Blood Storm Read online

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kate rolled over and stared at the ceiling. It was no use. She couldn’t sleep.

  The tendons in her legs were knotted and the wound on her thigh throbbed with every heartbeat. She shouldn’t have worn the high heeled sandals. Now she was paying for it.

  Sitting up, Kate massaged the arch of her right foot. Perhaps Cal had aspirin in the kitchen. A masseuse would be better but at two in the morning it was unlikely anyone would venture onto the icy roads for a house call.

  Slipping on a bathrobe, she tiptoed across the hall and down the stairs. After reaching the kitchen, a search through several cabinets finally produced a bottle of aspirin. She chased the white tablets with a glass of milk before wandering to the French doors leading to the deck.

  Snow had covered the wooden planks with a sheet of white that glittered like thousands of tiny diamonds in the moonlight. A cloud of steam rose invitingly from the hot tub, snaking its way through the lattice walls and curling in vaporous fingers around the gazebo.

  She rubbed her leg subconsciously. The jets could work magic on her aching muscles. Her bandage was waterproof so a quick soak wouldn’t hurt.

  Kate tiptoed through the door, shutting it softly behind her. The cold air took her breath away as she hurried to the gazebo. She didn’t have a swimsuit but since everyone had retired for the evening, there was no one to catch her skinny dipping. Shedding her nightshirt, she quickly slipped into the bubbling water.

  An audible sigh escaped her lips as she positioned herself on the molded chaise. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against the small pillow and allowed the jetted waters to ease her taut muscles.

  She had no idea how long she’d dozed or when the timer on the jets stopped cycling. When she opened her eyes, she was shocked to find a second person lounging on the opposite side of the tub.

  “Sam!”

  Kate flew to an upright position, realizing too late her bare breasts were visible above the water. With a gasp, she threw her arms across her chest and sank below the surface.

  “What are you doing here?” she sputtered as the water lapped against her chin.

  “The same thing you are,” he drawled lazily. “Relaxing before bedtime.”

  She licked her lips nervously. “I thought you were already asleep.”

  “Nope. I’ve been waiting on a call from my friend at the FBI. We finally connected but he won’t be able to look into the activity at Buckman’s lab until morning.” Sam’s mouth lifted in a half smile. “Looks like neither of us could sleep.”

  “Muscle cramps,” she admitted at last. “I took some aspirin but thought the spa would speed up the results.”

  “And so it did,” he grinned broadly. “You were snoring when I got in.”

  “I was not snoring,” she snapped indignantly.

  “How would you know? You were asleep.”

  Her mouth opened in protest but his throaty laughter coerced a smile from her lips instead. “I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

  “How’s the leg?”

  She appreciated the change in topic. “It hurts. I don’t think I was ready for high heels.”

  “If it’s any consolation, you looked very beautiful tonight. You still do.” The husky whisper floated on the steam rising between them.

  His nearness was overwhelming. She watched the water swirl as Sam moved closer. Her heartbeat skyrocketed when he pulled her to him.

  “Sam. . .”

  Her nipples hardened as they brushed against the dark growth on his chest, filling her senses with undeniable desire. Before she could pull back, his head came down, smothering her lips with demanding mastery. His tongue probed the velvet depths before leaving a fiery trail on her neck and across her shoulder. His hand found her breast, lifting the rosy tip to his mouth.

  Kate moaned, shocked at her own eager response to his touch. Sam lifted her to his lap as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his back. His erection stretched the thin fabric of his swimsuit as it thrust against her with an urgency fueled by her bare skin. His hands shifted to her waist as he fixated on the glistening rivulets forming tiny strands across her breasts. His tongue caressed each swollen tip, teasing first one, then the other.

  Kate gasped, tangling her fingers in his hair as she arched her back in response. She wanted him with a longing beyond anything she had ever known. As his mouth engaged in a sensual assault against her flesh, licking and suckling, she begged him to stop - but prayed he wouldn’t.

