CHAPTER 15
Cord pointed to the roof of the lodge as it came into view. The chopper circled to land and they could see a small crowd gathering to welcome them back.
“There’s mommy and daddy.” Marcus pointed. “I don’t see...no, there’s Marie. And Sam and Auntie Lucy. Almost everybody. Boy, am I glad to see them,” he waved happily and squirmed excitedly as they landed.
“Shut her down, Junior. You can stay over, I’m sure. I might need you again,” Cord shouted to the pilot. Junior gave the thumbs up sign and cut the power.
Before the rotor blades stopped turning, Cathy, Morris, and Marie raced down the steps to the chopper. Cord unbuckled Marcus and handed him out to waiting arms. He turned back to help Stacey get free then climbed out. She followed and he got their packs from behind the seat.
There were hugs and tears and introductions. Cord met almost everyone who worked at the lodge. They all came to welcome Marcus and see that he was unhurt.
Standing back slightly from the rest, a tall, athletic blond man stared at Stacey, Cord observed. As the excitement died down and the group began to move toward the lodge entrance, the man moved closer to Stacey effectively blocking her path.
“Aren’t you going to say hello, sweetheart? So is this the guy you dumped me for?” he kept his voice low and menacing. “He’s old enough to be your father. When he gets tired of you, don’t expect me to take you back.”
“You don’t have to worry about it, Derek. What I do is not your concern. Since I found out how nasty you can be, I’m glad we’re not even friends any longer. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t bother me anymore.” Stacey tried to keep her voice civil, but it was difficult.
Derek reached out and grabbed her arm when she tried to step around him. “What are you going to do, have daddy fire me?”
“If you keep this up, I might. Now, let me go.” Stacey didn’t struggle to get free. That was probably what he wanted.
“You’ll regret it if you cost me my job, sweetheart,” he hissed and squeezed her arm tighter.
Automatically Stacey winced and pulled back from the pain.
Cord’s hand shot out as he arrived beside her. He caught Derek’s wrist and applied enough pressure to cause Derek’s hand to go numb. “I think you should apologize to Miss Parker and let her go. By the way,” Cord caught the man’s hand as it fell away from Stacey’s arm and shook it in a painful grip while baring his teeth in a pretend smile, “my name is Cord McConnell. I assume you’re Derek, the ski instructor. I’m a very good friend of Stacey’s and I don’t care for your attitude toward her.”
Pain was etched into Derek’s face as he mumbled, “Sorry, Stacey.”
Cord let go and Derek rubbed his throbbing hand. He glared at Cord and stalked off.
“I could have taken care of it,” Stacey told him as she accepted her backpack from him.
“You shouldn’t have to,” Cord told her. “You should tell Sam about the situation.”
“I’d rather not. Derek is a popular employee and he works hard. It’s not right for my personal problems to interfere with the operation of the lodge.” Stacey led the way through the large entrance as they talked.
“I don’t think Sam or Lucy would agree. They’ll be upset if you don’t tell them, especially since he seems to be getting abusive.” Cord knew if he saw the ski instructor touch her again, he would probably pitch Derek out of the chopper while hovering at a few thousand feet.
“Okay, I’ll tell dad if he touches me again. Fair enough, McConnell?” Stacey asked when she saw the determined set to his jaw.
“Fair enough, Parker.” Cord relaxed slightly. “Now we need to talk to Morris and Cathy about Thompson. If they want him caught, we need to contact the FBI right away,” Cord reminded her as they went through to the dining room to join everyone. Marcus and Marie were sharing a chair while eating ice cream. Morris and Cathy hovered over them.
Stacey managed to get Morris to walk over to join them away from the others.
Cord explained the threat made against the twins to prevent them contacting the authorities and asked Morris what he wanted to do.
“I don’t know. Of course we want the men who took Marcus caught, but I don’t want to put my family in more danger. I’ll have to talk it over with Cathy. Whatever we decide, I can’t ever repay either of you for...” Morris swallowed hard and looked toward his son as he choked on his emotions.
“Don’t worry about it,” Cord slapped him gently on the back. “And I don’t know what I would do in your shoes either. It’s a tough call.”
