by Karina Bliss
It was very quiet, standing alone in the forest, with only the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional birdsong. Kate hadn’t been truly alone for days, and was enjoying her solitary walk back to camp when she heard something snap close to her. Too close.
She ran the rest of the way.
“WE’VE EATEN, done dishes, cleaned ourselves up and it’s only seven o’clock. What do we do now?”
Jordan took a minute to answer Mike, figuring he’d only get himself into trouble. The two men had managed to get through the evening by exchanging the barest civilities. Jordan bitterly regretted losing his temper in front of the kid, but otherwise he was unrepentant. He turned to face Mike and said mildly enough, “A sing-along beside the campfire?”
“Games it is,” said Mike. “Dillon, you choose.”
“I don’t mind.”
Jordan frowned. He and Dillon were back on good terms and Dillon and Mike seemed okay, too. Still, the boy seemed distracted. When Jordan had found a quiet moment to tell him not to give up on the gun until Jordan talked to Claire, Dillon had said he’d changed his mind and didn’t want it.
“How about cards,” suggested Andrew. Another kid who needed cheering up.
“Poker, high stakes,” said Jordan, because it was his nephew’s favorite game. Jordan had supplemented his university scholarship playing poker before Christian and Luke had press-ganged him into the more legitimate business that had started their empire. Andy had learned most of his tricks.
Andrew brightened. “Cash?”
“The loser makes hot chocolate.”
“I’m in,” said Kate.
Now that was interesting, Jordan thought. This woman wasn’t a risk taker, so she must be good.
“Not my game,” said Mike. “Dillon, you want to take the rods down to the river for some night fishing?”
Dillon instantly perked up. “Would I!”
Kate did prove to be a good card player, but Jordan was still surprised by just how good she was. “Where does a nice convent girl learn tricks like that?” he asked, after she’d changed her play for a third time to stop him and Andrew from getting a fix on her.
“My father taught me.” There was a repressive note in her voice telling him to back off.
Jordan loved No Trespassing signs. “Tell us about him,” he invited.
“He never talks when he’s playing cards,” she said.
Amused, Jordan dropped the subject, and the three of them got down to business.
Andrew ended up making the drinks, which he did with a good-natured complaint. “I’m supposed to be the hustler here.”
While they waited for their hot chocolate, Jordan reshuffled the deck. “Another couple of hands?” It was difficult to keep count of the cards when the firelight danced in her hair and flushed her cheeks. But it was her eyes that made his throat go dry—flashing challenges, sparking with laughter when she teased him with her wins.
Playing back to a draw, he took her on the last hand.
“When am I going to learn,” she said, “that that guileless look of yours means trouble?” Dillon and Mike came back from the river and she nodded to them. “How’d it go?”
“Lots of bites. No fish.”
“That’s because all the sharks are here,” said Kate. “What’s your favorite game, Dillon? Let’s play that.”
He and Mike joined the circle. “Truth or dare.”
Jordan didn’t think Kate would like that. But he saw only a flicker of dismay before she rallied. “Great idea.”
What was it about this woman? So self-righteous, so kind, so provocative, so prim. When this is over and the future of the kids’camp is secure, you and I, Ms. Brogan, are going to sort out this attraction once and for all.
“Lemme go first, lemme go first.” Dillon pointed to Andrew.
“Truth,” said Andrew.
“What decision do you have to make?” asked Dillon gleefully.
Andrew blushed and looked at Jordan. “I don’t have to answer that, do I?”
“You can always forfeit…. What’s your price, Dillon?”
“He could carry me around on his back for the rest of the night.”
“Okay, okay,” said Andrew. “I’m trying to decide whether to call my girlfriend and apologize. We broke up before the trip and it was kinda my fault.”
“But you can’t phone her, can you?” asked Kate. “We’re not in range.”
“Actually, we’re in that hot spot I told you about,” Jordan said.
