The bathroom door shut, and she heard water spill from the showerhead and closed her eyes against the erotic images torturing her mind.
What would it be like to have a man like Stone love you?
A round of roaring expletives hit her ears.
“Stone? Is everything okay?”
“No, dammit,” he yelled. “The water’s ice cold.”
She tried not to laugh, but failed. With shaking shoulders, Emma entered her bedroom and proceeded to transform herself from an emotional avalanche into an animated hostess.
***
Stone emerged into the main part of the house refreshed from the chilly shower and unusually lighthearted. He felt like smiling which only made him scowl.
Candles lit the resort in a soft, yellow glow. The fireplace sparked, crackled and sizzled in bright colors, thanks to a bag of colored pine cones he’d grabbed from the hardware store this morning. Emma stared at the bright blue and green fireworks, mesmerized by their magic.
He paused in the doorway. The blaze from the fireplace highlighted her hair, creating a halo of burnt amber. She’d dressed for the occasion. An off-the-shoulder, cream sweater topped a tawny suede skirt that accentuated the curve of her hips. His mouth watered. If he closed his eyes, maybe the room full of people would disappear and allow him a moment to savor her, taste her, claim her.
Stone knew he didn’t deserve her. Love and laughter weren’t his future. Maybe tonight he could pretend? Masquerade as a whole man, a worthy man. Swearing softly, he realized a mask didn’t exist thick enough to cover his black soul.
“Stone?” Her voice stretched across the distance of the large living room, caressing his ear and shooting straight to the depths of his yearning.
He forced himself forward. Standing close enough to inhale her jasmine perfume but not touching. “What’s up?”
“Nothing. You seem kind of far way. Is everything okay?”
He couldn’t look away from the depths of her emerald eyes. Little jewels in a satin case.
She smiled tentatively, a flash of hope, desire maybe, deepening the richness of her sparkling green gems. He wasn’t sure, but in self-preservation, Stone efficiently doused the twinkle.
“I’m going to talk with Seamus Adams. I’ll check in with you later.” Ignoring the hurt expression that crossed her face, he headed over to the billiards table. Become the enemy. Stone clapped Seamus on the back and accepted the offered pool stick. “Let’s play,” he said.
***
Emma sipped her wine. She refused to look at the other end of the long dining table. Stone and Seamus Adams remained in deep conversation, their voices carrying the length of the room. She smiled politely at Linda Leary.
Tilly finished clearing the last of the dinner dishes and began presenting dessert. The tiramisu didn’t tempt her taste buds like it normally did but instead caused her dinner to churn bitterly.
“So tomorrow is hiking Jenny Lake, right?” Linda said.
“Yes. I think you’ll love it. Make sure you stop in town tomorrow night and collect your picture from today’s rafting trip. It’s definitely worth framing.” The polite words burned her mouth. What she wanted to do was stand in the middle of the table and scream at Stone. How dare he?
She froze suddenly. Tilting her head, she confirmed her fear. Seamus Adams had just mentioned Clover Enterprises.
“Emma?” the Irishman called.
“Yes, sir?”
“I was just asking Stone here if he’d ever heard of a local company called Clover Enterprises.”
She glanced at Stone. His face remained impassive, but she could see the blood behind his steel blue eyes. “No sir, can’t say that I’m familiar with that business, but that’s not unusual. I tend to stick pretty close to home.”
“I see. It appears they’re investing quite a bit of funds in my opponent’s political campaign. I was hoping to meet with them and offer a more viable solution to their investment.”
“Seamus,” Stone interrupted. “I’m certain I can inquire around and see if we can’t find someone to talk to.”
Emma wanted to faint. This little scenario crossed beyond her wildest nightmares. Seamus Adams knew about Clover? How could he? She disguised her concern and focused back on Linda. “Tomorrow is the staff’s day off so I’ve arranged for you to dine downtown. Every Sunday the local pizza restaurant has an eat all you can buffet involving every possible concoction imaginable.”
