Wilde Side

by Jannine Gallant

  “Salt Lake City is another possibility. The mountains in Utah are pretty spectacular.”

  “I can investigate employment opportunities in those places and more like them. We were both so set on what we wanted neither of us looked at alternatives.” She pressed closer and leaned against him. “There aren’t any guarantees, of course. We both might hate the compromise.”

  “But it’s damn sure worth giving something a try.”

  “I agree. Sawyer?” She looked up at him, eyes filled with thankfulness.

  He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “What?”

  “My heart ached all weekend. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Chapter 22

  Devin woke filled with a contentment she hadn’t experienced in…she couldn’t remember when. Maybe never. Snuggled up next to Sawyer, she stretched. When a warm hand cupped her naked butt, she smiled.

  “Morning.” He dropped kisses down the length of her neck.

  Pulling an arm out from beneath the covers, she pointed at the bedside clock. “It’s after six. We’re supposed to meet Eden for breakfast in twenty minutes so we can hit the road early.”

  “I can be fast.”

  She couldn’t hold back a snicker. “I don’t know if that’s something you want to brag about.”

  “Funny.” He kissed along her collarbone to linger on the slope of her breast. “You took a shower last night. How long do you need to dress?”

  She drew in a breath. “Five minutes.”

  “Perfect.” Sawyer pressed her down on her back then slid on top of her. “And to think I could have been doing this instead of waking up in a tent next to my brother the last couple of days.”

  Threading her fingers through his hair, she pulled him down for a kiss. “Seems like you made up for lost time last night.”

  His smile warmed her from the outside in. What he did next heated her from the inside out. She gasped for breath as he pressed deep then held still to kiss her. Arms wrapped around his neck, she hooked her ankles around his hips and pushed.

  He raised his head to look into her eyes. “God, Devin, I want to do this every day for the rest of my life.”

  She thrust upward again. “I won’t stop you.”

  “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.” Sweat sheened his forehead, and he gritted his teeth as she wiggled beneath him. “I love your wild side.”

  “Yeah?” Her whole body tightened around him. She was falling to pieces, on the edge of shattering…

  Except he pulled back.

  A whimper slipped from her throat.

  “Oh, yeah.” Taking her hands, he pushed them flat against the bed then hovered above her. “Tell me what you want more than anything.”

  “You. All I want is you.”

  With a hard thrust, they both exploded. The room echoed with a cry. His or hers? Devin didn’t know or care. In that moment, they were one.

  Holding her close, Sawyer rested his cheek against hers as their hearts pounded in unison. “You have me. Now and for always.”

  * * * *

  “Well, thank heavens. That’s what I was hoping to see.”

  Sawyer slid onto the bench seat across the table from his sister at the diner near their motel. Devin sat beside him. Beneath the Formica top, he took her hand and squeezed it.

  “See what?”

  “Smiles. Damn, I think you actually took my advice and talked.”

  “Maybe we did.” He picked up the menu with his free hand. “Don’t get a swelled head thinking this proves you know more about relationships than I do.”

  Eden choked on her coffee before lowering the thick, white mug to the table. “That was already a given. I’m just glad you had the sense to listen to Devin, since I’m pretty sure you weren’t the one who instigated the conversation.”

  Devin glanced up from her menu and smiled. “You’re so smart.”

  “Right again. You’re on a roll.” Sawyer glanced around the restaurant, hoping to see an employee. “I want a waffle. Did you order already?”

  “No, I waited.” Her eyes narrowed. “You were late, but I’d rather not know why.”

  “Good call.” He smiled as a waitress approached with a full coffee pot. “Let’s eat then get this show on the road. The sooner we make it home, the better.”

  The following hours were uneventful as they drove through the Targhee National Forest and into Yellowstone. Regret ate at him when Devin slid from one side of the back seat to the other to look out the windows, exclaiming over the scenery. Stopping to enjoy the spectacular views wasn’t an option. This was his world, and he wanted to share its beauty with her, but he had to be content with a promise to make a return trip to the park sometime soon.

