He opened the door, and put a thick blanket on top of the wood platform he’d frequently used as a bed. The place had gotten a fair amount of use when Cissy had left. Plenty of times, Caleb hadn’t wanted to be inside the main house. She’d disappeared in such a hurry she hadn’t packed. Her things were left in the bedroom. Savannah’s toys littered the grounds. Reminders of his life with them had been everywhere. They’d been like land mines to Caleb. Each one had detonated a memory...brought out the hollow feeling in his chest. He hadn’t been able to look at the color purple again without seeing Savannah’s stuffed hippo. It went with her everywhere, tucked under her arm. When she’d watch TV, the hippo was her pillow.
“At least tell me why you have so many things out here. And I don’t believe it’s just in case you get restless. I’m sure there are plenty of places you could find to soothe yourself.” Her violet eyes tore through him.
“My ex had a little girl. They both left. It broke my heart.”
“I’m sorry. She wasn’t yours?”
He shook his head, stuffing regret down somewhere deep. “No.”
“What happened?”
“When they left, it felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest.”
She covered his heart with her hand, connecting to the pain he felt.
“Thought I would suffocate inside the house for how empty it felt. Like the air was in a vacuum and I couldn’t breathe.”
“You must’ve loved her.”
He nodded. “I’d take my horse, Dawn, out after supper. At times, I couldn’t bring myself to go back inside, so I would come here. Guess everyone worried. Matt followed me one night. Margaret probably made him. So, he knows about this place, too.”
“Anyone else aware of this place?”
“Me and Matt. Now you.”
He settled her onto the blanket and tended to her cuts. He didn’t have ice in any of the supplies. There was no electricity at the place. But he’d bought a compression sock at the big-box store and that should help with the swelling. He slipped off her sandal and slid the sock around her foot and up her silky calf. “This should help.”
He didn’t immediately move his hand. It felt so natural to touch her.
Max circled around a few times before curling up in a ball next to Katherine.
“He lost a lot today. He’s probably exhausted,” she said.
“So are you.” He patted the little puff ball’s head.
“I can’t help but worry about Noah. I’d close my eyes but I’m afraid of the images my mind will conjure up.” The corners of her mouth turned down.
The picture of her when he’d first seen her, all chestnut hair and cherry lips, scared and alone, invaded his thoughts. Her misery was his. He wanted to kiss away her pain. Since he knew he’d never stop there, he went to the small kerosene stove instead and heated water. Margaret had slipped some herbal bags in with his supplies. More of her healing tea no doubt. Caleb was a coffee man, but he was glad for what she’d done. It might provide Katherine with the comfort she needed to relax.
“What’s this?” she asked when he handed her a tin cup full of steaming brew.
“Margaret said something about it calming the mind.”
“You didn’t sleep much after your ex-girlfriend left, did you?” The question caught him off guard.
He shook his head. “I was in bad shape for a while.”
He’d rebounded faster than he believed possible thanks to the love and support he received from his second family. Margaret and Matt had been beside him every step of the way until the pain had faded.
He could recall very little about Cissy in detail. He couldn’t for the life of him remember what she smelled like, and yet the spring flower bouquet with a hint of vanilla, Katherine’s scent, was etched in his memory. Vivid. If she disappeared right then and he never saw her again, he would remember how she smelled for the rest of his life. “I’m better now.”
The sound of branches cracking stopped him.
Glancing around, he realized he had nothing to use as a weapon out there. He’d ditched his rifle long ago when he’d run out of ammunition at Katherine’s house.
He moved to Katherine and covered her with his body, pulling dusty blankets on top of them to hide.
Even after the outside noise stopped, Caleb held his breath. Matt might have figured out the hint from their earlier phone call, and he could’ve brought the sheriff with him for all his good intentions. Or it could be an animal.
Katherine lay beneath him, her soft warm body rising and falling with every breath she took, pressing against him. The memory of the way they’d met etched in his thoughts. The way her body felt underneath him. A perfect fit. Her face was so close; he wouldn’t have to move far to skim his lips across her jawline, or the base of her throat where he could see her pulse throb. It wouldn’t take much movement to lift his chin and kiss her. But he realized he wanted so much more than her kiss.
More than her body.
He wanted all of her. Mind. Body. Soul—if there was such a thing.
