Shephard (Mountain Men of Danger Falls #1)

Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

D enise

“I thought you were a no-show and I was going to hunt you down.” Maggie was completely professional for her day job, but at night, the girl turned into what I’d call a wild child. She was single, preferred it that way, and enjoyed different flavors of men. She also adored teasing them by dressing provocatively.

I’d managed to pull out a jean skirt for a change, her second phone call chiding me about my wardrobe the only reason. I was lucky it didn’t have mud or another caked substance on it. I just didn’t care but so much about my appearance.

I wasn’t frilly, which had also pissed off my ex. What was I thinking? Everything pissed the prick off.

“I would never stand you up, darling,” I cooed as I eased onto the barstool. She called a certain location around the bar her perch. The corner spot allowed her to catch the comings and goings of every red-blooded male sliding in the front door or heading to the restrooms. Plus, she could swing around and stick out her killer long legs. Tonight, she was dressed in a tight leather skirt and a hot flaming red off the shoulder tee shirt.

I had to admit at times I was envious.

Tonight wasn’t one of them.

I wasn’t looking for a hookup or even to catch the eye of a man. Maybe I was fibbing to myself a little, but after the rough day with Cane, my gut telling me the jerk was up to something no good, I wasn’t in the mood for sparring. No matter how delightfully sexual it could be.

Greg had berated him, but that had been the end of it. Meanwhile, I’d chastised myself for not getting a solid picture of the man with cold eyes.

“Bad day, sugar?” she asked as she pulled the already open bottle of cabernet, her favorite, into her hand, pouring me a glass.

“Have you ever worked with someone you just knew was hiding a terrible secret?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Yeah; once I was right. Are you talking about Mr. Arrogant?” Cane had tried to get her into bed more than once. In fact, he’d attempted to enjoy both of us at the same time. Our little stunt in making him feel… small had changed his mind.

“Yeah. He was offline, which made my boss think he’d had some kind of an incident. I had to find him since we’re so short staffed. He was with some weird guy he said was family. They didn’t look anything alike. Pepper detected the scent of drugs.”

“Did you arrest him?”

I laughed and took a sip of wine, cognizant we were already being sized up for the bedroom flavor of the evening. It was always comical when single male tourists believed they could have a hot fling with a local gal, leaving with a promise of a phone call and a possible long-distance relationship.

Bullshit.

“You do have the ability to arrest people,” she reminded me.

“I do, but this isn’t the Wild West, and I wasn’t in the mood to cart this guy’s ass all the way to Roanoke. Not in my schedule. Too many tourists.” Too many ideas floating around in my head about the case.

“Uh-huh. You’re chomping at the bit to solve the case. Just be careful.”

“You know I’m always careful.”

“I heard you saved that drunk rich guy,” Maggie taunted. “Did he give you a reward?”

“Very funny. I had to drop his wallet off at the resort.”

“That’s why you were doing the touchy-feely with the hot guy.”

“He’s… unusual. What can you tell me about the third murder?”

“You cut to the chase and avoid the real sexy topic,” she said and suddenly seemed uncomfortable. “I don’t want to talk about it here. I think you’ll find answers yourself, including about what you mentioned this morning.” She reached into her purse. When she slid the drive across the table with her hand on top, a shiver shifted down my spine.

“You found it.”

“I’m not saying anything.”

“What happened? And don’t lie to me. You remember I have the nose of a bulldog.” I slipped it into the small coin pocket of my skirt, a benefit to wearing something from almost twenty years before.

She was able to laugh. “I can’t prove this and I might be nuts, but I swear I was being watched.”

“How do you mean?”

“There was a dark car sitting in the parking lot of the convenience store next to my building for a couple hours. I didn’t pay much attention except when I ran out to grab a bite to eat for lunch, suddenly the driver was rolling down the road behind me.”

“Coincidence?”

“I tried to tell myself that until it happened when I was leaving. I lost the dude by taking my special shortcut, but I know I’m right. What the hell is going on?”

Her admittance didn’t make me feel any better. In fact, it added credence to the idea there was something much bigger going on here. “I wish I knew and I’ll do my best to find out. Do you have a weapon?”

She gave me a hard yet pinched-nose look. “I grew up with four brothers. Big dudes who were regular hunting machines. Of course. Don’t worry about me. I have actual neighbors on both sides of me. You don’t. You live in the boonies. Doesn’t that ever bother you?”

“Did you forget my background?”

“You would never allow it, girlfriend. Still, I’m serious and I worry about you up there all alone.”

“You make it sound like it’s thirty miles away from town. Stop worrying. With Pepper there, no one is getting through a window or inside a door without having their arm or leg taken off.”

