by Barb Han
Her chin came up proudly, but to her credit she didn’t say anything.
She was strong and bold. Another reason Caleb’s argument she was just like Cissy didn’t hold up. Damn she was sexy, beautiful and strong. Made him want to kick Matt out and do things to her that would remind her she was all woman and not some errant fugitive destined to die by the hands of some criminal jerk.
“They’ll have to take me out of here in a box. I have no plans to leave my ranch again.” Closure was coming, one way or another, and Caleb regretted the second he realized it also meant their time together would come to an end. He silently pledged to show her just how appealing she was before that happened. “I won’t run anymore.”
“Is that such a good idea?” Matt’s chin jutted out, and he blew out a breath.
Caleb shrugged. “This is my home.”
“I can go. I’ll draw them away from you,” Katherine said, seeming resigned to her fate.
He was touched but not surprised she’d be willing to put herself in more danger for him. Her current situation had come about because she would give her life to protect her nephew. Yet another difference between her and Cissy. Cissy had only thought about herself.
“I don’t mean any disrespect, but she brings up a good point. Maybe if she leaves...”
“It won’t matter. I’m still a person of interest in a murder, remember?”
“How could I forget?” Matt said with a disgusted grunt. His gaze intensified on Katherine.
“Enough,” Caleb barked to his friend. Frustration was getting the best of him. “Did you have a chance to follow up on the mission we discussed?”
“I did.” His face muscles pulled taut. “I called the manager, and asked if I could email him a picture of someone I was looking for. I sent him a photo of Kane from a news article I found. He recognized him right away. Said he came in the coffee shop all the time. Or used to when Leann worked there before the accident.”
“I wonder why a man like him would get involved with my sister.”
“I already know. The manager put one of her coworkers on the line. She was chatty. Said she and Leann used to go climbing together sometimes. She was with her the day of her accident at Enchanted Rock. They all stood by helplessly when she lost her grip and tumbled....”
Matt fixed his gaze on the floor a second before continuing. “The woman said Leann practically dropped out of sight when her old boyfriend showed up a few months ago.”
Katherine gasped. “They dated?”
Caleb closed his hand around hers, looping their fingers together, and offering reassurance so she could hear more. She rewarded him with a weak smile.
“Said they were like two lovebirds. He’d visit her at the coffee shop and drop off presents, flowers.” Matt looked from Katherine to Caleb and back. “She also said he’s Noah’s dad.”
Katherine’s fingers went limp.
“No,” came out on a whisper. “Can’t be.”
“If it’s true, if Kane’s the father, then Noah’s safe,” Caleb reassured her.
“But he’s a monster. Who knows what he’s truly capable of?”
“His company ranks are filled with relatives. I read somewhere that he’s devoted to family. Noah’s his only child. He’d want to keep him close, but he wouldn’t hurt his own son.”
“No. He’d just use him as a weapon against me.” She released a pained sob but gathered herself quickly.
“This is a game changer. Explains why they didn’t kill Noah when they didn’t get the file.” Anger pierced Caleb for not being able to shield her from pain. “The coworker said she was there that day?”
Matt nodded.
“Then we know it was an accident at least.” He turned to Matt. “Wait for me outside?”
“Okay.”
He settled Katherine onto the makeshift bed and pressed kisses to her forehead, her eyelids, her chin. He held back the new thought plaguing him. That Kane would realize she would never be able to produce the file, and kill her.
“I’ll check the area as Matt leaves. Make sure no one followed him.”
Katherine’s chest rose on harsh breaths. She nodded.
“I want to give him the CD. See if he can find anything. What do you think?”
Those tormented violet eyes looked up at him. She hesitated. “If you trust him, then I agree.”
“Good. Try to get some rest. I’ll be right back.”
She gazed up at him, confused, tired. “He can’t be the father. I’ll never see Noah again.”
“Don’t be afraid. When you close your eyes, I want you to picture me. I’ll protect you.” She couldn’t possibly know just how much he meant those words.
Caleb met his friend on the porch and closed the door. “We need to come up with a plan. But first, we’ve had a long couple of days, and we need rest.”
“It’ll be dark soon. You should be all right for tonight. They will figure out where you are eventually. And they’ll come with guns blazing. Make no mistake about it,” Matt said.
“I know.”
“Then what’s the game plan? How do you expect to get out of this alive?”
He could see that his friend was coming from a place of caring. “We’ll be ready for them. Tomorrow morning, I want you to tell the men to stay away. Margaret, too. Tell them not to come back to work for a few days. That should give us enough time to handle things. Also, I want to meet with the marshal. First thing before daylight.” Caleb held out the CD. “And take a look at this. See if you can find a hidden file, or anything that seems suspicious.”
Matt took it and studied the cover for a minute. “What has that woman gotten you into?”
“She didn’t.” Caleb’s jaw muscle tensed. Friend or not, Matt had crossed the line. “Look. My eyes were wide open when I decided to help her. You need to know I plan to see this through no matter what.”
