I'll Take Forever Kobo
Author: Barbara Mcmahon
Date: 2012-01-10T22:00:00+00:00
Keywords: General Fiction

Table of Contents

I’ll Take Forever

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

About the Author

Excerpt: The Bachelor's Baby Promise

I’ll Take Forever

By Barbara McMahon

Copyright 2011

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

CHAPTER ONE

Jenny Warwick closed the book, a soft smile on her face. She liked happy endings. She was glad the book ended on a high note; that the heroine had attained her goal, saved her father and still had been able to marry her sweetheart. She sighed, wishing real life was so ordered, that everyone lived happily ever after.

Slipping her legs from under the afghan, she stood up in the cold room. The flannel pajamas she wore didn’t provide enough warmth from the cold. A nightly routine of hot chocolate before going to sleep was hard to shake. It was cold out of bed, but once she had her chocolate, she could snuggle down in the warm covers, sip the sweet beverage and then go to sleep.

Quickly she thrust her feet into her slippers and drew her warm woolen robe closer. She’d make a quick trip to the kitchen.

It was cooler still in the hall as she left her warm bedroom. Winter was at its peak and she tried to economize by heating only the rooms she really needed. Summer was a different matter. The high elevation kept the house cool and all the windows could be opened to enjoy the scented air of the Sierra Nevada. Briefly she longed for the days when money hadn’t been an issue and it had been easier to keep the house warm.

Descending the stairs, she shivered a little. It felt even colder than usual through her robe, her slippers not keeping the chill from her feet. Maybe she’d turn the heat up a little, despite the cost. It had been snowing heavily since the late afternoon and the temperature continued to drop. She went to the front door and flicked on the outside light. Opening the heavy wooden door a little, peeping through the crack, Jenny was surprised at how much snow there was on the ground, already more than twelve to fifteen inches had fallen. If it continued at that rate all night, she’d be snowbound for a few days. Her road was not one of the primary ones in the county--often the last cleared by the snowplow.

Well, she thought, turning off the light and re-latching the door, it wouldn't be the first time she’d been snowbound. She had plenty of provisions and fuel. She'd be fine.

Softly she padded down the hall, turning on the light, opening the door to the kitchen. She flicked on that light and paused. Reflecting later, she realized she had not been afraid at that first moment, more startled than anything else.

The man was dressed all in black–black cords, a black pea jacket, similar to the kind sailors used to wear, Jenny thought as she took in his appearance. More astonished than afraid she wondered who he was and what he was doing in her kitchen. His hair was black, his eyes dark. He was sitting on the floor, leaning against her back door, dripping melting snow on the linoleum, a black gun pointed directly at her. She registered the broken pane in the top part of the door, obviously his means of entry into her locked house. Funny, she hadn’t heard the glass break.

Her gaze went back to the gun. She swallowed, not moving, awareness suddenly rendering her immobile.

'Move easy, ma'am,' he said softly. 'Whatever you came here for, just get it. There may be people watching from outside and I don't want them to get suspicious.'

She nodded, the heavy thumping in her chest painful. She could scarcely breathe as she tore her eyes away from the gun, moving stiffly to the stove to get the pan she kept on the stove. Filling it with milk, she put it on the burner and turned on the gas. Shivering a little from the cold, a lot from fear, Jenny hugged her arms across her chest, licked her lips. Was it a bad dream? She tried to think, but all she could picture was the man pointing a gun at her.

'Who are you, and why are you here?' she asked, pleased her voice didn't quaver as she had thought it might. Trying not to look at him, she moved slowly to get the cup and cocoa.

'I'm here because I was about to freeze to death in this blasted blizzard. There’re a few of your neighbors searching for me and I don't intend for them to find me. Your house loomed up out of the snow and I made use of it. I didn’t realize anyone was home.'

The tone sounded disgusted. Had he know she was home, would he have found another house?

'You're letting all my heat out of that broken pane. Not to mention the mess you're making on my kitchen floor. Why are you so wet?' Okay, so fear had her asking such an obvious question. It was snowing like crazy outside.

‘Why are you here?’ she wanted to shout, but was pleased her voice sounded almost normal. ‘What do you want from me?’

His soft chuckle surprised her, but she kept her eyes resolutely on the cocoa she was spooning into her cup.

'I've been in the blizzard since shortly after noon and lost my way. All the landmarks I was given are gone, everything’s covered in white. I was like a snowman when I came in, and it's all melting now. The house was dark. I thought it was empty. You alone in the house?'

Jenny felt a small shock of hope. Could she bluff him, make him think there was someone upstairs? Make him leave before discovering there was not? What would he do if he found she was alone? It would only take a quick walk through to know the truth. Bravely, defiantly, she turned to face him.

'I'm alone and I don't want you here. Would you please leave the way you came? You're warm now and can...' she trailed off as he slowly shook his head. Her eyes looked at the gun.

'I'm not going anywhere tonight, nor is anyone else. Have you seen how deep it is out there? And it doesn’t look as if it’s going to stop any time soon. I'd die of exposure before morning. Oh, no, lady, I'm not leaving.'

She stared at him silently, her mind whirling with questions, her stomach churning with apprehension. Jenny lived miles from the nearest town. It was a small mountain community where she knew everyone. What neighbor was after him? She looked out the window. Only the drifting flakes near the glass caught the light. Beyond it was impenetrable darkness. No one, Jenny suspected. He was making it up to cover for breaking in. It was too late, anyone she knew would stay home and keep warm on a night like tonight.

The milk began to steam. Jenny turned to finish preparing her cocoa, a plan formulating in her mind. If he would remain in the kitchen, she could get to the phone and call the Sheriff. Let someone know she was in trouble, alert someone to come for this intruder. She took a deep breath, the plan steadying her a little. Now her fear was that he'd read her mind. She glanced at him again. He was still sitting on the floor, legs stretched out in front of him, leaning against the door, watching her closely.

'Where's your husband?' he asked.

Jenny blinked and stirred her hot drink. Another idea, pretend Johnny was coming later. Would that get rid of him?

'He's out. But I expect him home soon.'

'Not in this weather.'

'We have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it can get through. I've done all I need to do in the kitchen. Do you still think someone is watching me?'

'I don't know. Just leave as you would if you were alone.'

'Goodnight,' she said, out of habit. She shook her head—why be polite to an intruder, a housebreaker? Obviously a crook on the run. She just hoped he wouldn’t shoot her in the back as she left.

Jenny carried her cup carefully. She had not filled it to the top, so she would be able to move rapidly once she was out of the kitchen, but there was no use letting this man know that. As if it were full to the brim, she walked slowly, carefully. Reaching the door, she flicked out the light and closed it, breaking into a run to reach the phone.

Snatching up the receiver, she pressed the "9" just as a warm hand covered hers on the receiver. She felt the shock like a kick in the stomach. He depressed the cradle, severing the connection. He had moved quickly and silently. Backing away, her eyes wide, Jenny took a deep breath, tried to calm her racing heart, tears of frustration filled her eyes.

'No,' he said gently. Removing the phone from her grasp, he released the button, listening for a moment. 'It's dead, anyway.' He hesitated a moment, indecision touching his face briefly, and then yanked the wire from the wall.

'Can't take a chance they'll fix it before morning. Do you have any more?'

Jenny licked her lips. 'One in my bedroom,' she said, at long last.

'Upstairs?'

She slowly nodded, her face clouding with worry. If the phone lines were down, there was no hope. He'd find the other phone and destroy it, too. Even if the service came back on, she couldn't call for help. She thought briefly of making a dash to her room, but there would be no sanctuary there. There wasn't even a lock on the door. She had never needed one before.

'Let's go,' he said, pointing to the stairs.

Jenny turned and slowly started moving, holding her cup carefully. She felt as if she were in a nightmare. Would she awaken and find that it was just a dream? No, it was real enough: the cold was chilling, the slow, fearful thud of her heart in her chest a painful reminder of the intruder and the fear he caused.

Jenny had her foot on the first step when they heard the rumble of a truck, then slamming doors and voices outside. She paused, hope flaring again and looked over her shoulder, up to the face of the man. He was tall, over six feet, and seemed to be looming over her own five foot five inches. He looked scruffy and tired. The thought surprised her.

'Wait,' he said, moving to the heavy front door, ear cocked to better hear the voices. In only a couple of moments, there was a rap at her door.

Jenny moved toward the door, her heart skipping. Was this help? She threw a glance at the stranger.

'One wrong move and one of your friends might get hurt,' he said softly, gesturing with the gun, moving back a few feet, eyes narrowed as he watched her. Leaning against the wall, out of sight when the door opened, he nodded toward her.

The rap came again. Jenny reached out a shaky hand to flick on the outside light, release the locks and open the door a few inches.

'Yes? Oh, hi, Nate. What are you doing out on a night like this?' she said, her mind racing. She dare not risk getting Nate shot–or herself. But was there some way to let him know she was in trouble?

'Hi, Jenny, it's awful, isn't it? Can I come in?'

She looked over to where the stranger was, but he had disappeared. Without making any noise, he had gone into the closed-off den, that door now open a crack. No doubt he could see and hear everything. And probably had that gun pointed directly at her.

'Of course, come on in. What are you doing out so late? It's freezing, still snowing, too, I see.'

Jenny tried to act normally, her eyes flickering involuntarily to the study door.

'Forecast’s for more, too. Looks like we'll be snowed in for a while. You okay?' Nate Fisher was dressed in warm mountain gear; his hat and jacket caked with snow. She glanced behind him as she closed the door, but didn’t see anyone. Yet he’d been talking to someone.

'Did you come just to check on me?' She smiled at her neighbor. They had never been friends, but she’d known him for years.

'No, me and Jim are looking for someone. A stranger around here. You seen anyone walking around, probably earlier?'

'Nate, it gets dark around five. Even earlier on a stormy day like today. If I saw someone this afternoon, he'd be long gone by now. It's after ten. Who is it?' Jenny was puzzled—why would Nate be looking for the stranger so late at night, and in such inclement weather? If the man in her den was wanted, surely the sheriff or one of his deputies would be searching.

'I know it’s late. We’ve been following his tracks since mid afternoon, but the snow covered them. Lost him a few hours ago and we're just searching all around now.'

'What’s the man done? And why are you and Jim searching for him? Why not Bob Marshall?' Bob Marshall was Alpine County's Sheriff.

'Well, it's not a—er—legal matter, really. Just a guy that—er—owes us some money from a poker game. Tried to welch on the deal. I won't keep you, Jenny. If you see anyone you don't know, give me or Jim a call.'

Jenny started to say something, tell him her line was down. Give some indication that all was not right. But the menace the intruder offered was too much. She couldn’t take the chance he’d shoot Nate, or maybe her. Her heart sank as she felt as if her last hope was leaving when Nate turned to go, but she was afraid to try to stop him. She wouldn’t jeopardize his safety, or her own. Not while the stranger stood nearby, watching their every move. She didn't know what he would be capable of, but he was big and threatening. If she went along with him, maybe he'd leave and things would be all right again.

Reluctantly, she shut the door, hearing Nate call to Jim, hearing them move away, out of earshot. Their truck revved in the hushed night, moving away. Slowly she turned to face the den. The door opened and the stranger stepped out. The gun was no longer in sight.

'What's going on?' she asked. 'Nate and Jim don't wander all over creation in a near-blizzard, and hours after dark, to follow a guy who welched on some poker match.'

His lips twitched at her comment.

'No, there’s more to it. Not your concern, though. They friends of yours?'

'I've known them both for years. It’s a small community. I pretty much know everyone in Palmer.'

He nodded at the mention of the town that served as the local community for the residents of this portion of Alpine County. It was more a village than a town, only a handful of residents lived in the town proper. Its store and post office serviced a large area of ranches, lumber camps, and quiet residences of the local populace. Summer time brought weekenders who had cabins to use in fair weather.

'We were on our way upstairs, I believe.' He motioned her forward.

The tight knot of fear filled her throat, almost choking her. Glancing around desperately, she sought some means of escape, some place to hide. There was none.

Jenny started up the steps, still balancing her now cold cocoa. Would everything have been different if she hadn’t gone for the drink? She could have just switched off her lamp and gone to sleep. By morning, he would have left and she’d only have the broken glass to alert her to his presence.

As she moved, she could feel him follow her, close on her heels. She took a shaky breath and paused at the top, turned to face him.

'Please don't rip the phone from this wall. It's a modular one and can unplug,' she said, pausing as she frantically tried to find some way to delay him, to get away.

He shrugged. 'Whatever. I'll unplug it and throw it in the snow.'

Her fear gave way to anger as she flared up. 'Then just who is going to pay for it, and for the one downstairs? You can't just break into someone's home and wreck it and expect to get away with it, you know. You have to assume some responsibility for your actions!'

He smiled again, and Jenny looked away, trying to hold on to her anger. His smile had the strangest effect on her. His teeth were white against his brown skin, his eyes deep brown and intriguing.

Intriguing! She wanted to groan in frustration. She was not going to be beguiled by the good looks of the man, the charisma and magnetism of him. One minute she feared for her safety, the next minute for her sanity!

'Where's the phone?' he asked.

Jenny led the way to her room, pausing at the door as he moved past her and went straight to the telephone. Listening to it for a moment, he then unplugged it from the wall, and unplugged the wire from the receiver. Coiling the wire, he stuffed it into a pocket of his jacket.

'No problem, still dead, but no chances,' he said, turning to look at her, then surveyed the room, assessing it. 'When I leave, I'll give you back the cord.'

Jenny caught his measured look, and rushed into speech. 'Now you're safe for tonight. Can you leave my room, so I can go to bed?'

He looked back, arching one eyebrow.

'Alone?'

She frowned fiercely at him, 'Yes, alone!' Just what was he implying? What other thoughts did he have? She swallowed again as a small tickle of fear traced down her back. God, he wasn't suggesting ... She stepped back.

'My, my, I thought your husband was returning any moment.'

She was flustered, she'd forgotten. 'I mean alone now, of course. He'll be along. As you saw, Nate and Jim made it through, and so will Johnny.'

Could she get away with it? Would he leave if he thought her husband was coming? It was one thing to terrorize a young woman on her own, something else again to have to deal with another man. Not, she decided, looking at him, that he'd have much trouble with whomever it was. If Johnny was coming home, she’d fear for his life. She had no doubt the stranger would shoot anyone who got in his way.

He moved back to the door. 'I'm cold. Do you have a drier? My clothes are wet and it’ll take for ever for them to dry in this cold weather.'

She smiled sweetly. 'Good, maybe you'll get pneumonia and leave me alone.'

'If I get pneumonia, you'll have to nurse me.'

'I wouldn't!'

He leaned closer, looking deep into her eyes, his going warm and soft. Jenny thought she would lose herself in the power of his gaze. She swallowed hard, resisting the urge to step back again.

'My guess is that you would,' he said softly. His dark eyes lit with amusement as he towered over her, his broad shoulders and height dwarfing Jenny, his eyes doing strange things to her emotions.

She stepped back, not wanting to be so close to him, turning to break the spell.

'There's a drier downstairs, off the kitchen. It's in a laundry room. Just get out, go away!’

'How big’s your husband?'

The question took her off guard. 'Huh?'

'Can I wear something of his while these things dry?'

Jenny knew a moment of panic. 'I—er—he's small. Not much bigger than I am.' She was trying to think of something to give him, get him away. Get him off this line of questioning before he realized the truth.

'I... there's a bathrobe you could use. But you should hurry, he'll be along soon.' She moved slowly to the closet, opened the door a little and reached in for a large blue terry-cloth bathrobe. It was large on her, but would be much too small to fit the stranger. Still, it would half to do until his own clothes were dry. She thrust it at him.

He took it, glancing around again.

'Mind if I take a shower, too?' he drawled.

She was momentarily off guard. Maybe he didn't mean to harm her after all, just get dry and warm. Maybe things would be okay and he'd leave when he was warm again.

'I don't care what you do as long as you get out of this room,' she said, glaring at him.

'Will I have time before your husband gets home?' he said, watching her closely.

'I hope not!' She turned away, willing him to leave, wishing she could push him out the door, out of her home.

'I might chance it.' He left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Jenny moved to sit on the edge of the bed, straining to hear him, hear where he was, trying to envision what he was doing. She looked around her bedroom. There was nothing with which to wedge the door shut, nothing she could place as a barrier to his returning if he so chose. How she wished she had a lock for the door.

The noise from the bathroom penetrated her thoughts. He was taking a shower. Of all the nerve, first he broke in, now this!

Could she sneak in and surprise him, overpower him while he was not expecting her? She rose, then realized he probably would have locked that door— that room did have a lock. Anyway, once she had done it, what was she to do, find something to tie him up with, try to stay awake until someone else arrived, watching him all the time until she could be rid of him? She could throw the gun out into the snow if nothing else. Turning him out wouldn’t work; he had no qualms about breaking her window, he'd just come back in from another opening. And would probably be angry, too.

She could dress quickly, take off. If he was in the shower long enough she could get to the car. And then what? The snow would probably prevent her from even getting out of the driveway. And she couldn’t take off into the blizzard without protection. That’d be crazy.

She pondered various plans, discarding one after another, trying to come up with something, anything, nothing coming to mind that she felt would work under the circumstances. Maybe she’d be okay; he'd left her alone so far.

'My clothes should be dry soon.' His voice came from the door.

Jenny looked up in fright, her throat going dry, her eyes wide. He’d opened the bedroom door. Framed in the opening his long legs showed below the short terry robe, broad shoulders straining the material, the robe barely covering him, open at the throat.

He stepped in. 'Where's your husband?' he asked, moving close to the bed, looking down at her.

'He'll be along soon, had to go to—um—to Lake Tahoe on business.'

'No, there's no man living here. There are no clothes in the closet, no razor or aftershave in the bathroom. No signs of a man.'

Jenny's eyes dropped. Her bluff hadn't worked.

'You're right,' she said slowly. 'He was killed in a car accident about a year ago. He won't... he's never coming home again.'

The first fierce hurt and anguish had diminished. It had been over a year now since she had been told the news, been stunned by it. The last year had been hard, but Jenny was over the worst, now. Settled with life, going on.

'So now you know. There won’t be anyone else coming.' She twisted her wedding ring nervously, round and round. What now? Now that he knew she was alone?

'I'll be gone in the morning,' he said softly. 'You'll be safe. I'm not going to hurt you.'

For some reason, she believed him. She felt a whoosh of relief. Maybe, just maybe she would be all right. If she could believe him.

She looked up at the stranger, and a small smile tugged at her mouth.

'You don't look like a villain in that get-up,' she said. The scanty terry-cloth robe scarcely covering his body, his long, powerful legs beneath the short cover gave him a comical look. She felt less afraid.

He smiled back. 'Didn't you know? I'm not the villain, I'm the good guy!'

CHAPTER TWO

Jenny watched as he turned and left the room, pulling the door shut behind him.

Good guy, indeed, she thought scornfully. Just who did he think he was? A crook who broke into people’s homes and scared them half to death. She drew a deep breath, trying to calm down. Was he coming back? What did he really want–to escape being found by Nate, or more? The minutes dragged by.

Yawning, she crossed carefully, silently, to her window, drawing the curtains to one side, peering out. It looked as if it were still snowing, from the little she could see reflected in the light from her window. She turned back, anxious to get into bed and get to sleep, seek oblivion from the nightmare in which she found herself.

She grimaced at her now cold chocolate; how she longed for her cup of warm cocoa, but she wouldn’t leave her room again tonight. The old adage was true—ignorance was bliss. Had she not left her room a little while ago, she'd still be blissfully unaware of the stranger's presence. Would he have stayed downstairs all night? Could she have avoided any knowledge of him except a broken window found in the morning?

If it would stop snowing soon, maybe the stranger would leave before daylight to get as far away from Nate and Jim as he could. Go to wherever he was heading and leave her in peace. She sighed, unfastening her robe. She'd be better able to cope in the morning.

The click of her door jerked her head around. The stranger, fully clothed once more, stood in the frame, his arms full of blankets and a pillow. Jenny recognized the yellow blanket and coverlet from the bed in her guest room.

'What are you doing?' she asked, drawing the robe close again.

'Just got some covers for the night. It's cool in here.'

'What do you mean, in here?’ A touch of fear coursed through her.

He paused, dumped the blankets on the floor and shut the door. 'I'm tired. I want to go to sleep,' he explained patiently, as if to a child. 'It's not warm enough to sleep without some covers, so I got these.'

'Well, take them back where you found them. Sleep in there!'

He shook his head. 'Can't do that. Have to make sure you don't try something in the night. I wouldn't hear you from the other room.'

Jenny's surprise showed. 'Try something? Like what?' Had he read her mind earlier?

'I couldn’t list all the options. Signal a neighbor, try to get out and go into town.'

'On a night like this? You're nuts!'

Shrugging his broad shoulders, he bent to smooth one blanket out, placing the pillow at one end. 'Nevertheless, I'll just sleep in here tonight.'

Jenny watched in disbelief as he stretched out on the floor in front of the door and covered himself with the yellow blanket and patchwork coverlet.

'I'm a light sleeper, by the way,' he said as he drew the cover over his jeans, across his chest and up against the pillow. 'Goodnight, Jenny,' he said softly.

Jenny glanced frantically about, as if seeking something that would enable her to get rid of her unwanted roommate, but saw nothing remotely helpful. She glared at him, to no avail. He had his eyes closed already, his breathing was even. He couldn’t have fallen asleep that quickly.

With an angry flounce, she turned off the lights, holding her breath to see if he moved. After a long moment of straining her ears, she relaxed, slowly eased off her bathrobe and climbed into bed. She lay back, straining to detect any movement, any sound indicating that he was moving. He had not touched her except for taking the phone. He had said he wouldn't harm her, but could she believe him? Could she take the lamp and smash it down on his head, rendering him unconscious? She doubted it. And if he were a light sleeper as he said, he’d hear her so there’d be no surprise attack.

Dozens of scenarios played through her mind. All ending up in failure and an angry man to boot.

She held her breath again, listening to his slow, even breath. If the rhythm was any indication, he was already asleep. Closing her eyes, Jenny was again reminded poignantly of her husband. On one or two nights after they had been married and she had not been able to sleep, she had found such comfort in lying in the dark listening to Johnny's steady breathing. How like, yet how different, the sound of the stranger. It was nice, sharing with someone else.

Jenny's eyes flew open. What was she thinking of? She wanted him out of her house, out of her life! He'd leave in the morning. She'd see to it, somehow. Daylight would offer a way.

On that hopeful note, she fell asleep.

When morning came, Jenny almost thought she had dreamed the whole escapade. She rose at her usual time and glanced out of the window. The sky was still overcast. The snow had stopped, but lay heavy on the trees, bending the branches low. She couldn’t tell where her driveway was the snow blanketed the landscape entirely. As she dressed, she went over the events of last night. She was alone in her room, even the blankets had been removed. Maybe he’d left already. Maybe she wouldn’t ever see him again. Curiously, she felt a small pang of disappointment at this thought. Only because she wanted an explanation. Wanted to know what was going on.

Jenny dressed quickly, pulling on flannel lined blue jeans, a soft blue sweater and warm boots. She brushed her hair until it shone. Her hair was shoulder length, which helped keep her warm in winter and was easy to put up off her neck in summer. Set for the day, she ran lightly down the steps. Entering the kitchen, her eyes flew to the spot before the door where she had first seen him. It was empty. The broken pane was patched with paper, the room warm, as a kettle came to a boil on the stove.

The stranger was sitting at the breakfast table, tipped back in his chair, lazily watching her.

'Hi,' he said easily.

'Hi,' she replied stiffly. Moving into the room, she went to the table, sat gingerly on one of the chairs and faced him. 'Do you have a name?'

He smiled. 'Sure. Kyle Martin. What's yours?'

'You called me by it last night.'

'Jenny, I know from your neighbor Nate. Jenny what?'

'Warwick.' She glanced out the window. The snow was deeper than she had thought. 'Are you leaving this morning?'

He shook his head. 'I doubt it. How can I get anywhere in that mess?'

'Walk.'

He shook his head again. 'I'd freeze my butt off before I got a mile. It's cold out and the snow is almost hip deep in spots.'

'Well, you can't stay here!'

'Last night proves I can. Anyway, I don't want to get into an argument. I plan to stay, so make up your mind to it.'

Jenny glared at him.

The shrill whistle of the kettle broke into her thoughts. Out of habit she rose and took it from the burner.

'I'd fix coffee, but I don't know where you keep it,' Kyle drawled, watching her.

'Am I expected to wait on you, too, while you're here?'

'Come now, Jenny, you have to eat, how much trouble to fix a little extra for me?' he said reasonably.

'Look, Mr. Kyle Martin, just who are you and why are you breaking into people's houses, hiding? I don't want you here. Can't you find somewhere else to go?'

'I'm visiting this area incognito, you might say. I don't want certain people to know.'

'Oh, that's clear. Who? Nate and Jim? Was there a poker game?'

'No, there was no poker game.'

The silence after that statement dragged on and on. Jenny, waiting for further explanation, Kyle silent, watching her. Finally her impatience bubbled over.

'Well, why don't you want Nate to know you're here?'

'It's long and involved and doesn't concern you. At least, I hope it doesn't. It's not that I don't want your friend Nate to know. I don't want anyone to know. I'd forget asking questions about things that don't concern you, it’s safer that way. Are you going to fix us breakfast?'

Her emotions seething, Jenny turned and began to get things out for the meal. She knew a subtle threat when she heard one. Even though he hadn’t done anything to harm her, she didn’t trust him. What was going on? How was this guy connected to Nate and Jim? Why had they been out looking for Kyle late last night? And why didn't he want anyone to know he was here?

Only a crook would be so secretive. And carry a gun. She wondered where he’d put it while he dried his clothes. She should have dashed out and looked for it while he was in the shower.

She drew the cups she needed for the coffee from the cupboard. She used the French press for the coffee. When it was read she filled both cups. Slamming one down before Kyle, spilling a little, she kept her eyes away from him. He slowly put his chair back on all four legs, drawing the cup near him. Jenny quickly gathered the things she’s fix for breakfast—eggs, bacon, bread, milk. All the while she prepared the meal, she was conscious of his steady gaze on her. Finally, frustration rising, she turned to him.

'Do you have to watch my every move?'

Kyle shrugged, a smile lurking in his eyes. 'More interesting than watching the wall.'

'Well, I don't like it. Look somewhere else!'

'I'll look where I want. Unless you want to try to make me look elsewhere?'

'You're making me nervous,' she muttered, turning back to the eggs. His eyes were unnerving, his very presence unnerving.

In spite of his constant regard, she finished preparing the meal. Disdainfully placing his plate before him, she sat opposite. Eating with her eyes firmly on her plate, she tried to regain her composure.

Kyle kept half an eye on Jenny as he ate. The meal was eaten in silence, only when he was finished did he speak.

'That was delicious. Is there more coffee?'

Jenny stared at him for a long moment, then rose and took his cup. It took a few minutes to make another cup. When she handed him the full cup she glared at him, only to be confused by the amused regard she met when her eyes locked with his.

'Did you say you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle?' he asked.

Warily Jenny looked back. 'Why, are you planning to steal it?'

'Can it get me out of here?' He ignored her comment.

She sighed and rose to go to the window. Looking out, she surveyed her yard. The snow had stopped during the night. At an estimate, it was about eighteen inches deep–deeper in some areas where it had been blown into drifts. The trees were heavy with snow, branches bowed beneath the weight. She tried to see where her driveway was. Surely CalTrans had cleared the highway by now, and if her jeep made it to the road, he could get away. She turned back.

'You’d have to dig out of the garage and pack it down until the jeep got on top of the snow, then it might make it to the highway.' She licked her lips, waiting for his response.

'Can you drive me out?'

Jenny was surprised. 'Me? I thought you’d take the jeep.'

'I'm not into grand theft auto, and if I took it I don't know how to get it back to you. Besides, I don't have much experience driving in snow. If you've lived here a while, chances are you do have the experience necessary to get us out.'

'You want me to take you to the highway?' Was that where his car was? Or had he parked it in town? Could he have walked all that way yesterday in the storm? Why had he been out in the storm in the first place? Who was he?

'No, not the highway, to Strawberry.'

'Strawberry? Palmer’s closer.'

'Exactly why I want to go to Strawberry.'

'And you'll be gone?'

'Never saw such a hospitable lady! Are you always so anxious for guests to leave?'

'Not invited ones. You're hardly a guest.'

'I could stay.'

'No, I can take you to Strawberry. Ready now?'

Kyle chuckled at her quick response. Jenny felt her heart lurch at his lop-sided smile, the way his eyes crinkled. The tan he had was evidence of time spent out of doors, even in winter. Was he a skier? Snow boarder? He was certainly athletic enough to excel at winter sports. What was he up to? In other circumstances she might have been interested in learning more about him. Now she was only interested in getting him away from her home and out of her life. At least she hadn’t seen the gun in a while. She considered throwing the hot teakettle at him. But if she missed, it would undoubtedly make him angry. And the though of deliberately injuring someone–even this intruder–was hard to implement.

She watched him as he rose. There was no superfluous flesh on the man: his shoulders were broad, his chest large, his legs long. He was trim, graceful, dynamic. In other circumstances, she might be interested in learning more about him. Now–she just wanted him gone.

'Know me again?' he mocked.

She flushed and turned away, vexed that he had caught her looking. Hearing his chuckle only made her angrier with herself. She cleared the table, doing her best to ignore him.

Kyle left the room and she was alone. Quickly she ran water over the dishes. She'd wait to wash them when she got back. Strawberry wasn't far. It wouldn't take her long to get rid of him. At least he wasn't stealing her only means of transportation–she hoped.

When she went to the hall cupboard to get her parka, Kyle was running lightly down the stairs, his thick wool jacket over his arm.

They tramped through the snow to the garage. She wasn’t sure the jeep would make it after all. Usually when the snow was this deep she used the snow blower to clear her drive.

Once at the garage, she let Kyle open the roll up door. The jeep had been backed in, always, for easy exit. She showed him where the shovels were and took one herself. She ramped up the snow, pounding it down with the shovel, hoping it wasn’t too light to pack and mire the jeep.

She could hear the snowplows in the distance, their steady hum reassuring. She wasn’t totally alone in the world with some crook. She considered running for the road to flag down one of the plows, but he’d overtake her in no time. Her only hope right now was if could drive out and get rid of him.

The jeep started right up, for which she was thankful. Jenny put it in four-wheel drive and slowly drove forward. It rode up their ramp and soon lumbered down, as the unpacked snow offered no resistance. Slowly she drove, praying it wouldn’t get bogged down.

Watching carefully for landmarks, she tried to keep to the driveway, though it was almost impossible to tell where it was. Clenching the steering wheel tightly, she kept the car at a crawl. Occasionally they would lurch as the jeep hit a softer pocket of snow, but Jenny would coax it back on to what she thought was the drive. Steadily she kept on, hardly aware of the silent man at her side, intent only on keeping the vehicle moving, trying to determine where she was, where the drive was. Her house was a quarter mile from the highway, but the pace made it seem much longer. Slowly they moved, the tires crunching down the snow, pushing it aside, moving forward, lurching, sliding, moving constantly.