  Her fingers found the waistband of his swimsuit and tugged at the garment. The harsh, uneven breathing fanning her cheek emboldened her desire as her fingers stroked his swollen shaft.

  He muffled a guttural groan against her neck before locking his arms around her.

  “Sam. . .make love to me.”

  His body immediately stiffened. Sam pushed her to arms length, visibly struggling to regain his composure.

  “Kate. . .beautiful Kate.” His husky murmur was reassuring even if his actions weren’t. “As much as I want to be with you, I can’t love you.”

  An involuntary shiver shook her body. She scooted across the spa in a trail of swirling water, putting as much distance between them as possible.

  A veil fell over his features turning his face into an emotionless mask. He stepped out of the spa without a backward glance and wrapped himself in a towel from a nearby hook. Seconds later, he’d disappeared through the French doors.

  Kate swallowed the lump building in her throat. Her misery was so acute it was like a physical pain. How could he reject her? The chemistry between them was unlike anything she had ever experienced. He had to feel it, too.

  Suddenly she understood. Desire was not the same as love. Sam recognized that, and knew the difference. Smart man. He also knew their lifestyles would never allow a relationship to flourish no matter how attracted they were to each other.

  But what Sam didn’t realize was she had already fallen for him. Lifestyle and all.

  Kate stretched her arms above her head, shielding her eyes from the glimmer of dawn’s first light. It had felt good to sleep in a real bed. Not that Sam’s lumpy mattress had been uncomfortable but it certainly couldn’t compare to the downy feather top cradling her body.

  She tried to force her thoughts away from the previous night but it was no use. The memory of Sam’s touch came rushing back. The heat between her thighs served as a reminder of how deeply their intimate encounter had affected her.

  Damn you, Sam Holden.

  Kate closed her eyes against the ominous premonition impaling her heart. She was falling for a man who made it clear he would never allow himself to love her.

  The realization brought her to full consciousness as she sat up in bed, pushing the hair from her face with trembling fingers. She glanced down at the oversized t-shirt she had used as a nightgown. Melanie probably slept in skimpy bits of silk and ribbons. She doubted the blonde femme fatale even owned a t-shirt.

  “Kate?” A hoarse whisper preceded a familiar head peeking past the door. “Are you awake?”

  She greeted Sam’s entrance with a sober expression. “I am now.”

  His sheepish grin warmed her insides in spite of her vow to remain aloof. He edged further into the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

  “We need to get an early start. Cal had his cook prepare a quick breakfast for us. Coffee and fresh blueberry muffins are downstairs.”

  “How thoughtful of him. He’s such a dear, sweet man.”

  Sam eyed her curiously. “Yes, he is. I noticed he seemed quite taken with you, as well.”

  His teasing banter grated against her raw nerves. She didn’t want to listen to innuendoes about Cal. She wanted Sam to join her in bed and finish what he had started last night.

  “As Melanie is obviously taken with you,” she retorted crossly. His expression grew somber, only bolstering her need to hurt him as he had hurt her. “We could make out like bandits on this one, Sam. I can go
for the father, you can have the daughter.”

  She was unapologetic as his grey eyes turned to stone.

  “That’s not funny.”

  “Don’t try to deny there’s nothing between you. She was practically glued to your side all evening. You certainly weren’t protesting when her foot massaged your leg during dinner.” Kate watched his nostrils flare.

  “You act like you’re jealous.”

  Her lashes fluttered as she heard his accusation. “Don’t be ridiculous. I can’t be jealous of someone who is incapable of affection. Now that I think about it, you and Melanie are perfect for each other.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Kate flung her hair over one shoulder with an exaggerated gesture. “Please go. I need to get dressed.”

  Sam took the stairs two at a time, his fists knotted tightly at his side. Didn’t she understand he was only trying to protect her? Kate was a special woman. She deserved more than a quick tumble in a hot tub with a used up federal agent. He was damaged goods.

