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  “Well, that’s a step up from Barney anyway. Tell me the story or we don’t go anywhere.”

  “I told you the story.”

  “Right. You’re trying to get your daughter back. Why did he drive from New York to Vermont to hide a kid?”

  “Look around you. Is there a better place to hide her than in the middle of nowhere?”

  “Upstate New York is pretty vast, too. No reason to come shit in my backyard.”

  “There’s family here. They own a resort.”

  “Why head here if you’d expect that? Didn’t he think you’d follow him here?”

  “I’m sure he knew but he just didn’t care. You witnessed for yourself the company that he keeps. He didn’t expect me to follow and figured they’d stop me if I did. It’s easy enough to figure out.”

  Hunt sat so he was leaning against his door as well. He wanted to face her better. “Are we talking about this Gerard now?”

  “Yes.”

  “And what exactly does he do that he needs armed men around him?”

  “The family has money. They’re just…eccentric about things.”

  “My aunt Bobbie is loaded. She’s what they call eccentric. She has fourteen housecats and eats cheese at every meal. She does not have armed assassins at her beck and call. There’s something you’re not telling me, Mandy.”

  “What do you want me to tell you? They think the world is after them and their money.”

  “Where did it come from?”

  “It’s old money. The family has had it since before the Civil War. I think they invest now.”

  “You think? Weren’t you married to the guy?”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  Hunt ran his hand down his face in frustration. “How did you end up in the bar and why did they have guns on you?”

  “I was snooping around to see if they had shown up. I thought maybe I beat him to town.”

  “He beat you here while you were in the hospital?”

  “Look…I don’t know. He could have taken Darci to Paris for all I know. I just figured I had to start somewhere.”

  “Darci is your daughter?”

  “Yes.”

  “And this is finally the truth? That’s her real name?”

  “Yes. And my last name is really Smith.”

  His expression said he still didn’t believe her. “So you went to the bar looking for him and his goons were there instead?”

  “Yes. They were surprised to see me.”

  “Because they left you for dead in St. Ann’s.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “You suppose so?”

  “Yes. Yes, I guess that’s why they were surprised. They threatened me before they beat me. They didn’t think I’d have the balls to keep going.”

  “Well then apparently I know you better than they do.”

  She tilted her head. “You think I have balls?”

  “Brass ones the size of coconuts, sweetheart.” Hunt started the truck.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Right now? I want to get breakfast. We got interrupted and I’m starving.” He took off for the highway.

  “Then what?”

  “Then we find a motel even more out of the way than the one we were at. My side is killing me and I need some rest.”

  “I need to get my daughter, Hunt.”

  “Let me rest. We’ll figure it out. I’m not buying what you’re selling, but I’m not letting you do this alone.”

  “You believe me?”

  “I never said that. I still don’t trust you as far as I could throw you. Right now, that isn’t very far. You’re still playing the New York card, but your car was registered to a Pennsylvania address.”

  “It was a vacation cottage. Insurance was cheaper so we registered my car there.”

  “Right.”

  “I mean it, Hunt. That isn’t bullshit. We were a normal married couple with a kid and vacation days like everyone else.”

  He sighed, still unsure what to make of it. “I don’t like these men in my state. If they are investors then my aunt Bobbie is a 3-legged nun. I don’t know what the story is with all the guns, but kidnapping is something else altogether. I can’t vouch for your motherliness, but I don’t think it’s in Darci’s best interest to be with them either. I need to rest then we’ll figure this mess out.”

  “But—”

  He cut her off. “No buts. They shot me. Now I’m pissed off.”

  They drove for thirty minutes before Hunt pulled over at a gas station with a restaurant attached to the convenience store.

  “I feel like shit. Get some food to go then we’ll head to a motel,” he said as he tossed her his wallet.

  “What do you want?” Mandy’s tone finally softened. Either that or Hunt was starting to get delirious.

  “A burger and fries.”

  “Seriously?”

  He let himself fall to the seat. He was exhausted all of a sudden and didn’t want to fight anymore. “Yes, seriously. I could use the protein in the meat. Now go get it, would you?”

  “Want me to buy some pain killers? I don’t think we brought what was at the last place when we bugged out.”

  He mumbled “sure” into the seat.

  Mandy was out in twenty-five minutes. She peered through the truck window. Hunt wasn’t moving. She thought about taking off for a split second then changed her mind just as quickly. Walking around to the driver’s door, she opened it up. Hunt sat up, looking like he had been in a dead sleep.

  “Ready?” he asked as he rubbed his eyes with his palms.

  “Yes. Scoot over. I’ll drive.”

  “I got it.”

  “Hunt. Now is not the time to be macho. Let me drive, for cryin’ out loud. You look like shit.”

  “Sweet talker,” he said before he scooted over. He took the bag from her and pulled out his burger and had a bite taken out of it before she had the truck in gear.

  “You are starving.”

  “Getting shot at, skipping a few meals, killing someone, and fabulous sex will do that to a guy.”