The highway came into view. It had been plowed, with berms of snow on either side of the highway, but fortunately not making a berm she’d have to cross. Jenny was perspiring beneath her parka, her eyes aching with the strain, her hands clenched on the wheel. Only a little further, she repeated, only a little.

Finally they tilted down when they reached the plowed road. In comparison to the deep snow they had been going over, the road seemed clear and easy, though it was still snow-covered. Gradually she picked up speed until she was going at that safe speed, she relaxed a little, eased the tense muscles at her shoulders.

'You're good,' Kyle murmured gently at her side. He was totally attentive to the road, watching before them and behind, as if searching for his pursuers.

Jenny gave a reluctant look in the rear-view mirror. She wished she were heading for Palmer, instead of Strawberry. A quick trip to the sheriff’s office and her unwanted intruder would be guest of the county. She frowned—where was the police department in Strawberry? She tried to remember, but had never had a need for it before, and just didn't know where it was. Maybe she could find it. Risking a glance at Kyle, she tried to school her features so he wouldn't suspect what was whirling in her brain.

The trip to Strawberry was uneventful. Kyle didn't speak, but kept up his surveillance, glancing to Jenny once or twice as if to speak, then turning back to the window.

'Slow down here.' His voice startled her after the long silence. They were approaching the town. On the right side was the gas station, just beyond, the other wooden and brick buildings of Strawberry began.

'I want you to drop me at the gas station. Near the phone,' he said.

Jenny glanced at him, shrugged and slowed to turn into the station. The pavement had been cleared of snow and she easily brought the SUV to a stop near the pay phone. Many visitors considered it an anomaly–a public pay phone. But cell service was sketchy or nonexistent in this part of the mountains.

Stopping she looked at him.

'Jenny--' He stopped, glanced around. There wasn’t another person in sight.

'Goodbye, Kyle Martin. You'll understand if I don't say, drop in any time.'

He smiled at that.

'You never know,' he said, turning to face her, 'I appreciate your reluctant hospitality.' He reached out his hands and cupped her face, his thumbs caressing her rosy cheeks.

Jenny caught her breath at his touch, mesmerized by his eyes, soft velvet brown gazing warmly down into hers. He bent his head and put his lips against hers in a surprise kiss.

His lips were cool, warming as they rested against hers, moving a little as he took his time with the kiss. Jenny's heart raced at his touch, her hands grasping the wheel to keep from putting them around this intruder. Slowly Kyle raised his head, smiling down at Jenny.

'I've wanted to do that since I first saw you last night. Goodbye, sweet Jenny.'

She didn't reply, just watched as he got out, glanced quickly around and went to the phone. Slowly she put the car in gear and drove off. Glancing once in her mirror, she began her search for the police station. On the third cross street was the small sign, pointing to it. She looked back as she began her turn. There was no sign of the tall man dressed in black.

Jenny pulled up before the police station and stopped. Turning off the engine, she sat and stared into space. What good would it do to go in? Would they believe her? If he wasn't in the phone booth, would they be able to find him? He hadn't really hurt her, only frightened her to death. There was no lasting harm done.

Jenny frowned. Didn’t she want him caught? He’d terrified her, damaged her phone, kept her prisoner, forced her to drive to facilitate his get away.

Her mind relived the kiss, a small smile involuntarily tugging at her lips. It had been a long time since she’d been kissed. What nerve! Not that it meant anything. Anyway, he was gone. She shook her head and sighed. Reaching for the key, she started up and headed for home. Reporting would only be an exercise in futility.

***

Kyle watched as the jeep sped away. Going for the cops, would be his guess. Quickly he called his office and arranged for someone to pick him up. Then he got off the street. In case the cops gave credence to what she had to say, he wouldn’t make it easy for them to find him.

As he waited in the shadow of a doorway several blocks from where he’d been let off, he thought about the assignment. The next time some bureaucrat decided a winter foray was a good idea, Kyle would take him along. And make sure he double-checks the weather. If he hadn’t found Jenny’s house, he could have frozen to death in the storm.

Or taken his chances with Nate Fisher and Jim Sellers.

He almost smiled when he thought of his reluctant hostess. He hated scaring her, but it had been necessary to make sure she didn’t try to give him up to Nate.

He’d waken in the night and hear her breathing as she slept. It’d been too long since he’d shared a bedroom with anyone. Sometimes he wondered if he’d ever find a woman to change his mind about being single. His mother never gave up hope for grandkids, but that wasn’t something he saw in his future.

For a moment he wondered if Jenny Warwick wanted children? She’d gotten a raw deal to have her husband die so young. Still time for her to find another man and raise a big family. She was pretty and smart enough not to try something stupid when threatened. He’d be there were men waiting for her to notice them once her initial grief had passed. She’d be perfect with a family. While he would continued with assignments like this one, most likely.

He tucked his hands in the jacket pocket and wondered how much longer his ride would be. He was still cold, but the shadows were safer than sunlight. He’d come too far to get caught now.

***

The dishes in the sink were waiting when Jenny entered the kitchen some time later. Without much thought, she slowly washed and dried them. Turning, she glanced to the table where Kyle had sat that morning. Gone for good.

She shook off her reverie and headed for the den. It was cold, but once the small space heater was on, the room grew warm enough to work.

Jenny loved being a bookkeeper for several small businesses in Palmer. Most of her work she did from her own home, going into town several times a week at her convenience to the various offices she worked for. Granted, it was lonely sometimes, yet working on her own gave her a freedom she would not have had were she tied to an office from nine to five every day. And she had friends she’d known forever. Still, they had families to care for, husbands who came home every day. Lunches out were the extent of her social life. But she wouldn’t trade any one of her friends for anything.

When Jenny went to bed that evening, she rechecked all the locks in the house carefully, though wondered why she bothered when there was only cardboard in the small square near the back-door knob. She should have taken care of that today. She could feel the chill coming in the opening. Though unless the snow melted soon, it would be a long time before someone from town could make it through. She should have cleared her driveway that afternoon, but hadn’t wanted to be out in the cold feeling exposed. Kyle Martin had a lot to answer for.

Flicking on the light in her room, she caught sight of a small pile on her pillow. There was her phone wire, neatly coiled. Beside it was a folded note surrounding a folded hundred-dollar bill.

Jenny reached out and picked it up.

'For the downstairs phone, and the broken window. Kyle.'

The note was short, the handwriting bold and strong.

She smiled, sinking to the edge of her bed. He’d said he’d give her back her phone cord. And now he’d made reparation for the damage he'd caused. A curious housebreaker! She was suddenly glad she had not turned him in at the police station. Maybe he was a good guy after all.

'Good luck, Kyle Martin,' she murmured, remembering his kiss.

CHAPTER THREE

As the weeks went by, Jenny found herself thinking from time to time about the dark stranger who had invaded her home. She had long stopped dwelling on the loss of her husband and wishing things were different than they were. Time healed all wounds, just as her mother had told her. She still missed Johnny, would probably always miss him, but instead of thinking endlessly about him her thoughts revolved around more recent events–especially the night Kyle Martin had broken in; the breakfast they had shared; their ride to Strawberry. Always ending with the kiss. She wove fantasies in which they met under different circumstances, and...

That was where Jenny would get bogged down. She knew nothing about him.

There were so many questions she had about that night and about him. Why had he been out in one of the worst storms of winter? Where had he been going? Obviously a strongly determined man—why else persevere through a blizzard? Making up one answer after another, Jenny discarded them. She could not think of a single compelling enough reason to break into someone’s home and scare them half to death.

She was tempted to ask Nate and Jim. They, too, had been out in the storm, yet Jenny could hardly ask them without revealing she'd known about the stranger, after all. And as time passed, it became more and more awkward to bring up the topic. Questions would have been asked of her as to why she hadn't reported the break-in, why hadn't she contacted the Sheriff? She didn't want to have to explain, wasn't sure she could explain.

But time didn't diminish her thoughts of Kyle.

Would things be different today if she’d questioned him further, found out more about him? Why couldn't she put him from her mind—was it the mystery that kept her thinking about him? Or foolish daydreams? She’d do better to forget him entirely, so she told herself over and over.

***

A month after the break-in, Jenny was working in her den. The snow was still piled high around her house, the drive plowed, spring still another month or more away. She was rocking back in her chair, gazing out at the white landscape, resting her eyes from staring so long on the computer screen reviewing the tedious input she had just completed. It was quiet, peaceful. Maybe she'd take a day off and go skiing tomorrow. She was current with all her clients. A day away from the house sounded good.

The vision of a pair of warm brown eyes, smiling down at her, swam before her face. Did he ski? His tan indicated time spent outside—maybe she'd see him at the ski resort. Frowning, she pushed the image away. Time enough now to stop daydreaming about Kyle Martin. If he had been anything besides a charming house-breaker, if he’d any interest in furthering their acquaintance–after a satisfactory explanation of that night–she might have heard from him by now. After all, he knew where she lived. She picked up her pencil at the same time she heard the sound of the engine as it droned closer. Company? Delighted for a possible break, she rose and went to her front door, opening it and going out on the porch. It was cold, but sunny. Shivering a little in the crisp air, she watched as a large pick-up truck drew up and stopped. A weathered old man she’d never seen before climbed out and smiled at her.

'You Jenny Warwick?' he called.

She nodded.

'I've got something for you.'

'For me?' He didn't look like a deliveryman, and she wasn't expecting anything.

He nodded and reached back inside the truck. A large German Shepherd dog jumped down, gazing up at the old man, waiting for his command. At a swift cupping motion of the man's hand, the dog fell into step beside him. The two of them walked to the porch. Another small motion and the dog sat.

'I'm to say, "For you, to keep you company, and to protect you from other midnight intruders".' He smiled up at Jenny.

She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, a warm glow spreading through her as she looked down at the lovely dog. A bubble of laughter welled up. The arrogance of the man! Breaking into her home, now sending her a watchdog. A warm feeling pervaded. Kyle Martin had not forgotten her; he had sent her protection, though long after the fact. She looked at the man.

'Thank you. Won't you come in? Where's Kyle? What's he up to now?' Was he still breaking into lonely, isolated houses, she wondered.

As they went inside, the dog right beside the man, he shook his head. ‘I’m afraid I don't know any Kyle, ma'am. Might be the man who bought the dog, but he paid cash and I don't know his name. Came about a week ago, looked over all my dogs, picked out this one especially. Said he'd suit you.' He reached down to pat the dog. 'He's one of my best. Name's Shasta.'

'Hi, Shasta.' Jenny slowly held out her hand, letting the dog sniff her before gently patting him. She dropped to her knees and smiled at the dog. 'He's beautiful!'

'Obedience trained, too. The man who bought him wanted that in a dog. I've got books in the car, which will tell you how to keep him, up to snuff, how he's been trained. You won't have any trouble with Shasta.'

'Thank you, Mr.–?'

'Ben Johnson.'

'Thank you, Mr. Johnson.' Jenny stood up. 'Can I get you some coffee?'

'That would be right nice. It was a long drive up from Sacramento.'

While they had coffee, Jenny, hoping her voice was casual, asked him again about the man who had purchased the dog.

'Tall, he was. Tall and dark. Nothing much to notice about him. Was very specific about where you lived, about my bringing the dog to you. Usually whoever buys one takes them home. This one I had to deliver. But he made it worth my while.' Ben looked around. ‘Nice for me to see where Shasta’s going to be living, too.’

Jenny was conscious of a vague disappointment. Since Kyle had thought she needed protection she wished that he’d brought Shasta himself. Still, she smiled as she looked at her dog, the thought was what counted. She was torn between being exasperated at the nerve of the man, and the joy in her new present. Delight won.

Ben Johnson spent an hour with Jenny, showing her how to work Shasta with his obedience training commands–how to have him heel, sit, stay, lie down, come. Voice commands and hand signals were gone over until Jenny could do them all.

'Leaving you the books, too. You won't forget,’ Ben said as he prepared to depart.

'I'll use them all the time. Thank you, Mr. Johnson.'

'My pleasure, ma'am. Must be going now.'

Jenny turned to Shasta when the truck was lost to sight.

'So, he sent you to guard me. If you only knew how funny that was. Well, we'll be great friends, my pretty dog.' As Shasta watched her talking, he slowly wagged his tail. Jenny smiled and turned to let them back into the house.

***

As spring came to the Sierra Nevada, Jenny spent long hours out of doors, walking with Shasta, hiking the woods around her home, jogging along the roads, practicing the commands, learning more and more about the large dog. She felt protected by his presence. He slept in her room at night, stayed near her during the day. And she found Shasta good company, especially after the long months since Johnny's death.

She never heard further from Kyle Martin, though she ran into Nate Fisher in town one day and couldn't resist asking him about his search in the storm.

'Never did find him, guess he left town.' Nate was uncomfortable, and changed the topic. Jenny was puzzled: what was the connection between the two of them?

Another day in town she was stopped by George Carlisle. George owned one of the largest ranches in the area. While Jenny and George's younger brother had been in the same grade in school, Jenny knew George only slightly.

'Jenny Warwick! How are you?' George smiled genially, stopping to chat with her before climbing into his car.

'I'm doing fine, thanks. How's Nick?'

'Still likes forestry work. Oregon suits him. I see you're starting to get out more.'

'Winter’s hardly conducive to being out doors a lot. I love spring.' She smiled, her hand resting on Shasta’s head, patting it absently.

'Getting over Johnny?' he asked gently.

'Yes. I still miss him, but the worst is over. Life does go on.'

'I'm glad. Maybe we could have dinner one evening,' George suggested.

'I'd like that.' She smiled and moved away as he climbed into his car. She considered the possibility of going out with George. She didn't know him well, and was a little surprised he’d showed an interest. Maybe he was just being neighborly. She had been almost a recluse since Johnny was killed. It would do her good to get out again.

***

Shasta quickly learned his territory and would roam the area around the home when let out, never going far, always returning promptly when Jenny called. They enjoyed hiking further from home. Jenny was glad to get out in the fresh air and glad for a companion on her walks. She was healthier and more fit than ever.

Her phone was ringing when Jenny got home one day from an excursion. She dashed in to grab it, slightly out of breath.

'Is this Jenny Warwick?' an unknown voice inquired.

'Yes. Who is this?'

'Stuart Brownley. We've never met, Mrs. Warwick. I'll be in Palmer this afternoon and wondered if you could spare me a few minutes of your time. I work for the US Justice Department.'

'Is this the IRS?' Quickly she reviewed tax filings she’d done on behalf of her clients. None were complicated or questionable. Was it a random audit?

He chuckled. 'No, Mrs. Warwick. The Treasury Department has that responsibility. This is a different matter. May I stop by and see you?'

Jenny was perplexed. She had no idea why someone from the Justice Department would want to see her. If she wasn't going to be audited by the IRS, what could it be?

'What is this about, Mr. Brownley?'

'I would rather explain in person, if it's all right with you.'

'I guess so. I'll be in all afternoon. Do you know where I live?'

'Yes. I’ll be there before three.'

Jenny hung up slowly. If this was a legitimate call, why come to her? Wouldn't they ask her to come to their offices? She looked at Shasta, glad she had him for protection. Though, it was unlikely a robber would call to make an appointment.

Shortly after two-thirty, a nondescript black sedan pulled into her driveway, stopping close to the house. Jenny watched from the front window as the man walked up to her door. He was of average height, brown hair, brown suit. Brownley suited him.

Shasta barked and ran to the door. Jenny followed.

She opened the door to his knock, instructing Shasta to sit at her left knee. The dog obeyed immediately, his eyes intently watching the visitor.

'Mrs. Warwick?' The man looked surprised.

'Yes. You're Mr. Brownley?'

'Yes, I am. Sorry if I looked startled. I'm afraid I was expecting someone a little older; I understood that you were a widow. May I come in?' Brownley drew his wallet from his pocket, flipping it open. 'My identification.'

Jenny took it and read the card. He looked very like his picture. She handed it back.

'Your information’s correct, I am a widow. What can I do for you, Mr. Brownley?' she asked a couple of moments later when they were seated in the living room. Shasta kept watch as he lay at Jenny’s feet.

'I'll come straight to the point. I represent the DEA the arm of Justice that investigates drug abuse in the United States. My particular area is marijuana in California. I'm sure you've read about the large areas under cultivation.'

Jenny nodded. 'I thought it was mostly in Mendocino County, though.'

'There’s a lot there, unfortunately. No sooner do we clear out a farm than another one pops up. Other areas, too. We've reason to suspect it’s being grown around here. Either on private land or in the El Dorado National Forest. What we want to do is infiltrate the area to try to pinpoint where it’s being grown and by whom.'

'What do you expect from me? I don't know anyone growing marijuana. I don't even know what it looks like.'

'Well, I'm glad to hear that.' He smiled briefly. 'Actually, the department would like to have one of our men here on site. What we need, however, is a cover. Small towns are notorious for being suspicious of newcomers. Rather than take years to build a background, to gain acceptance, we were hoping an established resident could provide the cover we need.'

'Why me?'

'Your house is rather isolated. Easier for our man to come and go as he pleases without nosy neighbors wondering what he's up to. You and your family have been residents of Palmer for generations, respected, well liked. Anyone you vouch for will be accepted.'

She narrowed her eyes as she studied the man. It was all true. Should she cooperate? It was hard to imagine any of her neighbors involved in the drug trade. 'And the cover story?'

Brownley looked at her for a long moment. 'A visiting cousin?'

'I don't have any cousins. Everyone in town knows both my parents were only children. I'm an only child.' She thought a moment. 'Maybe a son of an old school-friend of my mom's. She has several friends from other areas of California. She's forever going visiting.' Jenny shook her head. 'I don't know, though. A friend's son would stay with Mom, not me.'

'A cousin of your late husband?'

Jenny considered that, then slowly nodded. 'Yes, Johnny's dad had several brothers and sisters that live elsewhere. He's dead now, too, and Johnny's mother went to live with her sister in Sacramento.' She looked at him. 'Why would he come to stay with me, though?'

'He's a writer, needs a quiet place to work? Given to wandering around while thinking up a new plot?' Brownley suggested.

Jenny shrugged. 'If you think it’ll work.’

‘We’ll fine-tune the story as we go. Maybe you could rent the room. You probably could used the money renting a room would bring.’

She shook her head. ‘As an accountant, I need to project confidence in my clientele, which I would not do if I couldn’t manage my own finances.’

‘Then you’ll be helping out your husband’s cousin. It’s the peace and quiet he’s looking for,’ Brownley mused as he appeared to be talking to himself.

‘When would he arrive?’ she asked, wondering how dangerous it would be. If there were truly pot growers in the area, they could be ruthless. Would she get any fallout from harboring the DEA agent?

‘Actually, not for a few weeks. The reason I wanted to lay the groundwork is so you can start talking about your expected visitor. Springing to your friends would cause as much talk as if our agent just pitched a tent in the town center. We'd like you to begin telling people your husband's cousin is coming this summer, lay the foundation of his relationship. Get people used to the idea.'

'And how long will your agent stay?'

'Until we find out where the fields are and who might be responsible. It could be months, maybe a few weeks. The department will pick up the cost of housing him with you, of course.'

Jenny looked at her visitor, considering the implications of the proposal he had made. Then the thought of marijuana being grown near Palmer, the thought of all the havoc drugs caused helped her make up her mind.

'Okay, Mr. Brownley, you’ve got a deal. What do I do?'

'We'll be in touch with all the details as soon as we formulate them. We wanted your co-operation before going further with the planning stage. Thank you for your assistance, Mrs. Warwick.' Brownley stood. 'If you have any questions, or second thoughts, please give me a call.' He handed her a business card. 'If for any reason I'm not there, my secretary can locate me. One more thing. Men who deal in drugs are ruthless and uncaring about any harm they cause. They’ll protect their business at all costs. Don’t tell anyone about my visit or our agent’s mission. Even a best friend could inadvertently let something slip that could mean serious danger for our agent and you.' He glanced at the dog. ‘At least you have some protection.’

‘The very best,’ she said, resting her hand on Shasta’s neck.

Shasta had stood when she did, never taking his eyes from Brownley.

Jenny walked him out and watched ass the car vanished down her drive. Sitting on the top step, Jenny hugged Shasta. 'So we're to become government agents. What fun!'

Shasta rested his head on her leg and waited patiently as Jenny sat on the porch, her imagination running riot. Who could be involved in something like this? She reviewed all the families she knew, imagination balking at anyone's involvement. Maybe it was a false alarm. She wished she could talk with Betsy or April. They’d all been friends from kindergarten. But mindful of the inherent dangers, she’d honor Brownley’s wishes and keep silent.

***

Jenny waited more than two weeks before the next call from Mr. Brownley came.

'I'll come straight to the point.' He was all business, no pleasantries. 'The cover story needs to change a little. Have you told many people yet?'

'Actually, I only mentioned to my parents that one of Johnny's cousins might be coming this summer. Thankfully it was in a store and they didn’t have a chance to ask questions. I'm not very good at this. I need more information on the background on this guy so I'm ready for the next time I see them. If they buy into to, I’ll tell a few friends, one who is a notorious gossip.'

'Scrap the writer story, if you can, or change it. This cousin was injured in a motorcycle accident and needs time to convalesce. Fortunately he's a college professor and has the summer off. The accident occurred the day after spring break started, so he's disappointed not to be able to finish the year and take his summer vacation to Europe as he planned, but is grateful his cousin's widow will let him recuperate in the mountains. Think you can handle that one?'

'Yes, of course. When will he arrive?'

'Late next week.'

'So soon? I'd better get to town and casually drop hints around. Good cover story, Mr. Brownley. No one expects an injured man to be fit enough to tramp around in the woods or to be able to tackle criminals.'

There was a pause on the other end. Jenny thought she detected a trace of amusement when he spoke again. 'Yes. I see you're entering into the spirit of the adventure. A word of caution, Mrs. Warwick.' His voice grew serious, 'This is not a game. The stakes are high. Men have been killed over less. If you see or hear anything suspicious, let our agent know or call me. I appreciate your help, but I don't want anything to happen to you because of it. Am I making myself clear?'

'Yes, sir. I've no desire to be a heroine. But I am glad to be of some help. The room will be ready. What's his name?'

There was another pause, then, 'Good grief, I don't know what we want to call him! I'll check back with you on that. We’ll we need to tally with the background we're providing. Talk to you soon.'

As soon as Jenny hung up the receiver, she thought of a couple of other questions she should have asked. Should she call him back? No, it was only a week or so until the agent arrived; she could flesh out the story then. A name would be good, however. She hoped no one asked her specifically.

Going into town, she casually mentioned the arrival of the invalid to each of the owners of the businesses she worked for. Going to the drug store, she also dropped a word in Susie Lewis's ear. Susie, while one of Jenny's long-time friends, delighted in spreading all the scoop as she called it. The whole town would know in a couple of days.

Twice more in the next few days she ventured into town, and brought the subject up. When she had lunch with April, her friend asked specific questions that she didn't know the answer to. She was vague, suddenly realizing she could put a man’s life in jeopardy if she made a mistake.

'You know Johnny. He was never big on family. I've heard him mention some of the cousins, but I've never met any that didn't come here to visit. We always meant to go one day.' Her sad look immediately caused a change in conversation and further answers were not required. Jenny felt badly about deceiving her friends, but the warning from Brownley dominated.

Returning home on Tuesday, Jenny stopped by the garage in total surprise when she saw who was on the porch, leaning against the front door. Large as life with Shasta lying complacently by his side, sat Kyle Martin!

'What in the world are you doing here?' She climbed out of her car and walked quickly up the path to the porch steps, glancing around to see if there was anyone else in the area. Only the soft chirping of birds could be heard.

'I checked the back door but, since the glass has been repaired, I didn't want to push my luck by breaking it again. I've been waiting for you.' He didn't get up and when Jenny got over her initial surprise she looked him over.

His left arm was in a sling. He still leaned against the door, looking tired and drawn. Her eyes were drawn to the duffel bag and laptop case nearby.

'Kyle,' she said warily, 'what are you doing here?'

'Thought I'd come to pay you a visit. Got my present, I see.' He ran his hand along Shasta’s back. The German Shepherd wagged his tail.

She glared at the dog. ‘Some guard dog you are,’ she scolded. 'Don't you know a crook when you see one?'

Kyle chuckled, ruffling the fur on the dog's neck. 'He's a nice dog, I think. Do you like him?'

'Kyle, you've got to go. You can't stay here. I'm expecting someone later this week. You can't stay.'

'What a girl you are for always expecting someone! Your husband last winter, a visitor later this week.'

'I mean it, you can't stay. You'll be lucky if I don't call the police.'

'You didn't last time.'

'How do you know?'

'I know.'

'Are you on the run?' she asked suspiciously, again glancing at the luggage.

'I need a place to stay for a while, and I thought you could put me up.'

Her heart lurched against her ribs at the thought. Why was he so attractive? His dark hair was wavy, an unruly lock falling across his forehead, his dark eyes fathomless and remote. She realized she hadn't forgotten one detail about him. It wasn't fair that rogues and crooks should be handsome. They should be as ugly as their deeds.

Frustrated that he wouldn't take no for an answer, she shook her head firmly. 'No, you can't stay!'

Slowly he struggled to his feet, pale and unsteady. Jenny bit her lip, longing to reach out to help him. She remembered him as strong, large, and very virile. What had happened to him? Why was his arm in a sling?

'Were you in a gun fight?' she asked, suspiciously.

'Yeah. I'm going to make it, though.' He drew out his wallet, flipped it open and held it out to her. 'Read it. The joke’s gone far enough. I need to lie down and you won't let me in until you know. I'm the DEA agent Brownley sent.'

CHAPTER FOUR

Jenny was astonished!

'You're a government agent? A law enforcement officer?' Her surprise reflected in the disbelief of her voice. 'I don't believe it!'

Kyle smiled down at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners in the way she had remembered so many times. His skin was pale, however, without the healthy tan he’d had last March. There were new lines around his eyes and mouth. He looked haggard and ill.

'That's me. Check out the ID. Then can we go in? I haven't been out of the hospital long, and the ride up was tiring.'

She looked at him suspiciously again. 'Let me see that ID.' She studied it carefully. It was very like the one Stuart Brownley had shown her. Slowly she handed it back.

'Since when does the US government condone tricking its citizens, condone breaking and entering and...'

'Jenny, have a heart, I'm about all in. Can we go into this later?' Kyle leaned against the wall, his skin whiter than ever.

Jenny stepped by him to unlock the door and open it. 'Stalling for answers?' she asked.

He made no response, reaching for his duffel bag.

'I'll bring your things, you do look all in,' Jenny said in concern. 'I made up the guest room for you—for the agent, that is. It's upstairs in the back of the house. Can you handle the stairs?'

'I know the way,' he murmured audaciously as he entered the house. ‘And yes, I can manage the stairs.’

Leading the way, Kyle headed straight for the bedroom in question, Jenny close behind with his duffel bag and laptop.

'God, I'm so tired.' Kyle sank down on the edge of the bed.

'Lie back and rest, then,' Jenny said practically. 'I'll you something to drink.'

‘Thanks, that sounds good.’

When she returned with the water, he was already asleep. Gently putting the glass on the dresser, she turned to watch him, see how he looked, curiosity about his injury rising by the moment. Time enough to ask about that later, though, along with a few other things! He must be exhausted to fall asleep so quickly.

As she worked during the afternoon, an ear cocked in case he awoke, a slow anger began. If he was a DEA agent he should have told her last winter. Or any time in the months between then and now.

When she finished work for the day, there was still no sound from upstairs. She wavered between anger and compassion. Had he really been in a gunfight? He looked totally wiped out when he’d reached the bedroom. But it was hard to believe anything given their history.

Knowing she would be cooking for two, Jenny had stocked up on her last grocery shopping trip. Now, as she warmed the green beans for dinner, anger seemed to flare again.

How dared he not identify himself last winter? He had known she was scared, and one flick of his ID badge would have cleared everything up. And how dared he tease her today? If he were an agent, and his identification looked like Mr. Brownley's, then he should have made himself known to her instantly on both occasions. Especially last winter. There would have been no need to break into her house. He could have identified himself, and she would have let him in.

A sudden thought came to her–had he suspected her of dealing in marijuana?

Impossible. He probably got off on keeping things mysterious. He likely thought it hilarious that she didn't know he was the agent Brownley was sending. She was surprised he hadn't broken in the window again; he'd had no compunction last winter. He probably thought it amusing to use her home as his base. Why hadn't she had any suspicions that he was the same man?

Because he had never identified himself and she’d thought he was a crook.

By the time the meal was ready, Jenny still hadn’t heard a sound from upstairs. Should she call him to come to dinner? Should she let him sleep?

A small twinge of guilt niggled at her. She had thought Brownley's new story a cover-up, faked to fool the drug growers into thinking the agent was weak. In fact, he was, but was it the result of a motorcycle accident or a gunfight?

Jenny's gentle nature winced at the thought of bullets penetrating Kyle's flesh, going into the bone and sinew of the man. The picture was too distressing to envisage. She shook her head.

Focus on dinner.

'Do you always attack food when you're preparing it? You have every time I've seen you cook.'

Jenny whirled around. Kyle stood in the doorway, leaning against the jamb. He looked better than at her last glimpse; at least his face had some color in it.

'Only when I'm fixing a meal for you! I suppose you think all this is a huge joke. Fool the stupid country girl!'

'No.' He moved to the table, sat down and looked up at her, his face serious. 'I couldn't tell you last winter who I was, I didn't know who you were. Everyone was suspect. How was I to know if you were in on it, too?'

'Me?'

'I told you then, I got turned around in the storm. Last time I go anywhere without double-checking the weather. We've had you checked out since. You're clean. At least,' he qualified, 'we think you are.'

'Oh, thanks a lot.' She scooped up pork chops, green beans and the potatoes she’d nuked in the microwave and placed his plate before him.

'When we decided to focus on this location, I recommended your place to Brownley as a possible safe house. We checked you out before he approached you.'

'Never telling me who he was sending.'

Kyle smiled down at his plate. 'I did hope during the last few days that you wouldn't ask for more information. I wanted to see your face when you saw it was me.'

'I hope you were suitably rewarded.' She slammed a glass of milk down in front of him.

‘What's that?'

'Milk. Invalids get milk.' Her tone indicated she was longing for an argument.

'Thank you,' he said meekly.

'Once you knew I was okay as you say, you could have filled me in,' she said as she sat with her own meal and began to eat.

He shrugged. 'Didn't see the need at the time. Later, as I said, you didn't ask. I was just waiting.'

They ate in silence for a moment. Jenny leaned over to cut his pork chop when she saw him struggling with one hand.

'And the kiss?' she couldn't resist asking, though she could feel the heat steal into her cheeks.

He grinned. 'A perk of the job.'

