Читать книгу By Request Collection April-June 2016 - Оливия Гейтс - Страница 108

THE PRESSURE OF HIS LIPS STOLE far more than Annie’s breath. She found herself leaning on him, as if to hold herself up and also to make sure this wasn’t all in her head. He was solid against her, strong enough to carry her, and she’d been alone so long, shouldering everything.

A moment later, she parted her lips, opened her mouth in invitation, urging him to enter. He tasted incredible, nothing she could point to like beer or chocolate…it was more masculine than that. Maybe it was his clean scent—he’d showered and changed and this was him without hay and goats and horseflesh.

Her moan rose as he ran his hand under her hair. He cupped the nape of her neck, holding her steady while he changed his angle, and kissed her so thoroughly she shook with the need for more.

Gripping his upper arms, she made sure he didn’t move while she pressed against him, her right breast, her thigh. His hand slid down her back, stilling in the small curve above her behind. Then he pulled her closer, and it was so overwhelming her head fell back as she gasped.

“No,” he said, kissing her jaw, the curve of her neck, then back up until he found her mouth again. A quick nip on her bottom lip was followed by a thrust of his tongue, then a whisper of breath without touching at all as if they were trying out kisses to see what fit. Every one of them was perfect.

Each kiss and touch brought increased awareness that she was tasting Tucker, that the moments she’d imagined in her fantasies were becoming reality. She’d let him break the shell of her abstinence, and she knew the amazing shocks running through her body, making her squeeze her legs together, would cost her.

Dizzy with greed, she let the thought go, chased it away when she pried one hand free so she could touch his chest. If only she could reach under his shirt, feel his skin and hair and run her tongue over his nipples and hear the sounds he’d make.

Instead, like a cell door closing, approaching laughter slammed between them. She jumped away from him so quickly she almost tripped.

Tucker steadied her with his large hands. Thank God the lighting in the back lot was crap because her face felt as if it was on fire. The laughing people had nearly reached them, and she hoped they didn’t recognize her.

“I should let you get home,” Tucker said, releasing her completely.

She nodded. “The board meeting’s at one o’clock. At Sadie’s Watering Hole. The bar. It’s impossible to miss, seeing as it’s the only one.”

“Ah, holding the meeting where there’s alcohol. Attendance should be good.”

She got the truck keys from her jeans’ pocket. “Oh, you have no idea. The board members are…eclectic.”

“I look forward to it. You don’t need me to come in the morning? To Safe Haven, I mean?”

“You don’t have to, no. I mean, if you want to…”

“I should use the time to take care of some business.”

She looked at him, only then realizing she’d kept her head down since they’d stopped kissing. “Of course. Okay, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He leaned forward as if to kiss her again, but she sidestepped him and grabbed hold of the truck door handle. Luckily, he caught himself in time and moved away so smoothly no one would have ever guessed his true intent.

“Night.”

He distanced himself further. “Good night.”

Her fingers shook when she tried to insert the key into the ignition, but she made it out of the parking lot without mishap. He was in her rearview mirror until she turned onto Main Street.

Regret didn’t truly hit until she reached the highway.

FOR THE THIRD TIME IN THE PAST fifteen minutes, Tucker had to reread the email from his attorney. The memory of Annie in his arms kept intruding. Followed swiftly by recrimination and doubt.

It was a quarter to eleven, mere hours from when he’d kissed her, and despite the work that was piling up and his assistant becoming increasingly hysterical over Tucker’s botched schedule, he couldn’t get his thoughts straight and figure this mess out. Because he’d crossed a line, for better and for worse.

First and foremost, there was no doubt in his mind that the woman he’d kissed was not some criminal mastermind who’d willfully stolen money that should have gone to charity. However, a lot of questions remained unanswered, and that bothered him.

He was determined to clear his brother’s name, absolutely, but now he wanted even more to understand everything that had happened to the funds and who was behind the embezzlement.

Was there more he could be doing on that score? He put his head in his hands, waited for a brainstorm, for something he’d missed, but George was following up on every thread Tucker had found.

Second, Tucker wasn’t going to inform the D.A. about finding Leanna Warner until he not only understood what had happened, but had evidence to back up the truth. Period. He was not going to wrench her away from Safe Haven until they had some solid information…enough, at least, to get her out of hot water and to clear Christian’s reputation. He may not be able to stay with her until he and George put together a complete picture. But he had his own plane, and flying to Montana wasn’t a hardship. And with telecommuting, he could work from practically anywhere.

Which reminded him that he had to call his mother in the morning, even before he called to check in with George. What Tucker wasn’t sure about was letting her or Christian in on what was happening.

No, he’d stick with his decision. The fewer people who knew about Annie, the better. For now. She wasn’t going anywhere. Not with a new foal coming. And she’d never desert the animals. Not unless her back was up against the wall. He’d seen how much she cared in her eyes, in her plans, in her passion. But more than that, he’d seen it in her actions.

