He backed away from her, the revelation shaking him. His heart pounded in his chest, his lungs burning for air. She was supposed to be captivated by him, not the other way around. He wasn’t about to give anyone that kind of power over him.
“Jake?” she said again.
He shook his head. “I’m heading for the office. I’ll catch breakfast in town.” He turned and went out the door without a backward glance, leaving her staring after him.
10
EMMA knew she had to stop obsessing over Jake. If she’d still been considering cancelling her date, Jake’s strange behavior all morning proved to her that he was far too complicated of a man for a woman like her. She wasn’t sophisticated and she didn’t have the ability to be a jet-setter or even be part of that side of his life. They thought differently. Jake thought differently. One moment he blew hot and the next cold. He was far too complicated for her and he was the type of man to break a woman’s heart if she let him.
Since Jake wasn’t having breakfast, she quickly turned off the stove and finished cleaning before going outside to join Susan and the children. If the children were outdoors, Jake required a bodyguard present, even on the property. If she took them off the property to the doctor’s office or anywhere else, he sent at least two of the men with them, sometimes three. Although she thought his precautions a little excessive, she decided to trust his judgment. If he had enemies, she didn’t want them getting to the children.
Evan smiled and waved at her as she approached. He was a big man, muscular, a former prize fighter, fast on his feet with tremendous upper body strength and quick reflexes, but he had a major speech impediment. Often he signed rather than spoke, and both Andraya and Kyle were learning to sign. They liked their “secret” language with him. He seemed to genuinely care for the children and never tired of pushing them on the swings or catching them sliding down the winding tube slide.
Emma watched him for a minute as Susan chattered away in French, which he clearly didn’t understand. He smiled a lot, flashing a ready grin, but his attention was clearly on his surroundings. He dressed like an authentic cowboy and he probably could ride, but he wasn’t babysitting and he wasn’t working the ranch. He was watching over his charges and taking his job very seriously.
She crossed her arms, a sudden shiver going down her spine. What did Jake know that she didn’t? Who was he afraid of?
“Ma’am?”
She spun around so quickly she tripped and nearly fell. Hard hands caught at her arm, fingers biting deep to prevent her from falling. Ordinarily she had acute hearing and a heightened sense of smell, but she hadn’t realized anyone was near her.
“I’m sorry, Miss Emma.” The man released her immediately. “Jake told me to introduce myself when you came out. I’m Conner Vega.”
The man stood straight, his large frame too thin, his hair shaggy and thick, one half of his face quite beautiful and the other covered in four deep scars that ran from his hairline to the side of his jaw, as if something had tried to rake his face from his skull. She forced herself to look at him, at the masculine beauty on one side of his face and the horrendous damage done to the other. He was quite pale and gaunt, as if he’d been ill for a long time. He didn’t look like a cowboy or a bodyguard, and he certainly wasn’t a businessman, not with the merciless slash of his mouth, yet Jake had hired him.
Emma held out her hand. Her arm hurt where he’d grabbed her, and she knew she’d have bruises. He was enormously strong for someone so gaunt. “It’s good to meet you. Are you hungry? There’s always coffee ready in the kitchen and I usually have fresh bread baked or cookies to grab on the run.”
“Jake gave me one of the cabins with a kitchen. I brought a few things with me so I’m good, thanks.”
“He keeps food supplies for the men in the common pantry. Did he show you where? When you take anything from there, just check it off the list. It makes it easier for me to replace the supplies so we keep them from running low.”
He nodded, then stepped back and lifted his hand slightly. “I just wanted to introduce myself to you so you wouldn’t think a stranger was hanging around the children.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that,” Emma said.
She watched him walk away and rubbed at her arm again. Along with the bruises there was a long scratch, as if his nail had caught her when he’d pulled her upright. She sighed, realizing the latest addition was just like everyone else on the ranch. Drake with his bum leg; Joshua with his pretend smile and the pain in his eyes; Evan with his speech problem; Conner with his scars; and of course, Jake’s biggest rescue—Emma, with her lost husband and difficult pregnancy. Jake collected strays whether he knew it or not. She’d met several of the people who worked for him. One was an older couple, intensely loyal to him, and she’d heard Jake on the phone with them on several occasions, sorting out some fund for them and getting back a house that had been repossessed.
