Wilde Side

by Jannine Gallant

  “You know, that makes perfect sense.” Relief swept through him, and he relaxed against the mattress, letting the warm darkness of the room calm his heightened nerves. “When Walton doesn’t announce he’s dropping out of the race, this person will move on to another tactic that doesn’t involve you—or simply give up.”

  “That would be my guess. The Secret Service is on high alert now. They’re expertly trained and motivated to keep Walton safe, although I have to say the reality of a potential threat to any prominent public figure is just beginning to sink in. When you’re in a position of such immense power, there will always be someone who wants to take you out.” She rested her face on his chest and sighed. “No wonder Cathy had a panic attack. I’d be freaking out completely if I were in her position.”

  “Good thing for you I have no delusions of grandeur.”

  Her soft laugh filled the room. “Aren’t you assuming a little there, bud?”

  “If you were running for president, I’d want to wrap you in a bulletproof bubble.”

  “Point taken. I feel the same way.” She turned in his arms and pressed a kiss to the pulse beating at his throat. “I definitely don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

  He stroked her back, the silky material of her nightgown sliding up and down across even softer skin. The low sound that emerged from her parted lips was practically a purr. She stretched like a cat before curling tight against him.

  “Devin?”

  “Hmm…” Her voice slurred with sleep.

  “Never mind.” He dropped a light kiss on her brow and tried to convince himself that holding her in his arms without making love to her wasn’t the most advanced form of torture imaginable. The pep talk didn’t work. Gritting his teeth, he settled in for a long, sleepless night.

  “Sawyer?”

  He started at the sound of her voice in the dark and instinctively held her closer. “Yes?”

  “We’ve been apart too long to waste more time.” She turned in his arms to nibble kisses along his jaw. “Don’t you think?”

  His mouth covered hers in answer. He didn’t want to talk, certainly didn’t want to think. The only thing in the world he wanted was Devin.

  Chapter 15

  Devin sat opposite Sawyer in the small café he’d eaten at the previous evening, sipping strong coffee and nibbling on a bagel while he devoured an omelet oozing ham and cheese alongside hash browns and a giant muffin. Apparently, he’d worked up an appetite as the sun crept through the blinds she’d forgotten to close the night before. By contrast, she couldn’t summon the motivation to disturb her mellow mood with the effort eating a plate full of food would require.

  “You’re missing out. This is excellent.”

  Leaning back in her chair, she smiled at him over the rim of her mug. “Can’t be bothered. You wore me out.”

  Pink tinged his cheekbones. “That see-through black thing you were wearing inspired moves I didn’t know I had.”

  “It’s amazing what a person can do after a good night’s sleep. I’m not complaining. I’m just sorry I have to go into work today. Syd added three new events to Walton’s speaking schedule for early next week, and I have to organize the details.” She set her cup down with a thump. “I intend to take tomorrow off, though, so we can spend the whole day in bed if you like.”

  A fork full of eggs hovered mid-way between his plate and mouth. “I don’t know if I have that kind of stamina.”

  She grinned. “Might be fun to try.” When the waitress paused by their table and held up a coffee pot, Devin covered her cup with her hand. “No thanks. I’m already jittery with caffeine.”

  “I could use one more shot.” After the woman filled his cup, he added cream then sipped. “Perfect.”

  “We didn’t get around to discussing you before all hell broke loose last night. What have you been doing lately?”

  “Let’s see, last time we talked on the phone, I told you we wrapped up our final rafting trip of the season. Did I mention I took Roman back to the ranch with me afterward?”

  She dropped the remains of her bagel on her plate and glanced up. “No, why?”

  “The kid was at loose ends, so I offered him a job.” Sawyer shrugged. “Actually, he’s working out really well. Our ranch foreman says he’s a quick study.”

  “What about you? Did you dive back into herding cows or whatever it is you do in Wyoming?”

  His lazy look as he wiped his mouth then dropped the napkin on his empty plate curled her toes.

  “Herding cattle, not cows. No, I’ve been too busy scheduling a couple of gallery showings and working on new pieces to herd anything. The shops that sell my figures like to stock up before the Christmas season.”

  “I bet they do.” She planted her elbows on the table and leaned her chin on closed fists. “I feel lucky you took the time out of your schedule to visit me.”

  “On Monday, I’m flying straight to New York from here for one of the showings I mentioned. I don’t suppose you want to come with me?”

  “I’d love to. But I can’t.”

  He sighed. “I understand.”

  He might understand, but the firm line of his lips told her he wasn’t too happy about her answer. An aching hollowness filled her. Forcing a bright smile, she changed the subject. “What are you going to do today while I’m at work?”

  “Maybe I’ll play tourist and check out the different monuments. I wouldn’t mind getting a little exercise, and hoofing it around the National Mall all afternoon should do the trick.”

  “Sounds fun. If I work fast, I might be able to join you before you finish.”

  He reached across the table and took one of her hands then squeezed. “Try, okay? We only have two days together, so I’d like to make them count.”

  “In my defense, I couldn’t plan time off since I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “You’ve got me there.” Releasing her hand, he signaled for the bill. “I guess my surprise backfired all the way around. When I agreed to do the New York exhibit, I couldn’t imagine being so close and not seeing you.”

