by Lori Foster
Phoenix hugged the dog closer, knowing that what bothered her most was how much she liked the idea.
How much she liked him.
To escape the lure of his golden eyes, she turned her attention to the dog.
Aware of Maris peeking at them, and Daron just coming in, she nodded. “Okay.” Giving in to him was the easier path to take, but she didn’t feel cowardly—just prudent. After all, if he thought there could be danger, it didn’t make sense to push. “I promise.”
She heard the wry note in his muttered, “Thank you.”
Had her promise sounded less than sincere?
Now that he’d gotten his way, he sat back and lifted his coffee cup again.
One thought led to another and she asked, “When are we meeting with them?”
The cup plunked back to the table. He didn’t pretend not to understand. “We? I don’t want you anywhere near them.”
That got her back stiff. “Why not? I have as much right to confront them as you do.” She thrust up a quick hand. “And no, don’t say it. It’ll be perfectly safe this time and you know it.”
With his jaw tightening again, he stared at her. Into her. “I’m the one paying. Unless you want to?”
She snorted, not about to fall for that nonsense. “Neither of us would give that Harry creep a dime, so don’t try to sell me that. Have you contacted the police yet?”
Cooper sighed. “Last night, actually.”
She leaned closer. “So you’re setting a trap for him?”
“If I say yes, will you stay away?”
The dog stirred, looking up at her worriedly, before gazing at Cooper.
Though Phoenix had just given herself a pep talk on uncommitted sex, it hurt that he wanted to cut her out.
That he didn’t trust her enough to let her be a part of it.
He probably figured she’d freak out again...and in all honesty, she couldn’t promise him that she wouldn’t.
Keeping all emotion from her tone, she said, “When it comes down to it, you don’t have to make up stories. After all, you’re the boss.”
Cooper stared at her, his expression even harder. His lips curved in a terrible attempt at a smile. “Maybe we could step outside for a minute?”
She shared her own attempt at smiling. “Of course.” She started to rise, but he surprised her by taking the dog from her first, then putting a hand to her back.
That meant she had to go first. Maris watched with amusement. Daron stood beside her, arms folded, a big grin on his face.
Did they both know she was in trouble?
That irked her so much that she ended up striding more rigidly than she’d intended. Once outside, she turned on Cooper—but he stepped around her, heading for a picnic table on the sandy lakeshore. The dog stared after her.
Huffing, Phoenix followed him until he finally stopped and set down the dog, his back still to her. She had a finger up to make a verbal point when Cooper suddenly turned, scooping an arm around her lower back and drawing her close.
“First...” His mouth lowered to hers, and despite the heat in his eyes and the grim set to his brows, the kiss was light and gentle. He put his forehead to hers.
“First what?” she managed to whisper.
“First I had to get that out of my system.” His warm breath teased her lips. “I’ve been thinking about kissing you since...”
“Since?”
He quirked a bemused smile. “Since the last time I kissed you, actually.”
“Oh.” Since she’d been thinking about it too, she savored the admission.
“Second,” he continued, his tone more stern, “this isn’t about you being an employee. And even if it was, you’re more than that now and you know it.”
Yes, she did, and it didn’t bother her as much as it should. “You write my paychecks,” she pointed out, softly now since he’d so nicely kissed her.
“That’s separate from this.” He kissed her again, not so light or gentle now.
The dog barked.
Cooper leaned back and, with a smile, straightened her glasses for her. “Now, could you tell me why you want to be there?”
That felt suspiciously like a trick question. “If you’ll tell me first why you don’t want me there.”
To her surprise, he agreed. “All right.” Taking her hand, he led her the rest of the way to a sun-bleached table. The dog, playing a few feet away, dug in the sand.
After they’d both taken seats, he said, “As you know, I called the local police. Officer Gibb Clark, a friend, is going to join me. We’re hoping the bastards show up, but it’s doubtful. If they do, it could get ugly.”
Her eyes flared. “You would fight with them in front of an officer?”
“That’s not my plan, but anything is possible. What I meant is that Gibb will likely take them in—one way or another—for some answers. That’s if they even show. Either way, I’d as soon the men not focus on you more than necessary. If they do put in an appearance, things won’t go the way they’re hoping and I’d prefer they see me as their problem, not you.”
Actually...that all made sense. Even without the past that influenced her reactions, he was certainly better able to handle them than she’d be. “All right.”
“Thank you.” He caught her chin. “Now tell me why you wanted to be there?”
The urge to look away made her heart beat faster, but she didn’t want to be a coward anymore. “Mostly I wanted to prove to myself...” What? She shook her head. “Something. Anything.” That sounded so lame she groaned. “I don’t want them to know that they intimidated me.”
Cooper slowly nodded. “Okay, I get that.”
Because he would feel the same? She couldn’t imagine anyone intimidating him. He seemed so self-possessed and sure of himself.
“You understand, though,” he continued, “that anyone in that type of disadvantage would feel intimidated?”
