Under Threat by B.J. Daniels (best sci fi novels of all time TXT) 📗

she didn’t downplay it, her mother would tell her father, and who knew what he would do. He already didn’t like Dillon.

“It was fine, but that’s the problem. He’s not Chase.” Her mother was giving her the side-eye, clearly not believing any of it.

She realized that she had to give her more or her mother would worry. “Dillon doesn’t like me seeing Chase.”

“I see.” She probably did. “So that’s it?”

She nodded. “Chase isn’t wild about me seeing Dillon, but he’s smart enough not to try to stop me.” Mary tried to laugh it all off as she got up to take her cup to the sink. “Kara says it’s a terrible problem to have, two men who both want me.”

“Yes,” her mother said. “If Dillon gives you a hard time—”

“Do not say a word to Dad about this. You know how he is. I just don’t want to go out with Dillon again. That should make Dad happy.”

“Only if it is your choice.”

“It is. I need to get to work.”

Dana got up to hug her daughter before she left. “We just want you to be happy. Right now it doesn’t sound like either man is making you so.”

“His mother’s diary has blindsided Chase, but it would anyone. This whole mystery about who his father is...” She glanced at the clock. “I have to get going. Remember, nothing about this to Dad.”

Her mother nodded even though Mary knew there were few secrets between them.

Lucy couldn’t have been more pleased with the way things had gone last night. Mary had been furious with Chase. The cowboy had done it to himself. Fiona hadn’t even had a hand in it.

She was still chuckling about it this morning when the bell over the coffee shop door jangled and she turned to see the deputy come in.

Dillon Ramsey. She immediately picked up a vibe from him that made her feel a kinship. They might have more in common than Mary.

“Good morning,” she said, wondering what kind of night he’d had after everything that had happened. How serious was he about Mary? Not that much, she thought as he gave her the eye. He had a cut lip and bruise on his jaw, but he didn’t seem any the worse for wear.

“What can I get you?” she asked, and he turned on a grin that told her he’d come in for more than coffee. What was this about?

“I’d take a coffee, your choice, surprise me.”

Oh, she could surprise him in ways he never dreamed of. But she’d play along. “You got it,” she said, and went to work on his coffee while he ambled over to the window to stare across the street at Mary’s building.

She made him something strong enough to take paint off the walls, added a little sweetness and said, “I think I have just what you need this morning.”

He chuckled as he turned back to her. “I think you’re right about that.” He blatantly looked her up and down. “Go out with me.”

Okay, she hadn’t been expecting that. But all things considered, the idea intrigued her. “I’m sorry, but aren’t you dating my landlady?”

“Who says I can’t date you too?”

She raised an eyebrow. Clearly, he wanted to use her to make Mary jealous. He could mess up her plans. She couldn’t let him do that. Realizing he could be a problem, she recalled that Mary had plans tonight so she wouldn’t be around.

“I’ll tell you what. I’m working the late shift tonight. I wouldn’t be free until midnight.” She wrote down the number of her burner phone and handed him the slip of paper. “Why don’t you give me a call sometime.”

He grinned as he paid for his coffee. “I’ll do that.”

Lucy grinned back. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said, meaning it. Dillon thought he could use her. The thought made her laugh. He seriously had no idea who he was dealing with.

Mary looked up as Chase came in the front door of her building.

He held up his hands in surrender. “I don’t want to keep you from your work, but I thought maybe we could have lunch together if you don’t have other plans. I really need to talk to you. Not about us. You asked for space, and I’m giving it to you. But I do need your help.”

She glanced at her watch, surprised to see that it was almost noon. Which meant that all the restaurants would be packed. She said as much to him.

He grinned, which was always her undoing with him. “I packed us a picnic lunch. I know you’re busy, so I thought we would just go down by the river. I’ll have you back within the hour. If it won’t work out, no sweat. I’ll leave.”

She hadn’t been on a picnic in years. But more important, Chase wasn’t pressuring her. There was a spot on the river on the ranch that used to be one of their favorite places. The memory of the two of them down by the river blew in like a warm summer breeze, a caress filled with an aching need.

“It’s a beautiful day out. I thought you could use a little sunshine and fresh air,” he said.

She glanced at the work on her desk. “It is tempting.” He was tempting.

“I didn’t just come here about lunch,” he said as if confessing. “I’ve narrowed down the search for my father to three names.” That caught her attention. “I was hoping—”

“Just give me a minute to change.”

They drove the short distance to the Gallatin River and walked down to a spot with a sandy shore. A breeze whispered in the pines and off the water to keep the summer day cool.

Chase carried a picnic basket that Mary knew he’d gotten from her mother. “Was this my mother’s idea?”

He laughed. “I do have a few ideas of my own.” His blue gaze locked with hers, sending a delicious shiver through her. She remembered some of his ideas.

She sighed and took a