by BJ Wane
Who was she to argue with her reasoning, right?
Riiiight.
She chuckled at her own sarcasm and let anticipation for the evening run amok as she thought about what to wear to dinner, and whether she should ask him to stay afterward. Her libido’s inner voice answered for her. Well, duh, you idiot. Why wouldn’t you?
Her head was suddenly yanked away from her musings as she neared the clinic, her heart jumping into her throat seeing Scruffy hobbling too close to the side of the road. What the hell? Slamming on the brakes, she pulled over, jumped out, and dashed across the busy road, calling his name. Dr. Dennis drove up from the opposite direction just then, veering into the parking lot.
Great. The last thing I need is my boss to witness my screwup. Although, for the life of her, she couldn’t think how the still timid, injured dog had gotten out. She was sure she’d closed the door, which locked automatically. Crouching as she approached him, she released a relieved breath when Scruffy wobbled right to her and licked her outstretched hand.
“Good boy,” she crooned, praising her pet for obeying her call without hesitation.
Scooping him up, she carried him to the car, placed him on the passenger seat, and drove around the clinic to where Dr. Dennis was waiting by the opened door. Her throat remained clogged at the proof of her error, and tears welled, blurring her vision at the thought of what could have befallen poor Scruffy because of her absentmindedness.
Roz flung open the car door. “I’m so sorry.” Her voice shook as he helped her usher Scruffy inside. “I swear I thought I closed the door tight enough for it to latch.”
“I confess, seeing him out there gave the old heart a jolt.” Dennis’ kind eyes held no condemnation as he shut the door behind them. “Sometimes doors don’t stick. It happens, and he’s a street-smart dog.”
“Still, there’s no excuse. I should have checked. I promise, it won’t happen again.”
Dennis gave her an intense look that reminded her of Drake. She took a nervous step back, as if that would keep him from seeing past the shield she’d erected between her positive attitude and her constant worry over Dean’s mother.
Patting her shoulder in a friendly gesture, he soothed, “Calm down or Scruffy will pick up on your distress.” He glanced down to where the dog sat pressed against her leg, his dark eyes lifted for reassurance.
“You’re right, of course.” Squatting down, she hugged him, and got a face bath for the gesture.
“There you go. I was stopping by to check on our surviving kitten from that litter yesterday.”
Roz stood and nodded. “She was doing great when I left earlier. If you’ll give me time to cancel my evening plans, I’ll look in on her so you can return to your plans.”
Dennis waved her offer away. “Nonsense. You need to get out more.”
Her need now took second-place to her new pet. She wasn’t going to leave him alone again tonight. “It’s no big deal…”
“I won’t hear of it. I’ll take Scruffy with me and drop him off on my way home. The Millers have an older dog he can hang out with tonight.”
Giving in, she promised, “I won’t be late. It’s just dinner. Thank you, Dr. Dennis.”
“You can thank me by quitting worrying and having a good time.”
Roz got ready for Drake’s arrival, figuring she had as much control over fretting about her mistake as she did her growing need for one hot cowboy.
CHAPTER SEVEN
A date. What the hell am I thinking? Drake hadn’t attempted a casual night out with a woman since shortly after resigning from the military ten years ago. At the age of twenty-five, with the demons of war still riding him hard, he’d followed his brothers’ interest in BDSM and joined Spurs, Boise’s only private club. Two years ago, after witnessing first Gavin’s and then Cody’s return to their home in Snake River Valley and learning their morose dispositions were due to finding their mates at the club, then losing them because of circumstances beyond their control, he’d ended his membership. Since then, he’d gone out with two women, both of whom were only interested in a night of no-strings-attached fucking followed by dinner. They were perfect for him until he met Roz.
As he drove around to the rear of the veterinary clinic and parked next to Roz’s car, Drake blasted himself for thinking he could spend an evening dining out with her without ending the night pounding between her soft thighs and finishing with a craving for more. One time with his mate, and he couldn’t imagine touching another woman, couldn’t stop aching to take her, and couldn’t keep his mind on anything but her for long.
