Wilde Thing

by Jannine Gallant

  He kissed her again. “Relax, Hannah. We’ll be great together. You’ll see…at least you will if we stop talking and get moving.” His eyes darkened. “Unless you’ve changed your mind?”

  “I haven’t.”

  “In that case…” He scooped her into his arms and headed down the hall.

  She tightened her grip around his neck. “Tripp, your shoulder! Put me down.”

  “Nope. Told you I could carry you. I’m no weakling.”

  “You’ll hurt yourself.”

  “Only if I fall over your dog. Move it, Winnie.”

  With a chorus of shrill barks, the excited animal jumped and danced around his feet. Hannah pressed her free hand to her lips to keep from laughing out loud as he tried to avoid stepping on her dog. Huffing a little, he finally reached the bedroom, gave Winnie a gentle shove with his foot then slammed the door. A few token yips sounded before toenails clicked against the hardwood floor.

  “Success.”

  Tripp crossed the room to lower her onto an emerald green comforter the exact color of his eyes. As he followed her down and cradled her in his arms, a little shiver slid through her. Anticipation? Fear? Maybe a little of both. Not that she was afraid of Tripp—only of disappointing him.

  “About damn time.” He reached over to flip on the bedside lamp then stroked a strand of hair off her cheek. “I thought we’d never make it in here.” Those long lashes lowered as he gave her a lazy smile.

  Her stomach quivered with nerves. “Not so slow. Seems to me we went from agreeing to date to stretched out on your bed faster than a racehorse galloping down the homestretch.”

  “Only because I have no self-control when I’m around you.” One large, warm hand curved over her rib cage, fingers splayed to brush the undersides of her breasts through the thin T-shirt. “Besides, we’ve been hanging out together for weeks now. And I’m not even counting the years we knew each other before I got buried up on the mountain. Any way you want to slice it, we’re long past the getting to know each other stage.”

  She let out a shaky sigh. “I suppose we are.”

  “So will you please stop worrying about everything under the sun”—he paused and gestured toward the silvery light shining through the window—“or in this case, the moon, and simply relax and enjoy?”

  She smiled as some of her tension eased. “I can do that.”

  “Good.”

  He kissed her, slowly, skillfully, making her wonder why she hadn’t gambled on life a whole lot sooner. His hot mouth tasted and teased to send a rush of pure desire straight to her core. Her whole body tensed in anticipation. When he eased her T-shirt over her head then unfastened her bra strap, she closed her eyes and drew in a breath as the scrap of nylon and lace slid away to leave her exposed and vulnerable.

  “God, you’re beautiful.” He cupped her full breasts in his hands before pressing his face against them. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I want you right now.” His lips closed over first one tip then the other, tugging straight to the center of her being.

  With a whimper, she pushed up his shirt and spread her hands across the firm muscles of his back. Skin she’d touched but never savored…until now.

  Levering up from the bed in one quick movement, he yanked off his shirt and tossed it. With another swift jerk, he pulled down his shorts and sent them flying with a kick.

  Hannah’s gaze dropped then skittered away as he reached for the zipper on her jeans. Wide-eyed, she drew in a breath, wondering if he always went commando, barely noticing when the tight denim slid down her legs, taking her panties along for the ride. When he straddled her bare legs, her lips formed a round O as her fascinated gaze dipped again and held.

  Big hands cupped her face, drawing her attention back to his glittering eyes. “We’re going to be perfect together. You’re so beautiful, just looking at you makes me ache.”

  “I can’t believe we’re doing this.” She pressed one palm against the warm, quivering muscles of his stomach. “I’ve thought about what it would be like, but my imagination wasn’t nearly this good.”

  His laughter was low and warm as he lay down and rolled with her, holding her tight in his arms as skin rubbed against skin to create a nearly unbearable friction. His lips caressed the side of her throat before he kissed her, tasting every inch of her mouth, only coming up for air as he slid between her legs.

  “Oh, God, Hannah, I’m going to die if we don’t—”

  “Me, too.” She held on tight, never wanting to let go.

