Jenny stopped, rooted to the spot. So much for wanting to sleep with her. Kyle Martin was out for whatever he could get. Jenny felt the heat rise in her cheeks. God, she was glad nothing had happened between them!
Nothing? Her mind queried.
'Kyle?'
The couple looked up, and stepped apart.
'I'm tired and want to go home. Are you almost ready, or do you want to get a ride from someone else?' Jenny kept her tone even, kept her eyes on his outline, ignoring Naomi.
'Give me a few minutes.'
'I'll wait in the car.'
She turned and blindly stumbled her way to the car. She climbed in and leaned her head back against the seat. She refused to think. The ache she was feeling in her chest was probably indigestion. Every time an image danced before her eyes, she blanked it out. She would not think.
The sudden glare of the overhead light when Kyle opened the door made her blink. She sat up and inserted the key into the ignition.
'Jenny,' he started.
'Not tonight, Kyle. I'm too tired.'
'Want me to drive?'
She hesitated, then nodded.
He slammed his door closed and walked around, his feet crunching on the gravel. She slid over on the seat and looked out the window of the passenger door as he climbed in. She rested her head against the back of the seat, tired, drained. She was not used to such late nights, to excessive drinking, and the dancing. Not used to daydreams of delights to come and the cruel shock of reality. She was so tired.
He must have a good sense of direction, she thought drowsily as they drove quickly over the distance to her home. He never asked directions, she never volunteered any, yet in only a short time they were home.
'Jenny,' he began, as he shut off the engine.
A flare of anger sparked in her.
'I don't want to hear some made-up story,' she stormed back. 'What do you do, lust after anything in a skirt? Me one night, Naomi the next?'
'No.' His voice was hard in the dark. 'You're a fine one to talk! What about George's kisses?'
'George is a friend, someone I've known for years. And it was only a light kiss!'
'Naomi is business.'
'And what am I? Perks, that's what you said. How do you keep it all straight?'
'I have no trouble keeping it straight.'
He reached out and cradled the back of her head in his hand. Her gaze met his. For a moment there was an impasse, then she let him draw her closer. She relished the sensations when his lips touched hers. She swayed towards him, angry he could make her feel like this, angry she wouldn't pull back. The touch of him, his mouth against hers, his fingers tangled in her hair, the press of his shoulder, was intoxicating. On top of all she’d had to drink, Jenny wasn't sure if she could stand it. Her thoughts were spinning, or was it her head? Time stood still.
When he released her to take a deep breath, she pulled back, glaring at him in the dark, sorry she couldn't see him, sorry he couldn't see how angry she was at him—or was it at herself for responding?
'Anyone handy will do, right?' she snapped to his silhouette.
'Jenny...'
'No, just leave me alone!' She threw open her door and stumbled out beside the SUV. Slamming the door hard enough to rock the heavy vehicle, she started towards the house, her head still spinning. She tripped and Kyle was there.
'You drive me crazy,' she muttered. 'I don't think I can even make it inside. My head is spinning.'
He chuckled. 'Come on, baby, I'll carry you.'
'No, you can’t–'
Before she could react, Kyle scooped her up, his left arm beneath her shoulders.
'You have to help, my arm can't take your full weight.'
Jenny put her arms around his neck, to help take her weight from his arm. Her cheek pressed against
Kyle and she closed her eyes as he took her inside and up the stairs. Her head was whirling.
'I'm so tired,' she whispered as he put her on her bed.
'I know.'
'You should have stayed with Naomi,' she murmured, burrowing down in her pillow. In only a minute she'd be asleep and could forget all this.
'I don't want Naomi, I want you.' He kissed her mouth and left.
Jenny smiled and drifted to sleep.
***
'Tell me about the relationship between Nate Fisher and George Carlisle.' Kyle came into the kitchen the next morning as Jenny was making coffee.
'Huh? Good morning. Nate and George? What do you mean relationship? Maybe Nate works on George’s cars or the ranch trucks. How would I know?'
