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  “Who’s Sam?”

  “He lives on the mountain. He works wilderness rescue for the local rangers. I would have died if he hadn’t found me.”

  “Then I owe him my profound gratitude. What happened? Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Kate laughed at his barrage of questions. She’d never heard Jeff so serious. Or so worried.

  “I’m fine,” she repeated in reassuring tones. Kate bit her lip. There was no reason to worry him even more by revealing details of the attack. “The storm, bad weather. The pilot couldn’t keep the plane on course. We crashed in a blizzard. Pete didn’t make it.”

  “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. Thank goodness that ranger fellow was there to help you. Are you still coming to Atlanta?”

  “Of course. Sam’s friend is loaning us his private jet for the remainder of the trip. We should be there sometime tomorrow.”

  “We?”

  Kate winced. How could she tell Jeff about hiring Sam as a bodyguard without revealing the whole sordid story?

  “Sam is bringing the plane back to Tahoe after dropping me off.” She held her breath, praying Jeff believed her.

  “Sounds like they’re going out of their way to help you. Did you tell them about the package?”

  “Of course not. I...I told them I was going to see a sick aunt.”

  “Ah, the old ‘sick relative’ story.” He laughed. “Good thinking, Kate. I’m still in Atlanta. I wanted to stay here until I heard from you. Shall I meet you at the airport?”

  “That’s very kind of you, Jeff, but I’m not sure when I’ll be arriving. When I have more details, I’ll let you know. Until then, enjoy the Atlanta nightlife. I’m sure there some great places to visit.”

  His tone relaxed. “You have no idea. I can’t wait to take you to this mall called Underground Atlanta. There are shops, street vendors, incredible restaurants and nightclubs. It’s all in an underground tunnel of some sort.”

  Kate laughed out loud at his exuberance. “I can hardly wait. It sounds interesting.”

  “Good! Then it’s a date.”

  She heard a floorboard creak outside her door and lowered her voice. “I have to finish dressing for dinner. We’ll talk again soon.”

  “Okay, doll. I’m just glad you’re safe. Hugs!”

  As she replaced the handset a door softly closed down the hall. Had Sam been eavesdropping?

  She didn’t want him to know about her conversation with Jeff. He had seemed distrustful when she first told him about her father’s assistant. As soon as the two men met, she was sure Sam would see that his concerns were unfounded.

  Kate lifted the duffel bag onto the bed and peered inside. She had only packed for a few days of light travel. Dining at a millionaire’s mountain cabin had not been part of her agenda. Slacks and a sweater was the best she could do.

  A sharp rap sounded at the door.

  “Come in,” she called, pulling the thick robe closer as she anticipated Sam’s appearance.

  To her surprise, Melanie stuck her head into the room. “Father and Sam suggested I lend you something to wear for dinner tonight. I have a few things I was going to take to the thrift store. They might fit you.”

  Kate straightened her shoulders. “I’m fine with my own clothes. Thank you, anyway.”

  Melanie scanned the worn items scattered across the bed through the partially open door. “I wasn’t really asking,” she quipped, brushing past Kate and tossing an armful of garments across over the top of the other ones. “Father expects you to dress for dinner. The least you can do is show respect for his hospitality.”

  Kate hesitated, wishing she could find a way to say “no” but it was obvious by the way Melanie spoke she’d been ordered to make Kate presentable for dinner. Rich folks. Sheesh.

  “Very well,” Kate nodded. “I guess I should wear something besides slacks.”

  A flicker of relief darted across Melanie’s face as she picked up a yellow sweater. “This would look good on you.”

  Kate fingered the cashmere, admiring the softness of the fabric. She could never afford it on her meager budget. “And these should fit you, as well.” Melanie tossed the sweater across a pair of dark grey slacks.

  “This will be fine for tonight. I’ll return them in the morning.”

  Melanie smirked. “I won’t wear them again so you might as well keep them.” As if sensing the bite behind her words, she quickly added, “As you can see, I like to shop.”

