Luke started to his feet “I’ll get you more.”
“No, that won’t be necessary. I was finished anyway.” She made a move to get up, but he shifted slightly to block her way, careful not to alarm her. She sank back down into the seat, biting her lip. “I do have things to take care of, Luke. I’m sure you understand. Maybe later.” Her expression revealed her immediate chagrin at even so vague a suggestion.
Luke was not daunted by her reluctance. Every passing second in her presence convinced him that she was far from immune to him, though she seemed determined to reject her own response. And he was certain now that she would fulfill the promise of his dreams—those incredible, sensual dreams that had haunted his sleep from the moment he saw her.
“What about tonight?” he asked smoothly. “We don’t have many fancy dining establishments in town, but I’d be very pleased if you would join me for dinner. This place serves a reasonable steak.
“Luke, I do thank you for your offer—but I’m under a great deal of pressure right now.” She stared fixedly into her coffee. “I can’t guarantee when I’ll be free. I hope you understand.” Her voice had become cool and distant again, polite and correct and without a shred of warmth. It provoked him unexpectedly
“I hope you don’t mind a blunt observation, Joey,” he remarked with a casualness as false as her own. “I’ve heard something of your business in town, and I’ll risk giving you a little more advice. The mountains become dangerous with the coming of winter, and there are some very isolated areas that very few people have explored. The wilderness is unpredictable at the best of times. It isn’t a place for someone of limited experience .You may be disappointed in finding what you’re looking for.”
Within an instant all reserve dropped from Joey’s face, the fire was back in force, though it burned with a savage chill “And do you know just what I’m looking for, Mr Gévaudan? Do you know me at all? I don’t think so. And I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d just leave me alone .”
Her eyes flashed on his, the gold flecks bright against deep brown, and Luke was startled to find that his gaze broke first. He hardly noticed when she stood up and pushed him aside.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have things to do. Good-bye, Mr Gévaudan.” Her body brushed by him as she marched away, shoulders rigid with anger—and something less easily defined.
Luke watched her go, amazed at his own bemusement. She was the first who had ever managed to face him down.
The thought was not particularly pleasant, and Luke felt his hackles rise. One thing had become very clear, she most definitely reacted to him. Her attempts at cool indifference were a transparent mask for something she didn’t care to acknowledge. And for all her will and determination, she had never faced his like before.
Luke smoothed the frown from his face, glancing around intently. If anyone had witnessed the episode, he was staying carefully out of sight. Luke straightened and stalked out of the coffee shop. So she was able to resist him in a way the others hadn’t—but she had a weakness. There was something she wanted very much. Almost as much as he wanted her.
It was only a matter of time.
Chapter Three
The week passed all too quickly.
Joey had met with nothing but frustration in her search for a replacement guide, and the fading summer fled before her. The first golden leaves were beginning to appear on aspen and cottonwood, and the bellowing of moose would soon herald the arrival of autumn. Already the air was touched with chill in the mornings and evenings. No one had to remind Joey that her time was running short.
To add insult to injury, Joey found herself haunted by Luke Gévaudan. Her best efforts at dissuading him, all her determination to give him not one shred of encouragement that might embolden him in his pursuit of her, went for nothing.
If she dropped in to exchange a friendly word with Dr Collier, Luke was there. When she went by the general store for supplies, Luke just happened to be in the area.