Jenny kept her eyes on her food, slowly cutting her own chop. Only a perk of the job! She would not show her disappointment. Let that be a lesson to you, my girl, she said silently. This man’s a professional, concerned with the job at hand, so don't expect anything from him and you won't be disappointed.

Jenny again broke the silence. 'You won't get away with it.'

'With what?'

'The deception. If Nate Fisher and Jim Sellers were after you last February, you can't avoid seeing them if you stay around here. What's their connection?' She looked up in awareness. ‘They’re suspects?’

'I don't think they got a good enough look at me to recognize me. We can find out easily enough. Have them over to meet me. If they recognize me, they'll likely give some sort of sign. If so, we'll have to fall back to another plan. If they don't, we’ll proceed with this one.'

'How badly injured are you?'

'Bad enough to keep me from doing anything for another couple of weeks. Brownley said I could get started here rather than convalesce at home. I’ll be able to meet people, get my background established, get people used to me. You're going to be invaluable for this.'

‘I have a hard time believing any of the people in town are involved.’

‘You’d be surprised by some of the people who don’t mind making money off drugs.’

He surprised her when dinner was over by offering to help with the dishes. Jenny looked at him and shook her head. He still looked pale and tired. How much help could a one-armed man be?

'I can manage. Why don't you go sit under the tree, by the side of the house? I have a chair there. I'll bring another one out and the coffee, after I finish these.'

'Fine.'

She was glad of the few minutes to herself. All during dinner she’d been acutely aware of Kyle. His good looks hadn’t diminished. The aura of invincibility had, however. She hoped he’d recover quickly, she didn’t like seeing like this. Helping him cut his pork chop had obviously rankled with him. He liked being the one in charge. She smiled, might be good for him to learn he wasn’t invincible and always the one in charge.

When Jenny joined him half an hour later, he had turned the chair to face the west to better see the sunset. Shasta was lounging nearby in the growing shadows of early evening.

'I never did thank you for my dog,' she said, handing him a mug of coffee. 'I love him, he's such a good friend and I feel much safer with him here. Though I will say that at the time I thought you had some nerve, sending me a watch-dog!'

Kyle smiled and glanced over to Shasta. 'I'm glad you like him. I thought a lot about your being alone here.' Glancing back to Jenny, he gave a wicked grin. 'And I know how easy it was for someone to break in.'

She ignored the comment. 'What am I to tell people about you? I've dropped small hints during the last few weeks, but nothing concrete. I didn't have a complete story, didn't have the particulars people like to know. If you were really Johnny's cousin, I'd have known lots more about you.' Like, was he married? She wanted to ask. She ought to know if Johnny's cousin was married, though why did it matter?

He frowned. 'I thought Brownley had gone over the story with you.'

'First you were a writer, now a college professor convalescing from a motorcycle accident. Where are you supposed to live, where do you teach, what do you teach? You don’t look like any professors I had in college. There are a lot of details I don't know, and people will ask. Our stories ought to match.'

'They definitely should. Anyone around here attend San Francisco State University?'

Jenny thought a moment, trying to remember where each of the kids she’d grown up with had gone. It didn't ring a bell. She shook her head. 'I don't think so. But I don’t know where every kid goes to college.'

'Fine. I teach Etruscan History at San Francisco State.'

Her eyes widened. 'What do you know about Etruscan history?'

'I don't know an Etruscan from a Phoenician, but I don't think anyone else will, either. I want an obscure subject, so I don't get quizzed. If I do, whatever I make up will pass, if no one else knows about it.'

'Stay clear of Mrs. Peabody. She's the town librarian and has the most amazing store of trivia ever. If anyone here knows anything about something obscure, it's her.'

'Mrs. Peabody. Got it.'

'You were planning to go to Europe this summer, but got into an accident, so you're visiting with your cousin's widow until you're better. That sure sounds lame.'

'Hey, it was a big disappointment, not going to Europe, but this had advantages. I like the mountains, I've never been here before, and can report back to the rest of the family on how Johnny's widow’s doing.'

Jenny was sidetracked. Was that how people saw her, as Johnny's widow? She had been happy in being his wife. But she was young and would like to go on and have a life for herself. She didn't want people to always associate her as Johnny's widow. She was Jenny Warwick, a person in her own right. Free and able to do as she pleased, not restricted and tidily classified away as someone's widow. That sounded depressing.

‘Lucky for you his mom moved away, or you’d have to stay with her,’ she said.

‘So fill me in on your husband’s family, those you know and those you’ve heard about. I don’t want to be caught off guard if someone asks about cousin Henry or something. The more I know, the more I can fit into the role.’

She'd tilted her head as she watched him talk, hearing his voice, mesmerized by the planes and angles of his face. She had felt a long dormant tingling within her, the start of a longing to reach out and lightly draw her fingertips along the hard, firm line of his jaw. An awareness of him as a man and herself as a woman.

Her eyes had widened as she'd realized what she was thinking. Clenching her fist, she drew a deep breath and looked away.

Kyle had stopped in mid-sentence and peered at her closely. 'Did you hear what I said?'

'Yes,' she had nodded, smiling a little and looking back. She would discipline her thoughts to the project.

'Are you from California?' she'd asked.

His face lost all expression, and it was a long moment before he replied, 'I'm from San Francisco State University, remember? In San Francisco. I'm a cousin of Johnny's. Weren't all his cousins born in California?'

This was to be strictly business, and Jenny felt oddly disappointed.

'What exactly are you looking for?' she asked.

'You don't need to be concerned with that. You're involvement is only to provide me with a cover. I'll do the rest.'

'How can I help if I don't know what's going on?'

'You are helping, just by letting me stay. Keep out of the rest.'

Jenny frowned at his response. She’d thought she would play a little more active role.

'Have you been doing this for a long time?' She'd thought he was in his early thirties. Had he always been in law enforcement?

'Long enough to know what I’m doing.'

Jenny had glanced over at him again, and her heart had caught in her throat. He lay back against the chair, skin pale, eyes shut. She had longed again to reach out to him, to comfort him, her fingers aching to touch him. She couldn't remember ever having felt as strongly as this before. What was it about Kyle Martin?

‘Tell me the bare minimum,’ he said softly.

Jenny complied by telling him about Johnny and their knowing each other all their lives. How his mother and hers had been best friends. Then moving on to others who knew the family, and where different members of the Warwick clan now lived.

Kyle watched her as she talked. She spoke lovingly of her husband. Obviously she was still in love with the man. The background check had turned up bare facts. John Warwick had died in a multiple car pileup on the interstate during a dust storm. Seven people had died in that accident. His young wife had not been with him.

Jenny had grown up in Palmer, attended the university in Berkeley and majored in accounting and business. He wondered what made her want to stay in this small town when she could have obtained a job anywhere.

Still, Palmer and vicinity had a lot going for it with the slower lifestyle, beauty of the Sierra, close to skiing and not too far from Lake Tahoe for both summer and winter sports.

He liked the way her eyes glowed when she remembered something special to tell him. He hated seeing the sadness when she spoke of her late husband. He hoped he could get in and out quickly and not depend too much on her giving him the cover he needed. He’d assessed the danger and determined it was minimal. No one would suspect her of duplicity. He hoped if push came to shove, she’d be able to carry off the deception.

As it grew dark, he looked up at the sky. The stars were beginning to show. Later tonight they’d saturate the sky. The clearing allowed him to see a large swath before trees blocked the view.

‘Do you have any suspects?’ she asked.

He looked at her.

‘Like Nate and Jim?’

‘Who?’ He feigned ignorance.

‘Remember Nate, the man who came to my house that night. There was no poker game. They were hunting you. Are they who you suspect?’

He started to lie, but couldn’t. It was an obvious assumption.

‘Those two among others. We don’t think Nate’s smart enough to run the show. Who’re his friends?’

‘Jim for one. He and Johnny hung out when we were all in high school, but after we were married, Johnny stopped seeing him much. Said he was too juvenile for him. So Jim started hanging out with Nate. Neither’s ever married, so they are still in that single guy mode.’

Kyle looked at her. ‘What’s a single guy mode?’

‘You know, hook up until he’s bored, move on to the next conquest. No commitment.’

Is that how she’d see him? He was thirty five years old and never married. Except to the job. It wouldn’t be fair to a wife and family to have him disappear for weeks at a time if the job called for it. He didn’t want her to think he was commitment shy–just dedicated to his job.

Before he could argue the point, she stood. ‘I’m going in. Shasta likes to get up early and so do I. Even if I want to sleep in, he rarely lets me.’

Kyle rose as well. Despite his nap, he was tired. The doctors had told him to take it easy. But it had been three weeks. He’d hoped to be back in shape by now.

‘Thanks for agreeing to help,’ he said as they walked to the back door.

‘I hope I’m not making a mistake.’

‘Why would you?’

‘I can’t help thinking if someone I know is doing this, what would the repercussions be when it’s all over?’

‘I’d think you’d get a medal or something.’

She laughed. ‘I doubt that. I just hope you’re wrong and it’s someone from another area that I’ve never even heard of.’

‘We’ll see. Good night, Jenny.’

***

As she prepared for bed that night, Jenny decided her opinion of Mr. Brownley's plan wasn't as high as it had been. It was one thing to pretend an agent was more feeble than was true; another matter entirely to send someone who was so incapacitated that a walk up the stairs was exhausting.

Crawling between her sheets, she thought back to the first night Kyle had spent beneath her roof. He’d be no match for her in his present state, and Jenny was suddenly overwhelmed with compassion for him. His temporary weakness must be frustrating for him.

She considered all she’d learn this evening. It wasn't fair that he knew all about her, and she knew nothing about him.

Well, she reasoned, he'd be here for a while; she could learn as much as she could during that time. She’d given up expecting to see him again, and here he was, staying with her indefinitely. It was now up to her to find out what she wanted to know.

***

Jenny was in her den the next morning, doing the accounts for a local attorney when she heard his tread on the stairs. She paused and looked up, gazing out of the window, her attention focused on his step. He passed by the open door without seeing her and went to the kitchen. She returned to her accounts, only to be interrupted when Kyle came back.

'Do I get breakfast?' he asked, pausing at the door.

Jenny swiveled in her chair. 'Sure, at a reasonable time. It's after ten, am I to cook all day?' She rose, glad to see he had a little more color in his face today.

'Sorry, what time is good for you?'

She went back to the kitchen, sorry for snapping at him, yet not ready to let him know that. Normally even-tempered, she didn't know why she was so on edge around him. Or maybe she did–it was purely physical.

Kyle followed and sat at the big farm table that sat to the side of the sunny kitchen.

'I usually eat around seven. If that's too early, let me know what you want and I'll fix it and leave it in the oven to be heated.'

'No. Seven's fine,' he said meekly.

Jenny glanced sharply at him, but his face was open, innocent. She didn’t trust his look for an instant.

'Lunch, if I'm home, is usually sandwiches and fruit shortly after midday. I like to eat dinner around seven in the evening. Unless I go out.'

'Out where?' His voice was sharper, his eyes narrowed a little.

'Visiting, out with friends.' She shrugged as she poured the beaten eggs into the pan. 'Just out. I'll let you know in advance so you can plan for your own meals.' She turned to him. 'You do know how to cook, I take it?'

‘Sure.'

'Do you live alone when not on a case?' she asked casually as the eggs cooked.

'I have an apartment near the campus; sometimes I sublet out one room to a student during the school year.'

Jenny glanced around, a frown on her face. 'I meant really.'

'Jenny, one way never to make a mistake is to live the role you're playing. I'm a professor at San Francisco State and I'll stick with that cover. Easier for you to know only what the story is. No chance to mess up.'

But I want to know about the real you, she thought. I'm not interested in cover stories, but the real deal. Sighing quietly, she dished up his breakfast and put it before him, resigned to the fiction they were creating.

While Kyle ate, Jenny sat with him and had another cup of coffee. When the first hunger pangs had been satisfied, he spoke. 'As soon as I'm a little more fit, I want to start going out, meeting people. You'll know best how to take me around with the least amount of comment or curiosity on the part of your neighbors.'

'There's bound to be some talk; this is a small town and you're news,' she said slowly.

'Let's start with my accompanying you when you go into town. You must go in fairly often.'

'A couple or three times a week.'

'Fine. Introduce me to people you see there. Then if you're invited to a party or something, ask if you can bring me along. And when you have time, drive me around, pointing out landmarks, favorite spots with those who live here.'

Jenny nodded. 'People will be dying to see you, of course.'

'Why?'

'Because everyone knew Johnny, and they know many of his cousins. They'll be interested in meeting another.'

'Then you had better give me more of the genealogy of the Warwick family, so I don't blow it. Once I'm feeling more fit, I want to start scoping out the area so I can get my bearings. Maybe we can hike or take the dog on long walks or whatever seems appropriate.'

'I hike a lot, so that would probably cause the least amount of comment.'

'Where do you go?'

'Lots of places. I like to hike down near the water, but there are other hills and trails that are appealing. Since I got Shasta, I've ventured further afield.'

'Ever see marijuana growing?'

'I told your Mr. Brownley, I don't know what it looks like. I may have done so or may not.'

'I'll see we get some samples so you can look for it on your hikes. If you see anything suspicious, leave immediately. Don’t try to find out more. Tell me and I’ll confirm if it’s a pot field.'

Jenny was quiet for a moment. While she didn't like the idea of drugs, she felt a little odd in spying on neighbors and friends, trying to uncover anyone who might be growing the drug in their area.

'Tell me something about the people around here, the ones you know. Anyone you might suspect?' Kyle asked.

'No. Even Nate seems too genial most of the time, more of a good ol’ boy. I've never thought about it before, but I wouldn't have thought anyone I know could be involved. You're sure there's marijuana being grown around here?'

'Reasonably sure. Enough to have me assigned here. Anybody in town flashing money around when they shouldn't be? You know, recently come into wealth, buying expensive things with a small salary? That kind of thing?'

'No. There’re a few families in town that have a lot of money but have always had it. No one has come into money in the last few years that I know of.'

'Who's the town banker?'

'Mr. Bottoms. He's about a hundred and three and has been in charge of the bank as long as I can remember. He might be able to tell you if anyone is banking large sums of money. But not without a court order and that would blow your cover.'

'Not worth the risk. And I doubt anyone smart enough to pull this off would have an account is under their own name. If they're cautious, they won't be using this bank. Does Bottoms live in town?'

'Yes. Across the street from my mom and dad, as a matter of fact.'

'Why don't you live with them?'

'Who, my parents?'

'Yes.'

Jenny looked around her. 'This is my home. Why should I leave?'

'It must have sad memories.'

'I don't know. I was very unhappy when Johnny was killed, yet I found some solace in being in the home he'd bought for us. I wouldn't want to leave it.'

'Never?' Kyle asked softly.

'Certainly not to go back to live with my parents.' She sidestepped the question. 'I'm all grown up and on my own now.'

Kyle let his eyes roam down over what he could see, brought them back up to see the flush on her face as met the appraising look in his eyes. 'Very nicely grown up, I'd say,' he murmured provocatively.

She rose and took the dishes, trying to slow the rapid rate of her heartbeat. She was vaguely pleased by the comment, but hoped he couldn't see the heat she felt spreading on her cheeks. Odd how she was so very conscious around a man she knew very little about.

***

During the day that followed, Kyle spent hours questioning Jenny about the layout of the land around Palmer, the ranches and farms, the people who owned them.

Two mornings later he brought down a topographical map of the area, and he and Jenny pored over it, Jenny drawing lines indicating ranch boundaries as best she knew them. Kyle then questioned her on some of the more remote areas.

Jenny gave him thumbnail sketches of all the owners of the ranches and of the people she knew in town. When Kyle repeated verbatim what she'd told him, she was amazed at the amount he'd learned and could recite back.

'Do you have to have a photographic memory to be an agent?' she asked when he surprised her one time with the facts she had briefly mentioned a few days earlier.

'No, just a good memory. I don't know yet what I need to know and what I don't, so I'll try to keep it all. Once I get a line on something, I can forget about the rest of it.'

'Don't you have a line on it yet? I thought that was why you were here.'

'One small clue, but it's our only lead right now. I'm here to follow up on it,' Kyle said, seeing the skeptical look on Jenny's face.

'I can't believe anyone in Palmer could be involved,' she said again.

'They may not be. On the other hand dealers excel in appearing like anyone else. They don't have shifty eyes, skulk around dark alleys, or wear trench coats. That's what makes them so hard to catch, and so successful in their trade. They're just like you or me to look at.'

Jenny shivered. 'It's spooky to think someone I know might be a drug dealer. What was the clue?'

He smiled briefly and pointed to the map.

'Who lives here?'

They were off again on the map: Jenny trying to pinpoint where people lived, where the National Forest land began. She wished he would tell her more.

The next morning, after breakfast, Kyle disappeared into his room for a while, and then reappeared, asking, 'Can I borrow your jeep?'

'Can't I drive you where you want to go?'

'Don't you trust me with your car?'

'I don't know, are you a good driver?' She looked at him, amazed she was teasing.

He answered her smile, his warm brown eyes alight with amusement as he loomed over her.

'I'm a very good driver, never had a ticket. Do you want me to provide references?' he replied lazily.

Jenny wasn't prepared for the way his smile caused a meltdown within. She found it difficult to breathe. Did he have any idea the effect he was having on her?

'I suppose that if you wreck it, the DEA will reimburse me.'

'I won't wreck it.'

Jenny turned from the sink, dried her hands. 'If you want to go somewhere, I'll take you. Not because I think you'll wreck my car, but just to let you see where things are. Wouldn't that suit you?' She was still concerned about his physical stamina. His arm was in the sling, he still rested in the afternoons. Was he up to driving the stick shift jeep? Silly, she chided herself, those were all the right reasons, the real reason was that she wanted to spend time with him, see him in action.

'Fine. Get me up to speed on the roads, then I can go out on my own and not worry about getting lost.'

Jenny called for Shasta and the three of them were off.

As they drove towards town, Jenny pointed out driveways, unmarked roads they’d seen on the maps, houses visible from the highway, and connected names with the ones they had reviewed over the last week.

'I've been here before,' Kyle murmured, slanting an amused glance at Jenny. 'But it looked different after dark in the snow.'

'What were you doing here last winter? Surely you didn't expect to find any plants growing beneath the snow?'

Kyle was silent so long that Jenny turned to glance at him. He never answered many of her questions.

'I operate under the need-to-know principle,' he said slowly. 'I've found that's the safest way for me.'

'And I don't need to know, is that it?' Jenny said quickly. 'Darn it, I'm providing a cover for you. I'd think the least you could do is share some of information with me.'

'Do you? Why?'

'To satisfy my raging curiosity!' she snapped.

Her anger was perhaps a little unreasonable, but it was a culmination of the frustration of the last few days. He'd question her for hours, yet if she asked one question all she got was an evasive response, or one designed to match the cover story.

His chuckle surprised her. She threw him a dark look and turned back to her driving. He found it funny, did he?

The light brush of his fingers against her cheek caused her breath to catch. She looked over to him again, eyes widening in question.

'Just like a woman,' he murmured mockingly. 'Ever curious.'

That response did nothing to assuage her anger. They drove in silence, reaching the edge of town before Jenny spoke again.

'How did you get up here last winter?'

'I was dropped off. Thought I’d meet my ride long before I found your house. Didn’t work out. He thought I was dead until I called from Strawberry.'

Jenny remembered their first encounter. The parting in Strawberry. She was glad he’d found refuge from the storm and hadn’t perished.

Once in Palmer, they cruised up and down the cross streets, with Jenny again pointing out the families that lived in the homes, a brief sketch of the various stores and shops.

Kyle listened attentively, nodding, asking questions.

'There's the Sheriffs office.' She slowed down as they passed, looking over to Kyle questioningly. 'Do you want to stop in? Have you already checked in with him?'

He shook his head. 'Until and unless I have more to go on, I'm strictly on my own.'

'Don't you co-operate with each other?'

'When it gets down to it, of course. Sometimes, however,' he hesitated, glanced out the window, 'the local law’s in on the take. Until we know for sure, we don't blow the deal.'

'Bob Marshall is as honest as the day is long! The thought of him being on the take is preposterous!' Jenny protested. Didn't he trust anyone? What kind of way was that to live?

'I hope if I ever need you that you'll come as quickly to my defense. I didn't say he was on the take, only that sometimes the local law is. Standard operating procedures dictate that until we scout out the situation more thoroughly, we don't tip our hand.'

Jenny remained quiet, but threw a quick glance at Kyle. The life of an agent was certainly a suspicious one.

Jenny turned into a graveled drive. Ahead was a large, rambling house, a big porch across the front. There were chairs, rockers and a swing on the porch. The front door was wide open behind the screen door. She stopped and looked at him.

Kyle cocked an eyebrow in question.

'This is my parents' home. I think you ought to meet them. Mom will wonder if I don't bring Johnny's cousin to see her, she knows your mother from the few visits she made over the years with Johnny’s parents. Edith Gruder, who’s supposed to be your mother.'

'Right. The one with three husbands. Does your mother keep up with Edith?'

'I don't know. I hope not, or she'll know Edith doesn't have a son who’s a university professor.'

'I hope not, too, for my sake.' Kyle opened his door and stepped out.

As they entered the spacious house, Jenny called out.

'In the back, darling. Come on through,' her mother called back.

When they reached the backyard, they found Jenny's mother weeding one of the flowerbeds bordering the house. She rocked back on her heels, smiling at her daughter. Seeing Kyle, she hastened to her feet, wiping her hands on the small towel hanging from her waist as she came to greet them.

Kyle knew exactly how Jenny would look in twenty years. Peggy O'Neil was still trim and pretty. Her light brown hair had little gray showing, her eyes still sparkled and her smile was warm in its welcome.

'Mom, I'd like you to meet Kyle Martin. He's a cousin of Johnny's. Kyle, this is my mother, Peggy O'Neil.'

'How do you do, Mrs. O'Neil? I'm happy to meet you.'

'Kyle Martin. Which cousin are you?'

'My mother is Johnny's Aunt Edith.'

A large smile broke across Peggy's face. 'Edith, she was a kick when she visited the Warwick’s. We were great friends then. Is she happy? I can't help thinking she must be, for all she marries all the time. Which husband is your father?'

'Number two.' Kyle and Jenny had worked that out already.

'I haven't seen or talked to Edith in years and years. Give her my best next time you see her. Tell her to come visit,' Peggy said.

'I'll do that.'

Jenny bit her lip to keep from laughing. Kyle looked so sincere! She felt she had to change the topic.

'Kyle had an accident, on his motorcycle. He wanted a place to convalesce, so he's staying with me a while.'

Her mother looked at Jenny, then back to Kyle, a small frown on her face. 'Are you okay?'

‘I will be. I appreciate being able to convalesce at Jenny’s. I had planned a tour of Germany this summer,’ he said, launching into the cover story.

Jenny turned away. She could just imagine the thoughts her mother would soon have. She had mentioned once or twice this spring that it wouldn’t be disloyal to Johnny to consider another husband. As if one went looking for a husband as one shopped for a car! Jenny was uncertain if she ever wanted to remarry. She had been so happy with Johnny. Despite her mother’s feelings, she did feel a certain disloyalty thinking of finding happiness with someone else. Not that Johnny would want her to grieve forever. And she was over the worst of missing him. But the thought of someone else taking his place was impossible to image.

If her mother even hinted at something like that again, Jenny would leave, just get up and walk away. Mothers could be trying at times!

'Let’s sit in the shade. I’m sure Palmer won’t compare with Germany, but it’s a nice community and the scenery here is spectacular. Once you feel up to it, you should have Jenny take you on some of the hikes she likes. Would you like some lemonade?'

'Thank you, that would sure be good, if it's not too much trouble.' Kyle smiled at her and moved to sit in one of the lawn chairs. Jenny looked at him closely; he was looking just a trifle white around his temples. Maybe the outing was too soon. How ill was he? She’d never found out why his arm was in the sling. She saw no trace of road burn, but if he’d been wearing a leather jacket and helmet, maybe he had been in a motorcycle accident.

'I'll get it, Mom. Be right back.'

Just as she went into the kitchen, she heard her mother ask, 'Are you a married man, Kyle?

CHAPTER FIVE

Jenny turned, wanting to hear the answer to that question. She met Kyle's amused glance, frowned and continued to the kitchen. As she got the glasses and ice for the lemonade, she fumed at the timing of her mother's question. Now she wouldn't know! And she couldn't ask her mother, she should already know the answer to that question.

How dumb. He would tell her what the cover story required–single assistant professor in ancient history. He could be married with a dozen children, and she’d never know the truth.

She wondered what it would be like to be married to Kyle Martin. Exciting was the first thought to spring to mind. He practically radiated sex appeal, was constantly keeping her on her toes, and had a genuine concern for other people. Yet there was much he refused to reveal—would he be more open with his wife? Or would he stick with his need-to-know philosophy? Then there was the worry of his job. The accident proved it wasn't always a safe and secure job. Was he already married? Was there a woman somewhere waiting to hear from him, worried for his safety?

Filling the glasses, she wondered if Kyle would ever tell her the truth. For now if she was asked by someone, her answer would match what her mother knew. They would have their stories straight–the way Kyle and Mr. Brownley had scripted it.

***

Kyle had seen Jenny turn to hear the answer to her mother’s question. Was Peggy matchmaking? Or just curious as to why he was staying with her daughter?

‘Still single.’

‘Where do you live, not with your mother surely,’ Peggy said.

‘Not likely. She’s on husband number three now. They like being a couple, no grown kids around.’

‘Especially making it more difficult for Edith to lie about her age with someone like you around,’ Peggy said with a smile. ‘So where’s home?’

Not easily deflected, Kyle mused. Time for more of the cover story.

‘I teach at San Francisco State University–Etruscan history.’

Peggy stared at him in surprise. ‘My, if I had to pick, I would have guessed PE. You don’t look like a history professor.’

Kyle shrugged. ‘Have you and your family lived here long?’

‘Heavens yes. My grandfather first came here way back when. My brother moved to Sacramento, but I feel in love with a local boy and never left.’

When Jenny came out of the house carrying the tray with three glasses on it, Kyle jumped up to help her.

‘I can manage,’ she said, smiling for the benefit of her mother, no doubt.

They did not linger after they'd finished the refreshing beverage. Kyle still wanted to see more of the town and neighborhoods. Jenny knew her mother wanted to finish her weeding. It was so rare that she was in the mood to do weeding that Peggy disliked being distracted from it.

Back in the jeep, they moved on, going east of the town.

'Are you sure you should be doing so much, so soon after getting out of the hospital?' she asked, glancing at him.

'I'm doing my damnedest to get fit as quickly as I can. It's taking longer than I expected.' His voice was hoarse with impatience.

'Some things you just can't rush,' she said reasonably.

'This is important, though. I can't languish around forever.'

'You're hardly doing that. First, it's not forever, I think you're up much too early. Now you're out and about and, if I know you—and I'm starting to—you're probably up to something.'

'Not till I've seen the doctor again. I'm not foolish enough to rush in where permanent damage might be the result.'

'I'm surprised to hear that.' He seemed so macho. Jenny was a little surprised he was admitting to any limitation. When was he seeing a doctor? She asked.

'I need to go to Sacramento next week.'

'Dr. Bradley in town could see you.'

'Sure, and there goes the motorcycle story. Bullet wounds are somewhat distinctive,' he remarked drily.

Jenny frowned. She had not thought of that. ‘It sounds as if the gunshot story is true,’ she said.

‘I told you it was.’

‘It’s hard to know with you.’

He grinned at her.

'I can take you down to Sacramento, if you like.' A thought struck her. 'How else would you get there?'

'Brownley.'

Of course. Brownley had brought him to Jenny's. Kyle had no car; he needed some means to get around.

'Is he around here?'

'No, he's in Sacramento.'

'Well, the offer stands.'

Jenny resumed her narrative on the people and their residences, the boundaries of the ranches as they drove east. Circling around, she returned home in the early afternoon.

The telephone was ringing when they reached home. Jenny ran to answer, breathless by the time she reached it.

'Hello, Jenny?' The voice was vaguely familiar.

'Yes.'

'George Carlisle here. I've been out of town on business. Sorry I haven't called lately.'

'George, how nice to hear from you.' Jenny had gone out with him a couple of times since running into him in the early spring. He was older than she, moved in a different circle, but he was a pleasant companion. He took her to different places, always conscious of what might please her.

'I'm giving a barbecue soon, and I wanted to make sure you could come. Probably the Saturday after next.'

'Yes, I'd love to. Can I bring anything?'

'A salad? A cake? Whatever you feel like. There'll be about fifty guests, I expect everyone will bring something. I'm providing the beef and chicken for the barbecue. And the drinks.'

Kyle followed her, stopping to eavesdrop. Reminding her of another question.

'George, one of Johnny's cousins is staying with me. Can I bring him, too?'

'Sure, the more the merrier. I didn't know you had a house guest.'

'Just Kyle. Why don't you come for dinner tomorrow night? You can meet him then.'

'Sounds like a fine idea.'

'Come about seven.'

'Good. See you then.'

Kyle stood and watched as she hung up the phone. She turned a bright face to him.

'There! Your first social occasion, at George Carlisle's. He's one of the ranchers from around here, we saw the entrance to his ranch this morning. He's having a barbecue in a week, and invited us. You can meet lots of people there, establish your background. Maybe Nate and Jim will be there, too.'

'Who's George Carlisle?'

'A rancher—I just said.'

'A special friend?'

'Well,' Jenny was reluctant to admit to that, 'we've gone out a few times since this spring. He's nice.'

***

Kyle turned away and began to climb the stairs. 'Nice is no threat,' he murmured as he went up. 'I'll be down for dinner.'

'Don't you want lunch?'

'No. I want to lie down.' He paused and looked over the banister, down at her. 'Thanks for the lift and the tour.'

Kyle went to the guest room, toed off his shoes and lay down on the bed. It felt like heaven. He was pushing to get better, but his body betrayed him every step. He felt he could sleep the clock around.

Yet his mind churned. There was so much open space surrounding Palmer it could take months or longer to find a field, especially hidden as they were from aerial surveillance. And if he couldn’t even ride around in a car for a few hours, how would he ever hike into the remote areas likely for the plants?

As he drifted to sleep he made a mental note to have Stuart Brownley check out George. He’d do better to not tell Jenny. He already knew she’d blow up if she thought he was checking out her friends. This wasn’t business–strictly personal. He wondered what kind of man she was attracted to. Tomorrow night might give him the answers.

***

As Jenny prepared for bed that night, she remembered the brief conversation that afternoon about the gunshot wounds. She hadn’t let herself dwell on it before, but now she let her imagination have full rein. How awful it must have been! She could envision the shock, the pain Kyle must have felt. Had he received immediate attention? Had he been with a partner or alone with the suspect? She closed her eyes tightly to black out the picture.

She knew how impatient he was with the time it was taking to heal. He was a man of action, wanting to move, react. To wait patiently for a healing process in which he played very little part must be very annoying and taxing. She wondered if there was any permanent damage. Would he be completely well soon?

