Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite) (11 page)

He gave her a tolerant look. “We were hired by the owner to survey this section. You sure you’re in the right place, miss?”

Meg’s head spun. The owner? Was it possible her grandfather had hired these men? She’d jumped to conclusions when she found Jake at the canyon and had been completely wrong. But something about this situation didn’t feel right. Grandpa had told her about the wild horses and Jake, though he didn’t mention him by name. He had never said anything about surveying the property. “I’m sure. Is it possible you’re on the wrong land? Maybe you crossed a fence you shouldn’t have?”

The older man shook his head. “No. The owner brought us out here himself a couple weeks ago. He said this was a rush job, and we had to finish today.”

The more Meg heard, the angrier she got. Her grandfather had definitely not been the man who’d brought them here. Sugar, she reminded herself. “Who is it, exactly, that hired you?”

Tom shrugged. “Monty Anderson. We’ve done several jobs for him.”

Monty Anderson? She didn’t know anyone by that name, and she was certain Grandpa hadn’t said anything about him. “I’m afraid you’ve been misled, Tom. This property belongs to me, and I’m going to have to ask you to stop what you’re doing and leave now. Do you have a contact number where I can reach Mr. Anderson?”

By this time, the other man had made his way over to where they were standing. He was younger than Tom and obviously the assistant on the job. “What’s that? We can’t leave until we finish this job. Anderson’s gonna pay us extra if we get it done today.”

No point in taking her anger out on these men, but her control was wearing thin. “I suppose that’s between you and Mr. Anderson. Unfortunately, he had no business hiring you to do anything on this land.”

“Hey, we don’t want any trouble. We’ll go ahead and leave for now, until Mr. Anderson tells us what to do.” Tom pulled a card from his shirt pocket and scribbled a number on the back of it before handing it to Meg. Both men turned to go back to their pickup, the younger man trying to convince the older to stay and finish the job.

She waited until the truck was out of sight then pulled her cell phone from her pack. “Great. No service.” Might as well get back.

By the time she reached the cabin, she was fuming. She tried her cell phone again and finally, thankfully, she had enough service to make a call. A couple of missed calls showed on her screen, but she ignored them and dialed Monty Anderson’s number. When his voicemail answered, she had to take a deep breath to keep from leaving a message that would scorch his ears. Leaving her name and number with a brief message was the best she could do until he called back.

Unable to sit still, she paced around the kitchen table. Both bottles of water were drained, so she grabbed another one from the fridge and took a long drink. She rolled the bottle over her forehead, hoping it would help to cool her temper, and nearly dropped the bottle when her phone rang. She recognized the number on the caller ID and quickly answered.

“Mr. Anderson?”

“Miss Reynolds? Oh my, you sounded so upset.”

Meg was hardly able to stand the patronizing voice on the other end of the phone. “I’m confused and a little more than upset. I found a surveying crew trespassing on my property. And they tell me
you
hired them. That
you
own it. Of course I’m upset!”

There was the slightest pause before Monty launched into an explanation meant to appease her, but Meg knew a line of B.S. when she heard it. Then it hit her. He was Goldstone. Or at least, he had something to do with Goldstone Holdings. “Mr. Anderson. Answer one question, please. Did you file the petition against my grandfather’s estate?”

The man on the other end of the call sputtered. She pictured him executing a classic spit take. If she hadn’t been so upset, she would have laughed at the mental image—she’d caught him.

“Miss Reynolds, I…we… Our goal is simply to maintain the integrity of the property.”

“And who is
we
?”

“Our organization seeks to preserve open range land. I don’t know if you’re aware, but we’re losing valuable natural habitats to urban growth. We were in negotiations with Mr. Clark to purchase at least a portion—”

“Bull. I don’t believe for a moment my grandfather was considering selling. And don’t you think a simple phone call or even a formal letter of inquiry would have been more appropriate than a baseless legal assault on the estate? I assure you, Mr. Anderson, like my grandfather, I have no intention of selling any part of the property for development.” She almost said something about her plans to use the land for education, but the horse’s ass didn’t have any business knowing. “And what need would there be to have the land surveyed? Your men damaged the natural landscape by clearing brush and rocks. I should probably be suing you for trespass and vandalism.”

“Miss Reynolds, I was only acting on the behalf of our group. We have to be certain of property borders.”

What a crock. Nothing about this conversation made sense. He was up to something, but Meg had no idea what it could be. “Certainly, your
organization
knows all of that information can be found at the Assessor’s office. I’m afraid I have to insist that you stay off my property, Mr. Anderson. If by some miniscule chance your petition isn’t dismissed, you can expect a full-out fight in court.”

She ended the call before he could respond. Her entire body trembling, she sank down onto a kitchen chair. Bernie had assured her that this would all blow over, but something about Monty Anderson gave her a bad feeling. She was fully prepared to fight for her family’s property. The problem was, she didn’t know exactly who she was fighting.

