Dealing Double Read online

  Her head whipped up, and she stared at him with those big brown eyes for a few seconds, before she blushed and went back to her digging.

  Why had he confessed that? He was an idiot, that’s why. If and when she found out he was a cop, she’d probably run as fast as she could the opposite way. But he wanted to know more about Gabby. And to help her find her statues that she so vehemently wanted to protect. He admired her determination.

  Something about her hit him square in the heart.

  Gabby dug for another half hour before she gave in and stopped. Disappointed, and with burning muscles, she looked up at Jake, who had been keeping watch. “I don’t think it’s here. But the pottery being here means Dean most likely has been. I need to figure out why Dean left this shard for me to find.”

  Jake glanced her way. “By the number of footprints and variance in sizes, I think it’s safe to say one or two big men and a smaller one were here. Or it could be a woman’s footprints. How big a guy is Dean?”

  She packed her things. “He’s short, skinny, and a perv. Dean comes up to about here on me.” She held her hand just below her collarbone. “He says the best thing about working with me is the view. He’s very dedicated to archaeology, and the ongoing study of my chest.” She hated that about her boss. It was creepy. He was creepy.

  Jake’s right brow spiked. “Want me to smack him around some if we find him? Explain what workplace sexual harassment is all about?”

  “No. My workplace choices are limited by my father. I hate Dean’s behavior but put up with it only because I want to have a job.” She laughed. “Besides, I’m used to being around annoying men at work and home. Hence my ability to put up with you.” She flung her bag over her shoulder. “Let’s go back to the cabin and look at my notes. I need to figure out this clue.”

  As they jogged for tree cover, Jake said, “So on a scale of one to ten, Dean being a ten, how much do I annoy you?”

  “See? That you’d even ask that question shows your inability to take anything seriously. And ten, by the way. But not always in a bad way.”

  Once they were a few feet into the woods, and out of sight from the dig site, they slowed their pace. Jake asked, “Tell me how I annoy you in good ways, and I’ll try to keep that up.” His mischievous smile made it hard to actually be annoyed with him sometimes.

  “You can’t help the good ways because you were born with them.” She shifted the heavy bag to her other shoulder. “It’s science really. People are attracted to certain attributes and tend to have ‘types.’ You happen to be my type on many levels. I once read a study that showed people are naturally attracted to specific features in others that we secretly desire for ourselves. But attraction is simply physical desire and can be controlled.”

  “You’re just my type, too, Red. And we’re both single. Why would we want to control our desire for each other?” Jake’s forehead crumpled in question. “I’ve been thinking about how much I want to kiss you since yesterday.”

  “Because we can’t always have what we want. It’s best to accept that and not dwell.” She glanced his way again, and her heart sighed. She wanted to kiss him, too. She hadn’t ever been so confusingly attracted to a man. But it’d be a mistake to get too involved with Jake, because she feared he was the kind of man she could fall in love with. He’d said flat out he could never marry a woman like her if her father weren’t in jail. And that wasn’t a trade she’d ever make—love for her father’s freedom.

  He was quiet for all of fifteen seconds while he pondered her words. “What about living in the moment and enjoying the pleasure while we can?”

  She shook her head. “Have you ever gone to the freezer, just dying for your favorite ice cream, but when you open the container there’s only one bite left? You have to decide if you’d be satisfied with just that one bite or if it’s better not to have taken that small taste and be left yearning for more the rest of the evening.”

  Jake’s fingers slipped around her arm to stop her. “Who only has one flavor of ice cream in their freezer? I’d just eat that bite and then open the other container sitting right beside it.”

  Was he talking about actual ice cream, or was that supposed to be a metaphor? “Is that what you do with women? Move on to the next flavor rather than committing to your favorite?”

  “What? No.” After a quick look around, he shook off his backpack and gently laid down his gun. “I was talking about the ice cream in my freezer, not hypothetical women. I take my ice cream pretty damned seriously, Red.”

