HORSES AND HEROIN (Romantic Mystery) (28 page)

“Skittish? You make me sound like a horse. And I’m not at all skittish.”

His smile was slow and gentle. “I think you had a boyfriend, and he was crazy enough to treat you badly.”

She shook her head but the motion made her dizzy so she stopped and pressed a finger against her lip, realizing they were slightly numb. “No boyfriend. They’re not dependable.”

He slipped his arm over her shoulders. “I’m dependable, sweetheart. And when you’re finished the riding program here, I’m going to visit you in L.A. See the little earrings you make, lie on your sofa and drink beer, and when you let me, watch some football.”

She tilted her head, imagining him squeezed into her house. He was big and there was hardly enough bare floor to walk. When she’d first started her business, it had been more organized, with everything contained to a single room. Now the studio stretched and her creations covered every horizontal space. Her sofa was tiny too. There’d be no room for him at all. She could afford a bigger place but it seemed like too much trouble. Besides, she loved her privacy there, nestled in the foothills but still close to the city.

“And sometimes we’ll have sex,” he went on, his voice a soothing rumble, “and sometimes we won’t. But we’ll still sleep together.” He tilted her chin. “We have a good thing here. Don’t fight it.” His eyes locked on her face and for a moment he looked uncertain, which was odd because she doubted he’d ever been uncertain in his life. “So…how’s that sound to you?”

“The sex part sounds okay,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. But he was scowling now, looking rather intimidating, and she didn’t want to admit that even a dog was too much of a commitment. Although dogs were loyal, especially ones like Rex. Maybe she
should
get a dog.

She was starting to like being around people too, even though Tami’s constant chatter sometimes hurt her head. She’d definitely miss Scott. He was dependable and if he said he’d do something—like help find Joey—he’d do it. It was unfortunate he was Garrett’s good friend.

“You’re missing the point here, sweetheart.” He sighed as she rattled the ice in her empty glass. “And you don’t need any more to drink.”

Her thoughts were skipping and she couldn’t remember what they were talking about and the television screen was dark. Her head felt fuzzy, and it couldn’t all be blamed on exhaustion. Her last few drinks had been less Coke and more rum, and she’d matched him glass for glass.

“You’re the one who wanted me to drink rum,” she said, “and I’m not used to it.” She tried to look indignant. However, it had been excellent rum. In fact, it had been the smoothest drink she’d ever enjoyed.

“A common investigative technique,” he said, tucking her head against his shoulder, a spot that was oddly comfortable despite its hardness. “I’m thinking you were married before?” He lifted her hair and rubbed the skin on her neck. “Obviously, unhappily.”

His fingers felt good and she didn’t want to dislodge them, so she was careful not to shake her head.

“I’ve never been married,” she murmured, her face pressed into his soft shirt. “I started the jewelry business right out of university. It’s been really, really busy. Much too busy to let bossy men lie on my sofa and drink beer.”

“I see.” His voice softened as though he was smiling. “Then why did you leave such a booming career? Why did you choose jock school?”

She tilted her head, studying his aggressive cheekbones, the stubborn line of his jaw. He wasn’t the type to give up easily—that was obvious from all she’d read on the Internet. It would be comforting to tell him the truth, to admit why she was really here, to share her suspicions about the school.

About Garrett’s school.

She swallowed and traced the raised abrasion on the side of his forehead. When they’d first met, he’d refused to talk about it. But they were definitely talking now. Or at least she was. “How did this happen?” she asked.

“A kidnapping case. The money was paid, but they didn’t plan to let the kid go.”

She knew it was the Stevens case, knew his role in it, yet he obviously wasn’t the type to brag. If she admitted she was Joey’s sister, he’d probably keep his mouth shut. Although maybe not around Garrett.

Her finger drifted over the tiny mark on his cheek, a scar, not a dimple, that made him look oddly vulnerable. He remained still, as though aware she was deciding something.

“Garrett and I were target shooting,” he said, his eyes on her face. “A piece of rock cut me.”

“You’ve been friends a long time,” she whispered. “Do you trust him?”

“With my life.”

“That’s a very good friend.”
Too good a friend. Obviously he’d side with Garrett
. She flattened her mouth and turned away, listening for the dryer. “I have to go,” she added. “Think my clothes are ready?”

