WindSwept Narrows: #23 Molly & Natasha

By Karen Diroll-Nichols

Molly Fielding believed the past should remain there. She left it there on purpose and with a deliberate act that would brand her a delinquent.

Then the past came calling in the form of two men wearing designer suits and asking questions of people from her previous life. They asked enough questions to make it to the senior staff meeting at the WindSwept Narrows Casino and Resort.

That’s how Natasha Banks, a security investigator for the WindSwept Narrows, ended up on the plane for no-where Utah. Seated next to a sexy cowboy.

When she was followed from the ruins of the burned out building where a private school had been, she became more than a little nervous.

Surprise and a bad case of nerves made her plop down in the seat opposite the same sexy cowboy in the small diner in no-where Utah.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Diroll-Nichols
• Release date: Apr 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301252749

Karen Diroll-Nichols

At this time books are on AllRomanceebooks.com or smashwords.com or amazon.com. I write what I dream. I dream because I can't always be or do. And I always write to make people think and laugh and feel. I hope I succeed. I've been creating what I believe we're all in search of. Friendships and romance; communication and pure, simple fun. Throw in some misadventures and misunderstandings, not to mention a few not quite truths, and it should be a roller coaster of laughs, tears and thoughts. WindSwept Narrows Resort & Casino - Modern, contemporary romance with the occasional mystery and usually lots of family issues. They're building a community that's not greed based, but on the well-being of all. Hopefully. Yes, there's lots of romance - sometimes more than one per story. Yes, there's really sensual and sexy scenes. Devil Hills is a town between Seattle and Spokane, on the edge of the snow capped mountains on the Seattle side. It's a shifter town...and a few others. And of course, just like our world, there are those who believe they know what's best for everyone. Yep, lots of sex, arguments and laughter. Typical human mistakes and misunderstandings - but with a little fur thrown in to complicate things. Independence: Bailey is the first entry into this series that should fascinate and intrigue...what happens in a life when a little Dom and D/s are thrown into it. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart...but it'll make you laugh and maybe even identify. Breanna...slightly more spicy with 2 smart, caring guys falling for 1 slightly mixed up barista who makes wicked coffee and loves cooking. While I haven't a series name - there is a follow-up to her coming out before the end of the year, Danea...a fishy little tale on the coast of Washington. A Red Crystal Romance - well...what to say...imagine believing you're at the end of your life. You live in a retirement home. You're alone. The past in your memories and just fatigue in your bones. You visit a small metaphysical shop, buy some candles that smell good and are offered a chance to fish in a caldron of crystals. Free and for good luck. When you wake in the morning...nothing will ever be the same again. Yes, some of my stories have more than one romance in it. Because it's not a bad thing to have friends *************** A bio - wow - I live to the South of Seattle along the coast in a small town called Des Moines. Gorgeous Puget Sound as our backyard, with snow capped mountains in almost all directions. I've been writing for over 20 years and in that time I have noticed how hard it is for certain people to embrace their sexuality, and very very few have the backbone to even discuss it! I think sex is a very important attribute to our lives and is necessary in order to live a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle. It exists for exploration and simulation; it exists for bonding and pure, simple happiness at the whirlwind of sensations that can overwhelm and take your breath away. I hope that my stories simply depict that, ignite the fires within and maybe even give some pointers on how to please your partner in some new exciting ways. Bottom line: they are here for enjoyment. So read, enjoy and live the happy healthy lives we are all meant to live. Now - a dedication: I can't say I grew up with anyone encouraging me, and that's fine, they had things in their life they were dealing with. My parents and 1st husband and current in-law said it was 'a nice little hobby'. When you get that kind of reaction from people who matter, it has the effect that you no longer tell anyone. And no one ever asked what I did for hours on end over a typewriter and then VIOLA! a computer keyboard! So no one knew. Until I met and fell in love with my 2nd husband. He found the large file cabinet filled with thick manuscripts, filed in alphabetical order by lead female name. And he talked to me about writing. My writing. The single thing in my life aside from my two grown children, that I adored and cherished. They became my community; my friends. It's an amazing thing what happens when someone believes in you. Maybe it rubs off and you begin to believe in yourself, too. So everything I've created and set free on the internet to share are thanks to him and his belief and love. He helps me with words I know but that are stuck in my head floating around somewhere; he helps me spot gaps in my stories and we bounce ideas off one another for covers for my girls. He encourages me and has also come to learn some interesting traits about himself that he'd submerged because of a bad relationship. So we've grown together and continue to explore all that we can. He has my love and my heart and my gratitude for sharing a little of his courage and belief. Email: [e-mail] Website: http://www.facebook.com

