This was just the catalyst that made it real to you.” She nodded. “I’ve worked with some of the most high-powered people in the world. Every one of them, to a person, had a moment when the threat against them came home in a very personal way. And every one of them reacted in a way that they thought was over the top. It’s not. It’s human nature.” She looked at him for a minute, then wrapped her arms around his neck again. “Thank you,” she breathed, before kissing him softly on the lips. Holy hell. That innocent touch seared him to his toes. She pulled back, her eyes wide. Then her gaze dropped to his mouth and she licked her lips. Fuck it. He dipped his head and kissed her back. Really kissed her, the way he’d wanted to almost from the moment he met her. His mouth covered hers, his tongue darting out to stroke along the seam of her mouth. With a whimper, she opened to him, matching him stroke for stroke as their tongues dueled. She was heat and fire, her fingers tunneling through his hair as she held his head for her sensual assault. He pulled her into his lap, smoothing his hand down her back to rest on the curve of her hip. And then it dipped lower, stroking the curve of her ass, while she moaned into his mouth and wriggled closer in his lap. She kissed him again, or he kissed her. He really couldn’t decide which was the more accurate description. And honestly? He couldn’t bring himself to care. Her hands were everywhere, in his hair, down his back, tunneling under his shirt to stroke the heated skin underneath. He shuddered at the sensation of her slender fingers roaming his naked flesh.

Suddenly, she pulled away, her mouth damp and a little swollen, her eyes dazed. “I, uh…” Reluctantly he released his hold on her, letting her scramble off his lap and put her clothing to rights. He shoved a hand through his hair and blew out a quick breath. “I am so sorry,” she said finally, looking everywhere but at him. “That was entirely out of line.” “Yes, it was.” He ignored the pained look on her face. “It was also entirely mutual.” She looked up at that. “I practically attacked you.” “Bullshit.” He waited until she made eye contact. “If anything, I took advantage of you. You’ve been through a stressful event, and you’re vulnerable. I should have been more professional.” “I disagree, but thank you, Mr. Delmonico.” He laughed at that. “Don’t you think we’re beyond formal titles now?” “You’re right.” She looked down, smiling sheepishly. “Eric.” He liked the way his name sounded on her lips. Probably too much. He stood abruptly. “I’d better go.” “Where are you going to stay tonight?” “I’m sure they can find a room for me,” he said. “You’ve got two guards outside your suite. You’ll be safe tonight.” “There’s a guest room,” she said softly. “You’re welcome to stay.” “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, Princess.” She stood as well, going toe-to-toe with him. “No formal titles, remember?” “You got it…Lucia.” He looked around the suite. “Guest room, huh?” She pointed across the room at the door midway down the long wall. “It seems silly for you to find another place to stay when there is a perfectly good room next door.” He was tempted. God knows he was tempted. “There’s a lock on the door,” she said, as if reading his mind. He walked over to the door and tested the lock. It was adequate for an interior door. “Is there one on your door too?”

“Of course.” She picked at an imaginary piece of lint on her shirt. “Everyone needs privacy from time to time.” Or a dose of sanity. “I’ll stay,” he said. “But use that lock.” Whether to keep her in or keep him out, he couldn’t say. All he knew was that both of them needed the distance to get back on even footing by the morning. He grabbed his coat and headed for the guest room door. It would be a good thing to be close, in any case. She watched him go, her eyes bright and knowing. He carried the image with him to his temporary room, and well into the night.

Can two agents who clash work together to stay alive?

Caddy-Did © 2008 Jerri Drennen An Aztec Security book. Kent Jameson is content with his free-and-easy life-until Aztec’s newest recruit lands in his lap and his superiors drop them in the middle of the Everglades with instructions to work out their differences. Cadence Fleming is excited about becoming an Aztec agent, but she didn’t get what she considers the best of the best as a trainer. Instead, she’s stuck with a man who reeks of booze and sex. While she never thought herself a sharp-tongued prude, Kent seems to bring out the worst in her. Not the best partner to have on a survival training mission. Then, on day two of their isolation, they come across a body, and their training mission becomes a very real trial by fire. Somewhere in the marshes there’s a killer-and he’s hell bent on making Kent and Cadence his next victims.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Caddy-Did: Kent wasn’t sure what he’d read in Cadence’s eyes, but it wasn’t the same indifference from yesterday. As he handed her his weapon, he dismissed whatever it could be. It didn’t matter. “I want you to get used to the weight of the Glock. This is what you’ll be issued. It’s heavy, but once you get a handle on it, it’s a breeze to control.” “I have a question.” She looked down and shifted from one foot to the other, an action that seemed out of character for her. “Okay.” “Have you ever had to use this on anyone?” “Yes.” Kent instinctively knew her next question and answered before she could ask. “No, I haven’t killed anyone. That is what you wanted to know, right?” She nodded. “Look, Cadence, before this month’s up, I’m going to teach you how to aim and fire