“Why? What is she to you?”
“You don’t get it.” He didn’t have a real answer to that question so he said goodbye, checking to make sure no one was in the woods lurking, waiting to make a move. “Keep things quiet tonight. Set up the meeting in the tack room.”
Matt agreed before disappearing into the thicket.
Caleb moved inside to find Katherine awake, eyes wide open.
“What did you mean when you said you wouldn’t leave the ranch again?”
“Did you get enough to eat? I can open and heat a can of soup.” He changed the subject as he lit a Coleman lantern, allowing the soft flame to illuminate the room as the sun retreated, casting a dark shadow to fill the room.
“I’m fine. But you’re not thinking straight. I won’t let you risk your life for me anymore.”
“We going down that path again?” What Matt said must’ve hurt her feelings. “Matt means well. He doesn’t know what he’s saying.”
“I agree with him. They’ll go easy on you. I’ll tell everyone I shot Ms. Ranker if I have to.” Desperation had the muscles in her face rigid as she stood in front of him, moving closer. A red heat climbed up her neck.
“I can’t let you lie.” He smiled. “Besides, you’re no good at it. And the evidence will clear us.”
Defiance shot from her glare. Her stubborn streak reared its head again. “You don’t get to decide.”
Her gaze was fiery hot. Her body vibrated with intensity as she stalked toward him.
He readied himself for the argument that was sure to come, but she pressed a kiss to his lips instead, shocking the hell out of him. More than his spirits rose.
“There’s been enough fighting for one day. I need something else from you.”
He locked on to her gaze. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“No. Not at all. But I need to do it anyway. I want you. I’ve never w
anted a man more. Do you want me?” She tiptoed up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes darkened, and she was sexy as hell, gazing up at him. A tear fell onto her cheek.
He kissed it away.
“Sorry. I can’t remember the last time I cried.”
“Don’t be.” Caleb knew all about holding in emotion. The way it ate at a person’s gut until it felt as though there was no stomach lining left. He dropped his other hand to the small of her back. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I’m being stupid. How could anyone want someone who practically cries all over them?”
“I think it’s sweet.” Rocking his hips, he pressed his erection against her midsection as he cupped her left breast. Heat shot through his body. “This give you any clue as to the question of whether or not I want you?”
Her face lit up with eagerness, and it nearly did him in. “I need to forget about the danger we’re in and the fact Noah’s been kidnapped, just for a little while.” She snuggled against him, shifting her stance to wrap her arms around his waist.
Her sensuality was going to his head faster than a shot of hard liquor. “Hold on there.”
“What? You don’t think this is a good idea?”
“No. It’s been a while for me. And I want this to last.”
“Either way there’s far too much material between us,” she said, stepping back long enough to shrug out of her shirt.
Sight of the delicately laced bra she wore caused a painful spasm in his groin. The light color an interesting contrast to her golden skin.
A second later her shorts fell to the ground, revealing matching cotton panties. The panties he’d picked out for her. Pink.
She stood there, arms at her sides, allowing him a minute to really look at her. “Do you still want me?”
He swallowed a groan. “You’re beautiful. You’re also determined to end this before it gets started.”
“Not exactly. I want long and slow.” She unhooked her bra and let it drop before shimmying out of her panties.
Caleb ate up the space between them in one quick stride. His thumb grazed her nipple. It pebbled under his touch and a blast of heat strained his erection. His body needed release. He needed to be inside her where she was warm and wet, moving in rhythm with him until they both exploded and she lay melted in his arms. He needed Katherine.
“You want help with those?” She motioned toward his T-shirt and jeans with a teasing smile that stirred his heart.
His shirt came off in one quick motion and joined her clothing on the floor. She didn’t wait for him to unzip his jeans, she was already there, her hands on his zipper. He aided her in their quick removal along with his boxer shorts.
Her eyes widened when they stopped on his full erection. “I want to feel you inside me.”
Caleb nearly lost control right there. He needed to think about something else besides the way her honeyed skin would feel wrapped around him. His passion for her hit heights he’d never known with a woman, and he hadn’t even entered her yet.
He picked her up and placed her on the bed before retrieving a condom from his wallet. His hands shook as he attempted to sheath himself.
“Here. Let me.” She placed it on his tip and rolled her hand down the shaft.
His muscles went so rigid he felt like an overstrung cello. “You’re sexy...and beautiful.”
She lay back, watching him. “Then make love to me.”
Her thighs parted and he positioned himself in the V. In one thrust, he drove inside her warmth. She was so wet, he nearly exploded. Her body fit him perfectly.
“More,” she said through a ragged breath. She gripped his shoulders.
He wanted to make her scream his name a thousand times as he rocketed her toward the ultimate release.
He tensed and struggled to maintain self-control. Not what he was used to. “Not if you want this to last any longer.”
He commanded his hips not to move as she traced her fingers down his arms, then onto his back. Her hands came up and anchored on his shoulders as he lowered his mouth over hers, marking her as his. Her silken lips parted, and his tongue drove into her mouth, tasting her honeylike sweetness.
