CHAPTER12
Mel struggledto focus on the here and now. On the blue sky overhead, the tall trees framing the path, and the breathtaking views beyond. The conversations swirling around her, voices equally dazzled and delighted with the surroundings. She felt a connection to the people she and Dean were here to protect, a kinship in the joy of discovery as the trail guide led them through a path cultivated specifically to inspire—and earn five-star reviews.
After breakfast, they’d had an hour-long lesson on horsemanship in the barn and the paddock, and now they were out for a full day of exploring Colorado on horseback.
Her mount was a joy with a comfortable gait and cooperative manner, although no one seemed to be struggling. Dean was near the end of the line of riders, chatting with Kent and surely eavesdropping on Atwell and Spalding who were behind him. Up ahead, Dale, Lacy, and Andrew hung on every word out of the leader’s mouth. Mel rode alongside Maria in the middle of the group, doing her best to keep up her end of the conversation while her mind was consumed with all things Dean.
She’d woken up this morning, rested and refreshed. For about five minutes. That’s how long it had taken for her to realize Dean hadn’t roused her to take over so he could get some sleep. She was simultaneously grateful there hadn’t been any trouble and irritated with him for pushing himself so hard.
And what had he done when she’d snarled at him?
Kissed her with an aching tenderness. The man had kissed her right out of her tantrum and then some. She had eyes, and therefore had always known Dean was hotter than Hades. She’d had no idea how skilled he was with that tantalizing body. Her temper was no match for the way he turned her inside out, the way he made her feel treasured and powerful from one heartbeat to the next.
She knew what to do with the heat, the rush of learning his body. But this quiet affection was new. She’d fallen for him before she’d known there was even more to admire, appreciate, and yes, love. He’d worshipped her body with a fiery intensity that could only be interpreted as commitment and devoted affection. But not once had he come close to uttering the words she’d blurted out so carelessly last night.
Had he even heard her?
“What do you think of the new security team?”
Maria’s query pulled Mel out of her impossible and inappropriate thoughts. These people needed her full attention. Their host was, by all appearances, dealing weapons and that kind of business only brought trouble.
What did she think of Walker Nash, Logan Tackett, Clint Manning, and Hale Foster? She thought they were four of the finest men she knew. Not that she could reveal that. “They certainly ooze confidence.”
Maria’s eyes twinkled. “Isn’t that the truth. I’m glad the studio insisted on sending out protection experts.”
“Makes me feel better too,” Mel agreed.
For different reasons, of course. Beck had been clear that Mel and Dean were still in charge despite being undercover. But having two Athena Project teammates along with two Brotherhood Protectors who’d served as Green Berets backing them up was a huge benefit. Especially when a crime lord was up to his old tricks. And she couldn’t confirm, but she suspected that other members of the Colorado division were closing in, unseen.
“I got the impression that if anyone shoots at us today, those men will shoot back.”
Better believe it.They were definitely armed. “Let’s hope yesterday’s chaos was a one-off,” Mel said with a smile she didn’t feel. “Oh, wow. Maria, look!”
The trees parted on a high meadow with panoramic views of the mountain range that left her speechless. The wild rugged peaks, capped with fresh snow, were striking against the deep blue of the sky. A sky that reminded her of Dean’s gorgeous eyes.
“It’s…gorgeous,” Maria breathed, clearly awestruck.
The trail guide led the riders to a paddock where the horses could rest. When they’d all dismounted, Atwell urged them to explore a variety of refreshments and activities. In addition to a lemonade stand and a cookie bar, she saw bocce ball, a giant wooden topple-tower game, ladder ball, and cornhole. Savory aromas were wafting from a teardrop trailer parked near the picnic tables.
Maria bumped her shoulder. “Wow. Who knew dude ranches could be so much fun? I’m glad you helped us convince the director to take today and relax.”
“We all needed the break,” she admitted. Her throat went dry as Dean sauntered toward her.
“How was the ride?” he asked, pulling her close to his side.
He hadn’t used a suggestive tone at all, but that’s all Mel heard. Sliding her arm around his waist, she let Maria chatter on while she struggled over how to put their partnership back on track.
She should say something to clear the air, but she hadn’t found the right words. Not even the right segue. Maybe she’d said too much already. What in the world had possessed her to blurt out “I love you” like that while they were hiding?
Good grief. They hadn’t been romantically involved, more accurately sexually involved, for even twenty-four hours. No matter how she felt, his feelings were equally important. How long would he go pretending he hadn’t heard her?
That kind of thing must be triggering all kinds of bad memories for him. His ex had likely said those words to manipulate him. Surely, he knew that wasn’t her goal. She’d set out to be the best wife possible on this assignment and instead of giving his ego and pride a boost, they’d seduced each other, changed their relationship irrevocably, and now had an impromptu “I love you” hanging awkwardly between them.
Dean knew her too well to think she’d be casual about those words. They might not have discussed it in depth but for her, love came with a deep, abiding commitment. For him commitment was limited to the Athena Project.
“Be careful today,” Dean murmured at her ear.
She gazed up at him with a big smile. “Something I should know?”