Now she’d lobbed the ball squarely into his court. In real life she’d never have been so pushy, but for this job, she had to take any advantages she could. Even those that hadn’t been offered. Especially those.
He frowned, giving her what she’d have sworn was a passable imitation of a confused look. “I promise this is a nice trailer. It’s clean and private and better for your dog. You’ll be close enough to still do your job, but not underfoot. I’m sorry, Ms. McLain. I do value my privacy.”
She’d bet he did. It might be difficult organizing and running a massive illegal-export empire with a snoopy journalist underfoot. Well played, Matt Landeta, she thought. Well played. Of course, she’d expected no less.
“I understand.” She didn’t have to feign her disappointment.
“Go ahead, have a look inside.” He opened the door, motioning for her to precede him. “After this, I’ll take you on a tour of the house.”
Humor colored his smoky voice once more. A quick glance at him confirmed her suspicion that he was laughing at her. For a heartbeat, she felt a flicker of unease’did he suspect?’before she managed to make herself chuckle along with him.
The interior of the camper was surprisingly neat. A slide-out in the living area widened the space, giving the impression of more room that the exterior had hinted at.
Talia close at her side, she wandered from the compact kitchen to the living area and checked out the tiny bathroom along the way before dropping her backpack on the full-size bed.
“Very nice,” she said, meaning it. “I used to camp as a kid, so this brings back memories.” This was actually true. The closer she stuck to the truth while undercover, the easier things generally went.
“I’m glad.” His broad shoulders made the tiny space seem even smaller. He dropped Talia’s bed in the perfect spot next to the compact couch and placed the bag of dog food on the kitchen table.
For a moment they stood in a sort of awkward silence. Finally, he gave her what she was beginning to think of as his trademark smile. “Ready to see the house? Do you think your dog will be all right here? The air- conditioning works just fine.”
She nodded. Fishing her camera out of her pack, she also grabbed a small notepad and pen.
Still smiling, he held out his hand to help her out of the camper. The moment she slipped her fingers into his, sensation once again slammed into her. It took every ounce of her self-control to keep from yanking her fingers from his.
Gritting her teeth, she kept her expression pleasant. As soon as she’d descended the three metal steps and had her feet firmly on the ground, she nonchalantly pulled her hand free.
She’d barely taken a step when she heard the sharp crack of a gunshot. Instinctively dropping, she rolled, intending to take cover behind the nearest bush, managing to snag hold of Matt’s arm on the way so she could drag him with her as she pulled her weapon.
Chapter 2
What the... Jerking his arm away, Matt stared at Skylar. He’d expected to find her a bit intense, given what he knew she actually did for a living, but this? It had never occurred to him that she might be skirting the edge of crazy.
“Get over here,” she whispered. To his shock he realized she’d drawn a pistol, a wicked-looking Glock.
He didn’t move. “That was my farm tractor, the one my hands use to clean out the barn. It backfired. Are you all right?” He held out his hand to help her up. Confusion flashed across her aristocratic features, warring with embarrassment and then relief. Finally, ignoring his gesture, she climbed to her feet, holstered her gun and dusted her hands off on her jeans.
“Sorry,” she drawled, her face flushed. “I could’ve sworn that was a gunshot.”
“Obviously.” Debating, he gave her a long look. “Do you always carry a pistol?”
She cocked her head. “Always,” she said firmly, surprising him. “I got my concealed-handgun license the first year they came out. I’m a firm believer in self- defense for women.”
“I agree.” Smiling at her, he kept the conversation banal. “Are you a fairly good shot?”
“I’m an excellent shot. I practice whenever I can. It’s a hobby of mine, second only to the shooting I do with my camera.” Holding up her camera, she smiled back, the first genuine expression she’d used since she’d arrived.
Her smile stunned him. He’d noticed her beauty before, but now she looked...radiant, with the kind of unconscious sensual appeal that begged exploration.
Damn. He slammed the lid down on his errant thoughts. No way was he planning to go there. He had enough on his plate as it was.
“I also have a CHL,” he told her, his voice sounding a bit huskier than he’d have liked. “But, no offense, you seem jumpy. I don’t like the idea of you waving around a gun.”
Meeting his gaze straight on, she considered his statement. “You’re right,” she finally said, surprising the hell out of him. “I promise you it won’t happen again.”
He noted she didn’t offer to turn in her weapon. Of course, as an undercover ATF agent, she really couldn’t.
Studying her, he considered his options. He could send her away and wait for the Feds to drum up another ridiculous excuse to send someone else. Or he could let her do her job while unwittingly serving his purpose and helping him get to the people he wanted’the Mexican drug cartel.
She’d do, he decided. Plus, it didn’t hurt that she was easy on the eyes. “All right,” he finally said. “You can stay. You say you’ve taken all the courses and are well aware of the responsibilities that come with carrying a loaded gun?’
“Yes.” Her mouth tightened. Pushing her, he knew, but he hadn’t been the one overreacting to the sound of an engine backfiring. Were all ATF agents this jumpy? Or did this one have a particular reason to be?
When he didn’t immediately respond, she opened her mouth as though she meant to argue her case, but then closed it, apparently deciding against saying anything that might give her away.
“Fine.” He decided to let it pass. “Come on. I’ll take you to see the horses.”
He turned and strode off in the direction of the barn, knowing she’d have to hurry to catch up. Which she did easily and without comment.
As they crossed the parking lot, passing by the tack building and the ranch office on the way to his large barn, she looked around and whistled. “Nice.”
Allowing a slight grin, he nodded. “Thanks.”
“I’ve heard your horses are beautiful.”
Of all the creatures on this earth, Matt loved horses the best. Especially his. The purebred Arabians were grace, elegance and intelligence combined.
Instead of taking Skylar directly to the barn, he led her to the indoor riding arena to which the stalls were attached. His trainers were working two of his newest mares now.
Taking Skylar’s arm, he stopped at the edge of the arena to watch. He glanced at her, knowing her reaction would tell him if she truly was a horse person at heart or pretending to be one because of her assignment.
To his surprise, she had her chin in the air, eyes closed. The expression on her face was one of rapt wonder.
“What are you doing?”
One corner of her mouth curled up. “Inhaling the scent. There’s nothing like the smell of a horse barn.”
Curious, he continued to study her. “Most people don’t like it, especially the manure.”
Shaking her head, she grinned at him. “Well, I do. I like