“You surprise me, Callahan.” Kat gave him a long, considering look. “I never would have thought you’d be a mushy type of lover.”
“Never have been,” he answered. “But I did a lot of thinking about what you said last night. I’ve never been able to look at the affair from my mother’s point of view. Now I have, and for that I thank you.” His mouth lowered to hers. “Enough talking.”
Kat’s toes curled at the now familiar taste of his mouth. He pulled her over his body so that she straddled him without breaking their passionate kiss. She sighed with pleasure as his hands gently fondled her breasts, paying special attention to her nipples.
His hands slid lower to her taut stomach, his thumb finding her clitoris. Kat reared as if she’d stuck her finger in an electrical socket. Jude moaned and cupped her bottom, lifting her onto his erection. She tried to push herself down onto him, but he wouldn’t allow it. He entered her a little at a time.
He kept this rhythm, inch by inch, until he was totally imbedded. Kat nipped his shoulder, making small whimpering noises in her throat. Jude grabbed her hips and moved her back and forth in synchronization with the rocking his own body. Kat started the climb to the familiar peak. He moved her hips faster and faster until she cried out her release. This time he joined her.
They remained for a long while draped around one another, a tangle of arms and legs, their hearts pounding. “I’ve got to get up.” He kissed her forehead and headed towards the bathroom.
Basking in the aftermath of their lovemaking, Kat giggled when Jude uttered an expletive she had yet to hear him use. The generator was off so the water was probably cold.
“I’ll go turn it on,” she called out. Before she sat up, he strode back into the bedroom buck naked, a horrified look on his face.
“Where are you in your cycle?” he demanded.
What happened to her tender lover? “What?”
“Your menstrual cycle.”
Oh yes, her lover was definitely agitated. She didn’t care for the tone of his voice. “None of your damn business.”
“Look Kat, this is serious. It broke.” At her blank look, he spoke slow, enunciating each word as if talking to someone who didn’t speak English. “The condom ripped.”
“Oh.” Kat’s fingers drew circles on the sheet while she mentally calculated her last period. Her periods had never been regular. “The week before I came home from Iraq.”
Jude rolled his eyes. “Great. Just freaking great.”
“Look here, Callahan.” Her eyes narrowed, and she knelt on the bed. “Don’t get all hot and bothered about it. It’s not your problem.”
“What do you mean it’s not my problem?” He reached over and cupped her chin. “This was a joint venture if I remember correctly.”
She softened her voice. “I’ve never been regular, so don’t panic because the timing seems bad.”
“God,” Jude turned away, running his hands through his hair. “I knew this was a mistake. It changes everything.”
“What do you mean? How does it change anything?”
“Kat, there’s something between us. We both know it. Now we’ve made love, and there’s no turning back. I’m not just looking for a roll in the hay with you. I want to explore a future together. A baby will complicate things.”
“Why you egotistical, bone-headed idiot.” Kat came at him naked. “What do you mean, we have enough problems? We had sex, we didn’t get married, you know.”
Jude backed up, holding out his arms to ward her off. “I didn’t mean to imply…”
“What are you doing then?” Kat challenged. “Because we made love, you think you have a responsibility to have a relationship with me?”
Tears threatened to fall, making her even madder. How had something so beautiful turned so ugly? “For God sakes, go put some clothes on.” Kat turned away, searching for her own. She bent over to pick up her cut-offs. The air was knocked out of her when Jude picked her up and tossed her back on the bed, coming down on top of her.
“Oh no, you don’t, Jane. You’re not shutting me out.” Kat glared at him, ignoring the anger in his eyes. “We’re beyond that point. Look me straight in the eye and tell me that what happened between us meant nothing more to you than a simple romp in bed.”
Kat turned to mush. Desire stirred between her legs. “I’m not saying that, but…”
“But nothing,” he interrupted her. “I’m not a ‘slam bam thank you ma’am’ type of guy.”
Then it’s hi! hi! hey!