  Oh, so he really did have more than one flavor of ice cream in his freezer at a time? She always finished the container before she bought more. Maybe that had been a bad example.

  She dropped her bag at her feet. “So I’ve finally found the one thing you take seriously?” She crossed her arms.

  “I take a lot of things seriously.” He leaned closer and whispered, “Especially sexy scientists.” His mouth was less than an inch from hers. “Can I stop controlling my desire now and kiss you?”

  She stared into his turquoise-tinted eyes, debating if she should let him. Warning bells sounded in her head, reminding her it might be like that ice cream and leave her wanting more. “Fine, you weak man.”

  His smiling lips met hers and silenced the annoying thoughts screaming at her. She wanted to know what it’d be like, because she took first kisses seriously. If it were bad, it’d make it easier to ignore her attraction to him.

  He used just enough pressure to show how much he wanted her, but with enough restraint to keep it on a G-rated level. For a sweet kiss, it packed a punch. It made her want to feel what the R-rated version would be like.

  She slipped her arms around his neck and pressed her whole body against his. Forget her ice-cream analogy. What could one little taste hurt?

  When his whole body stiffened, it reminded her that he needed to be the aggressor of touch, so she released him and abruptly ended the kiss just when it’d been getting good. She took a step back. “I’m sorry. I forgot about the touching thing.”

  “No worries.” He reached out and pulled her against him again. “It sometimes takes me aback for a moment, that’s all. Now, where were we?” He leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers, this time just the way she wanted. Lots of heat, tongue, and lust. It sent a shot of tingling thrill up her spine, and her stomach into a swooping free fall.

  She snuggled closer and ran her hands through his thick hair as he changed the angle of the kiss. He turned up the intensity and shot her to the next level, making every part of her body feel alive. Heat spiraled through her veins, burning her up, filling her with need, sending her heart rate into overdrive.

  His hand slipped down her side, cupped her breast, and gently kneaded, making her back arch into his hand for more. Dammit. He wasn’t just a good kisser. Jake was an extraordinarily good one.

  He slowly ended the kiss and then whispered, “See? Living in the moment isn’t so bad.” He tapped her butt playfully and then picked up all their things and started walking back to the ATV.

  What? He’d laid a kiss like that on her and then just walked away? Hadn’t it meant anything to him?

  She stood with her hands on her hips, confused. What was her next move? Tell him that had been a mistake that’d never happen again, or, just like that last bite of ice cream, now she wanted more.

  She jogged to catch up. Maybe he wasn’t as impressed with the kiss as she had been. Maybe he kissed women all the time and then walked away. It was probably all a game to him.

  She finally caught up and matched his long strides, still huffing a bit from the altitude. “Can I ask you a question, Jake?”

  “Yep.” He turned and met her gaze. “Why do you look so upset?”

  “Because.” She gulped in another deep breath. “I’m not like you. I don’t have one-night stands and then walk away whistling. I have to have some feelings for someone before I sleep with them. Or kiss them.”

  “You’re making incorrect assu
mptions.” He swung his free arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “I don’t do one-night stands, either. I’ve always wanted the whole deal, kids, and a minivan. Dani didn’t.”

  That made her heart do a little backflip before she remembered he’d never want to be with her. “Do you still love Dani?”

  He nodded. “I’ll always love her on some level. Maybe that’s why I’m not boyfriend material, like the last woman I dated declared so loudly.”

  Love her on some level? So not actively in love with her? “Or, maybe it’s because you lack kissing manners and walk away like it never happened?” Especially a hot kiss like they’d just shared. She wasn’t asking for a ring, for goodness’ sake—just some common respect.

  “Kissing manners?” He laughed. “It’s cold out here, and the woods could be full of your father’s men. No time to linger for safety purposes. I didn’t just walk away proud of myself for stealing a kiss, and I certainly wasn’t whistling. But if you’d rather I didn’t kiss you again, just say the word.”

