In the Arms of Danger

EIGHTEEN

Leland Mitchell had some incredible and beautiful stallions. Cory wished he could saddle up the gray and white horse and gallop into the sunset without a care in the world. But his job didn't allow leisure time. Instead, he checked out the ranch until satisfied the place was not any threat.

He'd inspected the area surrounding the cabin enough times after breakfast to realize their seclusion would be all right. He'd now have to keep a sharp eye and ear out for other vehicles, although the main road was several miles away. If anybody did try to take the road leading to the Mitchell cabin, he'd hear it and be able to safeguard Taylor and her daughter.

A cool wind blew in from the north. He glanced up at the sky. Dark clouds formed quickly. It looked like he needed to brace himself for a storm tonight. Rats. He wanted to go fishing. Wanted to stand beside Meggie and her mother and have a race to see who could catch the most fish, just like he and his father used to do in his younger years. Maybe tomorrow morning would look better.

A rustle in the trees beside the road made him stop. His hand automatically went for his gun as he searched through the group of trees. The snort of a moose echoed through the stillness. His heart dropped. Although wonderful creatures of God, they were also very dangerous, especially if their young were threatened.

Where was Meggie?

He glanced down the road toward the cabin. The color of purple caught his attention. Taylor stood on the porch facing the bushes and trees at the side.

Looking back where he'd heard the moose, he searched for the animal. Sure enough, a large female cow clomped her way toward the cabin. Looking for the calf, perhaps? He hoped not.

If Meggie or Taylor accidentally walked in their path...

He broke into a run. His heartbeat thudded in the same rhythm as his boots hitting the dirt. He kept his focus on Taylor, who luckily stood still. If only she'd stay that way until he got there and could warn her, there would be nothing to worry about.

As he neared the cabin, he looked into the cluster of bushes where she aimed her focus. Sure enough, the calf grazed very close by.

He slowed and glanced over his shoulder to see how far away the cow was. The mother had spotted him and her legs were moving faster... coming right for him.

* * * *

Picking up speed, he headed for the porch. Taylor's gaze snapped toward him, her eyes widening.

"Get inside. Now," he yelled.

Her face paled. She nodded and swung around, hurrying to the opened door.

The heavy pound of the moose's hooves boomed close behind him. Fear made his feet move faster. He prayed the animal wouldn't catch up.

Not wanting even to peek behind him, he kept his eyes trained on Taylor who stood in the doorway with her clasped hands to her mouth. By the panicked expression on her face, he guessed the cow to be very near.

Almost to the steps...

"Cory," she screamed and pointed.

He jumped in the air, missed the steps and landed on the porch. Rolling, he moved toward the door.

Taylor's hands were on his shoulders, yanking him inside. Just in time, too. The moose had been closer than he'd thought.

The magnificent, but deadly, animal stopped near the porch and snorted. Cory kicked the door closed.

With a heavy sigh, he sank against Taylor. Her arms circled around him, pulling his head against her chest. The rhythm of her heart beat crazily beside his face. Consumed with relief, he snuggled against her and closed his eyes.

Breathing slower, he tried to slow his heart rate, but the closeness he shared with Taylor made it worse. He'd gone from one terror to another within seconds.

Her breathing had changed, too. Even her body stiffened. He couldn't stop the tug of the grin pulling at his mouth. Strange, but she hadn't pushed him away yet.

"Are...you okay?" Her soft voice came out a little unsteady.

Of course he wasn't! Especially now. He'd had more luck running from the moose.

"Uh-huh." He dared not move. Afraid he'd take her in his arms and kiss her endlessly. Right here. Right now. Yet he was worried that if he did pull away, he'd not be able to go far. The comfort of her soft arms tempted him too much.

He didn't know how long they stayed together in this position, but if he went by the racing of her heart, many minutes had passed. Her intoxicating scent made it so hard to leave. He should. Soon. But then, he'd told her last night he couldn't stop things from happening once they got to a certain point.

He moved his hand over her tummy and she sucked in a quick breath, followed by a heavy sigh. That was his undoing. He wrapped his arms around her and pushed her back on the floor. Leaning over her, he stared into her soft blue eyes... inviting eyes. The bedroom eyes he'd always compared them to while in Bermuda.

Glancing down at her lips, he noticed they too, were inviting. Big mistake! The magnetic pull happened again, and he bent his head to partake of the sweetness her lips had to offer.

Her fingers threaded through his hair, slowly pulling his head down...closer...

"Mommy?"

The tiny voice brought him to his feet as if someone had dumped ice water all over him. Taylor matched his movements and jumped up. Meggie stood at the bottom of the stairs, rubbing her eyes and yawning. Taylor hurried to her daughter.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

"Someone screamed. I was afraid."

Taylor pulled her daughter against her. Cory grumbled under his breath. What were you thinking, man? Obviously, he couldn't think whenever they were close.

Taking in a deep breath, he tried to control his breathing. He moved to Meggie and Taylor. The little girl's huge eyes looked up at him in question.

"There was a moose outside." He smiled and winked. "It scared your mother."

Her eyes widened. "Weally?"

"Yes, really." He glanced at the window. "But I don't think it's still there." He looked back at her. "Should we see?"

"Uh-huh." She pulled away from Taylor and slipped her tiny hand into his large one. A strange feeling tugged at his heart. He smiled.

Walking hand in hand, they strolled to the window. He lifted her in his arms and they peered toward the woods. The cow and calf were still there but had stepped further away.

Meggie squealed and clapped her hands. "Look Mommy."

Taylor moved beside him, her elbow bumped against his. He held the moan that wanted to release. Not now. What was wrong with him? He couldn't even be near her and his heartbeat went berserk. Of course it had nothing to do with the fact he hadn't been with a woman since they'd been together last.

Yeah, right. It certainly did have something to do with that!

From the corner of his eyes, he noticed Taylor look his way. He couldn't stop his gaze from wandering and meeting hers. Instead of the hard glare she'd been giving him lately, the blue color of her eyes was soft.

He restrained the urge to slip his other arm around her shoulders and bring her to him. With her daughter in one arm and Taylor in the other, they'd be like one big happy family.

In my dreams.

Happy families meant the mother and father loved each other. Although lustful feelings stirred inside him, they were far from love.

Plus he didn't trust her.

No matter how much she batted her eyelashes at him or passed him those sultry looks, he would never trust her again.