Hazard Play (18 page)

When Pyewacket jumped up on the bed at his regular morning feeding time of six o’clock, she realized she’d been awake all night
.

* * *

Bailey opened his eyes and automatically turned to greet Tess with a kiss. She wasn’t there, so he assumed she was in the bathroom. He smiled. He sure wouldn’t mind sharing the shower with her. He stretched. She’d fallen asleep in his arms after they’d made love.

Watching her and knowing he’d be waking up beside her every morning had brought him a contentment he’d never have thought he’d feel. He didn’t hear the shower. Must be finished. No matter. There would be plenty of other opportunities.

“Contessa. Come back to bed.”

Silence.

Bailey got out of bed and walked to the bathroom door. “Contessa?” He knocked.

Silence.

He opened the door. Empty.

“Where the hell...?” A quick scan of the room revealed she’d taken her bag with her.

Had she run away from him again? He’d shown her how much he loved her just hours ago and she’d left without a word. Couldn’t she tell how he felt when they touched. Made love? He wouldn’t let her get away that easily. If it took him the next decade, she’d know. He could be on the road in fifteen minutes.

* * *

Bailey rang the doorbell for several minutes. Then he pounded on the door for another few minutes before Tess opened the door. She looked exhausted, but he drank in the sight of her. She stared at him, her eyes widening.

He stood in the entry and said, “Shannon Diarmuid.”

“Pardon me?” Tess looked stunned that he was standing at her door.

“My mom named me after the River Shannon and an ancient Irish king.” He stood there, his eyes never wavering from hers.

“That’s quite a name.”

Even with her hair tousled and dark smudges under her eyes, she was adorable. He’d never let her get away. “Mind if I come in, Contessa?”

“Oh, um, yes. Okay, fine.” She stepped back and he brushed past her.

He could smell her unique scent and it was all he could do to keep his hands off of her. He didn’t think he had the willpower to deny himself very long.

“What are you doing here?” She’d remained standing at the entrance of the living room.

“Sit down.” He stood by the couch, looking at her. “Please?”

She curled her legs beneath her in the big brown chair and looked up at him. She was irresistible. God, he loved her.

“If you’ll remember, you didn’t give me a chance to say much of anything. We’ve got unfinished business and it’s my turn to talk.” He picked up a side chair and placed it in front of her, close enough for him to see her heightened breathing. She wasn’t as calm as she pretended. He leaned forward and put his hands on his knees.

Pyewacket came out of her bedroom and stalked over to Bailey. The cat sat in front of him and stared unblinkingly for a few seconds, then launched himself into the air, landing square in Bailey’s lap. “Whoa, big fellow, don’t attack.” Bailey braced himself for a swipe of claws. Instead, the cat settled down and started purring.

Bailey and Tess stared at the huge black feline.

“I don’t believe it,” they said simultaneously.

“If his acceptance of me isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is.” Bailey took her hand and kissed it. “Aren’t you the least bit curious about why I was in Ashland?”

“You said you were signing a contract for another bounty hunting job.” She licked her lips and he felt his body tighten.

“No, I said it was a
new
job. You assumed it was with the bail bondsman company.”

“So...?”

“In the fall, I’ll be teaching at Southern Oregon State College full-time.” He paused.

“You...how could you be a teacher? I didn’t even know you had a teaching certificate.” She looked surprised.

“Remember when I told you there was a lot you didn’t know about me? I’ve been bounty hunting for over ten years.” He watched her face. “I always knew I would eventually want to teach. I’ve used my down time to keep my certification current.”

She started to speak, but stopped. Waited.

“I’d decided this case would be my last. I was tired of the constant travel and not having a place to call home. And then I met you.” His eyes burned into hers.

She inhaled sharply. “Bailey—”

“The life you’d made for yourself, even your house, felt too good to be true. Meeting you only made me surer I was ready to get out of bounty hunting.”

“Meeting me did that?” Her eyes flickered closed, then reopened.

“I need for you to believe that I was coming to get you when I was through getting settled at S.O.S.C.” Bailey squeezed her hand.

“Coming to get me?” She moved closer to him.

“Yes, I was. When I saw you running across the street in Ashland, it seemed like a dream.” He leaned over to brush her lips with a kiss. “And then you told me you loved me. Do you know what that meant to me?” His voice shook.

She took a breath and said, “Suppose you tell me.”

“It meant that I could have a home...with you. That I would make peace with that damn cat. That I could watch you sleep every night. That I could see you in my favorite Green Bay jersey...or out of it.” His hands tightened on hers and he pulled her out of the chair. “It meant that I can fall asleep in that brown recliner, hold you on my lap in it, and kiss you senseless.”

Tess went into his open arms and they shared a kiss that proceeded to do just that.

“I love you, Contessa.”