Kyle was dressed in black cords, boots and a dark, checked shirt. His manner was businesslike, his face tight, closed. Last night was over, it was back to business.
‘That’s all you have?’
'What exactly do you want to know? They're neighbors, sort of. They've known each other for years, but Nate is really Nick's friend. He and Nick and Johnny were kids together, a year older than I, several years younger than George. If he and George are friends I'd be surprised, but only because of the age difference and the difference in what they do.'
'And what do you know about Nate?'
'He runs the garage for old Mr. Benson. He was born here, his folks live in town. He's never been in trouble with the law, if that's what you want to know. You suspect Nate's involved in this, don’t you? Is that why he was after you last winter?'
Kyle was silent for a moment. 'And Naomi?'
Jenny flashed a grimace and shrugged. 'I don't know. Friends with Nate, I guess, because they were in the same grade in school. She lives in San Francisco. I was surprised to see her last night. Why didn't you ask her?'
'I'm asking you.'
'I don't know.'
'She smokes pot, you know.'
'No!' Jenny swung around to face him. 'I didn't know, how do you?'
'She was smoking it last night. I was watching her.'
'Where did she get it? From here? Or San Francisco?'
'That's what I'm going to find out.'
Jenny set his coffee mug on the table. 'How?'
'Chat up Naomi. Do you have her phone number?'
Jenny felt sick. 'It's in the book, under Charles Taylor. Look it up.' She sipped her coffee.
Kyle's fingers beneath her chin were cool as he raised her face to his.
'Don't get into a temper, sweets. I told you last night she's work, you're not.'
'Perk?'
'Right.' He leaned over and kissed her, his tongue teasing hers. 'Um mm, you taste good. Can I use the car today?'
'Sure, by all means, let me do all I can to further that relationship!'
Her sarcasm was lost when all he said was, 'Thanks.'
Jenny cleaned up from breakfast, with the low murmur of Kyle's voice in the background as he talked to Naomi Taylor. Deciding to take Shasta for a long hike, and a picnic, Jenny prepared a lunch.
She wanted to get out of the house, away from things that reminded her of Kyle, with his charming, sexy manner one minute, his all-business approach the next. What she did not want to do was think of him with Naomi. She didn't want to envisage them talking, exchanging information, growing closer.
She wanted to know more about Kyle herself, to learn where he grew up, what had decided him on his career, why he was here. How was she to know, however, if any answers to her questions would be truthful? He'd merely tell her whatever suited the cover story.
Jenny went to get her backpack and change into her hiking boots. She’d walk the day away and think of nothing, just enjoy a pleasant ramble with Shasta. She'd done just fine with her life before the advent of Mr. Kyle Martin. Chin firmly in the air, she marched down the hall.
Kyle reached out his hand as she passed, clasping her fingers in his, pulling her to a stop beside him as he continued his phone conversation.
'I'll be there around noon, then.' He hung up and swung her hand loosely back and forth.
'What are you going to do today?' he asked
, as he hung up the phone.
Trying to tug her hand free, to no avail, Jenny frowned. 'What do you care? You've made your plans.'
'Come on, Jen, I told you it was work. What are you going to do?'
'Take a hike.'
'Jenny,' he said warningly, drawing himself up to his full height, his eyes narrowed as he towered over her.
'I'm going to take Shasta and go for a hike,' she enunciated very clearly and distinctly, eyes sparkling.
'Where?'
Yanking her hand free, she rubbed her fingers, though they really didn't need it. 'Just in the hills. How far can I get?' She was scathing. 'You'll have my car.'
'I don't know when I'll be home.' Kyle watched her through narrowed eyes.
She swallowed as she looked at him—so tall, dark, masculine. His shoulders were broad, tapering to narrow hips. He wore his jeans low, tight. Jenny's eyes guiltily rose to his face again, to meet the slight amusement in his eyes. Was it her fault her eyes were drawn to his tight jeans? If he wanted to flaunt it–then Naomi would get the full effect. She was business. Jenny was only a perk. Well, Kyle could just find himself another perk! She didn’t relish the thought of providing a light dalliance for Kyle as he worked, only to be cast aside and forgotten when the assignment was over.