“And you didn’t tell me…. My God, I could have been working….” She scrambled to her feet, saw Dillon’s look of disappointment and sat down again. “After the game.”
“And the pebble didn’t help?” Mike asked Andrew.
Jordan started. “How do you know about that?”
“They all do,” said Andrew. “Kate gave me five bucks to tell them. I knew you wouldn’t mind.”
Did he? Before Jordan could decide, a disgusted Dillon flung himself on his back. “Man, I should’ve chosen dare.”
“What did the pebble say, Andrew?” asked Kate.
“Not to call,” he mumbled miserably.
Jordan grinned. “Andy, if I disagreed with the pebble’s judgment, I overrode it. It was only there to prompt a decision.”
“You never told me that part.”
“Well, now I have.” Jordan relaxed against his log backrest. “What are you going to do?”
Andrew didn’t answer. He just pulled out his cell phone and ran for the trees.
“I’m never gonna be that silly over a girl,” said Dillon. “Okay, whose turn is it?”
“Mine,” said Kate. “I dare your dad and Jordan to spend five minutes in pleasant conversation.”
Both men groaned. Dillon giggled nervously.
“I’ll make it easy for you,” she said, “by feeding you questions. Jordan, ask Mike to tell you about his childhood. I’m sure it’s not that different from yours.”
Jordan looked at Mike. For once they were in complete agreement with each other. “Forfeit,” they said simultaneously.
Kate looked at Dillon. “Can they do that?”
He nodded, disappointment on his small face, then he whispered in her ear. Her lips curved in a smile. “Or you can share a tent tonight,” she said.
“Well, Jordan,” said Mike, setting his watch. “Where would you like me to start?”
“Brothers or sisters?”
Dillon gasped, drawing Jordan’s attention. Mike said quietly, “Only child.”
No wonder you’re bloody hopeless at sharing. “Your parents live where?”
“Apart. They separated when I was fifteen when my…” he paused “…when Mum and I moved to Scottsdale.” Jordan knew it. The guy came from a tiny southern town with big social problems, best known for the pervasive stink of its slaughterhouse.
Jordan was curious now. “How did you meet Claire?”
“She was spending summer holidays with farming relatives…and was the only other person using the library.”
Andrew returned, obviously in high spirits. “We’re back together and Megan’s not taking anyone else to the dance. She only said it to make me jealous.” His face creased in a sheepish grin. “Man, did that work.” He plunked himself down by the fire. “I wish I could make it up to her by being back for it tomorrow night, but she said she knows we can’t get home till Monday.” His tone was both wistful and resigned.
Jordan took pity on him. “Why don’t I arrange for a jetboat to come upriver and pick you up tomorrow? You could be back in Auckland by late afternoon.”
Kate looked at him in surprise. “Why, Jordan, you’re a romantic.”
“Take that back,” he said.
“But—but that would be expensive, wouldn’t it?” Andrew stammered. “I mean, wouldn’t it? And I’ve been such a dork.”
Jordan laughed. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes!” His nephew fell on him with a bear hug. Jordan broke free and massaged his r
ibs. “And watch the hair,” he said, “I just washed it tonight.” He caught sight of Kate’s slight frown. “Truth,” he said, “for Kate. Why does my long hair annoy you so much?”
“It’s still my turn,” she reminded him sweetly. “You and Mike have only had two minutes of pleasant conversation.”
“Hey, I’m happy to wait,” said Mike. “Besides, I’ve got a feeling this will be good.”
“You won’t like it,” she warned Jordan, “and I feel mean saying it, now that I know why you…”
“C’mon, Kate, don’t go soft on me now.”
“To me, it seems like a demand for attention that reflects a certain immaturity. To me,” she stressed again.
“You read it as a sign I can’t grow up?” Jordan said incredulously.
“It’s a personal view,” she said. “And you did ask.”
“I did,” he conceded. “I won’t tell you what I read into your own regimented shortcut.”
