Wild Thing Read online

  “He makes me nervous. He looks at me as if he’s trying to read my mind.”

  “Maybe he can. I hear he’s great with troubled youths—he has a way with them.”

  “I’m hardly a troubled kid.”

  James gave her his “get real” look. “You used to be. Hunter’s observant—maybe too observant.” He held a chicken leg and pointed it at her. “You’re going to be working closely together. He’s smart. He’s going to figure you out on his own, so you might as well just tell him why you’re afraid and get it out in the open. It’ll save us all time and trouble.”

  The expression on Toni’s face said she wasn’t buying it—her and her damn walls.

  “I spent a week with him, Toni. Believe me, he’ll understand and help you out.”

  “James.” She nudged him with her foot. “You swore you wouldn’t say anything.”

  “And I won’t, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think you should. You should give him a chance.”

  “Why?”

  “Because for some reason, he seems to have taken a shine to you.” James ignored Toni’s eye roll, moved over to sit beside her, and smiled when she leaned back against him. “He went after you, didn’t he?”

  “To my eternal embarrassment. He found me with my face buried in a pillow trying not to hyperventilate. I’m sure I made a real strong impression—just not the kind that makes a man want to peel my clothes off.”

  “I guess that depends upon just how much of your butt was showing when your head was buried in that pillow. You were wearing a really short skirt.”

  Toni laughed and elbowed him in the ribs. “Thanks so much for pointing that out. As if I didn’t have enough to be embarrassed about.”

  James threw his arm around her and gave her a squeeze. “I live to serve.”

  “Even if Hunter is understanding, how am I supposed to get the models’ respect if I’m falling apart?”

  “Exactly. The only way they’re going to respect you is if you do your job, and you can’t do your job if you don’t figure out a way to deal with your phobia. All I’m asking is to let me and Hunter help you.”

  “I’ll try, but you’re the only one I’ve ever talked to about it, I would never have bored you with my own personal nightmare if you hadn’t been with me when I found out about this trip.”

  “Yes, but I was, and there’s no way you’re going to pull the wool over Hunter’s eyes. You don’t have much choice but to accept his help. Everything he gives you beyond that will be a bonus.”

  “James, having one mother giving me dating books is bad enough. I don’t need two. Sheesh, you’re turning into a regular yenta.”

  James watched Toni toy with her food.

  “He found the dating book my mother sent me.” She nodded toward her bedside table. “He was reading it and probably thinks I’m out to hook up with the first man I set eyes on. I was so mortified I babbled like a lunatic.”

  “No, he probably thinks you’re quirky. Guys like quirky.”

  “Somehow I doubt that—especially when the quirky girl is surrounded by beautiful models. Not that I’m even interested. Could you see me and Survivor Man? I don’t think so.”

  ***

  Hunter didn’t have much of an appetite but took his plate and sat with his brothers.

  Trapper moved over to make space at the picnic table. “Thanks for striking out again. You cost me twenty bucks.”

  Hunter decided to ignore him. It was Trapper’s own fault for betting. He never seemed to learn. “Have either of you talked to Ben and Gina lately?”

  Trapper’s gaze wandered from one beautiful model to the next. “We’re surrounded by gorgeous women, and you want to talk about family?”

  Hunter shook his head and picked up a barbecued rib. “I was just wondering if that private detective found out anything more. I’ve been working twenty-four-seven all summer and haven’t had a chance to talk to the newlyweds.”

  Their cousin, Ben, his wife, Gina, and the whole family had been searching for Gina’s brother Rafael who’d been put up for private adoption when Gina was six years old. The only thing they had to go on were the memories of a terrified child, which wasn’t much.

  Fisher stopped gnawing on his corn-on-the-cob. “I think they’ve found seven possibilities. Dick Sommers is following up on them.”

  A red-headed model wearing goose bumps and an oversized bandana disguised as a dress sat next to Hunter. “Hi, I’m Yvette. You must be our fearless leader.”