Before any of that could happen, he wanted to be able to trust her.
He needed to know that if he opened his heart, she wouldn’t stamp her heels all over it and walk away.
The tricky part? To find out, he had to go out on a limb and give the very thing he avoided...trust. Both his father and Cissy had done a number on him in that department. Since history was the best predictor of the future, believing in someone again felt about as easy as skinning a live rattlesnake with a hairbrush.
He wished like hell he’d told Katherine how he’d felt about her when he’d had the chance.
If he could get beyond the pain of his past, could he have a real future with her?
Or would she leave just like the others?
Chapter Eleven
The door to the homestead creaked open slowly. “Caleb, you in here?”
Caleb recognized Matt’s voice immediately. He threw the covers off and stood. “Come inside and shut the door.”
Worry lines bracketed his friend’s mouth. “Damn, I’ve been worried.”
Relief eased Caleb’s tense muscles. “I didn’t think you’d caught on to my hint on the phone.”
“It took me a while. Then it finally clicked.”
Caleb helped Katherine into a comfortable sitting position, elevating her swollen ankle. He turned to Matt. “What’s going on?”
“You tell me. People are coming out of the woodwork looking for you. Margaret’s beside herself with worry.”
“No doubt they’ve been expecting me to come home.”
Matt nodded.
“What kind of people have been showing up?”
“The marshal for one. He’s been checking in every few hours. I didn’t tell him you’d made contact, but he seems to know.”
“The line must be tapped.”
“I guessed as much.”
“Speaking of which, you didn’t bring your phone with you, did you?”
Matt shook his head. “Figured if they could get to one, they could get to another. Left it in the barn just in case. Sneaked out the back.”
“Good thinking. Kane’s men followed our movements with the ones we had. I had to ditch them.”
“No wonder I kept rolling into voice mail every time I called.”
“Who else has been by the ranch?”
“The men in suits have stopped by several times.” His lips formed a grim line. “They’re staying in town at the Dovetail Inn.”
“Did you tell the marshal about them?”
Matt nodded. “He said to ignore them. Truth is I don’t know what or who to believe anymore.” His gaze traveled from Caleb to Katherine.
“I do,” Caleb said firmly. He sensed this whole ordeal would be coming to a head soon, and a big piece of him dreaded the day he would part company with Katherine. It was selfish. He should want everything to be behind them and for normal life to return. Except that she’d imprinted him in ways he could never have imagined a woman could. Being forced to live without her sounded worse than a death sentence. His heart said she wouldn’t walk out, but logic forced him to look at his history.
Then again, if the men with guns had their way, he might not live long enough to miss her. And he would. From somewhere deep inside where a little bit of light still lived within him.
“Either way, I can connect with the marshal if you want to go into the program we talked about.” Matt shot another weary glance toward Katherine.
Her chin came up proudly, but to her credit she didn’t say anything.
She was strong and bold. Another reason Caleb’s argument she was just like Cissy didn’t hold up. Damn she was sexy, beautiful and strong. Made him want to kick Matt out and do things to her that would remind her she was all woman and not some errant fugitive destined to die by the hands of some criminal jerk.
“They’ll have to take me out of here in a box. I have no plans to leave my ranch again.” Closure was coming, one way or another, and Caleb regretted the second he realized it also meant their time together would come to an end. He silently pledged to show her just how appealing she was before that happened. “I won’t run anymore.”
“Is that such a good idea?” Matt’s chin jutted out, and he blew out a breath.
Caleb shrugged. “This is my home.”
“I can go. I’ll draw them away from you,” Katherine said, seeming resigned to her fate.
He was touched but not surprised she’d be willing to put herself in more danger for him. Her current situation had come about because she would give her life to protect her nephew. Yet another difference between her and Cissy. Cissy had only thought about herself.
“I don’t mean any disrespect, but she brings up a good point. Maybe if she leaves...”
“It won’t matter. I’m still a person of interest in a murder, remember?”
“How could I forget?” Matt said with a disgusted grunt. His gaze intensified on Katherine.
“Enough,” Caleb barked to his friend. Frustration was getting the best of him. “Did you have a chance to follow up on the mission we discussed?”
