Chapter Six
“Are you sure we need all this cloak and dagger stuff?” Lindsey frowned at Nick as he explained what he was going to do.
“Always better to be sure,” he told her. “I want to see if there’s anyone out there showing special interest in me.”
“But why would this…person target your car?”
“He—or she—could have seen me going in and out of your office,” he explained. “Maybe watched to see what car I got into. Let’s just do it my way this time, okay?” He winked, easing the severity of his statement.
Lindsey sighed and made herself almost invisible in the elevator alcove while Nick drove around the garage by himself two or three times.
His precautions reminded her—as if she needed reminding—that someone was out there with a camera trained on her, maybe capturing her every move. She was glad when, at last, Nick pulled his SUV right up to the elevator door in the garage. She jumped into the vehicle, and he drove up the ramp to the street.
Adjusting her seat belt, she settled herself in place more comfortably. “I’m surprised that you drive a big SUV. I wouldn’t think this kind of vehicle was your style.”
“Oh?” He turned to her, but the aviator-style sunglasses he wore blocked his eyes. “Just out of curiosity, what did you think I drove?”
“Mmm, maybe a racy red sports car or a black Corvette. Something along that line.”
“Those are great cars,” he agreed, “but not very practical in my line of work. For one thing, they’re too visible and easy to spot. For another, I need something that can go off road and also carry a lot of gear when necessary. All the agency cars are SUVs except for two pickups.” A grin teased the corners of his mouth. “Think this doesn’t suit my image?”
Lindsey could feel her face flush with embarrassment and stared straight out through the windshield. “I’m sorry. That was a stupid remark.”
“Not at all. I get the same thing from our friend Quinn. He loves to give me a hard time, too.”
“I’m not giving you a hard time,” she protested. “Seriously, Nick. That was a stupid thing for me to say. I owe Quinn big time for sending you to me.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” he assured her and reached over to squeeze her hand.
She slid a glance at him, but didn’t pull her hand away. Something was definitely happening here, something that excited her and at the same time made her afraid. Her track record with relationships was poor to say the least. On the other hand, she’d never met a man like Nick Vanetta. There was definite sexual sizzle between them, but also, she thought—hoped—a mutual respect. She just hoped she wasn’t reading something into it because her emotions were upside with the stalker.
“Don’t you need to get some clothes or something to take with you?” They’d headed directly out onto the Interstate.
He grinned and pointed a thumb toward the back of the vehicle. “I’m like the Boy Scouts, always prepared. Seriously, I never know when I might have to get on a plane or drive somewhere. So a long time ago, I got in the habit of keeping a travel case packed and ready. What we call a go bag.”
“Oh.”
They drove on in a comfortable stillness broken only by her directions until the ranch came into view.
If Lindsey had asked for a better picture to show off her home on first sight, she couldn’t have gotten one. The setting sun bathed the house and surrounding land in a golden glow. Several of the horses were out in the penned area, nibbling at the grass. The soft breeze made the prairie grasses dance slightly, and all around the house, where Mary Medana had scattered seeds, bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush were just beginning to bloom.
Lindsey felt herself relax completely for the first time that day.
****
Nick pulled into the graveled parking area in front of the house, turned off the engine, and sat for a moment, staring at the view. He’d been a lot of places and seen a lot of views that took his breath away. But this? This was better than a tranquilizer. He didn’t know how Lindsey ever left it to go into the city. “I think wow is too inadequate.”
Beside him, Lindsey laughed, the first relaxed sound she’d made all day.
“Everyone says that the first time they see it. I think it’s what sold my folks on it to begin with.”
He pointed to an older couple who had come out to stand on the porch, shameless in their interest. “Your guard dogs?”
Lindsey laughed again, and it struck Nick what a musical sound it was and how it could soothe even the most frazzled nerves. He’d love to have it soothe his nerves forever.
Hold on, buddy boy. Aren’t you the confirmed bachelor? And by the way, right now she’s a client. Let’s save her ass first, okay?
“I think you’re about to face the Inquisition,” she told him. “You’re the first person I’ve brought to the house—except for Kate and Quinn—in a long time, and their curiosity is killing them.”
“That’s interesting.” Nick looked at her. “You don’t bring anyone out here? None of your…friends?”