“You should all talk it over. If you decide to call the authorities, you know you can stay here as long as you need to. Whatever you decide, we’re behind you.” Stacey knew she was speaking for Sam and Lucy, as well as herself.
“Thanks. You’ve all been great. Cord, whatever your fees, I’ll pay them. Just let me...”
Cord interrupted, “Let’s don’t worry about that. This was for Marcus. He’s quite a guy. I think they’re about to leave without you,” Cord gestured to where Cathy and the twins were getting up from the table.
Morris hurried over to help Cathy take Marcus and Marie upstairs to their room for some quiet time together. Cathy acted like a mother hen with new chicks. This had scarred her as well as the twins and it would be hard for her to let the children out of her sight for a long time without imagining the worst.
Stacey turned to the large man beside her to ask quietly, “Are you going to stay?”
“I’d like to. Is there somewhere Junior can sleep for the night? He looks really beat.”
Lucy walked up and heard the last part of their conversation. “Well of course he’s welcome to stay. Why don’t you let him have the small room upstairs we saved for you and you stay at the house with us, Cord? It’s the perfect solution.”
“Okay with you, Stacey?” Cord asked.
“That’s what I was about to suggest. I want you to stay with us. Which room at the house, mom?”
“Either guest room is fine.” Lucy talked as she walked toward the lobby and they followed to hear what she said. “Let Cord choose. Be sure he has lots of towels and get him some of your dad’s clothes if he needs them. They’re close enough to the same size. Please, make yourself at home, Cord. Ask for anything you need. We’ll expect you to join us in the dining room here at eight. I’ve got to call Walter—one of the sinks in the kitchen is stopped up.” Lucy bustled behind the front counter and dialed as she took out the key for the pilot’s room and laid it on the desktop. “See you later,” she told them then spoke into the phone.
Cord and Stacey returned to the dining room and told Junior which room he would use for the night. They walked up with him and Cord went in to talk a few minutes.
Stacey walked down the hall and tapped on Cathy’s door. “I just wanted to make sure you have everything you need and that Marcus is okay.”
Cathy grabbed her, hugging her hard. “Oh, Stacey, I don’t know what I would have done if I had—if you hadn’t...”
“But you didn’t lose him so stop thinking about it. He’s here, he’s safe and unhurt. Everything’s okay,” Stacey comforted her friend.
“Thank you so much. I will never forget what you did for us.” Cathy let her go as Cord came to join them. Then Cathy surprised them all by reaching up to kiss Cord’s scarred face. “You are a very special man. Thank you for all you’ve done. You’re welcome in our home anytime, for as long as you’ll stay.”
“I might have known I’d find you kissing another man,” Morris teased and reached to hug Stacey. “I’ll teach you, woman.” He gave Stacey a quick kiss and let her go to shake Cord’s hand warmly. “We’d like for you to call whoever needs to know about all of this. We want those men caught and punished. The twins insist the bad guys have to go to jail. We’ll stay here for a while, until we’re sure it’s safe. Cathy wants to work and I can fly in and out for my shifts.” Morris slid his arm around his wife’s shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze.
“That sounds like a good plan. The kids can study by radio and there will always be someone with them. I’ll help all I can,” Stacey promised.
“What about you, Cord? Any plans?” Cathy asked and glanced at Stacey with raised brows.
“I’m not sure yet. I have to check my messages in the morning before I decide. The Parkers invited me to stay a few days and I might take them up on it if there’s nothing urgent to be taken care of.”
“Well, if you don’t need anything, I should show Cord to his room and get ready for dinner,” Stacey told them.
“We’re fine. We’re going to have a quiet supper up here. The twins have had enough excitement to last for a long while.”
“Family time is probably the best medicine for all of you. Call if you need anything, Cathy.”
Cord took Stacey’s hand and led her downstairs and out the rear door toward the house. “Show me where I’ll be sleeping, Parker. I need a shower before we eat with your parents.”