Book preview

Book Twenty-Three

Karen A. Nichols

Copyright 2012 by Karen A. Nichols

Smashwords Edition

Published by Karen Nichols. Copyright, Karen Nichols. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author except for brief quotes used for review purposes.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover art: Snow Leopard Designs

Chapter One

Logan Sheffield leaned back in the comfortable office chair and watched his key people settle into their seats. One hand rose to absently stroke over the moustache and goatee, one corner of his mouth lifting at the voice in his mind that sounded suspiciously like his wife’s.

It makes you look so deliciously stern and somber.

As if either of those adjectives had ever had an effect on her.

Abby? Are you ready for this? He pulled himself from thoughts of his wife and daughter to focus on the head of human resources.

Absolutely, Abby Rollins went to the side where Cassidy had the laptop set up and ready for her. She nodded at Cassidy and started talking. This is one of two men we’ve had reports about for the last four weeks. They’ve been spotted around the resort, mostly in the foyer or parking area adjacent to the employee parking lot. She nodded at the attention that information grabbed from those who weren’t aware of the issue yet.

I’ve had reports from Frannie, Mac, Faith and Lacie…but I’ve also spoken with Isabel Hightower and Eloise Paddington. They’ve also been contacted. Abby stopped and drew in a long breath. Sorry…I’m just not sure what’s actually going on yet. Instinct tells me something is wrong, but I don’t have anything concrete and that’s annoying the crap out of me. These two men have been speaking to certain employees, the ones I mentioned, asking questions about their jobs and their education. Since Mac is here, he can tell you about his conversation because it really is not making much sense to me. I can’t figure out if they’re out to poach employees or if they’re searching for someone specific.

From the suspicious side of us, Cassidy said calmly into the break. I believe from Mac’s observations that they’re searching for someone very specific.

I have to agree with Cass, Mac said with a shake of his head. They approached me together. But each of the women say they’ve only been approached by one or the other.

Almost as if they didn’t want to frighten them by being in a pair, Abby said aloud, sinking into the chair by the laptop.

They started off as if they were tourists, asking questions about the area and the resort in general, Mac began, the brief encounter playing back in his mind. Then they started asking how I enjoyed my job.

They didn’t know who you were? Logan frowned in thought.

They had to know. They approached me and ignored the others in the arcade that afternoon, Mac shook his head. No, I’m really sure they knew who I was. They mentioned Lacie and Eloise, as though they thought we were part of a group or club.

Except for Frannie, you’re all involved with computers in some way, Abby said quietly. She’d been tossing the reports around in her head since she saw the video of the men and their various conversations.

Frannie was involved in computers through college, Mac corrected with a casual shrug. She’s got a brain that’s all over the place, despite what you might think. She entertained going into programming for a while but decided she enjoyed healing much better.

I’ve run the names with everything I have in my files, Cassidy said with a look at Abby. We’ve compared notes to see if there’s any intersection. But came up with nothing. And if not for Faith…

Logan groaned, along with several others in the room. He let his head fall into the open palm, face down.

Abby scowled at her husband, one of the groaners. Stop that, both of you. Faith might have a few issues with conspiracy theories, but in this case, I think she’s right. Something is off about these men and why they’re going around speaking to certain individuals.

The blonde one stopped Faith one afternoon, Cassidy kept a straight face and cued up the video. We don’t have sound, just him trying to talk to her.

Only Abby and Cassidy had seen the actual video of the confrontation. And both agreed that confrontation was the only word fitting what they viewed.