“I do love that pup. I was thinking about getting one of my own.” She lifted her glass as if for a toast.

“I think that’s a great idea.”

Maggie’s eyes opened wide and she sucked in her breath. When she blew it out, she whistled under her breath.

“What?”

“Well, hel-lo, Mr. Hotness. He is just about the hottest creature on the face of this earth. And if I didn’t know better, I’d say he is all into you, baby girl. I noticed that on television.”

“And I don’t care.” I didn’t bother looking. “I found out my ex is getting married to his pregnant assistant after finally divorcing his wife. I bet that’s a little messy.”

She laughed. “I bet. Now is the perfect time to have a little sexy fling of your own. You know what they say about getting over someone.”

“Oh, God. I’m over him.”

“You keep evidence of his bad deeds in a little safe you showed me. Until you get rid of that shit, you’re going to be haunted by his memories for the rest of your life. You’ll never have a healthy relationship.”

While it was good to have someone to confide my ugly past to, I almost wished I hadn’t told her about the documentation I’d taken from Jameson’s computer. He didn’t know I’d taken anything, but he’d suspected I would come back to haunt him. At least that’s what he’d screamed at me about the last time I’d run into him.

The last time a wretched reporter had caught us on camera. Ugh.

“I’ll have you know I enjoy my hot little collection of vibrators.”

When I admitted the truth, she burst into laughter, forced to grab a cocktail napkin to keep from spitting out her sip of wine.

“You are so blunt. I adore that about you. But seriously. Take a look at this man. He wants to devour you for lunch, dinner, and keep you over for breakfast. I’d go for it.”

“Then go for it. I’m busy.”

“Bullshit. You can’t lie to me and you know it. Just look. I think he’s coming this way. Whew.”

She was fanning her face, the dramatic woman always able to make any event fun. I wanted to look. Yes, I did, but it would be like giving into my needs for the third or fourth time that week. I had to keep control. Of my life. Of my business. Of my emotions.

Maybe learning Jameson was getting married when I’d thought for certain I’d walk down the aisle with him was still bothering me. That was the most disgusting aspect of all. So, against my better judgment, I turned my head to grab a lust-filled image of the hot man.

Very little floored me. Seeing the striking man who stood taller than every other male in the room, his broad shoulders filling out a stunning leather jacket was breathtaking. The way his chest muscles pushed against the cobalt blue Henley shirt was mouthwatering. The tight fit of his black jeans highlighted what God had given him, something every girl in the bar hungered for. But it was the fact he was now clean shaven, his facial features even more spectacular than I’d believed the most difficult and sensual aspect of all.

Shephard.

I knew I’d mouthed his name or even whispered it, which of course Maggie caught.

“That’s the guy from the resort. And… You know him personally.” Her voice held her usual teasing tone. Her teasing methods were relentless.

“Stop it. That’s Shephard Fox.”

“Hot name for a hot dude. How well do you know this man?”

I laughed. “We bantered. We argued. He stole a rope I needed to purchase from me. I don’t think it’s a match made in heaven. He has two brothers though.”

“And I would beg to differ. I think he’s coming your way. In fact, I know it. And you can always introduce me to the other two.”

I found myself holding my breath when he walked closer. But I’d be damned if he didn’t walk right by me. Yes, he threw me a look that confirmed his desire, but I also sensed he wasn’t in the mood for heavy bantering.

Neither was I.

Ignoring him was my best option. When I spun around to face the bar, Maggie huffed.

“You drive me nuts. Do you know that?” she said with her usual flair.

“I drive everyone nuts. Don’t feel special.”

She threw back more of her wine, grumbling when she placed her glass on the bar. “What happened between the two of you? And don’t give me that bantering crap.”

“Let’s just say he’s not who you think he is.”

“You mean some rich hot guy with a body to die for?”

“Yeah, not that.” I felt my inner core heating up. Yes, I looked again, noticing Shephard had moved to the other side of the bar, hugging the wall as if it was his private space. He had an aura about him that clearly shouted ‘don’t fuck with me.’ It was charming in a dangerous kind of way.

Maggie said nothing until a hot song came on. “Oh, we have to dance. Do not deny me.”

It was a honkytonk bar, but they allowed a single rock and roll night. The music was blaring, the light show that was usually annoying more seductive and inviting.

“I don’t dance,” I told her.

She grabbed my hand, almost knocking the wineglass from my hand as I tried to set it down. “Tonight you do.”

Maggie rarely took no for an answer. As she dragged me through the crowd toward the dance floor, I was cognizant of Shephard watching our every move. Maybe I was pushing my limits, which was something I normally did.

But not with men.

