Maverick / The Playboy's Passionate Pursuit: Maverick / The Playboy's Passionate Pursuit

“Brianna, are you getting out?” He grinned, pulled her door open. “Or are your fingers locked on the seat and dash?”

Startled from her inspection of the dog, Bri gave him a dry look and a blatant lie. “I’m afraid to move, since I feel as if every bone in my body was disjointed during the ride down here.”

“I thought maybe you were terrified by the sight of Boyo.”

“That, too,” she admitted. “But I see he’s friendly.” She frowned. “What kind of name is Boyo for an animal his size?”

“It’s Irish for boy,” he explained, laughing again. “Come on, Hawk will protect you.”

Lord, Bri loved the sound of his laughter. Steeling herself against her feelings, she took the hand he held out to her.

His hand wasn’t soft, his nails weren’t manicured as were the hands of her father and most of the other men she knew. His broad, long fingers were used to work, hardened and rough.

An image flashed before her with sudden clarity. His rough hands caressing her body, gripping her bottom to draw him closer as he crushed his mouth to hers.

A tremor shot through her.

“Are you cold, Brianna?” Tanner frowned, placing the other hand at her waist to steady her as she jumped to the ground.

“No…” Bri took a quick breath, stalling for time to come up with a reasonable excuse. “I’m hungry.” Was that reasonable enough? “It’s been a long time since lunch, don’t forget. Aren’t you hungry?” She stretched and took a few steps, easing the stiffness in her back from sitting so long and being jarred on the drive into the valley.

“Plenty to eat in the house,” Hawk said.

“Come on, Bri. Come meet Hawk.” Tanner gently took her by the arm to lead her around the SUV toward his friend. “And Boyo.”

Hawk McKenna had a solid handshake and a winning smile. For some inexplicable reason, she instantly both liked and trusted him. Something inside told her this was a good man. Something about him reminded her of Tanner.

Wait a minute. Tanner…good? Trustworthy? She had to admit her mental jury was still out on that verdict.

Boyo stood by his master, his long, black-tipped tail swishing back and forth, his body trembling in eagerness to greet her.

Bri tentatively reached out a hand to the animal to sniff.

“You may touch him,” Hawk said, his deep voice edged with amusement. “He won’t bite you.”

She touched the dog’s muzzle and was promptly rewarded by a swipe of his tongue. Laughing, Bri caressed his head, scratched him under his wide jaw and ran her hand over his back. The rough, wiry feel of his coat against her palm surprised her; he had looked so sleek and smooth.

“You have a nice spread here, Mr. McKenna,” she said, glancing up at him, her compliment sincere.

“Thank you.” He smiled at her before sweeping the property with an appreciative look. “It’s home.”

He led them to the house, Boyo in step on the far side of him.

“Welcome,” Hawk said as he pushed the door open, stepping back and sweeping his arm in invitation.

Boyo trotted into the kitchen, and within moments they could hear him lapping up water.

“Thank you.” Bri smiled at him as she stepped into what was obviously the living room. She glanced around her at the sparse yet homey decor.

“This is very nice,” she said, turning to smile at Hawk. “Navajo?” she asked, indicating a beautifully woven blanket hanging on one wall.

“Yeah,” Hawk answered. “A gift from a friend.”

“It’s lovely.” Bri smiled, moving forward for a closer look. “You have nice friends. That blanket must be worth a small fortune.”

“It is. And I do.” Hawk nodded and glanced at Tanner. “And Wolfe, there, is the friend.” He smiled, slow and easy. “Wanna tell Ms. Stewart what you paid for the blanket, Tanner?”

“No.” Tanner shook his head but smiled back. “He earned it, Brianna,” he explained. “He helped me track a man, a real badass, two years ago. The jerk was a multiple killer with a big bounty on his head.” He shot a dry look at Hawk. “I wanted to share the bounty with him. He said no but that he’d accept a particular blanket. You see—”

“Wolfe,” Hawk said, a warning in his tone.

“You don’t scare me, ole son, so save your breath.” Tanner grinned at him.

Hawk narrowed his eyes. Tanner’s grin widened.

Fearing that any second they’d be at each other, fists flying, Bri held a hand in the air in the signal to halt. “Don’t start anything here, you two. This house is too beautiful to wreck it in a free-for-all.” Her voice was soft but stern. “If you’re going to beat up on each other, take it outside.”

Tanner and Hawk stared at each other a moment, then roared with laughter.

Bri placed her hands on her hips, glared at the two of them and tapped one booted foot on the hardwood floor. “I do hope you’re not laughing at me.” Though pleasant, her voice held a sting.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, ma’am.” Hawk was obviously fighting to contain a grin.

“Never gave it a thought, ma’am.” Tanner didn’t bother to hold back a grin. He laughed out loud.

“O-kay. I’ve had enough of your silliness.” Bri was having difficulty maintaining the laughter rising in her throat. “I need a bathroom first, a proper bath and something to eat. Oh, and my pack.”

Hawk slanted a sober look at Tanner. “She always this bossy?”

Tanner nodded, sighing. “’Fraid so. It’s enough to drive a simple man to distraction.”

Bri rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to blast the two of them. She wasn’t fast enough.

“Yeah.” Tanner gave a slow head shake. “I just don’t know what to do with her.”

Bri was torn between amusement and annoyance. She was silent just long enough for Hawk to get in another shot.

“Oh, buddy, I’d know what to do with her.” Teasing laughter danced in his dark eyes.

“Well, yeah, but—”

That’s as far as she let Tanner get. “But you’re going to be too busy getting my gear from the SUV. Right?” Her tone held a definite warning.

“Er, yeah, right, I’m on it.” Softly chuckling, Tanner turned and strode out the door.

“And I’m gonna finish supper.” Hawk headed for the kitchen, clearly visible in the open floor plan, flicking a hand toward a hallway on the far side of the living room. “Bathroom’s the second door to the left.”

“Thank you.” Bri headed for the hallway, hearing Hawk ask Boyo if he was hungry, too.