Chapter Eleven

Shaking with rage, Monty sucked air into his lungs. “Stupid fucking bitch!” He paced the floor of the cheap motel room. For a nickel, he’d drive out to the property and kill her the way he should have to begin with. Why hadn’t he just had Kipp take care of her when he’d had the chance? Why? He knew why.

Because he wanted that privilege for himself.

The day was coming when Megan Reynolds would pay for all he’d lost. Stopping midstride, he slowed his breathing, a tactic he’d learned in “mandatory” counseling. The therapists at juvie had bought his innocent orphan act. They’d eaten up the chance to save the poor, wounded, misunderstood teen he’d been all those years ago. He had played the part perfectly. Said all the right things, behaved appropriately, toed the line for three years until he’d reached adulthood and they couldn’t keep him any longer.

Yes, he’d made a misstep or two after his release and even landed in prison for a two-year stretch. But even that hadn’t been so bad. After all, he’d made some valuable contacts. The same contacts who were bankrolling the work at the property now. They knew his situation and were convinced, because of his pitch, that his plans for the land would provide a healthy return on their investment. He was counting on it. Didn’t want to think about the consequences if it fell through.

He stared out the window at the mesas in the distance. Dammit, why had she chosen today to go poking around the survey site? His men had been out there for two weeks and only needed today to finish the preliminary work. It was stupid of him to assume she’d stay with the good Dr. Doolittle, but she’d spent the night at his place, so Monty had guessed she wouldn’t return to the cabin.

He’d guessed wrong.

One way or another, he would get it done. All he had to do was keep her away from the property for a while. He’d love nothing more than to get rid of her permanently, but now that she’d discovered the site and put the pieces together, he wasn’t anonymous any longer. Caution would be crucial from this point on. Meg Reynolds would not stand in his way. Not again. Yes, revenge would be sweet.

Now he just needed to get her alone.

Chapter Twelve

Jake felt like pounding his head against the closest adobe wall. The drive over to The Pointe had been hell on his nerves. Kristen’s voice was beginning to have the same effect on him as fingernails sliding down a chalk board. Her incessant chatter had given him a headache, and he’d actually had thoughts of driving off the road a time or two just to see if she’d stop talking. Even his mother seemed thankful when they pulled into the parking lot of the casino and was a little bit too eager to get out of the back seat with her. Thank God his father had maneuvered Kristen to sit with Linda in the backseat before they left Big Rock. He’d said it was so he and Jake could catch up on sports, but they hadn’t been able to get a word in once she started. At least he’d been given that much space between them. Now he wasn’t at all sure what he was going to do with her if his mother abandoned him when she went to the casino. He cornered her when he helped her out of the car.

“Mom, you’re the one who invited her. I think it’s only right that you help entertain her.” He gritted the words out so Kristen wouldn’t hear. At least his father was doing an admirable job of diverting her attention while Jake spoke to Linda.

“I’m sorry, dear. I know this is uncomfortable, but if you had just told us about Meg before I never would have asked Kristen to come.”

Jake ran a hand through his hair. “You do not want to get into this with me right now. What right do you have—never mind.” He blew out a frustrated breath. As much as he wanted to let his mother have it over butting into his personal life, she was still his mother and deserved his respect. Besides, he was feeling a little guilty that he had dragged Meg into this in order to deceive his parents. The time would come when they could sit down and hash it all out. “Okay. So what do we do now? If Kristen doesn’t want to do the casino thing, I think you should at least come shopping so I don’t have to do it alone. I don’t want to give her any idea that I’m interested in her.”

His mother touched his arm. “I’m sorry, son, and you’re right. I’ll keep Kristen busy today. Maybe she’ll get bored soon and want to go back. That seems to be a pattern for her.”

Jake felt his shoulders relax a bit in relief. “Thanks, Mom. You guys go on ahead. I need a minute to call Meg.”

His mother’s face softened, and she patted his cheek. “She’s a very nice young woman, Jake. Say hello for me.” Then she turned to join Bob and Kristen who had already started walking toward the entrance.

Jake pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed Meg. The phone rang only once then went straight to her voice mail. He left a message, asking her to call before disconnecting. Where was she? Was she all right?

His mood grew darker as the day went on. Not only had he not heard from Meg, but he’d listened to Kristen’s non-stop whining since they had arrived at The Pointe. Both of his parents had tried to distract her, but she was determined to hang onto Jake’s arm and drag him around so he could carry her bags like her personal bellboy.

He’d suffered through lunch while she went on about all the A-list people she knew back in Chicago and how much she wished Jake would move back so she could introduce him to the influential players there. Again he’d excused himself and called Meg only to get her voice mail once more.