She pulled away, turned and continued on her way to the kitchen. She turned at the door to smile and say, 'Have fun today–I certainly plan to!'
***
The day was warm and pleasant as they started off, going towards the west, towards an area of the mountains Jenny rarely explored. There was a rough spot of scrub and rocks before beckoning meadows beyond. Usually she didn't care to try to traverse the awkward portion, but today she wanted the challenge, wanted something to keep her mind off Kyle Martin and his disturbing presence.
The backpack was heavy with her food and soda, and the dog treats she’d included for Shasta. The homeward journey would be easier, with most of the weight gone.
Jenny tried to keep her thoughts from Kyle as she scrambled across the hillside, moved down to sparsely forested land. The dapple shade from the ponderosa pines and Douglas fir provided a welcome relief from the heat, as the day grew warmer. Jeans and hiking boots became hot, but she knew better than to try to hike in shorts. Scratches from branches, and scrapes from rocks when she fell, would be her due if she didn't have the protective covering. But it was hot.
They’d come a long way. Shasta no longer ran ahead, but trotted by Jenny's side. Alert, ears constantly twitching, but no longer dashing ahead to return and dash off again. Jenny was growing tired, too. The next likely spot and they'd stop; eat and rest, maybe take a small nap. Jenny smiled at the thought. It would be a pleasant way to while away the hours.
Breaking out of a group of trees, she found a sheltered meadow. It was large, hidden away from the beaten track, surrounded by soaring pines and firs.
Jenny paused at its edge and looked across the expanse, a frown growing as she saw the plants flourishing across the gentle slope. Slowly she walked to the green growth, staring at it, reaching out to touch, to pluck a small leaf.
Stuart Brownley had shown her marijuana in its various stages, at their museum. This was stage number one. The young, tender leaves.
Jenny sank down, amazed at the crop spread before her. There had to be over an acre of the stuff. Every cleared inch of the meadow was planted with it.
A faint unease, a growing dread and fear began to course up her back. Hastily she glanced around, afraid of unseen eyes, afraid of who might be guarding this field.
She rose and snapped her fingers for Shasta, moving steadily back into the forest, up the hillside, looking for a sheltered spot, a safe place. She tucked the leaf in her jeans. Trying to be quiet as possible, she put as much distance between her and the meadow as she could. Finally, spotting a boulder with an overhang, she crawled up to it, sank in its shadow and scanned the hillside. Nothing moved. She heard nothing that sounded like pursuit.
Jenny carefully drew a breath and tried to feel safe. She opened her backpack and shared lunch with Shasta. The big dog ate his treat, then sank his head on his paws, watching as Jenny ate her lunch, slowly munching and constantly searching the hillside, straining to hear if another person approached.
She was finished and ready to move, to get back home and tell Kyle what she'd found, when Shasta raised his head and began growling. The fur on the back of his neck stood up, his ears were perked forward, his lips drawn back, as the low growl continued.
Jenny swallowed, eyes straining to see what the dog had seen, to know what danger lurked. She saw nothing, yet Shasta had his eyes fixed on a spot part way down the hill, near the trees. The throaty growl changed to a hoarse bark as he stood, eyes riveted on the trees.
Jenny shrank back against the boulder. Who was there? What was there?
Suddenly a deer bounded from cover, scampering across the open space, Shasta in hot pursuit.
'Shasta!' Jenny called, standing, relief almost overwhelming her. 'Shasta, come!'
The dog stopped, barked twice more at the vanishing deer and turned to trot meekly back to his mistress.
'You scared me to death,' she scolded, gathering up the remnants of lunch and putting it into her knapsack. Slinging it on her shoulders, she started off. Carefully committing the landmarks to memory, Jenny walked cautiously back the way she'd come. She wanted to be sure she could bring Kyle back here, could find her way again. He'd want to see for himself.
It was late when she reached home. But Kyle was still gone. She had forgotten his work with Naomi. Fretting as the minutes dragged by, Jenny constantly watched the drive for his return, anxious to tell him all she had learned.