  He wiped his hand on a napkin before shaking hers. “Your fearless leader is Toni. I’m just the guide—Hunter Kincaid.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Yvette didn’t let go of his hand. “I thought I’d come over and break the ice.”

  Fisher leaned in, practically knocking over Hunter’s beer to shake the woman’s hand. “I’m Fisher. I’m a guide and a doctor.”

  Hunter rolled his eyes. “We couldn’t get him to stop watching ER when he was a kid.”

  Fisher took an awful long time to let go of Yvette’s hand. “Yeah, like you weren’t glued to Grizzly Adams.”

  “It was better than those stupid law shows Trapper always watched. Remember the Susan Day poster he hung over his bed?”

  Trapper set his beer down with a thunk. “Hey, watch it. She was hot.”

  Yvette scooted closer to Hunter. “Who’s Susan Day?”

  “Never mind.” Hunter shook his head wondering what planet she was from. “You’re probably too young to remember.”

  Trapper kicked him under the table. “I’m Trapper. There’s a bonfire after the barbecue. Are you going?”

  “Of course, James said it was a meet and greet.” Yvette touched the inside of Hunter’s leg, and he jumped. “I can’t wait to get better acquainted with you.”

  Hunter removed her hand and set it on top of the table as he rose. “I can use another cold one.”

  Grinning from ear to ear, Trapper slid into Hunter’s spot. “A beer or a shower?”

  When Hunter returned with three more bottles, he made sure to sit next to Fisher. As soon as he settled, a set of twins straddled the bench, sandwiching him between them.

  “Hi.” The pair said in stereo.

  “I’m Candace, but you can call me Candy.”

  Fisher leaned forward and caught Hunter’s eye. “Sweet.”

  “And I’m Randy.”

  Trapper took a swig of his beer and grinned. “Even better.”

  Hunter cleared his throat as he looked from Candy to Randy, feeling like a piece of meat slapped between two slices of Wonder Bread—bleached with no nutritional value. Not that he had a problem with that, but at the moment, all he wanted was to have a private conversation with his brothers. “If you ladies have finished eating, you should go put on some layers. It gets really cold up here at night.”

  One of the male models strolled over, sat beside Trapper, and gave him the once-over. “Looks like the party’s here. I’m Ari.” He scooted closer to Trapper. “And who might you be?”

  Hunter enjoyed watching Trapper squirm. He wondered how PC his big brother would be if Ari ended up on his lap, which seemed to be the model’s objective.

  Trapper stood. “Trapper Kincaid, Judge Trapper Kincaid.” Taking advantage of his full six-foot-four height, he looked down at Ari. “Hate to break it to you, Ari, but we don’t bat for the same team, and I’m not a pinch hitter either.”

  “A judge, huh? I always wondered what they wore under their robes.”

  Trapper sat his hat on his head and adjusted the angle. “Clothes.”

  Fisher snorted beer out of his nose, and Hunter tossed him a napkin. “Don’t mind Fisher. He’s just learning to eat in public.”

  Yvette laughed. “I gathered that.” She gestured at Fisher. “You uh… have a
little corn stuck in your teeth.”

  Ari stood locking in on his second target. “I have dental floss back in my cabin if you need some. It’s Oral-B.”

  Fisher laughed. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got some fishing line back in the truck.”

  Hunter stood and collected the plates. “It’s getting cold. I’m going to get my jacket. You might want to do the same.”

  He moseyed toward the trucks with his brothers. “Finally, before we get interrupted again, tell me what Dick Sommers found out. You said he had seven possibilities?”

  Fisher took out his Swiss Army knife, pulled the toothpick from its sheath, and poked it between his teeth.

  Trapper took the last swig of his beer and tossed it in a waste barrel. “He’s checking them out.”

  “Which sucks.” Fisher ran his tongue over his teeth.

  Trapper stopped and looked over. “Why? At least we have something to go on.”