After making a call to his contact with the FBI and filling him in on what happened, Cord chose the guestroom across from Stacey’s bedroom. He waited while she brought extra towels then he headed for the shower while she raided her father’s closet. After enjoying a long hot shower, he found a hunter green knit shirt, faded jeans, a new pair of briefs, and a pair of socks waiting on the bed. They fit fairly well and were soft and comfortable. He stretched out on the bed to rest a few minutes and wait for Stacey.
Deciding she wanted to look different tonight, Stacey picked over her wardrobe to find something casual, but attractive. She showered and used her favorite peach scented shampoo to wash her hair. Convincing Cord to stay was an important step for her. They needed time together without the stress and constant pressure they faced since they first met.
Just thinking of Cord’s kisses made her shiver under the warm water. If he was still determined they had no future, she wasn’t sure what she would do. Stacey felt certain he was her special man. The one I’ve been waiting for. He should be her first lover. But she didn’t think she could bear to make love with him then watch him walk away. It’s not supposed to happen that way.
Finally, reaching the conclusion that she would enjoy the evening and let tomorrow take care of itself, she dried her hair and dressed carefully. Light makeup and a quick spray of peach scented perfume and she was ready.
Leaving her room, she saw Cord lying, fully dressed, on the bed in the guestroom. He appeared to be asleep. A short strand of dark hair fell onto his forehead and he looked younger, less in control. She crept in and placed a gentle kiss on his lips to wake him.
He whispered her name, put his hand behind her head then drew her down for a long deep kiss. She smelled like a ripe peach and he was ready for a taste. Opening his eyes as he came awake and let her go, Cord looked slowly down the length of the beautiful young woman standing by his bed. Her strawberry blond curls tumbled loosely around her face and shoulders. A light blue blouse with the top buttons open to reveal a little shadowy cleavage was tucked into a slim fitting navy skirt reaching almost to her knees. As she backed away to allow him space to get up, he saw strappy high-heeled shoes and gorgeous legs covered in nylon.
Cord wanted nothing more than to pull her down on the bed and peel off the outer layers to see what she wore underneath. Instead he rolled to his side and got up. Reaching for her hand, Cord kissed her palm gently. “You are a very beautiful woman, Stacey Parker. You always manage to surprise me.” He touched her hair and played with a strand of curls. “I love your hair this way—like you—wild and free,” he whispered then Cord kissed her again.
As he lifted his head, she brushed the hair from his forehead. It was longer than when she first met him. Then she gently traced the scars on his face. “You got both of these for a child, didn’t you?”
“What makes you think that, Stacey?”
“Women’s intuition,” she offered and smiled as he looped his arms around her waist. “Will you tell me someday?”
“Maybe someday, I will. I’m hungry. Is it time to eat?”
“I think you should put some shoes on first,” Stacey looked pointedly down at his sock-covered toes.
“See what you do to me, Parker.” Cord sat on the edge of the bed to pull on the leather deck shoes she brought for him to try. Only a little snug, they would do for dinner.
Stacey grabbed his hand and led the way to the dining room to join her parents.
The meal was progressing well when Sam turned to Cord and asked “What do you do exactly, Cord?”
“I find and retrieve people,” Cord kept it brief.
“Sort of like Stacey, then?” Lucy asked curiously.
“Not exactly, mom,” Stacey joined in. “Cord works in foreign countries a lot and his job is much more dangerous than mine.”
“Actually Lucy, most cases aren’t really that bad. I spend a lot of time waiting and assisting in negotiating terms and conditions for someone’s release. The problem occurs when negotiations fall through and we need to extract a hostage by force. I always prefer not to, but I can when it’s necessary.”
“How did you learn to do that? Were you in the military?” Lucy wanted to know. She needed to know everything she could about this man her daughter was in love with.
“Yes, ma’am. I started out in the military then was transferred to a special unit. I was a bodyguard for a while after the service and now I recover people.”
“Cord, that’s fascinating. What does your family think of all this?”
“Mom...” Stacey protested, but Cord shook his head and covered her hand on the table with his.
“I was raised in foster care, Lucy.”