  Kate glanced at the retail tags still attached to several dresses. She doubted if Melanie even knew what her closet contained. What would it hurt to take a few things?

  A half hour later, Kate surveyed the addition to her wardrobe. She was particularly fond of a black silk sheath with spaghetti straps. The cleavage baring bodice hugged her small frame like a glove, accenting her curves in all the right places. Melanie left a pair of matching sandals and some red polish to spruce up her nails.

  Hanging the dress on the edge of the closet door, Kate stepped back to admire it. Suddenly she didn’t mind that Melanie had given it to her. Hand-me-downs like this one were just fine, although one could hardly describe a dress which had never been worn as a hand-me-down. It still had the original tag pinned discreetly to the lining.

  It would feel good to wear a dress again. In fact, she would wear it tonight. Kate looped her hair on top of her head and turned from side to side in front of the mirror.

  “What’s it gonna be, Sam? Blonde or brunette?”

  The words echoed across the room, sending a guilty stain rushing to her cheeks. How could she have said such a thing? She was not in competition with Melanie Williams.

  Kate struggled to regain her perspective. Focus on the issues at hand, like delivering Dad’s formula to Sharon Grant at the Center for Disease Control. Sam was helping her fulfill an important task. Nothing more. She closed her eyes, as a familiar urge filled her loins. She hungered for his lips, his touch, the sensual way he roused her to the brink of submission.

  Bodyguard? Who was she kidding? Sam Holden was much more than personal protection. But how much more was something she didn’t want to think about.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sam closed his bedroom door, placing Cal’s laptop on a small desk under the window. Thank goodness for wireless internet connection. Kate needed help. Someone who could reach beyond his local resources. Someone who had government intel on Conrad Buckman and his involvement with terrorists.

  Greg Morris, Sam’s friend at the FBI, owed him a favor but he hadn’t returned Sam’s earlier phone message. Perhaps an email would produce a response. Sam finished typing his request and hit the “send” button.

  Leaning back in his chair, he mulled over the murky details. He felt alive, more alive than he had in a long, long time. His senses were heightened. His cognitive abilities razor sharp. It reminded him of the adrenaline rush he experienced right before a bust.

  Sam realized how much he missed it. Having Kate around had resurrected something he’d thought died with Jacob. In fact, having her around had resurrected a lot of things. She was quite the package - pretty, smart, sexy. Under different circumstances, he would have. . .

  “Sam?”

  A light knock brought him instantly to his feet. Opening the door, he found Melanie lounging against the frame. She had a towel in one hand and a man’s swimsuit in the other. Sam surveyed her scantily clad figure with an appreciative glance. An emerald green bikini barely covered her enticing curves and her legs seemed to stretch all the way to heaven.

  “Join me in the hot tub,” she purred provocatively.

  He leaned against the door, a lazy smile playing about his mouth. “Sounds like an invitation I shouldn’t refuse.”

  “Then don’t.”

  “Ah, but I must. I have work to do.” He grinned as her expression turned to a petulant pout.

  “What kind of work?”

  “Confidential stuff. I’ve got to make sure Kate gets to Atlanta.
She needs my help.”

  “I see.” Melanie leaned in seductively, her fingers toying with the front of his shirt. “And after you help her? Will you be coming back?”

  Sam straightened to his full height, nodding curtly. “Why would you think otherwise?”

  A triumphant gleam deepened her eyes before she turned away, her lilting voice trailing over her shoulder. “If you change your mind about the hot tub, you know where to find me.”

  Kate glanced at the clock on the nightstand before checking her appearance one last time. She’d always been modest about her looks but the reflection staring back at her from the mirror was stunning.

  She’d fastened her hair on top her head, allowing the dark curls to cascade down the back to her neck. A dark wave swept over her temple, concealing the bruised area. She donned the only jewelry she had – a small diamond pendant given to her by her father. It dangled brilliantly at the base of her throat.

  Kate followed the lines of the black sheath. The sheer fabric accentuated every curve as it followed the shapely line of her body, ending just above the knee. An extra layer of mascara and grey shadow deepened her violet eyes. With a deep red hue glistening on her lips, she looked good. Better than most crash survivors.

