“You’re right.”
Although Irene was quick on the response, Kasey wasn’t convinced she spoke the truth. She suspected Irene had an ulterior motive, though she couldn’t be sure.
She was dressed to the nines, Kasey noticed with a tad of envy, which added to her attractiveness. Designer suit and shoes adorned her slender but curvy frame. But as before, she had on too much makeup, making her appear older and harsher than necessary.
“Would you care for something to drink?” Kasey asked in a cool, polite tone.
“No, thanks. Actually I can only stay a minute. I just stopped by to tell you what a great job you and your agency are doing for Tanner.”
Kasey was taken aback as her smoothly spoken compliment didn’t jive with the hard glint in Irene’s eyes. “I’m glad you approve.”
Irene smiled. “If I didn’t, he wouldn’t be working with you.”
Meow.
“The two of you seem to work well together,” Irene went on in the same smooth tone.
Since Kasey didn’t know where this conversation was going, she refrained from saying anything she deemed incriminating. “That’s because he’s easy to work with.”
“But that’s about to change.”
Kasey’s only response was to raise her eyebrows.
“Since he’s going to be on the road so much, I’ll be your direct contact.” Irene angled her head. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“Not at all,” Kasey replied in an equally smooth tone.
Irene stared at her through veiled eyes, then stood with a smile. “I knew you’d see it my way. I told Tanner as much.”
Immediately after delivering that final loaded punch, Irene left. For the longest time afterward, Kasey had nursed her fury in silence. Now, having rehashed that conversation in her mind, she felt that fury surge again.
Irene Sullivan had come to her office for only one purpose—to stake her claim. Tanner belonged to her, and she had wanted Kasey to know that.
Was he sleeping with Irene? That question gnawed at her. The thought of Tanner making love to that woman with the same intensity and fervor as he’d done with her turned her stomach and made her green with jealousy.
The ringing phone jerked her back to the moment at hand. Mindlessly she answered it.
“Can you get away?”
No matter how often she heard Tanner’s low, sexy voice, it never failed to affect her. This time goose bumps broke out on her skin and her mouth went dry.
“Not if I want to earn a living,” she responded a trifle breathlessly, forgetting for the moment how angry she was at him.
“Would it helped if I begged?”
“No,” she said, around her rapidly beating heart.
“If that’s what it takes, I will.”
“Tanner—”
“I have another rally this evening. I want you to come with me.”
“What about Irene?”
“What about her?”
“Why doesn’t she go with you?”
“Because I don’t want her to.”
Kasey sucked in her breath, then let it go, her mind in chaos. She wanted to go. She ached to see him, though she knew that was a bad idea.
“I want you.” He paused. “Only you.”
Those intimately spoken words sent a shaft of longing through Kasey. She eased back down in her chair. “All right,” she said weakly.
“I’m on my way.”
What had she done? The answer came quickly to mind. She had dug the hole deeper and pulled the dirt in on top of herself.
She saw Daisy Greer thread her way through the crowd with a sinking heart. Kasey’s gaze darted back to Tanner who was in the process of answering questions now that he’d finished his speech.
She sensed he was definitely aware of the unwanted guest by the instant tightening of his features. Maybe Greer would surprise them both and be on her best behavior. Yeah, right.
However, Daisy didn’t jump right in with a question. It wasn’t until Tanner was thanking everyone for their attendance that she called out, “How about abortion, Mr. Hart? How do you feel about that?”
Tanner stiffened as a refrigerated silence fell over the crowd. Then a man hollered out, “I’d rather know how you feel about gays adopting children.”
“Thank you again, ladies and gentlemen, for your attention, but my time is up.” With that Tanner bounded off the podium and made his way toward her.
Kasey had stepped to the outskirts of the crowd and was waiting.
“Let’s get the hell out of Dodge,” he said against her ear before latching onto her elbow and thrusting her forward.
“Mr. Hart.”
They could have pretended not to hear Daisy Greer, but since the reporter was on their heels, that would’ve been a definite slap in the face. Still, Kasey sensed Tanner considered doing just that by the way his features tightened along with the grip on her elbow. His fingers were hard and warm. She shivered inwardly.
“Shit,” he muttered under his breath.
Tanner turned around first. Kasey followed reluctantly, wondering how a person could put himself through this kind of anguish. But then people who decided to step into the political arena had to know the score. She frowned. The thought of opening herself up for all the world to see was appalling. Nor could she live with anyone who did that.
Her breath caught in her throat. Where had that crazy thought come from?
“Mr. Hart, any particular reason why you refused to answer my question?”
Kasey watched Tanner give Greer his lethal smile. “Like I said, my time was up.”
“How long can it take to say I’m pro choice or I’m pro life?”
That lethal smile didn’t waver, but Kasey guessed he was seething underneath.
“Longer than I have to get the facts straight,” Tanner responded. “But my offer still stands for a personal interview.”
“I don’t have time to waste, Mr. Hart.”
