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  Kate slipped between the sheets, keeping as much distance between them as possible. She rolled to her side with her back facing him. She felt his body shift behind her as he bunched the pillow beneath his head.

  Suddenly, his arm fell over her side, pulling her against his curve. Kate tensed, aware of the heat from his bare skin as it penetrated the thin fabric of her nightshirt. His warm breath fanned the back of her neck in a steady rhythm. With a start, she realized he was still asleep.

  A slow, enigmatic smile curled her lips as she relaxed against his hard muscles. His conscious mind might tell him to keep his distance, but his subconscious was having other thoughts.

  “You love me, Sam Holden,” she whispered huskily. “You just haven’t admitted it.”

  Kate straightened in her seat, peering through the window at the towering buildings on the horizon. “Is that Atlanta?”

  Sam nodded, a mixture of relief and regret washing over him. He had enjoyed road trips in his younger days, but this one was too intense for his liking. Except Santa Fe. It had been a wonderful day. And night. One he would remember for a long time.

  If only he and Kate had met sooner. They might have built a life together, one that could have withstood the horror of Jacob’s death. His jaw went taut as he reined in his thoughts. It was useless to entertain such musings. He would never allow himself to love. Because he could never face the devastation of loss again.

  “There are several hotels in this area,” she remarked, glancing at icons on the map. “Shall we try to find something on the outskirts? I’m sure Buckman’s men haven’t given up their search.”

  “I made reservations at one of the hotels downtown. I think you’ll like it.”

  She shot him a sideways glance. “When did you do that?”

  “At the last place we stopped to refuel. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  Sam could tell she was curious and smiled. This was to be his little secret.

  Forty five minutes later, they exited the busy interstate near the downtown area. Kate was amazed at the number of people still lingering on the sidewalks after dark. Atlanta must be one of those 24 hour cities.

  Sam pulled into the valet parking of a tall, cylinder shaped building with an elegant entrance and well manicured grounds.

  “We’re staying here?” Her voice seemed to echo inside the car. “It must have cost a fortune.”

  His laugh brought a hint of pink to her cheeks.

  “You’re always so concerned about money.”

  “I don’t mean to be.”

  He reached over and stroked her cheek, the warmth of his fingers inciting an instant stir throughout her body.

  “I wanted to treat you to a nice place. You’ve been through hell in the past few weeks. You deserve to be pampered.”

  Kate leaned over and kissed his cheek.

  “You may try to act tough, Sam Holden, but I know how sweet you really are.” She grinned as he ducked his head modestly.

  A uniformed valet cut their conversation short when he opened her door. “Welcome, folks. Do you have reservations for tonight?”

  Sam stepped from the car, tossing the keys to the young man. “Yes, we do. Last name Holden.”

  “Mr. Holden, my name is Brian. I’ll be happy to show you to the front desk for registration.” He helped Kate from the car, smiling brightly as he escorted her to the sidewalk. “Is this your first visit to Atlanta, Mrs. Holden?”

  Kate grinned mischievously. “Yes, it is. My husband wanted to surprise me.” Tilting her head back, she marveled at the architectural structure. “This is such a tall building.”

  “It’s 73 floors, the tallest building in the city. Might I suggest you try the restaurant on the top level? It offers wonderful views of Atlanta and the food is exquisite.”

  Sam joined them, lacing Kate’s arm through his as a strange shadow darkened his features.

  “Darling, shall we get settled in?”

  Even though she knew he was acting, Kate reveled in his doting manner.

  They entered the lobby through a wall of glass doors. Sam approached the front desk while Kate admired the opulent decor.

  As Sam spoke with the clerk, Kate felt a tap on her shoulder.

  “Shall I assist with your luggage, Mrs. Holden? I would be happy to deliver it to your room.”

  “That would be wonderful, Brian. Thank you.”

  Sam whirled around, his voice curt as he addressed the young man. “We only have a couple of bags, Brian. I can manage.”

