“Which is one of the reasons your company does well, I suppose?”
He laughed, a deep amused chuckle that sent shivers over Raine. “Oh, yeah,” he drawled. “That and the fact we’re very good at what we do.”
“Yes, you are,” she conceded. “Sorry. I’m just frustrated and annoyed that I have to go home and can’t continue with the search. What will you do next?”
“I’ll drop you off in Wolf Creek and stop at my place for clean clothes, probably check in with my brother, Luke, and my folks. Then I’ll head south again and continue questioning potential witnesses.”
“There’s something else I need to ask you about.”
“What’s that?”
“I received an invitation to Zach and Jessie’s wedding.” Raine glanced sideways at Chase, trying to gauge his reaction. “I’d like to go but I’m not sure I should, especially since it’s being held in your mother’s garden. Do you think your family would mind if I was there?”
“If it doesn’t bother you, I’m sure it’s fine with them.”
“Are you being polite or do you really think your parents will be okay with this?” she demanded, not sure she should believe him.
“You actually think I’d bother lying to you to be polite?” His voice sounded amused and a little surprised.
“People have been known to tell little white lies to avoid upsetting other people,” she said. “Although come to think of it, I’m guessing you probably don’t bother with polite lies to ease social situations.”
“If I have, I don’t remember it,” he said. “But if you’re worried, I’ll ask my parents.”
“Good,” Raine said with relief. “Wait…if they said they weren’t okay with my being there, would you tell me? You wouldn’t try to save my feelings, would you? Because it would be worse if I went and then found out they really didn’t want me at their daughter’s wedding.”
Chase shook his head, lifting an eyebrow in disbelief. “Didn’t we just have this conversation? I wouldn’t lie to you. Besides, this is Jessie’s wedding. Trust me, I know my sister. If it wasn’t okay with her for you to be a guest, you would never have gotten an invitation.”
“Oh.” Raine mulled this over. She wasn’t totally convinced, but decided there really wasn’t anything further she could do. “Okay, then. Good. That’s good to know.”
“I didn’t realize you knew Zach well,” Chase said.
“We were friends in high school. We didn’t keep in touch after graduation, but he’s stopped in the Saloon several times since he came home to help his mother run the ranch.” She paused, shaking her head. “I can’t believe your family didn’t guess Rowdy was his son. Zach brought him into the restaurant for lunch a few weeks ago and I swear, that boy looks just like him.”
“It never occurred to any of us that Jessie would fall in love with a Kerrigan. Much less have a child with him and then keep it a secret from all of us, including Zach, for nearly four years.”
“You don’t hold it against Zach that Harlan is his uncle, do you? Or that Lonnie is his cousin? He’s nothing like them…”
“No, he’s not,” Chase interrupted her. “If he were, there’s no way he’d be marrying my little sister.” He shook his head in disbelief. “She told me that’s why she didn’t tell us—because she was afraid no McCloud would ever accept a marriage between one of us and a Kerrigan.”
“But Luke married Zach’s sister—didn’t that make Jessie reconsider?”
“Jessie said their marriage happened four years after she made the decision not to tell us Zach was Rowdy’s father. She thought it was too late to change her story.”
“And then Zach came home…” Raine said.
“Yeah. And unlike the rest of us, he took one look at Rowdy and knew he was the father.”
“I’m glad he and Jessie worked out their differences, for everyone’s sake, but especially for Rowdy.”
They spent the rest of the day methodically checking out places along the highway where Trey might have stopped but came up empty. Raine tried to remain optimistic but was discouraged that she had to return home before they learned something definitive.
It was nearly ten-thirty that night when Chase turned into Raine’s driveway in Wolf Creek.
“I’ll get your bag out of the back.”
“Thanks.” Raine took her purse and got out. Killer squeezed between the two front seats and bounded after her. Startled, she laughed and patted the soft black fur between his ears. He trotted beside her up the sidewalk and across the porch, waiting while she unlocked the door before nudging it farther open with his nose.