The insult struck its mark. Tanner’s anger was almost palpable. Yet Kasey had to admire his cool under fire.
“That’s your call, of course.”
“That woman’s nothing but a package of poison,” Tanner commented a short time later once they were settled in a booth in the rear of a coffee shop.
“I agree.” Kasey drummed her nails on the table. “Do you think she’ll ever leave you alone?”
“No, but I don’t think she’ll show up at my office.”
“Why not?”
“When she drops a grenade, she’s the type who likes an audience.” His features were grim. “And she knows I know that two can play her game.”
“But what if she does take you up on your offer?”
“I can handle her.”
“Better you than me.” Kasey shuddered. “She gives me the willies. She’s out for blood and makes no bones about it.”
“My blood, to be exact, compliments of Butler, I’m sure.”
The waitress brought their glasses of iced coffee, which shut down their conversation. Once she was gone, the silence lingered. Kasey watched as Tanner tilted his head back and took several consecutive gulps. Her gaze fixed on the long, bronzed column of his throat as he swallowed. When he put the glass down, their eyes met and held.
Feeling that sexual tension crackle between them, she looked away, taking the image of his big, sweat-drenched body with her. It was when he was all rumpled and hot that he was the most attractive to her. Heaven help her, but she would love to feel that damp skin…
“Kasey.”
“Yes,” she said quickly, trying to control the heat she knew flooded her face.
“Thanks for coming today.” His dark eyes were probing. “I know you didn’t really want to.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “I love getting out of the office.”
“And sweltering in ninety-five degree heat.” He half-smiled. “What a great way to spend an afternoon.”
“So what is your stand on abortion?” sh
e asked, deliberately switching the subject, for her own self-protection.
“I have a feeling it isn’t the same as yours.”
“I guess we won’t know until you tell me.”
“What if I don’t want to talk politics?”
“Even if I want to know?”
“Okay, I’m pro choice.”
“I was afraid you’d say that.”
“I take it you don’t agree.”
“You’re right, I don’t.”
“See, now you’re angry.”
“No, I’m not.”
“I knew that would happen. That subject does it every time.”
“You’re right, we shouldn’t discuss politics.”
“So can we agree to disagree?”
She tilted her head. “I bet I could change your mind.”
He chuckled. “If anyone could, it’d be you.”
“Maybe I’ll take my best shot someday.”
“I’d like that, actually. Means you’ll still be around.”
She felt color invade her cheeks. “I didn’t mean that.”
“I know, but I did.”
“Tanner—”
He reached out and grabbed her hand, turned it over and caressed her palm. Heat, pooling at the apex of her thighs, made her shift positions. “Don’t,” she said in an unsteady voice.
“Don’t tell you how much I want to make love to you right now?”
“Yes.”
“Too late. I’ve already told you.”
“I—”
The rest of her reply was interrupted by his ringing cell phone. Muttering an expletive, he reached for it. Moments later, Kasey watched the color drain from his face, leaving it pasty white.
“What is it?” she asked around her sudden fear.
“A floor just collapsed in one of my buildings.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“Yes.” His tone was harsh. “One of the workers.”
“Oh, no, Tanner.”
He stood. “Come on, we’re going to the emergency room.”
Twenty-Seven
“How does a glass of iced almond tea sound to you?”
Tanner cut his eyes toward her, too shocked to speak. They had just left the hospital and pulled up in the drive of her apartment. He had planned on seeing her to the door, then heading home, though he’d dreaded walking into his empty condo. Most likely he’d console himself by hitting the liquor cabinet. Almond tea sounded much more healthy and safer.
“Like manna from heaven,” he said. “Why?”
“I have some in the fridge.”
“Are you inviting me in?”
She released a breath and met his gaze head-on. “Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
She didn’t hesitate. “I’m sure.”
“You trust me?” His tone was low and gravelly.
She rose to the challenge. “Should I?”
“No.”
“Then—”
“Yes, you can trust me.”
Tension spread like wildfire between them as their eyes met and held.
Not about to give her time to change her mind, Tanner got out of the car. Once they were inside her cozy apartment, he headed for the sofa. God, he was beat, both mentally and physically. If he didn’t get some rest soon, he felt as though he might collapse which would be a first for him. His aides had often compared him to the Energizer bunny—he could go on and on.
Tonight, however, had just about done him in.
“You look exhausted,” Kasey said, a slight quiver in her voice.
She was nervous about having asked him in, second-guessing herself, he’d bet. While he’d like nothing better than to drown his troubles in her delectable body, he’d hold himself in check. Somehow.
“I am,” he finally answered, peering up at her as she stood in the middle of the living room watching him. He wasn’t the only one in need of a hot shower and sleep. She was also exhausted. Yet the weary droop of her shoulders and those circles under her eyes, or the vulnerability in them, didn’t detract from her beauty. Something deep inside him stirred, making him suddenly want to hold her and just comfort her.