The next evening Jenny took care to dress up for dinner. It was the first time George had been to her house, and she wanted it to be special, to show her appreciation of the enjoyable evenings they’d spent together over the last few months. She took pains with dinner, freshened the house and put a bouquet of late spring flowers in the dining room. The evenings were cool and pleasant, so they could have their coffee on the lawn.

The blue and white sundress she wore was simple, yet flattering to her figure. It showed off the light tan she had already acquired. She didn't often wear dresses. Jenny felt very feminine in the soft skirt and the fitted bodice. She brushed her hair until the highlights shone. Putting her make-up on sparingly, she was ready.

Kyle was already downstairs when Jenny drifted down the stairs. He watched her descent, his expression unreadable.

Jenny feasted her eyes on him, his pale shirt showing off the breadth of his shoulders, the dark brown cords molding the length of his long legs. He looked rested and relaxed, the color back in his face, his eyes bold and assessing.

Jenny felt the heat steal into her cheeks, but could do nothing to stop it. She felt his gaze as a caress and the trembling deep within her threatened to spill out to her knees.

'You look lovely,' Kyle said softly as she reached the front hall.

'Thank you.' Shyly she walked over to him, breathlessly drawing near him. Would he move to let her pass? They could wait for George in the living room.

'All dressed up for the neighbor, eh?'

Jenny blinked. 'Sure, he's a good friend and I want him to enjoy himself tonight.'

'Shall I excuse myself after dinner so you two can enjoy yourself?'

She understood the hidden meaning and shook her head. If she wanted something like that, it wouldn't be with George Carlisle.

'No need,' she replied stiffly, staring up into his face. The fine lines around his eyes were paler than his tanned cheeks, the lips full and sensuous, his dark eyes fathomless pools in which she could fall and lose herself forever.

'Jenny--' His voice was low, husky as he gently trailed his knuckles down her heated cheek, across her jaw-line, down her throat. 'If you continue to look at me like that, your friend's going to miss dinner.'

Jenny swayed towards Kyle, her mind racing, tumbling with visions of what might happen. The vision vanished as she heard the throaty growl of George's Porsche on the graveled drive.

With a sigh—hers or his? — she stepped back and went to the door to greet her guest.

Surprised by a large bouquet of roses, she was pink and flustered as she made the introductions.

Under the pretense of smelling the fragrant blossoms, she studied the two men. They were totally different, each distinguished in his own right. Kyle was taller, broader, much more rugged. His dark, unruly hair, his brown eyes, narrowed now, his tanned skin, all blending together gave him a rakish appearance, an earthy, robust stance. Clearly a man of action.

George would have been at home at a corporate board meeting. He was slim, dapper, with a small mustache covering his top lip. His eyes were rather nondescript—hazel, Jenny thought. He had an aura of fastidiousness around him in contrast to Kyle's earthiness.

She smiled at them both.

'I'll just put these in water. Why don't you go on into the living room? I'll join you in just a moment.'

The men moved to the room, each watching the other. Kyle gave way first, seeking a chair near the sofa, from where he could see the whole room. No matter where George chose to sit, Kyle could easily converse with him. George chose the sofa.

Jenny, coming in with drinks, paused only a moment before joining George on the sofa.

'I know what Kyle likes.' She handed him his glass. 'And, George, I remembered what you always ordered when we ate out—gin and tonic. Right?'

'Fine, thank you, my dear.' George raised his glass in silent toast and sipped.

Jenny was flustered. He had never called her 'dear' before; it was almost like he was staking a claim. Why tonight, of all nights? She threw a quick glance at Kyle. He was looking at the drink, she’d brought him–a cola. Had he heard? Suddenly he looked up, catching her gaze. His sardonic expression showed he had.

'Jenny said you were one of Johnny's cousins. I don't believe we've met before, and yet I thought I knew most of the Warwick’s.' George settled back, his demeanor calm and thoughtful.

'Edith's son,' Jenny murmured, looking at her glass, her emotions whirling. She had not thought of George as anything other than a friend. Surely that was all he saw her as.

'I haven't visited here in—oh, years and years. Since I was a kid,' Kyle said lazily. 'Wasn't planning on it this summer, either, but since I crashed my bike, I thought why not? Now that I've met Jenny, I'm glad it happened.'

Jenny jerked her head up at this, had she heard right?

'An accident on a motorcycle?' George was polite.

'Yeah. Broken collarbone. I'll be fine in a few weeks, but in the meantime, it put paid to my plans to visit Europe this summer.'

The conversation centered on Kyle as he and Jenny slowly unfolded the story they had concocted. George was polite, probing. Kyle answered all questions in a casual, careless manner, more than once alluding to a growing relationship between him and his cousin's widow. Jenny grew more and more nervous as the questions went on, glaring at Kyle, trying to catch his eyes to squelch the trend of the conversation. He ignored her. Was this his idea of a joke?

Just wait until she had him alone! She'd set him straight! What did he think he was doing?

As Kyle grew more and more expansive, George grew more and more reserved. Jenny felt guilty about the evening. He was a nice man, and did not deserve the story Kyle was giving him.

'I'll just check on dinner, shall I?' Unable to stand the conversation any longer, she jumped up and hurried into the kitchen.

Was George always so inquisitive? Jenny didn't know him well enough to know if he were or not. The town thrived on gossip, yet she hadn't thought George the type to spread it. He was asking a lot of questions tonight, however. Or was she suspicious where she shouldn’t be? The knowledge that Kyle was looking for pot growers was affecting her sensibility. George was a prosperous rancher, he had no reason to do drugs.

And Kyle had no business pretending something of a romantic nature was developing.

Quickly she dished up the meal: fried chicken she had prepared earlier, vegetables, potato cakes, iced tea to drink. She had prepared a blueberry tart for dessert. Surely the conversation would change at dinner?

The meal passed pleasantly, much to her relief. The evening was beginning to wear on her. Dessert and coffee they took on the lawn, the evening cool enough to be pleasant. Shasta joined them when they came outside, keeping close to Jenny's side.

'Odd how she got that dog, don't you think?' George said as he began his second cup of coffee.

'I don't believe I know how she got it,' Kyle said. 'Buy it in a pet shop?'

'No, mysteriously the dog arrived one day, fully trained,' she said looking at him with an innocent expression.

'I can’t figure out why a trained German Shepherd? We haven't had a wild attacker running amok, so why the trained dog?' George said.

'Why not?' Jenny said lightly, her eyes holding Kyle's.'

'He's a friendly thing,' Kyle said, snapping his fingers. Shasta lumbered up and went to Kyle, his tail wagging. Kyle fondled his ears.

'To you, maybe. I keep my distance around him,' George said. 'Planning to stay the entire summer here, Kyle?'

'If Jenny doesn't get too tired of having me around. By the time I'm fit again, it will be far too late to get to Europe. School starts in September, so I'll just hang around till then, I guess.'

Jenny sipped her coffee to hide her smile. Kyle sounded so unsure, so vague. Totally unlike the real Kyle. Was he expecting George to talk about the cousin visiting Jenny, to spread the tale of his weakness, his indecisiveness? If it would lull people, it would be worth it. But George was not the type to chat casually about his neighbors and their affairs. Kyle picked the wrong man to spread the story if he thought George would do so.

When George took his leave, he asked Jenny to walk him to his car. He thanked her for dinner and then he took her hand.

'In a way, I'm sorry Kyle is here, but he's a pleasant enough fellow. Practically one of the family, I see, being Johnny's cousin and all. Though maybe in the near future, you and I could go out to dinner without him.'

Jenny smiled. 'I'd like that.' Anything to avoid another evening like tonight.

'I'll see you at the barbecue.' He gave her hand an extra squeeze and turned to get into his car.

Jenny watched as he drove off and wandered slowly back to where Kyle was still sitting, next to Shasta on the lawn.

'Just how close are you two?' Kyle asked as she stacked the cups and saucers.

'Not that it's any of your business,' she said coolly, 'but we're just friends. Actually George is the older brother of a guy I went to school with. We ran into each other a few months ago and have gone out once or twice.'

'He's too old for you, too pedantic.'

'I'll pick my own friends, thank you,' she said.

She gathered everything up and went to the kitchen. Kyle rose and followed her in, leaning against the counter as she washed and wiped the last of the dishes. As she was drying her hands on the towel, he reached out and gently took her wrist, drawing her over to him, against him, his good arm going around her back as he bent his head to kiss her.

His lips were warm and firm against Jenny's, seductive and persuasive as he moved them gently against hers, and she found herself slowly opening her mouth for a deeper kiss. His tongue traced the soft inner skin of her lip, moved to her teeth, then thrust boldly into the moist sweetness, teasing her tongue, inviting it to invade his mouth. His touch was arousing, exciting, enticing.

Jenny felt rocked to her heels. The warm feel of Kyle's body was a delight, his arm strong, his mouth wreaking sweet havoc on hers, his chest solid against the softness of her breasts. She stood quietly for a moment, then returned the kiss with great enthusiasm. Remembering suddenly the last kiss they had shared, she stopped, drew back.

'Another perk, Kyle?'

His arm dropped, as his eyes took on a wicked glint. 'Of course!'

'Brownley didn't explain that part of the job,' she retorted.

He roared with laughter, his face open with the delight her comment caused, his eyes warm with amusement. He reached over to her again, taking her chin, and dropping a light kiss on her mouth. And another, rubbing his lips against hers.

'I'll be sure and tell him of his omission next time I see him. George is not the man for you.'

Who is? she wanted to ask. Instead, Jenny shrugged. 'I don't think he wants to be.' Though some of his comments tonight had made her wonder. 'He's just being neighborly. I think you'll like his place. It's modern and trendy, without being too outlandish.'

'You should be around traditional things, not chrome and glass.'

Jenny frowned. Did he think she was old-fashioned? She opened her mouth to deny the charge, when Kyle tilted her head again, his lips brushing lightly against hers.

Jenny's heart began a slow, heavy beat as the tingling touch of his mouth brought her awake, alert, uncertain.

'Dinner was nice.' He kissed her again, his lips warm and firm. 'Dessert was nice.' Again the warm pressure. 'You're nice.'

His mouth covered hers, moving against her lips, the moist tip of his tongue tantalizing the softness of her lips. Involuntarily, Jenny relaxed and opened her mouth a little, caught up in the sweetness of his touch. She held her breath as he ran his tongue against the soft fleshy inner lip, against her pearly teeth, around her lips again. She exhaled reluctantly when Kyle raised his head. Slowly she opened her eyes, blinking in the brightness of the light.

Kyle's fingers moved to her throat, caressing softly, then to her shoulders.

'Goodnight, Jenny, sleep well.'

She nodded, afraid to trust her voice, then turned and hastened up the stairs, her thoughts in turmoil.

She didn't even try for coherent order until she was beneath her sheets.

Lying in the still night, she reviewed the evening: George's surprising endearment, Kyle's allusions. Kyle's goodnight kisses. His touch was exciting, his casual approach hard to figure out. Was he really just whiling away the time while on assignment, or was there anything more to his actions?

She turned over, trying for sleep, only to have new thoughts spring to the front of her mind. Wishing she had heard the answer to her mother's question, she wondered whether, even if she had, it would tell her anything? If his cover dictated he not be married, that was what he'd say, no matter if it was true or not.

But a married man wouldn't be kissing a woman he hardly knew, would he? Even as a perk?

Why not? her mind jeered. He probably considered it a light dalliance, a mild flirtation—as he had said, only a perk of the job. Jenny didn't like the thought, yet it persisted. She knew she had lived a rather sheltered life. Johnny had been her first and only lover. He had been faithful to her and she to him since they started dating.

What would Johnny think if he could see her tonight? She felt disloyal and guilty at enjoying Kyle's kisses. She turned over on her back, gazing into the inky darkness. Rationally, she knew she was free to do what she wished. Johnny was gone, never to come back. Still, she had loved him all her life, never looked at another man. Until now.

Kyle was fascinating, intriguing. But not for her, if he believed in casual sex, casual relationships.

Jenny made a face in distaste. A casual relationship would never work for her, nor for anyone she would want to marry again, should she ever wish to do so. But did Kyle approach things that way?

She remembered how he had ruthlessly broken into her house last winter, with no thought of her fright or of any inconvenience it might have brought her. Was he equally ruthless in his own private life? Did he subjugate everything to the job, taking his pleasures where he could find them, moving on when the next job came up? Or did he have a loving family in the background to which he returned after each assignment. Would he tell her if she asked?

On this, Jenny fell asleep.

Kyle sat on the edge of the bed, gently rotating his arm as much as he could move it without the searing pain that let him know he was pushing it. During the day it ached, when he exercised, it throbbed. Still, according to the doctors, he’d gain full mobility as long as he didn’t do something stupid to further injure it.

He continued to try to loosen the tightness as he walked to the window. The stars filled the sky. The dark silhouettes of the tall pines and firs blotted them out here and there. He studied the dark landscape. In a few more days, a week at the most, he’d be fit enough to start following the local hiking trails to see if he could find any evidence of illegal activity.

It would be easier for the pot growers to move at night when the roads were fairly deserted, and most people were asleep. He’d participated in a bust in Mendocino County last summer. The haul had been extraordinary. Again he wondered why people would traffic in drugs. It always was a mystery to him given the end results. Too often men and women–and even children–had their lives ripped apart by addiction.

The plan to stay at Jenny’s had been his. He hoped he hadn’t made a mistake. The barbecue next week sounded like the perfect opportunity for him to get to know some of the people in town. Hoping he could find some clue to explore, he turned back to the bed. His arm really ached now.

As he lay awake in the dark, he though about dinner that evening. Was George Carlisle really someone Jenny could be interested in? He seemed too bland. She deserved someone who would cause her to light up within. As she probably had with her husband.

He had no business kissing her. He hadn’t been able to resist. Nor stop at one. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and he yearned for some of the light that seemed to shine from within. He liked being around her. Teasing her more than she realized gave him a kick. She was as transparent as glass. Refreshing after the men he ordinarily had to deal with.

He had to walk a careful line, however. He didn’t want to give rise to expectation he couldn’t make. For himself or Jenny. He had a job to do. When it was over, he’d walk away. The next assignment would wait.

***

Jenny's emotions were under control by breakfast the next morning. She greeted Kyle with a sunny smile.

'You don't have your sling on,' she noticed as she dished up his scrambled eggs.

'I'm trying without it. This convalescing takes too long.'

'Don't stop bullets any more.' She placed their plates on the table and sat down across from him, watching as he began to eat.

He was still holding his left arm stiffly, not moving it even though it was free of the sling. Once, he reached for the salt with it, grimacing as he drew it back, his face paling.

'Why do men have to be so macho?' she asked. 'Don't rush it. You could slow the healing, instead of hastening it.' She pushed the salt across the table.

'Yes, Mama,' he replied.

Jenny laughed aloud. 'When do you see your doctor again?'

'Later this week. Still want to drive me to Sacramento?'

'Instead of Brownley?'

'It would save him a trip. I'll buy you lunch.'

'Oh, boy, take the lady out for a treat to the big city!'

'We can discuss the situation here more fully without having to worry about anyone hearing.'

'Good grief, you've picked my brain clean. I don't think there is anything else to learn about the citizens of Palmer. And my house is not bugged, so there’s no one hear anyway. But I'll take you up on lunch.'

***

Two days later they drove south on US 50 into the capital city. Jenny followed the directions Kyle gave, and soon parked in front of the large medical center near downtown.

'Want to come with me and hold my hand?' he asked as he opened the door. He was wearing the sling for the trip, though he had not worn it much during the last few days. He had regained his color and looked more robust and fit.

Jenny smiled and shook her head. 'I'll wait here. There are benches under the trees and the day is nice. Besides, anyone less in need of having their hand held, I'll never meet.'

CHAPTER SIX

Jenny was sitting beneath one of the large oak trees shading the lawn of the medical center when Kyle came across the grass to her. The sling was gone. His left hand was tucked into the pocket of his tight jeans, held immobile, without the sling.

Jenny noticed how the worn jeans outlined his body, fit snugly and left little to the imagination. His hand only made them tighter. She drew her eyes away with effort.

Kyle grinned at Jenny as she rose to meet him.

'All set?' she asked.

'Yep. Almost fit. No more sling. I don't have to come back, either, unless I have problems.'

She fell into step with him as they walked back to the jeep. 'But you still have to take it easy for a while?' she guessed.

'Ummm... there was some mention of that, but you know doctors. Want to eat at Shiloh's? It overlooks the American River.'

'Sounds fine.'

They ate on the wooden deck at the back of the popular riverside restaurant, overlooking the wide, placid river. The day was warm, the air soft and scented with the flowering roses in nearby profusion.

When lunch was over, Kyle directed Jenny to a high-rise office block.

'I need to check in at the office, make a few calls. Want to see the office?'

'Sure, I always wanted to see how government agents worked.'

Kyle winked at her comment, but made no reply.

Parking in the multi-story garage, Jenny followed him into the glass and steel office building, where they were whisked to the tenth floor. The office reminded Jenny of newspaper rooms she had seen in old movies. There was a sea of desks in the center of the open space, enclosed offices around the perimeter. Men were clustered here and there in small groups; some on the phones at their desks. Stacks of files and papers seem to clutter each desk, cleared only in front of computer screens.

As they walked in and threaded their way through the desks, Kyle was greeted by two or three of the men.

'How are you doing?' one man called.

'Fit and ready for action?' asked another.

'Who's your friend?' Two men walking by paused and smiled at Jenny. She smiled back shyly. Kyle just nodded, waved and kept walking. When he reached the far side, he paused near a door.

'There's a chair, have a seat. When I've made my calls, I'll show you around and introduce you to one or two of the more acceptable of my fellow workers.'

Jenny smiled and sat where indicated while Kyle disappeared into the office, closing the door. She didn't have to wait for his introduction. In only a couple of minutes Stuart Brownley came out of another office, pausing in surprise when he saw Jenny, and came over to speak to her.

'Hello, Mrs. Warwick! Nice to see you again. What are you doing here? Waiting to see me?' He looked just as he had the day he had visited Jenny. She wondered briefly if it were the same suit, or if all his suits were brown.

'Hello, Mr. Brownley. I came with Kyle Martin. He's making some phone calls and I'm just waiting for him. I drove him in to see the doctor.'

'Of course. I would have sent a car for him, but it was nice of you to drive him.'

Jenny blinked at the comment. Had she missed something along the way? Kyle hadn't presented it quite that way.

'It wasn't any trouble. Actually, I got a nice lunch out of it, and now I'm seeing how secret agents really work.'

He laughed and glanced around the large floor, as if seeing it anew.

'Well, it's probably disappointing, no trench coats or hats pulled down over faces. Come on, I'll show you around. Kyle could be tied up for a while.'

Jenny went to be introduced to many of the men at the desks. They ranged in age from early twenties to two who had to be in their sixties. There was a certain air about them all that marked them as individuals in the same line of work: a certain toughness, alertness, a readiness.

One or two knew the connection between Jenny and Kyle Martin, but she was puzzled by a few comments.

'No wonder Kyle picked that assignment!'

'Now I know why Kyle took this one on!'

She asked questions, was shown some of the equipment used for field surveys, and visited a small informal drug museum, which displayed different illegal drugs in various stages–including marijuana in its various stages. Jenny was fascinated to see it at last.

Kyle found them there.

'Wondered where you'd wandered off to, Jenny. Hello, Stuart.'

'Kyle. How are things going?'

'Slowly. I have some background, a couple of leads, maybe. I can start field work soon as I build up some stamina.'

'I can get you some help, if you like,' Brownley said.

'Thanks. I'll call when I need it. If anyone else becomes involved at this stage, it'll give the show away. Jenny's been a big help.'

'I have?' She was surprised. She still didn't believe there was drug activity in Palmer, and she constantly wondered led Kyle to believe there was, or that anyone she knew would be involved. What was that clue they were following up on?

'Yes, both for the cover, and the background you've given. Ready?'

'Yes. Thank you, Mr. Brownley. I enjoyed the tour,' she said.

'My pleasure, Mrs. Warwick. Come again. Kyle, I'll be talking to you.'

'Right.'

Jenny's head was buzzing as she drove back to Palmer. She was trying to assimilate all she had just seen. The maps of the state where large acres of marijuana cultivation were known or suspected, the many different methods people used to transport the drugs, the resale value of the different kinds.

She knew drug abuse and illegal use were prevalent, but she had never realized to what extent.

Kyle was silent on the ride, watching the passing scenery from the window. Jenny didn't try to talk, caught up in her own thoughts. Once or twice she glanced over, but his look was remote and she didn't say anything.

Kyle's taciturn manner continued for the rest of the day. He went to the den and sat at her desk when they returned, working on the maps, checking notes he had made of the people and locals she had described to him.

At dinner, he continued to be silent. Twice Jenny looked up to find his eyes on her. Silently watching her, speculatively.

'Do I have something on my face?' she asked nervously.

'No. I'm thinking of moving on, Jenny.'

Her heart plummeted. Slowly, carefully, she lowered her fork so her fingers didn't rattle it against her plate. She had difficulty getting her breath.

'Why?'

'Something Stuart said today hit home. Drug dealers are ruthless. I don't want anything to happen to you as a result of this. We'll set up headquarters somewhere else around here, operate from there. I shouldn't have come here, it was a mistake.'

'But your cover... I thought you needed an unobtrusive way to get to know people, to gather your evidence. I thought you needed me to provide you with that cover. It seems to be working.'

'Fine, so far. But it'll be safer if I move on.'

'Nobody suspects.'

'Jenny, I've not been doing all I will be doing from now on. That shooting set me back. Now I'm better I'll be investigating for all I'm worth, to get this area cleared again. To find and arrest any perpetrators. It could get messy.'

Jenny searched his face, feeling she was sitting across from a stranger. The same stranger who had invaded her home last winter. Gone was the gentle look on Kyle's face, the tired, ill look he’d had when he had first returned. Now he looked like the hardened professional he was. There was no room for emotion or sentimentality in the man opposite her. The angles of his face seemed harder, his eyes narrowed as he watched her, the leashed energy— evident last winter—was back.

'You chose me,' she said quietly, but firmly. She was trembling a little, wondering briefly where the words were coming from. 'You and Brownley and all the government men involved in this. Chose me to be your cover, to provide you with all the information I could about this area. I didn't ask to get into this, you chose me. Now, it's too late, you can't leave.'

'Why not?' he challenged.

'Because I'd blow your cover sky high! I'd tell the world what you're doing, and how do you think that would help your chances of finding the guys?' she threw out recklessly.

'That's childish. It would slow me down, but it wouldn't change anything in the long run.' He pushed back from the table, throwing his napkin down. As he started down the hall, Jenny scrambled after him.

I’ll call the Sheriff and tell him you're the man who broke in last winter.'

Her voice stopped him. Slowly Kyle turned and looked at her. Jenny paused and backed up until she was against the wall. She didn't like the look in his face. Had she pushed him too far? Nervously she licked her lips.

'Did you report the break-in?'

'Yes,' she whispered.

He loomed over her, backing her further against the wall, coming so close that his body imprisoned her, pressing her back further. His right arm came up near her face as he leaned his weight on it.

'Liar,' he said pleasantly. 'Just how do you plan to explain my staying here over the last few weeks, meeting your parents, your friends? Lover's quarrel gotten out of hand?'

He leaned down and took her lips, his hard and demanding as his body pressed against her. Jenny's palms pushed against the wall in a desperate effort to resist encircling his neck, in holding him to her with all the longing that was in her. As his tongue thrust into her mouth, she gave a small moan.

He meant to punish, but to Jenny it was a delight. Raking her teeth with his moist tongue, he plunged deep into her soft mouth, wreaking havoc with her senses, her body igniting with the flame he lit, the heat rising as he continued his sweet assault.

The hard wall of his chest pressed against her soft breasts, pushing her as if he wanted to send her through the wall. The long, hard length of his thighs imprisoned her legs, and as hot need for him inflamed her, she felt his desire for her rise, press against her.

Unable to stop herself any longer, her arms rose to encircle his neck, to respond to his kiss, to mold her body to his as he kissed her.

Slowly they swayed as the tempo of their heartbeats increased in unison, as the heat rose and passion and desire swamped them.

Now she knew why she hadn't wanted him to leave, why she'd issued her threat. She’d do almost anything to have him stay.

Kyle pulled his mouth away to seek the soft pulse at the base of her throat, to trail hot kisses along the satiny skin of her neck and shoulder. His hot lips were raining light caresses across her cheeks, her eyes, her forehead, and back to claim the sweet delight of her mouth.

'I want you so damn much, Jenny. Sleep with me tonight,' he said in a throaty voice against her mouth. His breathing was heavy, hot against her fevered skin.

Jenny drew back in shocked surprise, speechless for a moment.

'I can't,' she whispered back, closing her eyes against the desire flooding through her, the longing for fulfillment of the proof of his desire.

'Why not?' Sweet, hot kisses punctuated his speech. 'We're of age....I won't hurt you...you're not a virgin. There's no one to get hurt.'

Only me, she protested, easing herself back a little, regret evident in her eyes as she opened them and looked at him. She shook her head gently.

'I... no, I won't, Kyle.'

'Come on, Jenny. Why not? Surely that kiss shows you desire me. It could be so good!'

'Let me go! Just five minutes ago you were telling me you're leaving, and now you want me to sleep with you? What for, so you have something to remember me by?' She dragged up what strength she could muster and pushed against him. It was like pushing against a mountain. 'Let me go!'

'No.' He tightened his grip. 'I want you, and you want me, or else you're the best little actress I've ever come across. So what game are you playing now?'

She frowned at his remark. She did want him, and if there had been anything more to it than lust, she wouldn't wait another second. She would love to he in a soft bed with him, have his lips learn her while she learned him, to share love with this hard man. But he spoke no word of love. Just want, desire.

'No game, Kyle, let me go. Let me go!'

She began to struggle, pushing against him, balling her hand into a fist and lashing out, frantic to get free, connecting with his shoulder. He dropped her and staggered back against the wall, his face suddenly ashen.

'Oh, Kyle, I'm so sorry. Your shoulder—I forgot. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry!' Contrite, Jenny reached out to hold his arm. He had seemed so much back to normal, so alive and well, that she had forgotten he really wasn't.

'I'm sorry.' She wouldn't have hurt him for anything, she had only wanted to be released.

'At least you've made your point,' he said shakily. Giving a deep sigh, he opened his eyes, looking down at her. 'You pack quite a wallop. Consider joining up, if you get tired of living up here.' He stood and walked slowly down the hall.

Jenny watched him go, torn with conflict. She wished she had grasped what he had offered; one night of glorious love might be worth all the heartache when he left. Would she regret turning him down?

No, she couldn’t. It wasn’t right.

Right be damned! She thought, going back to the kitchen to do the dishes. She felt as if she had just made a momentous decision–the wrong one.

Jenny was still suffering from vain regrets when she awoke the next morning. She had tossed and turned during the long night, wishing things had been different. Wishing she had responded differently. Slowly the thought came to her: if she was offered the chance again, she wouldn't turn it down. Could she get Kyle to stay? Could she have him make the offer again?

If he really wanted her. She would find a way. She'd start this morning, at breakfast. With that thought in mind, she went downstairs to prepare the meal.

Kyle wasn't in the house.

Jenny called him, looked in the den, the kitchen. She glanced outside, but there was no sign of him. With her heart in her throat, she slowly went back upstairs and into his room. Had he gone, left as he said he was going to do? His clothes were still in the wardrobe, and she sagged against the door in relief. Wherever he was, he’d be back.

Spending the morning doing the laundry, Jenny stripped the beds, emptied the linen basket and worked at her desk between loads as the washer did its work. Once the clothes and sheets were finished, she sorted, folded, and went to put the things away. Making her bed, she quickly put away her clothes.

She went into Kyle's room. It took only a few minutes to make the bed. She then turned to the dresser to put away his clothes. The top drawer opened easily beneath her fingers. Her breath caught. There, on top of a couple of handkerchiefs, was his gun.

She stared at it for a long minute. She frowned, picturing it in his hand. Kyle confronting another armed man. A gunshot. She shook her head at the picture. He had already been shot once, what if he were again, more critically next time? Fear for his very life coursed through her as she envisaged the danger he faced. She couldn't stand it if he were killed! Shouldn’t he have taken it with him? Much as she didn’t like thinking about a possible confrontation, the thought of such a meeting without his being armed was impossible to consider.

Ignoring the gun, she put away his things. Slamming shut the last drawer, she fled the room, trying to flee the thoughts and pictures her mind played.

The phone rang, interrupting her musing. She hurried to answer it. It was one of the men she had met in Sacramento, Jason Sperry.

'Have Kyle call me when he gets back,' he said when Jenny told him Kyle wasn't in.

'Call you there?'

'Yes. I have the information he requested yesterday.'

'I don't know when he'll be back,' she said, wondering if Jason would find that odd.

'If he doesn't reach me here, he has my home phone number. I'll take the stuff with me.'

'I'll tell him when he comes in.'

The day dragged by. Jenny tried her best to keep herself busy with work and household chores. Time and time again, however, her gaze was drawn outside. She searched from each window, looking for Kyle. Where had he gone? He had talked about leaving, but he wouldn't leave this way. Anyway, she told herself, his clothes were still all upstairs. And the gun.

Shasta patiently padded at Jenny's side as she wandered restlessly through the house. As the afternoon waned, Jenny looked at her dog.

'Are you a tracker? If you were a bloodhound, you could find him for me.'

Shasta cocked his head, his tail slowly thumping on the floor. Suddenly, he leaped to his feet and ran to the door, his tail wagging furiously.

Kyle opened it and calmly walked in.

Jenny's heart skipped a beat, then began a slow heavy pounding.

'Hi,' she smiled, swallowing the nervous flutter. 'Been sleuthing?' The worry of earlier was suddenly gone; he hadn't left!

He nodded. 'Yes, and I'm beat. Do I have time to take a shower before dinner?'

'Sure.'

Once she heard the water running, Jenny slipped up to her room to freshen her make-up, brush her hair and touch just a little of her perfume to her neck, ears, between her breasts. Leaving the top three buttons of her shirt unfastened, she smiled saucily in the mirror, before turning to return to the kitchen.

When Kyle came in, he sat at his usual place. Jenny watched, her eyes feasting on him: on the still damp, dark hair springing up from his forehead, his wide shoulders, the color now back in his face. His brown eyes were wary, watchful as he took his seat. The dark shirt and tight jeans emphasized his athletic build. To look at him, it didn't seem possible he had been seriously injured only a few weeks ago.

Jenny brought his dinner, leaning over to place his plate on the table, her arm casually brushing his shoulder. She went for iced tea, placing it near him, the perfume filling his nostrils as he kept his eyes on his plate. Kyle said nothing, waiting for her to sit down, before beginning his meal. He ate quietly, steadily, rarely speaking. Once or twice he glanced up at Jenny. Meeting her eye, he looked away. A swelling giddiness was rising in her; she wanted to laugh at the two of them, but had the sense not to.