He tilted her chin, pulling her attention back. “Who do you trust? Don’t think. Quick.” He spoke with authority.

“Eve,” she said.

“Interesting. You’ve only known her a few weeks. That’s it?”

She frowned and pulled away. “You made me rush,” she said. “There’re all kinds of other people. Besides, you only said one. You say two names quickly, see how hard it is.”

“Snake, T-Bone.”

“Too weird. You’re making those people up.” She lurched to her feet. “And I really have to go. I’ll get the clothes tomorrow.”

He rose, much more gracefully than she, and strode down the hall. “I’ll walk you back,” he said over his shoulder, “but first I need a jacket. It’s damn cold tonight.”

She tagged along beside him, disappointed at the prospect of a fifteen-minute hike. “Wouldn’t it be easier to take your car?” she asked hopefully. “Since we’re both sleepy.” She studied his face but he didn’t look tired. In fact, his expression looked almost mischievous.

“I’m not driving,” he said, pulling on a jacket. “I’ve been drinking.”

“It’s private property,” she said weakly. “And there’s no one around.”

But he shook his head and swung open the door, letting in a rush of night air, so cold it prickled her skin. She stepped back and eyed the closet. “Do you have an extra jacket I could borrow?” she asked.

“Nope. Sorry. But if your roommate has company and you need to wait in the barn, I can unlock the tack room and find you a horse blanket.” He adjusted the collar on his jacket, studied her for a moment, then reached back in the closet and made a show of pulling on gloves.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. “Never mind looking for a scarf and hat,” she said. “Maybe it would be easier if I just slept here tonight.”

“Good idea.” He grinned and quickly closed the door. “But we both need our sleep, so no sex. No matter how much you beg.”

“Fine.” She was keen to climb into bed, any bed, but hated to accept she’d been outmaneuvered. “But I need to get up early so please set the alarm for five.” She returned his smile with a teasing one of her own. “I’ll try very hard not to wake you.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Clothes rustled from Tami’s side of the room, and Megan guessed it was time to get up. However, neither her body nor brain seemed inclined to listen. Her mouth felt dry but not so dry she wanted to relinquish those last precious moments of sleep. The bed sagged and a big hand curved around her hip. Not the dorm then. She pried open her eyes, peering through the gloom at Scott’s shadowed face.

“Did I sleep in?” she whispered.

“Yup.” He tugged her into his warm body. “Your horses are fed. Go back to sleep.”

“But who did it? Were you at the barn?” She propped an elbow on his chest, trying to see the clock, guessing it must be after six based on the light beyond the curtain.

“You need to catch up on your sleep, sweetheart.” His voice turned husky. “So quit wiggling.”

She could feel his growing hardness and immediately stilled. “So you fed Rambo and Jake? But I still have to clean their stalls. And you don’t even know what they eat.”

“Relax. I just offered an A to anyone who’d look after them. When I left, Tami and a bunch of other students were fighting for the job.”

“Scott, that’s not even funny. I have to go.” But his hand caressed her breast now, his mouth nuzzled her neck and her voice lacked conviction.

“Actually I told Lydia how busy you were finding a home for Rambo and she said to take the day off.”

“But I already found him a home.”

“She doesn’t know that.” He chuckled, his breath warm against her throat. “And she’s very grateful for your efforts. Now do you want more sleep? Because I’m trying to prove how dependable I am. And I don’t want to blow it.”

She blew out an exaggerated sigh but tilted her head, giving his expert mouth more room to explore. “I don’t know yet if I need more sleep. It’s a tough decision.”

“Well, let me know what you decide.” He skimmed his mouth down her neck and over her collarbone, using his fingers to tease her nipple to a taut point.

“Maybe if you could just...” She guided his head to her breast, arching up as sensations rippled from her breasts to the suddenly damp spot between her legs.

He was wonderfully thorough, paying attention to every curve and hollow and then he was too thorough, and she reached down, trying to grab him.

“I’m ready,” she said, arching impatiently.

He grabbed her hand and pinned it against the pillow. “What’s your hurry, sweetheart? We have all morning, that is, if you’re finished sleeping.” He fanned a thumb over her nipple. “I’m thinking I need to go slow. Show you my best work.”