  He stepped back, nodding his head with a cursory acknowledgement. “Very well, Mr. Holden. If you should need anything,” he looked directly at Kate, “I’m on duty until eleven. I’d be happy to assist you in any way I can.” With a lingering glance that spoke volumes, he turned and exited the lobby.

  Kate sensed rather than saw the fury in Sam’s expression as he completed their registration and took the key. He didn’t speak until the elevator doors had closed behind them.

  “I can’t believe the audacity of that kid! I should report him to management.”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” she replied innocently. “I thought he was quite nice.”

  “I’m sure you did,” Sam replied in a quarrelsome voice. “He practically asked you to meet him later.”

  Kate grinned inwardly. “Why are you so upset? You act jealous.”

  Sam’s reaction was exactly what she had hoped for.

  He clenched his mouth tighter refusing to meet her pointed stare. “Don’t be ridiculous. He assumed we were married, and still came on to you. That kind of behavior is unacceptable for a hotel employee.”

  “I see,” she responded dryly, indicating that his sputtering explanation had not been convincing. The twinkling lights of the city stole her attention as she gazed through the glass encased elevator. “This is breathtaking. Look at how the city sparkles.”

  Sam stepped closer, the warmth of his body penetrating her cotton blouse and spreading across her back. His head was inches from her ear as his soft, husky tones breathed shivers down her spine.

  “Beautiful.” His hands rested on her shoulders.

  Their eyes met in the reflection of the glass. There was a glint of wonder in his eyes but he wasn’t staring at the cityscape. He was clearly looking at her.

  Kate turned in his arms, her heart racing. “Sam. . .”

  She wanted him to kiss her, tell her he loved her. She watched the tiny pulse beat erratically near his Adam’s apple. Edging closer, her hands moved across his chest. She was thrilled by the erratic beat of his heart.

  “It’s not wise. . .”

  The elevator came to a jerky halt, opening its doors to a thick carpeted corridor. Sam cleared his throat before leading her into the hallway.

  “We’re in room 5015,” he announced over his shoulder as Kate ran to catch up.

  Sam paused in front of their room, sliding the card key through the lock. As he swung open the door and stepped back, Kate gasped with surprised delight. The room was elegant beyond anything she could have possibly imagined.

  Tall windows stretched from floor to ceiling and formed an arc around an oval platform. Two queen beds sat side by side, draped in thick white spreads that pooled onto the floor. Beyond the beds, the city of Atlanta spilled across the landscape, a fairyland of twinkling lights.

  Yards of gold velvet anchored the windows. Sam pressed a button and an electric motor opened them even wider to offer maximum viewing of the cityscape.

  Kate floated into the living area, feeling like she had stepped into a dream. She whirled around, her eyes cemented to his pleased expression.

  “This is the most incredible room! You’re incredible!”

  She flung her arms around his neck, showering his throat and cheek with light, feathery kisses. Emulating the excitement of a small child in a toy store, she ran to one of the beds and threw herself across it.

  “Oh, this is wonderful! You should feel how soft it is.”

  S
am laughed at her exuberance. “There’s a fitness center and spa downstairs. I thought you might want to take advantage of those services tomorrow.”

  “After all those hours of driving, a massage sounds wonderful.”

  Sam dropped his gaze. “I have to step out for a bit.” He backed toward the door. “Why don’t I put your knapsack in the hotel safe for protection? Now that we’re in Buckman’s territory, we can’t take any chances.”

  Kate’s smile slowly faded. She had hoped to share a cozy evening together but it looked like there would be a slight delay.

  “That’s a good idea. While you’re gone, I’m going to indulge myself with the whirlpool tub.”

  “You deserve it. Spoil yourself, Kate, and don’t hesitate to use the concierge.” He walked to the door, pausing to grasp the handle. “Why not order room service for tonight? We’ll dine out tomorrow.”

  “Sounds great. What would you like?”

  Sam hovered at the entrance, refusing to meet her gaze. “Just order something for yourself. I can get a sandwich from the deli. By the way, I may be late so don’t wait up.”

