Page 2 of Her Heart's Desire
“That’s private investigator, not hired goon,” he explained, patiently adding, “I got out of the wayward daughter business when you blew town seven years ago.”
Irritated by his disapproving tone, she shot him an annoyed glare, and his half-naked body again drew her attention. She couldn’t help staring. She snapped her attention back to his face in time to see him smirking at her.
The jerk knew he was getting to her.
“I’m not saying another word until you zip your pants.”
He smiled. “Afraid?”
“Disgusted.” She glowered at him. The clashes with Ramsey as her father’s henchman were a part of her rebellious teens that she didn’t like to remember. Leaving home and making her way in the world without her father’s money was the best thing she’d ever done.
His jaw tightened as he zipped his pants. “What happened, Sunshine? Grayson not so hot in the sack?”
Samantha closed her eyes as an appalling image of catching Grayson in the act with another woman flashed before her. “Listen, jerk-face. I am tired, cold, and hungry. I’ve had one hell of a rotten day, and I’m in no mood to put up with snide remarks from the likes of you. I don’t care why you’re here. Get out!”
He smiled grimly, showing even white teeth. “Sorry, no can do. I’m here on vacation and in no mood to be booted out of my snug bed by a spoiled little rich girl. Now, say sorry for disturbing me and run back to Daddy.”
She glared at him. He was a dangerous man, but she knew he always held himself under complete control. She’d found that out the hard way once. Seven years ago, she would have let him run her off, but now she was made of sterner stuff.
She plopped onto a chair. “I’m not leaving.”
“How about I throw you out?” he asked quietly.
She gritted her teeth. “How about I tell my father what a jerk you are and get you fired?”
A crackle sounded from outside. “You in the house, come out with your hands up!”
Samantha jumped at the order that was shouted through a bullhorn outside. She cast a startled glance at Ramsey. He didn’t look at all surprised at the interruption.
“Who’s that?”
“The police.”
Samantha gaped at his matter-of-fact response. “Police! What in the heck is going on?”
“You tripped the burglar alarm, Sunshine.”
She gazed at his shark-like smile gleaming in the dimly lit room and shuddered. There was no burglar alarm. Or, at least, there hadn’t been seven years ago. She wrinkled her nose, noting his triumphant expression. It seemed things had changed in the interim, but why would her father go to the expense of protecting this run-down cabin they seldom used? It didn’t make any sense.
“Well, go tell them there’s no problem.”
“But there is,” he said with a relaxed smile. “Breaking and entering is a crime.”
Samantha’s eyes widened at the implied threat. “This ismycabin.”
“Correction, it’s your daddy’s cabin. There is a distinction. Maybe a night in jail will teach it to you.”
Her last ounce of civility vanished as she jumped to her feet. “I’m not the one who’s going to end up in jail.”
She watched the storm clouds gather in his gray eyes and took a nervous step back. She’d gone too far. Maybe it would be safer to take her chances with the cops.
She spun on her heel and ran toward the door with Ramsey’s footsteps in hot pursuit.
He closed the distance, grabbing her arm as she reached for the doorknob.
She lashed out, slamming her heel against his kneecap. His long leg buckled, and he hit the floor groaning, clutching his thigh. She spared one backward glance at the look of pure astonishment on his rugged face before she tore open the door.
A bright light shone out of the darkness, blinding her and stopping her in her tracks.