“I do now, yeah.” She cracked her first genuine smile. “Ridley gave me hell last night. She called me melodramatic and a few other things.” When he started to scowl, she laughed. “It was her way of telling me the same thing you’re saying. Plus, she insisted that I’m doing great now, much better—and she’s right. For a while there, I’d...lost myself.”
“You weren’t used to being afraid.”
“No, and believe me, I don’t like it.”
His brows pulled together. “Yesterday was a setback.”
“Maybe a little. But I realize that, most of the time, I don’t even think of the assault anymore.” Which meant she really had come a long way. For a while there, she’d lived in the memories, unable to escape them for more than a few minutes at a time. Now the opposite was true. She thought of it less and less—while she lived more and more.
Relief showed in the loosening of his shoulders. His frown eased. “I’m glad to hear it.”
She watched the dog jump after a butterfly. “Will you let me know what happens?”
“Yes. Right afterward, we’re supposed to go for the lawnmower—and dinner. We can talk about it then.”
Very aware of his warmth beside her, his big powerful body and those beautiful eyes, she leaned closer but kept her gaze on the dog. “Mmm. And after that?”
He stilled, but then his hand slid under her hair, clasping the back of her neck. “After that I’m hoping to have you alone.”
She glanced at him, then away, struggling to look blasé. “For sex?”
“Eventually.” Proving he was aware of her game, he growled, “I want to get you naked first. Seeing you at the creek, your shirt and shorts clinging to your hot bod...”
Warmth spread inside her.
“That was a hell of a tease, Phoenix.” His hand moved over her shoulder, down her arm to her elbow, then onto her waist. “I’m going to need at least an h
our just to look and touch.”
Anticipation nearly sucked away her breath. “Sounds like a plan.” She turned and kissed him, fast and hard. She had to go now—while she still could. “I should get to work.”
He stood with her, and she saw that his eyes were brighter, his nostrils flared.
He really did want her, and it thrilled her.
He clasped her chin. “We’ll leave at five.”
“I’ll be ready.” She’d have to finish early enough to shower and change. For once she wanted Cooper to see her dressed as a woman, not just as the head groundskeeper.
He continued to look at her, the tension mounting—then he tore his gaze away and whistled for the dog. “C’mon, Sugar. Time for your appointment.”
The dog tipped her head, letting one ear touch the ground while the other flopped over her forehead. Then she lunged, racing toward Cooper, stopping short, darting away again.
He shook his head. “She has these running fits...”
Phoenix laughed. “You’ll really name her Sugar?”
“Why not? She’s pretty damn sweet.” When the dog ran close again, he caught her up against his chest and she immediately started licking his face.
So far, Sugar had gotten more kisses than she had, Phoenix thought.
But tonight, that would change.
The issues of a relationship faded away behind ripe anticipation.
* * *
Now that she’d already done this once, Ridley discovered a pattern and so she did very little backtracking, which meant she finished the chores more quickly. Plus, after the thorough cleaning of yesterday, today was mostly upkeep of the areas she tended, with the addition of two locations where campers had just checked out of cabins.
When she finished early, she made a decision.
Throughout the day, she’d only seen Baxter from a distance, but with every second that passed without him seeking her out, she stewed with indignation...and her determination grew.
She would have him, hotly, thoroughly—and then she’d be the one to walk away. Let him be the one left wondering.
Oh, she’d make it so good, so outrageously incendiary that he’d want her again and again...but she would decline.
It was a powerful fantasy, very unlike her usual risqué dreams, which focused more on the activities, not the ending of them.
But for now it’d do.
In order to play that out, she needed privacy. No way would she be trapped at Baxter’s home—wherever that was—and she definitely couldn’t see a sexual marathon happening in Phoenix’s small, low-ceiling loft.
Especially with Phoenix living there, too.
Mind made up, Ridley put away her gear, grabbed a quick shower and headed up the long drive to where she’d left her car. She wasn’t exactly sure where she’d go, but a gas station attendant could probably give her some direction.
Along the way, she passed Daron, the flirt, and asked him, “You’re going the wrong way, aren’t you?”
He grinned. “Coop asked me to watch his new dog while he wined and dined your hottie sister.”
Making a theatrical display of it, Ridley looked around. “And yet I don’t see the dog. Lost her already?”
“Maris kept her for me while I helped a camper get everything stored away. He’s new to RVing and wasn’t sure about...anything.”
“Like?”
“How to park it, how to hook it up to the water and electric, how to turn on the fridge or television—all basic necessities.”
So Daron knew how to do all that? It didn’t surprise her. He was an incredible handyman with a knack for tinkering that, according to Phoenix, could make anything run.
“Fascinating,” she said, already thinking ahead.
Ignoring her observation, Daron nodded approvingly at her fitted summer dress and strappy sandals. “And where are you off to, looking so fine?”
Yes, she did look fine. She’d specifically chosen the peach-colored casual pull-on dress because it hugged her figure and came close to matching her skin tone. Now if only Baxter would notice...
She no sooner had the thought than she turned and saw him, a good distance away, staring at her and Daron with arrested attention.