Faith worked as a programmer for the arcade and didn’t take well to people asking her questions that didn’t make sense to her. It began pleasantly enough. They could guess by the way Faith gestured, the man had asked for directions. Faith was a pretty, blond woman – this month - wearing a pair of coveralls that stopped at her knees. Her long hair was bound in a ponytail that rode high on the back of her head and it was the sharp flip that told those watching that things had taken a turn Faith didn’t like.

The camera quality was finely tuned enough to see the pale brows knit, her eyes narrowed despite the smile on her face. They didn’t know what the man had asked, but Faith had begun moving slightly to the side, as if considering his questions while she opened the door to her car.

It’s a little obvious that…whatever knowledge they have of the people they’re talking to, they don’t know their more personal side, Cassidy said carefully once the wincing stopped and the men quit groaning in sympathy. According to Faith, he began asking about her work and people she’d known in college. Using her own words, she turned dumb blonde on him and he fell for it. Probably up to the point when she slammed the door into his groin, grabbed his tie and bounced his head off the roof of her vehicle.

Have we heard from his attorney? Logan asked with a sense of calm that made the others only smile.

Not a word, Abby cast a glare at him and Cade, her husband. The clue there was Faith, Lacie, Mac and Isabel were the only ones they asked about college friends. Which adds to the theory that they’re searching for someone very specific. Someone we might already have in our employ.

They aren’t registered in the resort and as near as we can tell. And going back six months, they’ve never registered here, Cade said when he was sure his voice would work. A trace on the vehicle we have on camera shows it as a rental and the name doing the renting, appears to be an alias.

And just how that is possible in this age of credit cards, makes you think there’s something serious going on that needs attention, Abby concluded quietly. And is very far from being above board or even legal.

And they’ve only approached certain people, Logan repeated thoughtfully. You haven’t found any connection? He asked, looking at Cassidy.

The obvious connection, is the higher than normal intelligence. We’re collecting names from year books, Logan, but we don’t even have an idea what year they might be checking. Whoever they’re searching for has evidently come into contact with each of the people somewhere in their time line, we just don’t know where to start, so it’s taking a little time.

I’ve got Nate and Faith working up a little program to make it easier, but it’ll still take time because not everyone has to be listed in the register to have been associated with one of the schools we attended. Add to the fact that all of us bounced to several schools, from colleges to vo-techs for all types of reasons. It could easily have been one of the computer clubs or off-site associations involved with the schools. Hell, it could have been sports or something more obscure. Mac explained carefully. Cass told me about the last encounter, which was Faith…

And that would be enough to make them change their tactics, Cade said aloud with a nod.

It wasn’t just Faith’s reaction that made me want to get your input, Cassidy stood up and paced the front of the office. None of us are closed minded to things less than…concrete, she began, the speech she’d practiced clearly outlined in her mind. We know Isabel. We know what she can do through telepathy, for lack of a better term.

Are you saying Isabel… Logan stopped, unsure what to call her ability.

No, she did not, Abby said firmly. Isabel told us she doesn’t have to step into their thoughts to feel something was off. We only know about her and Eloise because they talk to Frannie. But Lacie was the one shaken the most. Something about the men really upset her to the point where Mason was in my office asking about our security. Lacie paces and mumbles to herself when she’d agitated and these men evidently stirred up something that really disturbed her enough that Frannie had to give her something to calm down. You can’t discount intuition, Logan.

I’m not discounting anything, Abby. I’m trusting you, Cassidy and Mac to figure this out. I don’t have a problem with people trying to lure our employees away. It’s a choice where to work, Logan said with a half shrug. But I do have a problem if our people are being targeted and I want to know why. Can we get word out to others we don’t know about?

It’s filtering through the employees, regardless of what we might have wanted, Abby admitted with a slight grimace. We’ve assured all the supervisors that we’re increasing security and that the safety of our employees is at the top of our agenda. We don’t want a panic and we don’t want someone getting carried away, so I haven’t released the photos of the men.

Because a lot of their spouses and partners are also associated with the resort in one form or another, it’s a little easier to work on, Cassidy sighed and perched against the window ledge, the early September winds tossing rain against the thick glass. Don’t any of you dare repeat this, but it really would have been easier if Faith had knocked him out and dragged him into the health center.

You really like to up my blood pressure, don’t you? Logan asked dryly, shifting his glance to Donovan. How’s Frannie?