that weapon with efficiency. Show you how to bring an enemy down without having to kill him.” She released a breath. Kent understood her relief. Killing wasn’t something that came easily to anyone— unless you were a man like Evan Grayson, a terrorist and murderer. He’d actually taken pleasure in it. Most of the men Aztec dealt with did. Yancy’d had no choice but to kill Grayson, and Kent knew it hadn’t been easy for his friend to do so. Sometimes it became necessary. Most of the time, though, they could bring their targets in alive. That way they could be prosecuted for their crimes. The government preferred it that way. “How does it feel in your hand?” “All right.” Kent pointed toward the far end of the range where a silhouette of a man hung as a target. “Aim for his chest. I want to check out your form.” Her eyes widened. “I don’t think so.” Kent rolled his eyes. The woman was unbelievable. Hadn’t he told her he wasn’t interested in her? Why couldn’t she get that through her thick skull? “The form in which you hold the weapon, Cadence.” When his words sank in, her cheeks reddened. “Oh, sorry.” “Fine. Aim for the target.” Kent watched as she did what he’d instructed, then reached around her and leveled his hands over hers, her perfume drifting to his nose. He liked the scent. It was light and subtle, unlike some women’s colognes which arrived long before they did. “Can you feel the difference?” he asked against her ear. “Yes,” she croaked. “Now, spread your legs.” When she didn’t move to do so, he lodged his knee between hers and worked them apart. “This helps to give you balance. Now, squeeze the trigger.” When the Glock went off, the kick sent her back against his chest. The feel of her next to him instantly stirred his libido, a totally unexpected reaction. Yes, she smelled nice, but she wasn’t. Not even remotely so. His body’s betrayal caught him off-guard.

She glanced over her shoulder at him, then moved away. Kent cleared his throat. “You missed the target. Try again.” She raised the Glock, took the stance he’d shown her and fired at the outline, hitting the edge of the board. “You’re getting there. This time, while you aim, picture me as the target. See if that doesn’t improve your shot.” She aimed and fired, hitting the silhouette in the nether region. Kent gulped. “Okay, then. Try it again. This time aim higher.”

Cadence rolled over in bed, glanced at the clock radio on her nightstand and groaned. Why couldn’t she sleep? Ever since she’d crawled into bed that evening, exhausted, her mind had wandered. Her erratic thoughts had kept her awake for the past two hours, and she was getting frustrated with the whole ordeal. She’d never had trouble sleeping. So, why was it suddenly impossible to do so now? Kent’s Jameson’s face materialized, giving way to the answer. That and the experience of firing a weapon and the feeling of power the power behind it. Her fingers trembled from where Kent had touched them, and she could still feel his warm breath on her ear. The sensation drove her to distraction—kept her from falling asleep. She hated the guy, yet he made her feel things she didn’t want to feel. Her knees quivered at the memory of this afternoon, when he’d pried her legs apart with his. Stop it, Cadence. The man’s an asshole and a player. He’d been screwing around with some bimbo the night before their first training day. He probably slept in a different bed every night. His medicine cabinet is probably inlayed with Trojan wallpaper. Not the type of man you’d want to have sex with, the type who’d have no qualms about a threesome. Cadence shivered at the thought. Enough. She threw back the covers and rose. It was futile to try to sleep. Maybe a glass of hot milk would help or a stiff drink. If she had to, she’d try them both. She pulled her robe on

