In the Arms of Danger

THIRTEEN

Cory's Blazer bounced on the rocky dirt road as he peered out the windshield at the view ahead. Silver, billowy clouds were the backdrop for the timberline lodge on the hill. Purple and yellow flowers carpeted the ground beside the road, and far off in the distance to the right of him was what looked to be a horse ranch with two Shetlands galloping in the field. A lake flowed on the border of the property and continuing down the slope of the mountain.

Either he'd made the wrong turn, or paradise was within reach.

Beside him, Taylor's sleeping body rested on the seat, but behind him, Meggie jumped up and down, clapping. Her cherub face beamed as she looked out the window.

He bumped Taylor's arm with his elbow. "Wake up. I think we're here."

Taylor's eyes fluttered open and she stretched her arms above her head, knocking them against the inside of the vehicle. She yawned before a deep sigh came from her chest.

The familiar sweet sound stirred memories he wanted to keep buried. Curling his fingers around the steering wheel, he took a deep controlling breath.

"Mommy. It's Pampa's cabin." The little girl pointed to the lodge growing larger the closer they came.

"Uh-huh," Taylor said, straightening in her seat.

"I wanna ride a pony."

"We will later."

He gaped at the woman next to him. "Your father owns a horse ranch, too?"

"Yes."

"And nobody is supposed to know about this place?"

She rolled her eyes. "The public doesn't know. I promise."

"But he has people running the ranch, right?"

"Yes."

"Then the public knows."

She shook her head. "The paparazzi haven't a clue. My father has had this for many years, and we've never been disturbed. We usually don't even get tourists this far up into the mountains."

He exhaled deeply and ran his fingers through his hair. "I hope you're right."

Large trees shielded the main house well enough, but if someone decided to take a shot at Taylor, they could find plenty of trunks, stumps and bushes to hide behind.

When Cory approached the house, a side road caught his attention. Down the slope a clearing stretched to where a lake opened up. What he wouldn't give to live in a place like this for the rest of his life.

Taylor leaned across him and pointed to the body of water. "Fishing is great there. Even Meggie likes to go."

Her face was so near, and the warmth from her skin melded into his. When her lilac scent drifted around him, he held his breath, afraid of what would happen if he let himself drown in her intoxicating, mouth-watering aroma.

She met his gaze for a brief moment. Her smile made her blue eyes twinkle like stars. But soon that expression disappeared, and she pulled back. Unfortunately, her intoxicating scent of flowers still hung in the air...a scent he'd always remember, but prayed he would forget.

He parked the Blazer in front of the house and hopped out. Taylor hurried to help Meggie down while he lugged in the suitcases and duffle bags. By the amount he had to carry, Taylor had packed enough for them to be here all week.

Meggie squealed and ran in the yard, her arms wide and head tilted back. Taylor laughed as she rubbed her arms. Although the middle of August, the crisp air still held a hint of an early winter.

"Taylor, could you open the door for me?"

She looked at him, and nodded before rushing up the steps to the lodge's front door. Through her circle of keys, she found one and slipped it into the keyhole. When he walked past her, his elbow accidentally brushed her. Her quick intake of air matched his, and they both refused to look directly at the other as if nothing happened.

She clicked on the lights and he blinked in surprise. The place was a freakin' museum. Definitely a billionaire's hunting palace. Antique wooden furniture scattered all over in the large front room. Heads of animals hung on the far wall. Against another wall stood a built-in fireplace big enough to hold a twin-size bed inside.

Taylor walked up to him and took one of the suitcases. "I'll put these away while you start a fire." She paused. "You do know how to start a fire, don't you?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Yes, Taylor. Boy Scouts prepared me to be an FBI agent."

She grinned but quickly turned. He couldn't stop the chuckle bubbling in his throat.

As she moved through the house putting away their luggage, he knelt in front of the fireplace, wadded up newspapers, and stacked on wood. It took him a few tries, but soon he had a blazing fire going.

Meggie rushed through the door with an armful of flowers. "Mommy, wook at the flowers."

Taylor cuddled the little girl in her arms, brushing her cheek against the girl's reddened face. Cory's chest clenched. Memories assaulted him from their days in Bermuda. When Taylor used to cuddle with him at night, she'd rub her cheek against his. It had meant so much to him back then. So intimate and personal.

Intoxicating blue eyes lifted and met his from across the room. His heart flipped. She continued to stare at him as she cooed to Meggie, her hands stroking down the girl's back. Taylor's mouth parted. He waited for her to say something, but she didn't. Soon, her tongue slid out and ran across her lips. Inwardly, he groaned. Ross, you're watching her lips again. STOP IT!

He glanced back to the fire. Maybe he shouldn't have made it so hot. Too late now. His body was already in an uproar.