  “Protection,” His voice croaked. One arm stretched to pull open the drawer of the nightstand. He fumbled for a minute, hands pushing between them before he let out a sigh. “Mission accomplished.”

  When his fingers lingered to run up the inside of her thigh, she jerked and let out a muffled yelp against his shoulder. “Tripp…”

  He nodded and pressed into her, filling her. “Oh, God, Hannah.” He stroked deep again and again. “Oh...” A gasp escaped when she squirmed beneath him. “My…” A long groan as she wrapped her legs tighter around his waist. “God!”

  Pleasure exploded inside her, holding her in a magical grip for endless moments. When Tripp collapsed on top of her, taking all her breath, tears squeezed between tightly closed lids as she pressed her face to his neck.

  “That was unbelievable, if a little on the speedy side. I’ve been waiting a long time for you.” He kissed her hair. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded but couldn’t force words past the lump in her throat.

  “Hannah?” He pulled away to tip up her chin then wiped the dampness from her cheeks with his thumb. “Are you crying?”

  “No.” She let out a quaking breath. “Those were tears of awe. I’ve never felt…well…not like that. Not even close. I guess I didn’t know what I was missing.”

  He snorted and choked on a laugh. “Uh, oh. Have I turned you into a sex-crazed maniac?”

  “Probably.” She lay still in his arms to savor the moment.

  “Good.” He squeezed her tight against his chest. “I’m more than happy to take care of all your erotic needs. I won’t even charge for services rendered.”

  She grinned. “Very noble of you.”

  “But I don’t think I’ll be up for a second round until I eat. I’m starving.” He glanced down at her, the teasing light still bright in his eyes. “What about you?”

  “I’d say I burned a few calories. Are you cooking dinner?”

  “Sure.” After dropping a final kiss on her upturned lips, he rolled out of bed then headed into the adjoining bathroom. When he returned a minute later, he stopped by the bed to smile down at her. “I went to the store and stocked up on groceries this morning. How does grilled pork tenderloin with baby red potatoes sound?”

  “Excellent.” She wrapped the comforter around her when his gaze heated. “Are you planning to get dressed or cook like that?”

  He glanced down then shrugged. “I’ll find my pants.”

  “Tripp?”

  His clear green gaze met hers. “Yes?”

  “Thank you.”

  He reached out to take her hand. “For what?”

  “Convincing me to take a chance.” Her grip tightened around his fingers. “No matter what happens, this was worth it.”

  Chapter 9

  Tripp swooshed to a stop at the bottom of the run, released his bindings, then bent to pick up his skis and lean them against the rack. After removing his helmet, he clumped up the stairs and across the deck to push open the door leading into one of his favorite hangouts. A blast of heat hit him as he scanned the room. When Jake waved from a spot at the long, mahogany bar, Tripp maneuvered through the après-ski crowd to pull up a stool.

  “Good to see you back on the hill.” His buddy took a sip of beer then raised his voice to be heard over the din of conversations. “Are you finally cleared for competition?”

  Tripp grimaced. “Not exactly, but I snuck away t
o get in a few runs. Hanging around the house twenty-four seven is killing me.”

  “I bet. Does your doctor have you on restricted activity? Isn’t your shoulder damn near healed by now?”

  “It’s getting there, but Hannah doesn’t want me to stress the injury too soon.” He caught the bartender’s eye and pointed toward the tap then turned back to Jake. “We’re headed to Wyoming next week for more filming on the latest Extreme High movie. Apparently, the original footage was shit.”

  “We?”

  “Hannah’s going with me to keep up my therapy.”

  One dark blond eyebrow rose. “Is that the only thing she’s keeping up? The woman is seriously hot in a girl-next-door sort of way. Not your usual style, but definitely doable.”

  Tripp gritted his teeth. “Watch your mouth. She’s not a groupie, for Christ’s sake.”

  Jake lifted both hands. “Sorry. No disrespect intended. When I met her, she seemed…nice.”