  By the time they reached Cody just after noon, Sawyer was more than ready to get out of the car. When Eden parked in front of the Wild West Bed & Breakfast where the congressman was staying, he stepped out of the SUV and stretched.

  Devin slammed her door and joined him. “Doesn’t look like we’re going to get any time to kick back and relax. Here comes Syd, and if his drooping mustache and sad, hound dog eyes mean anything, Walton already filled him in on the details.”

  “That’s the formidable campaign manager?” Sawyer lowered his voice as the man drew closer. “He looks like a walrus.”

  She pressed a hand to her lips to hide a smile “Hi, Syd. How’s it going? Sawyer, this is Walton’s campaign manager, Syd Pierce. Syd, Sawyer Wilde.”

  The two men shook hands.

  “Awful.” The manager let out a breath that fluttered his mustache. “It’s going awful. Have you tried to talk our boss out of speaking to this homicidal maniac? All my pleas have fallen on deaf ears.” He ran a hand through his thinning hair. “If Walton hadn’t threatened to fire me on the spot, I’d tell the Secret Service agents what he knows about Roman Engel so they’d keep him away from the man.”

  “I can’t believe they’re letting him within fifty yards of Roman or Charles since they’re both still suspects in the crash.”

  Syd turned toward Sawyer. “He isn’t giving them a choice. He said he can still refuse protection if they don’t give him some space and heed his wishes. He’s cooperating on a limited basis.”

  Devin sighed. “As long as he’s not in any danger, I think Walton should talk to Roman.”

  “What?” Syd’s voice rose in a bellow. “You’re kidding. What if the punk conceals some kind of weapon and—”

  Sawyer crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ll be there to make sure he doesn’t harm my godfather in any way.”

  “Shit.” The campaign manager huffed out another breath.

  Devin laid a hand on his arm. “Walton needs to talk to him, or he’ll never have any closure. This is for the best.”

  “I just want it all to go away.” Brown eyes filled with regret. “We were so close.” His shoulders slumped. “Who knows, maybe the public will surprise us all and sympathize with his situation.”

  Sawyer leaned back against the SUV. “What, Walton isn’t dropping out of the race?”

  “Not yet. He says he’ll make that decision after he speaks to his son.” Syd kicked a tuft of grass growing through a crack in the driveway. “I told him to keep his damn mouth shut until we have absolute proof of the relationship.”

  “Then let’s get this over with.” Sawyer straightened away from the car. “Where’s Walton.”

  “He’ll be out in a minute. Ben Albright insisted on driving him out to the ranch, and Walton conceded that point, which means they’ll be following behind you. Ben is suspicious about this little side trip, so watch what you say around him. I’d like to keep everyone in the dark until a final decision on pursuing the presidency is made. I want to have all my ducks in a row before the story breaks.”

  “Sure.” Devin gave Syd a sympathetic glance. “I don’t envy the position you’re in. But, knowing you, you’ll spin this to
have Walton looking like a tragic hero when it’s all over.”

  The campaign manager snorted. “Not a chance. Even I’m not that good.” He glanced toward the rustic bed and breakfast. “Here comes the congressman. I’ll talk to you later, Devin.” With a morose smile for Sawyer, he walked away.

  When Walton reached them, he patted Devin’s shoulder, greeted Eden, who’d climbed out of the SUV after Syd left, with a hug, then shook Sawyer’s hand. The only physical sign of his misadventure in the downed jet was a scab on his forehead.

  “Thanks for hurrying back from California. I want to finish up at the ranch” —he glanced toward the Secret Service agent, who stood a few yards away with his hands shoved in his pockets— “then head back to DC in the morning. Ben insists on accompanying me on the drive, so we’ll take the rental car. Jared is staying here with Cathy. Even though they don’t believe anyone in my immediate family is in imminent danger, agents are keeping a closer watch on both her and Dwight since the crash. My son has made it clear he isn’t thrilled to have a shadow at school.”