  “Sure, but what are we doing? Nothing. I thought this was a family thing.”

  Hunter nodded. “Fisher’s right. We should all be more involved. After I finish up the season, I’ll fly to New York and see what I can hunt down. We can’t let Dick Sommers have all the fun.”

  Trapper raised an eyebrow to that. “And I don’t suppose this has anything to do with Toni Russo or the models who were just plastered to you, does it?”

  Hunter just smiled at Trapper. “Jealous, older brother?”

  “Hardly.”

  “Trapper, get real. I’m free from September through mid-November, and I want to help Ben and Gina find Rafael.”

  Fisher laughed. “Sure, okay. But let me just say, if I were going back to New York anytime soon, I’d sure as hell look up any number of the models at this shindig. Look at them all.”

  Trapper chucked him on the arm. “Ari would love that. I’ll make sure he gets your number.”

  “No thanks. He went after you first. I don’t like playing second fiddle.”

  “But Hunter’s throwbacks are okay?”

  “Damn straight—the operative word being straight, which, unfortunately for Ari, we both are. Right?”

  Trapper laughed. “I know I am, little brother. Is there something you want to tell us?”

  Hunter opened the back of his Land Cruiser. “Are you two done yet, and do I have to remind you that these people are our clients? You can explore your sexuality later. We’ve got work to do.”

  Trapper rocked on his heels. “Lord knows we’re going to have our hands full just keeping them out of the bonfire tonight.”

  Fisher reached into the truck and pulled out a fire extinguisher. “Don’t worry. I’ve got it covered.”

  ***

  The next morning Hunter was up with the birds. At a quarter to nine, after a nice breakfast at the lodge, he knocked on Toni’s cabin door. She answered wearing a big, black straw sun hat, its brim almost concealing her face, a black fishnet, see-through cover-up over a bathing suit that was… something completely unexpected.

  The black one-piece suit was right out of a 1940s pinup calendar—plain, save for a little ruffle on the sweetheart neckline, held up by wide straps, and a small ruffle at the leg where it ended like those boy shorts his old girlfriend wore all the time. He suddenly knew why those photos stayed on the walls for years and years. Her suit barely hinted at cleavage, but was so damn sexy he had to shake his head to clear it.

  “What is it now?” She stuck her hands on her hips and spread her legs as if she was getting ready to fight. She had long, powerful legs, not the sticks some girls walk around on. Toni’s were cut without being bulky. Damn, even in those checkerboard Vans, she looked hot. It probably wasn’t a good idea to mention that seeing her in an old-fashioned bathing suit scrambled his brain.

  “One good breeze, and your hat will be history. Do you have a baseball cap?”

  “I thought we had to wear helmets.” She was cute when she was exasperated.

  “We do when we’re on the raft, but this is for the hike to the river and the time we’re off the raft. Believe me, as pale as you are, you’ll need a hat. I have one you can wear if you want.”

  She took a step back. “Hike?”

  Damn. In a tenth of a second she went from mad to scared. He preferred mad—it was kind of a turn-on. He imagined she was always sexy, but anger made her go from hot to scorching. When she was scared though—shit, he had no defenses. “We’re about a quarter of a mile from the river. It’s an easy hike.”

  “Nothing about this trip is easy.”

  “Why is that?”

  Toni shook her head and mumbled something that sounded like, “I can’t do this.”

  James, Trapper, Fisher, and a pack of models chose that particular moment to join them. No matter how many beautiful women surrounded him, Hunter couldn’t take his eyes off Toni. She had all the signs of being terrified of something; he just didn’t know what. On that subject, her mouth was shut, which seemed out of character.

  James slid beside her, threw his arm over her shoulder, and pulled her close. “How you holding up?”

  “Just peachy, thanks. I have to get my other hat.” She took off her floppy hat and gave it a wave. “Survivor Man said this one won’t cut it. Everyone go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”

  Hunter didn’t move. “I don’t mind waiting.”