“Killer, stop that. Behave yourself.” Chase joined them, leaning around Raine to drop her bag inside and drag the inquisitive big dog away from the door. “You don’t have a light out here?” he asked, frowning as he scanned the dark porch, lit only by moon glow.
“Yes, but I didn’t turn it on when I left.”
“I’ll get an automatic timer for you. Motion sensor lamps are a good idea, too. You need better security.”
She laughed softly. “This is Wolf Creek, Chase, not Seattle. Very little crime ever happens here. I feel perfectly safe.”
“Humor me. Extra security can’t hurt.”
“All right.” She felt warmed and somehow cherished by his concern.
Killer nudged her knee with his nose and she bent to give him a quick hug. “So long, Killer. Behave yourself.” Upright once more, she patted his nose affectionately.
“Yeah, like that’s gonna happen,” Chase said wryly. “Go get in the car, Killer.”
The Rottweiler woofed softly, bumping Raine’s leg with his shoulder as he bounded across the porch toward the sidewalk. He knocked Raine off balance. She stumbled backward against Chase and instantly, his arms wrapped around her, holding her safe. Raine caught her breath. His body was a solid, warm wall at her back, his right hand splayed over her midriff, his thumb against the lower curve of her breast. For one brief moment, neither of them moved. Then Chase bent his head, his lips brushing against her ear.
“Are you all right?” His voice was a low, raspy rumble.
She felt it vibrate through her body all the way to her toes.
“Yes, I—” she drew in a shaky breath “—I’m fine.”
He released her slowly, his hands lingering as if reluctant to leave the curve of her waist.
“I’ll be leaving town before noon tomorrow.”
She turned, looking up at him. The moonlight barely penetrated the deep overhang of the porch and shadowed his face, only heightening his mysteriousness. “You’ll call if you find out anything new about Trey?”
He nodded. “I’m guessing I can reach you at the restaurant or Saloon most of the time and not here at the house?”
“Yes,” she murmured.
He cupped her face in his hand, his fingers calloused and faintly abrasive against her skin. She waited breathlessly, hoping and fearing he would kiss her.
He smoothed the pad of his thumb across her lower lip in a slow, heart-stopping caress and then released her.
“Take care.”
He took the steps in easy strides. Raine leaned against the doorjamb, grateful for its support since her legs felt too unsteady to hold her upright. He backed out of her driveway, flicking the headlights at her twice, and she waved goodbye, then went inside.
She showered and went through her usual routine to get ready for bed in a daze, her mind whirling. She’d dated her share of men over the years but Chase wasn’t like any other. Not only did they have a history together, but he affected her as no one else ever had.
She’d been focusing on business and putting her personal life second for as long as she could remember, certainly since her father died and she’d taken over running the family business with Trey when she was eighteen. Determined to salvage some sort of security and success from the shambles of her family life, she’d never once allowed a man to become important to her.
Even now, she did
n’t think she’d allowed Chase to be important to her—he simply was. It felt as if she’d been waiting for him, marking time with the occasional casual boyfriend until he returned.
Stricken, she stared at her reflection in the mirror, her hand wielding the hairbrush frozen in midair.
What am I? Sleeping Beauty waiting for the Prince to return and kiss me awake?
It wasn’t like she was in love with him. Was she? I can’t be, she told herself. Falling in love at first sight only happens in fairy tales. Lust, sure. She’d admit to lust. Who wouldn’t? The man was tall, dark, magnetic. Not to mention sexy as sin.
She finished brushing her hair and went to bed, determined not to think about Chase. But her dreams were filled with him, the imaginary kisses they shared growing hotter with each succeeding fantasy.
Raine spent the following morning in her office, a medium-size room tucked between the restaurant and the Saloon, dealing with a small mountain of paperwork. Charlotte was efficient and organized but there were some decisions that could only be made by Raine and those had stacked up during her absence.