  Mandy didn’t reply as she headed down the highway.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Again Hunt woke up in a warm hotel room. There was no fireplace this time, though. He hadn’t expected one, by the looks of the outside, but he hadn’t paid any attention when he let Mandy help pour him in bed. He was hurting bad and wanted nothing more than to sleep for a day after he had finished his burger. He’d had better fries but they went down great. Anything tasted great when you were starving. After he ate, he downed four of whatever pain reliever Mandy had gotten and washed them down with the Sprite she bought him.

  “This is disgusting,” he had complained.

  “It was that or orange soda. I didn’t want to get you something with caffeine. You need to sleep.”

  “I think I could drink a pot of coffee right now and it wouldn’t make a difference.”

  “Sorry. Guess I should have asked for plain water.”

  He took her hand. “Sorry. I don’t mean to bitch. You put some thought into it. Thanks.”

  She made no further comments and drove them to the next hotel they came across. He was out as soon as he hit the bed.

  Seeing Hunt waking up, Mandy walked over to the bed and sat down. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better. How long have I been out?”

  “Five hours.”

  “Five hours?” Hunt sat up but got a head rush so he dropped back down.

  Mandy placed her hand on his shoulder. “You needed it. You want more of that pain killer?”

  “It’s not so bad right now.”

  “Probably ’cause it’s still in your system. I was taught to stay on top of the pain. Don’t wait till it’s killing you.” She got up and came back with a glass of water and the pills. “Just three this time. It’ll eat at your gut if you’re not careful.”

  Hunt sat up and took the pills. He said, “Thanks,” after lying back down.
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  “I know. The water tastes like shit. Want me to run for something?”

  “It’s fine. I grew up on well water. This isn’t so bad.”

  “Makes me want to yak.”

  Hunt laughed. “You could light the stuff at my grandpa’s place.”

  “Really?” She scooted closer. “You were a farm kid?”

  “Not really. I lived in a town about the size of St. Ann’s, but my grandparents farmed out of town. We went there a lot. I worked with him a few summers when I was a teenager.”

  “Then what?”

  “Then I guess I figured out farming wasn’t for me.”

  Mandy laid herself on the bed and propped her head up on her hand. “Did you always want to be a cop, Hunt?”

  Hunt was intrigued at the sudden calm that had happened between them. He was enjoying having a regular conversation with her and silently hoped it would last. “I guess I always did.”

  “Played cops and robbers a lot with your friends when you were a kid?”

  He laughed. “I was always the cop. What about you?”

  “I was usually Jill.”

  “Jill?”

  “Monroe. Charlie’s Angels.”

  Hunt laughed until his side ached. Mandy laughed along with him then playfully smacked his arm. “Quit it. I think I’d outrank you in a round of cops and robbers.”

  Hunt slid closer to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. “How about a round of hostage instead?” He leaned into her and gave her a gentle kiss.

  She had closed her eyes and accepted the kiss. After swallowing hard she said softly, “I don’t think that’s such a great idea.”

  Hunt kissed down her neck and whispered, “Why not?”

  Again she swallowed hard, seeming to search for an answer. “I uh…we…we just can’t, Hunt.”

  “Your lips say no, but your body language tells me something else, Mandy.” He kissed down her chest then lifted up her shirt as he came back up. She allowed him to take it off.

  “When we’re not screwing, we’re fighting,” she said softly.

  “So let’s stop fighting.” He began to work on her jeans.

  “What about your side?”

  “Chicks dig scars.”

  “Aren’t you in throbbing pain?”

  “There’s only one throbbing I’m worried about right now.” He got her naked and brought her under the sheets with him. He thanked above that Mandy insisted he strip to his boxers before crawling in bed last night. They were removed in an instant. Again they made love.

  Mandy must have sensed him flinching and made her way to the top. She wasn’t much easier on him, but Hunt wasn’t about to say a word. Things moved a little slower this time, but the wanting was still too great. It wasn’t long before Mandy was lying flat on him whispering obscenities as he sent himself deeper inside her, sending them both over the edge.

  Mandy kissed his neck gently a few times before settling her head on his shoulder. “Not bad for a gimp.”

  He smiled and stroked her back. “Wait until I’m healed up, doll.”

  She sat up enough so she could look into his eyes. “You think we won’t kill each other before the opportunity presents itself again?”

  “The opportunity is always there. We need to learn to seize the moment.”

  She playfully slapped his arm again. “I’m serious, Hunt. You hate me. What’s with the sex all of a sudden?”

  “I don’t hate you. You just have a knack for pissing me off.”

  “And the difference?”

  “One on one, when you’re not trying to run away from me or deck me or my men, you’re a very fascinating woman, Amanda.”

  “And when I am?”

  “You are an absolute spitfire in bed.”

  “I’m serious, Hunt.”

  “So am I.” She glared at him. “Okay. Honest time? You’ve intrigued the shit out of me since the moment I found you. Sure, you drive me nuts, but this whole ‘mystery lady’ thing is kind of a turn-on.”

  “You’re such a straight arrow, Hunt. Besides the whole throwaway gun thing. This isn’t going to work.”

  “Why? Because you’re involved in something that will probably lead me to hauling your ass away in jail?”

  “Would you?”

