by Susan Stoker
He fisted his hands and released them. “The door was locked. It took a second to break the glass.”
Kendra’s eyes widened as she opened her mouth, but Wade stepped up to her and pulled her against his side. “Thank you. I imagine you’re tired. We’ll take care of the door and Adriana.”
He had no doubt they would. Tipping his hat in acknowledgement, he left the office and headed for his casita, his body relaxing with his stride. He’d been at Poker Flat for four months and didn’t interact much with the rest of the staff, mainly due to his hours, but also because of his preference. It reassured him that the staff rallied around their own. He’d made the right decision to accept a job here.
He strode down the dirt path behind the main building where the staff casitas were. He hadn’t expected to fit in. His old high school buddy had placed him in three other jobs, but he hadn’t been able to adjust, the lack of purpose to the position chafing at him.
Poker Flat was different. The resort needed him. That had been proved the very week he was hired on as security guard. It fit in well with his military police background. Plus, the night hours allowed him to be alone most of the time. The desert was like home after two tours in Afghanistan. The fact that people walked around with no clothes was a bonus—it meant they weren’t hiding any weapons.
Burying his hand in his front pocket, he pulled his key ring out. As he stepped up to the door, he slowed. Someone was there. Covertly, he glanced to his left and right. There, near the corner of the house leading to the patio around back were footprints in the dirt. He palmed his keys to keep them quiet and moved to the side of the little house.
He glanced around the corner of his casita. No one was there. He scanned the ground. The footsteps led to his patio. Without hesitation, he crept toward his sliders.
Fuck, they were open at least an inch. He scanned his interior, but didn’t see anyone inside from his vantage point, which left the entire east side of his living room unseeable. Carefully, he pulled his knife from his back pocket and exchanged it with the keys.
With weapon in hand, he threw open the slider and stepped in.
“You finally came home. I thought your shift ended over an hour ago.”
Adriana sat on the love seat that came with the house. Her long, shapely legs in black cowboy boots, crossed, her short denim shorts frayed at the thighs, making her crotch all that more enticing. Her waist was bare but her substantial breasts were covered with a tight black leather vest zipped halfway up, showing a serious amount of cleavage.
When he raised his gaze, her smirk made promises it shouldn’t and pure animal lust was obvious in her cinnamon-brown eyes.
“Shit, woman. I could have skewered you.” He closed his knife and dropped it in his back pocket, his heart pumping extra hard as it came down fast from the adrenaline rush of catching someone in his place. “How did you get in here?”
Her lips formed an enticing pout. “Welcome to you, too.”
He rubbed his face with one hand and strode to the kitchen. He needed sustenance. Opening the fridge, he grabbed a protein shake and unscrewed the top. As he took a swallow, he forced his body to calm. Between stifling his reflexes and her sex appeal, he was ready to lash out at anything. She was as sexy clothed as she had been naked.
He needed to focus on her face and what she’d been through last night. He brought the bottle down.
“You drink that stuff?” She squinched up her little nose. “I’ve tasted one of those. They’re disgusting.”
He raised the bottle in a toast. “Beats MREs.” He took another swallow. The cool coffee-flavored liquid helped to relax his stomach.
“MR whats?”
He waved her off. “Never mind. What do you need, Adriana? I need to get some sleep.”
Her gaze started at his boots and wandered over every inch of him, making it clear she wanted him. Shit, the woman was a Goddamn seductress.
She shrugged, breaking his concentration and he gulped down the rest of the shake.
“I came to make you breakfast. I thought it was the least I could do.” She stretched her arm out across the back of the love seat, showing a tightly toned arm. “Granted, I’m not Selma, but since I’m guessing you don’t get to eat much of her food either, I figure my skills should be enough.”
He dropped the bottle into the trash. “Thanks, but I’m good. Shouldn’t you be asleep yourself?”
She finally looked away.
Ah, he got it. “Nightmares.”