“Well, I never would have guessed. You definitely seem like a family oriented person. Sam, I hate to break this up but we promised to put in an appearance in the sitting area. Would you two like to join us for coffee or drinks?”
“I think Cord and I will take our brandy out to the deck, if you don’t mind,” Stacey looked at him and he squeezed her hand.
Sam poured them a small serving of brandy and heated it over a candle flame.
Cord accepted the glasses carefully and followed Stacey out to the deck. A young couple was cuddling on a lounger in the corner. Stacey led him to the opposite end and scooted onto the top rail.
Cord leaned slightly against her with his elbows propped on the rail staring up at the dark mountain. He sipped the brandy and enjoyed being outside. While her parents were extremely nice he still felt like the bug under a microscope when the questioning began.
After a while Stacey felt Cord straighten and turn toward her. He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned forward to whisper into it, “What would you do if I kissed you right now, Parker?”
Stacey giggled softly and watched as he swirled then finished off his drink. He looked so sexy. “Well, McConnell, I guess I’d kiss you right back before I screamed for help,” she taunted.
Cord chuckled and put his glass at arm’s length on the rail. Then he crowded against Stacey’s legs and took her glass to put beside his. Cupping her face with both hands, he kissed her. His mouth was moist from the brandy as his tongue sought hers hungrily. Stepping even closer, he slid his hands down her neck and over her shoulders, finally wrapping his arms around her.
He nibbled and licked at her lips while stroking her back and upper hips. Her breath and taste were of hot brandy and it set him on fire. Cord nibbled his way down the edge of her jaw stopping to tease the graceful curve of her neck with gentle butterfly kisses.
Stacey snuggled into him and dropped her head on his shoulder. Enjoying his attentions and the feel, smell and very essence of him as she had decided she would. A little tipsy from the brandy on top of the dinner wine, she knew it would be easy to let him seduce her tonight. Cord was definitely experienced, but she didn’t think he’d ever been in love. Feeling brave, she decided to find out. “Cord?”
“Mm-hmm?” he murmured against her ear as he held her close.
“Have you ever been in love?”
“No, have you?” Cord nibbled her ear lobe.
She quivered as he breathed in her ear then answered, “No, I don’t think so. How would you know if you were?” Stacey turned her head and kissed his strong neck hoping it felt as good to him as it did to her.
Cord groaned, “I’m not sure I would.” He kissed each of her eyelids wanting her to hush and let him kiss her properly.
“I think maybe it would be when I couldn’t be happy without him near me.” Stacey nipped his lower jaw then soothed it with the tip of her tongue.
He caught his breath. She did learn fast.
“I agree with that,” he whispered and returned to her mouth to kiss her thoroughly. His fingers slid another button from its buttonhole on the front of her blouse.
“And you want that person’s happiness more than your own,” she breathed into his mouth before he kissed her again.
“I think so,” he agreed again and kissed her slowly and deeply. He stroked the tops of her breasts with the backs of his fingers.
“You could die from wanting them so badly,” she returned his kiss as he went about teaching her just that kind of desire.
“Yes, Stacey,” he slid his hand to the tip of her breast and she didn’t complain.
“Would you leave tomorrow if I told you I feel all those things for you?” she asked softly.
Cord’s hand stilled and he moved back slightly to look into her eyes. They were warm, languid blue pools. If he asked her right now she would sleep with him. Her lips were moist and swollen from his kisses and he was oh so very tempted. “I don’t know anymore. You confuse the devil out of me, Stacey.” Cord took another step back from her. The other couple had left, he saw. They were now alone on the deck. Taking her hand he pulled her gently from the rail to lead her to a large patio chair. He sat down, drawing her onto his lap to cuddle her close.
“I used to always want a family. When I was a small boy, after my mom dumped me, I prayed for one every night. As I got older I was large and clumsy, never fit in. Then I found my place and was trained to be a soldier, a hunter, and a protector. I had a job where I belonged. There were people who were proud of me. I finally became proud of who I was. What I had been didn’t matter anymore. That’s been my life for twenty years. It took the place of the family I wanted, but couldn’t have. I thought I was past the need for a family, but you’ve made me think about those things again. The same things I gave up on years ago.” He talked softly and stroked her wild hair as she settled quietly against his chest.