  He stormed into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. He drank too much alcohol last night. Between the whiskey, wine and the hot tub, his head felt too large for its skin this morning.

  Sam sat the mug on the counter, surprised to find his grip shaky. Kate was like a drug. Addictive. Seductive. And dangerous. She didn’t even know it how special she was. He should have met her three years ago. When he still had a heart to give away.

  “I’m ready.”

  Sam whirled around to find Kate behind him. Her hair spread across her shoulders like a black velvet curtain. Eyes were wide and rested. She must have slept better than him. Fitful dreams pierced his consciousness all night, and this morning he was suffering the consequences.

  “You look tired,” she remarked matter-of-factly, as if reading his thoughts. “You must not have gotten much sleep.”

  “I didn’t,” he drawled suggestively, glancing toward the ceiling where Melanie was still resting. “That means you’re driving. Cal notified his pilot to expect us at seven.”

  She stared at him. “I can’t drive. I have no idea where we are.”

  “I’ve already programmed the GPS, Kate. You’ll do fine.”

  Sam picked up her bag and headed for the door. “There are a couple of travel mugs by the coffee pot. Why don’t you fill them before you come out? Grab some muffins while you’re at it.”

  She bristled at his commanding tone. Did he think he could just boss her around whenever he felt like it? She wasn’t his servant.

  “Aren’t you going to tell Cal and Melanie goodbye?” Her attempt at sarcasm failed to elicit a heated response.

  “I spoke with Cal before he retired for the evening. He knew we were leaving at the crack of dawn.” Sam looked back over his shoulder. “As for Melanie, we said our goodbyes last night.”

  “I’ll just bet you did!”

  Kate was so furious she could barely breathe. And the rich growl of laughter trailing after him only added to her wrath.

  She joined him in the drive a few minutes later, slipping behind the wheel of a Lexus SUV without looking in his direction. Kate started the engine and nervously inched the vehicle over the icy drive. Once they reached the road, however, she was relieved to find the highway had been recently plowed. Large mounds of snow towered on either side of the two lane road.

  They passed the entrance to a ski resort. An open meadow ran the length of a row of tall pines. Two adults and a child were taking advantage of the pristine field as they shuffled their cross country skis over the surface.

  Kate peeked over at her companion. Sam’s eyes were closed but she could tell by his breathing that he was still awake. “Where are your parents?”

  He scowled beneath the brim of his baseball cap. “You don’t allow anyone an ounce of privacy, do you? Did it ever occur to you that some people don’t want to lay their personal life out for review? Just because yours happens to read like a damn crime novel doesn’t mean I’m looking for an audience.”

  Kate retreated from the sting of his hurtful words. Is that how he saw her? Someone who laid her personal life out for public scrutiny?

  “I’m sorry.” Her low tone was barely audible above the hum of the engine. “I was just trying to start a conversation.”

  She focused on the road, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. This was becoming an impossible situation. As soon as they reached the airport, she was going to inform Sam his services were no longer needed. She would cut him a check for the few days he had helped her and bid good riddance to a bitter, unsociable man.

  “She lives in San Diego.”

  “What?” Kate realized with a start he had spoken.

  “My father is dead. My mother lives in San Diego.” He paused as if choosing his words carefully. “She works for the Naval base as an administrative assistant.”

  “Do you see her often?” Kate waited nervously while he pondered her question. “Why didn’t you stay with her after the accident?”

  Sam stirred in his seat before sitting up and pushing the cap to the back of his head. “I’m not welcome,” he replied at last. “My father was killed when I was seventeen. It was past my curfew and he went looking for me. A drunk driver ran a red light and broadsided him. He died at the scene.”

  Kate noted the repeated working of his jaw. “It was my fault. If I had been home, he would still be alive. Or at least that’s how my mother saw it.”

  “You were a teenager. How could she blame you for a senseless accident?”