Quiet, Donovan Banner shook his head. You know my wife. If there’s something she’s thinking about, and it’s serious, it bakes for a while before she allows it free. But I can tell you that this is bothering her. She says she knows the answer to the puzzle, but can’t put her finger on it.

Do you think they know why these guys might be stalking them and aren’t telling us?

Hey, one of ‘they’ is right here and trust me, I haven’t a freakin’ clue, Mac returned with a growl that suddenly fell off. Wait…

Something? Cassidy touched his hand, her fingers curled around his. Mac?

A group of headhunters, he pulled a very old memory forward, his gaze locked on the blue of the water in the distance outside the window behind Logan. Christ, I was…barely fifteen…but I remember others they’d approached and believe me, subtle, they weren’t. Forceful and almost threatening. I remember my folks seriously pissed because they were told their son would consider working for them, or else.

Or else what? You can’t force someone to work for you…not and expect a decent return, Logan exhaled hard. This isn’t a scifi story or some really bad spy plot.

Evidently my dad handled it ‘cause I never heard from them again. I got involved with programming and…I’m going to give Chloe a call. There’s your genius about puzzles and she’s got a memory like a gun safe. If I babbled something during one of our coding sessions, she’d remember it.

Let me get back in touch with the others, Cassidy said quickly, making notes on her iPad. With this tidbit, maybe I can jog some memories. But I’m with Logan. You buy employees…dragging them kicking and screaming into your business seems a little on the risky side.

Keep me updated.

Chapter Two

Jonathon Shepherd dragged two hands through the short clipped dark hair, sparks of silver catching on the overhead light above the partially steamed bathroom mirror. He rubbed one palm over his cheek, the growth from one day of not shaving rasping against his skin. And he really didn’t feel like shaving again until Tuesday morning.

The last two months had been a wild ride through a series of interviews bordering on interrogations and renewing old friendships. Taking the lead spot for Vincent Electronics had been the end result of all the meetings. He dragged a thick WindSwept Narrows towel over his head, another wrapped around his waist and went in search of nothing more complex than jeans, a t-shirt and comfortable, well-worn boots.

He couldn’t stop thinking about the job, even as his brain was screaming for a little peace. This wasn’t a typical CEO position and very far from what he was accustomed to as far as a profitable company was concerned. To begin with, he had the major stockholder setting down some principles and values that raised more than his eyebrows. But there was something intriguing about the new path; something challenging and beyond tempting.

Given the new business model and the association he was forging with the WindSwept Narrows reclamation, he honestly felt he might remain with one company for the rest of his work life. And not kill himself with stress.

His first act had been to carefully examine all contracts to fit the new guidelines that the reclamation was establishing with businesses that were interested in joining their ranks. All overseas manufacturing must be brought to the United States within a six month period. Waivers were issued if an outline was offered showing that the manufacturing would take place on American shores within a reasonable time frame to build such manufacturing plants.

Contracts cannot be accepted with countries that behaved in a less than humane manner towards its people. There was a list that was updated as insurgencies happened around the globe.

Profit was still important, but dividends would be less following the guidelines of providing the employees of the company with decent wages and benefits to make a living in the area affordable. Vacations were almost on a level with European countries, and people were urged to use them. Over-time was discouraged and if your work could not be accomplished in the given time, a review was set up to determine why. All level of employees shared the same privileges. Working conditions had to meet a different type of standard and was not negotiable.

What had intrigued him the most was the control the principles of the WindSwept Narrows was gaining over the city and county area, with the state itself slowly falling into line and actually pulling itself out of debt. He’d met the four principles and was relieved when he realized he knew one of them already. Their determination and backbone was going to make memorable changes to the area around Puget Sound. Slowly, but surely.

Jon was still going over the things he’d accomplished in the last thirty days since he was hired. And the huge stack of items to be reviewed and scrutinized. Changing people’s attitudes was turning out to be the most difficult. To the point where some had been told to adapt or tender their resignations.

He’d been told outright that his salary was not tied to profits, but was instead, tied to a decent level equitable with the heads of the other businesses, including the resort owners. The reclamation was not about the wealth of a few; but the well-being of the community.