She bristled. “I’ve been told it’s very chic.”
“People are just being polite.”
“Something no one could accuse you of.”
“I like it now, though,” he said, “all wild red curls.”
“Brown.” She flattened them. “My hair is brown.”
“No, it’s not,” said Dillon, clearly puzzled. “Is it my turn again yet?” He was happy once more, Jordan realized. Bless you, Kate.
“No,” said Andrew. “It’s mine, and it’s payback, kid.” He stroked his chin, covered with light down after two days in the wilds, and thought hard. “Jump in the river tomorrow.”
“That’s it?” Andrew was infamous for his dares.
“I know,” Andrew said regretfully, “but I’m too happy to think nasty, though I have a great one for Kate. Go into the forest and call, “‘Piggie, piggie, pig.’”
“That’s not scary,” she bluffed.
“And wait five minutes for an answer,” Andrew added.
“I liked you better when you were sad,” she said, getting up with great dignity.
“You don’t want to forfeit?” Jordan said in surprise. He knew her fear was real.
“The awful thing about being the only girl on this trip,” she replied, “is that you can’t let your side down.”
She disappeared into the bush and they heard her quavering voice calling for pigs. The boys started to giggle and snort. Andrew said, “Dil-boy, let’s go scare her.” Jordan and Mike grabbed a boy each.
“She’s got enough on her plate,” said Mike, looking at Jordan, who frowned. What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Kate reappeared five minutes later, trembling, white as milk, but with a big, cheesy grin on her face. Jordan led the cheers, a curious tightness in his chest.
“Okay,” she said, when everything had settled down. “That deserves an extra turn, and I thought of something I want to know when I was waiting in the forest. Jordan—” he smiled at her “—why do you think my fiancé’s an…” She glanced at Dillon and started again. “In my office last week you started to tell me something about Peter, and stopped. What was it?”
Jordan stopped smiling. “Forfeit.”
“No,” she said, her gaze very steady. “Tell me.”
“He came to see me on the day of the party,” Jordan finally said. “To apologize for your bad judgment in writing that column.”
“I don’t believe you,” she responded, almost mechanically. Jordan watched the blood drain from her face. “He’s never enjoyed my writing, but…”
She stopped, staring at him in bewilderment, and he wanted to leave it there, painfully aware that his own needs—not hers—had driven him to give her the truth so brutally. But too much was at stake now, and not only the camp. “I don’t want you to marry the wrong guy.”
Kate clasped a hand to her heart and said lightly, “I had no idea your proposal was so serious.”
“You know what I mean…. You deserve better.”
The air seemed suddenly chilly; she hugged herself. “Whose turn is it?”
The others were silent.
“You can’t still mean to marry him,” Jordan said impatiently.
“We’ve been together a long time.”
“Well, if he’s so damn right for you, Kate, then why didn’t you get married years ago?”
“We were waiting until my younger brother and sister left home.”
“Didn’t Peter want to help you raise them?”
“They were my responsibility, not his.”
“Really? I thought marriage was a partnership.” When Kate didn’t answer, Jordan said slowly, “They don’t like him, do they?”
“Mike—” desperately, Kate glanced to her left “—your turn, I think.”
But Jordan wouldn’t let it go. “Some types of security come at too high a cost, Kate.”
“Says the man who’s never needed it,” she retorted. “Not all of us see marriage as the bogeyman, Jordan.”
“Hear, hear,” said Mike.
“Maybe I never met the right woman,” Jordan said.
“Maybe you were never the right man,” Mike countered.
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean? And butt out.”
“Because you don’t get hurt,” Kate answered, “you forget that you can hurt other people.” Her voice caught. “For instance, this Mr. Up Front bull you spin about dating. Do you think if a woman has feelings for you, she’s going to walk away? No, she’s going to stick around and try to change your mind. And suffer when you move on. You’re smart enough to know that.”
