Crash and Burn

by Maggie Nash

  She had to keep hold of her independence. It was who she was. No man was going to mess that up. It had taken her long enough to perfect it. No, it would be better not to let it get that far. Better to ignore these feelings before they got out of hand. But that fantasy session in the shower and the heated imprints where his hands had held her made ignoring him an impossible task. Sighing again, she wrapped the towel snugly around her and started to stand.

  The door opened again, startling Beth into slipping back onto the bed. In seconds Daniel stood in front of her, his eyes blazing.

  “Was there something else?” asked Beth, her mouth suddenly dry.

  “Yes, just one more thing…” he said as he pulled her to her feet. “This.”

  And his mouth captured hers.

  Chapter Six

  Crash and burn. That was the only way Beth could describe kissing Daniel. From the instant their lips collided, she was overcome with sensual heat. Electric currents flowed from her lips into her chest, gently stroking her heart before coursing down her quivering body. She sighed and opened her mouth to him. He accepted her invitation, his tongue joining hers in a sensuous dance. He tasted of Scotch whisky, all fire. He took control and she let him. Yes. This was what she’d been wanting ever since she’d first laid eyes on him across the carriage on the train.

  He drew her body close to his, softness to muscle, breast to chest, hip to hip. Her arms moved of their own volition to slide around his neck, and she tangled her fingers in the softness of his tousled hair. She felt his large, thick arousal as he leaned into her body, his heart beating a loud tempo against her chest. Oh God, he is so big.

  Daniel moved his hand down to her shoulder and slowly stroked a trail down her back, spreading heat in his wake. Her towel dropped noiselessly to the floor and she willed herself closer, molding herself to his shape.

  Unable to control her overwhelming emotions, Beth drew away and kissed a trail along his jawline and down his neck. His spiky, unshaven face tickled her skin, increasing her tingling awareness of him. He tasted so good. So salty. So musky. So…Daniel. He moaned at her gentle touch and in return lifted her chin and captured her mouth once more, delving deeper and deeper, claiming her as his own.

  He slid his hands up to her breasts, gently kneading and rubbing his thumbs against her peaked nipples and sending jolts of sensation through her.

  We shouldn’t be doing this. Hadn’t she just told herself this? But how could she stop?

  No, don’t stop!

  She’d been kissed before, but never like this. This was more than just sex. She was giving him her heart, and in return he created sensations and feelings she’d never thought possible.

  But reality continued to intrude on these feelings, and if anything, Beth was a realist. She didn’t even know this man. There was no future in this. Stop now. Stop before he breaks my heart.

  Beth pulled away and clumsily grabbed for the towel.

  Daniel stared at her, his eyes still raw with passion. Seconds ticked by before he spoke.

  “I’m not going to apologize,” he said before dropping onto the bed, his breathing as ragged as if he’d run a marathon. “If that’s what you want, forget it!”

  Stunned, Beth moved her hand up to her heart. She turned away, took in a really deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I’ve never done anything like that before, Daniel. I’m living on adrenaline right now and I don’t know what to think. There must be a good reason why we shouldn’t have done that, but none comes to mind just yet.”

  “I can’t think of any reason at the moment either, but I’m sure if we try really hard, we’ll talk ourselves into something.”

  Beth turned back and gasped as she found Daniel standing directly in front of her once more.

  “Look, I meant it when I said I wasn’t sorry. I’m not.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and lightly kissed her forehead. “But I am sorry if you’ve got the wrong impression.”

  Beth looked up at him and felt a shutter close over her heart. Obviously this meant something different to him. She felt like a fool.

  His face tight, Daniel released her. “It was enjoyable, a reaction to the circumstances. But that’s all it was, so we should keep it in perspective.”

  She felt sick. All the air left her lungs. This was what she’d been frightened of. It was obvious he was attracted to her, but it was also obvious that it didn’t mean a thing to him. After all this mess was over, so would they be. Over, that was. Praying for courage, Beth dragged in some air and sat back down on the bed, staring at the floor.

  “Of course. We let the circumstances take over for a minute. Don’t worry. It won’t happen again. Let’s forget about it,” said Beth flatly.

  Daniel started walking to the door slowly, but stopped and turned around. “Beth, this probably was a bad idea. You said that yourself. We’re going to have to try working together without this messing up our working relationship. Do you think you can do that?”

  “Yes.” No…I don’t know.

  Although her heart was in a vise, she had no choice. It was either that or risk more pain. She needed to concentrate on getting out of this situation and returning to her normal life.

  “I want to call a friend and let him know I’ll be staying away for a few more days.”

  Daniel nodded and handed Beth the mobile phone. “Here, use this so you won’t be traced. Hang on a sec while I get the scramblers set up,” he said before leaving the room.

  Beth sighed as she hurriedly pulled on the robe she’d laid out before her shower. Feeling less exposed but still shaky, she made her way to the sitting room to join Daniel and make her call.

  * * * *

  Daniel watched Beth closely as she spoke on the phone. Her calm voice as she spoke to her friend belied the stiffness in her body and the clenched fist she tapped on her thigh as she spoke.