and padded down the hall to the kitchen, trying to be quiet. She didn’t want to wake Charlotte. In the kitchen, she opened the refrigerator and glanced inside, making a mental note to stop by the grocery on her way home tomorrow. They were about out of the basics, the must-have staples. Luckily, there was just enough milk to nuke a cup. Waiting for the milk to heat, she went through a stack of mail on the table. A name in a return address caught her attention. She swallowed hard, her hands shaking. Why would he write to her? She peeled the envelope open and pulled out a wedding invitation. Mauve and Yancy cordially invite you to join… Cadence couldn’t read anymore as tears clouded her eyes. How was she going to go to the ceremony? She’d break down, and in no way did she want Yancy to see that. She sniffed and wiped at her eyes. Strange that she could daydream about Kent in one breath, then cry when Yancy was brought to the forefront. Was she that fickle? She must be. One thing was for sure, Yancy was not available to think about in that way, and she needed to get that message to her heart—the sooner the better.

A woman craves. A man wants. Their collision pitches them into the hot zone.

Private Maneuvers © 2008 Denise A. Agnew Sometimes a woman craves what she shouldn’t want… Marisa Clyde wants nothing to do with the soldier acting as a temporary bouncer in her uncle’s tavern, even though the stoic, six-feet-of-smoldering hunk rescued her during a tour gone bad in Mexico. While those few short moments sent their sexual tension screaming off the charts, a devastating hurt in her past now blocks her willingness to surrender to him. He’ll only be in town a month. If she can just wait it out, he’ll soon be out of her life. Sometimes a man wants more than a woman is willing to share… Jake Sullivan watches Marisa like a hawk, well aware his need to protect is messing with his mind and making him care way more than he should. Priding himself on clinical detachment in the game between man and woman, he figures once he’s slept with her, she’ll be out of his system for good. But that’s before he experiences her at a deeper level—and learns she just might be in danger again.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Private Maneuvers: The second Marisa Clyde saw the soldier she knew he was trouble. He took Marisa’s hand as she stepped off the old tour bus. Huge fingers and a big palm wrapped her much smaller hand. Her body shivered as warmth flickered in her stomach. In fact, her entire body quaked. He looked like rescue. He looked like safety wrapped up in one sexy, strong, powerful package. She could blame it on the events of the last twenty-four hours. Danger and fear could rattle a person. Or just perhaps, it could be this man and the power he emanated. Maybe the long, thick lashes framing the onyx eyes staring down into hers influenced her senses to scatter. She was nuts to go completely ga-ga over the man standing in front of her when she refused to find a military man attractive ever again.

Maybe she could blame her reaction to him on the heat wavering upward from the washboard surface of the road and the relentless sun beating down. Or perhaps the humidity level coming from the Mexican jungle all around them had steamed her brains. Of course, the fact that her ribs had taken a bit of beating didn’t help. Every time she breathed, a dull ache radiated outward from her left side. Not what she expected to experience on a vacation, but she’d made it through worse and lived to tell about it. As her Uncle Dexter back in Clarksville, Wyoming would say, the pucker factor for the last day had escalated way off the charts. She had a right to feel disoriented, hungry, and exhausted. A smear on her glasses irritated her, but she didn’t bother to try and clean it. Face it, a smear was so not that important when she’d just survived what would amount in the news to an international incident. Her ribs panged, and she winced. “Are you all right, ma’am?” the soldier asked, his deep voice a husky sound that brushed along her senses like a feather tickling all her erogenous zones. She couldn’t answer him. Through her tiredness, her hormones registered that he stood around six three or four, his muscular build apparent through the camo wear. He wore no rank or insignia that could identify him. His military short obsidian hair gleamed with blue highlights under the fierce sun. He topped the charts into unbelievably gorgeous. No. Not exactly. Dark and dangerous, a huge cliché, didn’t explain the unique mix-and-match hardness in his features that added up to one handsome visage. Yet dangerous certainly described his aura, a kick-butt-anddon’t-bother-to-take-names presence. His angular face defied description—his jaw formed a solid frame around his hard mouth. His nose was a smidgen crooked. Those intriguing, mysterious eyes didn’t hide anything. Did he know how his feelings gleamed so starkly in his gaze? Probably not. Right now his eyes narrowed, as if he wanted to read her mind and excavate answers. When she didn’t answer him, his gaze turned dark, serious and concerned. “Ma’am?” “Poor dear is a bit shocky,” Ida Hambly said behind her. “She’s had quite an ordeal.” “I’m fine,” Marisa said. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”