“I did.” His face muscles pulled taut. “I called the manager, and asked if I could email him a picture of someone I was looking for. I sent him a photo of Kane from a news article I found. He recognized him right away. Said he came in the coffee shop all the time. Or used to when Leann worked there before the accident.”
“I wonder why a man like him would get involved with my sister.”
“I already know. The manager put one of her coworkers on the line. She was chatty. Said she and Leann used to go climbing together sometimes. She was with her the day of her accident at Enchanted Rock. They all stood by helplessly when she lost her grip and tumbled....”
Matt fixed his gaze on the floor a second before continuing. “The woman said Leann practically dropped out of sight when her old boyfriend showed up a few months ago.”
Katherine gasped. “They dated?”
Caleb closed his hand around hers, looping their fingers together, and offering reassurance so she could hear more. She rewarded him with a weak smile.
“Said they were like two lovebirds. He’d visit her at the coffee shop and drop off presents, flowers.” Matt looked from Katherine to Caleb and back. “She also said he’s Noah’s dad.”
Katherine’s fingers went limp.
“No,” came out on a whisper. “Can’t be.”
“If it’s true, if Kane’s the father, then Noah’s safe,” Caleb reassured her.
“But he’s a monster. Who knows what he’s truly capable of?”
“His company ranks are filled with relatives. I read somewhere that he’s devoted to family. Noah’s his only child. He’d want to keep him close, but he wouldn’t hurt his own son.”
“No. He’d just use him as a weapon against me.” She released a pained sob but gathered herself quickly.
“This is a game changer. Explains why they didn’t kill Noah when they didn’t get the file.” Anger pierced Caleb for not being able to shield her from pain. “The coworker said she was there that day?”
Matt nodded.
“Then we know it was an accident at least.” He turned to Matt. “Wait for me outside?”
“Okay.”
He settled Katherine onto the makeshift bed and pressed kisses to her forehead, her eyelids, her chin. He held back the new thought plaguing him. That Kane would realize she would never be able to produce the file, and kill her.
“I’ll check the area as Matt leaves. Make sure no one followed him.”
Katherine’s chest rose on harsh breaths. She nodded.
“I want to give him the CD. See if he can find anything. What do you think?”
Those tormented violet eyes looked up at him. She hesitated. “If you trust him, then I agree.”
“Good. Try to get some rest. I’ll be right back.”
She gazed up at him, confused, tired. “He can’t be the father. I’ll never see Noah again.”
“Don’t be afraid. When you close your eyes, I want you to picture me. I’ll protect you.” She couldn’t possibly know just how much he meant those words.
Caleb met his friend on the porch and closed the door. “We need to come up with a plan. But first, we’ve had a long couple of days, and we need rest.”
“It’ll be dark soon. You should be all right for tonight. They will figure out where you are eventually. And they’ll come with guns blazing. Make no mistake about it,” Matt said.
“I know.”
“Then what’s the game plan? How do you expect to get out of this alive?”
He could see that his friend was coming from a place of caring. “We’ll be ready for them. Tomorrow morning, I want you to tell the men to stay away. Margaret, too. Tell them not to come back to work for a few days. That should give us enough time to handle things. Also, I want to meet with the marshal. First thing before daylight.” Caleb held out the CD. “And take a look at this. See if you can find a hidden file, or anything that seems suspicious.”
Matt took it and studied the cover for a minute. “What has that woman gotten you into?”
“She didn’t.” Caleb’s jaw muscle tensed. Friend or not, Matt had crossed the line. “Look. My eyes were wide open when I decided to help her. You need to know I plan to see this through no matter what.”
“Why? What is she to you?”
“You don’t get it.” He didn’t have a real answer to that question so he said goodbye, checking to make sure no one was in the woods lurking, waiting to make a move. “Keep things quiet tonight. Set up the meeting in the tack room.”
Matt agreed before disappearing into the thicket.
Caleb moved inside to find Katherine awake, eyes wide open.
“What did you mean when you said you wouldn’t leave the ranch again?”
“Did you get enough to eat? I can open and heat a can of soup.” He changed the subject as he lit a Coleman lantern, allowing the soft flame to illuminate the room as the sun retreated, casting a dark shadow to fill the room.
“I’m fine. But you’re not thinking straight. I won’t let you risk your life for me anymore.”
“We going down that path again?” What Matt said must’ve hurt her feelings. “Matt means well. He doesn’t know what he’s saying.”
