Maverick / The Playboy's Passionate Pursuit: Maverick / The Playboy's Passionate Pursuit. Emilie Rose

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      “No, but the only thing I did was check in to the hotel and get my room card. I left my stuff with the bell captain and came right here.”

      “How did you know I’d be here?”

      “Lisa told me.” She smiled, maybe a bit smugly. “She spoke to your mother last night, who told Lisa you had called and said you had just returned.”

      Tanner scowled.

      Bri rushed to clarify her statement. “Your mother knew I was coming here to try to hire you.” She drew a breath and went on more normally. “She told Lisa she would let her know as soon as she heard from you.”

      “Women.” He heaved a sigh and shook his head.

      She bristled at his dismissive tone. “What’s wrong with women?”

      Tanner slid a wry look at her. “Most of the time, like children, they should be seen and not heard.”

      Stunned, Bri was speechless for a moment. Though sorely tempted to explode all over him, she forced herself to remain calm, icy calm. “Mr. Wolfe, that is the stupidest, most sexist remark I’ve ever heard. What century are you living in?”

      “Honey, I’m right here and now,” he said, every bit as calm and icy. “I may not be politically correct, but I’m honest. I’m a women jabber. Simple as that.”

      “Forget it.”

      “Gladly. Now…”

      “No,” she shook her head, sliding her chair back and rising. “I mean forget about finding that poor excuse for a man. I’ll hire someone else.” Before the last word was out of her mouth, she turned to leave. “Or hunt him myself.”

      “No, you won’t.” His voice was sharp with command. “I’m going, with or without you,” he repeated her earlier ultimatum back to her. “Now, Brianna, sit down and let’s get down to business.”

      Bri hesitated, telling herself that if she had any sense or pride, she would tell Tanner Wolfe to go to hell, walk out of there and look up another hunter. Her sense must have deserted her, for she sighed and swallowed what was left of her pride. In the final analysis, she was determined Minnich would be caught and she wanted the best mountain hunter. So, still glaring at Tanner, she reseated herself.

      “Smart girl.” He offered a slight smile. She refused the offer. Instead he shrugged. “Okay, let’s get it done.”

      Smart girl. Yeah, right. She had caved to the caveman, dammit. She soothed her tattered composure by reminding herself Dani’s well-being was worth her pride.

      “Guns.”

      Bri blinked herself out of her musings. “What?”

      “You said you had your supplies,” he said patiently. “What kind of weapons do you have?”

      “Oh.” Bri felt flustered and foolish. Telling herself to get with it, keep up with him, prove she was a smart girl, she replied, “I’ve got a.270 rifle with a three-by-nine scope and a.357 hunting revolver.” She arched her brows at his sudden intent expression. “What do you pack?”

      “A.30-06 and a 7mm rifle with the same scope, and a.44 mag.” He looked impressed. “And you really do pack some heavy-duty heat.”

      Not as much as you do, she thought, referring not to his weapons but to his body. “I told you I knew what I was doing,” she said, working at not sounding too smug or too breathless. “Anything else?”

      His lips twitched, evidently amused by her. “Clothes, backpack, sleeping bag?”

      “Yes.” Now her lips twitched. “All of the above.”

      He smiled. “Wanna tell me about them? Just a hint?” His smile grew into a grin.

      Bri gave a mock sigh, fighting the smile tickling the corners of her mouth. Darn him, why did he have to be so attractive? “I have clothes suitable for mountain terrain, including a ski jacket neatly packed in my backpack, along with other necessities. My sleeping bag is the best available and waterproof. I lay it on a nearly weightless ground sheet. Now are there any other questions?”

      “As a matter of fact, there are,” he said. “What about food? Have you thought of that?”

      This time she gave him a droll look. “Of course I have, but I didn’t bring much with me. I figured we could get what we needed here in Durango.”

      He nodded. “You figured correctly.” He pushed the chair back and stood. “Let’s get lunch. We’ll take my truck.”

      “Wait a minute,” she protested while standing and following him from the kitchen. “Who said anything about lunch?”

      “I just did.” He shot a glance at the big red-rimmed clock on one wall. “It’s nearly one. I’m hungry for something more substantive than a scone. Aren’t you?”

      “Well, yes,” she admitted reluctantly, because she was feeling too attracted to the arrogant Neanderthal. “Why not take separate vehicles?”

      Tanner paused, holding open the door for her. “You know your way around Durango?”

      She had never even been to Durango, Colorado, before. “Well, no, but—” She was about to mention the restaurant in her hotel, but that’s as far as she got before he cut her off.

      “That’s what I thought. We’ll take my truck.”

      Bri had no intention of doing so. She shook her head. “I want to go to the hotel and freshen up a bit. Give me directions. I’ll meet you at the restaurant in a half hour.”

      The restaurant Tanner had directed her to was done in Western decor, not honky-tonk but with style and ambience. Now, in early afternoon, there were few patrons, so the place was quiet.

      “This is very nice,” she said to Tanner, seating herself in the chair the host held for her. She smiled at the man. “Thank you.”

      “Wait till you’ve tasted the food,” Tanner said.

      She looked over the long list of dishes offered on the menu. Her glance halted at shrimp and pasta in a light herb dressing. On the spot, she dumped the idea of her normal luncheon salad.

      She placed her order when the waitress came, then looked up at Tanner. She felt certain he would order red meat, like a rare steak. He surprised her. A talent he seemingly had in abundance.

      “I’ll have the pasta, as well, but with chicken.”

      The server no sooner turned away when a young woman came to an abrupt stop at their table. She was blond, petite and more than pretty. Her big blue eyes sparkled with surprised pleasure. Her teeth gleamed in a brilliant yet sensuous smile.

      “Tanner, honey!” Miss Sunshine exclaimed, moving into his arms when Tanner stood. “I haven’t seen you in ages. What have you been up to?”

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