There was so much to distrust about people. Words were easy and glib And to trust blindly was an idiot’s game. Tucker might be a fool for wanting Annie so badly, but he wasn’t being stupid about who she was.

He believed in her. And he would be proven right.

He opened his eyes as an idea came to him. He wouldn’t decide yet whether to act on it, but it was interesting. Very interesting.

His cell, already plugged in and charging, rang. His mother’s name came up on his display, and he couldn’t hit Talk fast enough. It was late, Texas time. “Mom?”

“Are you coming home tomorrow?” she asked quietly.

“No, I’m not. I’m sorry. I’m not certain when I can be back.”

“I see.”

Her sigh felt like a slap. The only kind she would give him, the kind that hurt deep and long. “Did you go out with Andrea tonight?”

“No.” Her quiet shudder echoed in her voice. “She wanted to go for sushi and you know how I feel about that.”

“I do,” he said. “Did you watch a movie?”

“I think so. If I did, it wasn’t particularly memorable. The house creaked a lot. I thought…”

“Were you frightened?”

“Only a little. I let Martha go home early.”

Tucker stood, wishing he could do more, but he couldn’t drop this thing with Annie on the off chance he could make his mother feel better. He understood that grief took all kinds of shapes, that time was relative when it came to mourning. he still felt it himself. He’d loved his father. Missed him. He could have used his old man’s thoughts on this Christian business, but if Michael had still been alive, Tucker had no idea if he and his mother would be involved with Christian at all.

The thought made him ashamed, and that combined with his guilt at leaving her on her own felt like a physical weight on his back. “While I’m away, don’t send the staff home early, all right? Not even Martha.”

“I don’t even know where you are,” Irene said. “Not Dallas.”

“Montana, actually.”

“Do we know people there?”

“We do, but that’s not why I’m here.” He hesitated, knowing in his gut it wasn’t a good idea to tell her anything at this juncture. She’d have too many questions he couldn’t answer. But at least she’d have something to hang on to, and perhaps then he wouldn’t feel so damn guilty. “Now, don’t get your hopes too high, but it’s possible I may have found Leanna Warner.”

Her inhale stopped him. “Oh, Tucker.”

“It’s not certain,” he said, hating the necessary lie. “Nothing is. George is working with me, and we’ll just have to see how this plays out.”

“But if it is her Christian will be so happy. The D.A. will leave him be. He’ll be able to go back to work, wherever he chooses. He could work in Dallas. We could help him find something. You know so many people in the financial world. Oh, Tucker, this will be wonderful.”

His mistake didn’t take long to bite him in the ass. “Mom, I don’t know if it’s her. Not for sure. She may be the woman we’re looking for. Please, don’t get carried away, not yet. It’s just, we can hope, right? I have to ask you not to mention this to Christian. The last thing I want is for him to—”

“Yes, yes. It’s not a done deal. I’m depressed, sweetheart, not stupid. I understand completely. But thank you. I needed a bit of hope today.”

“I’m sorry I’m not there.”

“No. Now that I know what you’re doing, I’ll be fine. Whatever the outcome. You’re trying. It means a great deal.”

“I am trying.” Out of the blue, he thought of the kiss and his chest tightened. “Look, I’ll call you as soon as I can. Tomorrow, if possible.”

“Be careful. I think this woman must be very clever if she could have fooled Christian. Slippery, too.”

He closed his eyes at her words, wishing he could tell her everything, how she would like Annie if only she got to know her. How it would be as clear as day that there was more to the story.

Instead, he said goodbye and hung up, not dialing George right away. Annie was clever. Which was part of the reason he believed in her so resolutely.

Tomorrow afternoon he’d prove it to her.

ANNIE, HOLDING A BOX OF FILE folders, pulled open the door to the Watering Hole half an hour before the meeting would start. The jukebox was quiet, the bar deserted because it wouldn’t open until four, although she knew Sadie had to be around somewhere. She didn’t leave the door unlocked if she left anymore.

There’d been a rash of thefts in Blackfoot Falls last summer, which sadly had turned out to be perpetrated by locals. But it just went to show that people were people, whether they lived in New York or the wilds of Montana.

She walked across the wooden floor, her eye catching on the beautiful Wurlitzer. She wished it held more music that she liked instead of mostly country songs, but it didn’t really matter since she hardly ever came in here.

Lounging around and having drinks with friends felt like something she’d read about in a book. So many things had gone away, vanished in a haze of panic and shame. A manicure would be laughable considering how she spent her days, let alone a pedicure. In Manhattan she’d often saved up for a spa day, not the high-end deals, of course, but a soothing massage, a facial. God, to be pampered like that was unthinkable now.

“Hey there, girl. Thought you’d be coming in early. Good to see you.”

Annie swung around at Sadie’s rusty voice. Every time Annie had seen her in the past few months, the older woman had lost a bit more weight, used a touch more makeup, including lipstick this time. “You look wonderful.”

