Читать книгу Familiar Adversaries - Patricia Thayer - Страница 9

Mariah couldn’t get air into her lungs with Shane pressed against her. His face was so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. She smelled his fresh, male scent that had traces of soap and a lot of just…Shane. It brought back memories of a different time, a time when they’d shared long, slow kisses. A time when his mere touch could give her such pleasure.

She shook away the thoughts and managed to suck in needed oxygen. “Get off me.” She pushed at him, but he didn’t budge.

“I asked, what are you doing here?”

“I’m working,” she said.

He finally released her. “Why so late?”

“I came back tonight to get some things done.” She pushed past him. “You’ve been neglecting a lot of the paperwork, Shane. I’m surprised the crew ever got paid.”

“I have an accounting service do payroll.”

“But who checks the timecards to make sure they’re correct? I’ve been wading through your mess, trying to get things straightened out.” And she hadn’t wanted to sit at home and listen to her father trash Shane the entire night. “I didn’t realize it was so late.”

“You don’t have any business here at this hour.”

“I have as much as you do,” she shot back.

Shane then ran a hand over his face. “Okay. Okay. Do you think we could try and get through five minutes without arguing?”

She shrugged. “Do you?”

“Ah, hell.” He marched to the other side of the trailer as if trying to calm down. Finally he looked at her. “Mariah, we have to find a way to work together. This might not matter to you, but if Paradise Estates doesn’t finish on schedule, I might as well kiss my construction business goodbye.”

“Why do you think I’m trying to destroy you? I have as much at stake as you do.” It hurt her that he distrusted her. She fought to keep the emotion out of her voice. “I have a reputation to uphold, too, Shane. You have to stop attacking me at every turn.”

“I’m trying. But when I walked in here yesterday and saw you…” He came back to her. “My God, Mariah, it’s been years. I couldn’t help think about how it was between us.” He reached out to touch her cheek.

She pulled away again. “You must have different memories from me. I only remember the kiss-off.” In all fairness to Shane, she’d known he’d had a rough time after his father’s death. All she had wanted was to be there for him, but he hadn’t wanted her. She’d been crushed when he’d told her he couldn’t see her any longer. What had devastated her was that he’d had time to spend with several other girls in school.

“So, I was a selfish bastard,” he offered. “I was a randy teenage boy. Besides, your father didn’t want us to be together, anyway.”

Mariah shrugged. “That never stopped us. We’d found ways to see each other.” She knew she was baiting him, but she liked seeing his reaction. “I would drive out to the ranch.”

“And you took foolish chances,” he reminded her.

She couldn’t stop the memories. She would park behind the barn, and he’d run out to meet her. She’d barely be out of her car before he had pulled her into his arms and kiss her.

She glanced at Shane. The look in his eyes told her he was remembering, too. “You never asked me to stop,” she accused.

Suddenly he drew her close again. “How could I? You were every teenage boy’s fantasy.”

Her pulse raced. Hearing his confession, feeling his hard body pressed to hers, she hadn’t the strength to pull away. She hated her weakness for this man.

Shane’s head lowered to hers, and she eagerly met his mouth. She whimpered as her lips parted and his tongue pushed inside. Sliding her hands up his chest, she circled his neck. All the feelings she’d buried so long ago suddenly surfaced. Every dream she’d had about being with Shane again hadn’t compared to this. Desire spiraled through her body, exploding through her senses, making her feel a hunger she’d never known.

Then, all too soon, it ended.

With a curse Shane released her and turned away. The rejection was excruciating for Mariah. Once again she’d let Shane Hunter hurt her.

His gaze met hers. “That was a mistake. The last thing we need is this kind of complication.”

She took a shaky breath, trying to slow her pulse. “I agree. I shouldn’t have baited you.”

He nodded. “How’s this going to make for a working relationship?”

“If you think I’m going to resign, you’re wrong. I don’t give up that easily.”

“Then we better set some guidelines.”

She didn’t like him being so calm and controlled over what just happened. “How about the first one is you keeping your hands to yourself? Let’s keep this a business relationship—nothing more.”

He started to speak, then nodded. “And how about you not coming out here alone in the middle of the night?”

She nodded. “And you tell me when a supplier has a problem with delivery. I’m not a tyrant. Something can be worked out. It’s important to me, too, that we use local suppliers for this project.”

“How about if you don’t run home every night and tell Daddy every detail of the day? I don’t want to give him any ammunition to use against me.”

