by Ciana Stone
"I'll have the money wired to you. Can you give Cici the information?"
"I can and will."
"Good. Now, I need to take care of some things, and I know you want to see to the animals, so what say we meet at the house for lunch in what – three hours?"
"Make it four and at my place for dessert."
"Before we eat."
"Yeah, we'll work up an appetite."
"I like the way your mind works."
"Then kiss me and get on with your day, cowboy."
Russell reeled her in and planted one on her that had more than one cheer going up from the men around them. "See you at one," he said before he released her.
"Don't be late." She smiled and climbed the fence, headed for Mace and Nash.
Russell watched for a moment then turned and headed back to the house. Two days ago, he was miserable, ill-tempered, and feeling no love for life. Then Naomie returned, and now he felt like life was not just smiling on him, but giving him a chance at the kind of life he'd always envied in others. The kind that had him falling asleep with her in his arms and waking in the same way.
Yes, life was a thousand percent better with Naomie home. Now if they could just ensure that Petrov was taken care of, they could get back to the business of running Heritage and making their breeding program something that would make Heritage a name that would not soon be forgotten.
Chapter Eleven
Washington, D.C.
"No!" A burst of rage had the Hood slinging her glass across the room. What made her even madder was the lack of satisfaction she received when the glass shattered against the wall, sending shards and orange juice raining down the wall and over the carpet.
She sucked in an annoyed breath and reread the email. She'd invited Winfred Maddow to meet with her, and initially, he'd seemed eager, but his excitement cooled far too quickly. She couldn’t figure out why and all he would say is that he'd been offered an opportunity to make a bigger name for himself than she could provide.
Bigger name? That little slimebucket. She was tempted to set the wheels in motion to frame him for something, anything that would put the psycho back in prison. Well, to be correct, anything she could set up so that John could collar the shitty little man and put him away for good.
But she had to refrain from acting rashly, so she'd give it a day, and she wouldn't respond at all. Maybe ignoring him was the smartest play. With her mind made up, she slid on a pair of sandals and walked around the broken glass and into the living area. She walked over to the window and bent slightly to peer through the eyepiece of the telescope.
The drapes on the sliding glass doors of Johns apartment were closed. Not that she'd expected anything else. He would be working, and if he stuck to his routine, it would be at least half-past seven before he got home from work.
Should she pay him another surprise visit? She still had some of the sedative left, enough to knock him out and have another bondage tryst. That was surprisingly fun, but to her shock, she found herself wondering what it would be like to be on the receiving end. She'd never been interested in ceding control, but with John, she might make an exception.
The problem would be how to accomplish that without him learning her identity. She bit her bottom lip, considering it. Maybe she needed to be more serious about trying to set it up. Of late, his attention had been way too much on the Senator's daughter, and far too little on her.
That needed to change. And quickly.
*****
Amber glanced at the face of her phone, then tapped her Bluetooth to answer. "I'm guessing you're watching the news?" she asked.
"Your parents seem pleased," Naomie replied. "Russ too. I imagine Petrov is less than pleased."
Amber laughed. "You think? I bet he's ready to explode. Did you see the interview with POTUS and his son? They're calling it a hoax, swearing the son was never ever in Russia, when all they did before the election was brag about all the money they made there."
"Sadly, the entire Walker family saw that."
"You mean Delaney being with Petrov as he went on about being set up and how it was all fabricated and his honor being besmirched? I wanted to throw a bottle at his head. What did my Dad say about it?"
"Not much so far. At least not to me, but I've been busy with the new horses we bought for the breeding program."
"Are they pretty?"
"Yes, very, if you can call a fourteen-hundred-pound stallion pretty."
"Is that big?"
"Big enough."
"Was Uncle Russ glad you were there to help him choose?"
"I think so."
"Did he actually let you have input?"
"No."
"No? Damn, you'd have thought he–"
"He let me pick them."
"Seriously? How much money are we talking?"
"For the three we bought? Seven and a half million."
"For horses? Fuck, Naomie. Slow your roll, girl. The Walker kids would like something to inherit."
"And because of this breeding program, you'll have a hell of a lot more."
"How's that?"
"Well if it turns out anything like the one my family has, it means anywhere from one to three million a year just in stud fees, not to mention what Heritage will make on selling the offspring."
"Holy shit."
"Yep, but enough of that. What are you up to?"
"Not much."
"Your email would beg to differ."
"How did you– never mind, I should have known you'd ferret that out."
"Amber, be careful. I know you want to help, but Sun Tzu was right when he said some roads should not be followed. Are you hearing me?"
"I am."
"I'm asking you to take that to heart."
"When are you coming back?"
"I'm not sure. Russ doesn't want me to leave, and your parents are satisfied with the way things are, so I'm wondering if I shouldn't just wait and see how this all plays out. Maybe I don’t need to do anymore."
"Really? You're done? That surprises me. I thought your hate burned brighter than that."
"Look, I can't get into that right now. Russ is headed up the driveway. Mind yourself, okay? We'll talk tomorrow."
