Far too quickly, it seemed to her, they were landing, the plane bouncing along a pitted runway, its pavement cracked. Hot-looking, dry brown desert stretched off into the distance. This didn’t look like Belize, although she really had no idea what Belize might look like.
The plane taxied across the tarmac, slowing, and then Mack cut the engines. Gideon turned to her, leaning back between the seats as he spoke.
“We’re refueling. If you want to change your mind now about coming along, you can leave the plane and probably find a flight back to Chicago. We’re still in the U.S.”
He looked a little more hopeful than she’d like at his suggestion. She shook her head and settled back in her seat, arms folded. This was met with a frown and a deep sigh.
“Suit yourself. This is the easy part of this trip; it only gets harder from here.” Then he was out of the plane, disappearing from her field of view. There seemed to be no one in evidence other than Mack, who briefly appeared and disappeared as he moved about on the ground. Then they both climbed back into the plane and the twin engines started up again.
Mack took the plane back down the runway, this take-off making their departure from DuPage seem like a dream. The plane shuddered and bounced and finally they were airborne, flying away over the brown landscape.
Lainey had never been on a plane this small and she found it disconcerting to be unable to talk to anyone. Gideon and Mack were able to talk, she imagined, because they wore headphones, which would eliminate the noises of the plane. If she wanted to be heard, she’d need to shout. And she would probably be ignored, at least by Gideon.
It occurred to her that this was intentional on Gideon’s part. Keeping her isolated kept her out of his way. She searched the floor near her seat, rummaging through an assortment of small boxes and duffel bags, but she found nothing that looked like headphones.
Straightening up, she caught Gideon, head turned, looking at her. She was struck by the intensity of his gaze, the pale blue eyes seeming to look through her. He looked at her for a moment longer before turning away.
Lainey spent the rest of the trip staring out the window, watching the world below change from flat brown to startlingly blue water and finally to dense green trees. Almost two hours after they’d refueled, they flew over buildings, a beach, and signs of civilization. The plane landed at what she assumed was the airport in Belize. Mack brought the plane in and pulled up to a white terminal, long and low, its tower shining brilliantly in the sun.
Gideon and Mack climbed out of the plane. Gideon turned back, motioning to Lainey. She grabbed her bag and climbed out of the plane, happy to be on solid ground. But the wall of muggy air that hit her almost took her breath away. Chicago was hot and humid, but this was completely different. The sun reflected up off the tarmac, off the buildings, the plane, everything. For a moment, Lainey was disoriented by the glare, shielding her eyes with her hand. In her rush to pack, sunglasses hadn’t been on her mind.
“Customs is in there.” Gideon pointed to the terminal. “And I suspect this is where we part ways.”
“Why would you think that?” Lainey frowned up at Gideon, his face shadowed by the bill of his cap. Reaching behind her, he pulled a duffel bag out of the plane, swinging the strap over his shoulder.
“Unless you have a valid passport, you’re not getting out of the terminal.” He jerked his head toward the building. “They’ll probably help you find a flight back to Chicago though, for a price. Hope you’re prepared.”
“I brought my passport.” She shoved her hand into her pocket and pulled out the little blue folder. “I’m not as air-headed as you seem to think I am. I have traveled out of the country before, you know.”
“Never thought you were air-headed, just incredibly stubborn. And crazy.”
“I’m not stubborn, or crazy. You’re just...”
There was a muffled snort of laughter behind them. Lainey and Gideon turned. Mack was leaning against the plane, watching them with a smile on his face.
“Sounds like you and Isobelle, Gideon.” Mack’s smile broadened. “Remember? Just like old times.” Mack winked at Gideon, leering at Lainey. “Maybe history repeats itself.”
Gideon shot a look at Mack, which did little to dampen the man’s smile. Whoever Isobelle was and whatever the old times were, Gideon obviously wasn’t as amused as Mack.