Jake had so many personalities. He could be difficult and at times even cruel, yet he was so generous. She spent far too much time thinking about him. As hard as she tried not to, throughout the rest of day she found herself daydreaming about Jake, puzzling, worried, annoyed, frustrated—so many emotions. At least her body wasn’t going up in flames at his mere scent as she cleaned the house and played with the children. There was some relief in that.
Susan was a big help, although she talked a lot, mostly about Jake and Evan. At the end of the day, after Emma had listened to Susan for hours and put the children to bed, she really wanted to just sit back with her feet up, but she made herself take a shower and do her hair. She wore it down her back, the way Jake liked it most. She’d always had great hair, the one attribute she loved about herself. Most of the time she wore it up out of the way, but Jake often took her hair out of the clip so that the silky strands would cascade down her back to her waist. She found a long-forgotten short silk blouse that dressed up her favorite swingy skirt and walked down the stairs.
“You look beautiful,” Susan greeted her in the hallway. “Where are you going tonight?”
“Just to a movie, but I go out so rarely”—make that never—“that I thought I’d make the most of it.” Was a part of her angry at Jake for making it so impossible to be with him? She paused, afraid she was more upset with him than she’d realized. She’d been honest with Greg, telling him she wanted to go out only as a friend, but maybe even that wasn’t the truth.
“That’s so cool that Jake is taking you to a movie.”
Emma stiffened. “I’m not going with Jake. He’s at a business meeting tonight.”
Susan frowned. “Are you going by yourself? I thought you said it was a date.”
“Sort of a date. He’s a friend.”
Susan’s eyebrow shot up. “He? Does Jake know?”
Emma’s stomach knotted. Fear curled inside her, making her more annoyed and determined than ever. “It isn’t Jake’s business what I do.”
Susan looked shocked. “Okay, Emma. You’re teasing the tiger.”
“I’ve told you, Jake and I are not like that.”
“Maybe you’re not like that, but I’ve seen him with you. He definitely has the hots for you. No joke, Emma. If you don’t know it, you’re the only person on this ranch that doesn’t.”
Emma closed her eyes, briefly wishing there was more to it than that. “He has the hots for all women, Susan.” She pulled on a short black cardigan and caught up her purse. It was quite cold, but she figured the theater would be warm enough. “Don’t wait up.”
“Don’t you worry about that. I don’t want to be up when Jake comes home and finds you gone,” Susan said. “He’s the type that might kill the messenger, and I was on my way to bed anyway.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “You’re so dramatic. Jake doesn’t care what I do off this ranch.” She started down the hall.
“You keep believing that,” Susan said.
Emma hurried into the kitchen, glancing at her watch. “One of the men will st
ay in the house, so if you need help, just call out.” She picked up the phone and punched the intercom button to the main cabin. “Joshua, send one of the bodyguards up to the house for the rest of the evening. I’m heading out.”
There was a stunned silence and then Joshua gave a croak. “Out?”
She wasn’t going to explain herself. Just that tone had irritated her. It was obvious she’d waited far too long to assert herself. “Just send someone now.”
She hurried out to the Jeep that was kept parked near the house for her use on the property.
“Wait!” A figure came flying toward the Jeep, out of the darkness. Joshua leaned into the vehicle through the open window and actually took the keys right out of the ignition. “Where are you going? It’s eight thirty.” He stared at her.
“You’re dressed up. What are you doing, Emma?” He sounded shocked.
“I’m going on a date, Joshua,” she answered quietly, fighting the mixture of indignation and amusement.
“A date?” he echoed, his voice hitting a high note. “With a man?”
She smiled at him sweetly. “That is fairly standard, isn’t it, or have I gotten it wrong after all this time?”
“Nobody told me.” Joshua’s mind raced frantically. Emma never went anywhere off the ranch without an escort. Who would dare ask her out? Who would be so crazy as to take his life in his hands? Who was off that evening? He tried to remain calm.