She was flipping through supply order sheets, trying to make sense of a distributor invoice for delivery of an order she was sure had neither been placed nor received, when someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” she called distractedly, still concentrating on the stack of order forms.
“Good morning, Raine.”
Harlan Kerrigan crossed the threshold, closing the door behind him.
“Mr. Kerrigan.” She pressed the call button hidden beneath the desk’s center drawer, then stood. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to discuss a matter with you, if you have a moment.”
Raine pointedly looked at her watch. “Of course, but only a moment, I’m afraid. I’ve been out of town for a few days and have a mountain of paperwork to get through today.” She gestured at the wooden chair facing her desk. “Please, have a seat.”
Just as he settled into the chair and Raine sat down, Charlotte entered, looking inquiringly at Raine, then her gaze flicked to Harlan. She lifted an eyebrow in obvious surprise and speculation.
“Charlotte, would you bring two coffees? I’m taking a ten-minute break to discuss something with Mr. Kerrigan before tackling the distributor invoice situation.”
“Of course.” Charlotte grinned, pointedly leaving the door ajar as she disappeared down the hall.
“Now, is it time for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual fund-raiser? As always, I’ll be happy to donate toward the cost of the Chamber’s booth at the county fair.” Raine didn’t miss Harlan’s annoyed expression and knew he wasn’t pleased she’d limited their time to ten minutes.
He propped his ankle on the opposite knee and removed his Stetson. Gone was the visible annoyance, his face smoothed into affable lines.
He was impeccably dressed and Raine realized she’d never seen Harlan anything less than meticulous. The lightweight gray summer suit he wore had a knife-edge crease in the slacks; his black cowboy boots gleamed with polish. The white Stetson he’d settled on his knee was spotless, as was the white shirt he wore with his suit. The bolo tie at his collar had a gold nugget that matched the hammered gold ring on his right hand.
He was the perfect picture of a successful, responsible Western businessman yet Raine didn’t trust him an inch. She’d rarely had dealings with him in the years since she and Trey had taken over the Harper-owned businesses. Local gossip said Harlan’s time was increasingly centered in the state capital. She wouldn’t be surprised to hear he had political aspirations.
“I’m sure the Chamber will be pleased to receive your contribution—I’ll be glad to deliver your check. However, I wanted to talk to you about another matter. I’ve heard a rumor that I find difficult to believe, Raine, and I felt compelled to share my concerns with you.”
“Really? What rumor is that?” Raine wasn’t buying his avuncular concern. She was sure an agenda of his own had brought him to her door and she wished he’d get on with telling her so she could get back to her waiting invoices.
“Here we go.” Charlotte breezed into the room, carrying a tray and forestalling Harlan’s response. “Two coffees. Both black?” She looked at Harlan and received an annoyed nod.
“Thanks, Charlotte. Will you tell Kenny I’ll be ready to go over the invoices with him in about ten minutes?”
“Sure, boss.” Charlotte winked at Raine and left the room, purposely leaving the door ajar once again.
“I’m sorry, Harlan, but it’s chaos around here today. You were saying?” Raine prompted.
“I can see you’re busy so I’ll keep this brief. I’ve heard a rumor that you’ve hired Chase McCloud to look for your brother.”
“That’s true.”
“I’m sure if your parents were here, they’d urge you to rethink this decision. In their absence, I must urge you to reconsider, as well.”
He leaned forward in his chair, his gaze shrewd and hard, probing hers.
Raine lifted her coffee cup and sipped, taking her time. “I appreciate your concern, Harlan, but I fail to see why you’re so worried. I’ve hired a professional to search for my missing brother. Frankly, I feel fortunate that a man as experienced as Chase is available and willing to take on Trey’s case.”
“Fortunate? Surely you realize McCloud is an ex-convict? You were only a child when he was locked away so perhaps you don’t know the full story and don’t realize just how dangerous this man is.”
“I was twelve when my brother Mike died,” Raine said. “And although I don’t know all the details of the case, I don’t see how a fifteen-year-old car accident is material to my situation at this point.”