Gideon grabbed the bill of his cap, pulled it off his head, and ran his hand through his hair in a now-familiar gesture of frustration. Then he jammed the cap back on his head and adjusted the strap riding on his shoulder. He fixed Lainey with a steely gaze.
“Fine. Just don’t slow me down.” He turned and took off, almost at a run, toward the terminal.
Lainey broke into a trot, glancing over her shoulder. Mack detached himself from the plane, gave a laconic wave, and disappeared behind the wing.
“Isn’t Mack coming along?” She managed to catch up with Gideon, pulling even with him. He cast a sidelong glance at her before answering.
“No. Like I said, I work alone. Mack flies planes. He works alone.”
They reached the terminal, Gideon yanking open the glass door. Surprisingly, he held it for Lainey. She darted through before he changed his mind, entering the air-conditioned space. She was momentarily blinded by the dimness in the terminal, stumbling after Gideon’s voice.
“If you hadn’t noticed, there’s a pattern here.” Gideon’s voice dropped, and he cast a wary glance around the terminal. Lainey followed his gaze, seeing a scattering of tourists and families, wondering if it was second nature for Gideon to look at everyone and everything with suspicion. She reasoned that it came with the territory, where everyone was a possible threat or an enemy.
“The ‘alone’ part...I work alone.” He looked down at her and for the first time, his face softened, just a little.
“Look. Like I said, the brother thing. I get it; he’s family. You want to be a part of this and help. Be the big sister, drag his ass out of trouble again. But you’ve done the only thing you can. You’ve brought me into this.”
A brief rush of tears clouded her eyes, but she refused to acknowledge them. The unexpected kindness took her off guard but there was a deep sense that he was trying to trick her into staying. She tilted her chin, able to look at him without squinting into the sun.
“Thanks for your concern. But I’m still coming along.”
Gideon blew out a deep sigh. “Fine. But do yourself a favor and buy some sunglasses in the duty-free after Customs. You’re helpless outside and inside.”
Customs was a fairly quick ordeal, a brief search of her single and Gideon’s duffel. For some reason she thought he’d object to the search, but all his duffel produced were several black t-shirts, camouflage pants, and various toiletries. Where were the guns, or at least a knife? Lainey was brimming with questions, but this certainly wasn’t the time or the place to ask.
She darted into the duty-free shop, snatched up the first pair of sunglasses she saw and slapped her money on the counter, all the while keeping a sharp eye on Gideon. It would be just like him to send her off to buy something and then slip out of the terminal. But he was still busy with Customs. She waited impatiently for her change then rushed back into the terminal.
He was walking toward the exit doors, and for a moment she thought he was going to leave her. But he turned, glanced in her direction, and slowed his step. She hurried to catch up and he held the door for her again.
Lainey set the sunglasses on her face, finally able to see in the glaring sun. The parking lot wasn’t as full as she’d thought, with empty spaces scattered among the parked cars. As they walked, the cars grew fewer and fewer until they were headed toward the only vehicle left, a dark green Range Rover parked in the far corner of the lot. Lainey cast a doubtful look at the dirty, battered vehicle. The only areas of the vehicle not covered with layers of mud were two crescent-shaped swaths across the windshield.
She turned to Gideon. “Now what?”
“Now I drive. You ride along. I have someone to meet.” He tossed his duffel in the back seat of the Rover and grabbed Lainey’s bag, dumping it on the floor behind the driver’s seat. Lainey hurried to climb in to the passenger side. From somewhere unseen, he produced a set of keys and started the engine. He backed out of the space, turned, and headed out of the airport parking lot.
“Are you sure this thing can make the trip? It looks a little worse for wear.” Lainey inspected the inside of the vehicle. It was stripped of any ornamentation and apparently any regard for the comfort of the passengers.
Gideon cast a sidelong glance her way. “It’s not what’s on the outside that matters; it’s what’s under the hood. Guatemala has a high rate of car theft. If you drive something that looks like crap, chances are less someone will want it. It’s not foolproof. Besides, it doesn’t have rental car stickers, which would be an open invitation for trouble.”
