Maverick / The Playboy's Passionate Pursuit: Maverick / The Playboy's Passionate Pursuit. Emilie Rose

smiled. “First of all, Brianna, you’re not stranded. Second, he actually didn’t deceive you.”

      Bri’s back went ramrod stiff. “What do you mean? He deserted me when he said he would take me with him.”

      “And he did, in his way,” Hawk countered. “He took you out of Durango and brought you here.”

      “That’s not funny.” She was getting steamed all over again. Suddenly her delicious breakfast lay heavy in her stomach. “He didn’t say he’d bring me here, dammit! He said he’d take me along hunting with him.”

      Hawk was shaking his head. “He couldn’t, Brianna.”

      “That’s ridiculous.” She glared at him. “He selected horses. Showed me the mare I was to ride. Stashed my gear next to his own by the door. And now you tell me he couldn’t take me. Why the hell not?”

      Bri realized she was on the edge of losing it. She paused to breathe, calm herself down.

      “He told me he could not—would not—expose you to the danger of possibly facing a killer.”

      “And I told him I can take care of myself, and Tanner knows it.”

      “I’m sure he does.” Hawk nodded. “But then, I’m also sure it makes no difference to him.” He gave her a gentle look. “Although I know Tanner’s feelings about hunting alone, there is more to it in this instance.”

      “What?” Bri frowned. “What other reason, other than his pure, arrogant bullheadedness?”

      Hawk sighed. “Your safety is important to him, Brianna. Very important.”

      Bri felt a tiny flare deep inside. Could Hawk possibly mean that Tanner cared for her? Oh, she was aware of the physical attraction between them. All too aware. But could he feel something stronger than that?

      The mere idea, the thought alone, caused excitement to dance along her nerve endings. Then she came to her senses, telling herself to grow up and face reality. Tanner didn’t care for her. He treated her the way he would any woman who wanted to hunt a killer.

      But it was a lovely thought…for a moment.

      Sighing softly, she lowered her head so Hawk couldn’t see the disappointment mirrored in her eyes.

      “Okay,” he said, sliding his chair back and standing. “I’ll get these dishes cleared away and then I’ll drive you back to Durango.”

      Bri snapped her head up. “I’m not going back to Durango,” she said with quiet determination.

      “You want to wait here for Tanner to return?” He hurried on before she could reply. “Not that I mind, you understand, but—”

      “No, Hawk, I’m going after him.”

      “Alone?” Hawk stared at her. “Brianna, you should know it’s never smart or safe to hunt alone.” He shook his head. “This man is a killer.”

      Bri blinked, shook her head. “No, no, I’m not going after Minnich. I’m going after Tanner.”

      “It’s just as dangerous.”

      “I’ll be careful,” she assured him.

      “What if you get lost?”

      Bri gave him a long look. “I do know how to blaze a trail, Hawk.”

      “But—”

      “No buts,” she said, shaking her head again. “I am going. Will you give me the use of a horse? I’ll pay you the going rate.”

      “No.” Flat, final.

      Nothing could have made her reveal the hurt his refusal gave her. “Okay, I’ll trek.” She moved to rise, but Hawk held up a hand.