"I'll try. See ya."
Amber got up, went into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, then closed it, and headed back for her phone. She wasn't sure about initiating contact but decided to take a chance. John answered on the third ring.
"I'm surprised to hear from you."
"Why?" she asked.
"Well, after you canceled out on the weekend boat date, I figured you weren't interested."
"Wrong. Like I told you, some family things came up. But I am free tonight. If you're interested."
"I most definitely am. What did you have in mind?"
"How about burgers and a drive-in movie?"
"I don't think there are any drive-ins within five hundred miles of here if that."
"So, we'll make our own. Drive down to the river and put the iPad on the dashboard."
"I like the way you think. What time do you want me to pick you up?"
"Seven?"
"I'll be there."
"I'll be looking forward to it."
Amber smiled as she hung up the phone and headed for the bathroom. She hadn't been looking forward to an evening alone, but making out with John in the backseat of a car had its appeal. And if there was any chance it would move beyond making out, she was going to make darn sure she was waxed, creamed and scented.
In other words, armed for bare. And yes, she did mean bare.
*****
Naomie smiled at Russell as he dried the dishes and stacked them on the counter. They'd said little since they finished eating, but the silence didn’t bother her. They'd prepared the meal together, talking about their breeding program, the family and anything else that came to mind. It was a relaxed and comfortable time, working together, eating, and now cleaning up after the meal. She realized once again ho
w well they worked together and found herself wishing for more times like this.
"Mace said his and Bailey's house should be finished within eight weeks," Russell commented.
"It's really going to be a pretty place," she said. "And they're so excited. But honestly, they seem happy as can be living in the cottage."
"Yes, they do. I'm glad he decided to move back to the main estate and build, rather than stay at Heritage South."
"You like having your family close."
"I do. And my grandkids. Speaking of which, Rusty said that he and Nash were spending the weekend at Harley's, helping her work on the place. She's definitely moving forward with the rodeo school."
"I know, and I can't believe how excited she is. I think it has a lot more to do with Nash and Rusty than anything else. I wouldn't be surprised at all for her and Nash to be calling themselves a couple pretty soon."
"Well, Rusty would sure like that. He thinks the moon rises on her shoulders."
Naomie smiled. "Yes, he does have quite a crush on her, but that's okay. She's crazy about him and is always bragging on how talented he is. She's convinced one day he's going to be a world champion."
"Wouldn't that be something?"
"It sure would. Oh, did Cici send you the new pictures of Robby? That little rascal rolled over."
"Yes, she did and a video. That's one cute kid. Looks a lot like she did as a baby."
"He's adorable. Every time I see him, I catch myself squeeing like a girl."
"You are a girl."
"Oh, you noticed?"
"How could I not? Especially with you prancing around here in those almost-there shorts and a shirt that shows more than it covers."
"Are you complaining?"
"Not one little bit."
"Good. Well, we're done here. Want to watch a movie or something?"
"Whatever you want is fine with me."
"Then let's snuggle up on the couch and watch something sexy."
"Sexy?" He took her hand and let her tug him along to the living room. "What's sexy?"
"Hmm, let me think," she pushed him down on the couch and knelt to pull off his boots. "Okay, my top ones are– not necessarily in this order, Casablanca, Hope Floats, The Last of the Mohicans, The Bodyguard, Bull Durham, Speed, Dirty Dancing the original, An Officer and a Gentleman, The Bridges of Madison County, The Lake House, Practical Magic, Dragonfly and Message in a Bottle." She looked up at him, "How about you?"
"I have no clue. I don't watch a lot of movies."
"No? What do you watch?"
"Documentaries, nature programs, sports."
"Hmmm, okay, so no romance?"
"You mean like that fifty colors stuff?"
"Fifty Shades, and no not necessarily. I don't mean sex. I mean sexy or sensual or just romantic. Not make you bawl your guts out sad ending romance, but feel good romance.
"I can't say I have ever watched anything like that."
"Well, it's time to remedy that," she picked up her remote, turned on the television, turned off the lights and selected a film from the selections that appeared on the television screen.
"How did you do all that with one remote?" he asked.
"Technology baby. If you know the right components to buy, you can run your whole house with one remote."
"Sometimes, you scare me."
Naomie laughed. "Lay back and let me snuggle up to you. You want to spoon or would you rather be on your back."
"I wouldn't pass up a chance to spoon up against that fine rear. Come on down here."
They got settled in place and for a little while, watched the film. About an hour in, his hand started to stroke along the side of her hip and down her thigh. Within minutes, the movie was forgotten, and they were caught up in a sexy love scene all their own.
*****
"Are you sure this is where you want to park?" John stopped and looked around. "Great view of the power plant."
"But no one around," Amber pointed out. "Just you, me, burgers and beer."
"You have a point. Want to sit on the tailgate? I can turn us around so we can see the water."
"Sounds good."