“No.” She released the seat belt and climbed out of the SUV, the one word reply leaving no room for further discussion.
Nick tucked that away in his mind for future questioning. What kind of person never brought friends home with them? Even he had company once in a while, although he made it a rule not to bring any of his women into his personal space. He considered it too intimate. They left lingering traces of their presence that he didn’t want to deal with.
He got out of the vehicle and followed Lindsey up the porch steps, carrying the small leather suitcase he’d retrieved from the back storage area.
“Hi, guys.” She hurried up to the porch and hugged the waiting couple, then waved casually in his direction. “This is Nick Vanetta. Nick, come on and meet Ruben and Mary Medana, my family.” She turned back to the man and woman. “Like I said when I called, he’s doing some…work for me and will be spending the night.”
Everyone did the polite thing, but Nick could tell the couple was biting back questions.
“Lindsey, honey, take Mr. Vanetta upstairs and get him settled,” Mary ordered. “Put him in your old room. It’s always ready for company, and nobody’s stayed there since you did all that redecorating.”
“Oh, I don’t think—”
“And it’s got its own bathroom,” Mary continued, firm in her directions. She turned back to the house, giving Lindsey no opportunity to argue further.
Nick grinned at Lindsey, smothering a laugh. “I’ll bet all the other guys will be jealous when I tell them I slept in your bedroom.”
Lindsey didn’t answer him, just marched up the stairs with her back ramrod stiff, fire sizzling from her body. Nick restrained himself from laughing. Apparently she didn’t take orders well from anyone. Or teasing.
She ushered him into a huge room with windows that had a sweeping view of the meadows and a sitting area in front of a small fireplace. The walls were a soft shade of green, the carpet an ivory shade, and one wall was covered with wallpaper scattered with bluebonnets.
“Not bad,” Nick said, dropping his suitcase next to the bed. “The ranching business must be good.”
“My folks built this house when they moved here more than thirty years ago,” she explained. “Apparently, my dad had investments that did really well or something. He bought the land, built the house, and went into the horse breeding business.”
“Not cattle?” He raised an eyebrow.
“He said he always had a yen for horses, and whatever he did, the business has always been profitable.”
Nick started to comment, then changed his mind. He really needed to do some detailed research on the family to satisfy his curiosity about her before he said anything else.
“I’m going to change,” she told him. “If you keep anything besides suits in that bag, you might want to do the same. The atmosphere is kind of hard on silk out here.”
“I think I might be able to dress down,” he told her with another grin. “I’ll do my best.”
She stood at the door, tugging at her lower lip with her teeth, her forehead wrinkled. “I haven’t said anything to either Ruben or Mary about this stuff yet, so they probably think I brought you out here for other reasons. We’ll tell them right after dinner. They need to be aware of what’s going, and I sure don’t want them getting the wrong idea about your visit. See you downstairs in a few minutes.”
Nick wouldn’t have minded a bit if they were out here for something other than business. The more time he spent with Lindsey Ferrell, the more he got to know her, the more he was drawn to her. He enjoyed women, no question about it, but forming attachments wasn’t his style. Even in bed, he always held himself apart, his sexual calisthenics almost a dispassionate performance.
Until now.
Lindsey Ferrell was a different breed altogether. Whatever it was drawing them together made him edgy, knocking down barriers he usually kept firmly in place. He couldn’t keep himself from imagining her in bed, wild and hungry and responsive. He wondered if he could convince her to keep her glasses on.
Jesus, Vanetta. Cut it out. She’s off limits.
Nick could tell she was as determined as he was to keep this thing on a professional basis and try to ignore the heat blossoming between them. But he had an uneasy feeling they were quickly reaching a tipping point that neither could ignore. His brain told him to call the office and get someone else out here, but his body was winning that fight.
When he came downstairs, she was waiting on the porch for him. Her tight jeans and T-shirt, clinging to a finely toned body that was obviously accustomed to a lot of exercise, were far more revealing than her proper business suit. Nick had to fist his hands to tamp down the lust that threatened to rise up and embarrass him.
****
Lindsey’s eyes skimmed over Nick. Worn jeans and a T-shirt clung softly to the muscular line of his body. Dressed up or dressed down, he was the most sinfully sexy man she’d ever met, and that alone made him dangerous. She’d have to be very careful. Her trust only extended so far. If they acted on whatever this thing was between them and he turned out to be like all the other men, more interested in proliferating their genetics, she wasn’t sure she could handle it.