  He’d wanted just one taste, and he’d gotten it. But he’d never expected a kiss to be so hot. No, not just a kiss, it was more than that—more like spontaneous combustion. He shivered, remembering how her whole body had trembled at his touch. And her skin…so soft, like satin. Who would have thought she would react with such passion? Thank God she’d put on the brakes or they’d probably be on that bed burning the sheets right now.

  Damn, but it was good.

  How the hell was he going to keep his hands off her now? But he had to. He couldn’t let his emotions affect his judgment. He’d been there before and look where that’d gotten him. Someone he’d cared for had died because he’d lost his objectivity. And he’d been left with a desk job dealing with politicians ever since.

  That was five years ago, but it still haunted him. He’d been cleared of all wrongdoing in the investigation. They’d said he couldn’t have changed the outcome and it wasn’t his fault, but he knew differently. He’d been distracted. He’d known he was getting too involved with Lisa, but he hadn’t done anything to stop it.

  It won’t happen again. He wouldn’t let it.

  Beth ended her phone call and handed Daniel the phone.

  “I told him I needed more time away to get my head together and it’d be a few more days.”

  “Did he buy it?”

  “I’m not sure. He seemed to, but he asked a lot of questions. I think I convinced him. The good news is that no one has been around asking about me.” Beth leaned against the door frame to the bedroom, her shoulders slumped. “I don’t know how long I can keep this up. I hate lying.”

  “It gets easier.”

  “I guess you’ve had a lot of practice.”

  The fleeting expression of pain and the flatness of her voice showed Daniel just how much she was affected by what had happened between them.

  Damn. He hadn’t wanted her to get hurt. But it was better to nip whatever feelings they had between them in the bud before she was hurt even more. Or worse still, in more danger because he couldn’t get his act together. If only she didn’t look so upset.

  “Beth…”
>
  Beth straightened her shoulders and walked straight past Daniel. The scent of spring flowers lingered as she turned to him, her face a pale mask.

  “Forget it, Daniel. I have, or at least I will have very soon. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow then? Do I need to set the alarm?”

  “No need. You can sleep in if you want. I need to do a few things tomorrow, so I thought we’d stay put for at least a day.”

  “Shouldn’t we stay out of sight?”

  “You should stay out of sight. I can look after myself. Remember, I do this for a living.”

  Beth let out an exasperated sigh. “Of course, how could I forget? Mr. Desk Job to the rescue.”

  “I didn’t always have a desk job, Beth.”

  Beth lifted her head with a strange expression in her eyes. It seemed as if she was about to voice what was on her mind, but opted at the last moment to say something else. “You mentioned that before,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “One day you’ll have to tell me all about it. At the moment, I don’t really care. I just need to sleep now. Goodnight, Daniel.”

  “Goodnight,” said Daniel to the bedroom door as Beth shut it softly.

  * * * *

  The sound of running water brought Daniel awake with a jolt. It was still dark in the room, but a glimmer of light was just visible through the drapes.

  A glance at his watch told him it was still early. It seemed that Beth hadn’t slept well either. It’d been a rough night. After attempting to go through files for hours, Daniel had found that he wasn’t even reading the words. He’d been reliving all of it—her incredible body, her unique scent, the fire and passion, the touch of her lips, the silken feel of her skin. Oh yes, he remembered everything. Everything including the guilt he’d felt when he’d seen the wounded look in her eyes as he told her the kiss didn’t mean anything. What a blatant lie that was.

  It had been a hell of a night. Research had been out of the question. Sleep had been nigh impossible. He’d only managed to doze off at all because of the three Scotches he’d downed in rapid succession after Beth had gone to bed. Waking up now with a heavy head and a dry mouth reminded him of why he hadn’t had a drink in a year.

  He threw off the blanket and sat up slowly, rubbing his throbbing temples as he reached an upright position. He’d just pulled on his T-shirt when the bedroom door opened.

  “Oh…you’re up,” said Beth as she entered the sitting room, fully dressed.

  “Do you have to shout?” Daniel cringed.

  Beth stifled a smile as she moved over to the kettle and switched it on. Good. He’d had a bad night, too. Serves him right. It was all his own doing. Turning back to him, she asked, “Coffee?”

  “Sure, whatever…” Daniel said as he continued rubbing his forehead.

  Beth opened the foil packets of coffee and put them in the two cups that she found in the cupboard.

  “Rough night?”

  “I’ve had better,” barked Daniel. He stood up now and stretched his arms over his head. Beth drew in a breath as she took in his magnificent torso. His T-shirt lifted and revealed a washboard stomach with a light sprinkling of brown hair thickening as it reached his shorts. She found herself staring until the electric kettle boiled, which thankfully gave her a legitimate reason to turn away.

  Stop it, Beth.

  Her hands shook as she poured the boiling water, almost spilling the hot liquid onto the countertop. So much for the promises she’d made herself during her sleep-deprived night. Get that thought out of your mind right now, she berated herself. He’s made himself perfectly clear. The kiss was just a little fun. Nothing more. She had to stop turning to mush every time she was near him.

  Straightening, she picked up his cup and offered it to him. “You have it black, right?”