“Right. Nothing wrong. You’ve just made it through a bombing, a robbery, and a broken down bus. All in a day’s work for an accountant?” Ida leaned heavily on her cane, and when the soldier saw Ida hesitating on the bottom step of the bus, he released Marisa’s hand and helped the elderly woman down and over to where Marisa stood. “And then the cavalry rides in on white horses and saves our butts. I’d say that’s enough to rattle your sweet young cage.” Marisa smirked. “Ida, your sense of humor kept me sane.” That, and maybe Freddie Bodine. Freddie stood clasped in the arms of her boyfriend, another one of the soldiers who’d come to the rescue. Apparently he’d traveled from the U.S. after putting together this team of army men to look for Freddie when the tour bus went missing and didn’t report back to the hotel. Freddie’s head pressed against her boyfriend’s shoulder, and his hand cupped the back of her head. He touched his lips to the top of Freddie’s head in a tender gesture. He looked drained with relief. What would it feel like to have a man love me that much? Ten other soldiers who’d first appeared earlier like ghosts from the jungle entered the bus. People chattered in excited, relieved voices and the soldiers hurried to extract them from the vehicle. Trauma of the last day worked into her sore body. The back of her neck ached, muscles in her lower back protested. She stretched and arched her back, as she sighed. She felt grungy, her long hair frizzing in the humidity, her khaki shorts and plain blue Tshirt rumpled. She regretted the movement as pain arched through her side again. Damn it. “You should have seen how Marisa and Freddie convinced those bastards to take nothing else but the cash,” Ida said to one of the soldiers. “It was truly amazing.” Marisa’s legs started to tremble, and her temples throbbed. As if he had radar for her emotional or physical changes, her soldier’s gaze flicked her way and he frowned as he eyeballed her. He spoke into a satellite phone and ordered another person to bring their transportation. She rubbed the back of her neck and allowed her eyes to slip closed. The soldier’s voice rumbled nearby, and she opened her eyes to find him within her personal space. So close she should have rebelled. She never let men get this close—until

now. He gripped Marisa’s upper arm as if he expected her to collapse any minute. She’d never felt this fragile before, hanging by a single thread combined of liberation and leftover fear. “Ma’am—Marisa, would you like some water?” He handed her a small water bottle. It took her a few seconds to respond. She irrationally wanted to tell him to call her Miss Clyde or ma’am because she wanted the distance and formality. Instead she said, “Thank you.” She took the water and slammed back a huge swallow. She knew better than to gulp the lukewarm liquid, but thirst compelled her to slug down half the bottle. Immediately her stomach lurched in protest. “Whoa. Slow down,” he said. She glared at him. “I’m thirsty.” “Drink too much and it’ll make you sick.” “I know.” She almost stalked away. Not because she found him repulsive. Nope. She found him way, way too intriguing. She heard the rumble of vehicles and two large vans turned the corner and progressed their way. Tension shot up her back. “There’s our transport,” her soldier said. Good. Lethargy weighed her down, as if she sank into her athletic shoes a few inches, quicksand sucking her into blessed darkness. His voice sounded too far away, and then as her head seemed to float and her legs turned rubbery, she managed to whisper a plea, “Wait…” He moved toward her quickly. “What’s wrong?” “I—I don’t think I can—” Her eyelids fluttered and suddenly his powerful arms encircled her. “Easy. Are you hurt somewhere and just not telling us about it?” Marisa clutched at his shoulders. “My ribs. One of the bandits slung me into a seat.” She touched her glasses, held together in the middle by some tape Ida had found in her voluminous tote bag. “That’s how I broke my glasses.”

“Son of a bitch.” Her soldier growled the words under his breath. He lifted her in his arms, and she said, “No. I mean, I’m fine. It’s not that big a deal.” He carried her toward the vans. “Sergeant Clearwater! We need a medic.” Freddie, Ida, and Freddie’s soldier followed, Freddie’s and Ida’s concerned voices echoing in her ears.

Samhain Publishing, Ltd. It’s all about the story… Action/Adventure Fantasy Historical Horror Mainstream Mystery/Suspense Non-Fiction Paranormal Red Hots! Romance Science Fiction Western Young Adult www.samhainpublishing.com