“Dinner will be a little while yet.” She handed him a glass of iced tea. “Mary decided you needed more than the salad she figured I’d want, so she’s pulling out all the stops. Would you like to have a look around while we’re waiting?”
“Thanks, that would be great.” His warm molasses voice rolled over her.
At the paddock, she stopped and whistled for Jingo, who trotted up to the fence. The animal nickered softly and rubbed his nose against her outstretched hand as Lindsey made the introductions between horse and man. Then she led the way through the stable, the barns, the breeding barn, and the indoor exercise ring.
Nick shook his head. “This is an extensive operation. Somehow I had the idea you kept a few pleasure horses and that was it.”
She slid a glance at him. “Shows what happens when you make snap judgments. Breeding and training cutting horses is a big business around here. I guess my father made a smart decision, because we’ve always done very well.” She pointed to a medium-sized house about four hundred yards from the main house. “That’s where Ruben and Mary live.”
“Not in the house with you?” The fact surprised him.
Lindsey shook her head. “In the very beginning, when they first came to work for my folks, they were a lot younger, and I guess they figured they’d have kids and raise them out here. That’s the way it is on many of the ranches in Texas. But they never had kids of their own, which is too bad. If ever people were meant to have children it’s those two.”
“But what about after your father died?” Nick persisted. “Wouldn’t it have been better for them to move in with you and your mom? More protection and closer if you needed them?”
“I would have thought so, and Mom tried to talk them into it time and again.” She shrugged. “But they’re very specific about keeping ‘their house’ and ‘the big house’ separate. Besides, I think they like their own privacy. Who can blame them?”
“Dinner in a few minutes,” Mary called as Nick and Lindsey came back into the house.
“Okay,” Lindsey answered. “We’re definitely ready. Come on,” she told Nick. “We’ve just got time for the nickel tour of the house.”
Nick carefully noted every detail, not just in case of trouble, but because it gave him a sense of Lindsey as a person. Twenty-four hours ago, he hadn’t even met her and already he hungered for every piece of information about her. He always liked to get a complete picture of the client because it often helped to pinpoint where trouble came from, but this was different. Personal feelings were unexpectedly creeping in, and the possibilities both enticed and terrified him.
The house was comfortable, large without being pretentious, built for relaxed and happy living. A huge fireplace dominated one wall in the great room, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on another. A door in one corner led to a little home office, most of it taken up by an old-fashioned desk and a computer setup. It was a place that instantly made a visitor feel relaxed.
And everywhere he looked, there were pictures. Lindsey at various ages—swimming, horseback riding, sitting on the paddock fence, graduating from high school, from college. They reinforced his impression that this was a complex woman with many layers to her. A woman you didn’t just rush into your bed and send on her way when the heat died down. This was a woman you built a real relationship with, something Nick had always avoided. Why, then, was he even thinking about it now?
He moved on to other pictures. A young Lindsey with a good-looking couple he guessed were her parents. In later years, Lindsey with her mother. He felt a strange sadness for her that someone who obviously reveled in family life now had none of her own. She would love the Vanetta family. Maybe when this was all over he could introduce her to them.
Now there’s a scary thought.
But it lodged in the back of his mind like a barnacle on a ship, reminding him of his earlier musings. He was wading in dangerous waters.
The large kitchen had a welcoming and cheerful feel to it. And the aromas blending in the air made Nick’s mouth water the minute he entered the room. He took the seat next to Lindsey, his stomach definitely ready for the feast on the table. Crispy fried chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, corn casserole, and homemade biscuits were passed around. Dessert was an apple pie with crust so flaky it melted on the tongue.
****
Lindsey finally began to relax when she saw how easily Ruben and Mary accepted Nick and how comfortably he fit in with them. Their instincts were usually good, and she cared about their opinion. If they smelled trouble, the door slammed shut. She wanted the Medanas’ stamp of approval on the man who was hopefully going to get her out of this mess. Maybe this would work out after all, having yet another stranger invade her life.
Still, she wasn’t looking forward to telling Ruben and Mary the real reason for his visit.
“Heavy thoughts?” Nick asked as Mary cleared away dessert.