His hands framed her face and he kissed her eyes and the corners of her mouth before he claimed her lips in a storm of heat. Time stopped and he wasn’t sure how long they were locked in each other’s embrace before the kiss ended.

His fingers traced her lips, swollen from his kiss, and she swayed toward him. Laying her head against his chest, she murmured, “You could’ve told me earlier. I got a speeding ticket coming home.”

“I’ll pay it.”

“This never happens in the movies.” She nuzzled him.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m supposed to be dressed in satin, self-assured, and blindingly beautiful when my hero comes for me. Instead, I can barely stand on my feet and my eyes feel like a three hundred pound bully has kicked sand in them. How unforgettable is that?”  She yawned and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry.”

He laughed. “Look, we’ve both had a hell of a day and as much as I’d like to ravish you on the spot, we’re both beat. Let me take you to bed.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

She started out of the room, but he picked her up in his arms and carried her the rest of the way. He deposited her on the bed, stripped down to his shorts and climbed in beside her.

“Well, Shannon Diarmuid, I need to ask. Why now, after all the times I tried to get you to give me your name, did you decide to tell me?” Tess pulled the covers over them and nestled in his arms.

His mouth captured hers in a searing kiss that reminded them of memories past and promised the future to come.

“I figured my wife should know my full name.”

I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, nestled in the beautiful Treasure Valley. I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else. We have four distinct seasons, mountains, lakes and deserts.

My sisters and I were close growing up and we all still live in Boise. We keep in constant contact and that family-style love comes out in all my books. Either there is a sister by blood or a sister of the heart in all my stories. I treasure my son and daughter-in-law and couldn’t be prouder of them. I could no more leave out a family connection than I could the romances I put in my novels.

I write romance because I believe in happy endings, whether with a first time love or a second chance love. An inveterate reader and moviegoer, I like romantic comedies, drama, and adventure themes. I write romantic suspense and contemporary novels, and the occasional paranormal light.

Janis McCurry

Follow me on Facebook @ Janis McCurry of Caileigh Press

She's the good twin … until she's coerced by a hunky cop into assuming a new identity as an exotic dancer.

When a straight-laced librarian is forced to help a hot police detective solve a murder, she must pose as her twin sister, who bares it all for a living. She discovers a wild side she never knew she had. But when she catches the eye of the crooked club owner, her lawman must cover her in every way.

Rebecca Morgan is the 'good twin'. She never understood her twin Angie’s wild career choices, until mistaken identity brings detective Jack Delancey to her door in Boise, Idaho with an arrest warrant. To save Angie from jail, Rebecca dons six-inch heels, learns moves like the Crawling Wildcat and discovers a shockingly sensual side she didn’t know existed. Worse, when she dances, it's all for Jack--but will he still want her once he gets his evidence … and she puts her clothes back on?

Jack Delancey will do anything to get the crime boss who murdered his uncle--and was then freed because of Jack's mistake. To restore justice, he needs vital evidence from one of the man's strip club employees. But when she's sidelined by illness, he must persuade her twin to take her place on stage. Just one problem--the sweet librarian tosses his willpower away along with her clothing. And when the pursuit turns deadly, Jack must decide if getting his man is worth exposing his woman to more than stage lights. 

“You said ‘baby.’ Give me your safety pin!” A chorus of giggles accompanied the
lucky
winner’s squeal.

In Maggie Barnes’s opinion, whoever had thought up these stupid shower games should be punished to the fullest extent of whatever law handles this type of torture. Taking another sip of her fruit punch, she wished for the tenth time it had rum in it. The tablecloth was pink, like the damn virgin punch.
VIRGIN punch.

The centerpieces consisted of cloth diapers formed into giant roses. The pink and white mints rested in miniature baby carriages. Baby-themed confetti sparkled over the tables like tiny ha-ha-don’t-you-wish-you-had-one messages directed at Maggie, the non-grandmother whose daughter didn’t seem to be looking for the father of the most perfect grandbaby that would ever be born.

She glanced down at her watch. Two-thirty. The party had barely started. She couldn’t leave for another hour without offending the hostess, especially since their cubicles were next to each other at work.

Maggie stood and threaded her way through the clusters of guests until she reached the bathroom. She flipped the toilet seat down, sat, and dove through her purse until she found her cell phone.
Rina will understand.
She typed in one sentence.

M: OMG, get me out of here.

And hit send.

No response. Rina was probably enjoying the wedding she was attending too much to be bothered texting. Maggie had practically dragged her best friend into the twenty-first century of text messaging. It hadn’t been easy. Several minutes passed. Heaving an exasperated sigh, she decided to vacate the premises in case someone needed the room for its intended purpose.

Unlocking the powder room door, she navigated to where the hostess was refilling an ice tea pitcher. The future grandmother sat at the counter, talking non-stop.