  Her voice softened. “I really am glad you’re here.”

  “But work comes first.” He took the check from the waitress when she stopped beside their table, glanced at the total then handed her a credit card.

  She responded with a bright smile as she cleared their plates. “I’ll be right back.”

  Devin clenched her fists in her lap. “Are you trying to make me feel guilty, because if you are—”

  “No.” He let out a breath. “I’m just frustrated.”

  “You can say that after what we did last night and again this morning?”

  Her joke fell into an awkward silence.

  “In bed seems to be the only place we really connect.”

  Looking down at a few drops of spilled coffee on the table, Devin blinked hard. She understood his disappointment—and shared it. The last thing she wanted to do was fight, so she forced down the hurt bubbling to the surface. “I told you this wouldn’t be easy, but you wanted to try to make a relationship work.”

  “Don’t you?” He clamped his mouth shut when the waitress reappeared then scribbled his signature on the receipt she handed him. “Thanks.”

  “You bet. Enjoy your day.”

  Devin pushed back her chair and stood. “Of course I want it to work.”

  He laid a hand on her arm as he followed her out the door. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to start an argument.”

  “We’re both under a lot of pressure.” With an effort, she managed a smile. “There’s no point in belaboring the issue. I have to put in a few hours at the office, and that isn’t going to change.”

  “No, it isn’t.”

  They left the café and walked down the street in silence. At the bus stop just up the block, she turned to face him. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

  “You’ll call me when you finish?”


  She gave him a weak smile. “Shouldn’t be more than three or four hours. Do you have the spare key to my apartment with you?”

  He nodded. “I need to make a few calls before I head out.” At the roar of a diesel engine and release of air brakes, he stepped closer and drew her in for a kiss. His breath fanned her face as he let out a sigh. “Maybe I should ride to the capital with you. That note in your mail—”

  “No one is going to attack me on the bus. I’ll be fine.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “Well, I do.” She stood on tiptoes for one more kiss then stepped back. “Go make your calls. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  When the bus rolled to a halt beside her, she climbed aboard and waved. He lifted a hand in response and smiled. But the defeated look in his eyes haunted her long after his broad-shouldered figure blended into the maze of humanity on the city sidewalk.

  She’d see him again before the afternoon was over. So why did it feel like she’d just lost something precious she’d never really had to begin with?

  * * * *

  Sawyer sat on the steps in front of the Lincoln Memorial and waited for Devin. Something he feared he’d spend a lot of time doing if he wanted to keep their relationship alive. Pain pinched his chest, and he absently pressed a hand against his breast bone. He’d been a little rough on her this morning, but damn it, he wanted to feel like a priority instead of someone to be squeezed in around the edges of her busy schedule. All he’d accomplished was to almost make her cry, even though she’d done her best to hide her emotions. He’d felt like a total shit as the bus carried her away with a blast of exhaust.

  Maybe she’d been right when she’d insisted they were simply too different to work as a couple. He hadn’t wanted to listen—still didn’t want to believe it. But facts were facts, and he would have dropped everything to be with her if she’d showed up on his doorstep at the ranch. Not that she ever would... He exhaled a harsh breath, which stuck in his throat as a small figure in a pale blue dress approached from the other end of the Reflecting Pool.

  Devin. Out of the hundreds of people milling around the area, his gaze was instantly drawn to her. The stunning woman with the shining cap of hair, direct blue gaze and easy grace. For this weekend, at least, he’d stick all his fears into a dark corner of his soul and simply enjoy their time together. If the determined smile visible on her face as she drew closer was any indication, she intended to do the same.

  He stood and walked down the stairs to meet her. “Hey, beautiful.”

  She smiled up at him. “What a gorgeous day.” She spread her arms wide. “After the rain yesterday, everything sparkles. This is one of my favorite places in the city.”

  “Mine, too. Shall we walk up to pay tribute to Abe?”

  “Sure.”

  They climbed the steps side by side in silence then remained quiet as they admired the statue of Lincoln for several long moments.

  She tilted back her head. “Do you want to take a picture?”

  Pulling out his phone, he wrapped his arm around her and snapped a selfie of the two of them with the great man in the background. “Nice.”

  A quick smile flashed. “Where to next? Did you check out the Washington Monument?”

  “That was my first stop, but I haven’t been to the Jefferson Memorial yet.”

  “Then, let’s go.”

  He took her hand as they walked around the Tidal Basin. A light breeze ruffled the leaves on cherry trees bright with fall color. The water in the pool lapped gently against the banks. A pair of mallard ducks swam parallel to them, mated for life. What were the chances he and Devin could survive for the long haul? He forced his mind away from thoughts that threatened the peaceful rapport they’d established.

  “Did the Secret Service track down the origins of the letter you got in the mail?”

  “No prints on the note, and the ones on the envelope include several postal workers, yours and mine. No trace DNA, so the guy didn’t lick the envelope to seal it. The postmark was from Los Angeles.”

  Sawyer stopped. “L.A.? They’re sure?”