“You are so different from any woman I’ve ever been around. You’re still young in so many ways. I’m not sure I’m ready for the kind of life you deserve. I told you how I live, Stacey. I don’t know if I can give it up, but I don’t know if I can leave you again either,” he confessed and tilted her face to give her a soft, sweet kiss.
“I’m sorry Cord. I wanted to tell you how I feel in case you have to leave. I’m just trying to be honest with you. If you can’t love me back, it won’t change how I feel about you. I’m trying to give you my love and I haven’t put a price on it. Try to enjoy it and don’t worry about having to do anything about it. If all we ever have is this time, then I’ll survive. I’m stronger than I look. Right now, I don’t expect anything more than this.” She touched his face lovingly with her fingertips then snuggled back down against him.
After several minutes passed, he whispered hoarsely, “Come with me to Dallas or New York, wherever you prefer. I want to make love to you, to spend time with you. Be with me for as long as it lasts, Stacey.” Cord offered as much as he could to entice her to be with him.
She raised her head and looked into his eyes. “Please stay a few days. If we still feel the same, I’ll go with you when you leave. I want you to see how it can be. Mostly, I want to be sure you really want me with you.”
“If I can, I’ll stay. And when I leave, you’ll come with me?” He gazed into her eyes as he waited for her answer.
Stacey nodded and he kissed her almost senseless. They necked and touched each other until he reached the edge of losing control and she moaned breathlessly.
“Parker, that’s enough,” he grumbled and shifted her away from his body. “You’ve tortured me all I can stand tonight. Go home and lock yourself in your room. Better yet, go home and lock yourself in your parent’s room.” He forced her to stand and gently pushed her away.
She chuckled softly and stood on tiptoe to give him a quick kiss before racing down the steps and along the walkway.
After she disappeared into the trees, Cord stood and stretched his achy body. He carried their glasses into the lodge with him and set them on a table. He found a few guests still lingering in the dimly lit sitting area. Preferring to be alone, Cord turned and went back to the deck to cool off a little more and to give Stacey time to get safely to bed.
The door to the Parker home was unlocked, the TV still playing in the family room. Cord went in and saw Sam sitting in the large recliner across from the set. “I hope I didn’t keep you up,” Cord told him.
“No, you didn’t. I was waiting for the news and I dozed off. If you hadn’t come in I would have been here most of the night.” Sam pushed the footrest down. “I guess I’ll go on to bed. Have a good night’s rest. It’s good to have you here,” he patted Cord on the shoulder as he went by. “I’ll lock up on the way if you’ll cut off the tube before you come up.”
“Sure thing, Sam. I need to catch the news then I’ll be heading to bed too. It’s been a long day.” Cord used the remote to find the National News Channel. There was nothing earth shattering and he switched off the TV. He rubbed his face wearily as he reached for the phone. Using his special number and codes he checked his messages.
The kidnapping of an ambassador’s son had occurred a few days previously in a Middle-Eastern country and things weren’t going well. A number Cord recognized prompted him to call for the details. For the first time in a long while he wanted to ignore a call involving a child to spend time with a woman. Reaching his government contact, Cord was told the situation improved slightly and negotiations were on again. They still wanted Cord on hand for an extraction if things fell apart.
After discussing arrangements and how quickly he could be there, Cord told his contact he would remain at his present location, but would fly out immediately if a change required his expertise. Following a brief argument, the contact had no choice but to accept his decision. Every couple of hours throughout the night, Cord called to check his messages. He hoped the boy’s safe release could be arranged and he wouldn’t be needed.
At around six, he smelled coffee and went downstairs to find Sam and Lucy at the kitchen island with large mugs. Lucy started to get up but he motioned her back. Grabbing a mug from the mug tree, he poured it full of fresh black coffee and joined them.
“You didn’t sleep well, did you, Cord?” Lucy asked when she saw his bloodshot eyes. “Was it the bed?”