  “She is, but she’s keeping me on a short leash when it comes to anything physically taxing. I know it’s for my own good, but…”

  “I’d lose my freaking mind.” His buddy thumped down his empty mug. When the bartender returned to slide a frosted glass across the bar toward Tripp, Jake requested a refill.

  Tripp picked up his beer. “Anything new and exciting on the race circuit?”

  “Honestly, it’s been pretty damn quiet without you around.” Jake glanced past him and smiled. “Hey, Frank, how’s it going?”

  “Shitty. Really, really shitty.”

  Tripp turned as a big man wearing a ski patrol uniform dropped onto the empty stool next to him. Lines of stress were etched across his forehead above sober brown eyes.

  “Sorry to hear that, dude.” Jake scooped up a few pretzels from the bowl on the bar. “Tripp, do you know Frank Cronk? He’s senior ski patrol here on the mountain. Frank, Tripp Wilde, my good friend and major competition when he’s healthy.”

  Tripp held out a hand. “You look familiar. I’m sure I’ve seen you around.”

  The man gripped his palm in a firm shake. “Good to meet you. After the afternoon we had, I’m not at my best. Honestly, all I want to do is get drunk.” He glanced up at the bartender when he delivered Jake’s beer. “Scotch, neat.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Jake lifted his mug. “What happened? Did some tourist slam into a tree and kill himself? I didn’t hear a medivac chopper.”

  Cronk rubbed his temples. “Someone died, all right, but it wasn’t today. We found what was left of a woman in an out-of-bounds ravine. Looked like coyotes had been at the body.” He shuddered then grabbed the short glass the bartender set in front of him. “Thanks.”

  Tripp frowned. “Did they identify the remains?”

  Cronk glanced up from his drink. “They’ll probably have to use dental records. Hey, don’t spread this around until a formal press release is issued. I should have kept my mouth shut.”

  “I can be discreet.” Jake took a sip of his beer. “Were you the one who found the body?”

  The patrolman shook his head. “I was second on the scene. If…never mind.” He swallowed half the scotch. “I’ve seen some ugly stuff in my line of work, but this was by far the worst. Makes me wish I’d stuck it out in law school.”

  “Dude, I can’t see you as a lawyer.” Jake leaned an elbow on the bar. “Maybe as an innkeeper. Didn’t you try to buy an old bed and breakfast a few years back?”

  Cronk downed the last of his drink and signaled for another. “Yeah, my wife really wanted that place. Instead, I got screwed out of the deal and wound up divorced six months later. Looks like I’m destined to be a lifer on the mountain.”

  “There are worse places to work.” When his cell vibrated, Tripp pulled the phone out of his pocket to glance at the display. Hannah. He let the call go to voicemail, finished his beer then dropped a twenty on the bar. “I have to go, but this round is on me. I hope your day improves, Frank.”

  “Thanks. It couldn’t get much worse.”

  He laid a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Good to see you. If I don’t run into you again before I leave town next week, I’ll catch up with you in Colorado for the Big Air Championship.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Take care of yourself.” He grinned. “Oops, I forgot. You have a woman to do that for you, now.”

  “Smartass.”

  Tripp edged through the crowd in the direction of the door. Jostled from behind, he bumped into a tall man wearing black ski pants and a navy turtleneck. “Excuse me.”

  “No problem.” The guy turned. Blue eyes glinted beneath pale blond hair cut short. “Hey, Tripp, I hear you’re headed to Wyoming next week. I thought Zeke and I would be doing the retakes on the film without you.”

  “Hey, yourself.” Tripp gripped the hand Laird Johansen held out. “No, my shoulder’s probably at ninety percent now, good enough to use. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

  “Good to hear. I guess I’ll see you at Jackson Hole.”

  “You bet.” Tripp left the bar, collected his gear then headed toward the parking lot. When he reached his truck, he changed out of his ski boots into a pair of Sorels then pulled out his phone to play Hannah’s message.

  I know we didn’t have plans, but I was wondering if you’d like to come over for dinner. It’s fine if you’re busy. Bye.