Clearing the dishes away at the end of the meal, she reached across him to pick up his glass, knowing the opened shirt revealed the dark shadow between her breasts.

His fist crashing down on the table startled her. She stood up and looked at him surprise.

'What the hell are you playing at now, Jenny?' His look raked over her. 'Since when have you become a damn tease?'

'Don't swear,' she said, looking down at the dish in her hand. Was that how it looked to him? She was suddenly embarrassed, ashamed.

'I'll talk however I want, dammit!' Kyle rose, towering over her. Reaching out, he wrenched the dishes from her hand, flinging them on the table. Taking her wrist in a none-too-gentle grasp, he pulled her from the room.

'Let me go. Don't!' Jenny protested as she was dragged down the hall, and then up the stairs. Fear began to make itself felt. 'Kyle, I'm sorry. Let me go.'

'Like hell, I will,' he growled out. Kicking open his door, he dragged Jenny into his room and slammed the door behind them.

'Kyle,' she began, but was stopped when he went to sit on the bed and pulled her down on top of him, his mouth shutting hers, stopping all protest.

This was what she wanted, wasn't it? Her senses clamored for more as his hands were hard against her, holding her to him on the bed, drawing her very soul with his kiss.

When he rolled her over on her back, Jenny felt as if she had been jolted with volts of electricity. She grew hot as his mouth moved against hers, as his hard hands gentled a little, slipping to the buttons of her blouse and finishing the unfastening she had begun.

The touch of his warm fingers on her soft skin trailed fire on her already overheated body. She could feel her breasts fill with desire, harden to his touch, her nipples thrusting against the lacy bra. With a quick movement, he had unfastened that article of clothing, drawing it from her, freeing her to his gaze, to his touch.

His eyes darkened to black velvet, as he looked at her, raising his eyes to her gaze, his hand cupping her breasts, gently caressing their fullness.

'You're as pretty as I thought you'd be,' he said in a throaty growl.

She smiled shyly, pleased beyond everything that he thought so, that he had said so.

Desire rose in Jenny, but she wanted him to know, 'Kyle, I wasn't being a tease.'

'Last night no, tonight yes?' he said, as her fingers unbuttoned his shirt, spreading the material so his chest could lie against hers.

She nodded, emotions so full she could barely breath. 'Kiss me. Please,' she whispered.

His eyes flared before he covered her mouth with his, his chest warm and hard against hers, his fingers trailing flames of desire and longing along her skin, her ribs, to her stomach.

The distant sound of the telephone gradually penetrated.

'Let it ring,' Kyle said against her throat, his hot lips moving against her skin, moving now to her ear, gently nibbling the lobe, his tongue teasing, tasting, moving on.

'That reminds me,' Jenny said guiltily. 'Jason Sperry called earlier, he has some information you want. He said to call him back.'

Kyle went still, then slowly sat up.

'Blast, that might be him now. I'd better get it.'

With a regretful look at Jenny, he swiftly rose and crossed the room, flinging open the door.

Jenny could hear him running down the stairs, and answering the phone.

As the soft drone of his conversation continued, she surmised it was Jason calling again. She should have told Kyle when he first came in. Then they would not have been interrupted.

She drew her shirt across her. She was cool without Kyle's hot body to warm her. As she lay there her eyes drifted around the room. It was twilight, soon to be night. She could make out the dresser, the open wardrobe door, revealing his clothes. The lamp by the bed, his travel clock. Then her eyes found the photograph.

Trying to focus on it, Jenny raised up on her arm, reaching for it. She switched on the lamp to see better, and her heart sank as she saw the lovely blonde girl, dressed in jeans and a casual blue shirt, smiling gaily back at her.

Scribbled across the bottom of the photograph were the words For Kyle, Love Always, Cindy.

Jenny stared at the face: alive, vibrant, her smile so radiant. Who was Cindy? Why was her picture on Kyle's dresser? Why indeed, unless she was his girl.

Or his wife.

For a long time, Jenny looked at Cindy, almost unaware of the thoughts churning in her head. What, after all, did she know about Kyle Martin? She only knew the little he'd told her, and if he were making up things for the citizens of Palmer, why not be making up things to tell her as well?

Like what? She thought. He'd told her nothing. Was he married? Out for a fling? Or was he single and the devoted only son of a widowed mother?

She carefully replaced the picture, rose and quickly left the room without a backward glance. She couldn't stay. The picture only showed her how little she knew about the man. While her senses longed for his touch, her mind knew she needed more before giving herself to any man.

***

It was late when Kyle finally came back up. Jenny feigned sleep when he opened her door and looked into her room. He left and she let the tears slowly fall.

CHAPTER SEVEN

On Saturday, Jenny stayed as far away from Kyle as she could. She rose early, grabbed a quick breakfast and took Shasta into town. She delivered all the accounts she had worked on during the week, got her mail from the post office box and went shopping for a new dress for George Carlisle's barbecue that night.

She refused to examine the reason why she wanted a new dress. George would be putting on a nice spread, and she wanted to look her best. It was really her first party since Johnny's death.

She thought of Johnny for a moment, missing him, wishing things were the way they had been a couple of years ago. She found she couldn't concentrate, however. With a rueful sigh, she acknowledged that Johnny was in the past, her past, gone forever. No matter how much she wished it different, it was as it was. And she must let it go.

Kyle's dark eyes swam before her, his sardonic grin, his tall frame. She shook her head to dispel the image. Why was she always thinking about him? It would have to change. She paused on the pavement, briefly fantasizing that she knew him better, that theirs was a normal friendship, growing in love. Would they marry? Was her mother right in that she should remarry?

She shook her head. Admonishing Shasta to wait for her, she went into the store in search of the perfect dress.

She arrived home just in time to go up to get ready for the barbecue. She showered, dried her hair and donned her new dress, pleased with her choice. It was a short batiste cotton in blue, which brought out the color of her eyes. Fitted in the bodice, it swirled softly against her legs as she walked. Putting on high-heeled sandals, she was ready. Informally dressed, yet appropriate for the coming event.

Kyle was waiting in the living room when she walked down. He rose when she came into view and Jenny was instantly conscious of him with every inch of her body. Would she always feel so breathless when around him? And how much longer would he be around?

He wore designer jeans, snug and low on his hips. Polished boots shod his feet and a dark brown, cotton-knit polo shirt covered his chest. She felt a momentary flare of jealousy that every woman there would notice him. His shoulder muscles were outlined and enhanced with the chocolate shirt, his jeans almost too snug as her eyes were drawn to them.

'Too tight?' Kyle mocked, a devilish glint in his eye. Had he read her mind?

Jenny raised her eyes to meet the amusement in his. She could feel the heat in her face. It wasn't fair. He seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.

'Not if you don't think so. Can you walk?' she asked sweetly.

His laughter surprised her, forced an answering smile from her.

'As long as you don't get too close to me,' he replied audaciously.

'We'd better go,' she said, ignoring his innuendo.

Jenny drove, concentrating on the road, trying vainly to ignore the man next to her. They were not the first to arrive, but the line of cars behind them on the driveway assured them they were not late. Jenny recognized most of the guests on the lawn, and the ones still arriving. It seemed as if George had invited half of the town.

'Jenny! Welcome.' George greeted she had parked the car and they approached the gathering. He leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

'Hi, George. It's a nice turn out. And the weather's perfect.' It was pleasantly warm and would likely stay comfortable well into the evening.

'It will be a mild night for which I’m grateful. Kyle, glad you could come.' George shook hands and glanced around. 'You know people, Jenny, introduce Kyle. As soon as all the guests have arrived, I'll have some time to spend with you. Sit with me at supper.'

Jenny was a trifle surprised by the request, but smiled. 'See you later,' she replied wondering how to take his demand. She should be flattered. And maybe she would have been had Kyle not been standing beside her. Was George showing off in front of Kyle?

Not to be out done, Kyle moved close to Jenny, gently wrapping his hand around her upper arm. She instinctively pressed his hand against her side.

'Not now, sweetheart,' he said, rubbing his fingers against the side of her breast. 'Why did you leave last night? And then disappear this morning. Sorry about the call, but I wasn’t on the phone that long.'

Jenny caught her breath, her knees going weak. 'I... I didn't know how long you'd be.' she lied. His fingers rubbed gently as he surveyed the crowd. Jenny wished they hadn't come, that they had stayed home and–

'I want you to tell me who everyone is. Point out the ones we've talked about. I'll let you know who I want to meet,' Kyle said, business back in hand.

Jenny blinked. Of course, Kyle was on a job. It was not a social outing for him. For a brief moment, she'd forgotten.

They wandered to the bar, Jenny greeting friends and acquaintances, giving names and thumbnail sketches on each of the various people to Kyle as they strolled along and he was introduced. Kyle had the background on almost everyone in attendance, but matching up faces with names took a little while.

'Nate Fisher.' Jenny nodded to a dark man across the patio who raised his glass to her. She smiled saucily and turned to Kyle. 'You two almost met last February, remember?'

He glanced at Fisher, back at Jenny. 'Not so loud. What does he do again?'

'Nate works at the garage in town.'

'Right. Who's the girl talking to him?'

Jenny hadn't seen Kyle glance at Nate again. Yet, sure enough, there was a tall blonde laughing at something Nate said, moving closer to him to hear better. Did Kyle go for tall blondes? Was the girl in the picture tall? Jenny was suddenly tired, drained.

'It's Naomi Taylor. Her father works at the mill, in the office. Naomi works in San Francisco. She must be on vacation or just up for the weekend.'

They were on their second drink when George joined them, smoothly drawing Jenny along with him. In only a short time he and Jenny were part of a large group of friends, laughing and joking. Of Kyle she lost track.

Susie Lewis joined them, pulling Jenny aside for a few moments of town gossip. George smiled wryly and moved on to talk to other guests.

He had some of the men who worked on the ranch in charge of cooking the steaks and making sure the guests were taken care of.

Once or twice as the evening progressed, Jenny caught a glimpse of Kyle. Sometimes talking with one group or another, once standing alone on the sidelines, watching what was going on around him.

Peggy and Dan O'Neil arrived, greeted their daughter and were soon drawn in to the circle of neighbors discussing the events of the summer yet to come–the Fourth of July fireworks display, the upcoming county fair.

'Great party, don't you think, Jenny?' her friend April asked, as the daylight faded. Patio lamps came on, giving soft illumination to the scene.

Jenny pinned a bright smile on her face. Only moments before her parents had arrived, she’d seen Kyle and Naomi slipping away from their group. Jenny refused to admit the party had lost its sparkle for her.

'Sure is. What's the latest on your Hawaiian vacation?'

The topic brought forth a long narrative on April's part of the plans she had made for the long dreamed of vacation she was taking in August.

As the night grew darker, the party bloomed. There was music for those who wanted to dance on the patio, a pool for those who had thought to bring a swimsuit. The food and drinks flowed steadily. Jenny felt her head begin to whirl.

She moved to one of the wooden benches near the house, getting a Coke in passing.

'Sitting this one out?' George joined her on the bench, nodding to the gyrating crowd on the patio.

'For a while. I've had my last drink for tonight. Coke for me from now on.' She raised her glass. 'It's a great party, George, thanks for having me. I'm having fun.'

'The way you say it almost makes you sound surprised. We're all your friends, Jenny.'

'I know. I'd almost forgotten. I need to get out more.'

George reached out and took her hand, gently holding it in his. 'I'd like to be a part of your getting out more.'

She smiled and nodded, looking at her Coke. That would be fine. George was easy to be with, not like some men she knew! He was safe, steady and reliable.

When George leaned over to kiss her, Jenny looked up in surprise, first at George, then over his shoulder, where her glance clashed with Kyle's. His look burned, but before Jenny could do anything, he turned and was lost from view.

'Couldn't resist,' George said, smiling. 'Come on, a slow song is starting perfect to dance to.'

Jenny danced for the next few hours: with George, with her Dad, with friends of Johnny, friends of her folks, of George. She looked for Kyle, found him once or twice dancing with Naomi. Always with Naomi. A twist of jealousy penetrated. She tossed her hair and threw herself into enjoyment of the dance, yet it persisted.

Finally, Jenny had enough. She’d find Kyle and tell him she was ready to go home. It was late and she was tired; they still had a long ride home and she wanted to leave before she got too sleepy to drive.

She scanned the patio, but there was no sign of him. Going through the house, she searched for him in vain. Where could he be? She went to the jeep, but still there was no sign of him. Jenny was torn between being worried about the man, and annoyed he was so elusive.

Walking slowly back to the patio again she heard a soft giggle to her right. Glancing towards the edge of the house, she could see a couple locked in an embrace. The light spilling from the house cast them in a soft glow, the blonde hair of the girl in sharp contrast to the dark hair of the man holding her.

Jenny stopped, rooted to the spot. So much for wanting to sleep with her. Kyle Martin was out for whatever he could get. Jenny felt the heat rise in her cheeks. God, she was glad nothing had happened between them!

Nothing? Her mind queried.

'Kyle?'

The couple looked up, and stepped apart.

'I'm tired and want to go home. Are you almost ready, or do you want to get a ride from someone else?' Jenny kept her tone even, kept her eyes on his outline, ignoring Naomi.

'Give me a few minutes.'

'I'll wait in the car.'

She turned and blindly stumbled her way to the car. She climbed in and leaned her head back against the seat. She refused to think. The ache she was feeling in her chest was probably indigestion. Every time an image danced before her eyes, she blanked it out. She would not think.

The sudden glare of the overhead light when Kyle opened the door made her blink. She sat up and inserted the key into the ignition.

'Jenny,' he started.

'Not tonight, Kyle. I'm too tired.'

'Want me to drive?'

She hesitated, then nodded.

He slammed his door closed and walked around, his feet crunching on the gravel. She slid over on the seat and looked out the window of the passenger door as he climbed in. She rested her head against the back of the seat, tired, drained. She was not used to such late nights, to excessive drinking, and the dancing. Not used to daydreams of delights to come and the cruel shock of reality. She was so tired.

He must have a good sense of direction, she thought drowsily as they drove quickly over the distance to her home. He never asked directions, she never volunteered any, yet in only a short time they were home.

'Jenny,' he began, as he shut off the engine.

A flare of anger sparked in her.

'I don't want to hear some made-up story,' she stormed back. 'What do you do, lust after anything in a skirt? Me one night, Naomi the next?'

'No.' His voice was hard in the dark. 'You're a fine one to talk! What about George's kisses?'

'George is a friend, someone I've known for years. And it was only a light kiss!'

'Naomi is business.'

'And what am I? Perks, that's what you said. How do you keep it all straight?'

'I have no trouble keeping it straight.'

He reached out and cradled the back of her head in his hand. Her gaze met his. For a moment there was an impasse, then she let him draw her closer. She relished the sensations when his lips touched hers. She swayed towards him, angry he could make her feel like this, angry she wouldn't pull back. The touch of him, his mouth against hers, his fingers tangled in her hair, the press of his shoulder, was intoxicating. On top of all she’d had to drink, Jenny wasn't sure if she could stand it. Her thoughts were spinning, or was it her head? Time stood still.

When he released her to take a deep breath, she pulled back, glaring at him in the dark, sorry she couldn't see him, sorry he couldn't see how angry she was at him—or was it at herself for responding?

'Anyone handy will do, right?' she snapped to his silhouette.

'Jenny...'

'No, just leave me alone!' She threw open her door and stumbled out beside the SUV. Slamming the door hard enough to rock the heavy vehicle, she started towards the house, her head still spinning. She tripped and Kyle was there.

'You drive me crazy,' she muttered. 'I don't think I can even make it inside. My head is spinning.'

He chuckled. 'Come on, baby, I'll carry you.'

'No, you can’t–'

Before she could react, Kyle scooped her up, his left arm beneath her shoulders.

'You have to help, my arm can't take your full weight.'

Jenny put her arms around his neck, to help take her weight from his arm. Her cheek pressed against

Kyle and she closed her eyes as he took her inside and up the stairs. Her head was whirling.

'I'm so tired,' she whispered as he put her on her bed.

'I know.'

'You should have stayed with Naomi,' she murmured, burrowing down in her pillow. In only a minute she'd be asleep and could forget all this.

'I don't want Naomi, I want you.' He kissed her mouth and left.

Jenny smiled and drifted to sleep.

***

'Tell me about the relationship between Nate Fisher and George Carlisle.' Kyle came into the kitchen the next morning as Jenny was making coffee.

'Huh? Good morning. Nate and George? What do you mean relationship? Maybe Nate works on George’s cars or the ranch trucks. How would I know?'

Kyle was dressed in black cords, boots and a dark, checked shirt. His manner was businesslike, his face tight, closed. Last night was over, it was back to business.

‘That’s all you have?’

'What exactly do you want to know? They're neighbors, sort of. They've known each other for years, but Nate is really Nick's friend. He and Nick and Johnny were kids together, a year older than I, several years younger than George. If he and George are friends I'd be surprised, but only because of the age difference and the difference in what they do.'

'And what do you know about Nate?'

'He runs the garage for old Mr. Benson. He was born here, his folks live in town. He's never been in trouble with the law, if that's what you want to know. You suspect Nate's involved in this, don’t you? Is that why he was after you last winter?'

Kyle was silent for a moment. 'And Naomi?'

Jenny flashed a grimace and shrugged. 'I don't know. Friends with Nate, I guess, because they were in the same grade in school. She lives in San Francisco. I was surprised to see her last night. Why didn't you ask her?'

'I'm asking you.'

'I don't know.'

'She smokes pot, you know.'

'No!' Jenny swung around to face him. 'I didn't know, how do you?'

'She was smoking it last night. I was watching her.'

'Where did she get it? From here? Or San Francisco?'

'That's what I'm going to find out.'

Jenny set his coffee mug on the table. 'How?'

'Chat up Naomi. Do you have her phone number?'

Jenny felt sick. 'It's in the book, under Charles Taylor. Look it up.' She sipped her coffee.

Kyle's fingers beneath her chin were cool as he raised her face to his.

'Don't get into a temper, sweets. I told you last night she's work, you're not.'

'Perk?'

'Right.' He leaned over and kissed her, his tongue teasing hers. 'Um mm, you taste good. Can I use the car today?'

'Sure, by all means, let me do all I can to further that relationship!'

Her sarcasm was lost when all he said was, 'Thanks.'

Jenny cleaned up from breakfast, with the low murmur of Kyle's voice in the background as he talked to Naomi Taylor. Deciding to take Shasta for a long hike, and a picnic, Jenny prepared a lunch.

She wanted to get out of the house, away from things that reminded her of Kyle, with his charming, sexy manner one minute, his all-business approach the next. What she did not want to do was think of him with Naomi. She didn't want to envisage them talking, exchanging information, growing closer.

She wanted to know more about Kyle herself, to learn where he grew up, what had decided him on his career, why he was here. How was she to know, however, if any answers to her questions would be truthful? He'd merely tell her whatever suited the cover story.

Jenny went to get her backpack and change into her hiking boots. She’d walk the day away and think of nothing, just enjoy a pleasant ramble with Shasta. She'd done just fine with her life before the advent of Mr. Kyle Martin. Chin firmly in the air, she marched down the hall.

Kyle reached out his hand as she passed, clasping her fingers in his, pulling her to a stop beside him as he continued his phone conversation.

'I'll be there around noon, then.' He hung up and swung her hand loosely back and forth.

'What are you going to do today?' he asked, as he hung up the phone.

Trying to tug her hand free, to no avail, Jenny frowned. 'What do you care? You've made your plans.'

'Come on, Jen, I told you it was work. What are you going to do?'

'Take a hike.'

'Jenny,' he said warningly, drawing himself up to his full height, his eyes narrowed as he towered over her.

'I'm going to take Shasta and go for a hike,' she enunciated very clearly and distinctly, eyes sparkling.

'Where?'

Yanking her hand free, she rubbed her fingers, though they really didn't need it. 'Just in the hills. How far can I get?' She was scathing. 'You'll have my car.'

'I don't know when I'll be home.' Kyle watched her through narrowed eyes.

She swallowed as she looked at him—so tall, dark, masculine. His shoulders were broad, tapering to narrow hips. He wore his jeans low, tight. Jenny's eyes guiltily rose to his face again, to meet the slight amusement in his eyes. Was it her fault her eyes were drawn to his tight jeans? If he wanted to flaunt it–then Naomi would get the full effect. She was business. Jenny was only a perk. Well, Kyle could just find himself another perk! She didn’t relish the thought of providing a light dalliance for Kyle as he worked, only to be cast aside and forgotten when the assignment was over.

She pulled away, turned and continued on her way to the kitchen. She turned at the door to smile and say, 'Have fun today–I certainly plan to!'

***

The day was warm and pleasant as they started off, going towards the west, towards an area of the mountains Jenny rarely explored. There was a rough spot of scrub and rocks before beckoning meadows beyond. Usually she didn't care to try to traverse the awkward portion, but today she wanted the challenge, wanted something to keep her mind off Kyle Martin and his disturbing presence.

The backpack was heavy with her food and soda, and the dog treats she’d included for Shasta. The homeward journey would be easier, with most of the weight gone.

Jenny tried to keep her thoughts from Kyle as she scrambled across the hillside, moved down to sparsely forested land. The dapple shade from the ponderosa pines and Douglas fir provided a welcome relief from the heat, as the day grew warmer. Jeans and hiking boots became hot, but she knew better than to try to hike in shorts. Scratches from branches, and scrapes from rocks when she fell, would be her due if she didn't have the protective covering. But it was hot.

They’d come a long way. Shasta no longer ran ahead, but trotted by Jenny's side. Alert, ears constantly twitching, but no longer dashing ahead to return and dash off again. Jenny was growing tired, too. The next likely spot and they'd stop; eat and rest, maybe take a small nap. Jenny smiled at the thought. It would be a pleasant way to while away the hours.

Breaking out of a group of trees, she found a sheltered meadow. It was large, hidden away from the beaten track, surrounded by soaring pines and firs.

Jenny paused at its edge and looked across the expanse, a frown growing as she saw the plants flourishing across the gentle slope. Slowly she walked to the green growth, staring at it, reaching out to touch, to pluck a small leaf.

Stuart Brownley had shown her marijuana in its various stages, at their museum. This was stage number one. The young, tender leaves.

Jenny sank down, amazed at the crop spread before her. There had to be over an acre of the stuff. Every cleared inch of the meadow was planted with it.

A faint unease, a growing dread and fear began to course up her back. Hastily she glanced around, afraid of unseen eyes, afraid of who might be guarding this field.

She rose and snapped her fingers for Shasta, moving steadily back into the forest, up the hillside, looking for a sheltered spot, a safe place. She tucked the leaf in her jeans. Trying to be quiet as possible, she put as much distance between her and the meadow as she could. Finally, spotting a boulder with an overhang, she crawled up to it, sank in its shadow and scanned the hillside. Nothing moved. She heard nothing that sounded like pursuit.

Jenny carefully drew a breath and tried to feel safe. She opened her backpack and shared lunch with Shasta. The big dog ate his treat, then sank his head on his paws, watching as Jenny ate her lunch, slowly munching and constantly searching the hillside, straining to hear if another person approached.

She was finished and ready to move, to get back home and tell Kyle what she'd found, when Shasta raised his head and began growling. The fur on the back of his neck stood up, his ears were perked forward, his lips drawn back, as the low growl continued.

Jenny swallowed, eyes straining to see what the dog had seen, to know what danger lurked. She saw nothing, yet Shasta had his eyes fixed on a spot part way down the hill, near the trees. The throaty growl changed to a hoarse bark as he stood, eyes riveted on the trees.

Jenny shrank back against the boulder. Who was there? What was there?

Suddenly a deer bounded from cover, scampering across the open space, Shasta in hot pursuit.

'Shasta!' Jenny called, standing, relief almost overwhelming her. 'Shasta, come!'

The dog stopped, barked twice more at the vanishing deer and turned to trot meekly back to his mistress.

'You scared me to death,' she scolded, gathering up the remnants of lunch and putting it into her knapsack. Slinging it on her shoulders, she started off. Carefully committing the landmarks to memory, Jenny walked cautiously back the way she'd come. She wanted to be sure she could bring Kyle back here, could find her way again. He'd want to see for himself.

It was late when she reached home. But Kyle was still gone. She had forgotten his work with Naomi. Fretting as the minutes dragged by, Jenny constantly watched the drive for his return, anxious to tell him all she had learned.

Night fell, still he hadn't returned. Jenny ate a light supper, growing more and more frustrated with Kyle's absence. Darn the man, how much time did he have to spend with Naomi? Just what kind of work was it, anyway?

Jenny woke the next morning, a strange ache in her breast. She had stayed up until after midnight, waiting in vain for Kyle's return. Now she lay in bed, trying to hear anything to indicate if he were here, afraid to find he was not.

She got up, dressed and went down to get breakfast. The door to Kyle's room was still open. She peeped in—the bed was made. He had not come last night! He had stayed with Naomi.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Jenny was sitting in the sun in the yard when she heard the sound of the SUV. Her eyes clenched tightly closed, and her breathing became constricted. She refused to greet him... blast the man! She had been excited by her discovery yesterday, anxious to tell him about it, show him the field. As the night passed, her disappointment had built into anger. Let him find it himself. If he wouldn't share his clues with her, why should she with him?

She had left the wilted marijuana leaf at his place in the kitchen. If he wanted to see more, he could find it himself, or maybe Naomi could show him the way.

The sound of his steps on the gravel, then on the grass alerted her. He must have spotted her as he drove in.

'Hi,' he said.

She opened one eye, closed it again.

There was a sigh, then he sat down in the lawn chair next to her.

'Had breakfast already?' he asked.

'Yes, hours ago. Didn't Naomi feed you?'

'I wasn't with Naomi.'

Jenny thought she heard surprise in his tone. If not with Naomi, where had he been all night?

His fingers enclosed hers. Jenny's eyes opened in surprise. His brown eyes held a trace of amusement as he stared into her startled blue ones, then dropped to her mouth. Jenny licked suddenly dry lips.

'I ran out of gas.'

She started to scoff, then stopped, closing her eyes in sudden confusion. 'Oh, I forgot to tell you, the gas gauge is broken.' She opened her eyes warily.

'I found out. A mile out of town, about midnight! I hiked back to town for gas, only to find the station closes at eleven.'

Jenny was conscious of his hand, the tingling sensations his touch caused, conscious of his breath fanning her face as he talked to her, his voice remaining even. It was hard to concentrate on what he was saying when such churning feelings dominated.

'So what did you do?' she asked, trying to concentrate.

'Went to sleep at your folks.'

'What?' Jenny sat up, pulled away and stared at him. 'You're kidding!'

'Nope. You dad's a nice man. Not easily flustered. It must have been a bit much having a stranger wake you up at midnight and ask for a bed! Fortunately for me your mother came down and issued the invitation. I got to sleep in your old room. And was treated to a big pancake breakfast.'

Jenny grinned, then laughed at the picture he painted. 'I would have thought a big, brave government agent would have just slept in the car at the side of the road,' she scoffed.

'Not convalescent ones,' he said lazily. 'Otherwise, of course, I would have pushed that big SUV of yours back to the gas station, ripped off the lock with my bare teeth and filled the tank.'

She giggled at that. 'Sure,' she jeered.

'Doubt me, eh?'

‘Lucky for the gas station you are still convalescing.’

Kyle leaned forward, letting go her hand to cradle her head as his mouth sought hers.

Jenny gave a sigh of pure delight as her tongue met his, teased it, invading his mouth. His fingers splayed across her hair. The kiss was wonderful. Jenny lost track of time and thought. She could only feel the heavenly pleasure his mouth brought, the thrill of his touch as he moved to her cheeks, her neck, her throat. She wrapped her arms around him and held on, giving as good as she got. The warmth from his lips forced a small moan from Jenny as the heat spread through her body. Slowly she arched, wishing the arm of the chair wasn’t in her way.

A cold, wet nose thrust its way between them.

'Shasta, get away!' Jenny shrieked, turning her head away from his tongue as he swiped the side of her face, then began barking at this new game.

'Damn it!' Kyle sat back, trying to fend off the dog as Shasta continued to lick, joining in on the fun.

Jenny scrambled to her feet, laughing at Kyle's efforts now, at Shasta's prancing and barking. It was all a game to the dog.

'Come on, big, brave drug agent, see what I found.'

Kyle rose swiftly to his feet, coming up to take her in his arms. Pulling her roughly against him, he leaned down to kiss her once more.

'We could continue upstairs, with the door shut on your friend,' he murmured after a long minute.

Jenny leaned against his hard, warm body, imprinting the feel of him on her mind. She wanted to hold on to this moment, for a few seconds pretend that nothing stopped them from doing just that. But the picture in his room stopped her.

She drew back slowly, shook her head reluctantly. She gave a tentative smile.

'No, come on and see what I found. You'll be surprised.'

And he was. Once he recognized it, he was all business–questioning Jenny as to where she had found it, how, and if any signs of who the field belonged to were in evidence.

'I can show you where it is. We can explore it if you like. But I got out of there right away. I didn’t see anybody, or anything except the plants.'

'Tell me. I'll do the exploring.'

'I want to go,' she said stubbornly.

'No. Tell me where it is.'

'If you don't let me go, you can look for it yourself.' She waved her arm around her. 'You have the whole Sierra Nevada to look, so get to it.' She stormed out of the kitchen.

'Jenny!' Kyle went right after her, stopping her in the hall, swinging her around to face him, his hands gripping her upper arms tightly. 'This is no game. The men involved in this are dangerous. They could be killers. I don't want you involved.'

'I am involved. I'm providing cover for you. What do you think will happen if you go traipsing off by yourself? If we go together, we can... can picnic. Be having an innocent outing, if anyone should ask. I think it's safer that way.'

Besides, I don't want you to go alone, she thought, but refused to say. She knew it was dangerous and she didn't want Kyle at risk, not now. Not until he was fit and could cope. She knew he had a job to do, and was probably used to going into danger. But it was different when he was fit. He was still convalescing, whether or not he'd admit it.

He looked down into her face, indecision in his eyes. Jenny felt it was a new experience for him. Finally his fingers slackened a little.

'All right, just today. We'll go on a picnic. You pack a lunch.'

Jenny led the way, backpack on her shoulders. Kyle had argued to carry it, but she had insisted, it was hers and her size. In reality she was sparing his shoulder, but knew he was too much of a man to let her have it for that reason. He’d showered and changed before they started out, his jeans covered by a loose-fitting shirt. Jenny eyed his outfit for a moment.

'Carrying a gun?' she asked softly.

'Yes,' was the bit out reply.

Kyle was not in the best of moods. He hadn’t expected Jenny to be so stubborn. The last thing he wanted was to expose her to any danger. What a stroke of luck, her finding a field so soon after he arrived. Had she not, who knew how long it would take to locate it. But that did not mean he wanted her involved in any way, shape or form.

Yet he needed her to locate the field. He hoped there’d be satellite reception there. He had a hand-held GPS, which would pinpoint the location. Once that was done, he’d contact Stuart and plan the next phase.