  She glanced at his face to see if he was serious for a change. “I didn’t say that. I was just . . .” What? Did she want him to kiss her again? “Clarifying. That’s all.” He hadn’t removed his arm from her shoulder, and that surprised her.

  “Then I’ll clarify.” He gave her a quick squeeze. “I’m attracted to you because of the kindness in your heart, all the amazing things that lurk in that exceptional brain, and because you’re beautiful inside and out. But you’re going back to DC soon. I have a life here. If we slept together, I think we’d both enjoy it. But it can’t be anything more than that. So, I’ll leave that decision up to you.”

  “I’ll have to think about it.” She’d never had a man talk to her about having sex like it’d be a business deal. But, he was right, and she respected his honesty. “How long does your vacation last? Before you have to go back to work, whatever that is?”

  He sighed. “I’m off for the rest of the month. If you wanted to keep me company, no matter what you decide about the sex, I’d like that very much. I’m not good at being alone.”

  That tugged at her heart. “I’m an expert at being alone. Maybe I can teach you a thing or two about it in return for your help with the statue?”

  “That’s a deal.” His grin wasn’t his usual naughty one. It seemed . . . sincere for a change.

  They’d arrived at the ATV, so he let his arm fall away from her shoulder, to strap on their things. It left her feeling cold again.

  She picked up Dani’s helmet from the seat and put it on. She’d find the statue first, assuming someone else hadn’t, and then decide what to do. Maybe lying low and spending a month with Jake was just what she needed to help her decide the plan for the rest of her life.

  But should she sleep with Jake? Her hormones voted yes, but her brain was pulling the emergency brake. Spouting off little reminders of how they’d never be together long term. And that it’d only be sex. Reiterating that the goal was to find a nice guy to settle down with. That she could get hurt. Best to stay friends.

  There was something special about Jake she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Would it be worth the risks her brain was warning her of to find out what that was?

  Jake fired up the engine, so she wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled close to stay warm. His sexy, hard muscles plastered against her chest made it difficult for the logical side of her brain to think. Only feel. And it felt just right to be with Jake.

  Chapter Seven

  Jake paced back and forth in the cabin as time seemed to crawl by. He was going nuts, wanting to jump in and help Gabby figure out her clue, but she’d used that slightly snooty British accent to politely decline his offer.

  Maybe he should come clean with her and explain that he could help because solving clues was what he did for a living. She was bound to figure out he was a cop sooner or later. Especially if she googled Dani or Annalisa. But then what if she bolted? Nope, better to maintain cover as long as he could.

  So, rather than sitting around, he’d help her with her disguise. Gabby’s bodyguards should be arriving soon according to her calculations, and they’d be bound to stop at the grocery store to ask about her. There weren’t that many businesses in town.

  He called out to Gabby, who was at the kitchen table, frowning at her computer screen. “I’m going to run to the store for that hair dye. What color did you decide on?” While there, he’d ask if anyone had seen any bodybuilding-size strangers.

  Maybe he’d get a big box of condoms, too. His blood had already been humming for Gabby, but after that kiss, it roared in his ears. He hoped to God she decided to sleep with him. If not, then maybe she’d consider hanging out with him as just friends. He genuinely liked her.

  She glanced up from the screen and blinked. “Um. Light brown, I guess. Two boxes for my long hair. And could you pick up some tea? I’m not a coffee drinker.”

  Not surprising, being raised in England. “Sure. Anything else?” He shrugged into his coat.

  “No, thanks.” She shook her head and went back to studying copies of maps, searching for clues about the shard they’d found. And what its placement could mean. She’d been at it for over an hour and didn’t appear to be making any progress deciphering Dean’s hidden message.

  “Oh, wait.” Gabby jumped up and disappeared into the bedroom. A moment later she came back with a fistful of cash. “Please buy yourself a new phone. Is this enough for the best one they have?”

  She’d handed him eighteen hundred bucks. He handed most of it back. “Plenty. Thanks. Don’t leave the cabin without me, Red.” He was going to have to stop calling her Red after she dyed her hair. He’d miss that.