“The bed was fine, Lucy. A situation has come...” he stopped when he heard Stacey coming down the stairs. He waited while she filled a cup then sat down on the stool next to him. “When I checked in I was put on standby. I may have to leave in a hurry. I’ll have to be close to a phone and check in every couple of hours to monitor the situation.”
“Well that eliminates hiking up the mountain or horseback riding today,” Stacey smiled at him. “We can take a swim or just hang around here until you find out.”
“But you’re self-employed, aren’t you, Cord? Can’t you take a few days vacation?” Lucy didn’t seem to accept it as well as Stacey.
“Normally that’s true, but this involves a child. I have to go in if the officials there can’t negotiate his release,” Cord explained.
“I’m sorry, Cord.” Lucy reached out to lay her fingers on his arm. “Of course you’d have to go. I just wanted to see you have some time to relax. Let’s hope everything is resolved quickly and you won’t be needed.” She put her cup in the sink and kissed Sam. “I’ve got morning duty in the dining room. You two have fun and I expect to see you later at the lodge.” Coming around to them, she placed a kiss on each one’s cheek before rushing out.
Sam moved slower but got up too and placed his cup in the sink. “I hope things work out. Let me know if you need anything. Stacey, you might get him a few more things out of my closet. That lavender shirt in particular.”
“Now dad, mom loves you in that shirt,” Stacey laughed at her dad’s efforts to pawn off a piece of his wardrobe he hated. “I’ll get him a few things, dad. What are you up to today?”
“I’ve got a couple of meetings and an interview this morning. This afternoon I have to go over some plans with Harold. We may add a new slope for next season.” He hugged her and slapped Cord on the back before he left.
“They like you,” Stacey told him.
“They’re good people,” Cord agreed. And they’ll put up with me because they love you. He used the phone to check in. Still nothing new. The waiting was almost worse than being there.
“Nothing?” Stacey asked.
“No,” he shook his head.
“Would you like some breakfast?”
“Maybe later. Do you want to walk over to the lodge with me to leave a message for Junior?”
“Why don’t you call?” she suggested.
“I need to walk.” Cord didn’t like the idea of being alone in the house with her. It gave him too many ideas.
“Okay. Let me get my shoes,” she wriggled her bare toes at him. “Would you like for me to get you a tee shirt? It’s going to be warm today.” She wore a green tee shirt and khaki shorts.
“Yeah, I guess. Maybe you can show me around a little before I have to call in again. I’d like to see more of the grounds.” Cord needed activity to control the building adrenaline. He followed her upstairs and lounged in the doorway of her parents’ bedroom. She tossed him a white tee shirt and headed to her room.
“Come on in,” she invited as he stopped in the door. Opening her closet door, she disappeared for a minute then backed out with a white tennis shoe in each hand. She moved to sit on the edge of the unmade bed and slip them on. “I need to make my bed. I usually do it after my first cup of coffee.”
“Go ahead, there’s no big rush.” He pulled off the knit shirt and started to put on the tee shirt when she bent across the bed to retrieve a pillow. Her shorts pulled tight across her firm rump and the hem rode up to reveal a lot of tan, shapely thigh. Cord stood and watched as she made the bed, the forgotten shirt hanging in his hands.
Stacey finished quickly and turned to see where Cord was. He stood five feet away, bare-chested with eyes like hot, melted chocolate. She couldn’t resist and moved to run her fingers lightly over his upper body.
“We’re alone in the house,” she whispered as she touched him.
Cord swallowed hard and called himself all kinds of a fool before shaking his head, “I know that, Parker. But I gave your dad my word. His trust means a lot to me. As much as I want you, I can’t—not here. You have to go with me when I leave. I think I’ll go mad if you don’t.” He turned and hurried from the room.
He was drinking a large glass of orange juice when she arrived in the kitchen a few minutes later. She knew her cheeks were pink since she could feel the heat of the blush spreading across them. Her embarrassment forced her to look everywhere except at him.
Walking to her, he held out the glass then watched as she took a long drink.
“I’m sorry about—I shouldn’t have...” she shrugged and seemed at a loss for words.
“Don’t Stacey. Please don’t ever regret wanting to be with me or letting me know it.” Cord finished the juice then pulled her close for a few precious minutes.
