Wilde Thing

by Jannine Gallant

  “I remember, but I thought maybe I was just special.”

  A smile formed at his disgruntled tone. “You’re special, all right.”

  He raised a hand. “Stop right there before that pseudo-compliment turns into something else.” Carrying the rest of the groceries, he led the way up the walk, unlocked the door and held it open for her. “This place isn’t too bad. There’s a gym and a Jacuzzi in the communal area we can make use of later.”

  She gave him a long look. “If I don’t send you out to the hot tub first, all should be well. Move it, Winnie.” Walking through to the kitchen, she set the bags on the counter.

  His slow smile curled her toes in her sneakers as he stepped up beside her to drop his load then took her in his arms. “Don’t worry. I’m smart enough not to make the same mistake twice.”

  “Good to know.” Her voice was slightly breathless. “I’ll make sandwiches while you put the rest of the groceries away.”

  He tightened the arm around her waist and bent to kiss her. “Teamwork. I could get used to this.”

  Warmth flowed through her, anticipation for the future instead of worry about what might happen. She was definitely making progress. Letting out a breath, she turned into his arms and kissed him back. “You know what? I could get used to this, too.”

  An hour later, they rode rental bikes along the American River Parkway. Hannah pedaled hard to keep up with Tripp, who couldn’t seem to do anything sports-related unless he was going at top speed. He zipped around pedestrians and every now and then glanced over his shoulder to make sure she was still behind him.

  “This was a great idea,” he called. “I haven’t been on a bike in months, not since it started snowing last October. Riding on a paved path isn’t exactly as challenging as mountain biking, but it’s still fun.”

  Hannah wasn’t going to admit she hadn’t been on a bike in years. For her, the challenge was to not run into anyone while keeping up with Tripp. “I’m just glad we’re outside since it’s such a beautiful afternoon.” Her voice was breathless as she pedaled faster.

  “A run this morning and now a bike ride.” He glanced over when she pulled parallel to him then waved toward the river. “I could go for a swim when we’re finished if I want to make it a three-sport day.”

  “Are you kidding? The water in the river is coming off snowmelt. It would be freezing!” She shuddered. “Water scares me a little. I fell in a pool when I was little and nearly drowned, so I’ve never been a big fan.”

  “Then definitely no swimming.” A slow smile lit his eyes. “How about sex? Does that count as a sport?”

  “I guess if you put a lot of effort into it.”

  “You know I will.” Heat filled his gaze. “Maybe we should take a break from riding and practice for the main event later.”

  “On a public path?” Hannah shook her head, and her helmet slipped down over her eyes. She pushed it up. “We’d get arrested.”

  “Well, we could sit by the water and make out. Wanna?”

  She couldn’t help smiling at the little-boy eagerness in his tone. Yes she wanted to. Tripp had a way of making the most out of every moment that she could only hope to emulate. He took the old adage about living life to the fullest to a whole new level.

  “Why not?” Her tone held a touch of bravado. “Those trees over there look like a good spot to sit.”

  “Heck yeah, they do.” With a whoop, he bounced over the uneven terrain leading down to the river and braked to a stop next to a copse of willows. Hopping off, he leaned his bike against a tree. When her front tire hit a fallen branch, and she wobbled precariously, he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her against him as the bike crashed to the ground.

  “Nice save.” She grinned up at him. “I would have skinned something, for sure.”

  “Couldn’t allow that. It might have put a damper on my three-sport day.” Bending, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her thoroughly. When he finally came up for air, his eyes were glowing. “You’re a whole lot of fun to hang out with. Did you know that?”

  “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing about you. You make everything we do entertaining.”

  “As long as we appreciate each other, our relationship will stay strong. Right?”

  “I hope so. I don’t want this to end.”

  “About that. We need to talk.” He pulled back then took her hand to lead her down to the water’s edge.