“I’ll be right back,” she said in her soft voice.
The second she disappeared, Tanner rested his head against the sofa and closed his eyes. Before he could get his swirling thoughts under control, however, she was back with a tray in hand. A pitcher of iced tea, glasses and sandwiches were neatly arranged on a tray that she placed on the coffee table in front of him.
He roused and sat up. “Hey, you’re quick.”
“How so?”
“You whipped up these sandwiches in nothing flat.”
She smiled which suddenly erased some of her fatigue. “I can’t take credit. They’re from the deli.”
“Beggars can’t be choosers.”
“In that case, help yourself.”
She poured their tea and took her glass. He noticed she bypassed the sandwiches. “Not hungry, huh?”
“No. Not in the least.”
“They’re good,” he said, having taken a bite.
“I’m glad.”
He peered at her, then all but threw down the sandwich. “Actually it tastes like a wad of sawdust. No offense.”
A smile flirted with her lips. “None taken.”
He sighed, then drained half the glass of tea. “Now, that’s really good.”
“It’s my specialty.”
He watched as she took a sip, then lowered her glass. She flushed under his steady gaze. He turned and repositioned his weight on the sofa, feeling his features turn grim.
As though she read his mind, she said, “We have to believe he’s going to make it.”
“He has to make it,” Tanner stressed through tight lips. “He can’t die.”
“I know you feel personally responsible, but it was an accident.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment. His mind was veering in too many directions. “I’m not so sure about that.”
Kasey’s eyes widened. “But how could it not be?”
“Paul, my assistant, whom you met, pulled me aside and told me he had suspicions.”
Her lips parted. “What kind of suspicions? I mean—” Her voice faded into nothingness.
“Faulty material would be my guess.”
“Oh, Tanner, I hope not.”
He lunged off the couch and flexed his muscles while his gaze locked with hers once again. “If that’s the case, can’t you just see the field day the media’s going to have with this, especially that Greer woman. Why, she’ll be all over me like fleas on a hound. Only I don’t give a shit as long as Carl makes it.”
A frown marred Kasey’s features. “I’m going to hold on to the fact that it was just an accident.”
He smirked. “Maybe your positive attitude will rub off on me.”
“Maybe so.”
They were quiet for a while during which he paced the floor.
“You were really good with his family.”
“I care about my employees, Kasey.”
“It shows. I wish the media could see that side of you.”
“Thanks,” he muttered, pleased that he’d pleased her. “But that’s not what they’re looking for.”
“You’re right. They’re looking to smear you.”
“And that’s too damn bad.” Tanner’s tone was bleak. “We should both want only what’s good for Texas.”
“Would you care for some more tea?”
He paused midstride. “Am I making you nervous?”
“Yes.”
He chuckled, which helped to relieve the tension inside him as well as in the room. “Okay, I’ll take you up on that.”
She refilled his glass. When he took it from her, he made damn sure he didn’t graze a finger. His emotions were waiting for an excuse to explode. Touching her would be the catalyst that set them off. He didn’t dare chance that. Just being with her was the next best thing to touching her. He should learn
to be grateful for the small things.
With that in mind, he once again downed half the tea in one go. When his eyes lowered, they landed on the small opening in her blouse which allowed him access to the creamy slope of a breast. His breath froze in his throat, then he forced himself to swallow. Still, his eyes wouldn’t budge. He watched as her breasts moved up and down with each breath she took.
As if she could read his mind, her mouth parted. Maybe he was imagining things, but he could’ve sworn he heard a small whimper escape. Heat flared inside him. “Kasey,” he said in a cracked voice.
She rose and grabbed the pitcher. “I’ll go get a refill.”
A refill wasn’t needed, but he didn’t point that out. It was best she left the room before he did something he’d regret. If he touched her again, he wanted it to be her idea not his.
When she returned, he had managed to regain control of himself and his libido. Dammit, he should be thinking about Carl Neufield lying in a hospital room unconscious from that lick on his head. Instead he was thinking about how much he wanted to seduce Kasey.
“I feel bad,” he said into the silence.
“Why?”
“For keeping you up.”
“Don’t. I probably couldn’t sleep anyway. I’m too keyed.” She raised her hand and rubbed the back of her neck. When she did, his eyes landed once again on that opening in her blouse.
A bead of sweat popped out on his upper lip. Coughing, Tanner forced his gaze off her and said, “I bet I’m headlines in the paper again tomorrow.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I’m counting on it,” he muttered harshly. “Butler will be cheering from the sidelines.” His tone was bitter. “Count on that, too.”
“How could someone politicize something like that?”
“Easy. They get off on it.”
“That’s awful.”
“If it’s something other than an accident, and I should know by morning, she’ll crucify me.”
“Stop thinking like that. You’re just borrowing trouble.” Kasey got up and made her way to him, stopping just short of touching him.
He plowed a hand through his hair before meeting her eyes again. The heat between them flared again. He sucked in his breath and held it.
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