He was going to throttle his brothers.
Sliding out of the truck, he admitted that wouldn’t do a hell of a lot of good at this stage, and when Roz opened the door to his knock and his heartbeat went haywire at her crooked smile, he gave up all pretense this relationship wasn’t what he wanted now with every fiber of his being.
“I’m ready. Where are we going?”
She held the door open, and he entered the studio, scanning the small space, taking in the tidy kitchenette, sitting area, and folded-up Murphy bed. “You like the Wildgrill, and so do I,” he replied, spotting a dog bed in the corner and bowls near the counter, but no pet.
“Awesome.” Grabbing her purse off a hook by the door, she waited for him to walk out before following.
Drake brushed by her, and she closed the door, then double-checked to make sure it was shut tight. When she pushed against it a second time, he lifted a brow, curious at the extra precaution.
“You’re not in the big city anymore. There aren’t enough strangers passing through around here to worry much about intruders.” Taking her hand, he caught a quick flicker of unease in her eyes that added to his concern about the abuse she’d suffered before moving here. “I’m surprised the doc didn’t mention that.”
Roz shifted her gaze away as he grasped her waist and hoisted her onto the passenger seat, the warmth of her hands gripping his shoulders seeping through his shirt.
“He did, but old habits are hard to break,” she replied.
If there was one thing he’d learned about her, she wasn’t an evasive person. His bullshit radar went on high alert, but he stifled the urge to go all dom on her and demand answers. That would go over liked a lead balloon with a woman whose submissive streak was limited to sex.
Instead, he shut the door and settled behind the wheel, opting for a casual inquiry. “I didn’t see your dog. How big is he? Doesn’t having one give you some peace of mind in regard to safety?”
Her slim brows dipped into a frown as she faced him. “How’d you…oh, the bed and dishes.” She nodded, her face clearing. “Dr. Dennis took him for the night. He’s a good size, somewhat timid, which is typical of a stray. Plus, he’s still recovering from a fracture, so, right now, he’s as useful for scaring off an intruder as a Yorkie. That breed holds the record for the smallest dog in the world with a four-ounce Yorkshire Terrier.”
“Got it,” he returned, flipping her a dry glance as he drove toward Brooksville. “You’re ready to change the subject. Since we’re both avoiding the issues of our physical traumas, why don’t you tell me what you want to talk about.”
Those soft, plump lips curled upward in a seductive, teasing taunt, her nipples going taut beneath the thin, tight-fitting sweater molded to her full breasts. The whisper of her nylons brushing together as she slowly crossed her legs drew his attention to the raised hem of her denim skirt and the casual way she placed her hand right above her knee. He hadn’t been ruled by his dick since his college days, but he hadn’t experienced the lustful pull of his mate until two weeks ago either.
“There’s a whole lot of physical on my bucket list that has nothing to do with past mistakes and everything to do with pleasure. Much more fun, don’t you think?”
“I think you’re way too young to concern yourself with crossing off things to try listed on a wish list.”
“Why wait until I’m too old to enjoy half of t
hem?” She waved an airy hand with her flippant reply.
Roz’s upbeat tone was a shade too forced to suit Drake. Several times now she’d alluded to an uncertain future. His newly discovered overprotective gene went to work, stirring his wolf’s aggression and tempting him to demand answers.
“Why does that make you clench your jaw?”
Her amused tone at his expense didn’t sit well with him. After parking in front of the restaurant, he cut the engine and pried his back teeth apart. “No one has pushed my buttons the way you have. A note of caution, baby. I have ways to get even you may not find as pleasurable as you’re expecting.”
Roz leaned forward, her eyes dancing as she traced a finger across his tight-knuckled grip on the steering column. “Can we try one now and see, before we eat?”
Shit. Drake grabbed the door handle and snapped, “No.” How did she turn the tables on him so fast? He slammed out of the truck and stomped around to help her out only to find her hopping down on her own. Snatching her hand, he ignored her smirk and fake innocent expression and yanked her toward the entrance. “Try to behave in public.”