“I wasn’t aware I had to tell you,” Emma replied mildly. She held out her hand for the keys. “I’m late. Hand them over.”
He backed up a step, little dots of sweat forming on his forehead. “Does Jake know about this?”
“Jake is at a business meeting, Susan is watching the children and I’m taking the night off. It’s the first time in two years. I deserve it, don’t you think?”
Joshua raked a nervous hand through his hair. “Yeah, well, just who is this guy?”
“No one you know.” Emma leaned out through the window of the Jeep and took the keys from his hand. “Don’t worry, Joshua. You’re acting like a father. I’ll come home at a reasonable hour.”
“But you never go out,” he protested. “You never wear a skirt.” He passed a hand over his face and blinked at her. “You never look like this.”
She laughed ruefully. “I’m not sure that’s actually a compliment. I’ll see you tomorrow, Joshua.”
“Oh, God, Emma.” He nearly wailed it. “You aren’t thinking of spending the night with this guy, are you? I’ll get killed for this. I’m dead. Boiled in oil.”
Emma scowled at him with exasperation. It was clear she needed to leave the ranch more often. Did they all think she wasn’t date-worthy? “Will you stop? It has nothing to do with you. I’m just going to a movie, maybe out for coffee afterward. Don’t wait up.”
“Skip the coffee.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s too late for the early show. Call the guy and cancel.”
“Joshua.” Exasperated, Emma started the Jeep.
“Wait! I’ll drive you in,” he said desperately.
She patted his arm. “Not on your life. Stop worrying. I’m following Jake’s orders.”
Joshua stared at her with his mouth open, clearly at a loss for words. Then he cleared his throat. “You sure?”
“Absolutely. Why do you think I’m doing this? Jake told me to.”
“He did?” Joshua echoed. “That doesn’t sound like him.”
She nodded solemnly, gave a cheery little wave and roared off, leaving Joshua frowning after her in a swirling cloud of dust.
“Drake!” Joshua bellowed at the top of his lungs as he sprinted toward Drake’s truck.
Drake beat him to the driver’s seat, gun in hand, looking wildly around and then after the Jeep. “That wasn’t . . .” He’d already started the vehicle and reversed, wheeling the truck around to follow the fast-moving vehicle. “Who’s in the Jeep?”
“Emma.” Joshua sounded like doom.
“Emma?” Drake echoed, barely able to believe his ears. “Where the hell is she going this time of night, and why aren’t a couple of bodyguards with her?”
“The movies.” Joshua grimaced. “Emma’s going out. On a date.”
“A what?”
Few things shocked Drake, and Joshua was pleased to see he was shaking at the news.
“Date—a date—with a man. Someone I don’t know. Someone you don’t know.”
Together they groaned and said simultaneously, “Someone Jake doesn’t know.”
Drake called the main gate. “Emma’s coming through, Jerico. Let her go. We’re on it.” He turned to Joshua with a raised eyebrow. “What movie are we going to see?”
“Hell, I don’t know, but I’m definitely getting too old for this kind of thing. Don’t get too close to her. If she spots us, we’re dead. She has a mean streak in her. She’ll pull our coffee privileges.”
“We’re probably already dead. You couldn’t stop her? She’s a sweet little thing,” Drake said. “And you should never have allowed her to go without a bodyguard.”
“Ha! You try it. She smiles at you sweetly, nods her head a lot and does whatever the hell she wants to do. You can’t stop that woman short of tying her up. And believe me, I considered it.”
“Jake’s going to go up like a volcano,” Drake announced grimly. “You should have tied her up.”
“Hell, Drake, you gave the order to let her off the property. I’m going to make sure Jake knows that when he pulls off our fingernails.” He brightened as he settled against the seat. “We could murder the guy while she’s in the ladies’ room.”
They followed her right to the theater, Drake keeping a few cars between them at all times. “The movie better not be some sloppy love story,” Joshua hissed as they crept through the parking lot, hiding behind cars, keeping pace with her.