  When he gestured toward a fallen log, she sat, her heart thumping so hard it hurt. Was this going to be the moment when Tripp told her that as much as he cared, she simply wouldn’t fit into his life? All those old insecurities she thought she’d conquered fought to the forefront.

  “I was going to wait until the lame-ass idiot who’s been stalking us was arrested to say something. I know you feel the pressure, worrying about if or when he’ll make another attempt to shut us up, and I don’t want to add to your stress.” He squeezed her hand. “But I need to clear up a few things now.”

  Hannah couldn’t answer. Her voice stuck in a throat clogged with tears, so she only nodded.

  “It bothered me when you introduced me to Radford as your friend. I don’t know what I expected you to say…” He let out a sigh. “I guess I wanted a little more recognition. I wanted you to somehow claim me.”

  She opened her mouth then had to clear her throat, completely at a loss. “I’m not sure I understand.”

  “Probably because I’m not explaining myself very well.” He turned sideways on the log to face her. “None of the traditional labels seemed appropriate. Lover just sounds awkward. Boyfriend makes me feel like I never left high school. Partner is so businesslike.”

  “This is about calling you my friend?”

  “Yeah.” His eyes darkened. “I want to be a whole lot more than just your friend.”

  “You are. God, I thought…never mind. What would you like me to call you?”

  He ignored her question. “For the last two months, we’ve spent a huge amount of time together, mostly because I was injured, but…” He shrugged. “You have your life, and I have mine. We have separate homes and careers that will probably clash in the future. Dating when it’s convenient for us both isn’t enough for me.”

  Relief washed through her. Tripp wanted more, not less. She sagged against him. “We can work through this. Tell me your thoughts. Since you brought this up, I assume you have something specific in mind.”

  “I spent a lot of time contemplating options while you were working on Radford this morning.” He tucked his arm around her and held her close to his side. “I want to come home to you every night…or have you come home to me.”

  She glanced up, eyes wide. “You want to—”

  “Live together.” He pressed a kiss to her hair. “Would you be willing to move out of your cabin and into my house?”

  She forced down the ridiculous hint of disappointment. Too soon. Thinking he’d been about to propose was crazy. She wasn’t ready for that. Was she? Living together was the obvious next step in their relationship.

  “Makes more sense than you trying to squeeze into my tiny place.” She smiled. “You have a lake view. I could be persuaded. Maybe I could rent out my cabin.”

  “That’s a relief. Your double bed is a tight fit, but I can be flexible in more ways than one.”

  She couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Tripp, the human pretzel.”

  “Sleeping all snuggled up close to you isn’t exactly a chore…which brings me to my next concern. You’re away from home a lot. So am I. That kind of sucks.”

  She stiffened. “I worked hard to get where I’m at in my career. I enjoy my work, and I’m not independently wealthy. If you’re suggesting—”

  “I wouldn’t ask you to quit working…hell no! Just to make a few adjustments.”

  She forced down her gut reaction, which was to tell him to take a flying leap. Apparently all the changes he had in mind were one
s she would have to make. Gritting her teeth, she was a little surprised when her voice came out low and even. “What sort of adjustments?”

  “Ask your clients to come to you instead of you going to them. Isn’t that how the business usually works?”

  “When you have a clinic and take on multiple patients, yes. My approach is more intensive. I get faster results, and my clients pay through the nose for the expertise and individual care I provide. The athletes I work with are used to being accommodated, and they can afford the best.” She fisted her hands on her thighs. “Me.”

  “I was thinking…”

  She was almost afraid to ask. “Sounds ominous.”

  He held on tight when she tried to put some distance between them on the log. “Hear me out.”

  “Fine, I’ll listen, but—”

  “No buts. You’re going to like this. Turn their time in therapy into something of a vacation. Not only do they get the best physical therapist in the business, they enjoy a Lake Tahoe retreat as part of the deal. It’s not like these athletes are working since they’re sidelined with injuries. I’d think a lot of them would jump at the chance to come up to Tahoe to relax and focus on nothing but their recovery.”