Oh, now, that was nice. “Thank you for the compliment.” She sidled closer to Daron and touched his chest. “So you know all about the setup and running of RVs, do you?”
“Sure. They’re easy once you get the hang of it.”
“Then maybe, if you wouldn’t mind, you could assist me?”
One brow lifted and he grinned. “Assist you in making Baxter jealous? Sure.”
His accurate insight made her laugh. “Not exactly what I meant, but that’ll do in part.” She wrinkled her nose. “He is rather obtuse, don’t you think?”
“Nope. I think he sees everything. My guess is that you’re both playing the same game.” His grin widened. “Can’t wait to see who wins.”
“I will.” She resisted the urge to look at Baxter again. “Now, I need to buy myself a camper of some sort. Can you direct me to the nearest location selling them?”
Blank surprise filled his handsome face. “You’re buying a...?”
“Yes.”
Both brows lifted. “Planning to stay on?”
Her brows came down. “Why not? I’m good at this housekeeping stuff.” At least she thought so. “And the position is open, right?”
Jumping on that, he said, “Yes, and you’re hired.”
“Is that your decision to make?”
“Trust me, Coop will be thrilled. Everyone else quits after the first day.”
Ridley gave an elegant shrug. “Everyone else is a wuss.”
Skepticism stole his good humor. “You’re sure you’re not just doing this to spite Baxter?” Pretending a pleading look, he said, “Don’t toy with me, doll.”
“Oh, I’ll spite Baxter, count on it.” And she planned to get started on it right away. “But the job has nothing to do with him.” No, the job had to do with her sister—and the strange self-satisfaction she felt in the work. She let out a breath. “So... I need some digs and there’s no time like the present.”
He worked his mouth to the side, then asked, “RV? Fifth wheel?”
Ridley waved her hand, unsure which was which and simply said, “Yes, one of those.”
“For here?” Daron clarified.
Definitely here. How else could she provoke Baxter? “I’m going to reserve that nice spot over there—” she pointed “—with the woods behind it. I already checked and it’s available.”
Daron turned to stare at the spot she indicated. “There?”
She shrugged. “It’s not the ideal location, I admit. I’d much prefer to be near the creek. Fewer bugs, and the sound of water moving is so soothing. But the spot by the woods will have to do.”
Bemused, he asked, “So you’re going to live here, permanently?”
Why did he keep saying it as if she’d be moving into a cave? Maybe there was something she didn’t know. “It’ll be a...” she pursed her lips, looking for the right words “...long-term reservation.”
“Huh.” Daron glanced toward Baxter, then shook his head with a huffing laugh. “Poor bastard.”
Ridley affected a look of affront. “Are you insulting me?”
“Nope. Just admitting that you’re a ruthless player of the game.” Hands on his hips, he asked, “Have you ever driven an RV? Or pulled a fifth wheel?”
“No, but it’s not a problem because I’ll have it delivered.”
“When?”
“Tonight, if possible.”
His face went blank, but he quickly recovered. “Tonight? Not unless you’re paying cash—”
“Oh, I am.” Few benefits remained from her disastrous marriage—lots of money being one of them.
> “Do you have any idea what a nice RV costs?”
“I searched the internet, so I think so.”
He chewed the corner of his mouth a moment. “You want it as soon as possible?”
“Yes.” She was most anxious to start her provocation of Baxter.
“I want to show you something.”
Teasing, she said, “Oh, honey, I’ve already seen it all.”
“Ruthless,” he muttered with a grin, then gestured. “This way.”
“Oh, all right.” She really wanted to get on her way, but she could indulge him for a moment—especially since she felt Baxter still watching them. Was he closer now? Getting the wrong impression?
She hoped so.
How dare he ignore her after they’d come so close to—
Daron stopped in front of a massive RV with a FOR SALE sign in the window of the entry door. “Here you go.”
“Here I go?”
“You want an RV, this one is for sale, it’s by the creek and already paid up for the rest of the summer. If you stay on as housekeeper, Coop will reimburse you some of the rental fees—a perk of the job.”
“It’s yours?” For some reason, she thought he lived outside the park.
Daron laughed. “No, but I’m taking a commission for showing it to interested people.” He dug keys out of his pocket. “Come on. Check out the inside.”
“I don’t know.” She wasn’t keen on buying anything used.
“It’s only a year old,” he hurried to say, as if he’d known her thoughts. “And it’s in pristine condition.”
“Then why is it for sale?”
“It’s a divorce situation.”
“Ah.” She waited while he unlocked the door and automatic stairs came down. Then she gasped, blindly following Daron as he stepped inside. The interior was... “Decadent.”
“Right?” He stood back while pointing out obvious features. “Four-door refrigerator, full dinette, leather couch and wing chairs—and the driver and passenger seat swivel, so when you’re not traveling, they become part of the living room.”
Ridley had no idea a moving house could be so plush. Daron was waxing on about the engine and auto-leveling or something, but she wasn’t concerned with that.