Her gaze swung back to him, before she waved him off. “Over last night, hardly.”
He shook his head. “No, not about last night.”
Again she broke his gaze. “I just wanted to do something nice for you. I really appreciated your help.”
He moved across the room to the slider and closed it, locking it. There was no sign of forced entry, so why was it unlocked? He turned to face her and found her standing. “How did you get in here?”
She pulled a skinny metal object from her back pocket. “I picked the lock. One of my old clients showed me how. I left it open for the fresh morning air. I love that it’s still crisp. You might want to think about putting in a bar to hold it closed. It’s safer that way.”
He raised his eyebrow. “And do I need a bar here?” He’d found the place to be relatively safe, except for the occasional outside troublemaker and the guests from last night.
She sauntered up to him, leaning toward him as she lay her hand on his shirt. A whiff of sage and fresh linen filled his nostrils, causing his body to come alive against his will.
“Only if you need a bartender. I’m very good at tending bar.”
Her hand felt warm, the first touch of another human he’d experienced beyond a handshake since coming to Poker Flat. That and his catching her when she tripped last night. He still remembered the softness of her skin and an urge to whip off his shirt so he could feel her hand caught him by surprise.
She gazed up at him beneath long black lashes, her eyes filled with erotic promises. “I can mix you up whatever you like. A little of this, a little of that.” She raised herself up on her toes, leaning into him, her breasts just teasing his shirt and her breath wafting across the scruff on his chin. “Or do you like your pleasure as a shot, neat?”
Shot? Shot of alcohol? Fuck no. He stepped away quickly, turning his back on her as he strode to the door. Opening it, he looked at her. “I need sleep.”
Her eyes went from wide with shock to narrowed in calculation within seconds. “Fine, cowboy. If you prefer sleep over pleasure, it’s your choice.” She grabbed up her black straw cowboy hat she’d left sitting on the love seat and sauntered toward him.
Didn’t the woman know how to walk without moving her hips so much?
When she reached him, she stopped. “You know where to find me if you need me.” Then she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
Hunter fought every nerve in his body to keep from responding. He didn’t want his body to come alive. Reminders that he still breathed infuriated him.
When she didn’t get a response, she plopped her hat on her head and scowled, but she didn’t say a word, just shook her head and left.
He closed the door, resisting the urge to rip it off its hinges. Fuck. Now his body was tight with wanting as if it deserved something.
Stalking to the bathroom, he stripped, turned on the cold tap and jumped into the stream of water. “Fuck.”
*
Adriana picked up her pace as soon as the door closed behind her. That cowboy was hiding a boatload of crap and she planned to find out what.
She headed straight for the main building. She had over two hours before her shift and she would put them to good use. It wasn’t as if she could go back to bed. Freaking nightmares. Hunter’s guess was too on the money. She would have been fine except for the blood on the cloth he used.
She moved her back experimentally as she opened the glass door of the “lodge” as she called it. The large one-story structure housed the
reception area and offices, the dining room, kitchen, gathering room with giant stone fireplace and the indoor bar. All the wood, stone and stucco reminded her of a lodge she’d been to in the Sierras when one of her clients paid for a whole weekend of her company. That had been a particularly enjoyable time with a rather hunky client.
As she entered the building, she admitted Hunter’s first aid had left her with just a slight twinge. She had no idea what her back looked like because she’d avoided her three-way mirror. If she was still bleeding, she didn’t want to know.
She didn’t look exactly “western” today which was the work uniform for the resort. All employees had to be dressed while on shift, not that hers started for a few hours yet, but she didn’t plan to change. She’d worn her black leather zip-front halter, frayed jean shorts and black cowboy boots with a black straw cowboy hat. She called it her “biker –western” wear.
What she loved about working at the nudist resort was when she wasn’t on the clock, she could strut around naked all she wanted. It definitely helped to procure invitations into guests’ beds.