For now, he wanted to get in and out without anyone knowing.

***

Jenny recognized the landmarks she had so carefully committed to memory. The going was still hard in spots and it seemed to take longer today. Anticipation having an effect no doubt.

'You hike a lot, don't you?' Kyle said, moving to walk beside her with the trail widened.

'I love to be out in the open, to see all the empty land, see the beauties of the mountains.'

'It reminds me a little of picnics my family went on when I was a kid,' he murmured. 'We didn't live in the mountains, though. San Diego was home, but the long endless beaches and vast ocean give one the same sort of peace.'

'Are you an only child?' Jenny could scarcely believe he was opening up. She knew this was not part of a cover story. Kyle was sharing a portion of his life with her.

'I had a sister. She and my folks and I used to go to the beach a lot when I was young. It all changed, once I went to college.'

'Where did you go?'

'Berkeley. How about you? I know you grew up here, but have you ever gone anywhere else?'

'Sure, lots of places. I went to college in Sacramento, to Disneyland one summer, the Grand Canyon and skiing in the Rockies. I have all I want here.' She smiled at him. 'I know it doesn't seem likely to you, but I found Sacramento a big city. I was amazed at Los Angeles and San Francisco. I prefer the mountains.'

'I can see why. I've been all over the state, back East, too, and this area is one of the prettiest I've seen.'

Shasta ran alongside them, sometimes surging ahead, sometimes lingering behind finding endless scents to explore. Jenny instinctively slowed as they approached the meadow.

'Just ahead,' she said softly.

Kyle stopped her and studied the terrain, listening for any other sounds. He nodded and they stepped to the edge of the clearing.

Kyle stood in silence for a long moment, assessing what was before them.

'Is it marijuana?' Jenny asked.

'Yes.' He shook his head slightly. 'Must have a street value of close to a million,' he said softly to himself.

'That much?' Jenny was surprised. There were lots of plants, but that much? 'It doesn't look like such a big crop.'

'Who owns this land?'

'I'm not sure, but I think it's national forest land. That stream we crossed a while back runs along the boundary on this side. We can check it on the map when we get back.'

'Step back a bit and stay here. Hold Shasta. I'm going to circle the field. Wait for me here, understand?' His eyes were hard, narrowed against the sun, as he looked at Jenny.

She nodded and moved back several yards before she sank down on the soft pine needles, holding Shasta's collar. She watched as Kyle slowly started down the hill, hugging the shelter of the trees, skirting the meadow, slowly working his way around. After a while she lost sight of him and sat idly watching through the trees at the limited view of the field. Butterflies danced across the lacy plants, the hot sun burned in the sky, the soft pattern of the pine and fir limbs throwing speckled shade where she sat. The slight breeze cooled.

Kyle came up on her left side and dropped down beside her. She glanced at him questioningly, but he shook his head.

'There's a road near the end of the field, about fifty yards off. That's probably how they plan to harvest it. They've got an elaborate irrigation set up, they must pipe water in from the river occasionally. The sun's too hot to grow the plant without some irrigation. I wonder how often they water.' He was silent for a long moment, assessing the field. 'Who’s running the show, though, is anyone's guess at this point.' He looked at her, and sensed her mood.

'What's wrong?'

'All this.' She waved her hand towards the meadow. 'I never believed it, you know. Brownley was like something out of James Bond. I would be doing a service to my country. Then you came, and sometimes I believed it, but mostly you were just like anyone else. It was like playing a game. But now I know that someone in Palmer is tied up in this. Someone I probably know. I just wish it had never happened here. That it had happened somewhere else and left my part of the world clean.'

'Everyone everywhere wishes that. Have you ever tried it?' Kyle asked.

'No. Have you?'

'Yes, once or twice in college. Experiments. I was brash, a know-it-all, then.'

Jenny glanced at him with a small, tight smile; she didn't see much change.

'I didn't like it, and quit. I don't like to feel out of control.'

'No, you like to be in control.'

'All the time,' he agreed.

Jenny nodded, she couldn't imagine him any other way.

'Continued use causes problems. You can see lots of old winos, but you never see an old drug addict.' His voice grew bitter, his face closed.

'What will you do now?'

'Set up round-the-clock surveillance. Find out who owns the land. Run background checks on those likely to be involved if we can get a lead. Find out who's behind this.'

'And Naomi?' Jenny couldn't resist asking.

Kyle slanted her a grin and rose, holding his hand to help her to her feet.

'Continue on that line, as well. That's the retail side, this is the wholesale side. Maybe the same group is running the whole damned show. Maybe she’s the link, channeling the weed to the city. Lots to discover yet.'

Jenny turned as they started up the hillside, drawing back farther into the woods, leaving the meadow behind them. When they reached a cleared, flat, rocky area, she turned to Kyle.

'Want to eat here?'

'Fine.'

They shared the sandwiches and sodas she had brought, sitting on a light blanket she had packed. Shasta gnawed on the bone Jenny had carried for him, content in the hot sun.

They talked desultorily about other times and friends. Jenny told Kyle about her life in Palmer, answering his questions when he raised them, questioning him in turn.

'And you never married?' she asked at last.

'Nope, too much going on. This life would be too much to ask of a wife. The uncertain hours, the long time away on assignments,' he said.

'Not to mention the risks, the dangers,' she murmured, wondering again who the picture was of. If not a wife, a girlfriend?

He shrugged. 'And you? I hear Johnny's been dead over a year. Will you look to remarry one day?'

Jenny gazed over the rocky hillside to the distant blue haze over the ridges of the far ranges. 'I thought at one time never again; while being married is nice, the pain of losing is too great.'

'And now?'

'Who knows?' Who knows, she repeated in her head. If things had been different, if things were different, she might have loved Kyle Martin.

As the day grew warmer, and the talk died, Jenny shrugged out of her button-up shirt. She wore a tank top on beneath it. She turned her face up to the sun, glad for its warmth, the peace in the clearing.

Kyle opened his shirt, laying back on his arms for a moment, then sitting up to rub his injured shoulder. Taking off his shirt, he used it as a pillow for his head, lying down in the sun.

Jenny looked at him. His chest was broad and muscular, his arms and shoulders showing a strength and fitness that had been hinted at beneath his shirt. The angry red gash high on his left arm showed where the bullet had penetrated. She winced, again imagining the pain and anguish it had caused. There was one other scar on his body, faded now, obviously an old one, low on his chest. The gun protruded from the waistband of his jeans.

How could he constantly put himself in danger? Didn't he want to put that behind him and find a safe profession? She frowned at the thought of another incident that would injure him. How much longer could he do it? Did government agents work until they were sixty-five and retire? Would he move on to something else? Or stay in the fieldwork of DEA, craving the excitement and satisfaction when drug traffickers were caught?

Her eyes moved up to his head, his brown hair ruffled and blown by the hike, his eyes slits, watching her look at him. She flushed in confusion, and looked away, afraid the interest she felt was reflected in her face.

'Want to make love here in the sun?' he asked softly, his hand trailing fire down her arm, his warm fingers closing over hers.

She looked around. They were alone, just the two of them on a deserted hillside.

'What, you, me and Shasta?'

'Shasta has his bone, he won't bother us.'

Jenny licked her lips, her heart tripping in excitement. She turned to look at Kyle. Shasta stopped gnawing and raised his head towards the woods, a low growl in his throat.

Kyle sat up, looking where the dog focused.

'It's only a deer,' Jenny said in disgust. 'He did that last time, too.'

Kyle turned and pushed her back on the blanket, roughly putting his hand beneath her sun-top.

'Kyle, don't.' Jenny's hands ineffectively fluttered against his.

'Someone's coming, Jenny. We need a cover.' He leaned over her, capturing her mouth with his, moving his lips against her as she felt the hard metal of the gun pushed beneath her bottom with his other hand.

'Keep on this. Sit still, if it comes to it. If you're forced to rise, try to drag the blanket over the gun. Got it? Don't let anyone know we have it,' he said against her mouth.

Jenny nodded, the gun an uncomfortable bulge beneath her. Her heart tripped rapidly now, but not in anticipation. She strained to hear what Kyle had heard. Soon footsteps climbing the rocky hillside were audible.

Shasta stood and barked, his eyes on the trail leading the clearing.

Kyle raised his head and glanced over his shoulder as if hearing the intruders for the first time. He glanced back at Jenny and winked.

'We've got company!'

He turned and sat up, drawing on his shirt, shielding her as the two men continued to climb towards them. Jenny recognized Nate Fisher and Bart Cameron, a man who worked at the lumber mill on the far side of town.

She snatched her top closed, buttoning it and sitting up, conscious all the while of the gun hidden beneath her. She called to Shasta who came promptly to her side, still barking. Jenny watched apprehensively as the men drew close and stopped.

‘That’s enough, Shasta, they are friends.’ She grabbed the dog’s collar and held on. Shasta sat and stared at the two men.

'Hi, Jenny, Kyle.' Nate spoke first, a sly smile on his face.

Jenny wondered what role was she to play. Confused embarrassment, she guessed.

'Hi, Nate, Bart.' Jenny nodded at the other man, bright color high in her cheeks.

'Out for a picnic, I see,' Nate said, then scanned the area. 'I would have tried for a nice meadow, green grass, not so much rocks.'

Kyle shrugged and looked around as well. 'We didn't see any on the way here. Know of one for another time?'

Nate looked at him for a moment, tense and poised, then shook his head. 'Nope. Some nice ones on the other side of Jenny's place, near the river. Not on this hillside.' His glance moved to Jenny, back to Kyle.

'It's a long trek back, let's get started, Kyle.' Jenny's low voice broke the tension. He looked at her and smiled.

'Sure. I'll carry the knapsack. You carried it on the way here.'

She nodded and smiled shyly at Nate and Bart. They watched as Kyle gathered the remnants of lunch and stuffed it into the backpack.

Jenny pulled on her long-sleeved shirt, trying to button it with fingers that shook. She hoped the two men wouldn't notice. Why were they here? Were they involved with the marijuana? Or just out for a hike? She was suddenly glad they'd had the picnic. Even if Nate and Bart were involved in marijuana, they wouldn’t suspect Kyle and her of spying. They'd see it as an innocent outing. What if he had come alone?

Kyle took the corner of the blanket and pulled it up.

'I need to pack the blanket, Jenny,' he said, his eyes trying to convey a message.

She nodded, wondering how to get up and not expose the gun.

'Shasta, go get your bone,' she said as she rose to her knees. The two men swiveled to see the dog, then turned back to her. It was enough time. Kyle had the blanket bunched up and was stuffing it into the backpack.

'Come on, boy. Bring the bone.' Jenny stood up and coaxed Shasta. He picked up the bone and pranced over to them.

'Enjoy your hike.' Jenny pasted a smile on her face and reached out her hand to Kyle. She was trembling, wanted to run away at full speed, but hoped it didn't show. He took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly when he felt her fingers tremble, the backpack slung over his right shoulder.

'Be seeing you,' Kyle said to the two silent men. They moved slowly away.

When they were out of hearing, Jenny said softly, out of the corner of her mouth, 'Are they still watching us? Do you think it's them?'

'I've no idea, but it raises interesting possibilities. And yes, I think they'll watch us off the mountain.'

He stopped and turned to her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her. With his eyes open, he glanced back to where they'd been. The two men were still watching.

'They're still there,' he said against her mouth. 'Let's go.'

The rest of the way home was silent. Jenny alternated between wishing Kyle’s kisses had meant something, and wondering if Nate and Bart were really involved in drugs. She hadn’t heard of any extravagant purchases or exotic vacations taken by either of them. And Palmer would have been rife with gossip if that happened.

When they reached the house, Kyle handed her the backpack.

'I've got some calls to make. Be careful when you take out the gun.' He went into the den, pulling the hall phone into the room and closed the door behind him.

Jenny stood staring after him. Who did he think he was? It was her house, her phone. And her discovery of the marijuana field. He had just shut the door in her face! It wasn’t likely he’d say anything she already didn’t know.

After a minute of glaring at the door, she turned and stomped down the hall to the kitchen. Gingerly she unpacked the backpack and laid the gun at his place, muzzle facing the wall.

Jenny had taken her shower and was brushing her hair in her room when she heard the shower running again. Kyle had obviously finished his phone call.

She went downstairs and sat on the front porch, gazing off into the hills while waiting for him to finish. She heard him coming down the stairs and looked over her shoulder into the house.

'I'm going out, Jenny. Can I borrow your car again?'

'Where are you going?'

'Around. I'll be back late. Don't wait up.' He turned and went back down the hall, evading the question, leaving before Jenny could catch up. She ran down the hall and through the kitchen, noting the gun was gone. He was already across the yard and into the SUV, starting the engine.

'Blast you, Kyle Martin! If you're going to confront some criminals on your own, you can forget about calling me for help in the future,’ she said, knowing he couldn't hear her. Knowing she really didn't mean it.

CHAPTER NINE

Jenny watched in frustration as he disappeared down the drive, then she turned slowly back to the house. Shasta followed her, bone in mouth.

'Not in the house, my boy. You eat that outside.' She held the door for him to go back outside. The phone rang and Jenny let the screen slam as she went to get it.

It was her mother.

'Did Kyle get home all right this morning? We tried calling earlier, but no one answered.'

'Yes, Mom, he did. We went for a picnic lunch, just got back a little while ago. Thanks for putting him up for the night. I forgot to tell him about the broken gas gauge.'

'He was no trouble. Though I don’t think your father liked getting up in the middle of the night.' Her mother's comment caused Jenny to smile.

'I bet. Well, he knows about the gauge now. How's Dad?'

'Cranky for lack of sleep. He'll say hello. George's party was fun, I thought. I’m glad you went.'

'Me, too. I had a good time.'

Though not the part where she saw Kyle kissing Naomi! The memory caused Jenny to frown. She wished she could compartmentalize things as Kyle obviously could. Kissing her one-minute and then Naomi.

'Hello, sweetheart.' Her dad came on the line.

'Hi, Dad. Kyle told me about last night. Sorry he had to wake you up.'

'Couldn’t be helped. He doesn’t know anyone else in town. He doesn't look like Edith at all. You two come for dinner soon. Your mom was a great friend of Edith’s. I'm sorry they lost touch.'

'Kyle’s out right now. I'll call later in the week and set something up.' If I can't get out of it first, Jenny thought. Just what they needed, her mother given enough time would find out Kyle didn't know Edith at all, much less was her son.

***

George Carlisle called later that evening.

'Thanks again for inviting me to the barbecue,' Jenny said when she answered. 'It was my first social outing since Johnny's death, and I'm glad it was at your place.'

'My pleasure. The only problem with being host was my time was spread so thin. I wanted to spend more time with you, Jenny. Would you be free for dinner this week? Tomorrow night, maybe?'

Jenny hesitated. She should be pleased someone asked her out, glad some male appeared to want to spend time in her company. Yet she was disappointed it wasn't Kyle.

Remembering his abrupt departure helped make up her mind.

'Yes, I love to.'

'Good. I’ll pick you up around six-thirty. We'll go into Tahoe, if you like.'

'That sounds like fun, I haven't been there in a while.' That would show Mr. Kyle Martin some people actually wanted to spend time with her–not use her for cover.

Jenny watched TV that night, entertained by the movie, yet constantly attuned for the sound of the car. Where was Kyle? What was he doing? She hoped he was safe, wherever he was.

He had not returned by the time she went to bed. It was after midnight before the headlights swept across her wall, and the sound of the SUV crunching the gravel heard. She held her breath when he came in the house, tensed and straining to hear him. He climbed the stairs, seemed to pause near her door, then proceeded to his room. The door closed with a soft click and Jenny sighed, turning over to finally go to sleep.

***

Kyle was gone when she awoke the next morning. The car was in the garage, and she used it to drive into town and get the next batch of work. It was a pleasant morning, warm and still. She was finished visiting her clients by noon and went to see if April was free for lunch.

She was and soon both were seated around the table at the small coffee shop. April was curious about Kyle and had a hundred questions. Jenny smiled and tried to answer all her questions as if Kyle was actually a professor.

'Wasn't the party at George's super? I think most of the town was there. What did you think of Miss Naomi appropriating Kyle?' she asked unexpectedly.

Jenny hadn’t expected others to notice. At least it minimized the possibility Nate had spread the tale of their picnic.

'He’s free to see whomever he wants. Naomi’s very attractive and Kyle is used to the city. He teaches at San Francisco State. There’s a good chance they can hook up once both are back home.'

'I so don’t see Naomi falling for some professor. You have to admit, however, that Kyle doesn’t look like a professor. I always thought they were kind of reserved. He’s too hot to be reserved.' April looked at her friend and grinned. ‘Maybe you and I have witnessed the beginning of a passionate love affair started right here!’

Jenny didn't like the idea at all. She was being silly, of course. Kyle wasn't really a professor at the State University, it was only his front, his cover. Still, the thought of his seeing Naomi rankled. She didn't want to think about it. It was work, he'd said, but what did that really mean? Moonlight and kisses to lull her into confiding in him? Surely government agents had other ways to question people.

Changing the subject, Jenny soon had April talking again about her upcoming vacation to Hawaii.

Kyle had not returned when Jenny arrived home in the late afternoon. She hadn’t told him she was going out with George. Once showered and dressed, she wrote Kyle a note, just in case he came home and wondered where she was.

It was the least she could do. Maybe spark him to show her the same courtesy–where was he and with whom?

She felt vaguely guilty as she wrote the note. She really didn't want to go out with George, she wasn't excited about going out at all. A quiet evening at home would suit her better. But she’d never let George know that. She had accepted his invitation and should make the most of it. It wasn't his fault she felt as she did. He was being kind. The least she could do was make an effort to enjoy the evening.

She wore a soft rose-colored silk dress and high heels, brushing her hair until the gold highlights showed in the late afternoon sun. A light application of make-up, a dab of Joy and she was ready. Taking a light shawl in case the evening turned cool, she left to wait for George downstairs.

'Going out?' Kyle's voice stopped her at the top of the steps. She turned; he was standing in the doorway to his room, clad only in his jeans. She hadn't heard his return.

She swallowed, nodded. 'Yes. George is taking me to dinner. I didn't fix you anything, I didn't know if you'd be home or not.' She held out the note. ‘I was going to leave you a note.’

'Where are you going?'

'Lake Tahoe, I think.'

'That's a long drive.' Kyle moved to come up to Jenny, causing her to tilt her head back to see him. His eyes traveled over her body, coming back to rest on her eyes. Taking a deep breath, he smiled sardonically.

'The whole bit, eh?'

Jenny turned to go down the stairs, his hand shot out to grasp her arm and turn her back.

'Don't go, Jenny. Tell him you can't make it tonight. Make it some other time.' Kyle's voice was low, hurried.

'No, I can’t do that. I’m free to go out with whomever I wish. Please let me go.'

'I don't want you to go with George Carlisle,' he said again.

'Oh, come on, Kyle, you don't own me. I can see whomever I wish!'

'Not George.' He moved his hand to her shoulder, the thumb gently caressing her collarbone. Jenny felt her resolution dissolving. His hand burned through her silk dress, moving seductively against her. She swayed towards him and glanced at him through her lashes. The triumphant gleam in his eyes jerked her back.

'I won't be manipulated!' She shrugged off his hand and ran lightly down the stairs. 'I'll wait outside. Fix yourself something for dinner.'

She slammed the door behind her and stood on the doorstep, breasts heaving as she tried to calm herself. The nerve of the man. Blast him, anyway! Just who did he think he was? To set himself up as the arbitrator of whom she could go out with, whom she could have dinner with. It was fine for him to declare he wanted her, then go off and spend who knew how much time with Naomi, but if she just tried to go out on a friendly date with someone, it was different. Stay home, Jenny, don't go out, as if he expected her to sit around awaiting his pleasure.

She was not growing calm, she was getting angrier by the minute. This would never do. She owed it to George to be in a pleasant mood when he arrived. It wasn't his fault that Kyle was so infuriating. Taking a deep breath, she deliberately stopped thinking of Kyle Martin and his autocratic ideas.

When George arrived, Jenny greeted him with a pleasant smile and settled back in his Mercedes to enjoy the drive. The trip to Lake Tahoe passed quickly as George kept the conversation general, his big car moving swiftly along the mountain roads.

Dinner was at a restaurant overlooking the lake.

'I wasn't sure you would join me tonight,' George said when they had ordered.

'Why not? You're pleasant company, and it's a delightful restaurant. I do like Lake Tahoe.'

'I'm glad. Actually, heard a rumor that you and Kyle were–rather more than cousins, shall I say.'

The color stole into her cheeks as she dropped her eyes. She didn't know what to say. How had he heard that? Nate and Bart obviously. But why would they have said anything? She looked up refusing to apologize for her actions–no matter how they appeared.

'We don't really have a purely cousinly relationship. Kyle was Johnny's cousin.'

'So more than just—umm—kissing kin?' George asked.

'What do you mean?'

'Well, Nate seemed to think you two have something going. As I said, I'm glad you don't, that you were available to join me tonight.'

'I am, too.' She was puzzled. Jenny hadn't thought Nate and George were friends. Certainly not to the extent of talking about a couple found kissing on a blanket on a hillside such a short time ago.

'Kyle staying long?' George asked.

'He's convalescing from a motorcycle accident, as you know. I think he plans to stay the whole summer. Until school starts in the fall. I think he’s at loose ends. He had different plans for the summer.'

'I remember he mentioned a trip to Europe he had to miss. Teaches history?'

'That's right. Are you planning any trips soon? You know April’s going to Hawaii for vacation? She's been saving for ages.' Jenny was uncomfortable with George's questions about Kyle for some reason, which she found hard to define. She definitely wanted to change the subject.

They talked about people they knew, what George’s brother was doing and how he liked Oregon. Which led into a discussion of different places they’d each visited. Jenny began to enjoy herself.

The view from the restaurant was lovely. The lake was a deep blue, the sky gradually changing from light blue to pink to mauve, and finally the dark velvet black of the mountain night.

After the waiter had left their coffee, George again began to question Jenny on Kyle. She tried to think carefully before each response, but was worried with the line of conversation. What George just making conversation or was there more? Good grief, she’d known the man most of her life. Yet until recently they’d spent very little time together. Did he think he had to vet anyone she saw?

'Why is he staying with you? You didn't know each other before, did you? When Johnny was alive?' he asked.

'Well, we had met before, of course.' That, at least, was true.

'But he and Johnny weren't close. Nate said he never saw him before.'

'Nate?' It must have been a lengthy conversation.

'Well, Nate knew a lot of Johnny's cousins. They were always running around together with Nick as kids. What do you know about this Kyle Martin?'

'Really, George, you sound as if you don't like Kyle,' she stalled.

'It's not that, Jenny.' He covered her hand with his, giving a light squeeze. 'I'm just worried about you, that's all. I feel sort of responsible for you.'

'I'm flattered, but I'm fine. Kyle is quite–quite nice.' What an inadequate word and inaccurate. She had never thought of him as nice. Exciting, perhaps, exasperating, infuriating, hard to understand. But not nice.

'He's not taking advantage, then.' George withdrew a little.

'No, of course not. Really, George, he's a perfect guest.'

'Out hiking a lot?'

'Not really. He's only starting to get about. We went for his first walk Sunday.' There was no point in trying to deny that, as George had obviously heard about it from Nate. Jenny continued to be puzzled: she really hadn't thought of Nate and George as friends. Her suspicion grew, but Jenny thrust it away. She would not let Kyle’s investigation have her suspecting people she’d known forever.

'Kyle was tired when we got home. I think we went too far for a first-time hike.' That would lend credence to the storyline they were following about his recovery.

Taking a deep breath, Jenny looked directly at George. 'I didn't realize you and Nate were such friends.' There, let him answer that!

'We've known each other for years. I saw him this morning when I took the car in. Just idle talk, you know. Care for anything else?'

Jenny was glad when they started for home. She usually enjoyed her evenings with George Carlisle, but tonight she was disturbed. She wanted to talk to Kyle about the odd atmosphere at dinner. She sure felt George had questioned her more about Kyle than just normal curiosity would warrant. As they drove along, she tried to envision George engaging in idle chatter while someone repaired a car. It didn't seem like him, somehow.

When they reached her house, Jenny thanked him for the evening. 'I enjoyed myself.' She smiled at him. 'Want to come in for coffee?'

He glanced to the house, one light shining in the ground-floor window. 'Not tonight, thanks. Let's do it again soon, Jenny.'

He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the mouth. Jenny sat still, assessing the kiss. She was shocked to discover nothing. It was as if she was kissing her grandfather or Johnny's brother. George's lips were firm, slightly cool. She kissed him back just a little and then smiled.

'Goodnight.'

She watched as the car drove off, wondering what was wrong with her. If Kyle had kissed her, she would have gone up in smoke. But he was not available, while George was. Yet George was not able to make her senses stir, her heartbeat increase. It might be so simple if he could.

Kyle was stretched out on the sofa, watching TV. He looked up when she walked in, a scowl on his face.

'Hi,' Jenny said brightly.

'You're home early. Have a nice dinner?' He raised a sardonic eyebrow.

She flushed a little and moved to sit near on the chair flanking the sofa.

'I had a lovely time,' she replied defiantly. 'Did you get some dinner?'

'Yes.' He turned back to the TV.

Jenny bit her lip, watching Kyle. She had wanted to confide in him, tell him about the awkward conversation with George. Would Kyle listen to her? Would he think it odd, or that she was just being fanciful?

'Kyle?'

'What?' His dark eyes looked at her under lowered brows. It was not an auspicious start.

'I—er—just wanted to talk. Are you watching the show?'

'Obviously I am, Jenny. If you want to talk, though, I'll turn it off.'

'Well, you don't have to, just listen. George questioned me a lot tonight, mostly about you.'

Kyle looked at her, a puzzled expression on his face. 'So? Probably doesn't like some man staying with you. I wouldn't.'

'Don't be silly, you're supposed to be Johnny's cousin.'

Kyle sat up and shook his head. 'Don't you be silly! We wouldn't be closely related, even if I were Johnny's cousin. You're a beautiful woman, what man who had any interest in you would want another man living with you?'

Jenny's eyes widened a little. No one, not even her mother, had ever called her beautiful before. Did Kyle really think so? Then she frowned as the rest of what he'd said sank in.

'Well, you aren't really living with me.'

'Not my fault!' His mood lightened and the amusement she so often saw on his face became evident.

'Kyle, I want to talk about George.'

'Fine. Come sit here.' He patted the sofa beside him.

'I'm fine here.'

'I can hear better from here.'

Jenny paused for a moment, then hesitantly rose and sat beside him on the sofa.

'What did George ask that got you so worried?'

'First, lots of questions about you like why you came here, if I'd met you before, things like that. Then he talked about Nate. Remember I told you I didn't think they were friends? Well, tonight he was repeating things Nate had told him.'

'You said they knew each other. Maybe they just met in town and talked.'

'Nate told him about meeting us the other day on the mountain. You don't just bring up things like that to casual acquaintances, do you?'

Kyle was silent a moment, then shook his head.

'So, what are you suggesting?' he asked.

'I don't know,' she said. 'Just an interesting connection, don't you think?'

'Yeah.' Kyle reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers and raising their hands to his lips, lightly touching each of her fingertips. 'Not as interesting as you, though.'

Jenny's hand tingled. The touch of his mouth on her fingers caused more feeling in her whole body than George's kiss had. The feel of Kyle's hard palm against hers was distracting, so that she couldn't concentrate.

'I think I'll try a new tactic,' he murmured, looking directly at her.

'A new tactic?' Jenny said softly, conscious of his thumb gently rubbing the back of her hand. She opened her mouth a little to draw in air; she had trouble breathing, her stomach was filled with butterflies. Her eyes moved to his mouth, drawn there irresistibly.

Would Kyle kiss her again? The touch of his hand alone evoked emotions and feelings within her that being with George had never approached. She longed to feel his mouth on hers again.

'Where did you go for dinner?' Kyle asked, putting his feet up on the coffee table, resting their linked hands on his muscular thigh as he leaned back, his thumb still gently rubbing her soft skin.

Jenny found it hard to remember. 'We went to Lake Tahoe, The Silver Moon, right on the lake.'

'I'm glad you didn't stay late.'

'Well, we ate, then drove back.' What more should she have expected?

'He didn't want to come in? Or didn't you ask him?'

'I did, but he said another time.' Jenny experimentally tried pulling back her hand, but he held it fast. 'Do you think it suspicious that George kept asking questions about you?'

'Do you?'

'Yes, I do. George isn't the type to ask questions like that ordinarily.' She was silent for a long moment, thinking, turning things over in her mind. ‘At least I don’t think so. I don’t know him that well. But the other evenings we’ve gone out he didn’t ask so many questions.’

'Do you think he could be involved in the marijuana field?' Kyle asked.

‘No! Good heavens you suspect everyone.’

‘Not you.’

‘George and his family have lived here for generations. He has a boatload of money, no need to do drugs.’

Kyle shrugged. 'Right now almost anyone could be involved, or no one we've seen.'

Jenny was silent a minute, praying it was someone she didn't know. She didn't want anyone in Palmer to be involved. She realized it was wishful thinking on her part, that things didn't always turn out the way someone wanted. Wishing didn't make it so.

She looked up at him when he tugged gently at her hand. His other hand came up to her neck, his fingers warm and caressing, tangling in the soft hair at her neckline. Slowly Kyle pulled her to him until they were only inches apart.

'I want you, Jenny,' he said softly, his eyes warm, gazing deep into hers, dark and hungry.

She stiffened and would have pulled back, but his hand was firm against her neck.

'Maybe not tonight or even tomorrow. But soon, sweetheart, we’re going to stop this ache I have for you.’

Her heart lurched with his words. For one sweet moment Jenny let her imagination run riot. To envisage lying with Kyle in a bed, feeling his skin against hers, legs tangled, his hands giving them both hours of pleasure. Kisses and caresses throughout the night.

She grew warm with the thought, the longing almost tangible. Then she shook her head to deny the dream, to deny him. To deny herself.

'Oh, yes, sweet Jenny, before I go.'

He brought his lips to hers, shifted on the sofa and released her hand to take her in his arms.

Whatever George had lacked, Kyle didn't. His mouth brought Jenny alive, his lips against hers seemed to light up her entire body, his tongue igniting the flame that consumed her. Her bones seemed to dissolve and turn to molten fire. Sensations never felt swept through and lifted her to heights only dreamed of.

She reached to encircle his neck, bringing her soft breasts against his rock-hard chest, moving against him as she felt her breasts swell, grow firm. Kyle pulled her tightly against him, shifting again to lie on the sofa, Jenny following him down.

His tongue traced the soft inner lining of her mouth, rubbed her teeth, teased her tongue, invited it to follow to his mouth. She kissed him eagerly, yearning for more, knowing the madness must stop soon.

His hands molded her body to his, repositioning her to lie on top of him, his hands on her back, moving slowly to her waist, her hips, back along her spine. Jenny felt the desire in him rise, matched by the longing she felt. This was insanity, sweet craziness.