She sighed, moving to his side. “You are such a party pooper.”
****
What was it about Drake’s scowl and surly negativity that turned her on every time? All he had to do was hint at something kinky and Roz got all hot and bothered, not to mention the little heart flip she experienced every time he nailed her with that laser-intense, blue-green gaze. With a mental shake for her uncharacteristic vulnerability, she resigned herself to leaving a chunk of her heart here if her ex in-laws ever succeeded with their threats.
Rosemary greeted them with a wave from behind the counter as they entered Wildgrill, the welcome familiarity rousing a sense of home and belonging Roz shouldn’t like so much. Drake wasn’t the only one she would miss.
“Come on over, you two,” Rosemary called out, grabbing a menu and walking toward a corner table.
Roz saw only one other vacant table as they wound their way to through the crowded room, returning friendly gestures and hellos from several diners who addressed them each by name. The warm fuzzy the townsfolk inspired wasn’t as potent as what Drake’s nearness always produced but was almost as difficult not to relish. So not good, she bemoaned, recognizing her failure in keeping her emotions in check since moving to Brooksville.
“Thanks, Rosemary.” Drake waited until Roz sat down before taking his seat and sliding the menu her way. “I already know what I want.”
She couldn’t control her newly awakened, perverted side, and Rosemary’s presence didn’t seem to matter as she replied with a slow, suggestive drawl, “So do I.”
Rosemary beamed and gave her an elbow nudge on the shoulder. “You go, girl.”
Drake delivered a steely-eyed glare at their hostess. “I’ll have my usual three-meat dinner, same sides.”
Rosemary nodded, her smile remaining in place. “Got it. Roz?”
“I’ll have the buffalo burger and coleslaw.” Roz noticed his sternest look didn’t ruffle Rosemary, unlike her. She was still shivering in response, with tingly goose bumps spreading across her skin. Pressing her legs together, she handed the menu to Rosemary.
“No soup?” Rosemary asked. “I didn’t think you’d ever try something else.”
“Tonight, I’m in the mood for something different.” Cocking her head, she grinned at Drake. “I’m always up for trying new things.”
One midnight brow winged up, his eyes going hot, stirring the embers of her own inner heat. “I’ll remember that later.”
The promise in his guttural tone and scorching look drew more of those delicious goose bumps and a longing Roz couldn’t suppress, even if she still wanted to. It didn’t have to mean anything more, or go any further than satisfying an itch. Sexual behavior was often acted out on pure animal instinct, nothing else. Satisfied with that logic, she jerked her head in a quick nod of approval as Rosemary pivoted with a quiet laugh and went to turn in their order.
She’d forgotten how sharp Drake’s gaze could be, but he reminded her as he asked, “What’s going through that head of yours?”
Picking up her glass of water, she eyed him over the rim as she took a long swallow, opting for blunt honesty. He was too damned good at seeing through evasive answers. “I was defining this attraction between us, deciding the only thing that makes sense is the simplest explanation—it’s just animal instinct—and I can work with that.”
“If you only knew,” he murmured under his breath before covering that odd statement with another probe into her thoughts. “What can’t you work with?”
Falling so hard for you that being forced from here will wrench out my heart. Of course, she didn’t tell him that. “In case you haven’t noticed, Drake, I’m easy. There’s not much I’m not willing to safely consider or explore.”
“Yes, but why?” he persisted, never releasing her from his penetrating gaze.
Roz stiffened, preferring his surly attitude of indifference to this about-face that hinted he was shooting for more than a few nights of fucking. Which was a lie, she quickly acknowledged. She liked the small glimpses into his protective, caring side he’d recently revealed. If he got on board with giving her everything she wished for, she might lose her fragile hold on her emotions, but the risk would be worth it, wouldn’t it?