However, letting go even for a little while was appealing. Plus, it was my favorite Bon Jovi song. As soon as we made a hole on the crowded floor, I closed my eyes, allowing the music to smooth the edges of my desire.

Somewhere around the second chorus, Maggie was in my face. “I told you that you needed to get out more.”

“Maybe you’re right.” I had to admit I was enjoying myself, even though I was purposely ignoring the prickling feeling constantly sweeping through me. I didn’t bother looking in his direction, but I could feel his eyes on me.

One song turned into three, the pulsing beat and churning lights perfectly adding to the atmosphere.

“He’s watching you,” she told me.

“I don’t care.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Bullshit.”

I should have known Maggie was up to something. When she pushed me hard, she managed to drive me backwards.

And into Shephard’s arms.

She was right there in our faces, her hands planted on her hips. “Now, if you know what’s good for you, Mr. Fox, you’ll treat her right. This is a small town and people look out for one another. You’re not a local. Yet. Do the right thing or else.”

Her dramatics continued as she danced away, disappearing into the crowd.

I quickly righted myself, hating the tingling sensations rocketing through me. The awkwardness between us had returned. I had no clue what to say to him. If he’d wanted to see me again, he was a big boy and could have found a way.

We stared at each other as other dancers moved around us. Maybe it was the shave, but he appeared entirely different than before. Maybe more hardened. I wasn’t certain. What I did know was that the longing remained. And I honestly hated it.

“You shaved,” I said, feeling completely out of my element. It was as if I had two left feet and a swollen tongue.

“I did.”

“For me?”

“Baby, I do shit for myself,” he growled. “I already told you that.”

“Whatever you say. Sorry to interrupt your oh-so busy evening.”

“Do you always need to be a pain in the ass? I thought we got past that.”

He made me laugh. God, the sound was so unnatural. “Me? You’re grumpier every time I see you. Plus, four days have passed.” Why did I spout that off? Ugh.

“I have my reasons. You missed me.”

“Never.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

We were almost standing still while everyone else around us was dancing, some people even bumping into us. It surprised me he wasn’t punching every one of them. “Of course you do. Someone piss in your Wheaties this morning?” I didn’t expect him to answer me and true to form, he didn’t. But his glare was heated.

And very sexual.

“Why don’t I allow you to sulk all by yourself.” I didn’t have the opportunity before he crowded my space to the point I was instantly intoxicated by his aftershave.

“Dance,” he commanded.

“What about you?”

“I don’t dance. Ever.”

“You don’t do much of anything but sulk. Do you?” Maybe the single glass of wine had gotten to me. Or maybe what Maggie had said was enough to push me out of my comfort zone. Whatever the case, I started swaying my hips to torment him.

His eyes were hooded but he did little more than take a long pull on his bottle of beer.

It only took me a few seconds to realize I was an idiot. What was I doing dancing like some jerk in front of a man who couldn’t appreciate it if his life depended on it? I spun around, furious with myself for being so stupid.

When he snagged my arm, jerking me around with enough force I crashed into his chest, I was stunned. For him to display emotion in front of other people shocked me.

“I didn’t say you could go anywhere. Did I?” His voice was deep and loud, easily overpowering the music.

“I didn’t ask.”

There were a few mesmerizing seconds as the rock beat continued. But when the system switched to a slow song just like it would in some ridiculous romantic movie, I did what I could to push myself away.

Shephard wasn’t ready to let me go, holding me as close as possible. I’ll be damned if his feet weren’t moving. Not much, but enough to consider his movements slow dancing. There really wasn’t anything to say at this point. I was forced to look up into his eyes and found myself placing one hand on his chest.

For two people who’d been lovers, our bodies were stiff. This was an entirely different kind of intimacy and one that we weren’t prepared for. I did my best, shifting my feet as he was doing. The craving was still there, but the common sense was as well. This wasn’t going anywhere and at some point, the loss would still hurt. I’d done my best to shut myself off, but with him awakening my desires, I was fearful of what would happen.

The four days without contact had proven that.

The song was coming to an end and neither one of us were more comfortable than we’d been.

“I can’t do this, Shephard.”

“We’re not doing anything.”

“Yeah, we are. We just run in different worlds.” He let me go and I quickly walked away, heading back to my perch.

“Don’t say it,” I told Maggie.

“I’m going to.”

“Nope.”

“You’re going to need to learn it’s okay to care about someone again.” It was the only thing Maggie said after my return. She knew better than to push it with me when I got this way.

Even she didn’t know about several incidents with Jameson. No one did. It was too embarrassing, too disgusting what I’d allowed myself to fall into.

Never again.

That had been the motto I’d adopted and I was going to stick to it.