He pulled his mouth away to trail hot kisses along her jaw, to the warm pulse in her throat, up the column of her neck to her earlobe. Slowly he unzipped her dress, to find her bra. She stiffened slightly when the zip moved.

'Relax,' he murmured lazily. 'I'm not going to do anything you don't want. I only want to touch you, feel your skin, not your dress.'

Placing his hands on her bare back, he traced patterns that seemed to feed her desire even more.

Jenny moved seductively against him, her body responding automatically to the slow rhythm of his touch. Kyle found her mouth again as his hands pressed her tighter to him. Her senses swam with blurred delight as his kiss deepened, thrilled, excited.

Kyle's hands rose to tangle themselves in Jenny's soft hair, moving her head back and forth as he drank deeply of the kisses she gave.

Then, with a ragged breath, he lifted her head.

She opened her eyes a little to gaze down at him. He looked amazing. She never wanted to look away.

'This is as far as I can go if you don't want to sleep with me tonight,' he said, hoarsely.

Of course she wanted to sleep with him, tonight, tomorrow night, every night! Then sanity returned. There was a limit to the nights: it would be just until he left. He had said it himself.

Jenny's eyes widened and she scrambled up in confusion. She wasn't as modern as she'd thought. She still believed in old-fashioned virtues. She didn't consider herself a prude, but she did want more than casual sex, more than a few nights together, no matter how wonderful. She wasn’t the type for one-night stands.

'Goodnight,' she mumbled, and fled for the stairs and the sanctity of her room.

CHAPTER TEN

The next few days flew by. Kyle spent more and more time away from the house, not telling Jenny where he was going, no longer taking her with him. When she asked once or twice, he refused to tell her, saying only that it didn't concern her.

Jenny wanted more after that evening on the sofa, but Kyle became more distant than before. She knew things were coming to a head. There didn’t seem to be anything she could do but watch as he spent more and more time away.

She wondered once or twice if he was seeing Naomi, but she didn't think that was the reason for his long absences. Naomi had returned to San Francisco so, unless on vacation, she would not be in Palmer during the week.

On Saturday, Kyle asked Jenny to drive them to Strawberry. They met Stuart Brownley for lunch there. He had brought a motorcycle for Kyle's use.

'You aren't going to ride it, are you?' Jenny sounded horrified when she saw the big black Harley. She could just envision a real motorcycle accident.

'Of course, you don't think it'll get itself to your place, do you?' Kyle asked.

'But your arm! You shouldn't be driving around on that machine. It's not safe.'

'It's fine. Good transportation and easily hidden. Don't fret, Jenny,' he said impatiently.

Stuart Brownley turned to hide a smile at their exchange.

They ate lunch at a local cafe. The men chose a table near the back and both sat so they could see the door. Stuart and Kyle talked shop, Stuart brought Kyle up to date on different assignments others in their group were working on without revealing anything sensitive to Jenny. He started to say something once about Kyle's assignment, but Kyle stopped him.

'Later.' He glanced at Jenny.

'I'm not going to tell anyone,' she said indignantly. She was the reason they had such a foothold into Palmer. Did they believe now they couldn’t trust her?

'I like to operate on the need-to-know basis. You don't need to know. Besides, you have a very expressive face. I don't want you to inadvertently give something away,' Kyle explained.

Jenny glared at him, then turned away in haughty disdain when both men roared with laughter at her look.

After lunch they walked Jenny back to her car, Kyle opening the driver’s door for her.

'I'm going to go over some things with Stuart. I'll be back for dinner,' he said as she got in the SUV.

Jenny, still annoyed with the laughter at lunch, nodded stiffly and put the key in the ignition.

'Don't sulk, baby.' Kyle leaned in to turn her head, giving her a quick kiss. He then slammed the door.

She met the amused look on Stuart's face, and frowned. Glaring at Kyle, she nodded again. 'Drive carefully on that fool bike,' she said.

It was the first time he'd touched her since their night on the sofa. She ran her tongue lightly around her lips, wishing he'd given her a real kiss her and not a brush of lips. Impatiently she jerked her thoughts back. He was not for her. She put the car in gear and headed for home.

***

‘Is that serious?’ Stuart asked as he watched Jenny drive off.

‘I don’t make long-range plans, you know that,’ Kyle said, his gaze also on the departing car.

‘Things change. You’re not getting any younger. Maybe if you met the right woman, you’d want to settle down and raise a family.’

‘Bring kids into this world with all its problems?’

‘Hey, we’re doing our part to rid the world of vermin.’

‘It’s like whack a mole, take down one grow site and two more spring up.’

‘They might have sprung up anyway and then we would have had three,’ Stuart countered. ‘Which is why we do what we do.’

Kyle shrugged and turned back to face the man. ‘I don’t want Jenny to know what I’ve discovered. She truly has an expressive face and thinks the best of everyone.’ He fished out a small notebook and handed it to Stuart. ‘I could find out a lot, some of the things I need help with are listed there. Let me know when you get some answers. Things are going down soon, I think. The crop is about ready to harvest.’

‘Your cover still strong?’ Stuart asked.

‘Rock solid. No one would suspect Jenny of any clandestine activities. She’s still the perfect choice.’

‘Just don’t go messing with her life. She has to live there when we pull out.’

Kyle nodded. ‘Thanks for the bike, it’ll make things a lot easier.’

He enjoyed the feel of the machine beneath him as he headed back to Palmer. He needed to pull back from depending on Jenny’s car. It was too distinctive. A motorcycle could be pushed into the brush and not easily spotted.

He almost smiled when he remembered Jenny’s disapproval of the bike. He wouldn’t want her to worry. But he couldn’t help feeling just a bit of warmth where his heart should be that she would care.

By the time he reached Jenny’s house in the late afternoon, Kyle wasn’t thinking of her, but planning what his next step was. Until Stuart had the information he wanted, he was playing a waiting game.

He ate dinner quickly, glad Jenny seemed content to leave him to his own thoughts. Once finished, he went to her small den, pulling the phone in from the hall and closing the door. He spent the evening there, on the phone with men at the office in Sacramento. By the time he finished, he had all the information he needed.

***

With the advent of the motorcycle, Jenny scarcely saw Kyle. He left the house early each morning, often before she was up. The few mornings he stayed for breakfast, he'd bolt as soon as it was finished. In the evenings, Jenny was usually in bed when the muffled roar of the big Harley announced his return.

Jenny felt shut out. She recognized why Kyle operated under the need-to-know theory, and his reservations of telling her everything but, after all, she was providing him a base of operation, had provided the background information he needed for the assignment. To now be totally excluded from the project hurt.

Did Kyle feel her usefulness was at an end? Maybe she could still help. If she could provide some further assistance, maybe Kyle would take her into his confidence, know she could be trusted, spend more time with her.

Going into the den, Jenny looked for the topographical map he had used. If she could locate the marijuana field on it, identify the fire road that ran by it, she could offer to watch it to see who used it.

The map wasn't in the den. After only a moment's indecision, Jenny went up to Kyle's room. It must be there. The door was open and she walked boldly in. Traces of his aftershave lingered in the air and she stopped for a moment, almost feeling his presence.

A stack of papers sat on the dresser. She rifled through them, finding the folded map; poring over it, trying to pinpoint where her house was located, the way they had walked through the hills and where the field might be.

She found a couple of possibilities, and both near a fire road. The next step was to drive out and see. Telling Shasta to guard the house, she went for her SUV.

Once on the dirt road of the fire trails, Jenny drove slowly, carefully. She kept a close watch in her rear-view mirror, to make sure she wasn't being followed. If this was the correct road, she had no desire to be found on it by the growers.

Jenny had marked on the map where she thought the field was, and she tried to equate what she saw with what was on the map. She should have gone over the trail and tried to find the road that way. Twice she stopped, climbed out and scouted along the north side of the road. She hadn't seen the road Kyle had mentioned when he made his circle around the field, but she knew the field was on the north side, not too far from the road. She drove further, stopping again.

She pushed her way through a small cluster of trees and burst through to the marijuana field. She'd found it! It lay before her gently sloping upward, silent in the hot sun. She could retrace her steps and park near the fork, watching for anyone to drive by.

'What the hell are you doing here?' Kyle's angry face blazed down at her. She turned and almost bumped into him, his face tight with anger. 'If you've messed up this bust, I'll bust you!'

Two men came silently out of the shadows from the perimeter. One walked warily, the other had a big grin on his face. Jenny recognized him as Jason Sperry from Kyle's office.

'Mac, drive the car this lady came in up the road about a mile, try to find a hiding place. You come with me.' Kyle jerked the keys from her hand and tossed them to the first man. Grasping her arm he marched her into the trees.

Jenny stumbled, then recovered as she tried to match his long stride.

'Your dumb old bust is fine. No one followed me,' she grumbled, overcoming her surprise at seeing him. So much for trying to surprise him with the identity of people using the road, he obviously had another plan. Which she would have known had he told her!

'Not on the road, maybe. But you don't know whether they come by that road. Duck down.'

They crouched down and entered a thicket of scrub, madrone, cottonwood and mesquite. Blankets, food and camera gear were carefully stacked to one side.

'What's this?' Jenny asked in surprise.

'A stakeout. Why are you here, Jenny? What's going on?' Kyle's voice was laced with anger.

Jason followed them in, picked up the camera again, and smiled at Jenny. 'Hi,' he said.

'Hi, Jason.' Jenny stalled.

Kyle recognized the tactic. 'Jenny!'

'I was trying to find the road, so I could watch to see who used it. I wanted to help. I didn't know you already knew about it. I didn’t think the growers trekked through the forest every time they came here.'

His face softened just a little as he shook his head. 'If I'd known you'd try a fool thing like this, I'd have told you what we were doing. This isn’t a game. I don’t need someone helping out who hasn’t been trained. It’s damned dangerous.'

'I know, the need-to-know principle.'

Jason threw her a quick grin. 'Kyle's favorite axiom.'

'Watch the field,' Kyle said drily.

'At least now I understand why you asked for this assignment,' Jason murmured irrepressibly, turning back to the field, camera held ready.

Jenny looked puzzled for a moment, then turned back to Kyle, her voice low.

'Why are you doing a stakeout now? I thought you were going to catch them when harvesting.'

'Change of plan. We want to destroy this field now, before harvest. If we can get a line on who's interested in it now, and a few pictures, we'll arrest and destroy now. Sooner or later someone has to come to turn on the water. It’s been hot the last few days. My guess is soon. The plants are starting to wilt already in the heat. Once they come, we'll snap their pictures and wrap it up.'

'Catch them in the act.'

'Right.'

Jenny sat quietly, thinking through the implication of his comment. If they accomplished it soon, Kyle would be leaving soon. While she had known he wouldn't stay forever, she had thought he'd stay longer, until the marijuana field was harvested. Now, it could all be over soon, in days, not weeks. She caught her breath at a small dart of pain. She had known his being here was temporary, but she had thought she had more time. It was ending too soon.

She glanced at him under her lashes, remembering he'd said he'd sleep with her before he left. Did he remember, too? She looked at her hands. Did she want him to? She’d never had a one-night stand–would it come to that?

One night of ecstasy. It would be a memory to last her all her life. Was it worth it? She took a deep breath. Time would go so fast.

'How long have you been here?' she asked softly.

'Since Stuart brought me the bike. Jason and Mac are staying in Strawberry.'

'But only to sleep,' Jason grumbled quietly. 'We're here from dawn till ten or so every night. Don't know when they'll come to check on their precious crop. I wish they'd hurry up. It’s boring as hell sitting here in the heat. We just need them to visit–we'll get them when they do.'

Jenny looked again at Kyle. His brooding gaze was fixed on her. Nervously she looked away.

'Now what?’ she asked.

'You can stay here for a little while, with us. You wanted to find out what I’m doing, now you have.'

Jenny refused to look at Kyle. He was angry she'd come. If she had known that would be his reaction to her attempt to help, she wouldn't have tried. She didn't want to make him angry. Squirming back to lean against a tree, she tried to relax. And not think.

Time and again she let her gaze move to Kyle. He’d resumed watch on the field and seemed to ignore her. So much the better for allowing her to gaze at her heart’s content without him catching her.

It was peaceful in the thicket, sheltered from the hot sun—quiet and restful and very warm. A slow contentment gradually stole over her.

Once or twice during the afternoon, Jason glanced over to Kyle or Jenny, then back to the field, camera always ready to go. Mac was hidden part way up the hillside, ready to signal if the growers came from another direction. They didn't talk, just watched.

Kyle never looked at her. Still, she found pleasure in being with him, just being near him.

'Hey, Kyle, when Jenny leaves, go with her and bring back some burgers. I'd love to have something hot to eat for a change,' Jason said softly as the afternoon waned.

'And just how do you propose I get back, without turning the road into a damn freeway?' Kyle growled.

'Take a chance?' Jason offered half-halfheartedly.

'You could hike back from my place,' Jenny said. 'I have an insulated carry-all that'll keep the food hot.'

'You're an angel!' Jason said fervently.

'Sure, easy for you to say,' Kyle remarked drily. 'You don't have to carry it.’ He considered it for a moment then shrugged. ‘Okay I’ll see what I can do. Let's go.' Kyle stood as much as the confined space would allow and led the way out.

'I want everything on mine,' Jason called softly.

Jenny rose to follow, smiling. 'Bye, Jason.'

'Bye, Jenny. See you again some time.'

She nodded and followed Kyle. He stayed near the trees, working his way up to Mac.

'We're going for dinner. Where did you put the SUV?'

Mac tossed him the keys. 'About a mile and a half up on the left, a nice culvert, by a tall cedar.'

'We'll find it. Hamburgers okay?'

'Sounds good. I like everything on it.'

'Right. I'll be hiking back from that direction.' Kyle pointed to the east.

Working their way back along the perimeter to the road, Kyle paused and looked carefully before they stepped out to the dusty dirt fire trail then quickly headed for the car. Trudging along, Jenny watched his profile as he walked a step or two ahead of her.

'I'm sorry,' she said slowly. 'I see now I could have ruined everything. But honestly, I thought it'd be a good surprise for you.'

Kyle stopped and looked at her, then looked back down the road. He reached out and drew Jenny to his chest, looking down at her upturned face. Slowly his head bent and he kissed her.

'I've been wanting to do that all afternoon,' he said against her lips, his breath intermingling with hers, soft kisses accenting each word.

Reluctantly, slowly, he set her back with a sigh. 'But this isn't the time nor the place. Come on, let's find the blasted car.'

Jenny smiled to herself as she hurried to keep up with his longer stride. It was as good as she remembered. She would miss him so much when he'd gone.

Jenny was cooking the hamburgers for Kyle to take back with him when the phone rang.

'I'll get it for you.' Kyle rose from the table where he'd been watching her and moved down the hall. Jenny put down the condiments and moved to the door, wondering who was calling.

'No, I can't make it tonight, I already have plans, but tomorrow would be good for me. How about you?' Kyle said into the phone. He listened for a moment then finished, 'Fine, I'll pick you up at seven.'

Jenny stared at him as the penny dropped. 'Naomi?' she hazarded as he turned from the phone.

'Yes. She's up for the weekend again.'

Jenny turned and went back to the stove. Carefully she turned the burgers and prepared the buns. She would not let him know how much disappointment she felt. All week he'd left her alone, with no explanation, and then Naomi called and he drops everything to be with her. Jenny wouldn't be expressive like he thought and have him guess how she felt. She only had to hold it in for a little longer, just until he left.

'There are sodas in the fridge,' she said brightly, 'I'll run and get the insulated bag.'

She fled the room and hurried to the hall closet, tears sparkling in her eyes. She dashed them away and retrieved the bag. Taking a deep steadying breath, she pasted a smile on her face and went back to the kitchen.

When the meal was packed, she handed him the carry-all with a bright smile, one which did not reach her eyes.

'Are you all right?' Kyle asked, pausing before he left.

'Sure, have fun. Thanks for letting me sit in on part of the stakeout, I've never done that before.' She looked only as high as his chin.

He leaned down to kiss her lightly, but Jenny refused to meet his eyes. She held her breath, wishing for the moment to end, for him to leave, only wanting to be alone.

'I'll be back,' he said, leaving by the back door.

Jenny turned to watch him go, his tall body moving easily, his long stride covering the ground rapidly.

She hugged herself tightly, trying to ease the ache in her heart, as her eyes filled and her throat grew tight. She'd known all along he wasn't for her, but it didn’t alter the fact her foolish heart thought differently. She loved him. She knew that, for all the good it did her. Loved him as she had Johnny. No, differently from Johnny, but nonetheless stronger or lasting for being a second love. A last love.

Like her first love, one that she couldn't have. Sadly she watched him out of sight, then turned and walked blindly up the stairs as the tears spilled over and ran down her face. Would it have been too much to ask to find a man who would love her as much as she loved him?

Jenny stayed in her room the next morning until she heard his motorcycle leave. It was late when she ventured forth, but she hadn't wanted to see Kyle. After she had eaten, she called April.

'How about going to the river? We can lie in the sun and swim,' Jenny suggested. Anything to get her away from home and the thoughts that wouldn’t let go.

'Sounds like fun. I'll bring a lunch. Want to go into Strawberry tonight? That new Ryan Reynolds movie is playing,' April said.

'Let’s make a day of it. I'll drop Shasta off at my folks' after the river, then pick him up after the film.'

'Is Kyle coming too?' April asked.

'No, he's busy today.' Jenny scarcely felt a pang as she said it. Maybe she’d get over him sooner than she thought, learn to go on as before. She hadn't known him for long. Long enough, her heart reminded her.

Arranging to pick April up at her place, Jenny hung up and hurried to get ready. She wished she could confide fully in her friend, but to do so would blow Kyle's cover and maybe endanger his assignment. She wouldn't let personal concerns threaten the assignment. He could trust her!

Besides, April would probably advise Jenny to take what was offered while the going was good, and worry about the future tomorrow. While great friends, sometimes their outlooks differed.

It was therapeutic lying in the hot sun beside a tributary to the American River. When they got hot they would plunge into the icy water, swim until they were cold, then climb out to bake again in the sun. Shasta loved chasing after sticks and would swim and retrieve until he was panting with exertion.

The film was entertaining, though Jenny found herself speculating as to where Kyle and Naomi were and what they might be doing. Again and again she had to drag her attention back to the story on the screen.

After dropping April at home, Jenny went to her parents' home to pick up Shasta.

'Did you enjoy the movie?' her father asked when she came in.

'It was okay.’ She hoped no one asked for a recount, she wasn’t sure she remembered enough to tell what I had been about. ‘Hi, Shasta, ready to go home?'

'Stay for some cocoa, honey,' her mother offered, rising to prepare it.

Jenny smiled. 'Sounds good. I'll help.'

She followed her mother into the kitchen, and got down the cups while her mother put the milk on the stove to warm. She remembered dates when Johnny would bring her home and her mother would stay up to hear all about it. They’d make cocoa and talk until after midnight. Even in summer.

'Why don't you and Kyle come to dinner tomorrow?' Peggy O'Neil said while they waited for the milk to heat. 'We've only seen him a few times. I used to know Edith so well, I’d love to catch up on what she’s doing.'

'Kyle is dating Naomi Taylor,' Jenny said carefully, rearranging the cups on the counter. 'I don't know if he's planning to see her tomorrow or not. But I'd love to come, Mom.'

'Ask Naomi, too, if you want. I haven't seen much of her since she moved to San Francisco. She looked washed out at George's affair. Too many late nights, I guess.'

Jenny looked at her mother closely. She had thought Naomi looked rather great.

'Well, I'll ask them. I'd like to come, anyway.'

Jenny stayed later than she had planned to, discussing George Carlisle's party, the new display her father was planning in his store, her mother's hopes to enter the flower contest at the county fair in August. It was after midnight when Jenny and Shasta climbed into the car and started for home.

As she drew near her driveway a single headlight came up behind her and settled to follow her. Turning into her drive, she knew it was Kyle. Her spirits rose. At least he hadn't stayed the night with Naomi.

He pulled his motorcycle into the garage beside her, waiting at the rear of the SUV for her to join him.

'Date with George?' he asked silkily as she headed for the house.

'Maybe,' she prevaricated. 'Have fun with Naomi?'

'It was interesting. Where have you been?'

Jenny unlocked the door, switched on the lights. As Kyle stepped closer, she caught a whiff of the perfume Naomi used so lavishly.

'I've been out, now I'm back,' she said, and ran up the stairs. She paused at the top to look back at Kyle, standing just inside the door.

'My mother's invited us for dinner tomorrow, can you go?'

He nodded.

'About seven.'

Jenny turned and continued to her room.

She ached with longing for the man—what was wrong with her? As she crawled between her sheets she tried to block out the images her mind conjured. Kyle last winter, his pallor earlier this summer, kisses on the hillside, in the hall, carrying her to bed after the party, their encounter on the sofa. She tried to remember he was making a play for Naomi as work. He obviously felt something for her, but not enough to take his focus away from work. Once the job was over, he'd be gone. She tried to remember there was no future together, but to no avail.

She wanted him as much as he wanted her, she ached with longing. Yearned to feel his lips against hers again, the rising delight he could evoke with his touch. She loved him. What was she going to do?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Jenny didn't see Kyle again until it was time to leave for her parents' home the next day. She wore a short, white-dotted Swiss dress which buttoned down the front, and white sandals. Her tan had deepened from the day at the river and the white showed it to advantage. Her hair curled and waved, new golden highlights from the sun brightening it.

Kyle was already waiting downstairs when she left her room. He wore the designer jeans he'd worn to George's barbecue and a white polo shirt. His eyes flashed momentarily when he saw her, then he turned away.

'Ready?' she said nervously. It wasn't fair he should look so virile, so sexy. What chance did she have of getting over him before he even left?

'Yes. Are we taking Shasta?'

'No.'

She drove to town in silence, paying strict attention to the road. Kyle gazed out the window.

'Hi, Jenny.' Her mother greeted them when they arrived. 'Hi, Kyle, so glad you could join us.' Peggy O'Neil looked beyond them. 'Naomi not able to make it?'

Kyle slanted a sardonic look at Jenny, then smoothly replied, 'No, she drove back to San Francisco this afternoon.'

'You remember Dan?'

Kyle shook hands warmly with Jenny's father. 'Good to see you again.'

'Come in. Actually, come on through to the backyard, we're grilling steaks there. Can I get you something to drink, Kyle? Jenny?'

'Gin and tonic, please.'

'Me, too,' Jenny said, giving her father a hug.

'Tell me all about what Edith's doing these days.' Peggy said to Kyle when they were seated and drinks dispersed. 'She and I were best friends as girls, then we drifted apart. I haven't heard from her in ages.'

'She's not a very good correspondent,' Kyle acknowledged with a grin. 'She travels a lot, you know.' He looked pointedly at Jenny as if to say, join in at any time.

'Didn't you say she was in Texas touring the Alamo?' She helped out, grinning a little at his discomfort.

'Yes, she wanted to stand where Davy Crockett stood.'

'That sounds just like Edith.' Peggy sighed. 'Next time you see her, tell her to give me a call. I never knew your father. She ran off with the first man right after high school. Divorced him before she was twenty. She must have married your father right away. How old are you, Kyle?'

He took a swallow of his drink, rapidly calculating.

'Twenty-eight.'

Jenny's eyes widened at that, and she quickly glanced at her parents for their reaction. Peggy nodded.

'That'd fit then, Jenny's twenty-five. I knew you’d been around a little while before she was born. How long was Edith married to your father?'

'Not long,' Kyle hedged.

Jenny was getting concerned. Any minute now her mother would ask something Kyle wouldn't know and he'd blow the whole thing. She wasn't sure how to turn the subject without her mother becoming suspicious. She could but try.

'Mother, tell Kyle about entering the flower contest at the fair this year,' Jenny said brightly.

Her parents both looked at her, rather oddly she thought, but maybe it was guilty conscience. Kyle's face creased in amusement as he gave her a deliberate wink.

'For best of variety or as an arrangement?' he asked, taking Jenny's lead.

Once or twice during the evening Jenny would look up to find her mother's eyes on her or Kyle rather speculatively. Jenny would smile awkwardly, glance to Kyle and then back to her food.

As the evening wore on, they shifted seats, moving away from the table to lawn chairs to take their coffee and brandy. They sat long after dark fell, sipping the beverages, talking. Under cover of darkness, Kyle reached for Jenny's hand, holding it lightly on his thigh, caressing it absently now and again.

Jenny didn't think her parents could see him holding her hand. If so, what would they think after she'd told them Kyle was interested in Naomi Taylor? She certainly didn't want to give her mother any romantic ideas. But she let her hand stay in his.

She enjoyed the evening. Her parents were relaxed and amusing in the topics of conversation they chose. Kyle fitted in well and Jenny could tell that both liked him. Of Kyle she was less sure. How much was genuine, how much a part of his act?

She was always questioning that. Just when she was feeling comfortable, doubt would creep in: how much was Kyle under cover and how much was Kyle the real deal?

'I'll drive back, shall I?' he asked when it was time to leave.

'That would be nice.' Jenny didn't like driving at night.

The moon rose high in the sky, casting a silvery glow, deep shadows, as they drove through the night, the headlights of the SUV thrusting bold slashes of light. Kyle drove swiftly, competently. Jenny rested her head against the seatback, watching him from the faint glow of the dashboard, his hair falling on his forehead, the strong jaw line, the way his hands held the wheel.

He stopped the car before the house, switched off the lights and engine. 'Your parents are nice.'

'I'm glad you think so.'

The light from the moon enabled her to see him, though not clearly. Reluctantly, she got out.

When she opened the front door to the house, he stopped her as she reached for the lights.

'There's plenty of light from the moon, we don't need the electric ones.'

His breath smelled slightly of brandy as he pulled her into his arms. Jenny moved closer and put her arms around him, tilting her face for his kiss.

He held back for a moment, gazing down at her in the silvery moonlight before slowly lowering his mouth to hers.

Kyle's touch exploded her senses, setting her afloat on a sea of delight. When his mouth moved to her neck, her throat, she arched against him, moving her head back to better receive his kisses.

With a muffled groan he swept her up in his arms and turned to mount the stairs. Jenny, conscious of his injury, took as much of her weight as she could, kissing Kyle's ear, teasing the lobe with her tongue, moving to meet his hot mouth when he turned to her.

He laid her on his bed, immediately following her down, his mouth a sweet, hot focal point until his hands began their caressing assault. His mouth hot and sweet against hers, she opened fully to receive him and met his demands as her tongue answered his, her lips moving against his.

When he slowly opened the buttons of her dress, his fingers found the satin of her skin.

'You aren't wearing a bra?' He raised up a little to look down at her, as the moonlight illuminated his room in a silvery glow.

She shook her head slowly on the pillow, her soft, brown hair spread out about her, a smile playing around her mouth as she strained to see him clearly. His touch was light, feathering as his fingertips skimmed over her fevered flesh, his eyes watching as his hands roamed over her, learned her, from neck to shoulder, down over one breast, pausing to circle lightly one rosy tip before plunging into the valley between, drifting up to lightly circle the other tip.

Jenny shivered beneath his touch, mesmerized by it, straining to see his expression in the faint illumination, absorbing the delight of his touch, yearning for more.

He continued with the buttons until the dress was undone. Spreading the faint material, his hand continued its exploration, down her abdomen, his knuckle gently grazing her navel, moving lower to caress the firm flesh of her thighs, dropping between them to slowly, slowly draw his fingers up against her.

'Oh, Kyle,' she moaned, yearning for more, wanting his mouth against hers, wanting him to assuage the aching he was building within her.

He bent to kiss one swelling breast, to tease her nipple with his hot tongue, gently suck the hard tip, laving as Jenny began to move against the hot waves he caused.

When she was breathless, Kyle moved to the other breast, his mouth taking the sweetness there as his fingers continued moving against her satiny skin, so slowly, so tantalizing.

'Kyle, please,' she whispered hoarsely. She didn't ever remember feeling so senseless, so sensuous, so crazed with desire. Her body was on fire, a slow, pulsing throbbing, demanding to be met. Her hands threaded in his hair, pulling his face to hers as she kissed him. Reveling in the exquisite touch of his hands on her skin, the feel of his hard muscles against her softer places.

She moved against his touch, arching to his fingers, moving against his mouth, offering her breast more fully, wanting more from him.

'Kyle!'

'Say it, Jenny,' he demanded, drawing back a little, his fingers still trailing fire along her softness. 'Say you want me as much as I want you.’

'I do, Kyle. I want you!' She was on fire for him, her whole being caught up in his touch, in his caresses and the fiery kisses he gave.

He kissed her swiftly and sat up, drawing his shirt over his head, tossing it on the floor. In two swift moves he withdrew his boots and lay back down, drawing Jenny against the hardness of his bare warm chest, his hands roaming over her as he drew her dress from her.

She fumbled with his jeans, anxious to remove them, to let body touch body, to meet unrestricted and unencumbered.

'Easy, baby,' he soothed her. 'We've got all the time we want.' He helped her unfasten his jeans, raising himself to take them off.

Shyly, Jenny ran her hands over him, pausing a moment when making contact with his scar, moving on as the heat built again within her.

He eased off her panties and rolled her on to her back. As he took one nipple gently between his teeth, his hand again moved to find her softness, to gently spread her legs. Jenny gave a soft moan as the touch of his fingers against her drove all thought from her mind. She could only feel Kyle, long for him. Love him.

Jenny arched to meet him when he covered her, arched again to receive him deep within her body. He moved his hand to cover her hips, to move her to the rhythm he wanted, to the tempo that was building up between them.

Slowly the fire burned, raging hotter and hotter until Jenny thought she was lost in the conflagration.

Suddenly wave after wave of molten pleasure spread through her body, each hotter and higher than the previous one until one final shattering wave broke, leaving her drained, breathless, complete, deliciously satisfied, satiated.

Their feverish movement slowed as the last wave burned itself out, leaving warmth and peace behind.

Jenny's breathing was erratic, fast. She could feel Kyle's against her neck. Holding him close, she rested her cheek against his, lassitude spreading rapidly as she enjoyed the weight of the man on her, the feel of him against her legs, her breasts, beneath her hands. She imprinted each sensation on her brain, to remember always.

Kyle raised his head, sought and found her mouth. He kissed her, kissed her again, rubbed his lips across her.

'You're good, Jenny, you're so good,' he said softly, moving to kiss her cheeks, her jaw, back to her mouth.

She smiled slowly, deliciously. She was floating and never wanted to come to earth. She loved him, loved Kyle Martin with all of her being, yet he'd never even said he liked her. Fat, hot, slow tears welled up in her eyes, and spilled over. She'd have her one night, but was it worth it?

Kyle drew back. 'What's the matter?' One finger brushed her eye, wiped away a tear. 'Did I hurt you? Jenny, I didn't mean to. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you, sweetheart.'

She looked up at him, his silhouette swimming in the tears.

