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  “What a treat it will be to toast our ‘marriage’ tonight,” Kate jabbed lightly. She grinned triumphantly when a dark stain crept up his neck.

  “Look, I’m sorry things got out of hand. I had no idea she would be so. . .so nurturing.”

  Kate raised a brow in mock protest.

  “I’m not complaining, darling. I thought she was sweet. Very mothering. You obviously made quite an impression on her.”

  He shot her another look that clearly said “drop it”. Sam grimaced as Mrs. Canady hurried back to their table. “Doesn’t that woman realize she has other guests besides us?”

  “My dear Holdens, I have some wonderful information for you.” She placed a printed map and several colorful brochures on the table beside their plates. “You’re only a short distance from the Plaza. There are shops, art galleries and historical buildings to enjoy, and you can find each one within walking distance.” She stood back proudly as Sam forced a smile to his lips.

  “How thoughtful, Mrs. Canady. I’m sure Kate and I will have an enjoyable day.”

  She nodded happily before strolling away to chat with the couple at the next table.

  “These are quite interesting,” Kate mused, casually skimming through the various pamphlets. “There is a place called the Loreto Chapel a few blocks away. What a great story!”

  She enthusiastically reiterated the details from the brochure. “It was built in the late 1800’s, and is the first Gothic structure west of the Mississippi River. While it was being constructed, no one noticed they had failed to erect a stair from the choir’s loft to the chapel floor. The nuns asked several carpenters to give estimates but each one insisted a 21 foot staircase in such a small space was impossible. So the nuns prayed to St. Joseph for help, and one day an old gray haired man with a donkey and tool chest arrived at the door of the convent. He asked if they would let him attempt to build the staircase. The nuns accepted his offer. When the project was completed, he simply disappeared, leaving before they could pay him for the job.”

  Kate paused for emphasis. “The nuns were dumbfounded. There were no outstanding bills at the local lumber mill. They don’t know where he got the wood to build it.”

  Sam grinned at her animated expression. “That’s a nice story. I guess it proves there were Good Samaritans even back then.”

  “But there’s a twist to the ending.” Her eyes twinkled as he unconsciously leaned in to hear the rest of the story. “The old carpenter built a spiral staircase. It has 33 steps and makes two complete turns. He used wooden pegs instead of nails.”

  “I don’t think that was unusual for the 1800’s.”

  “I know, but it says here similar spiral staircases have a center support. This one doesn’t. No one can explain how the thing stands and bears weight. To add to the mystery, they are unable to determine what kind of wood was used, only that it is not native to New Mexico. The nuns remember the old man using a hammer, t-square and saw. . .nothing else. And they never saw any shipments of lumber.”

  Sam straightened in his chair. “I wonder if it’s true?”

  “You think the nuns made it up?” She tossed the brochure at him. “It’s called the Miraculous Staircase and some people think it was built by St. Joseph himself.”

  “Ok, now I’m curious. Let’s go see this thing so I can come up with a decent rebuttal.”

  Kate moaned as she plopped onto the cushioned chair in the courtyard. Her feet ached and her thigh was throbbing from hours of walking. Sam took the chair opposite her.

  “Does your leg hurt?”

  She nodded wearily. “It’s a little tender.”

  “Have you been changing the bandage each day?”

  “Yes, Dr. Holden,” she retorted lightly. “I’ve been a good patient.”

  He grinned, eyes dancing with amusement. “Then you deserve a reward.”

  Sam presented the bottle of chilled champagne they had discovered in an ice bucket upon returning from sightseeing. Popping the cork with his thumb, they both laughed as it flew against the garden wall. After pouring the effervescent liquid into two crystal flutes, he offered one to Kate.

  “Here’s to us,” he smiled, raising his glass in salute.

  “To us.”

  Kate took a sip, reflecting on the enjoyable day they had spent together. Sam had seemed apprehensive at first, but soon was chatting amiably as they visited the sights around the Plaza. They sampled food from two restaurants and made one final stop at the Georgia O’Keefe museum before finally strolling back to their motel.