She slowed as she sauntered down the hall and into Lacey’s domain. At least the tight black vest she wore would hide any stain. “Morning, Lacey.” She moved to the coffeepot and poured herself a mug. She was wired from last night and her body was on a sexual high she got just from being around Hunter, but she needed something in her stomach.
When she heard no response from Lacey, she turned to look at her. “What’s the problem, hon? Your jaw stuck?”
Lacey snapped her mouth closed and blinked. “What are you doing here this early?”
She shrugged. “Still weirded out. I’m guessing you heard.”
Lacey nodded solemnly then took a step toward her. “I’m so sorry.”
Adriana steeled herself as Lacey gave her a hug. The woman meant well, but the last thing she wanted was sympathy and the pressure on her back reminded her of her cuts.
Lacey finally stepped back. “Are you okay?”
She stuck her hand on her hip. “Don’t I look okay?” She grabbed her earlobe with her other hand. “Don’t you like these hoops?”
Lacey frowned. “That’s not what I meant.”
“I know, honey, but I’m fine.” She chuckled. “You know it takes more than an unruly guest to bother me.”
“I know, but you’ve never needed Hunter before.”
Adriana wiggled her eyebrows. “Speaking of needing Hunter, what’s his story?”
“Him, too?” Lacey threw her hands up. “I thought you didn’t go for the good-boy types.” She moved to the coffeepot and refilled her own cup.
“He’s a good boy? That’s not what my radar is telling me.” Adriana took a seat at the small round table, ready to learn everything she could. “I can’t believe I’m that off.”
Lacey glanced through the doorway that led to the reception desk then took a seat. “Of course he is. He’s a cowboy.”
“Oh, I’ll give you that, but he’s more. Cowboys wear checkered button-down shirts and blue jeans. They don’t wear all black all the time.”
Lacey grinned. “Cole calls him Cash after Johnny Cash.”
“Uh-uh, he’s not a country singer either. Come on, girl. You’ve been around him a lot more than I have.” At least while clothed.
Lacey took a sip of her coffee. “I haven’t really spoken to him much because I work during the day. He’s around more when you and Kendra are. The only time I ran into him at night was when he took away the guy that attacked my casita.” Lacey grasped her cup with both hands. “Heck, I was so shaken up that someone could be so mad at me, I don’t even remember if Hunter said anything. All I know is he appeared out of nowhere and took the guy away after Cole caught him.”
Sounded like Hunter was good at appearing out of nowhere. She leaned back in her chair and held Lacey’s gaze. “But you know a lot more about him because you have his personnel file. Tell me.”
“Come on, Adriana. You know I can’t release that information. Those files are private.”
She didn’t stop staring at Lacey. She wanted to know. It had been four months of watching for the man’s black boots so she could get off. Now he’d broken her faceless fantasy, and being close to him triggered a craving inside that far surpassed her need for sex.
She didn’t question it. She never did. Life was about following cravings. She was convinced they existed to help people enjoy life, if they’d only listen to them.
Lacey shook her head. “No. It’s against policy.” Her stern look crumbled. “I can’t, I’m sorry.”
Adriana looked at her sideways. “I trust you to balance my checkbook for me, but you won’t trust me with a little information?”
Lacey was a sweetheart, but she was also a good girl, though not above manipulating people to get her way on occasion.
“Why don’t you just ask Hunter yourself?”
She snorted. “Because he isn’t exactly the talkative type.”
“There is that.” Lacey took another sip of coffee and her gaze turned shrewd. “Why do you want to know about Hunter? It’s not like you need to know anything about a man before sleeping with him.”
“Sleeping wasn’t what I had in mind.” She winked.
Her friend looked seriously troubled.
“What?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why? Is there something about him I should know? If so, you better tell me.”
Lacey took a sip of coffee before responding. “I just don’t think this is a good match.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to date him. I just want to have sex with him.”
“Oh, I don’t know. It feels…”
“Feels what? Spit it out.”
