Wilde Side

by Jannine Gallant

  “A lot jaded.” She turned as her boss approached. “Are you leaving now?”

  Walton nodded. “Cathy and I are planning a quiet dinner tonight to make some decisions. I want to fly back to DC first thing in the morning.”

  “I’ll meet you at the airport. Is eight early enough?”

  “That’ll work.” He held out a hand to Sawyer. “Maybe I’ll see you at Griff’s wedding.”

  Sawyer shook it. “Or sooner. I intend to head east to help Devin move when she’s ready.”

  Walton’s smile looked tired. “At least something good came out of this trip.” As he walked toward the rental car, he called over his shoulder, “Eight sharp, Devin.”

  “I’ll be there.” After they drove away, her shoulders slumped. “That was rather anticlimactic, not to mention feeling wrong on so many levels.”

  “You’re too soft-hearted.” Sawyer slid an arm around her waist and squeezed.

  “That’s just it. I’m not. I’m practical, and I don’t sugarcoat the facts. Ainslee is way nicer than me. Did I try to soften the blow when I thought we couldn’t make our relationship work?”

  “Now that you mention it…”

  She smiled. “Exactly. I’m not convinced Roman did the things he didn’t admit to.”

  “I think you’re wrong, but poisoning Walton was bad enough.”

  “Those berries didn’t do any permanent damage. Is extracting a little retribution for his mother worth life in prison?”

  “If he brought down a plane full of people, it is.” He shrugged. “Roman will have a fair trial.”

  “With only a public defender on his side? The guy doesn’t have any money. Unless his father steps in.”

  Sawyer ran a hand through his hair. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Walton paid for an attorney. That’s the kind of thing he’d do, despite the fact that his son tried to kill him.”

  “I meant Scott Engel, not Walton, but you’re probably right. Actually, that makes me feel better. The truth will come out in the end.”

  “It usually does. Let’s just hope no one else gets hurt in the process.”

  A shiver slid through her, and Devin rubbed her arms to ward off the chill. “You know how it is when you’re in the public eye. The media will put Walton’s whole family through the wringer. My guess is the fallout from this mess will be hell…for everyone.”

  Chapter 24

  Sawyer stood near the windows overlooking the runway where the jet Walton had leased waited. He threaded his fingers through Devin’s silky hair as he kissed her one last time. “I’ll see you next week in Denver.”

  “I miss you already.” Standing on her toes, she whispered in his ear, “Until then, there’s always phone sex.”

  His whole body heated. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

  “What, you don’t like the idea?”

  He let out a breath and shifted as his jeans tightened then pinched. “I like it, all right. Way too much for a public waiting room.”

  She grinned and pulled back. “And I like knowing you’ll be thinking about me. I have to go. Walton is scowling at me from over by the door.”

  “Have a safe trip.” Sawyer stepped away then waited while she left the building and crossed the tarmac beside his godfather, Cathy and Syd with the Secret Service agents flanking them.

  Devin stopped at the steps leading up into the plane to wave, then disappeared inside. Letting out a sigh, Sawyer turned away from the window.

  “They should have a safe flight back now that the authorities have that freak, Engel, in custody.” Charles moved up beside him, shoved his hands in his pockets and squinted through the glare as the morning sun glinted off the glass.

  “I know I feel better about letting Devin get on that plane. Not that she believes Roman sabotaged the other one.”

  “What?” Charles turned to stare. “Of course he did.”

  Sawyer shrugged. “I didn’t say I agreed with her. Devin’s problem is always seeing the best in people. Not that that’s a bad thing in general…”

  “The sheriff wouldn’t have handed him over to the FBI if he wasn’t guilty.”

  “Roman will have his day in court. I’m just thankful he won’t face a murder charge since I heard Gary is expected to make a full recovery.”

  “That’s good news. The man’s a hell of a pilot.”

  “Yes, he is.” As the plane rolled toward the runway, Sawyer raised a hand. “See you, Charles.”

  “Sure.”