  “Too bad for Dwight.” Sawyer rolled his eyes. “Standard procedure if you were elected president, Walton.”

  “That’s looking less likely by the day. I lost two points in the polls after the plane crash, and the official cause hasn’t even been released yet. However, rumors of suspected sabotage are circulating.” He lowered his voice. “If Roman was instrumental in bringing down my jet, the shit really will hit the fan.”

  Devin pressed her lips together. “Let’s go talk to him and find out. If he’s responsible, you’re not the only one he tried to kill.”

  With a nod, the congressman headed toward the silver luxury car parked next to the curb. “I’ll see you out there.”

  Eden shook the keys and scowled. “Why didn’t he mention the rental car before we drove into Cody? You could have waited for him at the ranch, and I’d be out in the pasture with my horses right this minute.”

  “Sorry. I imagine the man has a lot on his mind.” Sawyer opened the car door. “We’ll be home soon enough. Want me to drive?”

  “No, I don’t want you to drive. Just get in.” She glanced over the car roof at Devin. “My brother has caveman tendencies. Maybe you can work on that.”

  “Now you tell me.”

  “Hey!” Sawyer slid onto the seat and slammed the door as the two women got inside. “I’m considerate, not a Neanderthal. I thought you might be tired.”

  “I got plenty of sleep last night.” She glanced over at him. “Can you say the same?”

  He grinned. “No comment.”

  “That’s what I thought. Do you want to tell me what’s going on? Sounds like Roman isn’t just a suspect in the plane crash. What’s he to Walton?”

  Devin scooted forward on the rear seat. “I trust you to keep this quiet—at least until the news hits the press. We think Roman is Walton’s son.”

  “Oh, man.” His sister glanced in the rearview mirror as she started the engine and backed out of the driveway. “Does Cathy know?”

  “Walton wasn’t even aware of his existence. At this point, our theory is just that, a hypothesis, but we have quite a bit of evidence to back it up.”

  “So the secret son tried to kill the father?” Eden snorted. “Sounds like something out of a Greek tragedy—or a soap opera.”

  “The whole situation sucks.” Sawyer leaned an arm on the open window as they cruised through town. “I liked Roman. Hard to believe he tried to kill us.”

  “We went out for drinks one night a couple of weeks ago.” Eden’s fingers tightened on the wheel. “Boy, am I glad I don’t put out on a first date.”

  “I would hope not. I don’t remember you dating him.”

  “You were holed up in the barn working on inventory for your Thanksgiving exhibit. Anyway, it was just one evening out. He’s a few years younger than me, but I found him charming and a little on the quiet side. Completely harmless.”

  “Maybe not so harmless.” Devin slouched back against the seat. “I’m not usually such a bad judge of character. If he’s guilty, I guess he fooled all of us.”

  They made the rest of the drive in silence. When they turned onto the gravel road leading to the ranch, Devin touched Sawyer’s arm and pointed toward a white house on a small rise. “Is that your home?”

  “No, that’s our closest neighbor. We still have a ways to go until we reach the ranch.”

  “You really are isolated out here. Nothing but grassland with grazing cattle stretching forever.”

  Eden smiled. “Just the way we like it.” Dust billowed out behind the car as she picked up speed. Several minutes later, she let out a sigh. “This is our spread.”

  They passed through an arch with the Flying W emblem prominently displayed above to pull up before the barn and stop. Stepping out of the SUV, Sawyer slammed the door then turned to slip an arm around Devin when she reached his side.

  “What do you think?”

  Her breath came out in a whoosh. “Gorgeous. This place looks like something out of a western movie. A huge red barn and a rambling log house, complete with a wide front porch. What’s that?” She pointed toward a smaller structure off to the side of the near pasture.

  “Bunk house. And the little cabin way over there by the cottonwood tree belongs to my grandpa. Eden has a suite in the main house, but my living quarters along with my workshop are in the barn.”

  Devin glanced toward the corral. “Are those two of Eden’s wild horses?”