  She nodded. “The envelope was pretty wet and smeared, but they’re certain. The theory is the author of the note sent the letter to a friend or relative in California to mail.”

  “So it could have come from anyone. Damn.”

  “Looks like a dead end, but the good news is no more threats today.”

  “Perfect.” He rolled his eyes then tugged her hand to move out of the way of a teenager on a skateboard. “Maybe he’s still plotting his next move.”

  “Why do you think it’s a he? Could be a woman.”

  “My money’s still on good old Liam. Seems likely the person who threw those rocks at you and Walton while we were in Idaho is the same person who wrote the note. I can’t imagine there are two completely different parties terrorizing you. I wonder if Kennedy has a relative in Los Angeles.”

  Devin nodded. “He does. A female cousin. The Secret Service already checked.”

  “Did they question her?”

  “Sure. She said she hasn’t heard from him since their last family reunion eight years ago. He may have friends there, too, but they’d be a little harder to track down.”

  Sawyer squeezed her hand. “Now what?”

  “The Secret Service keeps a close watch on Walton until Election Day. If he doesn’t win, they think any potential threat will be over.”

  “And if he does?”

  “He’ll be the president of the United Sates. All sorts of crazies will be after him, starting with most of the members of congress.”

  His laugh echoed across the pool, sending the ducks squawking away. “Isn’t that the truth? That’s why I love…hanging out with you, Devin. You make me laugh.”

  “Is that the only reason you want me around?”

  “Your sense of humor and your legs. Definitely your legs.”

  She grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  The moment was gone, lost in a joke. He’d almost told her he loved her but had stopped himself at the last moment. Standing in front of the statue of Thomas Jefferson snapping more selfies, he couldn’t help wondering why. Did he love Devin? Or was he simply in lust? It was no secret he could barely keep his hands off her, but lust would fade. Love might break his heart.

  “Where to next?”

  He jerked his attention back to the woman at his side. “I checked out the war memorials earlier.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s a little early to go out to dinner…”

  “We could eat in tonight. I bought chicken yesterday, and I have veggies for a salad.”

  He nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

  “Let’s go home then.”

  Hours later, they’d eaten, cleaned up the kitchen and were stretched out on the couch watching an old romantic comedy on TV. At least Devin was watching the movie. He was wondering when the predictable plot would wrap up so they could go to bed. Apparently his hand splayed across the bare skin of her stomach beneath the edge of her shirt was having no effect on her. The warm firmness sure as hell was affecting him. He wondered if she’d swat him away like a pesky fly if he swooped in for a kiss and blocked her view of the TV.

  Her hand on his thigh tightened. “This is the best part. Check it out. The hero proposes with a ring from a gumball machine, just to tease her. Look at that grin.” A sigh slipped between pink lips that had been taunting him for the last couple of hours.

  If the dude in the movie got that kind of reaction from her, maybe he should pay more attention. Take notes, even. His head jerked around. “Wait a minute! Have you seen this picture before?”

  “Three times. It’s one of my favorites.”

  “Well, that does it.” He flattened her on the couch and leaned in, elbows planted on either side of her. “Why watch them make out when we could be doing it ourselves?”

  Her arms crept around his neck. “When you put it like t
hat…”

  He kissed her, and kept kissing her until the credits rolled. By the time the late night news started, he was so worked up he wasn’t sure he’d be able to get his pants off without hurting himself.

  “Bed?” He lifted his face from where he’d pressed it between her breasts to give her a pleading glance.

  “God, yes.” The blue eyes looking up at him were glazed with need.

  When she wiggled against him, he nearly lost it. Fighting for control, he crawled off her and picked up the remote to silence the talking heads reporting from the capital.

  “Stop!”

  “Huh?”

  Devin pointed at the TV. “They mentioned something about Walton.”

  “What else is new? Results of another poll, no doubt.”

  She scrambled to a sitting position. “No, listen.”

  The reporter, an older man with a stoic expression and a glint in his eye, stood in front of Walton’s campaign headquarters. “According to a reliable source who wishes to remain anonymous, Congressman Hinsdale fathered an illegitimate child over twenty years ago. When asked to respond to this statement, he declined an interview. We’ll be speaking with his campaign manager in just a moment to hear his take on all of this.”

  Devin gripped Sawyer’s arm with a strength that would probably leave marks. “Oh. My. God! Even if it’s a bold-faced lie, Walton must be freaking out.”

  “With good reason. Although the news station must have something to back up that sort of allegation. They’ll get their asses sued if they don’t.”

  “Look, there’s Syd. He’s wearing his trying-not-to-swear expression. Even his moustache is quivering with rage.”

  The reporter introduced the campaign manager then held up the mic.

  “Congressman Hinsdale regrets the unfounded accusations leveled against him in a pathetic attempt to sway voters. While I hate to slander his opponents without all the facts, this really is stooping to a whole new level of low in a battle that’s already taken on an ugly edge.”

  “Does that mean the congressman denies fathering a child out of wedlock?”

  “Congressman Hinsdale has absolutely no knowledge of any such child, and he doesn’t intend to dignify this attack with a personal response. That’s all I have to say.” Syd turned away as the camera zoomed in on the reporter for a wrap-up.