petted her, Skylar simply remembered the life she’d lost, and boom, she was back on track.
With that sobering thought, she straightened her spine, looked him in the eye, and let her smile widen. “Looks like you’ve got a fan there,” she said, gesturing at Talia. “I hope she isn’t bothering you.”
He shrugged, apparently not in the least bothered. “In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m a dog person.”
She nodded. “I’m glad. Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity,” she said, managing to sound just on the edge of gushing. To distract herself, she reached down and scratched Talia just below the collar, which was her favorite spot.
A comfortable silence fell. When she finally looked up, she was surprised to find something hungry, something sharp, in his warm gaze. Perfect. As soon as she noticed, his expression changed, becoming the amused, flirtatious one from before. Ah, so she wasn’t the only one playing a role.
Interesting.
“Let me show you where you’ll be staying,” he said, the resonance of his voice still trying to pull her out of her nice, safe numbness. “Are your bags in your car?”
“Nope. Just Talia’s food and bed.” She hefted her backpack. “I travel light.”
His warm smile told her he approved. Reaching in for the dog bed and the sack of dry food, he snagged both and then straightened.
“Follow me.” Turning, he strode off, apparently trusting she could keep up. For a moment, she caught herself admiring the view’well-worn Wrangler jeans and what had to be the perfect male butt’before collecting herself and hurrying after him, Talia happily trotting along at her side.
He led her to a small camper parked under a towering tree. Surprised, she looked around. “A bit isolated, isn’t it?” she said, aware most women would be a bit apprehensive staying alone.
“No worries.” Placing a casual hand on her shoulder, he lightly squeezed. His touch felt hot, even through the thin material of her T-shirt. “This camper is where my foreman’s wife stayed while they were separated. They got back together, so now this is where I put temporary ranch hands and other assorted visitors.”
Nodding, she tried not to show her disappointment. Glancing back at the magnificent showpiece of a home, she sighed. “I so wanted to stay there.” The better to keep an eye on things.
Now she’d lobbed the ball squarely into his court. In real life she’d never have been so pushy, but for this job, she had to take any advantages she could. Even those that hadn’t been offered. Especially those.
He frowned, giving her what she’d have sworn was a passable imitation of a confused look. “I promise this is a nice trailer. It’s clean and private and better for your dog. You’ll be close enough to still do your job, but not underfoot. I’m sorry, Ms. McLain. I do value my privacy.”
She’d bet he did. It might be difficult organizing and running a massive illegal-export empire with a snoopy journalist underfoot. Well played, Matt Landeta, she thought. Well played. Of course, she’d expected no less.
“I understand.” She didn’t have to feign her disappointment.
“Go ahead, have a look inside.” He opened the door, motioning for her to precede him. “After this, I’ll take you on a tour of the house.”
Humor colored his smoky voice once more. A quick glance at him confirmed her suspicion that he was laughing at her. For a heartbeat, she felt a flicker of unease’did he suspect?’before she managed to make herself chuckle along with him.
The interior of the camper was surprisingly neat. A slide-out in the living area widened the space, giving the impression of more room that the exterior had hinted at.
Talia close at her side, she wandered from the compact kitchen to the living area and checked out the tiny bathroom along the way before dropping her backpack on the full-size bed.
“Very nice,” she said, meaning it. “I used to camp as a kid, so this brings back memories.” This was actually true. The closer she stuck to the truth while undercover, the easier things generally went.
“I’m glad.” His broad shoulders made the tiny space seem even smaller. He dropped Talia’s bed in the perfect spot next to the compact couch and placed the bag of dog food on the kitchen table.
For a moment they stood in a sort of awkward silence. Finally, he gave her what she was beginning to think of as his trademark smile. “Ready to see the house? Do you think your dog will be all right here? The air- conditioning works just fine.”
She nodded. Fishing her camera out of her pack, she also grabbed a small notepad and pen.
Still smiling, he held out his hand to help her out of the camper. The moment she slipped her fingers into his, sensation once again slammed into her. It took every ounce of her self-control to keep from yanking her fingers from his.
Gritting her teeth, she kept her expression pleasant. As soon as she’d descended the three metal steps and had her feet firmly on the ground, she nonchalantly pulled her hand free.
She’d barely taken a step when she heard the sharp crack of a gunshot. Instinctively dropping, she rolled, intending to take cover behind the nearest bush, managing to snag hold of Matt’s arm on the way so she could drag him with her as she pulled her weapon.
Chapter 2
What the... Jerking his arm away, Matt stared at Skylar. He’d expected to find her a bit intense, given what he knew she actually did for a living, but this? It had never occurred to him that she might be skirting the edge of crazy.
“Get over here,” she whispered. To his shock he realized she’d drawn a pistol, a wicked-looking Glock.
He didn’t move. “That was my farm tractor, the one my hands use to clean out the barn. It backfired. Are you all right?” He held out his hand to help her up. Confusion flashed across her aristocratic features, warring with embarrassment and then relief. Finally, ignoring his gesture, she climbed to her feet, holstered her gun and dusted her hands off on her jeans.
“Sorry,” she drawled, her face flushed. “I could’ve sworn that was a gunshot.”
“Obviously.” Debating, he gave her a long look. “Do you always carry a pistol?”
She cocked her head. “Always,” she said firmly, surprising him. “I got my concealed-handgun license the first year they came out. I’m a firm believer in self- defense for women.”
“I agree.” Smiling at her, he kept the conversation banal. “Are you a fairly good shot?”
“I’m an excellent shot. I practice whenever I can. It’s a hobby of mine, second only to the shooting I do with my camera.” Holding up her camera, she smiled back, the first genuine expression she’d used since she’d arrived.
Her smile stunned him. He’d noticed her beauty before, but now she looked...radiant, with the kind of unconscious sensual appeal that begged exploration.
Damn. He slammed the lid down on his errant thoughts. No way was he planning to go there. He had enough on his plate