“That sounds delightful. The kids’ll love it, I’m sure.”
Emma smiled and excused herself from the table. She couldn’t wear this mask any longer. It was cracked to the point of disintegration.
Walking rapidly from the dining room, she closed the doors behind her. Blocking out the rest of the guests, blocking out Stone.
She grabbed the phone and quickly dialed Nate’s number. Her hands trembled violently, and she had to redial several times before getting it right. Listening to the ring, Emma tapped her foot and bit her nails. No one answered.
“I think you have a lot of explaining to do.”
Emma whirled around and threw the cordless phone at him. “Stop that. Right now, you stop that.” She approached him, waving her finger under his nose. “If you ever again so much as say hi and make me jump, I swear on all the four leaf clovers in the pasture that you’ll be a soprano before you finish your next word.”
Stone narrowed his eyes and stepped into the room. “Yeah? That’ll be pretty hard to do when the next time I say hi will be at your funeral.”
“Go back to your guests.”
“Our guests have all gone to bed. Apparently without a hostess around to direct conversation, it’s rather boring.” He grabbed her finger before she could wave it one more time. The warmth of his touch seeped beneath her skin, sending little flames of fire all along her nerves.
“Why?” he said softly. “Why expose yourself this way?”
“I didn’t.” Emma swallowed and bit back tears. “I don’t know how he found out about Clover. It shouldn’t be written anywhere in any records.”
Stone stared into her eyes. “Are you planning on assassinating Seamus Adams? Is that why you don’t want my interference?”
“No.” Emma gasped and tried to pull away. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
“You’re not going anywhere until you explain what’s going on.”
She closed her eyes and counted back from ten. Her emotions skittered to the left then to the right, making it dammed impossible to think straight. “Nothing. There’s nothing illegal with Clover. I initiate a donation once a year to aid in the downfall of Adams’ political organization. But it goes through a thousand different companies before ever hitting the soil of Ireland.”
Stone stared at her, his brows furrowed. “I don’t know whether to admire you or shake you silly. How stupid can you be?”
She bit her tongue. If only he knew the whole of it.
“I’m not stupid.”
“Did it ever occur to you that this is exactly how he knew your whereabouts?”
Emma shook her head slowly.
He appeared entirely too caught up in his thoughts to realize how closely they stood. Her hand still caught in his grasp, his other hand pushing her firmly against his chest. Her heart quit beating as his fingers slid slowly down, over her rear. She was wrong. He knew.
Stone released her hand and wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her even tighter against him. They molded together, not an inch of space between their bodies. She stared up into his face, into dark pools of desire.
“I don’t want this,” he said.
“I know.” And she did. She understood his hesitancy, his need to remain distant. He would be gone soon.
Their lips touched and everything blurred beneath the longing and desire. Emma let go. She poured every ounce of herself into him, showing him what he’d never accept in words. His breath hitched, and he delved deeper. Pulling her in, twirling her around
in an erotic dance.
Her head spun…every nerve flaming and wanting only one thing. Stone.
His hands raked her hair. She yanked at his shirt, pulling it off his shoulder. He chuckled when his buttons popped, but he never broke the kiss…the earth shattering, smoldering, hotter than Hades kiss.
Somewhere she heard an insistent ring.
“What’s that?”
“The phone, damn…hold on.” Stone bent and picked up the cordless she’d tossed at him earlier. She smiled at his flushed face and erratic breathing, thinking it the most wonderful display of emotion she’d ever seen. He grinned wickedly. Emma rolled her eyes and held her hand to her heart, trying to calm her own mad pounding.
Stone glanced at the caller id screen then handed the phone over. The look in his eyes spoke louder than any word.
“Hello?” Her heart sank as Nate’s voice rattled down the line. “Yes,” she answered, “I did try to call earlier.”
Emma bit her lip, fighting back the sorrow as Stone walked out, quietly shutting the door.