  Sawyer headed out to the parking lot to retrieve his pickup. As he started the engine, the jet took off with a roar. Craning his neck, he traced its path until it disappeared in the vast, blue sky. He jerked off the parking brake then turned toward the highway leading back to the ranch. Lord knew he had plenty to keep him occupied. Zane could use another hand to herd the cattle that hadn’t gone to market to their winter pasture. And there was the corral fence that needed to be replaced, not to mention another dozen figures to finish carving before Thanksgiving.

  If he could manage to focus on anything except missing Devin. A long breath slipped out. At least she wanted to work on their relationship. His mood improved by leaps and bounds at the thought. This time the week before, he’d been more miserable than he could ever remember.

  Turning up the radio, Sawyer sang along with Mick. “I can’t get no…sa-tis-fac-tion.” He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he stepped on the gas. A grin spread. “Who says? As the lady pointed out, there’s always phone sex.”

  * * * *

  Devin swung her apartment door wide and jumped back. She wasn’t quick enough. Paws hit her chest and knocked her to the floor. A long tongue licked her face as she tried to fend off the beast.

  “Off, Tiny! Get off me!”

  “Sorry, honey. The big brute jerked the leash right out of my hand.” Her dad gave the dog a shove.

  She scrambled to her feet and hugged him. “I’m thrilled to see you both. Come in. No, don’t jump on me again. Down, Tiny.” With the dog trailing at her heels, she led the way into the living room. “Have a seat.”

  Her dad dropped his suitcase next to the coffee table and settled into a corner of the couch. “It’s good to see you, too. How are you? Your mother and I have been worried.”

  “I’m fine, honestly. Nothing more than a few bruises from the plane crash.”

  “You’re really quitting your job?”

  “I am.” When Devin sat on the opposite end of the sofa, Tiny sprawled between them with his head in her lap. “I’ve had enough of politics. Anyway, Walton just announced he’s dropping out of the presidential race. Even if I hadn’t given notice, my job would have ended in January when his congressional term is over. He says he’s moving back to Wyoming.”

  “Even our local paper mentioned the scandal. I can’t believe they’re saying his own son tried to kill him.” Her father’s lips tightened. “Not that I have any sympathy for the kid when you very well could have died in that crash. I’m just relieved your mother and I didn’t hear about the plane going down until after you were found safe.”

  She stoked Tiny’s soft ears. “Me, too. It was rough on Sawyer’s family.”

  “You’re still seeing him?”

  She nodded. “Once I find a new job, we’ll try to work out living arrangements that will suit us both. There will definitely have to be compromise on both sides.”

  “There always is in a marriage.”

  Her hand stilled. “Uh, we aren’t getting married, Dad.”

  One brow rose. “Why not?”

  “We need a trial run first. We might both hate changing our ways to accommodate each other. Anyway, he hasn’t asked me.”

  “Should I call Sawyer and tell him to make an honest woman of you?”

  She choked then coughed. “Oh, my God, no, you shouldn’t! Geez, Dad, I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for a while, now.”

  “Just checkin
g. Seems serious if you’re both pulling up roots to move in together.”

  “We are serious, but give us some time. I’m really hoping for the best.”

  “Maybe, but if I know you, you’ll prepare for the worst. Sometimes you just have to let down those protective walls and go for it.”

  “I’m trying. Honestly.” Her leg cramped beneath Tiny’s weight. She stretched it out and changed the subject. “Not that I don’t appreciate your offer to bring me my dog, but why did you drive down here?”

  “Your Aunt Patty’s big fiftieth birthday bash is tomorrow. I dropped your mom off in Philadelphia before delivering your oversized mutt. I’ll go back tomorrow for the celebration.”

  “That’s right. What with everything going on, I forgot about the party, and you didn’t mention it when you left your message.”

  “Want to drive back with me? Your aunt would be thrilled to see you.”