She frowned. “I don’t discuss our business with anyone. But I do live with my parents…at least temporarily.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you looking for a place of your own?”

She wasn’t going to tell him about the run-ins with her father. “I have my own apartment in Phoenix. I haven’t lived with my parents since before college. I would like a temporary place while I’m here, but that’s impossible to find without having to sign a lease.”

“If you’re not looking for anything special, I know of a studio apartment.”

“I’m interested.”

He nodded. “Then meet me at the Good Time Café for breakfast.”

“I don’t have time for breakfast.”

“You will tomorrow.” He picked up her purse and handed it to her. “And now we’re both going home to bed.” She tensed when he placed his hand against her back and guided her to the door. “Tomorrow we’ll put our heads together and figure out how to do our jobs.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“And I mean it, Mariah, no more coming out here alone late at night. It’s too dangerous.”

“Would it help if I told you I know karate?” When he frowned, she went on, “Maybe if someone was here it would keep the vandals away.”

“Or they could come after you.” He escorted her to the door. “The only way you get to be out here is if I’m with you. We have to start working together. Agreed?”

When he looked at her with those blue eyes, she couldn’t deny him what he wanted.

“Agreed,” she said, knowing she was in big trouble.

At six-thirty the next morning, Mariah walked into the Good Time Café. She wasn’t surprised that the fifties-style diner was crowded. The place had always been a popular spot in Haven and that obviously hadn’t changed. She glanced around at the red vinyl booths that lined the windows. A young waitress was rushing through the group of tables refilling mugs as the jukebox played an old song by the Supremes, “Baby Love.”

She recognized several of the crew as she continued to search the room. Finally she found her man seated at the counter. A jolt of awareness hit her. One curious kiss did not make Shane Hunter her man. They couldn’t afford to let anything else happen between them. They needed to keep all their concentration on the project.

She started across the room toward Shane. He was engrossed in conversation with the man next to him and he suddenly threw back his head and laughed. It had been a long time since Mariah had seen Shane this relaxed. She knew that working with her wasn’t easy for him.

Shane swung around on the chrome-and-vinyl stool. The smile faded a bit as he got up and came to greet her. “Good, you made it.”

“I figured if I didn’t show, you’d come and get me.”

“You got that right.” He took her arm and guided her to the counter. “Mariah, do you remember my brother, Nate?”

With a smile she offered her hand. “I hear it’s Sheriff Hunter now.”

The tall, handsome man in his khaki uniform stood as he took her hand. “Not for much longer. I’m retiring in another a few months. Nice to see you again, Mariah. It’s been a few years.”

She was surprised that the former football star remembered her. “Yes it has. I’ve been living in the Phoenix area.”

“Shane tells me you’re doing a good job of cleaning up his act.”

“Well, what can I say? He needs it.” She sat down on the empty stool next to him.

Nate laughed, reminding her so much of his younger brother. “Good luck. The family gave up on him years ago.”

“Hey, I’m right here,” Shane called out. “Nate, don’t you have a job to do or a wife to go home to?”

“Not at the moment.” Smiling, he turned back to Mariah. “I think things are a lot more interesting right here.”

Shane hated how Nate was acting. Smiling at her and being so sickeningly sweet. The man was married. Just then a customer vacated the stool on the other side of Mariah, and Shane sat down.

“Well, we have business to discuss, so get lost,” he said, hating his sudden possessiveness over Mariah.

Mariah looked at him. “We don’t start work until seven. Since I’m here, how about some food?”

“You want breakfast, I’ll get you breakfast,” Shane said as he waved and got the attention of the waitress.

She hurried to the counter. “What can I get for you, Shane? More coffee?”

He smiled back at the teenager. “That would be nice, Lisa, and Mariah, here, would like the breakfast special.”

He glanced at Mariah and found she wasn’t happy that he’d ordered for her. She turned to the waitress. “I would like eggs scrambled hard and wheat toast.”

After Lisa left, Nate and Mariah went back to their conversation, completely ignoring him. Seeing his brother’s sappy grin, he realized this was payback for all the times he’d flirted with Tori. Nate was wasting his time, he wasn’t interested in rekindling a relationship with his high school sweetheart. All he was interested in was them working amicably together.

Shane caught Mariah’s reflection in the mirror against the wall. His gaze locked on her expressive emerald-green eyes, then lowered to her full mouth. His heart skipped as he glanced away. So what if the woman was a turn-on. That didn’t mean he had to do anything about it, did it?