Chapter Eight
Emma woke slowly. Soft rays of sun trickled through half-open blinds, creating golden bridges that blurred into a dust-particle blizzard. Without turning her head, she knew Stone was gone. In fact, she couldn’t be certain he’d even spent one moment next to her last night. Pushing away her unreasonable anger at Nate Connor, Emma sat up.
The scent of rich Columbian coffee wafted beneath her door, spurring her to hop out of bed and don her typical outfit of jeans and River Run polo shirt. She exited the tiny bedroom and entered the kitchen.
All four tables were filled with excited guests. White water rafting always prompted this nervous thrill from families who’d never experienced the heart-stopping, roller-coaster adventure.
“Emma?” Seamus Adams interrupted her thoughts. She poured herself a cup of coffee, locked her emotions away, and turned toward her mother’s killer. Only a few more days, and he’d be gone.
“Yes sir?” She smiled sweetly.
“Why don’t you join us today? Linda mentioned how you love hiking.”
“Oh, I don’t think…” Suddenly the room burst into an uproar, everyone talking at once. They all begged her to come along. The faces of the teenage boys alight with joy. I bet they just want to stare at my ass, she thought as the man-children cajoled and sunk to their knees, prostrating themselves before her. Keeping their octopus hands off her the past week made diving into the icy waters of Jenny Lake an enjoyable experience.
“Please, Emma.” Linda ‘Leary stepped forward and squeezed her arm. “I can attest that Seamus’s wife, and I would certainly feel more confident with you on board.”
“Really, I appreciate everyone’s encouragement, but I have a full day’s schedule to complete.”
“I’ll fill in,” Tilly piped up from behind the counter. Emma glared then quickly covered her expression. A sudden thought tickled her mind. What if she could trick Seamus into revealing a soft spot in his campaign or better yet, what if she could verify once and for all that he truly had no knowledge of her identity?
If either prospect succeeded, she’d be a more confident person. “Okay,” she inhaled deeply. “I’d love to join you.”
***
The South Junction of Jenny Lake lay a few miles into Grand Teton National Park. Tilly maneuvered the resort van with a skill that sparked a bit of jealousy for Emma. No license. No driving outside River Run. Blocking out the incessant chit-chat between Linda and Seamus’s wife, Emma concentrated on what she wished to accomplish today.
“This is very exciting.” Linda Leary jabbered as they exited the bus and lined up in front of their tour guide. “Do you do this a lot?”
“At least several times a year,” Emma admitted, although she failed to add that this was the first time she’d joined a tour group. Normally she and Nate hiked the trails, enjoying the scenery and absorbing the serenity of their surroundings.
She assisted the group in tightening their hiking books and securing water bottles.
“Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” The Leary’s and Mrs. Adams gathered round. Emma noted Seamus still wandered toward the visitor’s center. “The trail that will take us from here to the West Shore boat dock is not overly difficult as far as trails go around these parts. There are steep areas but for the most part the path is clear.” Emma paused to make certain her audience understood. “Once we reach West Shore, we can break into two groups if not everyone wants to hike to Inspiration Falls. There is a shuttle boat that will bring those who are tired back here to the visitor’s center to wait on the rest of the party. Any questions?”
Linda raised her hand. “I see all these bear signs. Is this bad territory?”
Emma smiled as she noted the woman move closer to her sons. “If you use common sense, we will be fine. Talking in regular tones will warn any unsuspecting bear of our presence and hopefully they will move out of our way before we even know they exist.”
Adams rejoined the group and handed his wife a water bottle. “I’ve got an extra,” he offered it to Emma.
“Thanks,” she nodded, placing in the pouch hanging off her belt. “Let’s march.”
Traipsing across the winding path that edged the lake, Emma couldn’t help but smile as the Leary boys pounded their chests in a Tarzanian testosterone display. They flanked her side, each vying for a snippet of attention.