“Oh. How did it end up at the airport?”
“The less you know, the better.”
“Well, I did pay for this. I think I have a right...”
“You don’t have any rights at the moment. You’re a stowaway, basically. Uninvited.”
She folded her arms across her chest, slumping back in the uncomfortable seat. He’d apparently decided he was done talking to her. She studied his profile, outlined against the bright light outside the car’s window. His jaw was set, mouth held in a firm line. He’d called her stubborn. She shook her head; when he had a line of thought, he never gave up. That, in her mind, made him more stubborn than her.
In a way, he reminded her of Scott when he’d been on a case. Driven and focused, to the exclusion of everything, including her. But the steely determination she sensed in Gideon was far more intense than anything she’d ever seen in Scott. Then again, Gideon wasn’t like any man she’d ever met. She wondered what kind of history someone had to have to make them into the kind of guy who did things like this for money. But she doubted, with the current state of their relationship – or non-relationship – that she would ever unravel the mystery of Gideon Wolfe. Nor was she sure she’d even want to.
They sped down a paved road, past commercial buildings, scattered residences, and then into the countryside. Lainey stared out the window as they traveled from forested areas through small villages, open areas, then larger towns.
“You want something to eat?” His voice startled her. They’d been riding in silence for what seemed like hours.
“Yeah, I guess. My stomach’s in knots but I do feel a bit weak.” Lainey hadn’t realized how hungry she was. Worry over Aiden and now the tension between her and Gideon had kept her from thinking about food.
They were in a small town and Gideon pulled over to an open-air market. He cut the engine and stepped out, leaning on the frame of the car.
“I’ll be back. Stay here.”
Her retort was cut off as he slammed the car door. Where was she going to go? She was in a foreign country with practically no money. He was back in a few minutes with a paper bag. He handed her a bottle of water and a banana.
“Word of warning: don’t drink water unless it comes from a bottle, and only eat fruit you have to peel. There’s no way I can take care of you if you get a case of tourista.”
“A case of what? And I can take care of myself.” Lainey screwed the top off the bottle, taking a long drink.
“Montezuma’s Revenge?”
She gave him a blank look.
“I thought you said you’d traveled before.” He pulled off his sunglasses, his brows furrowed in a bemused look.
“In Europe. I’ve been to London twice, Scotland once.” She peeled the banana, biting off a mouthful of the sweet flesh.
“Well, let’s just say there’s a lot of bacteria here that would love to give you a run for your money, making your life – and mine – a living hell. If you can’t find water, drink beer. Anything in a bottle.”
“Oh.” She continued eating the banana. Gideon started the engine, pulling back onto the road.
Another hour of driving brought them to a much larger city, one with a flurry of signs and honking traffic. After weaving through traffic, Gideon pulled the vehicle over and parked.
“You’ll need your passport again.” He peered at her over the top of his sunglasses. “Or, you know, the other option: you can stay here. You’d be able to get a fight to Chicago.”
Lainey shook her head slowly, holding his gaze, chin lifted. “No way.”
Gideon sighed. “Come on. Bring your stuff so it’s not stolen while we’re gone.” He grabbed his duffel and Lainey followed him along the crowded sidewalk, her bag slung over her shoulder.
“When they ask you why you’re visiting, tell them you are sightseeing. There are ruins in Petén, so it’s a logical reason to be coming here. Under no circumstances should you mention your brother. Do you understand?”
Lainey nodded. Gideon abruptly stopped and she ran into him. He turned to look down at her.
“I said, do you understand?” His voice was cold steel in the hot sun.
“Yes, I do. I understand.”
He stared at her a moment longer then turned and continued down the sidewalk. She wondered what she’d done now, besides just being there, that had set him off.
They entered a small building, Gideon stepping ahead of her at the first counter. There was a rapid exchange between Gideon and the man behind the counter, and it looked like money changed hands. But before she could say anything, Gideon moved her to the second counter.