Night fell, still he hadn't returned. Jenny ate a light supper, growing more and more frustrated with Kyle's absence. Darn the man, how much time did he have to spend with Naomi? Just what kind of work was it, anyway?
Jenny woke the next morning, a strange ache in her breast. She had stayed up until after midnight, waiting in vain for Kyle's return. Now she lay in bed, trying to hear anything to indicate if he were here, afraid to find he was not.
She got up, dressed and went down to get breakfast. The door to Kyle's room was still open. She peeped in—the bed was made. He had not come last night! He had stayed with Naomi.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Jenny was sitting in the sun in the yard when she heard the sound of the SUV. Her eyes clenched tightly closed, and her breathing became constricted. She refused to greet him... blast the man! She had been excited by her discovery yesterday, anxious to tell him about it, show him the field. As the night passed, her disappointment had built into anger. Let him find it himself. If he wouldn't share his clues with her, why should she with him?
She had left the wilted marijuana leaf at his place in the kitchen. If he wanted to see more, he could find it himself, or maybe Naomi could show him the way.
The sound of his steps on the gravel, then on the grass alerted her. He must have spotted her as he drove in.
'Hi,' he said.
She opened one eye, closed it again.
There was a sigh, then he sat down in the lawn chair next to her.
'Had breakfast already?' he asked.
'Yes, hours ago. Didn't Naomi feed you?'
'I wasn't with Naomi.'
Jenny thought she heard surprise in his tone. If not with Naomi, where had he been all night?
His fingers enclosed hers. Jenny's eyes opened in surprise. His brown eyes held a trace of amusement as he stared into her startled blue ones, then dropped to her mouth. Jenny licked suddenly dry lips.
'I ran out of gas.'
She started to scoff, then stopped, closing her eyes in sudden confusion. 'Oh, I forgot to tell you, the gas gauge is broken.' She opened her eyes warily.
'I found out. A mile out of town, about midnight! I hiked back to town for gas, only to find the station closes at eleven.'
Jenny was conscious of his hand, the tingling sensations h
is touch caused, conscious of his breath fanning her face as he talked to her, his voice remaining even. It was hard to concentrate on what he was saying when such churning feelings dominated.
'So what did you do?' she asked, trying to concentrate.
'Went to sleep at your folks.'
'What?' Jenny sat up, pulled away and stared at him. 'You're kidding!'
'Nope. You dad's a nice man. Not easily flustered. It must have been a bit much having a stranger wake you up at midnight and ask for a bed! Fortunately for me your mother came down and issued the invitation. I got to sleep in your old room. And was treated to a big pancake breakfast.'
Jenny grinned, then laughed at the picture he painted. 'I would have thought a big, brave government agent would have just slept in the car at the side of the road,' she scoffed.
'Not convalescent ones,' he said lazily. 'Otherwise, of course, I would have pushed that big SUV of yours back to the gas station, ripped off the lock with my bare teeth and filled the tank.'
She giggled at that. 'Sure,' she jeered.
'Doubt me, eh?'
‘Lucky for the gas station you are still convalescing.’
Kyle leaned forward, letting go her hand to cradle her head as his mouth sought hers.
Jenny gave a sigh of pure delight as her tongue met his, teased it, invading his mouth. His fingers splayed across her hair. The kiss was wonderful. Jenny lost track of time and thought. She could only feel the heavenly pleasure his mouth brought, the thrill of his touch as he moved to her cheeks, her neck, her throat. She wrapped her arms around him and held on, giving as good as she got. The warmth from his lips forced a small moan from Jenny as the heat spread through her body. Slowly she arched, wishing the arm of the chair wasn’t in her way.
A cold, wet nose thrust its way between them.
'Shasta, get away!' Jenny shrieked, turning her head away from his tongue as he swiped the side of her face, then began barking at this new game.
'Damn it!' Kyle sat back, trying to fend off the dog as Shasta continued to lick, joining in on the fun.
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