The Army’s on its way,
Count off the cadence loud and strong:
For where’er we go, you will always know
that the Army goes rolling along.
They both stiffened at someone singing an old Army song from out on the lake.
Chapter 6
“What the —.?” Jude swung his long legs off the bed and looked out the window.
“It’s Cody Starks. I’d recognize his singing anywhere.” Kat jumped out of bed and scrambled around the room, looking for her clothes.
Jude watched her mouth curve into a huge smile. She pulled on cut-off jeans, not bothering with underwear. “Who’s Cody Starks?” He was irritated and didn’t know why.
Kat grabbed a T-shirt and pulled it over head. “A friend of mine. Army Special Ops. We were in Iraq together. Get dressed and come down and meet him.” She ran over to him, stood on tiptoe and brushed his mouth with lips light as a feather. He reached out to hug her, but she slipped away and hurried down the stairs.
Jude hunted for his clothes, finally finding them under the bed. Jesus. People coming, people going. This place was getting worse than Grand Central Station. In his haste, his fingers fumbled with the zipper of his jeans. He yanked on a T-shirt and hurried back to the window, anxious to see this friend of Kat’s.
A green canoe glided through the calm water, coming to rest next to the dock. His mouth dropped open. Kat’s African-American friend was larger than a professional linebacker. Despite his size, he handled a canoe as if he were born in it. “Figures,” he muttered under his breath.
He hurried downstairs and stepped onto the porch in time to see Kat launch herself into the giant’s open arms. An invisible fist punched him in the gut. Jesus Christ. He was jealous. Could things get any more complicated? Until now, he’d led a straightforward, simple life. But since the moment he set foot on this damn lake, his life turned topsy-turvy.
“Hey, Half-Pint.”
“Cody! What a great surprise. Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”
“Didn’t know myself till the last minute.”
Their voices carried to the porch. Jude zeroed in on Cody’s hands holding Kat by her bottom while she wrapped her legs around his waist. The hard knot in Jude’s stomach tightened. Time for action.
He jumped off the porch and walked toward them. “Hey, Kat!”
Cody’s head jerked toward him. Despite the hostile look sent his way, Jude moved forward. Kat loosened her legs, sliding down Cody’s body, until her feet touched the wharf. Before Jude reached the couple, Cody bent his head. Kat appeared to be whispering in his ear. Now what was she was up to? Jude kept walking, ignoring the downright scary look Cody shot his way.
He stopped at the end of the lawn and waited. Cody shrugged and reached into his pocket, taking out his wallet. Puzzled, Jude watched Cody remove something and hand it to Kat, giving him the evil eye. What in blue blazes was going on?
The pain in Jude’s stomach intensified when he recognized the small square package Kat held in her hand. Condoms. Freaking condoms. Holy shit. This couldn’t be happening. Was she crazy?
“Come meet Jude.” Kat pulled Cody along by the arm, her smile of happiness firmly in place.
“Glad to meet you.” Jude held out a hand in greeting. Cody ignored it. The look in his dark eyes didn’t bode well for instant bonding.
“Kat, go in the lodge,” Cody’s voice was soft….too damn soft to Jude’s ears. “Lover boy
and I need to have a little chat.”
Kat pulled herself up to her full five feet, hands on her hips. “I swear to God, Cody, I won’t tolerate any interference. I’m well past the age of consent, and I don’t want any advice or lectures from you. And neither does Jude.”
Jude covered his mouth and coughed, trying to hide his smile. She looked quite ferocious, her small chin jutting out in defiance.
Kat turned on her heel and started toward the lodge, before looking back. “When the two of you are through circling each other like a couple of pit bulls, come in for breakfast.” Her smile never reached her eyes. “Watch Red. He’ll show you how it’s done. The more trees you pee on, the bigger your territory.” She slammed the door on her way into the lodge.
Jude and Cody eyeballed one another for a few seconds before Cody burst out laughing. “She’s right, man,” Cody admitted. “Guess I came across as territorial.” He offered his hand.
Jude’s hand disappeared in Cody’s as they shook.