There Lainey handed her passport to the man seated behind the counter, who stamped it, allowing her out of Belize. When asked, she dutifully said she was interested in the ruins and wanted to go sightseeing.
Gideon walked to the third counter, apparently taking care of the paperwork for the vehicle. She saw money change hands again but was too far away to hear the conversation, which she suspected was in Spanish. Gideon gestured toward her and the official behind the counter looked at her, nodded, then smiled.
Gideon stepped away from the counter, stuffing folded papers into his pocket, and caught her eye. With a brief nod of his head, he indicated the restroom.
“You may want to take advantage of the facilities. It’s going to be a long ride, and I can’t guarantee I’ll stop. It’s getting late.”
She glanced at the door then back to Gideon. “And you promise you won’t leave me here?”
For the second time that day, he smiled. And for the second time, she was struck by how handsome he was. His sunglasses were off, one bow tucked into the neck of his t-shirt. As before, the smile reached his eyes. It was almost impossible not to smile back and for the first time, Lainey got the feeling he didn’t totally despise her.
“Yeah, I promise.”
Lainey’s brows shot up in surprise.
“Come on, hurry up. Like I said, we’ve got a long drive ahead of us.” He nodded again at the door. “Scout’s honor, I’ll be here.” Solemnly, he held up his left hand, two fingers extended.
Lainey laughed. “It’s the right hand, and three fingers, but I’ll trust you.”
The bathroom was less clean than she’d have liked, and she was distracted by the thought that Gideon was still playing her, that he’d be gone when she came back out. As she emerged from the stall, she collided with a heavy set woman, eliciting a stream of what sounded like a stern reprimand in a language Lainey didn’t recognize as the woman banged her way through the outer door. Lainey ducked her head, mumbled something she thought might be an apology in garbled Spanish, and finished washing her hands.
Lainey stepped out of the bathroom, anxiously looking for Gideon. He was standing where she’d left him, leaning against the wall, idly watching the people passing through the front doors. She’d bet money he would be able to recite the height, weight, and eye color of the last twenty people he saw. She didn’t think idle was part of his vocabulary.
He straightened when he saw her, moving with easy grace a
cross the small lobby, the hint of a smile on his face. Her lips moved into an answering smile but she froze as the look on his face changed. A dark scowl fell over his face and he closed the distance between them quickly.
“Where’s your bag?” He pointed to her shoulder.
“What? I...it’s...oh, shit. I must have left it in the bathroom.” Lainey turned, hurrying back into the bathroom. Banging open the stall door, she looked around the small space. Nothing. Darting back to the sinks, she tried to think. When did she remember having it last? Then it hit her; the woman she’d run in to, or who had run into her.
Lainey ran back out of the bathroom, searching the crowd for the woman. But she was long gone. Gideon strode over, concern on his face.
“What happened?”
“It was stolen. A woman...she ran into me. That was the last I remember having it.”
Gideon pulled off his cap, fingers sliding through his hair. He blew out a sigh. “You should have been more careful.” His voice cut through the air between them.
“I know...” Annoyance made her voice ragged. But Gideon shook his head, hands held out in front of him.
“I should have been paying attention, at least told you to keep a closer eye on your things.” His voice was softer, but his frown deepened.
“So now you’re without a passport...and money.”
Lainey shook her head, biting back as much anger as she could. “Not so fast. Like I said, I’m not as air-headed as you think. I have money and my passport.” She patted the back pockets of her jeans with the palms of her hands. “Still here, safe and sound.”
His eyes moved down to where her hands rested, poised over her hips. For a moment they lingered on her, one eyebrow rose, and something like a smile tugged at the corner of Gideon’s lips. His eyes rose briefly to hers and Lainey saw a gleam in it that hadn’t been there before. She drew a sharp startled breath, lips parted.
Crazy About Curves: 10 Luscious Reads Page 3