  She tried to protest but he had already closed the door behind him.

  Kate expelled a long sigh and fell across the bed. Sam was avoiding her again. Each time it seemed like he was letting her in, he ended up pushing her farther away.

  Uneasiness chipped away at her resolve. Surely he wouldn’t walk out of her life forever? The thought left her despondent. There was no one to blame but herself. She knew from the beginning that loving Sam Holden was a risk.

  Kate fled to the bathroom and turned on the faucets to the oversized tub. A bubble bath would make her feel better. Bubble baths could fix almost anything.

  After examining the array of bath accessories lining the marble vanity, she chose a fragranced oil of jasmine and sandalwood to add to the running water.

  Leaving her clothes in a pile on the floor, Kate lowered herself into the foam. Her head rested against a bath pillow as she surveyed the room through half closed lids.

  Thick white towels draped over burnished rods by the door. The pale marble floor reflected hints of gold, as did the ornate framed prints donning the walls. Large mirrored squares lined the tub on two sides, reflecting the green ferns in earthenware pots next to the vanity. It was elegance at its best, and she was going to enjoy every minute of it...with or without Sam.

  Two hours later, Kate grudgingly acknowledged that Sam was a man of his word. He was going to be late. The half eaten meal she had ordered from room service still sat on a tray in the living area.

  She opened the drapes to enjoy the view of the vast twinkling cityscape before slipping between Egyptian cotton sheets. A quick glance at the clock confirmed that it was after midnight. Where could Sam have gone? What kind of business was he conducting at this time of night?

  Retrieving a tourist magazine from the bedside table, Kate absently thumbed through the glossy pages. Her head sank farther into the downy softness of the pillow with each page she turned until at last the magazine slipped to the floor and sleep overcame her.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The morning sun spilled brilliance across the room as Kate shielded her eyes from the bright light. Why hadn’t she closed the drapes before falling asleep? She jerked to one elbow and glanced at the bed next to her. A masculine leg peeked from beneath the comforter.

  Sam had come back, she pouted silently, although she wasn’t sure at what hour he had arrived. Tiptoeing to the bath, Kate bundled her hair into a ponytail, and tugged on a clean pair of jeans and blouse.

  It was early. She had time to grab breakfast from the restaurant before scheduling a massage. She attempted to pull the drapes shut so Sam could continue sleeping but the swish of heavy fabric made him stir. He rolled over and groaned.

  “Good morning.” Kate grinned as he pried his eyes open.

  “Morning.” His greeting sounded more like a hoarse growl. “It looks like you’re on your way out.”

  “I thought I would have breakfast and make an appointment in the spa for a massage and facial. My muscles ache from all the driving.”

  He grunted, plumping the pillow behind his head. “I may join you in a bit. You seem be a little more energetic than I feel. It’s going to take at least two cups of coffee and a shower to coax these eyes wide open.”

  “You know that old saying, early to bed, early to rise. .”

  He grunted for a second time before his gaze settled on an obscure point over her shoulder. “I had a few things to do last night.”

  “Things that took over four hours?”

  He ignored her reference, capturing a yawn behind the back of his hand. “I spoke with Greg Morris. We’re scheduled to meet with the CIA tomorrow morning so you have the whole day to explore Atlanta. I’ve heard the Buckhead District has a nice variety of shops and restaurants.”

  “That sounds fun. When do you want to get started?”

  “I still have some loose ends to tie up so you’ll need to go alone.” She tried to hide her disappointment but it failed to escape his sharp gaze. In a softer tone, he added, “Pick out something pretty to wear. We’ll dine at the penthouse restaurant tonight.”

  “Together?”

  Her sarcastic retort brought a mischievous gleam to his eyes. “Together.”

  Kate nodded and turned toward the door. “Deal.”

  Sam watched her leave, collapsing against his pillow with a long sigh. It was becoming more difficult to keep his distance. To maintain self control. He was a mere mortal, after all, and it would take someone with superhuman powers to resist Kate Merrill.