“I think you should ask Kendra. She interviewed Hunter. She was very thorough in hiring her security guards this time.”
Now that sounded promising. “Fine, if my supposed best friend can’t help me then I guess I have to go over her head.”
Lacey’s face fell. “That’s not fair. You know I want to.”
Adriana winked. “Yeah, I do. Just had to give you a hard time for stonewalling me.”
“I’m not—”
She laughed. “You’re too easy, hon.”
Lacey leaned back and checked the reception desk. “Oh, someone just came in.” She stood, coffee mug in hand. “I have to go. Are we good?”
She nodded. “We’re good. Go. Make someone happy.”
“That’s my job.” Lacey beat a quick exit.
“And you do it so well, sweetie.” Adriana took her half-finished coffee with her and meandered her way into Kendra’s office. It was empty, but since the door was open, it meant her boss would be back.
She sat in the chair opposite Kendra’s desk. A file cabinet tucked into a corner caught her eye. Only important papers would be in Kendra’s office…like personnel files? She looked toward the door and listened for footsteps. All was quiet except for a muted conversation between Lacey and their new guest. What could it hurt?
She started to rise than flopped back into the chair. She’d be out on her ass in about ten minutes if she was caught. Since when was she willing to risk her job over a man? Hell, Adriana, get a grip on yourself.
Kendra was all about giving her staff a second chance by hiring them, but she refused to offer a third chance. Old Billy, the former wagon and golf cart driver, was proof of that. He’d been a functioning alcoholic until he wasn’t anymore and then he got the axe. Yeah, it was a bit more than that, but the fact remained, Kendra wouldn’t bend on the subject of another chance.
Adriana sighed. She had a good gig here. She wasn’t going to lose it because of her curiosity over a—
Footsteps coming down the hall convinced her she’d made the right decision. When they stopped at the doorway, she let her head fall back. “Hey.”
Kendra came in carrying a clipboard and placed it on her desk before sitting on the edge of it. “Are you okay?�
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She held the coffee cup up. “Good enough. Got my caffeine.”
“No, I mean how did they hurt you? Hunter said things got carried away.”
That was one way of putting it. “Yeah, they did a little, but he showed up just in time.”
Kendra shook her head. “He may have showed up, but he said he had to bust through the slider. That’s heavy-duty glass rated to stand up to haboobs. It couldn’t have shattered very quickly.”
“So that’s why it looked like sections of a giant spider web. Actually, he broke that sucker pretty damn fast.”
Kendra crossed her arms. “Spill.”
Adriana looked at the open door. Lacey might love sexy lingerie, but she didn’t need to hear this.
Her boss caught the hint and moved to close the door. Then she sat in the other chair in front of her desk. “Okay. What happened?”
Adriana explained the final scene only. No need for Kendra to know everything that led up to the whipping.
Of course, Kendra didn’t show any emotion at first. Adriana had noticed that when her boss was angry, upset, or frustrated, her poker mask reappeared. At least she’d become good at showing her emotions when she was excited, happy, or having fun. That and when she looked at Wade. It was strange seeing tough Kendra looking all googly-eyed at her man.
Finally, the emotion revealed itself and it wasn’t pretty. Kendra was spittin’ mad.
“Show me.”
“What?”
“I want to see what damage was done.”
Adriana shifted in her chair. She didn’t care about stripping, but what if her cuts had seeped into her vest? Only one way to find out. If they stuck, she’d know, plus the leather vest was black. There’d be no blood stains even if she did look at it. “I didn’t know you were that kind of girl.” She smirked.
“Nice try. Now stand up, turn around and take off your top.”
Adriana smiled as she rose. “You wouldn’t believe the number of times I’ve heard those exact words. They trigger my horny side.”
“Adriana, you don’t have another side. Now stop stalling.”
She barked a laugh at her boss and turned her back. Unzipping the vest completely in half, she let it drop down, but held it in her hands.