Lindsey roused herself. “No. Just taking a moment to regroup.”
When they were sitting with refills of coffee, Ruben looked evenly at Lindsey. “It’s nice that you brought someone home for a change, honey, but I get the feeling this isn’t a social visit. You want to tell us what’s really going on?”
“You’re right. There’s nothing social about it.” She let out a long sigh, glanced at Nick, and was reassured by his warm smile. “Okay. I thought everything would have blown over by now or it would turn out to be just some prank, but…there are some things I need to tell you.”
With Nick filling in details here and there, she told them about the pictures, her talk with Quinn, his insistence that she get someone professional to check into things and also provide protection.
“And that’s how Nick came into the picture,” she finished. “He and Quinn are close friends and Quinn called in a favor.”
“I’ll be using all the resources of Guardian Security,” Nick assured them. “Here’s what we’ve done so far.”
He explained how and where they were in setting up protection as well as the process of investigating who the stalker could be. Ruben and Mary listened in silence, but Lindsey could tell they were getting madder and madder.
“Is there some reason you didn’t feel you should tell us this before now, little one?” Ruben’s face was impassive, but his anger was almost palpable.
“I’m sorry, Ruben.” She spread her hands helplessly. “I know I should have, but I kept thinking this was just a sick joke that would go away. I didn’t want to worry either of you if I didn’t have to.”
“This is no joke, Lindsey.” He leaned forward across the table. “It’s our job to worry about you and you’d best not forget it. I promised your daddy I’d take good care of you, but you sure make it difficult sometimes.”
“You don’t know all the ugliness that’s out there,” Mary added, getting up from the table. “I hope you never have to find out.”
Ruben clomped off when they finished talking, saying he’d be right back. He returned to the kitchen with his rifle in one hand and his favorite Kimber 9 mm in the other. For a handgun, the Kimber was heavy with firepower. The snakes Ruben blasted with it usually needed a blotter to be collected.
“Good weapon,” Nick commented.
“The best,” Ruben said without a smile.
Lindsey raised her eyebrows at the guns. “Think we’re fighting a militia here, Ruben?”
“Hope not.” He winked at her, although his face still held vestiges of anger. “But at least no one will catch me off guard.” He leaned the rifle in a corner by the pantry and tucked the handgun into his belt at the small of his back.
“Ruben, someone’s just trying to rattle my cage,” she admonished. “It’s not like we’re under attack or we’ll be having a gunfight out here. We’re just talking about a couple of pictures.” She turned to Nick, expecting him to back her up.
“Right now he’s just sending you pictures,” Nick said. “But let’s not forget one of them was taken from the hotel next door, looking right into your little apartment.”
“What?” Ruben’s outrage was palpable. “Someone’s spying on you?”
“Please.” She wanted to smack Nick for throwing that little fact in there so carelessly. “I’m keeping my drapes closed.”
“Damn straight,” Ruben growled. “Whoever this is, you don’t know what he or she has in mind.”
“Ruben’s right,” Nick added, and she wanted to strangle him. “Your unknown stalker has already escalated to invading your privacy. I’m hoping whoever it is thinks it’s too risky or too much trouble tracking you down here at the ranch. However, stalkers have a tendency to accelerate once they think they’re achieving their objective. I for one will sleep a lot better knowing Ruben’s taking care of business here”
“Wait.” Lindsey held up a hand. “Don’t I get a say here?”
Nick gave her a lopsided grin. “You did. You said where’s the contract and where do I sign.”
“Oh, for—” She threw up her hands. She couldn’t argue with that. And she was torn between wanting Nick and Ruben to pull out all the stops to protect her and finding out the stalking was just someone’s crazy idea of a prank.
Nick rose from his chair. “Mary, that’s the best meal I’ve eaten in so long I forgot when the last one was. Thank you.”
Mary just nodded her head, but Lindsey saw the little flash of pleasure on her face and swallowed a smile.
She glanced at Nick. “I’m going out on the porch to finish my coffee. Want to join me?”
“Sure. Just give me a minute.”
She loved the rockers on this porch. They were so comfortable and sitting in one transported her from whatever stress she was dealing with. The tension in her body finally began to release. Spending time at this place she considered her ultimate refuge always had a calming effect on her.