“You’re like a dog with a bone, gnawing away until there’s nothing left. But, like with anything else, too much can turn risky.” She held up her right arm. “This is an unresolved issue. After it happened, I decided to live each day to its fullest, and that’s all I’m saying about it for now. Your turn.”
A teenage waitress arrived with their plates, and Roz cursed the interruption, surprised at how good it felt to unload that small amount. Or, maybe it was the instant flare of fury darkening his face when she’d raised her arm that was responsible for the quick jolt of pleasure. Either way, there had been no one she trusted enough to speak so freely to since her aunt died. She wouldn’t reveal her ex in-laws’ threats, though. Why put such a damper on the evening when there was nothing either of them could do about the “what if” scenarios plaguing her? She’d told Dr. Dennis out of fairness, but no one else. Pity, or, worse, condemnation, were the last things she wanted from any of her new friends, including Drake.
“Thank you,” Drake told the waitress. As soon as she walked away, he turned to Roz, running a hand behind his neck, as if tense. “There are family issues I’m not at liberty to discuss, at least not yet. You might find them as abhorrent as I find the deliberate harm you suffered.”
“Okay, now I’m curious, damn it.” Roz picked up her sandwich and took a bite, humming at the delicious flavor.
“Which is why I never wanted to get involved with you.” He shoveled in a forkful of pulled pork, that steady gaze never shifting from watching her.
“I refuse to take the blame for our mutual attraction, but I’ll give you I pushed for this. You can drop me off after dinner, and that will be that.”
It hurt just to say that until he replied with an emphatic, “No way.”
“Oh, good.” Sucking in a deep breath helped loosen her tense muscles and calm her roiling stomach. That settled the issue of where they were going from here, leaving her free to savor the anticipation of ending the evening with Drake in her bed.
****
Rodney couldn’t believe his luck. After tossing down a generous tip for the waitress, he gave the couple seated at the table next to his a friendly nod on his way out of the only restaurant he’d found in Brooksville. He hadn’t planned on causing more trouble for Kingman so soon, but when he’d seen her and the big cowboy enter, he decided to take advantage of knowing she wouldn’t return to the clinic for a while.
He managed to repress a smirk of glee until he stepped outside, He did love it when things went his way. Without much time to plan, he parked in the same secluded spot as he had earlier and hiked to the rear of the clinic, running options through hi
s head. After discarding breaking in again this soon, he pulled his pocketknife from his boot when he saw Kingman’s car. A quick slash of tires ought to do the trick. Lindstrom hadn’t given Rodney any limitations, but he always refrained from direct physical harm until he got his employer’s instructions on tape.
Five minutes later, Rodney jogged to his vehicle, more than satisfied with his first day’s work here in Idaho.
****
For the first time, a woman’s appeal held a stronger draw for Drake than the constant call of the wild. The last dredges of his resistance crumbled under the irresistible pull of Roz’s cock-stirring, artless flirting and bothersome signs of a troubled past that put his protective instincts on high alert. He’d come out with her tonight with every intention of exploring a relationship with an open mind. Now, as they drove to her place, he itched to move full speed ahead with making her his in every way, and figured nothing would drive her away faster.
She fidgeted in the seat, his excellent night vision detecting the pert outline of her rigid nipples under her sweater. He could all but smell her arousal, and smiled to himself. The best part about having a mate, he decided, was knowing she reciprocated the constant hum of lust. Reaching across the console, he gripped her silk-covered thigh and squeezed.
“Relax, or you’ll tempt me into pulling off the road instead of waiting until we get to your place.”
Roz laid her hand on top of his, her touch pouring gasoline on his already inflamed libido with her breathless whisper echoing in his truck’s darkened cab.
“I wouldn’t object.”
He tossed her a wry grin. “You’re more limber than I am.”
Turning his hand over, Drake took hold of hers. Her damp palm proved she wasn’t as frivolous about this as she sounded, which meant if he wanted her to tell him what she’d left out of the abuse she’d suffered, he would need to plan on revealing his secret. Fuck but he wasn’t looking forward to his brothers’ ribbing when he told them.