  “I enjoyed the day.”

  She nodded contentedly. “It was perfect. I can’t believe it went by so fast.”

  “I take it you’ve never been to Santa Fe?”

  “I’ve never been outside of California, other than to visit Dad in Las Vegas. It’s exciting to see new places.” She wanted to add ‘with you’ but thought better of it.

  “I suppose I’ve made my world very small,” he mused out loud. “I realized today I’m missing out on some good things in life.”

  “But I thought you wanted to live away from everyone,” she countered cautiously.

  He met and held her gaze, an unreadable expression darting across his face. “I’m not sure what I want anymore.”

  Downing the last of his champagne, Sam refilled the glass before continuing. “I was content to live as a recluse until you came along. This past week has presented some challenging aspects but I’m discovering I miss the excitement. I enjoyed the edginess of law enforcement, the adrenaline rush.”

  “So you’re enjoying the fact our lives are in danger?” Kate stared at him with an incredulous expression.

  “Of course not,” he retorted. “I would never wish harm on you. But I got used to living with danger when I was with the ATF. It was addictive.” His gaze softened unexpectedly. “I’ve also missed having someone to talk to. A friend. Like you.”

  Friend? Kate forced a shaky smile to her lips as she tried to hide her disappointment. He was more than a friend to her. After everything they’d shared today, her feelings had deepened, and extended far beyond mere friendship.

  Sam emptied the last of the champagne into her glass before rising to his feet. “I’m going to grab a shower. Why don’t you stay out here and enjoy the sunset?”

  Kate remained silent, watching him saunter up the walk. The black denim jeans molded his taut hips to perfection. Her gaze followed the cord of his back and shoulders to where wheat colored hair fell over his collar.

  He disappeared into the casita, leaving her to wage an internal battle. The champagne had succeeded in banishing all aches except for the one throbbing between her thighs. She rose awkwardly to her feet and made her way to the casita, immediately feeling the warmth from the hearth as she entered the door. Sam must have started a fire before stepping into the shower.

  The flames flickered across the stucco walls, hypnotizing her with an erotic dance as they mingled, caressed and joined together. She glanced at the closed door to the bathroom. The steady flow of running water seemed to drum a command she was helpless to ignore.

  Sam didn’t love her. She was only a friend, a companion. He might offer his physical body but he would never unleash his heart. To pursue a relationship with him was useless. But to never know him as a lover was more than she could bear.

  Throwing caution to the wind, Kate’s fingers fumbled with the buttons to her sweater. She knew exactly what she was going to do, what she wanted to do. Her clothes fell in a pile at the foot of the bed. Shivering, she tiptoed into the bathroom and quietly opened the door.

  She stared at his silhouette, little more than a hazy figure behind the frosted glass doors. He was washing his hair. Water spilled from his damp locks and ran in soap encrusted rivulets down his chest and back.

  Kate took a deep breath and slid the door open. She stepped inside, wedging herself between him and the wet tile.

  “What the. . .” Sam blinked water and soap from his eyes, confusio
n replacing his initial surprise. “Kate?”

  She stood in front of him without saying a word. The warm water splashed off her flesh like a shimmering waterfall as her breasts swelled and hardened. Smoothing back her hair with one hand, Kate met his wary gaze with a bold confidence that left no question about her expectations.

  She sensed, rather than saw Sam’s arousal as she brushed against him, running her fingers through the soft, curly mass spilling across his chest. Her lips parted, inviting his kiss. When he hesitated, she reached behind his neck with one hand, pulling his head to her upturned face.

  “Kate. . .I. . .”

  Her mouth silenced his protest. She felt Sam tense for a split second before he pulled her roughly against him, his arms enclosing around her like a vice.

  His tongue speared through her lips, immediately seeking refuge in the sweet depths. Strong hands flattened against her back, welding their bodies together like two pieces of molten metal.

  An all consuming fire erupted between them that not even the running water could extinguish. Sam trailed frenzied kisses down her throat and across her shoulder, pausing to suckle her hard nipples.