The afternoon hadn’t been any better, and by the time he’d left the third message for Meg he was nearly out of his mind with worry. He’d said they’d be back by six o’clock, but Kristen was lingering over a jewelry stand run by a family from the nearby Ute Reservation and he couldn’t seem to move her along. Finally, at nearly seven, he loaded everyone back into the car and had a hard time obeying the speed limit back to Big Rock.

…

Meg stepped outside to enjoy the sunshine and get a grip on her emotions. She sat at the picnic table in front of the cabin and let her mind wander back to when she was a girl, remembering good times spent here with her grandparents. The memory of one of the last trips she’d made here with them made her smile. They’d been discussing where to build their retirement house. Meg had laughed as she listened to them playfully bicker about silly details, following Grandpa with a tape measure as he pounded stakes into the ground marking corners and walls.

She walked over to the clearing where the house would have been built. Sure enough, most of the stakes were still there. Meg grew excited at the thought of building the house her grandparents had dreamed of. She could live here where they had always planned and have the other classrooms built further away toward the canyon. Excitement fluttered in her stomach, and she couldn’t wait to get back to Jake’s so she could bounce a few ideas off him.

Stopping short, she thought about that. How was it possible that his opinions could matter so much to her in such a short time? That he was the first person she wanted to tell her exciting news to?

Crap. She hadn’t called him yet today. When she checked her phone, there were three missed calls, all from Jake—each sounding more worried than the last. In the third, he asked her to let him know she was all right, telling her they’d be leaving The Pointe soon and would be home by six, and he’d like to have dinner with her.

Looking at her watch, she realized it was already after six. Where had the day gone? She rushed through a quick shower, braided her hair, and drove faster than was wise back to town. By the time she pulled into his drive, it was six forty-five, but his parents’ rental wasn’t there. She’d called him back when she got to the main highway, but the call went straight to his voice mail, so she left him an apologetic message, telling him she’d be there in half an hour and not to worry. She didn’t know if they’d left for dinner without her or if they were also running late, but either way, she wanted to let him know she was okay.

While she waited to hear from Jake, Meg walked to the clinic to check on Rex. She knew how to get into the clinic through the back kennels, so she stopped to feed the outside dogs and pet them before going inside.

After a vigorous ear-scratching welcome, Meg let Rex out for a few minutes while she filled his food and water. He appeared to be feeling much better and wanted to play with Polly. Meg had to coax him with a treat to get him back inside his kennel. Satisfied that the dogs were taken care of, she started for the stables, but the sound of a car outside had her running to the front door.

…

Jake let out a sigh of relief when he saw Meg’s car parked in front of the house. Quickly, he exited his parents’ rental leaving them and Kristen to manage on their own. All the air left his lungs when he caught sight of her returning from the clinic. She wore a simple, white cotton sun dress and leather sandals, her hair in a loose braid with a few errant, blonde strands framing her face. Seeing her there, he couldn’t decide if he should kiss her senseless or wring her beautiful neck for worrying him. His need to taste her won out, and he stepped forward to meet her as she neared. He took her hands in his and lifted them to his lips, kissing her knuckles lightly.

“Sorry I’m late—”

“I’m so sorry I didn’t call—”

They both spoke at the same time and laughed.

“Me first,” Meg said. “Cell service is kind of hit and miss at the cabin, and by the time I got your messages, I was already late. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“It’s okay as long as I know you’re all right. We didn’t leave as early as I wanted to, either. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

Meg shook her head. “Just long enough to visit the dogs.”

“Oh, Ja-aake,” Kristen sing-songed from the car. “Are you going to help me with my bags, darling?”

The nails on chalkboard sensation ran through him again.

“Sure thing. Be right there.” Rolling his eyes, he kissed Meg’s hands, leaned forward, and whispered in her ear. “You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had. I’m afraid I’ll be scarred for life.” He felt her shiver as she stood on her toes to slide her tongue around the outer edge of his ear before nipping his lobe with her teeth.

“I’ll make it up to you later.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw and pulled away from him. “When we don’t have an audience.”

Jake released her hands reluctantly and noticed a red streak on Meg’s arm. “What happened? You’re bleeding.” Before she could answer, he’d pulled her back to the clinic, moved the chair from behind the desk, and made her sit down. “Let me look at that.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I must have scraped it on the kennel door when I fed Rex. I can clean it…”

Jake stopped her midsentence. “Just sit right there. I’ll get the first aid kit.”

He quickly retrieved the small box and knelt on one knee in front of her. Holding her arm gently, he probed around the wound with his other hand. Just over Meg’s left bicep was a two-inch long cut. He opened the first aid kit, removed antiseptic wipes and bandages, and made quick work of cleaning the area to get a better look. Meg sucked in her breath when the antiseptic touched it.

