What a difference time makes, she thought, sinking into the hot water and smiling. Tucker had not taken Cat’s kiss very well. He’d been more upset than she was. An interesting turn of events, considering it was her first girl kiss. But now there was a Cat problem and she didn’t know what to do about it.
Turning her down went without saying, but how to do it? As much as the woman could infuriate her, she liked Cat and wanted them to stay friends. Tomorrow…she thought, stretching out in the water and letting the heat ease her bruised muscles.
When the water cooled, she got out and dressed. She was hungry and not in the mood to cook, which usually meant take-out. Before she could decide which restaurant, someone knocked on her door.
Nevada stared at the door, half-afraid to answer. She wasn’t ready to face Cat. Their conversation would require a certain level of delicacy and preparation.
The knock came again.
Slowly, cautiously, she crossed the living room and looked out the peephole.
“Thank goodness,” she said, pulling open the door.
Tucker leaned against the doorframe, looking handsome and capable. One corner of his mouth lifted. “Expecting someone else?”
“It crossed my mind.”
“Mine, too. I’ve come to claim my woman.”
It was a new century and she supposed she should object to the claim. Truthfully, though, hearing the words made her feel all gooey inside.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“I’m taking you home with me. Pack a bag. We have dinner reservations in half an hour. I’ve already picked out the wine.”
Wine sounded nice, as did spending the night with him.
“Give me five minutes.”
TUCKER’S SUITE at the hotel had a living room with a sofa and two chairs, with a big bedroom beyond. She dropped her bag onto the bed, then turned to face him.
“Feed me.”
He chuckled. “You never were one to play games.”
“Not my style.”
He took her hand and they went downstairs. Once in the restaurant, they were shown to a corner table. The wine was already open and poured, and menus sat to one side.
“Very well prepared,” she said, sliding in.
He settled across from her. “I can be smooth.”
“It’s nice to have proof.”
He leaned toward her. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. No headache. My back and butt are a little sore from the impact.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe I was so stupid and didn’t pay attention to where we were standing. I know better. Are you going to write me up?”
“Not this time. But if you do it again, you’ll be in big trouble.”
“I won’t.” Not that there were any more explosions planned. “So, what did I miss?”
“Your mayor scares the crap out of me,” he admitted.
“Don’t feel bad. You’re in good company. Mayor Marsha has a way of getting exactly what she wants.”
“Quickly, too. The blast area is already blocked off. There are plenty of police standing guard. Extra security people have been ordered and will be arriving in the morning. Some famous archaeological team has been contacted to deal with the find. They’re arriving tomorrow, too.”
She sipped her wine. The full-bodied taste rolled over her tongue. The man knew how to pick wine, she thought, remembering Tucker had other talents, as well.
“What does this mean for construction?” she asked.
“The mayor swears we’ll have our site fully back within two weeks. Even doubling that, a month isn’t bad. We can put off the parking lot and focus on the other end. One of the advantages of working on a hundred acres. The big question is going to be who owns the gold.”
“Did you get to see it?”
“A few pieces. There are carvings and statues, some jewelry. It’s a pretty big find. I don’t know anything about archaeology, but I’m pretty sure the people in khaki shorts are going to be happy.”
“The find will also be good for the town,” she said. “More tourists. We do love them and their dollars.”
“Sure. And here I thought life in a small town would be boring.”
“Never that.”
He studied her.
She sighed. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
“I can’t help it. You were hurt on my watch.” He picked up his wine. “How’s Cat?”
“I haven’t talked to her.”
“Do you want to?”
She raised her eyebrows. “Jealous?”
“Not completely. Just…dealing. It was my first live girl kiss.”
“Mine, too.” She shrugged. “I’m going to have to talk to her. I don’t think she’s genuinely interested in me. I think this is about her art. But I also don’t want to hurt her feelings.” She picked up her wine, then put it down.
“Oh, God,” she murmured, mentally putting the pieces together. “We’ve all kissed each other. It’s practically a threesome.”
Tucker leaned back in the booth and laughed. The sound rolled over her, making her smile. Being around Tucker always made her feel better, she thought. Today she found the whole “safe and protected” thing pretty appealing, but it was more than that. She liked how he treated her as an equal and accepted her as part of his team.
She handed him a menu. “Brace yourself. I’m in the mood for steak.”