Her fingers skimmed along his spine, setting little fires everywhere she touched. His skin burned with desire only she could release.
Caleb kissed her hard, claiming her mouth as her tongue moved with his. He lightened the kiss softly, allowing her to be in control and to take whatever she needed from him.
In that moment he belonged to her completely, and for as long as she needed him.
And what did he need?
Every needy grasp of her fingertips...every possessive fleck of her tongue...every blast of heat she sent firing through him....
All of her.
She was every bit the woman capable of unleashing his tightly gripped emotions and sending him soaring.
Her tongue delved into his mouth as her fingernails gripped his bottom and he shuddered inside her.
Tremors moved up and down his spine as he pumped her silky heat.
“Caleb,” she breathed his name.
He pressed his mouth to the soft curve of her right breast, taking her pointed peak inside his mouth. Her moan was like pouring gasoline on the fire inside him.
He pumped harder as his own desire blazed through his veins.
Hold on...not yet...
He wanted her to explode in his arms into a thousand fragments of light.
He covered her lips, swallowing her next moan and delved his tongue as he bucked his hips.
“Oh, Caleb...”
She tensed her muscles around his erection, and he could feel her nearing the edge.
He pumped faster...harder...deeper...needing to find her core and tantalize her until the mounting fire inside her detonated.
He teased her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, causing her back to arch. Her chestnut hair blazed across the pillow, her body moved in rhythm with his. Her hips wriggled him deeper inside until he thought he might lose all control. She was on the edge, and he felt it.
Her muscles convulsed, and he thrust deeper, again and again, until he felt her completely come undone in his arms. Only then did he allow himself to think about his own release.
Her tight muscles squeezed around his erection and his body reacted, shivering and quaking. In a sensual burst, he let go. Thundered.
In that instant, there was no Caleb or Katherine. They existed together...as the same person...in one body....
She felt so right in his arms. Would she stay?
Until tomorrow, a little voice said.
Pain gripped him. He couldn’t contain his growing feelings for her. This would be over soon. She would be gone. He most likely would never see her again.
Chapter Twelve
The now familiar sounds of the woods, crickets chirping and insects’ wings buzzing, broke through the silence in the room. Katherine’s sensitized body tingled as Caleb’s warm breath moved across her skin. He’d pulled her in tight against him.
Her rapid breathing eventually eased, becoming slow and steady as it found an even tempo. Her heart beat in perfect harmony with his. Everything about the two of them fit together so perfectly. It was so easy to be with Caleb. Being naked with him felt like the most natural thing in the world. She had no insecurities about her body as she lay there. They were like links in a fence, their bond strengthening the whole.
A dumbstruck thought hit her. Their feelings didn’t matter anymore. She had Noah to think about. Or did she? She had no idea if he was hurt, or worse. Did Kane even bother to pick up Noah’s medication at the drop spot earlier? Would he keep the boy around if he wasn’t useful anymore? Logic told her he would, but her heart feared the worst anyway.
If they did survive this nightmare, would she ever see her nephew again? Wouldn’t a father trump an aunt? A rich man like Kane could pull strings to ensure she never saw her Noah again.
She recalled the emotions that had drilled through her when she’d found out she’d be responsible for her baby sister. Jealousy. Bitterness. Resentment. They were not the feelings she had about caring for Noah, but she’d known exactly what she was getting into with him. She was older. Ready.
Even though Caleb would never admit it, he would resent her for strapping him down with a ready-made family. If she survived, all her energy had to go toward getting Noah away from Kane.
“Are you sorry?” He broke through her train of thought.
“No. Not for making love. I figured we had to put this attraction behind us so both of us could concentrate. We’ll need all our wits about us tomorrow. It was difficult for either one of us to think clearly before.”
“And now?” He eyed her suspiciously.
“Everything’s crystal clear.”
A dark brow lifted. He propped himself up on one elbow. His muscular body glowed in the soft light.
A well of need sprung up inside Katherine so fast and so desperately she had to take a second to catch her breath and allow her pulse to return to normal—whatever “normal” was anymore.
“And what does that mean exactly?” he asked, eyeing her intently.
“It’s highly improbable that all three of us will come out of this alive. If what you said about Kane is true, then at least Noah will be safe.” If she and Caleb did survive, could they become a family? He’d spoken so fondly of Savannah, could he grow to accept Noah, too? No. Caleb loved Savannah because he loved her mother. He didn’t have those feelings for Katherine. Did he?
Her mind was really playing tricks on her. No way could he have fallen in love with her in such a short time. As much as she’d like to believe the possibility, her practical mind brought her back to reality. They’d been running for their lives. Dodging bullets. They’d narrowly escaped death. He’d been her knight in shining armor, showing up at a time when she needed him most. Of course she had strong feelings for her cowboy. But she shouldn’t confuse gratitude for keeping her alive with real affection.