  She stepped into his personal space. A tough New Yorker replaced the terrified woman. “I don’t need an escort. I’m a grown woman. I think I can find the river on my own.” Not that it looked as if she was planning to. He had a feeling if she went back inside that cabin she’d shut the door, slide the bolt home, and shove a chair under the doorknob just for good measure.

  Hunter didn’t need reminding that she was a woman grown. He knew it with every fiber of his being. He had a sudden urge to make use of the collar she wore around her throat, whether to pull her closer or make her stay, he was unsure. He didn’t have to be Einstein to know she was past ready to bolt. He wanted to know why. “I’m sure you can. I’m just not sure you will.”

  With a toss of her head, she had James clapping his hands. “Okay, let’s get down to the rafts everyone. Toni and Hunter, play nice, and don’t be too long.”

  Chapter 2

  Too bad Hunter wouldn’t leave with James and the models. Toni needed a moment. Okay, she needed a millennium. She waited until everyone was out of earshot of her cabin, which was a while because it was eerily quiet in the middle of nowhere. There was an occasional bird caw, a breeze rustling the pine boughs, and then nothing but clean air and the scent of pine—so not the thing she ever wanted to smell again. At least it was dry there, unlike her first and last experience in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, which were swampy, boggy, and above all else, buggy. The memory had her rubbing her arms trying to brush off the feeling of ants crawling all over her. She gave Hunter her best New York glare. “Do you want to tell me why you feel the need to be my bodyguard?”

  “I think of myself as more of an escort than a guard—unless you need one of those too.”

  “I don’t need or want either.”

  “You tell me why you’re ready to hyperventilate at the thought of a quarter-mile hike, and I’ll leave you alone… if that’s what you want.”

  “I’m afraid of the woods.”

  “Why?”

  “I got lost.”

  “When?”

  “I was six.”

  “Where?”

  “The New Jersey Pine Barrens.”

  “For how long?”

  “Three days.”

  “Alone?”

  “Yeah, just me and my vivid imagination.”

  He took a step closer and touched her arm. “Is it always this bad?”

  She shrugged and looked away. She’d expected to be teased, but he
didn’t. She feared he’d try to placate her, but no. Nor did he try to make light of it. He listened to the facts. “I’m from New York. As long as I stay out of Central Park, I’m fine. But then Bianca got involved with a big hush-hush deal and couldn’t leave the negotiations, so she sent me. It’s not going well.”

  “You never tried to go back before?”

  “Why would I? I’m not a masochist.”

  His winged brow had her fingering her collar. She suddenly felt very exposed and found herself tugging the hem of her fishnet cover-up. It didn’t help.

  “If it makes you feel any better, I haven’t lost a guest yet.”

  “It doesn’t. It’s not rational. I know that. I can’t control it so I deal with it.”

  “Stay close to me.”

  She tamped down the urge to roll her eyes. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

  “No, it’s supposed to make me feel better. I’m not sure there’s anything that will help you.”

  “A plane ticket to New York would do the trick.” She did her best to smile. He didn’t bother smiling back. No, he was all business.

  “I’m working under the theory the human body can’t survive in a constant state of panic for long, so after an extended period—”

  “I’ll die?”

  “No, you’ll stop having panic attacks.”

  “What’s your definition of an extended period?”

  “Probably longer than yours. I guess we’ll find out.”

  Toni went into her cabin and looked longingly at the pillow. Maybe she could put that in a Ziploc bag and take it with her. On second thought… she’d have to settle for a brown paper bag. With her luck, she’d wear the sucker out before she even saw the river. The door opened and shut. She didn’t need to look to see who it was. She felt him behind her and wasn’t at all happy about it. The last man she needed was a modern Davy Crockett wannabe.

  Toni turned and shot him a glare. “What? You think I’m incapable of finding a better hat and meeting you outside?”