“Yeah, I’m a stunner.” Sadie came up to Annie, but knowingly didn’t reach out for a hug.

“Hey, none of that.” Annie surprised herself and Sadie by briefly touching her arm. “I think Shea’s going to be here soon, too, but the big news is that we have a potential donor coming to the meeting.”

“Really? Think that’s wise?”

“I’ve warned him. And he understands that the board members are locals doing a nice thing for the animals. I think it’ll be fine. I hope. As long as Abe and Will don’t get into it.”

“They do and I’ll knock their fool heads together. Come on, let’s get these tables set up. You want something to drink?”

“No, thanks.” Annie put the box on the huge mahogany bar, then helped Sadie push the small tables into a big rectangle. Halfway through moving the chairs, Shea walked in.

No hello or other pleasantry. “Is he still planning on attending?” Shea asked.

Annie nodded, while Sadie appeared unfazed. People were getting used to Shea’s blunt ways.

“According to some,” Sadie said, darting an amused look at Annie, “you were at Marge’s last night with the best-looking man seen in Blackfoot Falls since Paul Newman visited town forty years ago.”

Annie hated the fact that her cheeks filled with heat. “His name is Tucker Brennan, and don’t you dare let people start rumors about him. He’s rich, and he’s got a foundation that could be the salvation of Safe Haven. Anything else about him is nobody’s business.”

“Whoa,” Sadie said, holding up her hands. “I wasn’t implying anything.”

“I know people in this town live for gossip but I don’t know what I’d do if somebody’s stupid remark screwed this up.”

Sadie touched Annie’s shoulder. “I understand. I’ll do my best to derail any talk.”

After releasing her pent-up breath, Annie sighed. “Thanks. And sorry for getting worked up.”

“Don’t you fret.” Sadie turned to greet Jesse, who’d walked in, then she herded Shea behind the bar to help fill mugs.

Beer, Annie had learned early, came automatically with all meetings that took place in the Watering Hole. Annie was used to it, but she wondered what Tucker would make of it.

Just talking about him had set her body all aflutter, and she had to tamp down her excitement. This was no time to act like a silly girl. This could be the most important few hours since she’d come to Blackfoot Falls. Something that would set her up for a future she had more than accepted. She belonged at Safe Haven, and every day spent working there chipped away at the guilt and pain of what she’d left behind.

Abe, the owner of Abe’s Variety, and notorious for his unrequited crush on Sadie, walked in right ahead of Will Woodruff, who was pretty partial to Sadie himself. What they had in common did not bring the two men closer together, to say the least. Even though their scowls were a matched set.

In silence, they headed for the back room where Jesse was scrounging more chairs.

Cy Heber joined them, and he would always make Annie smile because he’d donated four acres to Safe Haven, bless him. He was an old cowboy who gave a damn, who wanted to leave something good behind, even though his own ranch was a shadow of its former self.

The door opened one more time, and Tucker Brennan walked in wearing a fine-looking Stetson along with dark pressed jeans, a pale blue Oxford shirt and a navy blazer. She bit her bottom lip, not because he filled the doors with his broad shoulders, but because of the smile that lit up his face the moment he saw her.

“Oh…okay,” Sadie murmured as she put four beers down on the table. “So they weren’t exaggerating.”

“Hush,” Annie whispered as she went to welcome him, trying her best not to mentally replay last night’s kisses.

It didn’t take long for everyone to take their seats and for Annie to make introductions. She sat Tucker at one end of the table, and she took her place at the other. Which might have been a mistake from the way she kept getting caught on his gaze.

But somehow she managed to begin the meeting in what was considered parliamentary procedure for Blackfoot Falls. Everybody raised and seconded everything. At least at the start.

Up until she called for new business. That’s when Tucker stood. Took off his hat. Reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a slip of paper.

“I’ve been spending some time at Safe Haven, and I’m very impressed with the operation. I’ve seen facilities with much more do a lot less. I applaud you all for doing your part for animals in need.” He paused, glanced around at everyone, but settled his gaze on Annie. “This is a check. It’s not from the Rocking B Foundation. I don’t make the call on who gets foundation funds. This is a personal check, one that I hope will help as you continue to develop the sanctuary. There are no strings attached―it’s to be spent at your discretion.”

He walked around the table and handed the check to Annie. When she looked at it, she gasped at the amount. Twenty thousand dollars. What she could do with twenty grand was more than she could comprehend. She blinked up at Tucker, then turned to the others. “We can get the engine. We can fix the tractor.” She looked again at the check to make sure she wasn’t crazy, then back at Tucker.

“I believe in what you’re doing,” he said. “I believe in you.”

Annie’s heart nearly stopped. His message was completely heartfelt in its honesty. She’d have been thrilled beyond measure if only he’d stopped with that first sentence. Because believing in her was believing a lie.