She could hear his heart racing in his chest and feel how tightly he held himself.
“Come on. I need to let Junior know we’re on standby.” Cord took her hand and pulled her out of the house.
“Why do you call him Junior?”
“He’s named for his dad who is still in the business. Most everyone calls him Junior.” Cord nodded to a couple who passed by.
“How can you afford to keep him on call like this?” Stacey asked, walking with him in the early morning sunshine.
“I did a favor for his dad once. Junior and the chopper are his way of paying me back. He’s my ride until I leave the area.”
“Must have been some favor,” she commented. When they reached the front desk, Cord wrote out the message for Junior and left it in the new messages box on the counter. The smell of coffee drew them and Stacey poured two disposable cups to carry with them.
Lucy spotted them and waved, but kept going into the kitchen. The dining room had several breakfast customers already.
Taking Cord’s arm, Stacey urged him out the front door and to the left. She told him about each building and cabin, describing some of the people who used them. They sipped on the coffee and walked to the other side of the Lodge. Following a gravel road they passed the ski hut at the foot of the first slope and walked on to the stables. A group of guests were being matched with gentle, dependable horses that were well mannered and sure-footed. They stayed out of the way and went to lean on the top rail of the fence surrounding a small field. The horses enjoying a rest day came up to nuzzle Stacey and have their noses rubbed hoping for apples or carrots.
Finally, Cord told her, “Much as I hate to, I have to go back to the phone.”
“I know.” She held onto his arm as they walked back down the path to the lodge. “Would you rather fly out, Cord? I understand wanting to be there.”
“I’d just have to wait there, too. I prefer to wait here with you.” He took her hand and received one of her special smiles. “It would definitely be nice to spend a month like this with you.” Pulling her close against his side, he whispered, “But I don’t know if my body could stand the strain.”
Heat spread across Stacey’s cheeks and she admitted, “To be honest, I don’t think mine would either.”
As they reached the front of the lodge, Derek led a group out for the early morning nature walk. Cord and Stacey stood to one side to allow them to pass.
Derek glared at them and spoke curtly to a small elderly lady who was asking a question.
Stacey couldn’t let it pass. “Mr. Watkins, may I see you for just a moment?” Even though she phrased it as a request for the benefit of the guests, it was a demand.
Cord stepped away slightly to give them the appearance of privacy, but stayed close enough to intervene if Derek touched her.
“What?” Derek growled as he trailed down the steps away from the group. His head was killing him from tying one on the night before and he didn’t need this.
“I know you have a problem with me, but you were just rude to a paying guest.” Stacey told him quietly but firmly. She stared up at him, but Derek refused to meet her eyes. “You either apologize to that lady or I report your behavior to Sam this minute. You know you don’t mistreat a guest whatever your personal problems. If you can’t control your attitude, maybe you should ask for time off.”
Derek curled his lip and almost snarled, “Well, Miss High and Mighty, if you want me fired go ahead and run to daddy. I’ve put up with all the crap I can stand around here anyway. If you do have daddy fire me, I’ll file suit for wrongful termination. I’ll own part of this place without having to put up with you in my bed.” His voice rose and the guests turned to look their way.
“Derek, I can’t believe what is happening to you. You’re not who I thought you were at all.” Stacey lowered her voice almost to a whisper, hoping he would do the same, as she tried to reason with him. “Please calm down and think about your career. Don’t hurt yourself because you’re angry at me.”
“Baby, you never knew me.” He gave a quick bark of laughter. “You never took the time. I waited and courted and sweet-talked you for two years to get this place and you roll on the ground with the first hard-nosed roughneck that shows an interest. Now your precious parents moved him right into the house for you, where I was supposed to be. If I knew that was the way to get through to you I would have thrown you down in the dirt a long time ago. You go ahead and have your daddy fire me, I dare you!” He poked his finger in her chest with the last word and turned to walk quickly to his group when Cord started after him.
Stacey grabbed Cord’s arm, “Let him go, please. Don’t cause a scene in front of the guests. It’s time for you to call in.” Her voice shook, but she refused to cry.