  She lifted a hand in absent acknowledgment and then got back to work.

  He shook his head in wonder at her determination over a hunk of gold that purportedly could start wars. What a load of BS. But to each their own.

  He climbed into his truck and drove down the lane to the highway. The bright sun had taken care of most of the remaining snow, leaving slick mud behind. After he had hit the pavement, he headed for the store. It’d be the first place he’d stop if he were looking for someone in the small town, or possibly the gas station. He’d ask around there next.

  When he arrived at the edge of the tiny town, the aroma of roasting green chile wafting from his favorite little burger place cemented his plans for the way home. He’d pick up a couple of green-chile cheeseburgers for lunch. Red needed to experience one of the best things New Mexico was known for—its kick-ass chile.

  He parked and then made his way into the store, hoping it was Shelly’s day off. He wasn’t in the mood to spar with the kid.

  A quick glance showed he was the only customer, and Shelly’s father was manning the register for a change. Maybe it was his lucky day.

  George lifted a hand. “Hey, Detective. Heard you were in town. Can I help you find anything? Like an ice pack for your face? What happened?”

  Jake joined the owner at the counter. “It’s nothing. ATV accident. The tree looks worse than me. What I really need is a new phone.” He scanned the display behind George. There were only four, so he picked the newest version of what he had before. “That one will do.”

  “Betcha. You want the same number?”

  “Yep.” Jake left George to do the setup and download all his contacts from the cloud.

  Weaving through the aisles, he grabbed tea for Gabby, and then he looked for women’s hair stuff. He finally found the small display. There were three shades of brown. Which one should he choose?

  “I doubt the tree looks worse than your face. Thinking of dying that pretty blond hair of yours, Detective?” Shelly said from behind him.

  He couldn’t say it wasn’t for him and possibly blow Gabby’s whereabouts. Shelly couldn’t be trusted if Gabby’s guards asked questions. What the hell else would someone do with hair dye? Stain something? His brain quickly ran through possibilities.

  “Nope. Not for m
e. This is for . . . the carpet. I spilled something in the bedroom. Dani is a freak about stains, so I hope this fixes it.” He really had stained her carpet the last time he’d been there.

  Shelly frowned. “We have carpet cleaner over there by the rental machines. You should try that first.” Her face softened, and she leaned closer. “I could come up and show you how it all works if you’d like.” Her hand landed on his forearm, and she gave a squeeze. It made him cringe. “I’m good at using machines in bedrooms. You might enjoy watching.”

  Seriously?

  He slowly moved her hand off his arm and whispered, “Talking to men like that could get you in a world of trouble you aren’t ready for, kid.”

  “Whatever.” Shelly shrugged and stepped back, out of his personal space. “But you should use the stain remover first. That dye might make an even bigger mess.”

  “Dani already tried to get the stain out. This is the last resort before I have to buy her a new carpet.” He grabbed two boxes of the lightest of the brown dyes. How was he going to buy condoms with Shelly dogging him?

  Shelly said, “Oh. I saw Dani drive through town yesterday. Did she and Michael have a fight? You two getting back together?”

  “You never know.” He couldn’t help his grin. There was his excuse to buy condoms. Dani would kill him if she knew he’d implied that, but he’d take his chances.

  “Either way, I think Michael is hot, too. Dani has good taste in men.” Shelly popped her gum.

  “That’s debatable.” He walked down the next aisle toward the condoms. Maybe if she thought he and Dani were getting back together, Shelly would give up on him and go back to work. “I should probably be prepared in case Dani changes her mind about taking me back, right?”

  He knelt and picked up the largest box of condoms they had so he wouldn’t have to endure any more of Shelly’s torture for the rest of the month.

  She leaned over his shoulder. “If you want to please a woman, those aren’t the best we’ve got.”

  Dammit! You’re the last person I want to have a condom discussion with.