  “I wasn’t responsible when I was young,” he shrugged, a hint of sadness to his voice. “Dad earned a decent living, but didn’t have insurance. When he died, mother had to go back to work. Her life of ease suddenly became a life of hardship.”

  “I vowed to turn things around and win back her affection. I left right after high school, put myself through college by working two jobs. When I graduated from the police academy, I sent her an invitation. She didn’t show.”

  “What about your brother?”

  He let out a derisive snort. “Unless there are broncs, bulls and women, Trent won’t show up anywhere.”

  “Sam,” she fought to keep her voice level. “You’ve been let down by those you loved most.” She saw his jaw clench tightly. “I’m so sorry.”

  “You must think I’m still in agony over this,” he snapped, glancing at the side mirror on the door. “I’m not. I got over the disappointment a long time ago.”

  Kate didn’t believe him. She realized his bitterness was just a camouflage for the pain. No wonder he had become a recluse. He must have believed being alone was the only option he had left.

  Sam shifted in his seat as his expression grew solemn. “Pull into this parking lot,” he barked, pointing to a small market a few feet ahead.

  “Wha…?”

  “Don’t argue. Just do it.”

  The hair stood up on the back of her neck. Something was wrong. Kate turned into the parking lot, bringing the car to a halt next to a white van. Sam swiveled in his seat, watching as a dark sedan cruised past the entrance. It eased into a gas station across from them but left the engine running.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I think we’re being followed.” His brows hooked together. “How the hell did they find us?”

  Kate felt the blood drain from her face. “We have to get to the airport. How much further is it?”

  “About forty minutes. Cal has a private hangar outside of Reno.” Extracting a cell phone from his pocket, Sam dialed a number. “Robert Crowe? This is Sam Holden, Cal’s friend. Is your plane ready to go?”

  Kate watched his facial muscles tighten as he listened intently.

  “How many were there? Did they ask for Kate by name?”

  She waited until the call was disconnected before asking the obvious. “Buckman’s men?”

  He nodded. “Robert was at a local bar last night. Some men were flashing your photo aro
und, asking if anyone had seen you. They pretended to be law enforcement.”

  “But they don’t know where the plane is so we’re safe, right?”

  His expression did nothing to comfort her. “The sedan following us is parked on the other side of the road. I’m sure they’ve already given our location to Buckman and requested backup. We’ll be okay as long as we stay in a public area but I don’t think we should go to the hangar. It’s isolated. It would be too easy for them to jump us.”

  Kate licked her lips. “Then what are we going to do?”

  “Trade places with me. I’ll drive for a while.” Sam eased behind the wheel while she settled into the passenger’s seat. “Fasten your seatbelt.”

  He revved the engine and shifted into gear. Without alerting her to his intentions, he accelerated from the parking lot, making a sharp turn in front of an oncoming logging truck. The driver barely missed their rear bumper. He signaled his anger with a blast from his air horn.

  Kate gripped the arm rest as Sam made an abrupt turn onto a side street. He guided the SUV down a series of narrow lanes, entering the main road a short distance from where they had exited. She slid against the door when he swerved into traffic. A few seconds later, he accelerated toward a highway access ramp.

  Peering behind them, Kate released a relieved sigh. Sam had successfully evaded the sedan’s driver. She glanced at a passing highway sign and frowned.

  “Reno is in the opposite direction. Where are you going?”

  “Atlanta.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  It was dark when they approached a small motel on the outskirts of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

  “We need to stay inconspicuous. This looks clean.”

  “The Back Forty Lazy Eight Motel?” Kate laughed out loud.

  Sam grinned, pulling the SUV to a stop in front of the ‘Vacancy’ sign. “I’ll be back in a few.”

  “Wait.” She dug into her knapsack and extracted a small plastic card. “I want to pay for our room. Use my credit card.”

  He pushed the card away. “I’ll cover our expenses, Kate. They can trace your card to this location. Let’s not give them any clues to our whereabouts.”