* * * *

"Mommy, I'm hungry."

"Okay, dear. Let's see what's in the kitchen."

The rumbling of his stomach reminded him that he'd skipped breakfast and hadn't eaten when he bought sandwiches for Taylor and Meggie during the drive. Getting them out of California had been more important at the time. Now he wished he'd eaten on the way.

"Cory, are you hungry? Would you like me to fix you something?"

Taylor's sweet voice had him looking over his shoulder at her. "Sure, if it's no trouble."

"Of course not. Don't be silly."

She flipped her hand in the air before walking into the kitchen. His gaze lowered to her bottom. Why did she have to wear such tight jeans?

Growling, he stood and stormed to the front door. With any luck the crisp air outside would shake these thoughts from him. "Taylor, I'll be back in a moment. I'm going to check the grounds."

She peeked around the wall, her eyes wide. "Is something wrong?"

"Not yet. I need to get the lay of the land and scope the area to make sure there won't be a problem later on."

She nodded and withdrew into the room.

Once outside, he breathed in the cool air. Closing his eyes, he took in the scents of nature. The pine trees, the wildflowers, the smoke curling from the chimney. Down the hill, the lake slapped against the shore, and the water gurgled over the larger rocks. Birds chirped and frogs croaked.

A truck's diesel engine roared from a distance.

He snapped his eyes open and glanced in the direction of the sound. Bounding down the porch steps, he rested his hand over his revolver. With his gaze on the road he'd traveled earlier, he jogged until he could see the truck in question.

Dust from the unpaved road lifted in a dark cloud. Heart hammering against his ribs, he darted behind a tree and peered toward the oncoming vehicle.

Closing his hand over the butt of his gun, he inhaled deeply, steadying his breathing. He moistened his dry throat as the truck drew nearer. The motor slowed, and within seconds it turned onto the side road and headed toward the horse ranch.

With a deep sigh, Cory leaned against the tree. Taylor had mentioned people worked for her father. It looked as if he'd just spied one.

As he meandered back to the lodge, he scanned the surrounding area and shook his head. He could retire here and live in pure bliss for the rest of his life. He'd always been an outdoorsman...when his job allowed, anyway. Which could have been why he enjoyed Bermuda so much. He and Taylor had spent most of their time on the beach, lounging in the sun, or taking long hikes, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

He recalled one time they went hiking along the edge of the beach, holding hands, discussing their likes and dislikes. He chuckled from remembrance. She had told him the things she liked were being with him, being held by him, and passionately kissing him. In return, he told her some of the things he liked...being with her, holding her, and kissing her endlessly.

During one of their hikes, they'd found a cave. The cave was empty, and even that section of the beach was deserted, so he took advantage of their privacy and loved her over and over—

A twig snapping nearby jerked him out of his thoughts. His hand flew to his Glock, hovering over the weapon as he searched around him to find where the noise had come from. When a squirrel darted out of the bushes and crossed his path, he sighed and lowered his defenses.

Shaking his head, he scowled. Why did he have to keep thinking about the special times he and Taylor shared? And especially about Taylor in that one-month of heaven? He'd always remember how beautiful she looked, and how she'd made his heart race with desire.

And how she'd shredded it to pieces.

He bunched his hand into a fist by his side. That's what he should remember. Instead of the good times they'd shared, he should concentrate on how she'd deceived him. How she'd gone behind his back and teamed with the enemy. How she'd led that person to him. He could have been dead because of it.

When he neared the lodge, Taylor stood on the porch. Worried lines creased her forehead and around her eyes and mouth. She wiped her hands on a dishrag and took a step toward him.

"What's wrong?"

He shook his head. "Nothing."

"But you were running toward the road."

"I heard a truck. I wanted to see where it headed."

Her eyebrows lifted. "And?"

"It turned toward the horse ranch."

Sighing, her eyes fluttered closed for a brief second, her shoulders relaxing. "It was probably Hank. He's the one who takes care of the horses for Dad."

He nodded. "That's what I'd gathered."

She smiled, although her lips trembled. "I hope you don't mind grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for dinner."

The grumble in his stomach told him he wouldn't mind anything she cooked for him right now. "Sounds great."

Cory stepped to the porch and stopped in front of her. Taylor's gaze roamed over his face before resting on his eyes. Worry lines still creased her mouth.

He cupped her face and her eyes widened. "Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Heaven only knows why he chose to say it with such tenderness, and why he even touched her, but it felt right. Her features relaxed and when she smiled, it was genuine.

"Thanks."

They stared at each other for what seemed several minutes, his heart pumping overtime. But finally, she pulled away and walked back into the cabin. Cursing his weakness, he followed.

Would he ever learn? Would he forget the way they used to be and remember how she really was?