Hot Velocity

“I... I’d better go. It’s getting dark.” She slipped into the car, closed the door and started the engine.

T-Rex stepped back, telling himself he was a fool to even think about kissing the woman. She was on the rebound from a bad marriage. He’d be doing her a favor to stay out of her life.

Sierra lowered the window. “If ever I can do anything for you, don’t hesitate to ask. I owe you big-time.”

He nodded, tempted to collect on her debt by requesting a kiss. Instead, he shook his head. “No repayment required. Just being a good citizen. I’ll follow you to make sure you get home okay.”

“This is a small town. It’s not necessary.” She smiled and backed out of the parking lot.

T-Rex waited until she disappeared down the winding drive heading away from the community center. Then he climbed into his truck and drove to his temporary quarters at a bed-and-breakfast off Main Street.

As he pulled into the parking lot, he noticed that one of the other vehicles parked at the very end looked familiar. He parked and got out. Could it be? He entered the big, rambling colonial home the owner had converted into a six-room bed-and-breakfast. Standing in the large living area was Sierra, talking to the owner, Mrs. McCall, two suitcases on the floor beside her.

She looked up as he entered, and her brow furrowed. “You didn’t have to follow me.”

“Mr. Trainor, I’m glad I caught you. I hope you don’t mind, but I had the handyman here today. He worked on the balcony door to keep it from sticking.”

“Thank you, Mrs. McCall,” he said, his gaze on Sierra, not the owner of the bed-and-breakfast.

“Oh, have you met Miss Daniels?” Mrs. McCall asked.

T-Rex nodded. “I have had the pleasure.”

“She’ll be staying with us while her apartment is being renovated.”

He nodded. “That’s nice. You’ll love Mrs. McCall. She makes the best scones this side of the pond.”

Mrs. McCall blushed. “Oh, you’re too kind. Thank you.”

“No need to tell me about her scones.” Sierra smiled and patted Mrs. McCall’s arm. “I’ve been eating Mrs. McCall’s scones since I was a little girl visiting her with my mother. And you’re right. They’re wonderful.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” Mrs. McCall smiled and pushed back her shoulders. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my program is coming on television and I don’t want to miss it.” She winked. “An old woman needs something to look forward to.” She scurried away, entering a door marked Private.

“Let me help you.” T-Rex grabbed the handles of the suitcases.

“I can do that,” Sierra said, reaching for the cases.

“I know you can. But we’ve already had this discussion about chivalry. It isn’t dead. At least not where I’m concerned. My mother taught me better.” He headed for the stairs. “What room?”

She gave him the number, and his brows rose. It was the room next to his. He wanted to groan, but he didn’t say anything. She’d find out soon enough.

For a man who didn’t want to start something with the pretty day care employee, the odds were stacking against him.

“I didn’t know you were staying here,” she said as she followed him up the stairs.

“In a town as small as Grizzly Pass, the lack of hotels forced us to scatter out among the few privately owned establishments.” He stopped in front of the door to her room and stepped back to allow her to use her key in the lock.

She entered and held the door for him to carry her luggage through.

T-Rex set the two cases on the wooden floor and turned. “Welcome to the McCall house.”

Sierra giggled. “You don’t look like a bellboy, but I appreciate the help.” She reached her hand into her purse and dug around. “What do you require in the way of a tip?”

He laid his hand on her arm. “No money. Just this.” Before he could stop to question his motives, he lifted her chin with the tip of his finger and claimed that kiss he’d been thinking about since she’d left him at the community center. One quick, toe-curling kiss. That was all he wanted and he’d be out of her way.

But it didn’t happen like he planned. As soon as his lips touched hers, fire exploded in his belly and his blood ran like heated mercury through his veins, angling downward to his groin.

He raised his other hand, cupped the back of her head and deepened the connection.

She laid her hands on his chest, but she didn’t push him away.

And he was glad she didn’t. Because, now that he was kissing her, he didn’t want it to end.

