A Dangerous Love

She tried to push away from him but his embrace was too strong. He lifted his head, his hungry gaze searching her face. As his grip on her relaxed, she stepped away from him, a flush creeping up her neck.

He smiled knowingly, his eyes mocking her. "I guess the evening was a little cold?"

She stared at her shoes, remembering their first kiss by the creek. What was it about him that she responded to in spite of what she knew about him? Did he know she was attracted to him? The thought sent a shiver up her spine. Did he think that it would keep her silent? There was little point in denying her attraction, but he'd best learn to keep his distance. She finally lifted her chin, meeting his amused gaze defiantly.

"I don't believe in fraternizing with the boss."

For a moment he looked surprised, and then he frowned. "Drop the formalities. We both know why you're here." His voice was crisp.

The words sliced through her disguise, stabbing into her heart. She stepped back and glared at him. "I'm here as a companion for your mother, not you!"

His brows shot up and his eyes twinkled. "You're a little spitfire, you know that?" He shook his head in surrender, and his voice softened. "I meant I'm not your boss. I may be footing the bill, but you're working for Mom, not me."

She bit her lip. Was she always misinterpreting his intent, or was he merely quick-witted enough to think of a good excuse on the spur of the moment? At any rate, he had successfully removed her barrier. It was time to fall back and rebuild another. She shrugged. "Speaking of your mother, we'd better go in so she doesn't worry." She turned and started for the door, but his hand gripped her arm again.

"If you want to walk this late in the evening, you need to make sure I'm with you. There are bears and other animals in the woods, you know."

Those animals were more afraid of her than she of them, and he knew it. She smiled up at him innocently. "I guess a walk in the cool evening isn't worth the risk of being eaten up by beasts is it?"

His eyes were twinkling with humor, and something else. "Why do I get the feeling it's the bears that should be concerned?" His expression sobered and the blue eyes lost a little of their warmth. "You're an interesting woman, Lisa. I sure hate to think of something awful happening to you because of your curiosity."