She seems okay. Meg drew in a deep breath as the awakening Sophie licked her face.
Sheer male interest flared on Coopers face. He rearranged the blankets around his waist. Realizing he must have had a bulls-eye glimpse of her rear end, Meg flushed. She clutched the dog just a little too tightly, and Sophie squirmed.
The interest faded as his expression shuttered. He scratched the bristles on his hard jaw. You feeling okay now, Princess?
At her nod, he flung back the blankets, displaying a pair of long, muscled legs. A dusting of hair didnt hide a wicked-looking scar on his left thigh. Her fascinated gaze traveled upward to the black Jockeys he wore...
And the very large bulge beneath them showing a blatant male reaction.
Seems as if Cooper Johnson was equally attracted to her.
Not that shed do anything about it. Not in her lifetime.
His mouth curved into a knowing smile as he reached down to the floor, retrieved a pair of jeans. Cooper slid into them and stood, buckling the belt.
Had to get you warm. Cant help the consequences. Im a guy, and youre a very attractive woman.
He shoved a hand through his thick hair and the move flexed the biceps of his right arm. A tattoo of a snake writhed with the motion as well. Sailors got inked, from what she knew. And he was a Navy SEAL.
Not regular Army, like her brother had been.
SEALs were tough, Lacey had told her, but their missions and lives were shrouded in secrecy. She wondered what happened to him that he was here now with her.
It wasnt her business. She released Sophie and held out her hand. Thank you for rescuing us, Mr. Johnson. And my name is Meg.
Surprise flickered across his face as he sat on the bed. Cooper.
His grip was firm, but not crushing, and he quickly released her hand. Then as he started to reach for her, Sophie growled.
Meg gripped her dog. As his gaze landed on her bruised arm, she flinched.
Coopers gaze narrowed as he muttered a low oath. Is that what your husband did to you? Jarrett said you were in trouble, but he didnt give details.
Ex-husband. Soon, anyway. I keep calling him my ex because Ive x-ed him out of my life. Meg felt her flush deepen, this time from shame. It wasnt that bad, this time.
This time is the last time, he said in a low, deep voice that sent a shiver racing down her spine.
His expression turned intent. Totally concentrated and fierce, as if someone had flipped a switch inside him. She shivered. One would not want to cross him.
Im sure you have a story to tell me. Like why youre driving. Why didnt you take Jarretts offer of a bus ticket here?
Keen, assessing. Little would escape this man.
Too slow. I needed my own wheels. And I knew my ex would be able to trace my car, so I bought an older model for cash for the drive here from Palm Beach.
Two nights in cheap motels, trying to sleep, fearing to shut her eyes in case Prescott had sent someone after her...
Why did you buy such a lemon?
Meg struggled with her pride. How ironic that she was once the heiress of Taylor Sporting Goods, one of the countrys largest producers of sports equipment, and she didnt have a penny.
I know it sounds implausible, but its all I could afford. My ex controlled all the money in our household, and all my accounts.
Shed managed to save a little money and hide it. And she didnt dare use her easily traceable credit cards.
Silence fell between them as he gave a pointed look to the diamond encased in an old-fashioned gold setting hanging from her neck. Meg fingered the necklace. This was my grandmothers. I suppose you deserve an explanation, since youre kind enough to give me a place to stay.
He rubbed the sexy dusting of dark bristles on his chin. Lets wait until youre ready. Know this, Meg. Weve had dogs on the farm before and mostly they stay outside. Your dog...
At this pause, she tensed, ready for him to tell her he didnt tolerate dogs who bit and he was going to toss Sophie outside, no matter that it was freezing. Prescott surely would have.
Shes safe here, just as you are. I dont tolerate abuse. Anyone who hits women, children or animals his hard blue gaze flickered to Sophie even animals who growl at them, will be strictly dealt with. You can relax. No one will get you here.
Relief swept through her. Youre not going to make Sophie stay outside?
He lifted a dark brow. In this storm? Relax, shell stay here with you. I only want one question answered.
She tensed.
Your last name. Need to know that in case anyone comes asking.
His words sent a shiver of fear sliding through her again. Prescott knew people. Lots of people across the country. Meg... Caldwell, she said, giving her brothers first name.