Just then Nate’s radio went off. He stood up to check the message. “Well, looks like I’m needed to help keep the peace. It was nice seeing you again, Mariah. I hope I get the chance to introduce you to my wife, Tori.”

The waitress brought Mariah her breakfast. “I’d like that.”

“Well, I’m out of here. ’Bye, bro,” Nate said as he smacked Shane on the back, then walked to the door in time to hold it for the customer coming in.

Shane groaned as Betty Hunter stood at the doorway. His fifty-five-year-old mom showed off her trim figure in her gray running suit.

Smiling, she made her way toward them. “Hello, Shane.” She kissed her son, then turned to Mariah.

“Well, if it isn’t Mariah Easton.” Betty gripped both of the younger woman’s hands. “It’s been a long time.”

“Hello, Mrs. Hunter. It’s nice to see you again.” Mariah’s gaze went over the older woman. “You look wonderful.”

“Thank you, I try to stay in shape.” She glanced at Shane then back to Mariah. “I hear that you’re working with Shane.”

“That’s right. I’m the project manager.”

Betty smiled. “Isn’t that nice.”

He could see the wheels turning in his mother’s head. “Mom, what are you doing downtown this early?”

“I got bored and decided to change my running route.”

“And you stopped by here because…” Shane nudged her.

“Well, I saw Nate’s patrol car outside and I wanted to tell him that Emily is coming home this weekend.”

Shane was surprised. “She’s flying in from L.A.? Just for the weekend?”

None of the family had been happy that Emily had chosen to work in the movie industry. Not when that meant she’d relocated to Los Angeles after college. “Maybe she’s come to her senses and is moving home.”

Betty frowned. “No. She’s not giving up on her career. But she said she’s got some good news for us. So Tori and I are planning a barbecue at the Double H Saturday.”

Shane knew his sister leaned toward the dramatic. Everything had to be a big production. “Why can’t she just tell us at the house?” Shane tried to squelch his irritation. He’d planned on putting in some extra time at the site during the weekend. “Besides, Nate always ropes me into some work at the ranch.”

“Not this time. It’s strictly a party.” His mother glanced toward the kitchen and waved to Sam Price, the owner of the café. “I’m going to invite Sam and ask him to bring his coleslaw.” His mother looked at Mariah. “Oh, and Mariah, we’d love to have you to come, too.”

Caught by surprise, Mariah stopped with a forkful of eggs midway to her mouth. “Oh, Mrs. Hunter, thank you, but I can’t intrude on family.”

“Nonsense, you could never intrude. And I’m sure Shane would love to show off the work he’s done on the ranch house. Please, I know for a fact that Emily is bringing someone with her.”

Great, now she was getting coupled with Shane. She couldn’t look at him, but she wondered how he was handling this. “Thank you, I’ll think about it.”

“Mom will get her way,” Shane began. “So you might as well agree to come now.”

Mariah laid down her fork. She couldn’t swallow anything past the lump in her throat. She smiled at Mrs. Hunter. “Okay, I’ll drive out.”

“There’s no need,” Shane spoke up again. “I’ll take you.”

Before Mariah could argue, Sam came out of the kitchen and greeted Betty.

“Hey, stranger,” he said to Shane. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“I’ve been sitting right here for the past thirty minutes.”

“I guess I wasn’t looking.” Sam turned to Mariah. “I’d rather look at my pretty customer. Hi, Mariah. I heard you were back in town.”

“Hi, Sam.” She smiled at the older man with the thinning gray hair and stocky build. He hadn’t changed in years. “You look just the same.”

“Holding my own. It’s harder to keep up with the kids. They don’t all like my taste in music.”

Mariah knew the old jukebox only had fifties and sixties classic rock ‘n’ roll records. Sam had probably taught most boys in Haven how to dance. “Well, I’m still a fan.”

“Good. I also hear you’ve got the tough job of keeping this guy in line.”

Shane glanced over his shoulder. “Is there a sign on my back that says Pick on Me?”

The group laughed. “We’ve never needed a sign,” Sam said, and folded his arms. “So what brings you in this morning?”

“Breakfast,” Shane offered.

“Well, I’ve got to go,” Betty announced as she touched Sam’s arm and walked away.

Shane had thought for a long time that there might be feelings between his mom and Sam. Not that they ever acted on them. But it was obvious to everyone else the two cared about each other.

After Betty left, Sam turned his attention back to Shane. “What really brings you in?”

“Mariah wants to rent your room upstairs.”

Sam shrugged. “I haven’t even been up there since Tori moved out.”

“So we’ll clean it up.”