“I agree with him. They’ll go easy on you. I’ll tell everyone I shot Ms. Ranker if I have to.” Desperation had the muscles in her face rigid as she stood in front of him, moving closer. A red heat climbed up her neck.
“I can’t let you lie.” He smiled. “Besides, you’re no good at it. And the evidence will clear us.”
Defiance shot from her glare. Her stubborn streak reared its head again. “You don’t get to decide.”
Her gaze was fiery hot. Her body vibrated with intensity as she stalked toward him.
He readied himself for the argument that was sure to come, but she pressed a kiss to his lips instead, shocking the hell out of him. More than his spirits rose.
“There’s been enough fighting for one day. I need something else from you.”
He locked on to her gaze. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“No. Not at all. But I need to do it anyway. I want you. I’ve never wanted a man more. Do you want me?” She tiptoed up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes darkened, and she was sexy as hell, gazing up at him. A tear fell onto her cheek.
He kissed it away.
“Sorry. I can’t remember the last time I cried.”
“Don’t be.” Caleb knew all about holding in emotion. The way it ate at a person’s gut until it felt as though there was no stomach lining left. He dropped his other hand to the small of her back. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I’m being stupid. How could anyone want someone who practically cries all over them?”
“I think it’s sweet.” Rocking his hips, he pressed his erection against her midsection as he cupped her left breast. Heat shot through his body. “This give you any clue as to the question of whether or not I want you?”
Her face lit up with eagerness, and it nearly did him in. “I need to forget about the danger we’re in and the fact Noah’s been kidnapped, just for a little while.” She snuggled against him, shifting her stance to wrap her arms around his waist.
Her sensuality was going to his head faster than a shot of hard liquor. “Hold on there.”
“What? You don’t think this is a good idea?”
“No. It’s been a while for me. And I want this to last.”
“Either way there’s far too much material between us,” she said, stepping back long enough to shrug out of her shirt.
Sight of the delicately laced bra she wore caused a painful spasm in his groin. The light color an interesting contrast to her golden skin.
A second later her shorts fell to the ground, revealing matching cotton panties. The panties he’d picked out for her. Pink.
She stood there, arms at her sides, allowing him a minute to really look at her. “Do you still want me?”
He swallowed a groan. “You’re beautiful. You’re also determined to end this before it gets started.”
“Not exactly. I want long and slow.” She unhooked her bra and let it drop before shimmying out of her panties.
Caleb ate up the space between them in one quick stride. His thumb grazed her nipple. It pebbled under his touch and a blast of heat strained his erection. His body needed release. He needed to be inside her where she was warm and wet, moving in rhythm with him until they both exploded and she lay melted in his arms. He needed Katherine.
“You want help with those?” She motioned toward his T-shirt and jeans with a teasing smile that stirred his heart.
His shirt came off in one quick motion and joined her clothing on the floor. She didn’t wait for him to unzip his jeans, she was already there, her hands on his zipper. He aided her in their quick removal along with his boxer shorts.
Her eyes widened when they stopped on his full erection. “I want to feel you inside me.”
Caleb nearly lost control right there. He needed to think about something else besides the way her honeyed skin would feel wrapped around him. His passion for her hit heights he’d never known with a woman, and he hadn’t even entered her yet.
He picked her up and placed her on the bed before retrieving a condom from his wallet. His hands shook as he attempted to sheath himself.
“Here. Let me.” She placed it on his tip and rolled her hand down the shaft.
His muscles went so rigid he felt like an overstrung cello. “You’re sexy...and beautiful.”
She lay back, watching him. “Then make love to me.”
Her thighs parted and he positioned himself in the V. In one thrust, he drove inside her warmth. She was so wet, he nearly exploded. Her body fit him perfectly.
“More,” she said through a ragged breath. She gripped his shoulders.
He wanted to make her scream his name a thousand times as he rocketed her toward the ultimate release.
He tensed and struggled to maintain self-control. Not what he was used to. “Not if you want this to last any longer.”
He commanded his hips not to move as she traced her fingers down his arms, then onto his back. Her hands came up and anchored on his shoulders as he lowered his mouth over hers, marking her as his. Her silken lips parted, and his tongue drove into her mouth, tasting her honeylike sweetness.