  After returning to their room last night, it was all he could do not to rouse her awake with passionate kisses. He examined the gentle lines of her face while she slept. Dark hair spread across the crisp white linens, wild and untamed, like her lovemaking.

  God, he wanted her. He had never wanted any woman like this. Never needed anyone like this. With sudden insight, he realized how quiet his life would be when she was gone. The thought filled him with a strange aching he couldn’t define.

  A sharp knock at the door brought his head up. After tugging on a pair of jeans, he padded across the carpet in his bare feet, peering from the small round lens in the door.

  No one there. It must be Kate. She was pranking him, the little minx. He grinned tenderly, turning the handle of the door. In an instant, Sam found himself shoved back into the room by a dark sleeved arm. Before he could raise his fist to swing at the intruder, a fisted hand connected with his jaw, sending him spiraling across the room.

  He rubbed his chin from where he landed, eyeing the two men before him. One was dressed in khaki pants and a dark blue sport coat. The one who hit him wore black jeans and a black polo shirt. His muscles bulged under the short sleeves as he grinned sardonically from his wide spread stance by the door.

  “Good morning, Mr. Holden. Where’s Kate?”

  “Who?”

  The man’s icy gaze narrowed to mere slits as he edged closer. Sam caught the glint of a concealed weapon under the blue coat.

  “Don’t play games,” he warned. “I know you’re traveling with Kate Merrill. We only want the girl and the box. Do as you’re told, and you can walk away from this, no questions asked.”

  “Look, I don’t know where she is,” Sam lied through clenched teeth. “She hired me to bring her to Atlanta. My job ended when we arrived. She took the knapsack and left early this morning.”

  The two men exchanged glances before the bodyguard yanked him to his feet. “You better tell my boss the truth, or it’s gonna get real painful.”

  “I am telling you the truth.” Sam silently sized up his adversary. He had a dangerous air about him. A scar running the length of his cheek told him he was a fighter.“She’s gone.”

  The man in the sport coat glanced at the beds and back at Sam. “It’s unusual for a bodyguard to take his job so personally,” he insinuated harshly.

  Sam followed h
is gaze. The guy seemed offended that they’d shared a room. That was odd. “We slept in separate beds. There’s nothing personal about it. How else was I supposed to keep an eye on her?”

  The man’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully at Sam’s explanation. He turned to the larger man with a shrug. “Hector, take a look around the suite. See if you can find the lockbox.”

  Sam watched the burly man systematically destroy the room, yanking cushions from the sofa, covers off the bed and emptying dresser drawers. He found Kate’s bag and turned it upside down, kicking her clothes with his booted foot.

  “Nothing here, boss,” he announced at last.

  The other man assessed Sam’s bleeding face with an unreadable expression. “Very well,” he spoke at last. “She’ll return eventually for the remainder of her belongings. I’ll send someone to wait for her.” His mouth took on an unpleasant twist. “I suggest you put on a shirt and locate your shoes, Mr. Holden. It looks like you’ll be coming with us.”

  Kate finished her second cup of coffee and stared at the elevator for the fifteenth time. Where was Sam? He had said he might join her for breakfast but that had been over an hour ago. A surge of anger rose up in her chest as she pushed away from the table.

  This has gone on long enough! He had done nothing but avoid her since Santa Fe and it had to stop. He might not want a girlfriend. He might not even like her. But one thing she knew for certain was they both felt the pull of a physical attraction. If Sam wanted rid of her, he was needed to tell her to her face!

  Kate stalked across the lobby feeling like a soldier going to war. A little nervous but committed to her cause. She stopped abruptly as he exited the elevator. What was this? Was he meeting with the CIA agents without her?

  Her hand rose to wave but immediately fell to her side. Something wasn’t right. Sam’s appearance was disheveled and his expression strained. One man had a firm grip on his upper arm while the other followed close behind.