Morgan's Hunter by Cate Beauman

the station. “Your equipment arrived from the Bureau late last week, Ms. Taylor. We put the cases in storage.” He pointed to the brown building set back from the cabin.
    “Great, I’d like to do inventory at some point today.”
    “Sure, just ask me or Miles. We’ll open the shed for you.”
    Hunter followed Morgan and Robert into the tiny house. The scent of stale coffee mingled with pine as they walked into the wood paneled office making up the majority of the station. A short hallway sectioned the galley kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom from the ranger’s official work area.
    “We’ll put you and Mr. Phillips in here,” Robert said to Morgan as he moved down the hall and stepped into the small bedroom.
    There was barely enough space for two bodies to stand, let alone three. Hunter peered in from the doorway. Two twin beds were crammed together. Someone would have to crawl over the first bed to get to the second. The room was no longer than the mattress. A small shelf had been nailed to the wall above the beds. An ugly dented metal lamp took residence in its center. They would be sharing the closet. The amenities didn’t include bureaus or chests of drawers. There simply wasn’t room.
    “Sorry about the accommodations, folks. This room is meant for one. Miles usually sleeps in here. We shoved this other bed in, but—” Robert shrugged. “It’s going to be pretty close quarters. I wish we had something else to offer. If this is too awkward—”
    “No, no, this is fine.” Morgan touched Robert’s arm. “We appreciate your hospitality.”
    “I’ll leave you to settle in and give you fair warning. The shower doesn’t always cooperate. Sometimes we have hot water, but it’s never guaranteed.”
    “Thank you, Robert.” Morgan smiled.
    Hunter stepped in when Robert left the room.
    Morgan closed the door, whirled around. “What is your problem? Why were you so rude?”
    “I wasn’t.” He dropped her suitcase on the scarred wooden floor with a thud.
    “Close enough. You didn’t go out of your way to be friendly, and the first words out of your mouth were practically an interrogation. We’re going to be living with these people for the better part of a month. That was completely unacceptable. I expect you to apologize.”
    “You do, do you? Well, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.” Hunter set his pack on the bed.
    With a deep sigh, Morgan closed her eyes, pressed her index finger and thumb against the bridge of her nose, pinching. “You’re impossible, absolutely impossible. I’m going out to inventory my equipment. I’ll put my stuff away after you’ve finished.”
    Hunter blocked her path with his body. “I want you to wait for me.”
    “Forget it.”
    He grabbed her arm as she tried to walk by. “Morgan, if you go to the shed, you stay put. Don’t wander off.”
    She gave him a “fuck you” scoff and stepped from the room.
    “I mean it, Morgan,” he said as she walked down the hall and out the door without sparing him another glance.
    Her dark scent lingered. He clenched his jaw. If he’d ever met a bigger pain in his ass, they certainly weren’t coming to mind. Her stunning looks were equally matched by her ugly attitude. If this kept up, she wouldn’t have to worry about potential threats from others; he’d kill her himself.

    Miles headed toward a government-issued pickup when she stepped outside. The cloudless blue sky cheered her instantly. She fought to forget the insufferable man she’d left behind. Feeling friendly again, she called out, “Excuse me, Miles, could you unlock the shed? I would really like to get a look at my equipment before I use it this week.”
    “Sure, Ms. Taylor.” His brown eyes warmed as he smiled.
    “Please, call me Morgan.”
    “All right, Morgan, I’d be happy to open the shed.” He unlocked the padlock, walked away.
    “Miles?”
    He stopped, turned.
    “I want to apologize for Hunter’s rudeness. He can be pretty