Only His (Fool's Gold #6)(69)

“It’s at the far end of what’s going to be the parking lot,” Nevada pointed out. “That’s good. Maybe the caves are past the property line. Then it wouldn’t be your problem.”

“I’m not feeling that lucky.”

He put his arm around her. “Still okay? No headache or bruises?”

“I got a little banged up hitting the ground,” she said. “Otherwise, I’m good.”

They reached the base of the hill. Before they could climb up, a car drove toward them. Tucker recognized it and the older woman climbing out.

“I received a call,” Mayor Marsha said as she approached. “We have ourselves a situation.” She glanced toward the crowd on the hillside. “They can’t stay there. The ground might not be stable.”

“I’ll get my men out.”

“Good. I’ve already called Chief Barns. She’ll post her people around the area until we can figure out what’s going on.” The mayor drew in a breath. “Is there really gold?”

“That’s what I’m hearing.”

“Because a giant vagina wasn’t enough,” the mayor mused.

“At least the gold will be a distraction,” he offered.

“If you do your job and make the vagina go away, we won’t need a distraction.”

“Oh, right. Good point.”

NEVADA LEFT WORK EARLY. Between the press, the police and interested people from town, the construction site was a busy mess. She would tackle what she had to in the morning. In the meantime she wanted a hot bath and some quiet time to process her new, complicated life.

While the tub filled, she kept having flashbacks to the last time she’d used it. That had been during her night with Tucker, the one that had curled her toes more than once. The man knew what he was doing, she thought as she climbed into the water. If the sex had been half that good ten years ago, she might have tried arm wrestling Cat for him. Not that winning would have made a difference. He’d been obsessed with the artistic beauty.

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.”