  He smiled. “Nope, those are Quarter Horses. Hers are scraggly Pintos and Appaloosas off the range. The one on the right is Bramble, and the one with the blaze on his nose is Flint. He’s mine. Griff and I bought the pair when we were still in high school.”

  “They’re beauties. Watch out!” Devin jumped aside as Eden’s dogs streaked past them to leap up on his sister.

  Pressed back against the hood of the car, she hugged the border collies as they yelped and whined. “I missed you, too.” With final pats, she pushed them down. “God, it’s good to be home. I had a great time with Hannah in Tahoe and then at Griff’s party, but nothing is better than this.”

  “I can see why you love it so much.” Devin’s gaze was sober as she surveyed the property. She turned when tires crunched gravel behind them. “Here’s Walton.”

  Sawyer frowned. “He may have to wait to confront Roman. None of the hands seem to be around right now.”

  “I would hope not.” Eden pushed the more persistent of the two dogs down then pulled out her cell. “Zane would never let his workers hang around the house in the middle of the day. I’ll call him to see where they’re at and tell him to send Roman back. Then I’m going to check on my horses.” She smiled and gave a little wave as her dogs followed her from the yard. “See you all later.”

  Walton glanced around as he joined them. “The place never changes much.”

  “No reason to mess with what works. Right?” Sawyer stuffed his hands in his pockets.

  “I guess not. Where’s Roman?”

  “Working somewhere. Eden’s calling now, so he should arrive back here shortly. We may as well wait inside.”

  “Suits me. When are your folks coming home?”

  “End of the week.” Sawyer rested a hand at the small of Devin’s back. “Let’s go see if there’s any food in the kitchen. I could eat.”

  “I can’t.” She lowered her voice. “I’m too nervous about what’s going to happen when those two meet.”

  He glanced over his shoulder at the Secret Service agent walking beside Walton. “I assume if Roman confesses, Ben will arrest him on the spot.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  Sawyer climbed the porch steps, opened the screen door, then held it for her to enter. “I guess we’ll see how it plays out.”

  “I like this.” From the entry, Devin walked into the living room and stretched her arms wide. “Spacious and comfy. Wood and leather gives
it the appropriate western feel.”

  “Growing up, we needed sturdy furniture, and this stuff was built to last. Mom and Eden were outnumbered when it came to anything frilly.”

  “I feel for them.”

  Sawyer turned toward Walton and Ben. “Make yourselves at home—unless you want something to eat?”

  “We had lunch.” Walton dropped down onto one of the big leather couches.

  “All right, then, Devin and I will be in the kitchen.” Sawyer led the way to the back of the house, across the tiled kitchen floor straight to the refrigerator. “With Mom on vacation, I hope Zane has been stocking us with food. Score!” He pulled out a plate of sliced roast. “Want a sandwich?”

  “No.” Devin sat on a padded bar stool at the counter. “How can you think about your stomach right now?”

  “Why not? This is a fishing expedition to see what Roman will admit to. Nothing more.”

  “Except Walton will find out if he has a son he never knew about. How would you feel under the same circumstances?”

  “Traumatized.” Sawyer set jars of mayo and mustard on the counter. “He’s holding it together remarkably well, all things considered.”

  “On the outside, maybe. I know him pretty well. He’s shaken, despite the bravado.”

  He took a loaf of sourdough bread out of the pantry and slapped together a sandwich bristling with pickles and lettuce. When a movement outside the kitchen window caught his eye, he nodded. “Here comes Roman. He’s on horseback, so it’ll take him a few minutes to care for his mount before he comes inside. Want to go tell Walton while I eat this?”

  “Sure.” She slipped off the stool and left the room.

  Sawyer bit into the sandwich and chewed. Suddenly, the meal didn’t taste so great. Part of him felt like Walton deserved what he got. Not to be killed, obviously, but to have his presidential hopes shattered for being a cheating son of a bitch. He didn’t blame Roman for his anger. However, his willingness to murder a plane full of people just because his biological father had knocked up his mother then ditched her—”