“Uh-oh,” Drake said. “I think lover boy is waiting. There he is, he’s taking both her hands in his, gazing into her eyes. You recognize him?”
“I think he’s the telephone guy. I’ve seen him around. Jake isn’t going to like this,” Joshua pointed out with a little groan.
“Neither is Emma if she catches us. I wish we could just get rid of this guy somehow. Got any ideas?” Drake asked hopefully.
“Maybe we should call Jake right now and just let him handle it,” Joshua suggested.
“Are you crazy?” Drake pushed money at the woman at the ticket counter. “Whatever movie they’re going into,” he added, nodding toward Emma and her date as they went inside.
“Hey, we’re in luck,” Joshua exclaimed gleefully. “It’s a comedy. I hope we get good seats.”
“Joshua!” Drake smacked the younger man with his hat. “We’re here to keep an eye on lover boy. How the hell did he slip by us that we haven’t checked him out?”
“I hope you’ve got more money. I don’t have a cent. This is great. I really did want to see this movie.” Joshua was patting his pockets. “I need popcorn.”
Drake shoved him, scowling darkly. “Will you keep your mind on the job? You keep it up and I’ll leave you out here.”
“Quick! They’re going in,” Joshua pointed out hastily. “We’ll lose them. Get in line, will you?”
“Shh,” Drake admonished, allowing several couples to go in front of them. “And I’m not getting you popcorn. We’re working.”
“Don’t be such a cheapskate. I’d like popcorn. You just can’t watch a good movie without popcorn. If he doesn’t stop at the snack bar, you follow them and I’ll catch up after I get us some popcorn. I’ll need money though.”
“Forget the damned popcorn,” Drake ordered.
“You just don’t know how to have a good time,” Joshua sulked.
“Just keep your eye on her. What got into her anyway? Is she mad at the boss? They have a fight?”
“She said he told her to go out,” Joshua said. “And if I know anything at all about Emma, it’s that she doesn’t lie.”
“The man’s a dam
ned idiot.”
“Either that or he was a misunderstood idiot.” Joshua ducked behind a pillar. “They’re getting popcorn. It smells so good. Come on, Drake, buy some popcorn.”
“Will it shut you up?” Drake demanded furiously.
“I promise.” Joshua folded his arms complacently over his chest.
They hung back, waiting for Emma and her date to be seated in the darkened theater, before finding a space two rows behind her.
Joshua was enthralled with the comedy, laughing so heartily the girls seated next to him kept giggling together.
Drake dug elbows into Joshua’s ribs. “He’s making his move.”
“Who is?” Joshua’s eyes were glued to the screen.
“The guy, her date. He put his arm around the back of her seat.”
Joshua sat up, glaring daggers. “Wanna break his arm? We could make it look like an accident.”
“Oh, shut up. You’re no help. Just watch the damn movie.” Drake sounded totally exasperated.
“Fine.” Joshua managed to look hurt for all of five minutes, until the movie had him doubling over with shoulder-shaking chuckles.
They had a few bad minutes when the lights went up, finding themselves trapped by the people leaving. They had to pretend they were looking for something on the floor to allow Emma and her escort to pass. Drake sent up a silent prayer that Emma would go straight home, but it wasn’t answered. They were forced to follow her to the Chateau, a very expensive French restaurant.
Drake looked down at their work clothes and boots. “She’ll spot us for certain. Maybe we should wait outside.”
“If we wait outside, and we have to tell Jake about this evening, he’ll beat the crap out of us. And I don’t feel like taking a beating because Emma is feeling frisky.”
JAKE allowed the talk to flow around him. The scent of conspiracy was heavy in his nostrils and betrayal reeked at the table, but everyone there smiled and played their high-stakes games. Dean Hopkins, the manager for his small, seemingly failing business, was all for the sale, laying the advantages out carefully while the circle of investors nodded their heads and tried to convince him they were helping him out. Jake kept his face expressionless, watching them all closely, wanting to sniff out the underlying reason they were so set on buying a failing business.
Burning Wild Page 20