  “Sounds fun, but I’m going to spend tomorrow packing. Even if I don’t get the Denver job, I still plan to move west as soon as I can manage it. I can dump my stuff at the Wilde ranch for a while if need be. Sawyer agreed to take Tiny home with him after I go for the interview on Monday, so I’m flying my big baby out with me. He’s going to love the ranch.”

  Her dad’s blue eyes widened. “You’re taking that dog on a commercial flight?”

  “Nope. Walton is sending me on his new jet. He said it was the least he could do after everything I’ve been through. Tiny and I will be living it up in luxury. A last hurrah for the celebrity lifestyle.”

  “Nice.”

  “Isn’t it? How long are you staying in Philly?”

  “Until Tuesday. You’ll let us know how the interview goes?”

  “I definitely will.” She yawned. “It’s late, and you must be tired after driving all day.”

  “I’m beat. Listening to your dog pant for five hundred miles was exhausting.”

  Pushing her sprawled pet off her lap, she stood. “He’s a total pain in the car. I’ll get you a blanket and a pillow. At least the couch is long enough to sleep on.”

  “I’ll be fine as long as Tiny doesn’t try to share it with me.”

  A smile tilted her lips. “I’m pretty sure he’ll be sleeping with me. Goodnight, Dad.”

  Not Devin’s first choice in bed companions, but the dog would have to do. After getting the blankets for her father, she headed into her room with Tiny trailing behind her. He jumped up on the bed and stared at her. She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

  She’d pulled off her jeans and shirt and was hunting through her dresser for something to sleep in when her cell rang. Grabbing it off the nightstand, she glanced at the display and smiled. “Hey, sexy.”

  “Shouldn’t that be my line?”

  Sawyer’s voice sent a shiver through her. She closed her eyes and dropped onto the edge of the bed. Tiny crawled forward then rested his chin on her shoulder. Drool ran over her collarbone.

  “Eeeew.” She jerked a tissue from the box to mop it up.

  “Huh?”

  “Nothing. How are you?”

  “I’d be better if you were lying here next to me.”

  “I already have a date for the night. Big, handsome dude.”

  “Really?” His voice dropped. “Do tell.”

  She grinned. “He’s kind of furry and drools.”

  “Does that mean phone sex is out?”

  She snickered. “I don’t think he’d mind. But I should probably keep it down since my dad is in the living room.”

  “Oh, yeah? He came for a visit?”

  “He brought me my date.” She leaned back against her dog.

  “Cool. Are you finished with work now?”

  “I wrapped everything up and cleaned out my desk today. Walton scheduled his jet to fly out to Denver on Sunday afternoon. Did you book a hotel room for the night?”

  “I’ve got it covered. I’ll see you and Tiny at the airport.”

  “Sweet.” She let out a sigh. “I feel like everything is coming together. Now if this interview goes well…”

  “It will. I have complete confidence in you.”

  “I’m keeping my fingers crossed.” She frowned. “I got the official thanks but no thanks call from the gallery in Carmel, and I cancelled my interview in Boston. I’m feeling the pressure since I don’t exactly have a fat bank account as a backup plan. I did manage to get out of my lease at the end of this month.” She shifted when the dog rolled over and moaned. “When I get back from Colorado, I’m going to rent a small trailer and hit the road with all my worldly possessions.”

  “I can still fly out to help you. I don’t mind one bit.” His voice caressed her ear.

  “I know you don’t, but you’re busy, and I can manage. Taking my dog off my hands is a huge help. Tiny hogs the entire back seat of the car, space I can use for boxes, and he isn’t the best traveler. He pants non-stop.”

  “Now you tell me.” He was quiet for a moment. “We’ll talk about travel arrangements when I see you on Sunday.”

  She lay back against the pillows and closed her eyes. “I can’t wait.”

  “You sound tired.”

  “I am. Leaving my job was a physical and emotional drain. This whole week has been horrible. The press attacked like a bunch of vultures. When they hunted down Cathy and Dwight for comments, Walton officially dropped out of the race. He said he couldn’t put his family through any more trauma.”

  “A smart decision on his part.”