And they were slowly spreading out from the small circle that had begun two years earlier. He still was a little surprised at the power of the fire spreading into the community. Maybe surprised wasn’t the right word, he thought as he climbed onto the large leather and chrome bike. Hopeful, he thought, hands deftly adjusting the helmet before starting the quietly purring engine and adjusting his gloves.

And maybe a little more than skeptical. Until he sat with Erika Vincent-Moore and she talked about what she expected of the company. Because of criminal charges and severe alienation with her father, she now owned the company and wanted it run well. She wanted not only a good product, but responsible employees who felt they had a genuine input into the life they were building. After listening to her outline, he realized he had lost the effort to maintain a cool, neutral CEO persona in place.

He didn’t know Xavier Moore when he went into the interview. But his name had made it to the desk through his connection with Cade Rollins, an old military buddy, and Tanner Clayton. Altruism and being a liberal were two things rarely found in the cut-throat business world. Until he began his interviews.

Later, when he was alone, he actually admitted to himself that he had been waiting to wake up. Only when he did, there was a moving van outside his apartment and very efficient people packing up his existence to be relocated from Houston to Tacoma. He made the drive with his SUV hauling his bike behind and enough clothing to hold him until he found a suitable house or apartment.

It was almost eight on Friday evening when he parked outside the resort and dismounted. He secured the bike and carried his helmet in one hand as he strode into the expansive foyer of the WindSwept Narrows Resort and Casino. He’d vaguely remembered hearing something about the many charity costume balls that occurred each year through September and October. But he hadn’t quite prepared himself for the variety of costumes parading around the bustling resort.

He had almost made it to the elevator when he felt a sharp slap to one shoulder. Figuring it was an accident, he turned, ready to let the apologizing partier know it was okay when he caught the barest glimpse of something almost see-through but solid seconds before it smacked the side of his head.

Jonathon Shepherd would have bet anything that at six foot two and just under two hundred pounds, very little would send him reeling against the granite walls next to the elevator. But somehow a gossamer wing managed the job. Not only a gossamer wing, but a gossamer wing swung by a platinum blonde with bangs that kept falling over one eye as she tried fastening something behind her back. She was at the moment spinning like a puppy chasing its tail, the killer wing fluttering randomly.

I am so sorry! She told him anxiously, wide, dark brown eyes sweeping him from head to toe before settling on his face. She stumbled dizzily as she tried to remain upright. Seriously sorry. I can’t seem to… that’s when she tried turning again, almost sending the sparkling wing into his face once more if he hadn’t reached out with one arm and quickly circled her waist, holding her immobile.

He was positive she squeaked when he held her in place, his face down next to her ear.

I’d really rather not be hit again. Hold still and tell me the problem, he instructed firmly, wishing he had both hands free when he felt the very feminine curves pressed against him. His first thought was he hoped she was over eighteen.

The problem, she breathed slowly. Okay…umm…really…I’m thinking that’s not a costume, she finally managed a complete sentence.

And what makes you think that? The corner of his mouth lifted as he gazed over her shoulder, taking in the pale, soft skin; a pair of wide, dark eyes and a fullness to her lips that could easily doom a man with less focus. Not to mention the hips he had pressed against the leather chaps over his jeans.

Oh, just a guess. My luck hasn’t been swinging too great lately, she murmured and then sighed. There’s a couple snaps at the base of my costume that hold the offensive wing in place. I felt them give when I stretched and haven’t been able to fasten them again.

Complete sentences, Jonathon commented with a chuckle. Don’t move. I’ll set my helmet on the floor and see if I can fix it for you.

Thank you. I really am sorry for hitting you. I thought if I twisted just right…

I’m taking my arm away now. No moving, he ordered sternly.

Yes, sir, she said instantly, planting the pale gold slippers firmly on the floor and stiffening her legs. There are a lot of costumes here tonight.

You’re attending one of the costume events? Jonathon set the black helmet on the floor at his feet before placing both hands on her waist, holding her still. Found the fasteners. He snapped them quickly into place and took a step back before announcing he was finished. He jerked his head up just in time when she spun to face him, the edge of the large glittering wing barely missing giving him the shave he’d ignored before going on his ride.