  “Thanks.”

  She carefully avoided touching his hand as she handed over his coffee, noticing that he seemed to be doing the same thing. Good, he’s avoiding me, too. I can live with that. But only if it’s the physical contact. She thought about the predicament they were in. There was no way he was going to shut her out of that. She wasn’t used to sitting back while someone else did the work.

  “So tell me,” she asked. “Who’s this person you have to see today?”

  “A friend.”

  Beth rolled her eyes. He was trying to cut her out of the loop. Just like she’d thought he would. “A friend? That tells me a lot.”

  “The less you know, the safer you’ll be.”

  “Yeah, right! I have just as much at stake as you do. Probably more. It’s me they want, not you. So don’t think for one minute that I don’t want to be involved here. I’ve spent the last five years cleaning up my own messes and I’m not going to stop now just because Mr. Desk Job wants to cut me out of the loop.” Okay, so she was laying it on a bit thick. She wasn’t usually such a bitch, but she was still raw from last night.

  He narrowed his eyes. She could almost see sparks coming out of them. He was pissed. Well, too bad, so am I. Get over it, bud.

  “And I’ve spent the last five years making sure that people like you keep safe, so you can just stay put and let me do my job!”

  What is he saying? People like me? Beth’s mind went into overdrive. There was something he wasn’t telling her. Some reason why he wouldn’t let her in. An idea began forming in her head, but she had to think very carefully about what she said next.

  “Okay, maybe I can stay here, but I can still help you. I’m pretty good with computers. You could get me into the files at your office. Maybe I could find something. And what about the files of that man who was killed? They might tell us something about who these people are.”

  Daniel shook his head and smiled. “You don’t give up, do you? Okay, I’ll have a shower and we’ll discuss this. Meanwhile, how about ordering some breakfast? I know you think better on a full stomach.”

  “Ouch! You really know how to make a girl feel special,” she said, as she picked up the room service menu. “Any requests?”

  “No, I’ll leave that to you,” he said as he grabbed his backpack and headed for the bathroom.

  * * * *

  Eating breakfast gave Daniel time to calm down, considering their discussion moments before. Daniel watched Beth as she concentrated on her plate, enjoying with obvious relish the poached eggs and bacon she’d ordered for them both. He narrowed his eyes as she took a sip of her coffee before she turned toward him and smiled. What is she up to? She couldn’t be planning on leaving the hotel, could she? She’d better not be.

  “You understand why you can’t come with me, don’t you?” asked Daniel, not liking the smug expression he saw on her face.

  “Yes, I know. I might be recognized,” she answered. “But how are you going to get by without being seen? This is your home town, after all.”

  “It’s easier for me to blend into the background. All it takes is a baseball cap, a pair of sunglasses and a good set of eyes.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Beth, I’ve done this sort of thing before, and with the exception of three people, people think I’m on leave and out of town,” he said. “No one is expecting to see me, and people only take notice of what they’re expecting.”

  “It’s that simple?”

  “Trust me. It is,” he said.

  “Well, you’d better show me how to get into the files before you go,” said Beth, wiping her mouth with her napkin as she stood.

  Daniel watched her hand slide over those lips, and fought a shiver as he remembered his own mouth had touched those same lips the previous night. He turned away quickly, but not fast enough. Beth blushed as she noticed the direction his eyes had taken.

  Get a hold of yourself, Daniel. Not now, stick to the business at hand. Bracing himself, he stood and walked over to the laptop, turning it on. Beth joined him and listened as he explained how to scroll through the public service department files.

  “How do I get inside Peter Wilson’s diary? I might be abl
e to find out who he was meeting with on a regular basis up until the train crash.”

  “I’ll have to go to the system manager’s file first, since his files have been retired for the duration of the investigation.” After typing in a series of numbers and letters, Daniel brought up a number of icons, clicked on one and immediately a version of Outlook filled the screen. “Hang on a sec… There you go.”

  “That’s amazing. So we can add hacking to your repertoire,” she said.

  Daniel grinned at her. “Just another one of my many talents.”

  “You’re getting quite a collection,” said Beth. She stared at him as his mouth began to curl into a smile. She has such expressive green eyes. Turning away, he stood and walked over to the wardrobe. He carried one of the backpacks over to the table, then opened it to pull out a couple of pairs of sunglasses and several baseball caps. He picked one of each, zipped the bag and threw it back in the cupboard.

  “Lock the door when I leave.”

  “I will.” She smiled up at him as she seated herself in front of the laptop.

  He gave her a penetrating glare, hoping he succeeded in letting her know he meant business. “And don’t answer the door for anyone, not even people you know, unless it’s me.”

  “I won’t.”

  “And don’t answer the hotel phone. If I have to contact you, I’ll call this one,” he said as he handed her a small silver mobile device. “And if you need me at all, for anything, just press one and it’ll get me.”

  “Okay, I get it,” she said as she started tapping on the keyboard. “No contact with anyone except you. Now you can go. I’ll be fine.”

  “All right then. I’ll bring some food back with me. I think it will be better if we limit our exposure to the hotel staff. Raid the minibar if you get hungry.”