“I think the world of Kat,” Cody continued. “She’s like a sister to me, and I won’t stand for anyone hurting her. Do I make myself clear?”
“As a bell,” Jude replied, keeping his cool. “Kat’s a big girl who can take care of herself. Don’t you agree?”
“Depends.” Cody leaned against one of the big birch trees on the lawn. “She’s fearless when it comes to protecting other people. Never gives a thought to her own safety. She’s saved my sorry ass a few times…”
“But?” Jude prompted.
“When it comes to emotions, she’s vulnerable as a sixteen-year-old.”
Jude considered Cody’s words. “Her self-esteem could use a boost. I’ve wondered if it’s because of her sister.”
Cody hesitated as if weighing his words. Jude admired his reluctance to divulge information about Kat’s life. “We spent a lot of hours talking in Iraq. I don’t think anyone, including her family, ever accepted her for who she is. Her parents tolerated her being a tomboy when she was a kid, but as she grew older, they expected her to change…to be more like her sister.”
Cody reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a stick of gum, took off the wrapper and popped it in his mouth. “Somewhere along the line, Kat decided men weren’t interested in her because she wasn’t feminine enough. Had her grandmother lived longer, I think things would have been different.”
Cody’s eyes narrowed. “Hurt her, and I’ll track you down. Got it?”
“I hear you.” Jude straightened to his full height, feeling foolish, considering Cody’s size. “For the record, I care about her.”
“How long have you known her? Where the hell did you two meet?”
A trickle of sweat trickled between Jude’s shoulder blades and continued down his spine. “Yesterday morning.”
“What?” The words exploded from Cody’s mouth. “You’ve only known her for twenty-four hours, and you slept with her? Why you…” With expertise, Jude sidestepped Cody’s punch.
“Hold on, now.” Jude lifted his hands. “It’s a long story. Best told in Kat’s presence. Let’s just say we’ve formed a strong bond in a short time.”
The aroma of bacon drifted from the kitchen, making Jude’s mouth water. “Let’s go eat. Kat can explain.”
*****
“Did you boys work out your differences?” Kat asked as they came through the door. Several times she’d beat down the temptation to eavesdrop on their conversation. “You two set the table.”
“Where are the plates?” Cody moved into the kitchen. Positioning himself behind Kat, he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “You’ve only known this guy for a day? What the hell is wrong with you, Half-Pint?”
“Plates are in the second cupboard to the right of the sink. And it’s none of your damn business,” she whispered back at him.
“I’ll get the glasses,” Jude offered. “Where’s the silverware?”
“In the drawer to the right of me.” Kat moved over. A thrill jolted her when his hand brushed her hip. One look at his face told her the touch hadn’t been accidental. She’d never met anyone with eyes that changed color with their mood. Right now they were dark amber.
“Is it a habit of yours not to wear underwear?” His fingers gently pinched her left buttock.
“What?” she squeaked.
The twinkle in his eyes took her breath away. “You heard me.”
“I thought breakfast was ready,” Cody growled from the table, breaking the electric connection between them. “I’m hungry. And I’m anxious to hear the story about how you two met.”
Kat placed the food on the table and while they ate she filled Cody in on the recent happenings.
“Holy shit!” Cody was shocked. “And I came here for some R&R. Looks as if I should have stuck to my original plan to go to New York City.”
“What changed your mind?” Kat flashed him an inquiring look.
Cody shook his head. “Damned if I know. Woke up in the morning and felt compelled to come see you.”
“Interesting,” Kat murmured. “How’s Davey?” At nineteen, Davey was the youngest soldier in her unit. A sandy-haired kid from Texas, everyone loved him, especially, the Iraqi children. They swarmed around him, looking for gum or candy.
Cody’s gaze lowered to his plate, and she knew. No. Please God no. Not Davey. Tears gathered in her eyes, blurring her vision.
“Sorry, Half Pint. I know you loved him.” His large hand reached over and covered hers.
She drew a large amount of air into her lungs and wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. “What happened?”