Thank you so much, she smiled up at him, her palm thrust out toward him. Molly Fielding.

Molly…

She shrugged. Hippie parents who wanted a simple, old-fashioned name for their kid.

Nothing wrong with that at all, Molly Fielding, he took her palm with a firm shake. Jonathon Shepherd. So which of the events are you attending tonight?

Molly Fielding felt safe. She looked at him oddly, unable to explain the sensation to herself. It had been a long time since she had that sensation around her and she studied the most obvious reason closely.

Rugged came to mind. He was sturdy and well-built with a scar on his jaw and a dark shadow that seemed to make him all the more interesting.

Well, you know that all the events of the season, which is amazingly two months long, and serve to benefit local charities. Can you imagine the costumes? I can’t wait for the scifi one, myself. It’s held downtown in Seattle in two weeks. Have you been to any of them? Oh, no, I don’t suppose so since this is the first weekend of September, she paused long enough to take in a deep breath. Unless you were lucky enough to have been here last year.

Perhaps we can go someplace a little less in the way, Jon looked cautiously at the wings he still considered lethal weapons. I’m actually very new to the area and don’t know a thing about the seasonal events. Have you had dinner yet?

Molly laughed, a light relaxed sound, her head shaking, the offensive silver bangs falling over one eye only to be brushed aside and trapped behind her ear.

I came in the front doors, went straight to the restroom and lost control of my wings. The event is on the third floor. It’s for the health programs the resort has established for the kids in the area whose parents don’t work for the resort itself, she was considering his question when a too familiar face registered in her mind. She spun quickly, her head shaking. Thank you. Nice meeting you. Have a great night!

Chapter Three

Jon watched the odd collection of anxiety and a little fear flit around the wide, dark eyes seconds before he barely escaped another bout with the wings. His hand tightened on the helmet he’d retrieved from the floor at the same time he cast a glance around in the direction she’d been looking before she took off at a quick pace into one of the six elevators coming and going briskly. Then she was gone.

He spotted two men standing about twenty feet away, talking in low voices and casually scanning the throngs of people passing through the foyer. He knew they weren’t security, because those people were clearly identified and he’d met a great deal of them through Cassidy Parker-Lawson.

These two were dressed in somber suits with almost military style haircuts. They should have blended with the widely eclectic crowd of people. But for some reason, they seemed to stand out. He thought about it for a long minute, watching them, and realizing that they weren’t relaxed. They didn’t look as if they were there to enjoy themselves. They looked as if they were there on business and nothing was going to interfere with their goal.

And somehow that goal involved the fairy that had vanished on him.

His hand rose to tap the pearl button for the elevator, the light signaling it was opening for him a few seconds later. Now what would those two want with the fairy with the dangerous wings? That question kept fluttering around in his mind all the way to the suite Vincent Technologies was renting for him until he found his own place.

His key card slid through the electronic reader the same time a change of plans had him dropping the helmet to the chair just inside the door. He checked his jacket pocket for his wallet and slid the card back to an inside slot before heading for the elevator. Once on the third floor, it was easy enough to following the myriad of costumes and noise to the entrance of the huge collection of ballrooms being used for the charity event.

Jonathon raised his opinion of the platinum fairy when the entry fee was quoted to him, the couple manning the desk in their sixties and dressed in costumes from the early twenties. He knew there would be a high fee for some of the charity functions, he simply wasn’t familiar enough to know which they would be.

Evidently the inaugural entry to the season was one of the higher end functions. Which had him wondering just what the little fairy did for a living. Then it traveled a little further to add in the men and the way she ran to avoid them. Or maybe he was really reaching and one had nothing to do with the other.

But his instincts had rarely led him wrong. At the ripe old age of thirty-eight, he’d established a reputation within several communities that intersected through his life. From the military to college to various business ventures, opinions varied from asshole to saint, but seldom found fault with the outcomes he achieved.

The crowd wasn’t as thick as he had envisioned. Maybe because of the size of the combined ballrooms they were using that seemed massive. He’d made it to one of the many bars and snacked on one of the small platters of stuffed mushrooms while waiting for his scotch and water on the rocks.