John repositioned the vehicle so their view was looking out over the river. "I didn't even know this place was here," John commented as he pulled a burger from the bag and unwrapped it.
"When I was little, my Dad brought me here to teach me to sail."
"Sounds nice."
"It was. And it made Dahlgreen Wayside Park one of my favorite places."
"And now? I mean, what are your favorite places? You've done a lot of traveling and have seen most of the globe, so what calls to you?"
Amber took a bite of her burger and chewed before answering. "Let's see. Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Denmark – such beautiful places it almost makes you emotional. New Zealand is amazing. The rainforests of South America and Machu Picchu in Peru took my breath away with an overwhelming sense of spiritual energy there. How about you? I know you were DIA, so did you see the world in the course of your career with Intelligence?"
"A bit."
"And which parts touched your soul?"
"Every one I saw that man hadn't fucked up."
"Amen to that. Do you miss it? DIA, I mean?"
"Sometimes."
"And do you like being with the FBI?"
"Sometimes."
"Well, that's pretty noncommittal. If you were to leave the Bureau, what would you like to do?"
"I have no clue. How about you? Where do you see yourself in ten years?"
"I don't know. I guess I don't think much about the future. Maybe that's because my parents think so much about it."
"Do they want you to get involved in politics?"
"I think they might have once, but these days my mother pretty much cringes every time I open my mouth. I don't exactly agree with my father's party, and I'm not all that shy about expressing my opinion, so even though they protest to the contrary, they're happier and more at ease when I'm not in residence."
"I know a little about your family. The part that's in Texas, I mean."
"Is that so?" Amber twisted the top from a beer, handed it to him, and then opened one for herself. "And?"
"They're pretty impressive."
"Are they?"
"Yes. Over five generations, the Walkers have become the single largest family-owned ranch in the continental United States, with holdings in seven, or is it now eight states?
"Who knows, I don't keep track. Uncle Russ is, as we call it, the steward of the land now that Gramps is gone."
"My grandmother knows of your family, in particular, your cousin Dillon, who played pro football and now coaches at the high school, and your uncle, who, according to Nana is dating one of her best friends, I can't recall the name."
"Naomie. Dr. Naomie Taylor, and yes, they are a couple. Naomie is living at Heritage and helping with a quarter horse breeding program. She's responsible for her family's thoroughbred program that has made them millions."
"Sounds like a smart lady."
"You can't even imagine."
"So, I'm guessing you have no interest in Heritage, even though you'll inherit a big chunk of it one day?"
"That's pretty much the way of it. Don't get me wrong, I acknowledge what it took the family to get where it is, and I'm damn proud of their organic status which isn't easy with the proliferation of pesticides the last fifty years, but I don't have an urge to be part of the day-to-day operations, or the expertise."
"In other words, leave it to the people who know how to do it?"
"Bingo."
They finished their meal, chatting about whatever came to mind, places they'd been, music they loved and hated, and when they were done, John crammed everything into the paper. "There's a trashcan down by the sand. Want to go wading?"
"Sure, but you might want to take your shoes off."
"Yeah, I thought I might," he smiled, removed his shoes and socks, and rolled up his pants legs to the knees.
Since she was wearing a skirt, all Amber had to do was kick off her sandals. They tossed the trash into the receptacle and then walked down to the water, holding hands. It was colder than Amber anticipated, and she squeaked as she walked in shin deep.
John laughed, and they walked a little way down the beach, saying nothing, just holding hands and looking around. When he turned her toward him, moving her left hand behind her back with his fingers still twined with hers, she felt a little thrill. When he pulled her up against him, using his free hand to cup her face and tilt it up, she felt that thrill intensity.
And when he kissed her, the thrill transformed into a full-blown case of lust. Amber pressed against him using her free hand to wrap around his waist and pull him toward her even more. If he'd asked her to lay down on the wet sand right then and there and make love, she'd have said yes before the words were out of his mouth.
She knew he wanted her. It was hard for a man to keep his excitement a secret, and it delighted her to know he desired her. For a little while, they stood and essentially made out like a couple of teenagers, touching and fondling, making each other more desirous by the minute.
Finally, John pulled away. "God almighty, you're killing me."
"Well then maybe we should take this party somewhere more private."
"Yes, please."
"My place is a drive and a disaster. How far is yours?"
She was a bit shocked at his response. "I wouldn't invite a dog into my place right now. I haven't had a chance to do laundry in a while, or clean so…"
"I get it. We could find some place that's private if we put our heads together."
He smiled at her and started for his vehicle. "I bet you're right."
They dusted off their feet with a towel he found in the back of his SUV then climbed in their seats. They'd no more than pulled out onto the road when Amber's phone rang. She pulled it out, looked at it, and hit ignore.
"Obviously, someone you don't want to speak with."
"Astute, Special Agent," she smiled.
It rang again, and she ignored it again. She hadn't even had time to slide it into her purse when it rang again. "For fuck's sake!" she blurted, looked at him and apologized. "Sorry." Then she answered the call. "Mom. What's so urgent?"