“The man was held responsible for the death of your brother.”
“I understand the jury found Chase guilty,” Raine agreed.
“You know he may have a hidden agenda in taking on this search for your brother?”
“A hidden agenda? Like what?”
“Like revenge against your family. After all, the death of a Harper sent him to jail.”
Anger flared, bright and hot, and Raine carefully set down her coffee cup on the polished desk surface. “My brother died, Harlan, but it was testimony from you and Lonnie that sent Chase to jail. If he wants revenge against anyone, I’m guessing it’s far more likely to involve you or Lonnie. Perhaps you should be more concerned about your own situation, and less about mine.”
“Is that what he told you?”
“Chase hasn’t said anything to me about you,” she lied. “But any rational-thinking person could look at the basic facts of the case and conclude Chase might feel he has cause to dislike you and Lonnie.”
“I’m afraid we’ll have to agree to disagree,” he said after a tension-charged moment. He glanced around the office. “I see you haven’t changed much in here since you took over.”
“Not a lot,” Raine agreed, wondering where he was going now with the conversation.
“Your father and I didn’t often see eye-to-eye on issues, either. If he’d listened to me, you would have inherited businesses with a much higher net worth.” He stared at her, his eyes cold. “You might consider that when you think about your association with the McClouds.”
“Are you threatening me, Harlan?” Raine asked softly, holding on to her temper by a thread.
She expected him to deny her charge, but his next comment came out of left field.
“Do you have any leads in the search for your brother?” he asked abruptly.
She wasn’t sure why, but she instinctively didn’t want to reveal the truth. “No.”
“The police haven’t found anything?”
“No. It’s as if Trey dropped off the face of the earth.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Harlan shook his head, his expression properly sympathetic, but Raine thought she detected a flash of satisfaction. He stood, set his untouched coffee cup on the desk, and settled his hat on his head. “If there’s anything
I can do to aid in finding Trey, don’t hesitate to come to me.”
Raine rose to face him across the desk. “Thanks for your offer, although I can’t think of anything at the moment.”
“Nevertheless, the offer is open, should something arise. I’ll let you get back to your work.” He nodded, touched the brim of his hat and left the room.
Raine dropped into her chair. What was Harlan up to? She didn’t believe for a moment that he was genuinely concerned about her, nor about Trey. What was the real reason he’d questioned her about Chase?
At roughly the same time Harlan was leaving Raine’s office, Chase was driving south to resume the search where he and Raine had left off the day before. He turned up the volume on the radio but the SUV still felt oddly quiet without her.
Furthermore, the interior of the SUV held the scent of her perfume. When Killer leaned forward from the backseat and rested his chin on Chase’s shoulder, he realized the Rottweiler smelled faintly of Raine, too.
“Damn, dog,” he said, exasperated. “Did she spray you with the stuff?”
Killer gave him a reproachful look and retreated, stretching out on the seat with his head on his paws.
Chase eyed him in the rearview mirror and sighed.
“All right, I’m sorry. I know she hugged you at least a dozen times and that’s probably why you smell like her perfume.”
Killer glanced up at him with dignified reproof before shutting his eyes.
“Great,” Chase muttered. “Now my dog’s ignoring me.”
He stopped for gas in midafternoon and on impulse, bought a car deodorizer at the checkout stand. He hung the four-inch tree-shaped felt on his rearview mirror but within an hour he ripped it off and threw it out the window. The pine scent gave him a headache but at least the lingering trace of Raine’s perfume in the SUV’s interior was gone. Unfortunately, the next morning when he climbed behind the wheel, he could smell her perfume again.
There was no escaping it. She was imprinted on his brain.
It was annoying as hell.
Four days went by and Raine still hadn’t heard from Chase. She had left daily messages on his answering machine but he hadn’t returned her calls. He’d told her he’d phone if he learned anything new so she assumed he had nothing to report. Nevertheless, his silence was unnerving.
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