He turned his back to the smooth chrome of the bar, one elbow bent behind him while the other hand held the cool glass of amber liquid. His gaze swept slowly through the varieties of costumes that ranged in time and fantasy. But like the room itself and the venue, none of them were cheap.

A wide collection of finger foods lined the long bars, while signs were clearly visible directing people interested in the buffet to the far end of the ballroom. Decorations were early fall and late summer flowers with banners reminding people what their money was going to supply for the children living in the communities surrounding the resort and Tacoma area.

He tossed back the rest of the drink, lifted a thin slice of crunchy bread covered with diced tomatoes, spicing and olive oil, sprinkled with a lite, chunky cheese. When that one disappeared, he reached for another before beginning a slow meander through the room. Along the walls of one of the chambers, were tables of items up for sale. They ranged from services to paintings to sculptures and other creative entries from local artisans.

He suddenly came to an abrupt halt in his appreciation of the variety of costumes, the couples and the singles. He backed up his gaze, stopping on a bright, blood red velvet cape, complete with hood. The woman had a large wicker basket dangling from one arm. But it was her face and that sexy, if annoying thick thatch of platinum that caught his attention.

Why had she switched costumes?

He didn’t know what was beneath the heavy looking cape, but it barely stopped mid-thigh. And below that was nothing but very long, bare legs that led into a pair of three inch blood red heels with straps wrapped sexily around her ankles. Sexual arousal coasted through his body and ended in his cock.

He hadn’t seen any rings on her fingers, or even signs that there had been a ring there. And his ego was strong enough that he hadn’t seen dislike in the stare she leveled upon him, the confidence in her striking another plus in his attraction. As well as his curiosity.

Jonathon Shepherd realized his mistake the instant the sharp, pointed little elbow struck his ribs. Hard. Just after his hand had come down on her shoulder. He should have spoken first to avoid surprising her. Smart in the after effects and groaning.

Molly wasn’t expecting anyone to sneak up behind her. She didn’t think the people searching for her would put out the cost of entry into the event. True, she did have a lot of friends and she was usually much more alert. Her body reacted instantly and without conscious thought, her elbow shooting back with all the pent up power she contained. She pivoted expertly on one foot, ready to face the would-be attacker.

Her jaw dropped, her eyes widened and both hands flew to cover the surprised squeak that erupted when the appearance of the man registered in her memory.

Oh, my god! It’s you! Molly shook her head, wincing at the tall, muscled figure bent in half. His groan had sunk through the various courses of actions she had available to her in the ballroom. All of which vanished when she heard the groan and spun to look at the source. Black leather jacket, chaps over a pair of jeans and dark, short clipped hair seasoned with silver strands at his temples. Oh, god, she whispered again, her hands out to immediately cup his shoulders.

Has someone hired you to maim me? Jonathon groaned again, his palm finally opening and rubbing his ribs. He had no idea a slip of a woman had so much power behind her strikes.

I…no…of course not, she said, slightly affronted at his suggestion. She was frowning when he looked up at her. That’s a ridiculous… she paused thoughtfully, chewing on her cheek for a few seconds while she looked at her hands on his shoulders. You’re not the type of guy that would have that happen to him, are you?

Molly swore she heard a low growl and winced again. She tightened her fingers and slowly eased him upright.

Come over here and sit down. Let me look…lord, I hope I haven’t broken anything, she mumbled to herself, withdrawing her hands when he seemed able to straighten on his own, his full height a good four inches above hers, even with heels. I’m sorry.

I’m fine. Came the gravely response, wondering when the male ego would kick in and he’d feel more than a little embarrassed at the entire incident. At the moment, peering into a pair of very large dark eyes, he was more concerned that his libido had chosen this woman to kick in with.

I…I hit you…of course you’re not fine, she informed him tartly, taking his free hand and leading him toward the many cushioned benches along the walls. Before he could offer another protest, she backed him against it and pushed gently. Please sit down.

Molly, I’m honestly…

I hit you, she repeated firmly, peering at him between the silver strands drifting past her eyes.

Exhaling slowly, Jonathon sat back on the cushions, grimacing and rubbing at his side. A mistake, since