Summoning her party face, Maggie said, “I haven’t been able to congratulate you, yet. You must be very happy.”

“Thank you. I can’t wait to get my hands on her. I did tell you it was a girl, didn’t I? That makes four grandchildren, now.”              

That’s it. Twist the knife. I can take it.
Maggie smiled and excused herself. In the hall, her phone trilled.

She read the text. Chopper, huh. Rina, you’re a laugh riot
.

She typed back.

M: Funny. How r u?

Returning the cell to her purse, Maggie rejoined the others. She slid into a chair beside a young woman bent over a denim baby carrier. The baby was crying, its face scrunched up and red. If it was anything like Jenn had been at that age, it wasn’t stopping any time soon. The mother’s face glowed with maternal pride, though shadows of exhaustion could be seen in her eyes as she lifted out her child.

“How old?” Maggie asked.

“Two months and he’s fussy. It’s hard to get him calmed down.”

“Do you want me to try?” Maggie asked.

The exhausted mother nodded and handed him to Maggie.

With his warm body cradled in her arms, she breathed in the sweet smell found only in a baby.
Mm, baby shampoo.
This is what she wanted for Jenn. This miracle feeling of having a baby.

The infant wiggled and gurgled up at her.

“Maggie, you’ve got the touch. Little ones love you,” said one of Maggie’s coworkers.

Maggie smiled and stroked the infant’s cheek.
But Jenn’s would be cuter.

“He’s perfect.” With a final pat on his back, she relinquished her precious cargo to his mother.
I’m happy for them. I just want it to be my turn.

* * *

People and their technology. Karina Thorn studied her table companions. Even at the wedding reception, the gray suit was having an animated conversation on his cell while his wife was playing a game of some sort, Angry Words with Birds or something like that. The woman in the retro pink pillbox hat was Skyping. They were all twenty-something, sweet babies who didn’t know better. It would be easier if the next generation inserted phone chips straight into the brain. She, on the other hand, was a woman in her fifth decade who understood what was acceptable. She didn’t have to get sucked in. No siree.

Rina did her best to ignore the heralding horns emanating from her special occasion, Sunday-go-to-meeting Coach bag. Sliding her fingers into a slot on the side of her purse, she eased the phone from the compartment. Maggie was trying to reach her. It could be...important. All those adorable tiny clothes and the “oohing” and “ahhing” probably overloaded poor Mags. With a few swipes of her index finger, the message appeared.

M: OMG, get me out of here.

Using her thumbs like a professional, Rina tapped out a response.

R: Do you want me to swoop in with the chopper?

Dear friend, why are you texting me instead of enjoying

the BS, as in baby shower?

Several minutes later, heralding horns announced the arrival of another message.

M: Funny. How r u?

GREAT. Just great. Rina’s chest tightened as she watched the bride gaze into her new husband’s eyes and kiss him. Their love was palpable. Weddings made her wish for things beyond her reach
.
She wanted this type of connection for her sons, not that either was anywhere close to marriage.
The groom is three years younger than Ander.
The image of her oldest son standing beside the woman he loved swirled through her mind, teasing Rina with the possibilities.

R: Been Better. Café Ole? One hour?

A few seconds later.

M: You’re on.

* * *

“Damn, this Margarita is good. These are the best in Boise.”

Rina tilted her head as she studied Mags. “By the way, I love the new haircut and color. The gold highlights set off the red. It suits you.”

“Thanks. Just don’t call me feisty.”

“Never entered my mind.” Rina grinned and crossed her fingers over her heart.

Maggie sipped her Margarita. “Yum. The only good thing about afternoon weddings and baby showers are they’re an excuse for cocktails in the evening. Did I tell you she was having a girl?”

“Yep.” Rina suppressed a laugh. “Five times.”

“Sorry.” Maggie shrugged.

“Let’s lift our glasses. A toast to the much anticipated arrival of this baby.” Rina raised her Margarita.

“Whatever,” Maggie said with a curl of her lip.

“Maggie, don’t leave me hanging.”

“Fine.” They clinked their glasses. “Rina, you want grandbabies as much as I do.”

“Yes, I admit it. But, there’s something even more important than grandchildren. I want Ander and Aaron to be happy.” Rina stilled as a wild thought flashed through her mind.

“What?” Maggie asked. “You’ve got the look.”

Rina’s eyes widened and she straightened. “Let’s stop bemoaning our fates and do something about it. The Lord helps those who help themselves.”

“What can we do? We raised our kids to be independent. What are we going to say, ‘Hey, you’re getting married and having a baby.’ Fat chance.”

Rina shook her head and took another sip of her drink. “True, that would be too easy. Aaron is busy getting his business established. Romance is low on his list. Ander is a different story. He’s had years to find someone. Ever since she-who-will-be-unnamed-skank broke his heart, he’s had a series of no-strings relationships.”