* * *

SIERRA HAD BEEN shocked and tinglingly aware of the man when he’d stepped through the front door of the bed-and-breakfast. She’d completely forgotten what she’d been saying to Mrs. McCall. All she’d been able to do was stand there and stare at the broad-shouldered hero with the reddish-brown hair and hazel eyes, and just barely been able to stop herself from drooling. He was the kind of man every girl dreamed of. Tall, dark, handsome and willing to fight for her honor.

Now he stood in her room, kissing her. Her knees trembled and she curled her fingers into his shirt, pulling him closer. She raised up on her toes, deepening the kiss of all kisses. Clay had never kissed her like this. Like she was special and the only person in the world. She pressed her body into T-Rex, loving the hardness of his muscles against her soft curves. He was a man a woman could lean on in tough times. He didn’t need to have his ego stroked to make him feel more of a man.

His tongue darted out, tracing the line of her lips. She couldn’t resist him, opening her mouth to allow him in. Part of her felt a little guilty. She had to remind herself she was single now. She could kiss anyone she liked. And she liked kissing this one.

He caressed her tongue with his, gliding in and out, taking her along on a rising wave of passion. The only thing that could have been better about that kiss was if they were both naked. Skin to skin.

Heat built low in her belly. An intense ache made her sex clench and her body long for more. She felt more alive than she had in years, and it was all due to this stranger, who asked for a kiss for his tip.

All too soon, T-Rex lifted his head.

Sierra dropped back onto her heels and glanced down at where her hands crumpled his shirt. She licked her swollen lips, tasting him on them. “Well, that was quite the tip,” she managed to say, appalled at how squeaky her voice sounded.

“I’d apologize,” he said, his tone low and husky. “But I can’t. That was incredible.”

She nodded and dared to look up into his eyes. Then reality set in. Having divorced only six months before, she wasn’t sure she was ready to get right back into a relationship. If anything, her seven years of marriage to Clay had convinced her that she wasn’t very good at long-term commitment, or was she just terrible at choosing the right man for her? Either way, it was too soon.

Sierra backed away. “I have to ask you not to do that again.”

He nodded. “Agreed. It wouldn’t be a good idea for you to get involved with me. I won’t be around for long, and, despite our little charade, I’m not very good boyfriend material.”

Sierra hadn’t expected him to agree with her so quickly. Disappointment filled her chest. Pushing back her shoulders, she lifted her chin. Why should she care? He’d only confirmed her desire to avoid anything sticky growing between them. Still...

He turned and walked toward the door.

Before he crossed the threshold, she asked, “Why?”

He stopped and half turned toward her. “Why what?”

“Why do you make bad boyfriend material?” She shouldn’t be interested in his answer, but she was and she waited for his response.

He shook his head, a hint of a smile tilting his lips. “Trust me. I’m no good for you, or any other woman.” With that, he walked out of the room and shut the door.

All of the starch leached out of Sierra’s shoulders and she sagged, raising her fingers to her mouth. Holy hell, the man could kiss. Her brows dipped and her eyes narrowed. And what kind of nonanswer was that? I’m no good for you, or any other woman.

Her curiosity aroused and left unsatisfied, she yanked one of the suitcases up onto the bed and began the task of unpacking. Within minutes, she had both cases emptied and her meager belongings stored in the dresser and closet. Six months ago, she’d left most of what she owned with Clay, taking only what she could carry in the cases. The apartment she’d been living in had come fully furnished. Unfortunately, the roof had sprung a leak in the last rain. Not only had they had to repair the roof, they’d had to rip out the drywall and flooring due to water damage and mold. She wouldn’t be allowed back into the apartment until they’d completed all of the repairs and mold remediation. Thus, the move to the bed-and-breakfast.

The night was still young, the sun having barely dipped below the hilltops. She could lie there and reminisce or go find something to eat.

Grabbing her coat and purse, she headed for the door, slung it open and nearly crashed into T-Rex. “Oh, sorry.”

He steadied her with his big hands and then dropped them to his sides. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She stepped back and willed her heart to slow.

“I was coming to see you.”

“You were?” Her pulse leaped again.

T-Rex dug in his pocket and pulled out a device that fit in the palm of his hand. “I want you to have this.” He reached for her hand and placed it on her palm.