  “But—”

  He held up a hand. “Maybe you could work out a deal with one of the hotels or lodges that cater to upper-end clients. Your stepfather is building that new hotel and conference center. Granted, it won’t be open for another couple of years, but he might be interested when it is.”

  Her stomach knotted, and she shook her head. “I don’t want any business involvement with Luther. My mother would go ballistic at the thought.”

  “Okay, not Luther, but I bet you could easily find another hotel owner to work with. They’d reap the benefit of having big-name sports celebrities staying on their property in exchange for giving you a dedicated suite for your clients and maybe comping them some exclusive services. A win-win situation for everyone.”

  Hannah tried to find a flaw with his plan…and failed. She could actually see his idea attracting even more clients if she played up the exclusiveness of the deal. A lot of the athletes she worked with believed the sun rose and set because they existed. Maybe not all her potential clients would be interested, but enough would. And those who weren’t could find someone else to help them heal.

  “A friend of mine owns a bed and breakfast. Small, secluded and gorgeous, and it has killer lake views and beach access. She’s a great cook, and I bet she’d be willing to provide lunches and dinners for guests who wanted them in addition to breakfast. The place has a workout room and a Jacuzzi, which would be perfect for therapy sessions. Privacy and amenities, both. I could approach her about the idea, at any rate.”

  “Now you’re talking.” His eyes filled with hope as he gazed down at her. “So, you’ll think about it?”

  She nodded. “I wouldn’t mind spending more time at home. I enjoy traveling, but it gets old sometimes, especially when I don’t have a break between clients. I can at least give the idea a shot to see if it’ll work.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and hugged tight. “God, I love you. You’re always willing to listen. That’s an amazing quality.”

  “If I hadn’t liked your plan, I would have said so. I hope you know that.”

  “I do. You’re smart and strong and not afraid to tell me when I’m being an idiot.”

  She smiled. “And you aren’t afraid to admit when you’re wrong. Also an admirable quality. Especially in a man.”

  “Ouch.” He gave a pretend wince then smiled. “Still, I’m not done yet. There’s more.”

  Her heart sank a little. “What else do you want me to change?”

  “Not a single thing. My turn. I’m willing to do a lot more of my ski training at home. In the winter, I have to travel for competitions, but I don’t have to spend most of my summer in Chile or New Zealand the way I have in the past.”

  She touched his cheek. “Surely you need to train.”

  “I’m thirty. I only have a few years left at the top of my game. I’m not delusional enough to believe I’ll stay competitive forever. Once my racing days are over, I’ll probably coach. I can do that in Tahoe.”

  “Until then, I take vacations. I could travel with you sometimes, visit exotic places I’ve only read about.”

  His gaze softened. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah. I want to make this work for both of us. I’m happier with you than I’ve ever been with any other man. No contest.” She let out a sigh. “Yes, I worry about having my heart crushed if we can’t make a go of it, but I’m willing to take that risk. I can see how hard you’re trying, and that means everything to me.”

  “You mean everything to me.” Turning, he swung one leg over the log and pulled her up tight against him then bent to press his lips over hers. The kiss started slow and sweet and turned into something filled with promise. Finally, he raised his head. “We can take it one day at a time and build on what we have. There’s no reason to rush, but I’m prepared to do whatever I need to make you happy.”

  “Tripp.”

  He smoothed the hair off her cheek. “What?”

  “I love you.”

  His eyes were bright as he looked into her soul. “I love you, too.”

  Chapter 25

  Tripp dropped Hannah off in front of Russell Radford’s house, pausing for a kiss that lit her eyes with a smile. He would have liked to spend a whole lot longer enjoying both, but she pulled away to reach for the door handle.

  “I’ll pick you up in an hour. Plenty of time to return the rental bikes and take Winnie for a quick walk.”

