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JACK ANCHORED THE NYLON rope, waiting for Kate to slide down to the cave floor. As soon as her feet touched the bottom, he turned her around and gave her a long and lingering kiss. He’d been watching her all weekend, admiring how she calmed Slider when the helicopters arrived, the way her eyes sparkled as she pointed out the mustang herd, and how easily she’d conversed with the President.
It seemed last year’s abduction attempt hadn’t tarnished Courtney’s interest in the wild horses, not one bit. In fact, she’d persuaded her father to rebook her graduation present, returning less than a year later with a plucky Tyra in tow—who’d agreed to come only on the condition that she be allowed to ride a mule, preferably Bubba.
Of course, this time the President had insisted on far more elaborate security. In addition to a huge Secret Service team, he’d also employed three of Jack’s associates before dropping in to join Courtney for a portion of her wilderness trip—the part where they all enjoyed steak and lobster within a virtual fortress.
It was a measure of Kate’s talent that she’d been able to lead such a clumsy entourage around the valley without spooking the mustangs. However, she’d been able to guide the girls remarkably close to the herd. Courtney had been ecstatic with the experience, staring so long and intently that the binoculars left an outline on her face. Even Tyra had been entranced, especially delighted with observing the foals and how their stubby tails twitched contentedly when they sucked milk from their dams.
The girls had spent hours giving the mustangs names, based on their color and behavior, peppering Kate with questions ranging from wild horse slaughter to how the mustangs protected their foals from predators and why the stallion was so mean to some of the colts.
Jack remained on the inner security perimeter, hiding his amusement behind a poker face. But sometimes he felt like running off other males too, before they tried to steal Kate away. He’d admitted that once and she just looked at him, her eyes incredulous. “But you’re the gorgeous one,” she’d said.
She had no idea how amazing she was, and he couldn’t fathom why she considered herself an oddity, rather than truly exceptional. Hadn’t understood it until her ex-boyfriend had dropped by the ranch for a “visit.”
It was obvious the ex had made things much worse with Kate’s job last year. The pretty boy was clearly a narcissist, craving the limelight and suddenly keen to have her back in his life. But only after the White House had championed the Mustang River Ranch as a top-notch vacation destination, with exceptional staff, animals and adventure opportunities. The President had even mentioned Kate and Monty by name, putting them firmly in place as top guides in the industry. Now everyone clamored for her services, whether it be carving classes, trail rides or the new women’s survival program.
Thankfully, for the next twenty-four hours, Jack had her to himself.
He lifted his mouth from Kate’s, carefully studying her face. Her cheeks were flushed from her descent into the cave but colored for all the right reasons—not shadowed by fear from the recent climb.
“I think everyone had fun,” she said, still pumped with success. “It’s especially good for the mustangs. A high profile visit like that will help safeguard their future. You were talking to Sharon a lot this morning. Does she still think the Mantracker packages are a good idea?”
“Absolutely,” Jack said, unclipping her safety harness while Kate removed her lightweight climbing helmet. “She has more requests than the ranch can handle. Guests are stoked about matching their wits against you and Monty. It’s not just locals either. They’ve had calls from Canada and Australia as well as a sheik from the Emirates.”
Giving guests a head start and then sending Kate and Monty out on horses to track them down had been Sharon Barrett’s idea. No doubt it would be a surefire winner, providing adrenaline-seekers with the ultimate challenge. There were enough scenarios to fit almost everyone. And one of Sharon’s suggested variations was to have him—a former SEAL—partnered with Kate.
Only Jack didn’t want to horn in on Kate’s success. He loved seeing the happiness in her eyes, along with the occasional look of disbelief, as if she still couldn’t believe she’d landed her dream job for life.
“Sharon asked if I’d be interested in filling in for Monty on occasion,” Jack said, gauging Kate’s reaction. “When I’m between jobs... But only if that’s something you’d like. She wants us to think about it.”
“Think about it? But that’s wonderful!” Kate rose on her toes and flung her arms around his neck. “Imagine! Paid to ride together!”
“Yeah. And she’ll throw in the guest cottage by the helipad in exchange for some security work.”
“A cottage too? Unbelievable!” Kate was literally hopping now, her reaction exactly what he’d hoped. “I can’t believe she agreed to that. Only Monty has a cottage, and he’s worked here for ages.”
“Negotiations were tough.” Jack felt the side of his mouth twitch. Sharon Barrett was a shrewd businesswoman but she also knew how important it was to ride the crest of free publicity. He’d taken full advantage of her desire to keep Kate on staff and to use him as part of her tracking team.
“The women will want you to catch them,” Sharon had said, rubbing her hands in glee. “That is unless you’re frowning. Then they’ll be shitting their pants in fear. And that wouldn’t be good for my ranch. You will be charming with them, right?”
“A little fear is a good thing,” Jack had said.