“What is it?” she stared down at the gadget, her heart banging against her ribs at the touch of his hand beneath hers.

“A stun gun.”

Okay, so it wasn’t a diamond bracelet, but seriously, what man gave a woman a stun gun as a gift? “How does it work?”

He turned it over and pointed to the button on the side. “You switch it on here. When someone gets close enough to you, you push this button and stick it to him.”

“And then what?”

“He will lose muscle control and balance and become disoriented. It will disable him for up to thirty minutes.”

“Wow.” She held it out. “Sounds dangerous.”

“The effects aren’t permanent. It gives you a chance to get away. Carry it in your hand when you’re alone, like when you’re locking up at the day care and walking out to your car. If your ex ever pulls a stunt like he did today you can be ready to take him down long enough to get away. One jolt from this baby and he’ll think twice about harassing you.”

She stared at the device and then glanced up at him. “That’s about the nicest gift anyone has ever given me.”

He laughed out loud. “Better than roses?”

“Much.” She slid it into her purse, careful not to switch it on in the process. “I’m not sure I have the nerve to use it, but it will make me feel better knowing I have it in case I need it.”

“Were you heading out?” he asked.

“I was just going to find something to eat. Normally, I fix a salad and eat at home.” She grimaced. “But that won’t be an option while I live in the bed-and-breakfast. I miss my apartment already.”

“I was about to go to the Blue Moose Tavern. Care to join me?”

She smiled and shook her head. “So much for avoiding each other. I think it will be nearly impossible in such a small house.”

“No need to. I promise—” he held up his hand as if swearing in court “—not to overstep your boundaries without your permission.”

“In that case, I would love the company. I hate eating alone.” She led the way down the stairs and out of the building.

Once outside, he glanced around as if looking for something or someone. “I don’t see your ex anywhere, but we should probably keep up appearances.” T-Rex held out his hand. “Girlfriend?”

She hesitated, staring at his big, open hand. Knowing it would only be for appearances, it shouldn’t be a big deal. But as soon as she placed her hand in his, the electricity of his touch zipped through her body, pooling low in her groin. Yeah, being this close to T-Rex could only lead to trouble.

At that moment, she didn’t care.

Together, they walked the three blocks to the Blue Moose Tavern and asked the waitress for a table.

Once seated across from T-Rex, her hand in her own lap and no longer touching the man, Sierra’s thoughts settled from the scramble they’d been since she’d kissed him. He was just a man. The first man she’d kissed since her divorce. Surely there would be more, and she wouldn’t make such a complete fool of herself over the next.

The waitress brought them their drinks—a glass of red wine for Sierra and a draft beer for T-Rex.

Sierra lifted her glass. “To new friends.”

He touched his mug to her glass. “To new friends.”

They sipped and stared over the tops of their respective drinks.

Sierra had to focus on staring into his eyes and not letting her gaze fall to his sensuous mouth. For a long moment, she struggled to come up with something to say that wasn’t kiss me. Finally, she knocked back the rest of her wine and set her glass on the table. “Tell me about yourself.”

Chapter Five

T-Rex felt his muscles tighten. He’d never been this uncomfortable sitting across a table from a beautiful woman. When she stared at him and demanded he tell her about himself, his pulse kicked up a notch. He swallowed the last of his beer and set down his mug. What did she really want to know?

Did she want to hear that he’d watched his best gunnery sergeant nearly get blown apart? That he wished he could have taken Gunny’s place in that explosion? That he loved women but avoided relationships because of the profession he’d chosen to dedicate his life to? He didn’t want to talk about himself, so he stalled. “Like what?”

“Not going to make this easy, are you?” Sierra nodded, squared her shoulders and launched. “You can start by telling me which branch of the service you’re in.”

“Marine Corps.” That wasn’t so hard. He relaxed a little.

“How long?” she demanded.

“Ten years.”

“That’s quite a commitment.” She drew in a breath and let it out. “Have you been deployed to a war zone?”

Tension shot up again. He nodded, his glance dropping to his empty mug. “Four times.”

Sierra’s brows drew together, and she reached across the table, laying her hand on his arm. “Thank you for your service.”