  A confident smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she descended the stairs to the foyer. The click of her heels on the marble tile brought Sam out of the shadows. Had he been waiting for her?

  His eyes seemed to devour every inch of her figure, lingering on the fullness of her breasts peeking from the low cut neckline. When he finally met her gaze, he let out a low whistle.

  “Very nice, Miss Merrill. Very nice, indeed.”

  She blushed at the undisguised hunger in his eyes. “Thank you. You look quite presentable yourself.”

  Presentable? He was more like Adonis personified.

  Black trousers sculpted Sam’s toned hips and thighs. The sleeves of his collared knit shirt were pushed up to reveal muscular forearms and the gleaming gold band of his wristwatch. His hair was brushed back from a wide brow in smooth wheat colored waves.

  “Could I interest you in a glass of wine?”

  Kate nodded, accepting his extended arm. Sam led her to the library where he filled crystal stemware with a vintage selection. He handed her the glass, watching her reaction as she took a sip.

  Her eyes glistened approval. “This is excellent.”

  “Cal has an extensive wine cellar. I selected this one especially for you.” He swirled the dark red liquid before inhaling deeply of the bouquet.

  Kate seated herself on a small sofa, surprised when Sam joined her. “Now that we’re alone, how is your leg after the rough ride down the mountain?”

  “It’s a bit tender. I changed the bandage before dressing for dinner.” She glanced at the floor to ceiling bookcases. “It seems Cal collects more than paintings.”

  “He is passionate about the arts, no matter what form.”

  “What a lucky man.”

  “Luck wasn’t part of it. He made millions in a dot com business back in the nineties. Smart investing keeps him enjoying the lifestyle.”

  “Melanie is very fortunate to have such a generous father.”

  Sam snorted derisively. “I’m afraid Cal indulges her too much. She’s a bit spoiled and inconsiderate. Let’s hope maturity will grace her with a few manners.”

  “Where’s her mother?”

  “Genevieve was of French descent. She grew bored with America when Melanie was five, and went home. Cal has been a single father ever since.”

  “He seems to be handling it well. He adores his daughter.”

  Sam laughed out loud, a warm growl that sent her senses into overdrive. “She definitely has her father wrapped around her finger.”

  He stretched his arm across the back of the wood framed settee, instantly warming her shoulders. She struggled against the urge to lean into him.

  “I can see you and Cal are good friends. Have you known him long?”

  Sam’s expression took on a faraway look. “We go back a few years. It was actually his suggestion I move to the mountains. He told me it had a healing effect on the soul.”

  “And has it?”

  Her fingers fluttered above his arm. Sam stared at her hand before locking onto her gaze. His eyes grew dark and compelling, hypnotizing her like a snake charmer, and she was helpless to resist.

  “Has it what?”

  “Healed your soul?”

  “Hmmm. It wasn’t a complete recovery, I’m afraid.” His warm breath fanned her cheek as he angled toward her. “I may need some additional care. Know of a good nurse?” His words were fueled by a mixture of whiskey and wine as he came within inches of her lips.

  “There you are.”

  Kate snapped her head around to find Melanie framed in the doorway. Her petite figure was draped in a long red gown with a chiffon overskirt that seemed to float around her like a crimson mist.

  Sam pushed to his feet, offering to pour another glass of wine.

  “Hello Melanie. I didn’t think you would be ready yet. You’re usually the last to arrive.” He handed her the stemware before inclining his head to kiss her cheek.

  “Darling, that’s only when I need to make an entrance. I would never keep you waiting.” She glanced at Kate. “My dress looks good on you, Miss Merrill. A little tight around the middle perhaps, but black is such a good color to camouflage one’s weight.”

  Sam sent a warning glance in Melanie’s direction before returning to the settee. “I wouldn’t change anything about Kate,” he drawled smoothly. He lifted her hand from the arm of the sofa and raised her fingers to his lips. With a husky whisper audible only to her ears, he added, “I think she looks absolutely delectable.”

