Jenna Ryan - Cold Case Cowboy

Sasha ignored him and turned her attention to Nick. His expression was impassive as usual, and showed no sign of the kiss she’d given him this morning. “I don’t need a babysitter, Detective.”

“You’re going to tell me you can shoot a gun, handle treacherous driving conditions and defend yourself against all comers, but so could Belinda Nordby. She was the fifth victim. And a cop,” he said before Sasha could ask. “She’d been one for seven years. This isn’t a game, Sasha.”

She didn’t flinch, but countered with an even, “I talked to my partner Regan Streete after you left this morning. She wants me to come back to Denver. She says Tommy can work with Skye.”

“But you said no.”

“Tommy designs inspired office buildings, but he’s a techno geek who doesn’t quite grasp the concept of fusion between structure and land, and I don’t think Skye wants the MGM Grand up here.”

“What about Regan?”

“She has a condo development and two restaurants on her plate. This is my project, Nick. I do hotels and houses.”

From the sidewalk, Sheriff Pyle grunted, “You’re not going to talk her out of it, Nicky. Best to let me go up there with her while you ask your questions down here.”

She sent him a quick smile. “You see? Even the sheriff understands me.”

Before she could move, Nick boxed her between himself and the Land Rover. It both amused and frustrated her to discover that she actually felt breathless.

With his eyes locked on hers, he lowered his head. “Don’t try losing him in Smoking Gun Pass, Sasha.”

“You can’t lose someone in a mountain pass, Nick….” She regarded him through her lashes. “Can you?”

“Stick to your route. And your promise. Back before dark, agreed?”

She considered teasing him, but then she pictured Kristiana Felgard in a cold room and nodded. “Don’t worry, Max won’t want to stay even that long.”

“And you know Max how well?”

“We had our company Christmas parties together.”

“That’s it?”

“He borrowed some liquor from our bar.”

“So he’s a close friend then.”

She offered Nick a sweet smile. “Let’s just say I know him better than I know you.”

Sliding his hand under her chin, he held her firmly in place. “Max Macallum was here in Painter’s Bluff when Kristiana Felgard died.”

Sasha didn’t move or pull away. “So was your sheriff. And Dana. And Gary Cooper down the hall from me.”

Nick’s gaze dropped to her mouth before returning to her eyes. “You can work with Max, Sasha. That doesn’t mean you should trust him.”

“What about you, Detective? You said a cop was killed. Maybe it took another cop to do it.”

“Maybe it did.”

He ran his thumb lightly over her lips. She’d rather he’d used his mouth, but even a misplaced wish wasn’t going to deter her.

“I don’t trust easily, Nick, and I always watch my back. It’s one of the few good lessons my mother taught me.” Partly because he continued to stare, but mostly because she wanted to, she bridged the small gap between them and gave him a kiss. “I promise, I won’t trust anyone.” She kissed him again, then stepped away. “Not even you.”

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