The heat of her touch sent his blood burning through his veins. He didn’t feel like he had done anything to be thanked for. While he was walking around on two perfectly good legs, Gunny couldn’t even hold his newborn son in his arms, or hug his girls.

T-Rex shook off her touch and moved his hands to his lap. “My turn.”

She nodded. “Shoot.”

“How long were you married to your charming husband?”

“Seven years.”

“Was he as abusive the entire time you two were married?”

Sierra glanced to the far corner of the room, her brows wrinkled. “He’s always been demanding. I thought he’d mellow as we grew older together, but he didn’t. Then he lost his job as a truck driver due to an accident a couple years ago. He was home all the time and I went to work. That’s when he got mean.”

“Children?”

She shook her head, her shoulders sinking a degree. “No. No children.”

“By choice, or luck of the draw?”

“It just didn’t happen. If I could, I’d have a dozen children.”

“Do you come from a big family?”

She shook her head. “No. My parents died when I was six. I was raised in the foster care system.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She smiled. “My foster parents were very good to me.”

“Were?”

She sighed. “They passed away within months of each other five years ago. I miss them.”

“No siblings?” he asked.

She shook her head. “You?”

T-Rex nodded. “I have a sister in Texas. She’s married with three little boys.”

Sierra looked at him with a smile. “They must love their Uncle T-Rex.”

“I doubt it.” He shrugged. “I don’t see them often enough.” Hell, he hadn’t seen them since they were all in diapers. He made a mental note to visit his sister.

“Parents?”

“Retired and traveling around the country in a motor home.” He shook his head. “They sold the home and ranch we grew up on and bought a motor coach. They never spend more than four months in any one place. Their goal is to explore every national park in the United States before they die. And a few dozen state parks.”

Sierra leaned her elbows on the table and rested her chin in her palm. “Wow, sounds like a wonderful way to spend your retirement.” A long strand of her blond hair fell forward over her cheek.

Without thinking, T-Rex reached across the table and tucked it behind her ear. He brushed his knuckles across her cheek, that same electric current sending shock waves through his system. He snatched back his hand. “Why do you stay here?”

She shrugged. “I love this town and most of the people in it. Minus one ex-husband. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.”

“But you aren’t married and, from what you’ve just told me, you don’t have family here.”

She shrugged. “I’d love to travel, but I never considered doing it alone.” Her lips twisted. “I’d want to share my adventures with someone else. I couldn’t see myself standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and having no one to share my appreciation for what I’d be seeing.” Sierra laughed. “Sounds dumb, but that’s how I feel. Besides, I was married from the time I left college until just a few months ago. We didn’t have the money to travel. We barely had enough to pay the rent. So, there you have it. That’s my pathetic life in a nutshell. The best part about it is working with the children. I love those kids.”

“And they all love you.”

“The little traitors were quick to switch their loyalties when you came through the door.” She winked at him. “Why don’t you have children?” Her eyes widened suddenly. “Wow, I don’t even know if you’re married.” She pressed her hand to her lips.

He shook his head. “I’m not, and I don’t have any children.” Leaning toward her, he said in a low voice for only her ears, “Besides, I wouldn’t have kissed you if I had a wife. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe you only kiss the one you’re committed to.”

Sierra sank back against her seat. “Whew. You never know. I’ve been out of the dating scene for a long time. Heck, I don’t think I’ve ever been in it. I married my high school sweetheart two years into college.”

“What did you major in?” he asked.

“I would have majored in elementary education, but I didn’t get to finish.” She rubbed the third finger on her left hand.

“Why?”

“Clay thought college was a waste of time. He dropped out and got a job as a truck driver and we got married. When it came time for fall semester to start, he wouldn’t let me go back. He said it cost too much, and what did I need a college education for anyway? He made enough money driving a truck to support us.”

“And he lost his license.”

She nodded. “Over a year ago.”

“Seven years and no children. That from a woman who loves kids.” He raised his brows.

“I wanted them.” She shrugged and looked away. “They never seemed to happen. Can we talk about something else?”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s okay. It was a sore subject in our marriage, and it still hurts.”