  Shivers rippled across her belly as her fingers tangled in his damp hair. Kate closed her eyes to the thunder of uncontrolled passion. One hand moved downward, skimming her side before pausing to stroke the inside of her thigh.

  His fingers parted the honeyed flesh and began to massage her hardened nub with slow, deepening pressure. Tremors shot through her as his fingers slipped in and out, penetrating the velvet folds.

  Her hips began to sway to the rhythmic movement of his hand. As he quickened his touch, she felt a prickly heat move upward, like a volcano nearing eruption. Her back arched and she gave way to his masterful seduction, moaning aloud with erotic pleasure. Kate rode the plume of heat to where it crested on a chasm of ecstasy. Her body vibrated with liquid fire as she surrendered to the all encompassing pleasure.

  She sank against Sam’s chest, her knees too weak to carry her weight. Her eyes were still closed when she felt his arms lift her to his waist. Her legs wrapped around his back as his body pinned her against the cold tile. He pulled her hips toward him before penetrating her swollen vortex with the first hungry lunge of his erection.

  A white hot heat filled her with an intoxicating passion as she matched his movements, thrust for thrust. Her sexual needs, long dormant, had awakened and now demanded complete satisfaction. His shaft ground into her, faster and faster, driving her to a second climax. Through long, shuddering gasps she felt him stiffen, offering one final push before their bodies melted together in divine release.

  The water had turned cold by the time Sam looked up, eyes dark and dilated. He reached behind him and shut off the faucet, stopping the flow.

  Pulling a towel from a nearby hook, he gently wrapped Kate in the soft terrycloth. With unexpected tenderness, he bent his head, claiming her lips in a long, lingering kiss. The smoldering fire burning through her veins sparked and reignited. Her breath quickened as he effortlessly picked her up and headed to the bedroom.

  With little disguise to his intentions, he eased her onto the soft mattress, his eyes hungry and demanding.

  “Kate.”

  She closed her eyes against his whispered plea.

  His mouth wasted no time in claiming her lips with a savage intensity that left her breathless. It fueled her own aching need to feel him inside her again. Their bodies pressed together as desire exploded between them.

  She marveled at the hard body atop her, the glistening bronze skin in direct contrast to her ivory flesh. Her muscles began to tense as she once again was lifted to near hysteria, exploding with a convulsive burst of ecstasy. She heard Sam call her name before collapsing next to her, his breathing hard and labored.

  It was sometime later when Kate felt the warmth of blankets falling softly across her shoulders. She snuggled into the curve of his shoulder, delighted when Sam’s arm curled possessively across her back. As she listened to his breathing deepen and slow, she realized he had succumbed to the numbed sleep of a satisfied lover.

  Happiness and contentment filled her heart. Sam had proven his passion was driven by more than a physical need. The tenderness of his touch, the whispered words of affection, revealed more than he realized. Perhaps more than he intended.

  It might take time for him to accept the truth but she would deal with that later. Tonight the world was perfect. And she was in love.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Kate heard the low hum of a voice but was too contented to open her eyes. Why ruin a delightful dream? She was reliving the raw, passionate lovemaking from the night before and had no desire to return to wake up.

  Sam was an incredible lover, rousing her to complete abandon with his expert touch. She had never experienced repeated orgasms or had anyone make her feel so adored. Her life – her expectations – had been forever altered.

  “Kate? Wake up.”

  She cracked her lids open, smiling at the solemn face hovering above her.

  “Good morning,” she smiled dreamily, reaching out for his hand. “Come back to bed, it’s too early to get up.”

  Sam pulled his hand back, leaving her to ponder his abrupt action.

  “We don’t have time for chit chat,” he snapped. “It’s time to hit the road.”

  Kate struggled to sit up, suddenly self-conscious of her bare skin. Hugging the blanket close to her chest, she noticed he was fully dressed and holding the hotel phone in his hand.

  “Why the hurry?”