  He closed his eyes and blew out a breath. Her voice sounded so hesitant and un-Hannah-like. When she was in work mode, she was all fire and strength. When it came to their personal relationship, her lack of self-confidence was palpable. Which was crazy since she was beautiful and smart and funny…way too good for the likes of him. Any man would be lucky to date her.

  He returned her call and waited for her to pick up.

  “Hey, did you get my message?” Her voice was slightly breathless.

  “I did, and I’d love to come over for dinner. I need to go home to shower first, though.”

  “Not a problem. I’m at the store right now. What are you in the mood for?”

  “I’m not picky, but spicy sounds good.” Tripp leaned on the steering wheel then frowned when a man in a blue jacket walked past. Something about him seemed familiar…

  Head down, the guy spoke rapidly into his cell. “Bad luck for sure, but there’s no reason to panic. I…” His voice faded before he stopped at a white van in the row ahead.

  “Spicy, huh? How about tacos?”

  “Sure.” He straightened and stared. “Damn, I think that’s the dude we saw last week.”

  “Excuse me?” Confusion registered in Hannah’s voice.

  “One of the men who was in the parking lot the evening the skier fell off the chairlift just walked past. Same blue jacket, and I remember the beard.” Tripp stiffened. “Holy shit, I wonder if the body they found was—”

  “What body?” Her voice rose. “What are you talking about?”

  “I have to go. I’ll explain when I see you.”

  “Tripp, you’re freaking me out a little—”

  He disconnected then dropped the phone on the seat and started his engine as the van pulled out of its spot. He backed up then headed between the rows of cars but slammed on his brakes as a small boy darted out from behind an SUV. When the kid’s father reached out to grab him, the boy dropped his skis. The man shot Tripp an apologetic glance and bent to pick up the equipment. By the time they moved out of the way, the van was nearing the far end of the lot.

  “Shit.” Tripp picked up speed, bouncing through ruts and over snowy bumps. He pounded his fist on the dash as he waited to merge into the ski traffic exiting the valley. “Son of a bitch!”

  Forcing his way out onto the road, he ignored the irate honk from the pickup he’d cut off and gritted his teeth as the line of cars wound slowly through the valley. Nearing the highway several minutes later, the white van, maybe fifteen cars ahead of him, moved into the right-hand turn lane. His quarry was headed toward Taho
e City not Truckee.

  “About freaking time I caught a break!” He merged right then swore when the light changed to further stall his progress. “Double shit!” Letting out a long breath, he scooped up his phone and dialed Hannah.

  “Tripp, what’s going on?” Her voice held a hint of irritation. “You hung up on me.”

  “Sorry about that. I don’t suppose you’re still at the store?”

  “I’m loading the groceries into my car now. Why?”

  “I’m tailing the guy in the blue jacket, but I’m afraid I’ll lose him. He got a jump on me, and traffic was fairly thick getting out of Squaw.”

  “You went skiing?” her voice rose. “Damn it, Tripp—”

  “You can yell at me later.” He edged onto the main road and peered through the gathering dusk, but the van was too far ahead to see. “He’s driving the same white van as before, but I must be a good two dozen cars behind him. I may not be close enough to see which way he turns when he reaches town. Can you hang out at the west end of the parking lot to watch for him? He’ll have to drive right past you either direction he goes.”

  “I guess so. What do you want me to do once he gets here?”

  “Follow him then call me. Hopefully I’ll catch up to you before he parks somewhere and disappears.”

  “Fine, but I’m not sure what you hope to accomplish by chasing this guy.” A door slammed. “Any idea how long before he’ll get here?”

  “I’m nearing the road to Alpine Meadows now, so he should be there in four or five minutes depending on how fast traffic moves.”

  “Okay. Crap, Luther just got out of his Hummer, and he’s spotted me. He’ll expect me to say hello. I’ll call you back once I see the van.”

  “Fine. Just don’t do anything risky. If this guy was involved in a murder…Hannah?” He dropped the phone on the seat and gripped the wheel a little tighter. “I can’t believe she hung up on me!”

  As night settled in, he accelerated when the traffic thinned. Could it be a coincidence he and Hannah had seen someone fall off a chairlift, and then a week later a body materialized?