  “He’d lost two more points in the polls, anyway, so staying in the running would merely prolong the inevitable. Even Syd agreed there was no way he could possibly win.”

  “I guess Roman really did get his revenge, then.” Sawyer snorted. “You’d think he could have simply gone to the media with an exposé to get the same results instead of trying to kill us.”

  “I honestly don’t think he did. I talked to Walton about it.” She frowned. “I’ve been trying to remember details from when we were on the cliff by the waterfall. I know Roman was down below us at one point, and I remember seeing a flash of color between the bushes shortly before the rock hit me. I think that was Roman, climbing back up to the trail. If I put the sequence of events together, I don’t think he had time to reach a place where he could have thrown rocks to nail us in the back with any accuracy. Not unless he was running flat out.”

  “Over rocky terrain up a steep hill? Not likely.” He hesitated. “Are you sure?”

  “The movement caught my eye because it was bright against the green leaves. I could swear Roman was wearing a red shirt that day.”

  “Walton didn’t see him?”

  “No, he said he was looking the other way. So, I would be the only one who could testify for him in court.”

  Sawyer sighed. “Doesn’t mean he didn’t tamper with the plane.”

  “You’re right, but if he didn’t lie about knocking us off that ledge, maybe he didn’t lie about the jet, either. Rocks could have fallen from above and bounced off the side of the cliff. An animal of some sort might have been up there and disturbed more than just the two that hit us. I wouldn’t have noticed other rocks crashing down when my sole focus was on stopping myself from plunging to my death.” Her breath came out in a hitch. “I was petrified and not exactly taking note of my surroundings at the time.”

  “Hell, I don’t know, Devin. Seems unlikely it was an accident. I still don’t think the angle would work for a rockslide.”

  “Accidents do happen.” She rested a hand on Tiny’s warm side. “Walton paid Roman’s bail. He’s out on bond.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding?” Sawyer’s voice rose. “Shit, the guy could make another attempt on his life.”

  “Why would he? Walton dropped out of the presidential race, and Roman would be suspect number one if anything strange happened to him now.”

  “True. I’m glad you’re out of the picture, at any rate.” Sawyer release
d a long breath. “I should let you get some sleep. It’s a lot later there than it is here.”

  She smiled. “What, no phone sex? Did I spoil the mood?”

  “My mood is never spoiled, but I can tell you’re tired. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Love you.”

  His voice deepened. “I love you, too.”

  She set the phone back on the nightstand and pushed up off the bed. Happiness filled her, along with an aching need to be with Sawyer again. Soon. They’d have this weekend, and afterward, work out long term living arrangements. When she pictured his workshop in the barn at the ranch, so organized and functional, guilt nagged at her. She was pulling him away from his well-established routine, his family. For what? Her life was in chaos. Maybe—

  Her cell rang, intruding on the uncomfortable thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned around to scoop it up. “Did you change your mind about the phone sex?”

  Silence echoed in her ear then an awkward laugh. “That’s not why I called, but I could be persuaded.”

  Her face burned. “Oh, God, uh, who is this?”

  “Roman.”

  Devin winced. “Sorry about that. I thought you were someone else.”

  “Sawyer, I presume. Sorry to disappoint you, but if he turned down phone sex with you, he’s a bigger idiot than I thought.”

  Her embarrassment deepened. “Uh, can we forget I said that? Walton told me he paid your bail, but I don’t understand why you’d call me.”

  “Decent of the guy. I guess I have to give him credit for stepping up after twenty-two years, especially under the circumstances.” His voice hardened. “Not that I did anything to deserve being arrested.” He let out a breath. “I called because I’m hoping you can make this whole nightmare go away for me.”

  Devin sat back down. “I don’t understand.”

  “I called him after he bailed me out to see if he actually believed I was innocent. Walton mentioned you saw me hiking up the hillside before you got knocked over that cliff.”

  “I saw a flash of red.”

  “Maybe you could be a little more specific when my lawyer has you testify.”