  She knew her voice sounded petulant but she didn’t care. She didn’t like this new Sam. She wanted the tender, passionate man from last night.

  “I just spoke with Greg. He’s arranged a meeting with the CIA in Atlanta. There’s a lot of road between here and there, and we’ve no time to waste.”

  Kate’s disappointment was apparent. “Can’t we stay a little longer? We could catch a flight tomorrow.”

  There was a disturbing intensity to his expression “It’s not wise. I’m certain Buckman has people watching the airports. We can’t risk it. Besides, I don’t know who else might be involved. Greg is the only person I trust right now.”

  “I’ll get dressed.” She bit her lip, reminding herself they were not on holiday.

  “Kate. . .”

  She backed away from the desire darkening his eyes. His mouth opened and closed several times as if he was searching for the right words to tell her something. Shaking his head, expelled a deep breath and headed for the door.

  “I’ll grab some pastries from the breakfast buffet while you get ready. We can eat on the road.”

  As the door closed softly behind him, Kate fell back against the pillows, pressing her hands over her face.

  Didn’t last night mean anything to him? Yesterday had been a gift which carried a very clear message. They should be together. This brief layover had offered an opportunity to act like a real couple. How could Sam act like last night meant nothing?

  Kate slipped into her sweater and jeans. Her thoughts returned to the night Buckman sent his thugs to kidnap her. It seemed surreal in past tense, but the horror on Sam’s face as he stared down the barrel of a gun was seared into her memory. He could have been killed. Forever lost to her.

  She was weary of the danger, the running and hiding. There had to be a way to stop the madness. She paced across the room, stopping in front of the window. Her mind was churning.

  The Center for Disease Control didn’t need the formula for the vaccination. Once the government knew about Conrad’s devious plan, they would arrest him and stop the bioterrorism plot. Perhaps there was a way to extract her and Sam from the drama. The formula could be used as a bargaining tool. A way to negotiate their safety.

  Kate stared at the phone before picking up the handset and dialing Jeff’s number. Jeff had been her friend once. Surely he would listen to her offer.

  “Hello?”

  “It’s Kate.”

&
nbsp; “Kate! My God, I’ve been frantic. What’s going on? Where are you?”

  She ignored his questions. “I know you told Conrad we were staying in Cheyenne.”

  A long pause followed her accusation. “What are you talking about?”

  “Are you involved?”

  “In what?”

  “The plot to sell Pneumonic Plague to terrorists.” Her voice shook with anger. “The reason Conrad wants the lock box is because it contains the formula for a vaccination, as well as documentation of his involvement. Are you part of the plot, as well?”

  “You don’t understand. Let me explain . . .”

  “Don’t bother. I don’t want to hear any more of your lies.” She lowered her voice. “I’m calling to make a deal. Tell Conrad to leave us alone. Sam is an innocent party, and he nearly lost his life when those thugs attacked us in the hotel room.”

  She could sense the tension in Jeff’s voice as he tried to placate with her.

  “Thugs?”

  “Stop acting like you don’t know what I’m talking about,” she spat.

  “Why are you so concerned with this Holden character?” he threw back at her. “What’s he to you besides transportation?”

  “I care about him,” she stammered hesitantly. “I don’t want him hurt. Here’s the deal. You and Conrad can have Dad’s papers if you’ll let us go. No more attacks. Sam’s made arrangements to meet with the CIA in Atlanta. I’ll give the lockbox to you instead if you promise to leave us alone.”

  Jeff’s voice went deathly quiet. “You’re giving. . . the CIA . . . your father’s papers?”

  “Yes, unless you can guarantee our safety if I hand over the information to you.”

  “Where are you now?”

  “In Santa Fe but we’ll be leaving shortly.”

  “Stay put. I’ll make arrangements to come to you.”

  Her heart sank. She’d secretly hoped Jeff would prove his innocence. Instead, he’d just proven his guilt.

  “I can’t do that,” she replied adamantly. “Sam can’t find out I’ve spoken with you. We’ll have to meet in Atlanta.”