  “Shit, Amanda.” He sat them up but held her in place, wrapping his arms low on her back. “I can’t help you when you don’t tell me what this is.”

  “I want my daughter back.”

  He brushed hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “Then I’ll help you. But we do it my way.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Mandy gave Hunt a quick kiss and agreed to let him help, but she wasn’t so sure she could follow up on her promise. She was starting to like Hunt’s company, and whether she wanted to admit it or not, he had saved her ass back at the bar. Surviving another surprise run in with Gerard’s goons probably wasn’t in the cards for her. She hadn’t expected this much trouble when she set out after Gerard, but she had to finish what she’d started. There would be no peace for her until this was over.

  Getting involved with Hunt definitely wasn’t on the list, but it was a little hard to go back now. Damn his persistence! She enjoyed having someone there for backup—and of course, the sex was outstanding—but she couldn’t let this relationship go past her quest. When he found out what she really was, it would be over anyway.

  She settled in next to him and they fell asleep.

  Amanda stirred and looked up at Hunt, who was zipping up his jeans. “Hey,” he said as he leaned back down and kissed her. “I think we both needed to catch up on a little sleep.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Seven. I was going to run for something to eat.”

  “Get back in bed. I’ll do it.” She tried sitting up but he pushed her back down.

  “I’m fine. It’s my turn to go for food.” He kissed her on the nose. “I’m not so sure we’ll have much of a selection. You have any particulars on the ‘hate it’ list?”

  “I’m pretty much okay with anything.”

  “I’ll be back in a flash.”

  Hunt was back in less than an hour. Amanda had just gotten out of the shower and was drying her hair when he walked in. She jumped when he showed up in the doorway.

  “Sorry, Mandy. Guess you didn’t hear me over the hair dryer. You all right?” He walked over and placed his arms on her shoulders.

  “I’m fine. Just jumpy I guess. I suppose I’m waiting for more goons to kick the door down again.”

  “I’m sure we’re fine.” Hunt took a step closer and wrapped his arms around her. “Mmmm…you smell squeaky clean.”

  “Not bad shampoos and soap for a dump.”

  He smiled and gave her a kiss. He found it hard not to kiss her with every sentence. Their kisses grew heavier and he picked her up. Wincing, he released her back down.

  “You okay?”

  “It really isn’t that bad.”

  “Maybe we should take it a little easier on you.”

  He grinned and kissed her again. “I’d take another bullet for more sex like that.”

  “Animal.”

  “Look who’s talking.” He dropped her towel and kissed down her chest. He cupped her breasts and began kissing one.

  “Hunt.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “I’m starving.”

  “Me, too.”

  “For food.”

  He straightened up. “Good call. We need our strength.” He bent down and picked up her towel and wrapped her in it again. “I’ll get things set up. You get dressed.” He paused as he walked out of the bathroom and turned back around. “Too much too fast? You don’t hate me again already, do you?”

  “Not yet,” she teased, as she turned the hair dryer back on.

  Mandy joined Hunt at the small table. He had two plates in the middle of the table. One was a fried chicken platter and one was a steak. The mashed potatoes and veggies were the same for both. He also had
two small salads.

  “Quite the spread, Barn…Hunt.”

  He laughed. “Anything but Barney sounds funny coming from you. As long as you say it with love, I’ll let it slip.” He pointed at the plates. “Pick your poison.”

  “I’ll take the chicken. You probably can’t stand anything fried.”

  He slid her the steak. “I could eat a rhino’s ass right now. Doesn’t matter.”

  She switched their plates. “That’s okay. It looks good. I only like steak when I make it anyway.”

  “What do you want for dressing? I got blue, ranch and French.”

  “You going to fight me for the blue?”

  “I got two of those just in case.”

  They said together, “The chunkier the better,” then laughed.

  “My mother kind of made me a cheese-a-holic,” Hunt said. “Probably why I started working out.”

  “Cheese isn’t the bad guy anymore. Didn’t you read Atkins?”

  “Read it. It’s crap. Stick to the food pyramid, not these hokey shit diets.”

  “I didn’t say I do it; I’m a cheese freak myself. I liked the vote for more cheese.”

  He smiled at her. “You’re one of these people that make up your own rules, aren’t you?”

  “And not just where food is concerned.”

  “I guessed as much there.”

  “You trying to start a fight?”

  “Definitely not. Unless you want to so we can have make up sex.”

  “Your sex drive always been this insatiable? Never mind. You’re a man. Of course it is.”

  He opened up an iced tea and gave it to her. He took one for himself and went to toast her with it. “Here’s to dessert.”

  “What did you bring me?”

  “Me.”

  She laughed then got suddenly serious. “Don’t get me wrong, Hunt. I’m having fun and all, but—”

  “I know. We’ll get back on track in the morning.” He cut a few pieces of his steak. “Don’t take any of this wrong on my end either. I’m not looking to get tied down. Girlfriend-wise or literally getting tied down by your goons.”

  “Of course not. This whole thing was a mistake. I didn’t think I needed any help, but there you were. I’m mistaking help and companionship through a stressful time for something else altogether. All of this is a mistake. You shouldn’t even be involved.”