  “Better make it an hour and a half. We’ve quite a few different exercises to work through.” She slid down from the seat and turned to face him. “Winnie will appreciate a longer walk since we ditched her this afternoon.”

  “Fine. Tell your oversized client to leave the gate unlocked for me. I’ll honk when I’m outside the house.”

  “Sounds good. See you later.”

  His gaze followed her swaying hips encased in form-fitting workout pants as she hurried up the walkway to the front door. When his shorts tightened across his groin, he put the pickup in gear and turned around in the driveway.

  Down, boy.

  They’d have plenty of time for what he had in mind later. With the extra half hour she’d asked for, maybe he’d surprise her by getting dinner started. Amazingly, his first instinct was to please Hannah, not simply put her in a good mood for the evening ahead. Sometimes he could hardly believe how much he cared about this woman. How much just being around her had changed him.

  “Never would have thought it possible.” A smile slipped out.

  Tripp hummed along with a classic Stones tune playing on the radio as he headed into town to return the bikes. On a whim, he swerved through traffic to park in the empty spot in front of a florist shop. Minutes later he was back in the cab with a dozen red roses tied with a gold ribbon lying on the seat beside him.

  Imagining Hannah’s delight, he couldn’t stop smiling.

  With the bikes returned, he drove straight to the condo, carefully lifted the flowers off the seat, and slammed the door behind him. Pointing the key fob, he locked the truck as he hurried across the lot. By the time he reached the path to their unit, Winnie’s shrill barking, muffled behind a closed door, shattered his peaceful mood.

  What the hell is wrong with the mutt?

  “Jesus, Winnie, keep your shirt on. We didn’t leave you forever.” He pulled the unit key from his pocket and pushed it into the lock then nudged the door open, one foot up to keep the dog from escaping.

  A blow to the back of his head knocked him forward. He staggered inside then hit the floor with a bone-jarring thud. Before he could roll to the side, another hard whack sent him spiraling into a black void…

  * * * *

  Something wet touched Tripp’s cheek. His head throbbed in a sickening way as he groaned
and blinked in an effort to focus. A furry face with worried brown eyes wavered in front of him as Winnie took another swipe at his cheek with her tongue and whined. When he tried to move out of her reach, his stomach heaved. He barely got on his hands and knees before puking his guts out on the cold tile floor.

  “Shit.” Dropping down, he rolled onto his back, closed his eyes and fought off another round of nausea. What the hell had happened? He remembered the dog barking, opening the door then…nothing. The way his head pounded, he must have been hit with a two-by-four swung by an angry gorilla. Gritting his teeth, he tried to move again.

  Winnie whined and pawed his chest then barked.

  He let out a moan and pressed a hand to his head. His fingers came away wet and sticky. Slowly opening his eyes, he brought his hand around to look at it. Blood.

  “Goddamn it!” Avoiding the mess on the floor, he carefully levered to a sitting position and cradled his skull then ran his fingers into his hair. A gasp slipped through his lips. “Mother fu…ouch!” Two tender spots, but only one of them appeared to be bleeding.

  Reaching into his shorts pocket, he felt for his phone. Not there. He glanced around the entry, but his cell wasn’t within sight. The keys to his truck were missing, too, along with his wallet. Only the roses he’d picked up for Hannah lay on the floor nearby. They were smashed on one side, as if someone had stepped on them.

  Did some moron freaking rob me?

  Taking shallow breaths through his mouth, he worked up the willpower to push to his feet. Swaying, he leaned against the wall while his head spun. Thank God Hannah hadn’t been with him. At least she was safe, and he still had a little time before she would expect him to pick her up. He could get his head together then report the robbery using her phone.

  Fifteen minutes later, he’d cleaned up the puke and stuck his head under the faucet to wash some of the blood out of his hair. With Winnie staying close to his heels, he headed down the walkway toward the parking lot, thankful he had a hide-a-key in the back of his truck. Rounding the corner, he stopped short. The slot where he’d left his pickup was empty.