“Then let’s talk about what to order.” He popped open a menu and perused the items he had yet to try. Soon, the waitress delivered a bison burger for him and a Southwestern chicken salad for Sierra. They spent the rest of the meal talking about the upcoming football season and who they thought would play in the bowl games.

When he’d finished the burger and fries, he ordered another beer and sat back. “I’m surprised you know your college football teams.”

She sipped from her wineglass and raised her brows. “Why? Because I’m a girl?”

“No,” he hedged. “Because you’re a woman. I thought most women disliked sports.”

“That’s a sexist remark.”

“Guilty.”

“My foster mother and father were huge football fans. We spent many weekends watching the games and yelling until our throats were raw.” She smiled, her face softening. “I miss that.”

“Was your ex a fan?”

She shook her head. “He liked hockey. Don’t get me wrong. I love watching a good hockey game, too. But I missed watching football.”

“He wouldn’t let you watch football?”

“No.”

“Jerk,” T-Rex muttered just loud enough for her to hear.

Sierra laughed. “My thoughts exactly.” For a long moment, her smile lingered. Then it disappeared altogether.

T-Rex found himself wanting to make her smile again.

“Speak of the devil.” Sierra nodded toward the entrance and ducked her head.

T-Rex glanced in the direction indicated.

Clay Ellis strutted into the tavern, cocky as hell, sneering at anyone who dared to give a friendly greeting.

“Don’t worry. He can’t hurt you here,” T-Rex said, clenching his fists beneath the table.

“I know. But he can make a fuss.” She set down her wineglass. “We can leave now, if you want.”

“I’d rather you finished your wine and I finished my beer and neither one of us lets him get to us.”

She laughed, though it sounded less than convincing. “You’re right.” She lifted her glass and sipped. “I shouldn’t let him get to me. I’m done with him.” As she spoke, she lifted her glass. Her hand shook so much, the wine spilled onto her chest. “Darn. This was my favorite sweater.” She dabbed at the stain with her napkin. When that didn’t help, she looked up. “I’d better go to the ladies’ room and see if I can get this out before it sets.”

T-Rex watched as she left their table. His gaze switched from her to where Ellis leaned against the bar, flirting with one of the waitresses trying to fill a drink order.

As far as T-Rex could tell, Ellis hadn’t seen Sierra.

“T-Rex, glad we found you.” Caveman slipped into the chair Sierra had vacated a minute before. “We’ve been looking for you.”

Kevin Garner, Ghost, Caveman and Hawkeye pulled up chairs around the little table.

“Uh, guys, I’m here with someone.”

“Yeah?” Hawkeye, the army ranger of the group of military men, glanced around. “I don’t see anyone else.”

As one, all four men craned their necks, searching the room.

“Who is she?” Ghost asked. The Navy SEAL smiled, refusing to let T-Rex off the hook.

“Who said it was a she?” T-Rex drummed his fingers on the table, willing the men to leave before Sierra returned.

Caveman laughed. “You, by the way you’re avoiding the question.” The Delta-Force soldier crossed his arms. These men weren’t going to give up until they got an answer.

“It doesn’t matter.” The only way T-Rex would get rid of them was to find out what they wanted. “What’s up?”

“Charlie found the social media site the Free America group moved to,” Ghost said. Charlie McClain was an old flame of Ghost’s who moonlighted as a cybersnoop for the Department of Homeland Security.

“And?” T-Rex prompted to move the conversation along.

Ghost leaned closer, lowering his voice so that others couldn’t hear. “There’s been more noise about a potential takeover in the very near future.”

“Any dates given?” T-Rex asked.

“No, just a general call to arms to stand ready.”

“Great. And we’re no closer to figuring out who’s involved with the Free America group?”

“Our computer gurus, Hack and Charlie, said that anyone could have set up that group from a public library,” Garner said. “The members of the group are using aliases, probably set up on public Wi-Fi systems.”

T-Rex’s fingers clenched into fists. “How much time do you think we have until they make their move?”

“We’ve known something was coming for the past couple weeks we’ve been here,” Caveman said.

Garner, the team’s leader, shrugged. “It could be a couple more weeks from now, or it could be any day. What did you find at the county records office?”