She had told Nick the truth. He was the first outsider she’d brought to the ranch in a very long time. Sometimes it saddened her, the path she had chosen. But she’d promised herself she’d never again be in a physical relationship that would end up leaving her emotionally bruised. Men wanted children. When they discovered she couldn’t have them, they hit the road so fast they left dust in their wake. When she’d learned what her situation was, she’d anguished and screamed, but then she’d come to terms with it. But she wasn’t about to put herself in the way of someone else’s rejection because of it.
Nick Vanetta was not only a very good looking, totally sexy man. He was intelligent, solid, and comfortable in his own skin. The first man she’d met in ages who wasn’t full of himself. But it would be dangerous if they acted on whatever had popped up so quickly between them, the sizzle of chemistry that had niggled at her all day. Even thinking about it was a luxury she couldn’t indulge in.
She had no reason to believe that, in the end, he would be any different than the other men who had mocked her sterility. They wanted sons with their own DNA. It was the typical attitude of the Texas alpha male, at least most of the ones she’d met. That still didn’t make it hurt any less.
Anyway, she was probably daydreaming. Nick had the look of a man who could have any woman he wanted. Despite the flare of heat in his eyes when their hands touched and the smile that woke up the butterflies in her stomach, she probably wouldn’t even make his B list.
The soft murmur of voices intruded on her reveries. When she turned her head, Ruben and Nick were walking up from the barn in quiet conversation. Without being told, she knew Nick had asked the older man to show him around the immediate property and point out areas of access besides the road. He did it without involving her, aware that it might put her on edge again.
When they reached the porch, Nick thanked Ruben for his help, the two men shook hands, and Ruben went off to his own house.
“Mary left coffee on in the kitchen if you’d like another cup,” Lindsey informed him.
“No, thanks. I’m so stuffed I don’t think there’s room even for that.” He crossed his arms, leaned against the rail, and looked at her steadily. “I’d still feel a lot better if the Medanas were sleeping in this house. Ruben almost agrees with me, but you’re right. I can tell they wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it. So until this is over, when you come out here, I’ll be coming, too.”
Her body tensed. “I don’t really think that’s necessary. As you can see, I’m well protected here.”
“Lindsey.” His tone was one of incredible patience. “When I work with corporations to train their people, sometimes I’m at the site for weeks, maybe even a month. It’s part of the job. Besides, that’s what you’re paying me for. My time is your time.”
“Oh, yes, that’s right.” Of course. He was giving her the services she was paying for. “Well, I think today has been long enough for me. I need to get some sleep.” She rose from the rocker. “I’m sure Mary has left plenty of towels for you and whatever else she thinks you might need. I’d like to leave by eight-thirty tomorrow, if that’s okay with you. I have a lot of work to do after today’s meeting, and I need to really dig in on the drawings for the Marquez house.”
“No problem. I have an alarm on my watch, but I’m usually up by six anyway. Longtime habit.”
“Well, goodnight, then.”
She took her coffee cup into the kitchen, put it in the sink, and turned off the coffee maker. She assumed Nick had stayed on the porch, but when she climbed the stairs, he was right behind her. He was still on her heels when she walked down the hall. At the door to her room, she turned, only to find him so close they almost shared the same breath. A warm feeling crept through her body.
“Goodnight again.”
Go in the room, dummy. What’s the matter with you?
His eyes, studying her face, were a darker brown, like melted chocolate. Her heartbeat skipped once, twice, and her breathing become shallow. She wanted to move, but she didn’t want to. His enormous image filled her vision, but his eyes were what held her immobilized.
He put his hands lightly on her shoulders and looked down at her with those turbulent eyes. “We’ll get this person, Lindsey, That’s a promise. I’m very good at what I do. I’ll take care of this.” He rubbed her shoulders gently with his thumbs. “Sweet dreams.”
Then he was gone to his room.
Lindsey stood rooted to the spot, staring after him, finally rousing herself to move. Once in her room, she firmly closed the door. He was just doing his job. Making her feel safe. She had to keep remembering that.
And the thing was, he did. When she’d looked into his eyes, she believed deep down that he was rock solid, that he would protect her, find the stalker, and make this nightmare go away.
In the bathroom, she stripped, tugged on her sleep shirt, and splashed cold water on her face and hands. Exhausted but tense, she fell into bed.