“Ooh, I’m sorry, honey. That smarts doesn’t it?” Jake blew softly on her arm to take away the sting.

“I can remember my mother doing that whenever I got a cut or scrape when I was a little girl.”

The faraway look in her eyes and the pain in her voice made him wish he could take it away. “Do you remember much about your parents?”

“You know, it’s funny the things I remember. Little things.” She clasped her hands together, smiling as she spoke. “My mom’s laugh—she had a great laugh—and the way she always cut my sandwiches into little triangles. My dad always smelled so good and called me his little princess. I also remember how they looked at each other, and even though I was young, I could tell how much they loved each other.” Her eyes focused on Jake as she said the last.

“Those are good memories to have.”

“The best.” Meg smiled and glanced at her arm. “See, it’s barely a scratch. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

The cut wasn’t deep, and Jake was satisfied that it didn’t require stitches. He cleaned it again with more antiseptic. “It’s no trouble.” He blew again, only this time, he bent a little closer and his mouth grazed her skin. He pressed his warm lips against her arm in a gentle kiss. Meg wiggled in her seat. After placing a small bandage over the cut, Jake lifted his head and grinned at her. “All better? Do you have any other injuries I should look at?”

She smiled back at him and shoved playfully at his chest. “Nope, I’m ship-shape. You’re a brilliant doctor,” she teased, pushing on his shoulders to stand.

Jake was still kneeling in front of her, so when she stood, he found himself staring at the vee where her thighs met. He had the almost unbearable urge to grab her lush behind and pull her to his mouth, to kiss her in the most intimate way. Instead, using all his willpower, he put his hand on the desk and pulled himself up to stand beside her.

“I’d better go help my dad if we hope to have the car unloaded tonight.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “Come on.”

…

While the men retrieved the shopping bags, Jake’s mother stepped forward and embraced Meg in a tight hug.

“Meg, Dear. I’m sorry we kept you waiting.” Linda gave her shoulders a squeeze and lowered her voice. “Is there any more wine inside? I think I’m on my last nerve.”

Meg laughed and linked arms with her. “I think I saw a bottle in the fridge last night. Come on, I’ll pour.”

They left the men with Kristen supervising the unloading of her bags and went inside.

Linda dropped into a kitchen chair while Meg grabbed the wine and two glasses. She brought everything to the table and poured their drinks, handed one to Linda, then sat down. Silence reigned for a moment as they each sipped their wine until finally, Linda spoke.

“I don’t know what I was thinking inviting Kristen to come with us.”

Meg thought she was talking more to herself than anything, so she didn’t respond.

“I mean, she was always such a spoiled little girl, but I assumed she’d grown out of it.” She smiled at Meg. “Obviously, I was wrong.” Then with a sigh, “I don’t know how I’m going to make this right with Jake.”

At least Linda realized her error in judgment. Meg took another sip of wine. “I wouldn’t worry about Jake. It’s obvious to anyone how much you all love each other, and I’m sure he knows your heart was in the right place.”

“I just wish he’d told us he was seeing someone. I would have much rather spent our time here getting to know you better.”

A rush of guilt for her role in lying to Jake’s parents warmed her cheeks. The front door opened, and Bob walked towards Kristen’s room with his arms full of her shopping bags. He glanced into the kitchen and nodded to them.

“Get a cold beer for me would you, Lin? I’ll be out in a minute.”

Meg stood and went to the fridge, pulling out two bottles. She had opened the first one when Bob came back into the room, and she gave it to him. He took a long drink and winked at her.

“Thanks, hon. That hits the spot. You’d better have at least a couple of these ready for Jake when he comes in. I have a feeling he’s gonna need it.”

Linda’s worried frown mirrored Meg’s own concern. When the front door opened, they all turned and watched him stalk through the living room, his arms loaded with bags. He didn’t stop until he reached Kristen’s room where he unceremoniously dropped her purchases on the bed then turned and strode back to the kitchen.

He walked straight over to where Meg stood holding out a beer for him, took it, and set it on the counter, then grasped her elbow and ushered her out the back door. She didn’t fight him, but stumbled on the back step and nearly lost her footing. Jake’s free arm went around her protectively and pulled her tight against his chest. Passion flared between them.

“Jake?”

Before she could say anything else, he lowered his head and took her lips with his. The kiss was gentle at first, but at her willing response, he thrust his tongue deep inside her mouth and it was as if all the frustration that had been building up throughout the day was unleashed. Meg could only hold on for the ride as he deepened the kiss, sucking on her tongue, nipping at her lips with his teeth, eating at her as if he couldn’t get enough. He greedily took what he needed, and she openly gave it to him. When he finally stopped to catch his breath, they were both panting, clinging to each other, not wanting to break the contact. He loosened his hold on her, but only slightly, and reached up to cup her face in his palm.