Cooper nodded. Good. Ill let my mom know. She runs the bed and breakfast at our farmhouse.
Doubt filled her. Is it really safe here? My ex has a lot of money and influence.
And I have a nine-millimeter and plenty of ammo.
His reassurances should have made her feel safe, but they only made her aware of what kind of danger she placed this man and his family in. She couldnt stay long. Just long enough to recover, figure out a plan and then move on.
Then Meg remembered her suitcase and all her most precious belongings were in the car. She had to retrieve them, snowstorm or no snowstorm. Anyone could find her things and know who they belonged to. One call to Prescott and hed be here in the corporate jet. Her chest hurt and her heart constricted painfully and she found it hard to breathe.
My things... I have to get my luggage. The quilt in the car, its an heirloom.
As her voice rose, he remained calm. Steady. Not ruffled one bit at the hysteria in her voice. Easy, Princess. He pointed to the closet. Everything from the car is in there. This is your room for the night. I put your cell in the kitchen on a charger. Your car is dead. Ill have Mike, the local tow truck driver, haul it to his shop and fix it.
Thank you. She released a deep breath. If I had someplace else to go, I would have. I dont plan to stay.
That deep blue gaze burned into her. What about your family?
Familiar hurt squeezed a tight knot in her chest. I dont have any. My father died in a car crash shortly after my parents divorce.
And your mother?
She gave a bitter laugh. She went to Europe to be with her lover after Dads funeral. I havent seen her since.
No brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles? Cooper gave her a disbelieving look.
One brother. He was killed in Iraq shortly after he enlisted in the Army.
Im sorry. His tone softened. What unit?
Does it matter? Hes dead. Megs chest tightened, making it hard to breathe. Caldwells reckless disregard for safety while in combat was the reason she wanted to manufacture body armor for soldiers. She thought of her older brothers bright, cheerful grin and how hed always let her tag along, always promised to be there to keep her safe and happy because their parents didnt care about them...
Caldwell broke that promise the day he enlisted.
No aunts or uncles?
No. I was raised by my grandmother, and her funeral was a week ago. She lifted her chin and gave him the impervious stare used when it was necessary to keep others at bay. Are you finished with the interrogation yet?
He gazed around the bedroom. You and my sister are about the same size. I got you clean, warm clothing from the upstairs guest room in case you didnt pack any winter clothing in your suitcase. You might want to consider wearing it. Itll keep you warm more than those trousers. Feel free to borrow anything else of hers while you are here. Get dressed and meet me in the kitchen. Mom made a pot of stew. Its on the stove.
Her mouth watered at the mention of hot food. The ice inside her melted a little. It sounds delicious. Thank you. And please, thank your sister for me as well, for lending me her clothing.
Cooper tensed as if someone had shoved a rod down his back. With a nod, he left the room, making her wonder what she had said that made him shut down like that.
What Cooper Johnson felt was none of her concern. And Meg knew she didnt dare tell him or his family the full truth. Guilt pinched her. He was better off not knowing hed given shelter to a possible killer.
She needed to regroup and plan and get out of here.
Before Prescott found her, and she endangered anyone else.
Chapter 3
The princess, no, her name was Meg, was certainly pretty. With those big eyes, the tumbling curls spilling down her curvy backside, generous breasts and wide hips, she was stunning. Coop had always preferred curvy women, and Meg fit the bill.
But she was an assignment for Project SOS, not a potential date. At least shed had the courtesy to thank him for pulling her rear end out of trouble.
And it was a very nice rear end. Hed gotten a sample as shed crawled down the bed to get her dog. A thin triangle of red silk stretched across her pretty bottom, the kind of bottom a man could cup and squeeze as he drove deep inside her in the dark of night.
Forget it. She was clearly traumatized and the last thing Meg needed was him panting all over her as if she were steak and he hadnt eaten in a month.
Well, it has been a few months since you had sex, his libido cheerfully reminded him.
Get used to celibacy. We have a job to do.
He stirred the pot of stew his mom had made, glancing out the window at the darkened skies. The snow was really coming down now, blowing in the fierce wind. He hoped Betsy was doing okay. Normally hed spend the night with her in the barn, checking on her. Maybe once he got the beauty queen settled, hed head there.
She sure was a beauty queen, too. Those big green eyes, perfect cheekbones and lush mouth made for kissing...