  As his warm breath grazed her fingertips, Kate could feel his gaze drop to the rapid rise and fall of her breasts. His words left her feeling excited in a way she couldn’t describe. She was almost relieved when Melanie’s brittle laughter interrupted the charged exchange.

  “Sam, you’re such a flirt. Remember when Janice Green was depressed after splitting with her boyfriend? You showered her with attention for one evening and by the next day she thought she was a Goddess.” Melanie approached the settee, her eyes glittering with suppressed jealousy. “You’re so good at restoring self esteem to unsuspecting females. Why, you’ve got poor Kate glowing. She’s completely forgotten about that ugly bruise on the side of her head.”

  Kate yanked her hand from Sam’s grasp, self-consciously tugging at the wave of dark hair falling across her forehead. “Excuse me, I need to refill my glass.”

  She flew to her feet, causing Sam to stumble backwards. Kate could feel his gaze burning into her back. Rather than acknowledge it, however, she held her head high, walking calmly to the table bar.

  So that was it. Sam was toying with her. She was a diversion to his solitude, nothing more. The only thing he wanted from her was the paycheck she offered so he could replace his decrepit roof. If he got a little action on the side, so much the better.

  “Who’s hungry for fried chicken?” All eyes turned to Cal as he burst into the room with a flourish. “You ladies are overdressed for such a casual dinner but my friend Sam has requested the Williams House Special.” Cal turned to Kate. His eyes were gentle, understanding. “Miss Kate, you are a vision.”

  She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “Thank you, Cal. Compliments are always appreciated.”

  He extended his arm and she happily took it, allowing him to escort her to the dining room. After seating her in the chair to his left, Cal took his place at the head of the table. Kate shot Sam a withering glance before turning to her host.

  “Everything looks delicious.”

  Cal offered a sly wink. “My cook is from the South. Nobody makes fried chicken like a Southerner.”

  Sam’s deep voice acknowledged the conversation. “If that’s true, I may have to relocate my mountain to Georgia.”

  “I don’t see why yo
u can’t leave your damn mountain where it is, Zeus, and come join the rest of us mortals.”

  “You have a point, old man. The wood nymphs are looking better and better.”

  Melanie openly preened through the ensuing laughter, but Kate preferred to focus on her meal.

  The remainder of the dinner conversation went surprisingly well. As Kate relaxed, she found herself giggling at Sam’s story about evading a bear. She was sure the wine had something to do with it but the moment was far too enjoyable to analyze it in great detail.

  Finally, Cal pushed himself away from the table, releasing a contented sigh as he patted his stomach. “I don’t have room for another bite.”

  “I’m sure that speaks for all of us,” Sam agreed, rising to his feet. “There are a few things I need to do before bedtime, so I’ll bid everyone an early goodnight. Cal, I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality.”

  “Sam?” Melanie jerked from her chair. “What about our billiard game?”

  “Another time. It’s been a long day. Let me remind you that last night I was sleeping on the floor of a cave. The thought of a cushy mattress sounds pretty good.”

  “Leave the man alone, honey,” Cal chided in a parental tone. “I’m sure Sam and Kate are both exhausted.”

  Kate stifled a yawn to reinforce his observation. “I know I am,” she sighed wearily. “You’ve been wonderful, Cal.” She offered the older man a hug which he heartily accepted. “And thank you, Melanie, for the clothes. It was very kind.”

  “You’re welcome.” Her acceptance was barely heard through pouting lips but Cal and Sam seemed pleased the women were being cordial to each other.

  With a nod in Sam’s direction, Kate glided from the room. While dinner was more enjoyable than she had anticipated, she was anxious to escape to the solitude of her bedroom. Once upstairs, Kate shut the door and leaned against it. The sound of laughter floated up the stairs.

  Kate crossed the room and sank onto the edge of the bed. For the first time in a long while, logic and reason had yielded to emotion and desire. She felt out of control.

  And scared.