Callahan's Gold (Southwest Desert Series Book 3) by Mary Tate Engels Page A

the barbell from him and tossed it into the empty suitcase. "I don't plan to let myself get out of shape."
    "Riding those mules up the mountain should keep some parts of you well toned," he muttered as he bent to straighten the mattress. "Guess we'd better get some of this cleaned up so you can go to bed."
    She sighed. "After everything that's happened, I'm wide awake. What if he comes back? Do you think he's gone for good, Dodge?" Suddenly, she wanted his reassurance again.
    "And you don't have your gun anymore." Strangely, she felt a pang of regret.
    "But I have these." He knotted both hands into large fists. "I'll take care of you. Don't worry, Tory."
    Instinctively, she reached out and grasped one huge-knuckled fist. She couldn't get her slender fingers all the way around the fist he'd made. "I have no doubt you'll be able to take care of me. And him. If you know he's here."
    "I'll know."
    "Only if you're close enough."
    He took a step. "How close is enough?"
    Her hand traveled up his sinewy forearm, over the bulging bicep, to his sturdy shoulder. She shouldn't be so impressed by mere muscles, but this brawny physique was attached to a man who elicited a response in her that went beyond reason. Beyond reasonable control. And she was rapidly losing hers. "This . . . this is probably close enough."
    "Not for me, Tory." His chest expanded as he took a slow, heated breath, and she could hear and feel the rise and fall of the powerful expanse beneath her fingertips. "Can't you tell that I want you ... as close as possible?"
    Her hand moved up his shirt to the bare spot at the base of his neck where his collar opened and his pulse throbbed. Her fingers tingled at the sensuous touch. "As close as possible . . ." she repeated in a breathy whisper.
    Renewed by her response to his desire, Dodge pulled them together again, clamping his lips over hers with a vigorous fervor. The timid gentleness was gone this time, replaced by strength of yearning. They clung to each other, grasping and clutching as the throes of gutsy desire took over. Now it was a man and a woman, giving in to feelings and lust, two firebrands seeking the heart of the flame that aroused them.
    He kissed her lips, her face, her cheeks. His lips tasted her long, creamy neck, then traveled deeper, lower. With crazed hands, he removed the blouse and the lacy bra that embraced her firm white breasts. His lips caressed them, setting her aglow with his fiery kisses.
    She lifted in response to his passion and each nipple perked up as he alternated his kisses between them.
    Her fingers shook as she hurried to unbutton his shirt and open it to reveal the expanse of masculine chest that she craved to touch . . . and kiss. And she did, until he moaned softly and pulled her close to kiss her lips again.
    "Tory . . . Tory . . ." he murmured softly.
    His hands stroked her bare back, and she fervently arched against him, crushing her creamy breasts to the carved muscles of his chest. He pressed her against the hardness of his groin. "We belong together, Tory. Like this."
    "Hmmm, I believe so. . ." She moved seductively against him, her silk pants sliding against the roughness of his jeans, her hips undulating with the basic need in her that he had aroused so quickly.
    "Tory, my little fancy pants, I want you." Still, he made no move, except to hold her close.
    "Me, too, Dodge," she whispered, and wriggled loose from his embrace. "Come on," she encouraged, guiding him to the wrecked bed. With one bold sweep of her hand, she made room for them by pushing away the contents of her suitcases. Boldly, she slipped off her shoes and lay back on the bare mattress. She was topless but still wore her beige silk slacks.
    Her breasts heaved as she tried to temper her breathing by taking deep breaths. She felt as though she'd been running. And maybe she had. To Dodge.
    With exaggerated, purposeful movements, she gripped the beige waistband, unbuttoning and slowly unzipping the slacks. Then, with