Hearing footsteps, Coop spooned out a generous portion of stew into a bowl and set it on the kitchen table upon a hand-sewn place mat, where a spoon rested. Meg entered the kitchen, the dog on her heels. She carried a can of dog food and a monogrammed dog dish and went to the can opener on the counter.
As the opener whirred and clicked, Sophie whined and pawed at Meg.
Down, Sophie, he said mildly.
The dog sat on her haunches, looked up at Coop and growled again. He shot the furball an amused look as he found a spoon for Meg to dish out the dog food.
Well, hello to you as well. Dont worry, Im not going to steal your chow. Moms stew is much better. But if youre staying here, you will learn manners.
After setting the bowl of dog food on the floor, Meg slid into the seat with an appreciative sigh. Thank you. This looks delicious.
As he started out of the kitchen, she blinked. Arent you eating? I hate to eat alone.
Sighing, he fetched another bowl. Ever since his leave, he kept up with PT, but watched his calories, mindful of his weight. Two dinners tonight. But hed work it off tomorrow.
He joined her at the table. Its not filet mignon, but itll fill you up on a cold night, Princess.
She frowned. You dont like using my name? Why do you keep calling me Princess?
Cooper blinked. You look straight out of the pictures Ive seen of beauty queens. And I give nicknames to everyone. I do on the teams and around here.
Oh? And what did they call you?
He considered. Usually Coop. Farm Boy, too, because I grew up on a farm. Sometimes Beast because I get real ornery when I get hungry.
As they ate, she kept stealing glances at him, maybe wondering if hed rocket off into a temper because of his beast rep. Knowing she had been abused, he hastened to add, I may get mean, but thats only around the guys. Youll see.
I wont be around here long enough to find out, she told him. This is temporary.
Doesnt matter if it is, youre going to need new clothing if all you packed are clothes fit for Palm Beach. Like those fancy boots you were wearing. He shook his head. Totally inappropriate for New England weather.
Those are my eight-hundred-dollar Jimmy Choos. Theyre suede, she shot back.
Jimmys shoes? Whos Jimmy?
Jimmy Choo, she said very slowly, as if conversing with someone with the mental capacity of a three-year-old. Hes a famous designer.
He knew this, knew all about expensive shoes because an ex-girlfriend raved about them. So you like wearing shoes with a guys name on them? Your Jimmys shoes arent fit for snow and slush and mud. Theyre worth about ten dollars now at a yard sale.
Whats a yadh?
Yard. He spoke slowly. My accent is coming out. Happens when I get tired. Better get you to a store tomorrow to fetch you some real boots.
Real boots? Meg frowned. What do you wear around here?
He stuck out his foot. Tractor Supply. Steel toe.
Meg stared, a look of incredulity on her pretty face. You expect me to wear Tractor Supply? I expect youll next want me in Farmer John overalls and a chambray work shirt?
More like out of them, wearing nothing but skin. He swallowed hard at the mental image. And a pair of red suede pumps with stiletto heels. Coop imagined her wearing those only for him with the crimson panties and bra. Hoo-yah.
He assumed his best poker face to hide his thoughts and adjusted his jeans.
Jeans will do just fine. We dont put our hired hands to work in fancy yoga pants. Youll need something that will wash out real good after you muck out the stalls. He cocked his head. You did come here to work in the stables. Thats what Jarrett said.
I, er, no, I...
Laughing, he waved a hand. Im teasing.
Thanks, she said through gritted teeth. Not. Lacey didnt tell me you were such fine entertainment.
He sat back, enjoying the glare. Made her eyes all sparkle like Fourth of July. Got you to stop thinking about it.
Thinking about what? Meg dug into her stew and ate a spoonful.
All seriousness now, he glanced down at her dog. What youre running from.
She didnt look at him. I didnt pack much. There was no time, and I couldnt risk my ex-husband seeing my warm clothing gone. Hed guess that I fled north.
Wise move. Id have done the same. Tomorrow well go into town, get you dressed for this weather.
A faint pink flushed her cheeks. Ill be okay with what I have. I cant afford to pay for it right now...
Knowing how that admission must have dented her pride, he softened his voice. No worries. Part of SOSs services. Jarrett will foot the bill.