'No, I'm fine,' she whispered. It was too late to turn back. Too late to undo what they'd done. She loved him so much that she ached with it. His face was shadowed, she could only just make it out the shadow in the silvery moonlight, but she smiled just knowing he was there. For whatever time they had, she'd cherish it. There was no other choice.

He rolled over on his back, bringing her to lie against his chest. Jenny rested her cheek against his shoulder, felt the rough scar tissue. Turning her head slightly she kissed the spot, then rested her cheek against it once more.

'Does it hurt?' she murmured.

'No, you kissed it and made it better,' his voice rumbled in her ear, amusement evident in his tone.

He drew the sheet over them as the cool night air chilled their overheated bodies. As he held her in the circle of his arms, Jenny felt his mouth on her hair once or twice as she slowly drifted on the lassitude left from their lovemaking. Just before she dropped off, she remembered.

'Are you really twenty-eight?' she asked sleepily.

'No, I'm almost thirty-five. A decade older than you, baby.'

'Mm.' She snuggled closer, taking in the scent of his cologne, the male smell that was specially Kyle. Giving into the lassitude, she slept.

Kyle woke her in the night to make love. It was better than before and Jenny thought she had gone to heaven. Just before dawn he kissed her and told her he had to go.

It was late when Jenny awoke to the day, bright sunlight flooding the room. She stretched languorously in the bed, putting her arms where Kyle had slept, dreamily reliving the previous night. His touch exhilarated, inflamed. The delightful pleasure he had brought her was wondrous. She wished he had not gone to his stakeout, but had stayed with her and made love to her all day.

She rolled on to her back, eyes wide, staring at the ceiling. As she became fully awake, sanity and common sense returned. It should not happen again.

But could she see resist? It had been wonderful, would always be wonderful with Kyle. But dare she let it happen again? She’d get used to him being with her, to glorious nights together. Which would make it that much more difficult when he left.

She sat up, confused. What was she to do? Maybe she should suggest he leave, not be part of the temptation she was unable to refuse. But could she do that, deliberately send him from her life? He'd be gone soon enough. Too soon. She loved him so much, wanted to be with him as much as she could. How could she deliberately shorten their time together?

The day dragged by. Jenny caught herself daydreaming about last night, about a future which would hold only her and Kyle, one with no problems, no conflict, just the two of them. Each time she realized what she was doing, she would plunge furiously into work, only to find her mind drifting again, daydreaming again.

What she needed to decide was how to handle their next encounter. Should she play it cool? Or be angry? Looking again at the clock, she wished the day would go faster so he'd be back home. The hours were slipping away. She wanted to capture them, hold them wring as much time with him as she could.

When Kyle had not returned by dinner, Jenny knew he was still on the stakeout, probably eating sandwiches and Cokes. Was he thinking of her?

As the evening wore on, however, she fretted with impatience, waiting for his return, longing to see him. Anxiously she listened for the growl of the motorcycle, watched for a sign from Shasta that someone was coming. But the evening stayed quiet, the dog lay peaceably nearby.

It was after eleven before Jenny gave up and climbed the stairs to bed. She lay awake long into the night, still listening for the motorcycle. In vain. Kyle had not returned by the time she finally went to sleep shortly before dawn.

Jenny checked Kyle's room first thing when she awoke the next morning, but he hadn't returned. The bed was still tumbled from her hasty departure the day before, the table askew. The picture lay face down near the bed, its glass shattered. Had she jarred the table in her haste to leave yesterday and knocked it off? She picked it up and placed it on the table, picking up the broken glass. She gazed down at the happy girl in the photo. What could she tell Jenny about Kyle?

On the off chance that history repeated itself, Jenny closed the door and went to call her mother.

The last time he had not come in, he had stayed there. There was no car with a faulty fuel gauge this time, he had his motorcycle. Still, she'd try, maybe something had happened.

'Hi, mom, we had a nice time at dinner.' That was truer than her mother would ever know!

'I'm glad, honey. We really like Kyle. Let's do it again soon. Are you coming into town today?'

'Yes, I've some of the accounts for Joe and need to pick up some more folders.'

'Want to stop by for lunch? You dad's gone down to Sacramento and I'm lonesome.'

'No, I'd better not. I've lots to do. Maybe tomorrow?' She hung up slowly, disappointment seeping into her. He had not stayed there. Where was he?

She dare not see her mother today, for she would know instantly that something was wrong and question Jenny to find out what it was. Jenny wasn't ready to confide in her mother.

Where was he? Was he all right? Was Kyle at the stakeout, bored and restless with the vigil? Was he thinking of her at all? Wishing he could be with her as much as she was wishing he was with her? She loved him so, was it possible he could grow to love her?

What if he’d left?

Jenny's heart plunged with the thought, and she grew cold all over. Was that why he'd slept with her, because he was leaving? He had said he would do so before he left. Was that all that night had meant to him?

Jenny paced the hall, indecision, uncertainty and worry coursing through her. Her mind was in turmoil, her thoughts tumbled.

What if he'd been injured again? For a moment Jenny stopped short. How was she to know what was happening at the field? Drug growers were dangerous and when cornered would fight.

The vision of cowboy fights, guns blazing, dust puffing up filled her mind. What if he’d been shot? What if no one knew all of them on the stakeout had been killed. The growers would get away and no one would know.

'Well, this is ridiculous!' she said to Shasta. 'Wondering won't get me answers. Come on, boy, we'll go find out.'

Grabbing her purse and keys, she hurried to the car. As she pulled out of the drive, she reflected on the fact Kyle would probably be angry if she arrived and all was well–worried about alerting the growers, scaring them off. Well, she'd be careful, make sure no one was around when she went on the dirt road.

It was only minutes later that Jenny slowed for the turn, slowed, then sped up and passed it as she saw a black sedan turn in ahead of her.

Her heart beating faster, Jenny tried to see who was in the car. She didn't recognize anyone. She licked suddenly dry lips. Perhaps they were the drug growers. Oh, Kyle, be safe, she prayed. Fear of ruining the whole deal after so many weeks of planning caused her to turn around and return home.

She went through the rest of the morning doing what needed to be done, glad she had some work to do to occupy her mind, trying not to think of what might be happening. Waiting was so hard!

In the early afternoon Jenny drove into town to exchange her completed work for new assignments, returning straight home. As she drove the car into the garage her mind dully noted that the motorcycle still wasn’t there.

Jenny went inside, dumping her work in the den, walking aimlessly around. There must be something she could do, some way to find out what was happening. Just sitting around was intolerable!

Brownley! She'd try Stuart Brownley, he should know if something were happening. He'd be able to advise her on what to do.

It only took a minute to find his number and place the call. She tapped her fingers on the table as it rang at the other end.

'Stuart Brownley, please,' she said when the phone was answered.

'He's out of the office for the day. Can anyone else help you?' The girl sounded young and friendly.

'Do you know where he is?' Jenny hadn't counted on his not being available. Did he know what was going on? Was he here in Palmer?

'No, I don't. I expect him back tomorrow. Can I have him call?'

'No, thanks.' If she didn't hear from Kyle before then, she would call back.

Slowly Jenny hung up the phone. She was growing sick with worry. Was he safe? Where was he?

She sank slowly to the chair, her eyes unseeing. Fear clutched her as she thought of the dangers Kyle faced daily. How did he do it? It was too much to bear. Why didn't he get a nice, safe, secure job, like being an accountant? A job that wouldn’t expose him to danger. One with regular hours and safety.

Would he ever change, ever look for a safer occupation?

Hugging her arms tightly against her chest, Jenny tried to ease the fear that lodged there. Please God, let him be safe.

She took a deep breath. She couldn't continue like this, it was driving her crazy. She started for the stairs. She'd go up and make his bed. No reason to leave it all messed up. Maybe tidy his room, then take Shasta for a walk. Not, however, to the marijuana field, but in the opposite direction. Kyle was okay, she had to hold on to that thought. He was a professional, he knew the odds and would make sure them came out in his favor.

Opening his door Jenny was shocked to see Kyle sitting on the edge of his bed, his chest bare, his legs in jeans, feet bare, bent over the broken picture, holding it gently in his hands, a look of sadness on his face.

'Oh!' Jenny cried seeing him unexpectedly. He was safe! Thank God. The relief was almost overwhelming, her knees felt weak, her head light. He was safe and totally unaware of the anxiety and worry she had gone through. And so he’d remain. She would never let him know how afraid she'd been for him. There was nothing to bind him to her, only her to him forever by the love she felt.

'Jenny?' He looked up at her.

She slammed the door and turned down the hall. She was glad he was safe, oh, so glad, but knew she'd give herself away if she stayed another minute. She'd be all right in a few moments, she could get her emotions under control and face him. But not just yet. Her heart sang with relief at his safety, her mind sought a hiding place until she could get her emotions under control.

'Jenny!' Kyle caught her on the top step, his hand gently grasping her arm. 'What's wrong with you?' He drew her back into the hall, turned her to face him, a hand on each of her arms. 'What's the matter?'

Tears welling, the ache in her heart almost intolerable, she stared dumbly at him, shaking her head.

'Nothing!' She held her breath, but the tears spilled over, trailed down her cheeks. Dumbly she tried to stop, but couldn't.

'Come on, Jenny, sweetheart,' Kyle wiped one tear from her cheek. 'This is not nothing. What's the matter?'

The softness in his voice, the warm concern in his eyes were her undoing. It was as if the dam broke as the torrent of words spilled forth.

'I was so worried about you—you didn't come and weren't at Mom's and Brownley wasn't in and—and I saw the black car—and was afraid of guns.' She took a shaky breath before she spoke again. 'I hate your job, the danger you're in—hate that you expose yourself to risks every time you go out the door—how can you stand it? I hate the whole damn mess!' She collapsed against him, tears flowing, racking sobs shaking her whole body.

His arms came up to her back as he gently rocked her. 'Hey, I’m okay. No one got shot. I’m okay.'

She felt the warm skin of his chest against her cheek, he was clad only in his jeans. The feel of his hard chest against her skin was soothing. She gulped back a sob, able to hear the steady thud of his heart.

'Oh, Kyle, I was so scared!' Tears flowed again. She loved him so much! How could she ever bear to be parted?

4I can see that, baby, but I don't know why. I don't want you to be scared or unhappy. I'm all right, and the job's over. We got them.'

She rested her head against his chest, relishing the feel of his skin against her, the beat of his heart sounding in her ear. She closed her eyes, wishing this moment could go on forever. Wishing she never had to think, never had to face him again, just stay in the warm circle of his arms, float away into eternity. Her hands moved against his back, feeling the muscles ripple as he moved, clutching him as if she’d never let go.

'Hey, Jenny, sweet, you can't keep crying. You've got to tell me what's wrong.'

She shook her head, another sob shaking her body.

Kyle reached down and picked her up. She kept her eyes tightly shut. She didn't want to see him.

'My sweet love, I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong, now can I? There must be something in that tirade you just gave,' he asked reasonably. He carried her down the stairs and to the living room. Sitting on the sofa, her in his lap, he kissed her.

'What did you say?' Jenny sat up, eyes wide as she stared into his soft brown ones as the actual words penetrated her foggy mind. 'What did you call me?'

'My sweet love.'

CHAPTER TWELVE

Jenny shook her head. Had she heard right?

'I love you, Jenny Warwick,' said Kyle, looking at her.

'I love you, too,' she answered promptly, a broad smile lighting her face, a singing gladness filling her heart. Kyle loved her! Then reality hit. Did he really? Did it change anything? It had to.

He drew her up against him again. She rested her cheek against the strong wall of his chest, trailing her fingers down his skin.

'I've loved you for ages, you know,' he murmured softly, lowering his mouth to hers.

'No, I didn't know,' she said, intrigued. 'Since when?'

'Well, let me see.' He cocked his head to one side and gave her his lazy, crooked smile. 'I felt the first stirring that winter night. You were so polite to a housebreaker! I found that quite endearing. Then, once I'd chosen to use you as cover, everything you did bound me closer to you.'

'Oh, Kyle, I never knew.'

'My darling Jenny, I know that. Your obtuseness has alternated in causing me great amusement and great frustration.'

'But why didn't you tell me?'

He shifted positions a little, resting his chin on her hair, his voice pensive.

'First I wanted this behind us. I wanted to finish the assignment so I could concentrate on just us. Then, there was some danger and I wanted you safe from that. And you do have the most expressive face I’ve ever seen. Never play poker.'

'I thought you were after Naomi,' she said.

He chuckled. 'I did wonder once or twice if that was a spark of jealousy I detected. I, on the other hand, didn't know where George fit in.'

'He's just a friend. I told you.'

'I know that now.'

Jenny lifted her face, eyes shining. 'I think you might have told me before.'

'I wasn't sure how you felt about it. I didn't want to put us in an awkward position before I could be sure of you, of us,' he said.

'You must have suspected once or twice. Surely you don't think I sleep with an assortment of men all the time.'

'I was hoping not, but how was I to know? Anyway, it wouldn't have mattered. I want you whatever might have happened in the past.'

His lips closed over hers, warm and exciting. The longing rose in Jenny as his touch caused her emotions to rise. Slowly he moved against her mouth, tasting the sweetness and delight that was his for the taking. Jenny reveled in his lovemaking, aching for more.

She traced his back muscles with her fingertips, then with her nails, drawing them up to the strong column of his neck, feeling the damp curls of his hair. Of course, he'd said he'd just taken a shower. She ran her fingertips lightly down his back to the top of his jeans, back again, delighting in the feel of his warm skin, his hard muscles, the soft moan coming from his lips.

Kyle kissed her cheek, her throat.

'Much more of that, sweetheart, and I won't be responsible for my actions,' he growled in her ear.

Jenny gave him an enchanting smile and said, 'I hope not. What did you have in mind?'

'If you come with me, I'll just show you.'

Kyle led her to his room, his fingers threaded through hers. He paused by the side of the bed and drew her into his strong hold again.

'Do you think I'll ever have enough of you?' he asked against her ear, moving back to her mouth.

She shook her head. 'I sure hope not.' Then she moved to meet his kiss.

Kyle fumbled with the buttons of her shirt, spreading the material, helping her to remove the restraining cloth. She pushed against him with her breasts and knocked him back against the bed, following him down, on top now. Wiggling against him, she deliberately teased him, dropping light kisses, drawing back as he tried to deepen them, rubbing against his chest until he put a stop to it all by rolling over on top of her and pinning her beneath his weight on the mattress.

She giggled up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief, softening to love as she caught the love in his.

They took their time, playing, loving, teasing. Their passion was not diminished, but heightened by the fun, the pleasure. It was as if they wanted to see how close they could come each time with the teasing before they went over the brink into the ecstasy they knew awaited.

Kyle turned her on her stomach, his hands cupping each firm breast as his mouth slowly kissed, tasted, trailed down each inch of her back, across her shoulders, down her backbone, in the hollows near her waist. Jenny closed her eyes with the sensations he caused, as deep within her the burning began and spread. The touch of his lips against her satiny skin inciting her, she moved against him, quicker and quicker as the tempo within built.

Kyle moved slowly, as if he wanted to touch every bit of her with his mouth, his lips, his tongue.

'I want you,' she whispered, rolling over to face him, reaching up to cup his face in loving hands, to draw him to her. She could not contain the flame within her, wanting him to fan it to the white-hot intensity only Kyle could bring.

'How much do you want me?' he asked, eyes drugged with passion.

'So much I ache,' she answered back, smiling up at him, the love evident in her eyes.

'Not enough.'

'So much I could die from it.' She reached up to pull him down to her, to rise up and meet him as he thrust against her. Jenny was lost again in the conflagration he built in her, floating on the ecstasy he brought; the glorious peaks of each sensuous wave which broke over her again and again.

She was panting when she lay back, the languor beginning to spread through her. She tightened her arms around his neck, fervently kissing him. Not wanting anything to come between them, not even a breath of air.

'I love you, Kyle,' she said simply.

'I love you, Jenny. Marry me soon.'

She smiled sleepily. 'Is that a question, or a command?' she said, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder, trailing her lips against his hot skin.

'Depends,' he growled in her ear, nuzzling her neck. 'If you say yes, it's a question. If there's any doubt, then it's a command.'

'I say yes.'

'When?'

'Just now,' she teased.

'Brat! When will we get married?'

'Whenever you want.' She let her fingers move gently against his back.

'Tomorrow?'

'That soon?'

'Did you have a big wedding with Johnny?'

She nodded.

'Then you don't need one now. No point in waiting, is there?'

'None.' Jenny was silent for a long moment, then she turned her head to see him. 'You don't mind?' she asked.

'What?'

'Me being married before. That you're not the first.'

He took her left hand, gently twisting her wedding ring. 'I'll get you another tomorrow. I want you to wear mine.'

'Yes. I want yours. I love you, though I loved Johnny. I'm sorry he died. But I can't remember too much of our love now. It's over and gone. But you make me feel so alive, our love is so alive. I only love you. Don’t worry you have a ghost to compete with. You’re all I see.'

'As long as I'm your last love, I don't mind,' he said with another kiss.

'And Naomi?' She just had to ask.

He kissed her again and moved to his side, propped up on his elbow, his legs entwined with hers.

'Still on that? I told you before she was work only. I figured she was a lead to who was distributing the pot here in Palmer, or maybe in San Francisco. I told you I never confuse work with pleasure. And you, my darling, were definitely pleasure, the whole way.'

'And where were you last night?' she asked suspiciously.

Kyle laughed, giving her a quick hug. Jenny felt the jolt down to her toes.

'Arresting drug growers left and right. We cracked the case! It's all over now bar the shouting.'

'You didn't tell me! Who was it? What happened?' She watched as his face took on the hard lines he had worn before, then looked pleased.

'It wasn't your friend George Carlisle, if that's what you're worried about.'

'Well, I wasn't worried, exactly, but I'm glad. I've always thought George was nice and his brother and I are friends. I’d hate to have George be in jail.'

'Nate was one and Bart. The head guy was a man in Strawberry, Mark Harris. Do you know him?'

Jenny shook her head. 'What happened?'

'We were on the stake-out, and sure enough, just as we'd thought, they came to turn on the water. It was Nate and Bart. We got some good pictures, waited until they were turning off the valve, then arrested them. We've a whole sequence of pictures. Bart was scared and spilled the beans. He told us about Mark Harris. We had the sheriff’s office alerted, so when we called for help, they picked up Harris and brought him in.

'I spent the rest of today plowing up the crop and destroying it. I was up most of last night questioning Nate and Bart then supervised the destruction this morning.'

'When you didn't come back last night, I was worried. I even started to go to the field, but I saw a black car on that road so I decided not to go on.'

'It was probably one of the Sheriff's unmarked cars.'

'I didn't know you were here until I came to make your bed. Your motorcycle isn't in the garage.'

'My bike's still up at the site. We used the Sheriff's car. I'll have to go pick it up later. Naomi gave us some good information about Nate. He's a distributor, just branching out as a grower. I guess he figured to get a bigger percentage. He had an ideal location for distribution, too. Sooner or later everyone goes to the garage. Anyone stopping there doesn't arouse curiosity.'

'It's hard to believe people I know could be involved in something like this. I'm glad it's over, she said, giving thanks he was safe.

Jenny lay quietly on the bed, closing her eyes, savoring the feel of his hand, warm and heavy on her stomach. His long legs were intertwined with hers and his breath was soft as it fanned her face.

'Are you going to sleep?' he asked, amused.

'No!' She kept her eyes shut. 'I'm just enjoying lying here with you, having you hold me like this.'

'We can do this a lot when we're married,' he said, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

'Will your family be pleased? I think my mom and dad will be. They like you, though I think they'll be surprised to find you're not Edith's son, after all.'

'My folks will be happy for us. You'll like them, I think, and they'll love you. We'll go down to San Diego in a few days so everyone can meet.'

'And your sister?' Jenny looked up at him.

Kyle's face closed a little, as if he were looking a long way off, or a long way back. 'She's dead, Jenny. She was a happy carefree person, until the end. She got hooked on hard drugs, through marijuana. I don't think Dad's recovered yet and it's over ten years ago.'

'How awful for you all.' Jenny opened her eyes to look at Kyle. ‘I’m so sorry.’

'That's what got me into this racket. All the heartache started from smoking pot. You would’ve liked her, she was such fun. That's her picture. I always carry it with me, to remind me why I'm doing all this.'

The blonde girl in the picture was his sister! With a feeling of relief and happiness, Jenny reached up to cup his face, pull it down for a soft kiss. 'I love you. What you’re doing is good. You’re keeping other sisters from the same path.'

He smiled down at her. 'I like to think so. But this assignment was different. You're the best thing that came out of any assignment. I'm glad there was a blizzard last winter.'

'And that you were assigned here this summer.'

'Actually–I asked especially for this gig. Even when I got shot, I made Stuart promise not to give this case to anyone else. I knew when we met last winter that I wanted to see more of you, Jenny. And you,' he laughed softly, 'were such a sweetheart to agree to help. I could have stayed in Strawberry, just as Jason and Mac did. But you were so trusting when we asked for help. I loved it.'

Jenny looked indignant. 'You mean it was all just for your own personal reasons? I wasn't really needed to help with the case?'

'No, I don't mean that at all. We usually don't have the co-operation we got this time. It really helped.' He smiled again at her self-satisfied look.

'Now what?' she asked, trailing her hand along his back.

'I've got a few days off coming, before my next assignment.'

'What is it?' she asked suspiciously, a small shiver of fear running along her spine.

'I'm giving in to Stuart’s constant pressure to switch to the office work. Not so much field work. Too many nights away from home.'

Jenny felt happiness like a warm glow spread through her. She'd be spared the worry and fear for his safety each time he left home. She smiled up at him, happiness and love expressed in her look.

'In Sacramento?'

He nodded. ‘Are you going to mind moving?’

She shook her head. 'Wherever you are, is where I want to be. Still close enough to see my folks whenever I want. We can keep this place as a weekend cabin. It’s paid for.’

‘And part of Johnny,’ Kyle said with understanding.

She smiled and nodded. ‘He’d be glad we’re going to use it. It's a wonderful plan. And did I mention I liked your comment about the days-off?'

'Enough time to start a honeymoon, always supposing we get married soon.'

'I thought we were.'

'Only if we can get up to let people know and make plans and right now I never want to leave the bed.'

He leaned over Jenny, drawing her into his arms and covering her mouth with his. ‘I love you so much, pretty lady. I can’t wait until we are married and starting our lives together.’

Jenny returned his kiss, feeling loved, cherished and safe. She would always be with Kyle.

About the Author

Barbara McMahon is an award-winning, best selling author of more than eighty novels. Known for warm family type stories, she enjoys capturing the first stage of a relationship and showing how despite obstacles thrown in their way, a man and a woman can find true love and lasting happiness.

Her books have been translated into 32 different languages and have sold more than 16 million copies in the United States and more than 50 foreign countries.

For more than twenty-five years she has made her home in Northern California, the last seventeen in the rural county of Amador—in the heart of the Mother Lode, California's gold rush country.

Electronic books now available from Kobo:

Bluebells on the Hill

Cowboy's Bride

Crazy About A Cowboy

One Stubborn Cowboy

Never Doubt A Cowboy

The Bachelor's Baby Promise

Visit Barbara at: www.barbaramcmahon.com

On Facebook at Author Barbara McMahon

On Twitter at AuthorBMcMahon

Continue reading for an excerpt from The Bachelor's Baby Promise.

Excerpt: The Bachelor's Baby Promise

CHAPTER ONE

There was no doubt about it—he'd left the hospital too early.

Jared Montgomery wedged the wooden crutches into the corner of the stair riser, took a breath and lunged up another step. The impact when he landed rocked through his entire battered and aching body. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he paused a moment to gather his reserves. Dogged determination kept him going.

Eyeing the remaining stairs, he counted fourteen. Slowly repositioning his crutches, he took a breath and lurched up one more step. His broken ankle throbbed, his good leg burned with the unaccustomed double duty, every bone in his body ached, especially his ribs. Not broken, just bruised. He couldn’t tell the difference.

Another step gained.

The door at the left of the small landing opened and an inquisitive face surrounded by fluffy white hair peeped out. Mrs. Eugenia Giraux. She'd been his neighbor for the eight years he'd rented his apartment. He couldn't remember speaking with her more than a dozen times in those eight years.

"Oh, dear," she said, taking a good look at Jared. He tried to smile, but it hurt too much. At least the swelling around his eye had diminished. He could clearly see her look of shock.

"Mrs. Giraux," he said. She set great store with manners. He was too tired tonight to care but old habits died hard.

"Oh dear," she repeated, darting across the landing and rapping quickly on the other door. His door.

Jared made another stair. He hadn't come five thousand miles to be stopped by another dozen steps. He'd make it to the top or die trying.

Bad comparison, he thought grimly as he gathered his strength for another step. He’d barely escaped death ten days ago. No tempting it now. He hoped he could make it. The thought of just sinking down on the stairs and not moving for ten hours was tempting.

The second door—his door—opened and a tall blonde woman stepped out, peering down at him in startled surprise.

Glad for any excuse to stop for a moment, his gaze took in the two of them at the top of the stairs. Mrs. Giraux wore an old fashioned silk dress, her expression concerned. The other woman caught his attention and momentarily distracted him from the remaining stairs.

Tall and shapely with shorts that should be declared indecent, she had long tanned legs that made him forget every ache and pain. Sparks of interest shimmered in the air. Every nerve ending tingled with unexpected tension. Pricks of excitement and vague yearnings danced across his skin. Banged up and in pain, he still could appreciate a beautiful woman. And wonder what she was doing coming from his apartment. He’d never seen her before.

Ah, probably the nanny his sister had hired to watch the baby. For a moment he hoped that’s who she was. He couldn’t imagine himself doing much more than making it to his bed and the oblivion of sleep. More’s the pity.

Swallowing hard, Jared knew he couldn't blame the pain medication for his reaction to this beautiful woman—he hadn't taken any since starting out yesterday morning. Despite the lack of meds, his brain still felt like mush. He needed sleep, he craved it.

"Mr. Montgomery’s here," Mrs. Giraux announced needlessly.

Great, just what he needed, two women to watch his every move as he struggled up the steep stairs. It was bad enough to take so long with the cab driver behind him. He didn't need an expanded audience.

"Jared Montgomery?" the blonde asked.

"Who else in their right mind would try to climb these stairs in this condition?" he snapped, clenching his teeth once again against the pain that wracked his body.

As soon as he reached the apartment, as soon as he turned over the baby to the woman his sister had hired to care for her, he'd pop a couple of the pain pills the doctor had prescribed and find oblivion in sleep.

His headache was growing worse, a lingering result of the concussion. And probably exacerbated by the jarring of his lunging up the stairs. His ribs now felt like a fiery band encircling his body and breathing became more difficult. Each impact when he forced himself up another step sent shafts of pain everywhere.

"Are you the nanny?" he asked using the question as an excuse to hold off on a moment on taking another step.

She tilted her head observing him and Jared felt his interest notch up another click. It wasn't enough that the outside temperature hovered in the high eighties, his own skin seemed to ignite from within. A fever? He drew in another ragged breath.

Feeling suddenly as gauche as a teenager, he stared up at her, unable to look away—imagining her silky hair tangled in his hands, her tempting lips rosy from his kiss. Maybe that concussion had been more serious that he thought!

"I'm the temporary nanny." Glancing at the fading bruises on his face, at the plaster that covered his foot and leg to his knee, she looked worried. “Looks like you need a nurse.”

"I don’t need anyone. You’re here for the baby," he said impatiently, gesturing behind him.

For the first time, the woman looked beyond him and noticed the cab driver standing at the foot of the stairs. The bundle he carried awkwardly was an infant in a baby carrier—the sole reason for her presence in New Orleans.

"I'm Jenny Stratford. I'm not a professional nanny, but I know how to take care of babies. Your sister hired me," she said, looking back at him.

"I assumed as much, since you obviously have the key to my apartment," Jared said. An apartment still ten steps away.

He could do that. He'd survived worse. He could make ten more steps. He wouldn’t even let himself dwell on the steps inside his two-story home. Once he reached the living room, he could collapse on the sofa.

"Can I help?" Jenny asked, apparently intent on ignoring his bad attitude.

Jared rested against the crutches and stared up at her. Unable to resist, he again let his gaze travel again from the pale champagne-blond hair down the slim body. She wore a skimpy sleeveless shirt and those blasted shorts. He wished he could come up with some ideas about how she might help, but he outweighed her by maybe seventy or eighty pounds, and he hadn’t a clue how she could possibly get him up the stairs.

Shaking his head, he gripped the crutches tighter. "Just what do you propose?"

She shrugged, a slow smiled starting. "Nothing, I guess. You're almost at the top," she offered encouragingly.

"I can see that." Again he positioned the crutches and hopped up another step. Again the impact slammed through him with the force of an explosion.

Not quite. He'd never forget the effects of a true explosion. Or the results.

"Oh dear," Mrs. Giraux said, watching him with worry in her eyes. Hovering at the top of the stairs, she looked as if she also wanted to help. She was even smaller than Jenny Stratford. For a moment he imagined them both reaching for him, knocking him off balance and all three tumbling to the bottom. If that ever happened, he’d give up and spend the night there.

"Mrs. G., I'm sure Mr. Montgomery will make it fine. Thanks for letting me know he was here. I'll get him and the baby settled and see you in the morning." Jenny patted the elderly woman on the shoulder and gently turned her toward her door.

Jared said nothing but appreciated the younger woman's actions in getting rid of his neighbor. At least that made one fewer spectator watching him struggle up the stairs. It’d be too much to hope that Jenny Stratford would also disappear—until he reached the landing.

He didn't care if it was sheer masculine pride, but he hated her seeing him struggle. Would hate any woman to watch. But something about her...

Another two minutes and he was down to three remaining steps.

"I drove down this afternoon, but I didn't expect you before tomorrow," she said, stepping back to the doorway to clear the landing.

"I sent Patti a cable." Another jump and he'd be there. Level surfaces he could manage. But there was no way he'd be able to climb the stairs inside his apartment. Not tonight. Why he had to have a two-story apartment with no elevator was beyond him. Of course normally he loved it when he was home. Now the mere thought of climbing another seventeen steps was more than he could cope with.

He'd crash on the sofa tonight and worry about getting up to his room tomorrow. There was a small powder room beneath the inside stairs for immediate needs. He was too tired to worry about a shower or anything except getting off his feet! Or, rather, foot.

Reaching the landing at last, Jared moved into his apartment and headed directly for the large, overstuffed sofa placed against one wall.

Sinking down gratefully, he lowered the crutches against the cushions and leaned back. He felt exhausted. What didn't ache from the injuries received during the explosion ached from using crutches and sheer exhaustion from the twenty-seven hours of traveling. He should have waited, no doubt about that. But he’d wanted to get home, get the baby settled and heal. He wanted life to return to normal as quickly as possible.

The Bachelor's Baby Promise

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

I’ll Take Forever

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

About the Author

Excerpt: The Bachelor's Baby Promise