“Stacey, you have to talk to Sam. It’s getting out of hand.” Cord held the door for her to enter the lobby.
“I know. I hoped it would fade away with some time, but it’s getting worse. I was such a dope to go out with him in the first place.” Stacey led Cord to a small office behind the desk and got an outside line before handing him the phone. “I’ll go find dad and tell him what happened. It probably should be his decision what to do about Derek since the guests are being affected,” she sighed and left him to make his calls.
Cord listened to two new messages and made several more calls confirming the situation and making travel arrangements. As he put down the receiver, he watched a teary-eyed Stacey slip into the office to join him.
“You have to go.” It wasn’t a question. She saw it in the stern set of his jaw.
“Yeah. Negotiations fell through a little while ago.”
“What can I do to help?” She offered quietly.
Cord heard disappointment in her voice but she made no attempt to get him to stay. Maybe she truly understood his need to do this. “Smith, the wounded man, was captured at a small medical clinic last night. He’s making a deal that might lead to the others. Could you tell Morris and Cathy?” Cord pushed buttons on the phone even as he asked.
Stacey touched his face tenderly with the tips of her fingers then slipped out. She rushed to find Morris or Cathy then ran to the house. As she reached the guest room she saw he already wore his black clothes. Swallowing down the urge to beg him to let her go too, Stacey waited.
Cord looked up to see her standing in the open doorway while lacing his boots. “You still have my number, right? I’ve written the addresses of both apartments on this pad. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. Do you want me to come back here when I get back or do you want to come see where I live?” He stood, hesitating. I do not want to say goodbye to this woman.
“Would you call me as soon as it’s over—from wherever you can?” Stacey attempted not to make too big a deal out of it, but she needed to know about his safety.
“If I can find a phone or get a line out, I’ll call you. I’ll be in a small under-developed country, for the most part. I don’t know how reliable communications will be. I’ll call from the first civilized place I get to.” Cord dropped his pack by the door and reached for her. “You have to know I don’t want to leave.” Gently urging her chin up with his fingers, he forced her to look at him. “You do know don’t you, Parker?”
“I know.” Stacey couldn’t stand staring into his chocolate brown eyes and backed away, searching for a lighter tone. “Be careful and don’t do anything stupid, McConnell. I won’t be there to watch your back.” She would not let him see her cry.
Cord drew her back to him and kissed her more tenderly than ever before. Not satisfied with her response, he kissed her again.
Stacey didn’t hold anything back this time as his mouth settled over hers, hot and demanding. She let him take whatever he wanted from her.
The things Stacey said about love flashed through Cord’s mind. He realized he felt all of that and more for this woman. Shocked, he pulled back, gazing down into her passion-filled blue eyes. She tried to turn away and he stopped her. “Wait, Stacey,” he ordered hoarsely. “Let me look at you. I don’t want to forget one tiny detail over the next few days.” Cord twirled a strand of her curls around his fingers and smiled.
She looked up at him seeing both desire and regret on his face. I can do this. I can make him smile before he leaves me. Purposely changing her mood, she twirled away, out into the hallway and struck a model’s pose. After a moment she made a quarter turn, gave him a haughty look over her shoulder, and struck another pose. Stacey continued until Cord viewed all sides of her and several haute couture poses.
He chuckled. “Parker, you continue to surprise me.” Picking up his pack and sliding his arm around her shoulders, he urged her along. “I need to get going. But first you have to tell me what Sam said about Derek.”
“Derek will lose his job. Dad said Derek’s attitude will determine if he gets to work a notice or receives a referral. You were right about dad being upset that I didn’t tell him straight away about the first occurrence.”
“I’m glad I don’t have to leave without Sam being aware of what’s going on.”
“Dad will definitely take care of it. Now, have you got everything?”
“Everything but you, Parker. Don’t walk to the chopper with me. I’d have to kiss you right out there in front of God and everybody.” He grinned and kissed her again, hugging her tightly.
“I love you, McConnell.” She hugged him until he pulled away and went out the door. Stacey heard the chopper take off a few minutes later.