“Not everyone falls in love with me.”
“Mum did,” Dillon said.
Kate became aware of her surroundings. Dillon was looking fascinated, Mike tight-lipped and Andrew hugely embarrassed. “Oh, God,” she said. “I’m so sorry.” Mortified, she scrambled to her feet. “I’m calling it a night.” Without waiting, she headed for her tent, grabbed her toiletry bag and fled to the river. But when she got there, she just stood in the dark and cried.
Peter had gone behind her back to Jordan with a groveling apology. Kate was suddenly fiercely glad she’d broken off their engagement.
Cleaning her teeth, she admitted an unpalatable truth. Peter had fooled her precisely because he was so different from her father. Actually, she’d fooled herself. She’d been unable to believe that a man who lived by the book and followed social conventions wasn’t a good man.
“Kate.”
She dipped her flannel in the icy water and scrubbed her face. “Go away, Jordan.”
He came closer. “Sometimes people do the wrong thing thinking it’s the right thing.”
She had no idea if he was apologizing for Peter or himself. She chose the latter, because she had no emotional stake in it. “Like you believing a married woman was single?”
“Or you being spooked by a kiss into getting engaged to the wrong man. Don’t marry him, Kate.”
“I don’t shed lovers as easily as you do. Men like you make me sick.”
“You don’t have any idea what kind of man I am,” he snapped. “You have some sort of crazy template in your head and you keep trying to squeeze me into it.” Jordan came closer until he towered over her. “Well, I don’t fit, Kate, so let me out of the box or I’ll blast the damn thing open.”
“You can’t make me do anything I don’t want to.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Can’t I?” he said softly. “Can’t I really, Kate?” His gaze swept her body, lingering with deliberate provocation.
Under her T-shirt, Kate’s nipples jumped to attention. She crossed her arms. “Don’t you get it? It doesn’t matter that I find you physically attractive. I would never disrupt my life for a handsome face and a bad boy’s magnetism. You’re just like—” She stopped, biting her lower lip.
Jordan’s expression was suddenly intent. “Like who?”
“Forget it.” She grabbed her toiletries, and the soap fell into the water with a splash.
Jordan retrieved it. �
��It’s obviously not Peter,” he mused. “He prefers the underhanded approach.”
“I said forget it.” Kate hurried back up the path. Jordan lengthened his stride to keep up with her. “So it must be some other guy. But you two have been dating for years.”
“Didn’t you hear what I said?” She was nearly running now. Her foot caught on a root and she tripped.
Jordan saved her from falling. “I remind you of your father?” he asked incredulously. “Trust me, Kate, I’m nothing like him.”
“How would you know?” She stiffened, suddenly suspicious. “You had me investigated, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did—you know what’s at stake here. I need to know everything I can about you.”
“You’re probably coming on to me as another ploy.” She’d said that before, and it had made him back off. Worth trying again.
“I can’t fake this,” he said, and in the dark he kissed her. Kate hadn’t been expecting it and she didn’t have any defense against the wave of feelings that flooded her senses. Lust, longing…be-longing.
Shaken, she shoved him away. “The fact that I’m engaged to Peter doesn’t mean anything to you, and yet you ask me to believe you respect the sanctity of marriage.”
“Our situation’s different, and getting engaged to Peter was your sin, not mine. You know you have feelings for me, so do the right thing and put the poor bastard out of his misery.”
The arrogance, the assumptions, the accuracy behind his comments took Kate’s breath away. “Well, it’s been lovely chatting,” she managed to choke out at last. “We really must do it again. But I’m leaving now before I kill you.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“THERE’LL BE ROOM for one more in the jetboat. Anyone else want to go home?”
Kate saw Jordan was looking at Mike. It was 2:00 p.m., and after six hours paddling they were pitching a new camp, while Jordan walked an excited Andrew down to the rendezvous point.
“Pick me,” she said, and meant it.