“He dodged a bullet.”

“True, but that woman changed him. Has he found someone to share his life with? Is he even looking? No and no.”

“It’s depressing. Stop hogging the chips.”

Rina nudged the half-empty basket closer and Maggie scooped a big dollop of salsa onto her tortilla chip.

“I’ve learned if you want something to happen, you’ve got to be the one to do it.” Rina snagged a chip, dipped it, and waved it at Maggie.  “I’ve waited for Cupid to release that arrow. Aaron is completely out of range. Either Ander is good at dodging or Cupid’s falling down on his job.”

Maggie squinted and pursed her lips. “If you’re serious...we need another drink.”

Rina smiled and motioned to the waitress. “Let’s do this.”

“How do we start?”

“With the basics.”

“Animal attraction?” Maggie smirked. “I like that.”

Rina rested her head on her hands, then looked up. “I agree. That’s basic. But, we need a little more than chemistry. Common interests, values. Those are the biggies. Can you think of anything else?”

“I’m good with those.” Maggie laughed. “Where do we find these candidates?”

“Church?” Rina suggested.

“If Ander were interested in anyone at church, wouldn’t he have met them by now?”

“Good point. Work. What about men from your credit union?” Rina ran her finger along the rim of her glass, dislodged some salt, and licked it.

“Don’t get me started,” Maggie said. “None of them are right for my Jenn.”

“Why do you say that? You’ve never mentioned any axe murderers that I remember.”

“The good guys are already married. The others are either players or single for a reason.” Maggie leaned forward. “Jenn never had a father and I never had a man I could count on. My Jenn needs someone she can depend on.”

“You did a great job.” Rina extended her fist and Maggie bumped it.

“I’m proud of her. But, she missed out on a father and I can’t help wondering if that’s one reason she’s not looking for someone.” Maggie frowned at her drink.

“Are you sure you’re not projecting
your
feelings on Jenn?”

Maggie colored. “We’re not talking about me. Let’s get back to the kids.”

“Be that way. Match.com? Or one of those other dating sites?”

“Those people lie. Not that I have any experience with it.” Maggie mumbled and ducked her head. “What about at your school? Any good prospects?”

“There are some single teachers.” Rina knew one that would be perfect for Ander. She was kind, smart, and funny. I’m hesitant. What if it didn’t work out and I’d have to see this young woman every day? What if he breaks her heart? What if she breaks his heart?” Rina shuddered. “Either scenario would be horrible.”

“Not if you pick the right girl,” Maggie pointed out.

“Well, that’s true. I do know Ander better than he knows himself.”

They both laughed.

“Between us, we should be able to field a large enough pool of eligible candidates,” Rina said.

“It would be a hell of a lot easier if Ander and Jenn fell in love with each other.”

Rina held up both hands and leaned back. “I’m going to cut you off if you start talking nonsense.”

“What’s wrong with those two?” Maggie hesitated. “Is it the race thing?”

“Don’t make me reach over and slap the taste out of your mouth with that crazy talk.” Rina waved her straw around. “Black. White. Race isn’t the issue. Those two together would be like...like—setting him up with his cousin.”

“—Ewww. You’re right. When they’ve peed in the pool together as children, they really don’t look at each other romantically. Besides, if they’d liked each other that way, they would’ve already hooked up.”

Rina raised her glass. “To childhood friends.”

They toasted again.

“How do we set up Jenn and Ander with the candidates? She won’t go on a blind date.”

“We throw a party.” Rina rubbed her hands together. “That way, it won’t look like a

set-up. You know, the school year ends in a month. I can have a party to celebrate summer.”

“Hold on. We need to write this down.” Maggie dug through her purse and found her notepad. “Okay, let’s start with the guest list.”

“I wonder how Ander will react to our plans?” Rina sipped her drink.

“What?” Maggie’s drink slopped over as she slammed it down. “You’re kidding. Right?”

“No, I’m not kidding. It’s easier for me to tell him the truth. If I wait, I can hear him saying ‘I can’t believe you’d do this to me’ or ‘Why are you interfering with my life?’ I’d rather get the lecture done with now.”

“No way I’m telling Jenn.” Maggie rolled her eyes. “She’ll get all pissy and accuse me of meddling. Sometimes, she’s a real pain in my ass.”

“That independence thing, huh?” Rina sympathized. She knew how that worked.

“Yeah. I love that she’s grown up to be a strong woman, but the flip side is she thinks I don’t know what’s best for her.”

“Crazy kids. Don’t worry. If things go as planned, this time next year Ander will have a wife.” Rina raised her glass. “Here’s to my future daughter-in-law.”

“And to the father of my grandbaby.”