“I’m fine with mediocre work.” She reached for him with her other hand and hooked a leg over his calf.

He gave a low laugh but flattened both hands above her head, and moved back to her mouth, plundering her in a deep kiss, exploring her face, her neck, her breasts, until she shivered with arousal.

She hooked her legs over his calves, but he pulled back, releasing her hands and sweeping her body with his hot gaze.

“You’re damn gorgeous,” he said, and the way his eyes caressed her body made her feel beautiful. “But so impatient.” His hand slipped to the inside of her thigh and stroked her with the pad of his thumb, so slow she wiggled with pleasure, the throb inside her building.

She grabbed his shoulders, trying to hurry him along, but his hands parted her thighs, his head dipped and it felt so good. She tried to scoot away, knew she’d climax too fast, but he flattened a big hand over her stomach, holding her in place, and then she didn’t want to escape any longer.

The orgasm left her weak and quivery.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” she said. “Now sleep just moved back to my priority list.”

“Not for long.”

“You’re rather sure of yourself.” She cracked open her eyelids, feeling wonderfully languid. “But that was very nice.”

He stared down, his voice gruff as he unrolled a condom and positioned himself over her. “You can sleep if you want. Or spread your legs a little wider.”

“Not a tough decision,” she said.

***

“Here’s that video you wanted.” Garrett dropped a stack of labeled discs on the counter next to a jar of strawberry jam. “Joey Collins should be in some of them, although it’s hit and miss. Lydia films the students more than Ramon. Most of these are her class.”

Megan stared at the discs Garrett had delivered then smiled gratefully at Scott. She hadn’t considered school video. Already he’d thought of angles she’d missed. She wasn’t sure what the video might show, but the chance to see Joey made her edgy with impatience.

Scott seemed to understand and gave a quick wink before turning and pouring Garrett a cup of coffee.

“Not sure why you asked for that stuff,” Garrett went on, accepting the coffee and propping his hip against the counter. “You must be bored.” He turned to Megan. “Maybe Scott should head back to L.A. if he always needs to be hunting down bad guys.”

Megan wrapped her toes around the rung of the stool, uncomfortable with his reference to bad guys. Luckily, they’d showered and finished breakfast before Garrett had arrived, however the speculative look in his eyes showed Garrett guessed that she’d stayed the night.

“Scott can’t leave,” she said lightly, her fingers gripping the handle of her mug. “The students love his course.”

“Of course they do.” Garrett snickered. “Especially the distaff portion of the class. Since we were little kids, he’s always had to beat off the women. Pissed me off.”

She forced a polite smile but peeked at Scott. His expression hadn’t changed, but his displeasure was evident in the way his shirt tightened over his shoulders.

“What’s wrong, Garrett?” Scott’s voice was clipped, much different from the one he’d used in bed with her earlier that morning.

“Just that a tech from the clinic called.” Garrett glanced again at Megan. “Ostensibly to give an update on Rex, but she slid in some loaded questions. Trying to find out if Scott was single. Rather amusing.” He blew out an irritated sigh. “However, as director of the school, I need to be aware of any relations, especially ones between students and instructors.”

“Temporary instructor.” Scott grabbed Megan’s hand, and her spirits lifted at the way his voice softened. “What’s the problem?” he asked. “You knew I was seeing her.”

“I didn’t know it was this serious. I thought, since Amanda, you know…” Garrett’s eyes flickered over their linked hands, and his mouth tightened. “Guess I’ll have to file a consensual relationship form,” he said. “This is a bit of a surprise.”

“File whatever you want,” Scott said, a smile curving the edges of his mouth. “Although if it’s any consolation, I promise to mark her extra hard.”

“I’m dropping his course,” Megan said.

“No.” Both men spoke at once.

She nodded, straightening her legs from the stool. Garrett was clearly unhappy with the situation, and the addictions course didn’t even matter. Not to her. Dropping it was the ethical thing to do. She didn’t want to cause tension between the two men.

“My dear,” Garrett said, “my worries are with the other instructors. I have no qualms about Scott’s professionalism. Although this does explain why he supported you with Rambo…what I don’t understand is why you’re so interested in Joey?”