“Our convoy was ambushed. We had the situation under control, but a toddler spied Davey and came running toward our Humvee. Davey jumped out of the vehicle and the enemy opened fire again. He threw himself on the child.”
“And the child?” She couldn’t bear Davey dying for nothing.
“He’s fine.”
“That’s good.” Kat withdrew into herself.
Cody broke the silence. “Let me know if I’ve got this straight, Half-Pint. Your parents were murdered. Someone in a plane shot at you with an automatic weapon. Two men crept out of the woods and disappeared into a helicopter. Lover boy here, who happens to be an FBI agent, shows up the next day and informs you that your father and a Vietnam sidekick stole some precious stones about thirty years ago. Right so far?”
Hearing Cody relate the facts, Kat realized how bizarre the entire story sounded.
“That’s right.”
“And yesterday, Willie Card showed up, demanding you to tell him where the rocks are hidden, and you broke his arm with a poker. Now that I don’t have a problem believing.”
“It’s all true,” Jude interjected. “The question is where we go from here?”
“You’re the FBI agent, you tell us.” Cody sat forward, resting his elbows on the table.
Kat directed a heated gaze at Cody. “Look. We’ve told you the truth. We either work together, or we don’t. You’re free to leave. Your choice. No one’s forcing you to stay and help.
“Sorry, Kat,” Cody replied, looking sheepish. “Of course, I want to help. It’s just…”
“You can’t get past Jude and I sleeping together as soon as we met.” Kat finished the sentence for him, pinning him down with her eyes.
“Something like that,” Cody muttered, looking away from her.
“Get over it, Cody and focus on what’s important here. Life is fragile. You of all people should know that. Especially, after Davey–” Kat stood, pushed her chair back and began gathering the dirty dishes.
“Kat, we’ll clean up. You want to wash or wipe?” Jude asked Cody.
Kat sat on the porch, sipping her coffee, while the men did the dishes. The news about Davey had hit her hard. Now she understood about the nightmares. Her subconscious must have known. As an officer, she knew better than to get attached to her soldiers. Her friendship with Davey and Cody had been her saving grace in Iraq. The three of them were be
st of friends. She leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. She needed to push the thoughts of death away. There’d been too much of it in her life.
Instead, she’d concentrate on Jude Callahan. Since he’d entered her life, she’d discovered a part of herself she wasn’t aware existed. His smiles made her weak in the knees. His touch turned her to mush.
A week ago, she would’ve been as shocked as Cody that she’d slept with a stranger. She needed to come to terms with the many internal changes going on, but it would have to wait while she dealt with solving the mystery of her parent’s death and the missing gem stones.
The deep ‘croak’ of a raven interrupted her thoughts. She watched the single raven flying overhead and wondered if it was the same one she’d seen yesterday.
Remember how ravens love to steal bright shiny objects, Marunga?
Kat jerked upright. “I remember, Grandmother. What are you telling me? The ravens carried the gems away?” She received no answer, but hadn’t really expected one.
“Talking to yourself?” Jude inquired as he and Cody came out the door.
“Yeah, it’s a bad habit of mine.”
“Cody agrees with our military theory.”
Kat nodded toward some chairs. “Sit down. Let’s talk about it.”
Cody lowered his body into a chair. “There’re plenty of jobs for recently discharged military personnel. Unfortunately, many are illegal, but it’s good money and flavored with danger. Pick up a Soldier of Fortune magazine, or go to SoldiersforHire.com., and you’ll see what I mean.” He took a sip of his coffee. “Simply put, they’re modern day mercenaries. From what you’ve both said, it sounds as if that could be what we’re dealing with here.”
“Makes sense to me,” Jude joined the conversation. “What could they be up to? My gut tells me it has nothing to do with the gems.”
“I think you’re right.” Kat reached down to pat Red, sitting at her feet waiting for attention. “What’s our next move?”
Cody shrugged. “Rather than sit here like ducks on the water, I suggest we take the offense and do some scouting.”
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