The water was glorious as it glittered with the reflection of the morning sun. Emma allowed her group’s excited chatter to smooth the tense muscles burning her shoulders. She kept the pace moving and slowed it slightly as the incline deepened upward toward the west end of the lake. “Let’s take a quick break and have a drink. Remember, hydration is a major factor in fighting the negative impact of this elevation.”
She downed half her bottle of water, wiped the perspiration from her face and motioned for everyone to continue. A group of hiker’s passed them, whispering among themselves about spying a black bear. Emma twisted around and pulled a pair of small binoculars from her pocket. Sure enough, about a quarter mile behind them was a smudge on a hillside. If this was only her and Nate, they’d spend a few moments studying the bear and continue on their way. However, this was a group of rawhides that were her responsibility. “Alright, gang, let’s speed up this snail’s pace.” There was a sharp bend about a half mile up which would put them at a safe distance from the bear. “Come on, boys. Let’s race.”
Emma grinned as the Leary teens bolted forward, vying for the medal of first place. Linda Leary glanced at Emma who pointed behind her. “Bear.”
“Oh dear, okay. Let’s get a move on.”
Emma suppressed her laugh as the women moved forward at a very quick clip. She began to follow. Her head spun and she reached out to brace herself against the nearest tree. Emma blinked a few times to clear her eyes. Jenny Lake misted to a dim pin prick then waved back into view.
“Something wrong, Emma?”
Emma shook her head and waved Adams forward. “No. I’m fine.”
She stumbled and tripped to the right, clutching another limb to prevent a headlong dive into the lake below.
Adams loomed before her. She followed his gaze as the group rounded a corner and disappeared from sight. They were alone. Emma knew she was in trouble. Something was terribly wrong but her mind fogged and nothing made sense.
“Give my regards to your mother.” Adams whispered against her ear.
Shaking her head, Emma pushed against his shoulders. “What?”
Emma felt her body being lifted, but her muscles wouldn’t react. In a hideous moment of slow-motion, Adams tossed her from the edge of the precipice. She fell downward, her shoulder smacking painfully into the edge of the cliff. Emma attempted to snag a limb from one of the low hanging trees, but she slid downward at an alarming pace. The world spun and her fingers slid off the rocky cliff. She closed her eyes, reached out but clasped nothing but air.
Cold water sliced ove
r her skin. Icy fingers of death snatched precious air from her lungs.
Water poured into her mouth. Choking and gasping she took a shallow breath, fighting against the pull of death. Her mind muddled and strength faded. Emma slowly slid beneath the surface, nothing more than a rag doll being lulled to sleep by the embrace of a tranquil lake.
Her arm hit something warm and solid. Suddenly, another body slipped under her, wrapping her in strength and pulling her to the surface.
She gasped for air, inhaling the sweet scent of life. Allowing the other person all control, Emma concentrated on breathing and filling her starved lungs.
Lifted from the water, she turned to thank her rescuer.
***
Stone’s heart beat a direct path out of his chest. He bent over, gasping for air and fighting the pain racking his soul. Water poured from his head. He swiped his eyes and stared at the drowned rat lying before him.
Emma reached out. He held her hand and bent down so his forehead touched hers. She winced as he moved her arm, checking for any breaks. “I think I’m drugged,” her voice sounded slurred and sluggish.
“Don’t ever do something as stupid as that again.” His voice was harsh and ragged from fear. When he’d learned she’d joined Seamus’s group on this expedition, a thousand horrific images plagued his imagination.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” Tears welled in her eyes, and he tried to smile. The fear of losing her blocked out all opposing rationale.
“Obviously.”
“What’re you doing here?” The reflection of the lake clouded her eyes. Stone shook his head and swore viciously. The shock of cold water appeared to have cleared the cobwebs in her brain.
“I followed you and shadowed the group.”
“Seamus threw me off the cliff,” she admitted.
His anger blackened. “I saw.”
The Fifth Season Page 9