“I suppose. But it doesn’t matter.” There’d been an imp of mischief in Sharon’s voice. “Because Kate will make up any of your deficiencies. We all know how the men feel about her, including the President.”
The idea of Kate tracking men who might want her to catch them had made Jack scowl. “And me,” he’d said. “Remember how I feel about her. In fact, I’d be just as happy to have Kate live with me in Idaho...rather than be worked to death at your ranch.”
Sharon had shot him a pained look. “I already agreed to the cottage. What else do you want?”
“It’d be nice if you gave her Slider. Maybe surprise her on her birthday.”
“That’s not necessary. None of the other wranglers ever ride him. They all know he’s Kate’s favorite.”
“Then it won’t matter if you give him to her,” Jack had said, keeping his voice reasonable. “And I’ll be bringing along a couple horses, and of course my rescue dogs. I expect they’ll be welcome.”
“Long as they don’t bite,” Sharon had said, blowing out a theatrical sigh. But they both knew she was ecstatic with the turn of events, and her expression had remained satisfied beneath her cowboy hat. The White House had covered up Courtney’s abduction attempt but they’d been lavish with praise of the Mustang River Ranch and even more glowing about the competence of the ranch guides. The last thing Sharon wanted was to lose Kate’s services.
“You’re good at getting what you want,” Kate said, nibbling at Jack’s lower lip, the pleasure of her touch jolting him back to the cave. “First, Sharon gives you a cottage, then a job, and now she agreed to let us make this little detour.”
“I wanted to sleep in your cathedral cave,” Jack said. “See firsthand where you climbed out. Check out that inscription.” And he’d needed to whisk her away and grab some privacy. The last nine months had been a whirlwind, with both of them working and only able to snatch limited time alone.
And before she started chasing people around the mountain, he needed to make sure she was truly ready. Simply for his peace of mind.
He slid his hands beneath her shirt, skimming his fingers over her velvety skin, drifting over the sensual curve of her backbone. His fingers dropped, patting a trail over her hips, her ass, her thighs... And lower.
“No knives on me,” she said, correctly realizing this was actually a search. “Security was much tighter this time. Did you see those sniffer dogs yesterday? One of them reminded me of your Shepherd.”
But she was speaking a little too fast, as if trying distract him. And seconds later he pulled her tiny red jackknife from the inner side of her climbing boot.
“Oh?” he said, holding up the jackknife and pretending to scowl. “Then what have we here?”
“Okay, so you found it.” She clearly saw past his scowl and gave him a mischievous grin, and then an even more delightful hug. “But that’s all,” she said. “And it’s just my tiny knife. I don’t need my big one anymore... Not when you’re around.”
He dipped his head, smiling against her hair. She made it sound like he walked on water. And to find a woman who cherished his lifestyle—who actually reveled in it—made him feel like the luckiest man alive.
They had some differences. Her tolerance for people was much higher than his. Over the last few days, she’d been in her element: helping Courtney and Tyra with their horses, keeping the animals calm when the fleet of helicopters arrived, then guiding the girls close enough to the mustangs so they could snap some truly spectacular pictures. She really didn’t seem to mind the mountains anymore. Her face had been glowing and if the Mustang River Ranch gave her that kind of fulfillment, then he had no intention of ever asking her to leave...as long as they had enough quality time together.
“Great idea to sleep in the cave tonight,” she said. “But I thought you weren’t superstitious?”
“I’m rethinking a lot of things,” he said. He unhooked the clasp of her bra and finally was able to wrap his hand around her perfect breast. Oh, God, and now if they never moved, he’d die a happy man.
“Don’t you want to read the inscription first?” she asked. “Take the ten-second tour?”
“In a minute, sweetheart. I’m happy just standing here.”
She tucked her head against his chest and gave a contented sigh. “See what I mean?” she said. “This cave really does have a mystical feel.”
“Yes,” he said. “It does.”
He lifted his head, checking over her shoulder, eyeing the jagged crack that separated this chamber from the main cave. Most men would never have been able to squeeze through the opening, only a very small one... And possibly the man named Peewee.
Neither Kate nor the feds had ever questioned why he’d used his last bullet on the wiry sidekick instead of Logan. But his decision to protect her, at the risk of exposing Courtney, had marked a change in his values. Kate was his priority now.
Over contract and country.
“Do you think the saying is true?” she asked. “That anyone that makes love here will stay together?”
“I do,” he said. “At least as it relates to us.”
She gave an affirming nod and snuggled against his chest. They remained locked, absorbing the warmth of the sun as it spilled molten gold over their linked arms, neither of them feeling the need to speak. And he gave fervent thanks for finding this remarkable woman, someone who delighted in the activities he relished and who made his heart sing.
It was clear she didn’t yet comprehend the depth of his love. But she would, eventually. He’d make sure of it.
***
