Page 13 of Crossed Wires: The Complete Series

“And I’ve heard all aboutyou,” Annie said, bending down and petting Mutt. The dog was part dingo, part mythological beast. Hunter had protested the dog—even as a puppy—was too big to be a house pet, but when it became apparent the huge creature wouldn’t part from Dylan’s side, even at bedtime, the battle had been lost. Now it looked like Mutt had found a surrogate to guard during Dylan’s absence, as the dog planted himself at Annie’s feet.

Hazel watched Annie and the dog appraisingly. Annie had been nothing but courteous thus far, but Hunter could see his mother taking stock of the American. Hazel was one of the strongest women he’d ever known but her personality could be overwhelming for strangers. She was far too opinionated, spoke her mind and never minced words. While Annie was clearly tough in her own right, Hunter had spent more than a few minutes of today’s long, quiet flight wondering what Hazel would think of her.

He told himself his concern was on Dylan’s behalf. If his brother was serious about Annie, he’d obviously want their mother’s approval. That was a lie though. Hunter wanted the New Yorker and his mum to get along because he genuinely liked Annie.

After forty-five minutes of conversation and two cups of tea, he decided to throw her a lifeboat.

“Mum, I’m sure Annie’s knackered and hungry. She’s been traveling for nearly two days straight.”

“Oh my goodness. Where are my manners?” Hazel rose quickly. “Dinner is in the oven and probably just about finished. Let me go check. I’ll call you both in when it’s on the table.”

Hazel left Hunter alone with Annie. He walked over to sit beside her on the couch. “Sorry. Mum can be too much to handle at times.”

“I think she’s wonderful. She sure does love her sons.”

Hunter grinned. “She loves us a bittoomuch.”

Annie tried to stifle a yawn. The dark circles under her eyes told him exactly how exhausted she was.

“You more hungry or tired? You don’t have to eat now if you’d rather get some sleep. I’m sure Mum won’t mind if you come down later for a midnight bite to eat.”

“Oh no,” Annie said. “She’s taken special pains to make the meal for me. I’m okay. I’d rather hang in there as long as possible. Figure it’s the best way to get myself acclimated to this time zone.”

He could see the reason in that, especially if she was serious about following around tomorrow as he did his chores. “I should warn you. The days start bloody early here on Farpoint. You still gung-ho on shadowing a stockman?”

She turned to face him, her knee brushing against his upper thigh. The light contact spurred a strong reaction. He’d been far too busy with work and too celibate lately. He needed to get laid…and soon, or he was bound to do something he’d regret. Like Annie.

“You’re not going to get rid of me that easy. This is the first big assignment Mr. Lennon has given me. I’m not about to give up.”

“I’d say that’s pretty obvious, given the fact you got in a helicopter with a man you’ve never met and let him fly you to his home in the middle of nowhere.”

Annie laughed and Hunter relished the sound. He tried to tell himself it was only attractive because there weren’t a lot of available women his age at Farpoint, but he knew better. She had a nice laugh. And a pretty smile. And a gorgeous face.

Fuck.

“You have a very good point,” she said. “I have no doubt my father will kill me when he hears where I am.”

“Your dad doesn’t know you’re here?”

Annie shook her head. “As you pointed out, it was a pretty impulsive trip. I left a message with his secretary that I was traveling on assignment the morning I flew out, knowing he was in meetings all day.”

“Coward,” Hunter teased.

“When it comes to my dad, I’ve learned it’s easier to apologize after than ask permission before.”

“You need to ask permission? At your age?”

“It’s just an expression. My dad’s got a fairly strong personality so I’ve learned to avoid annoying confrontations by employing stealthy measures.”

Was it Hunter’s imagination or had Annie touched his thigh as she spoke? “Ah, so you’re a bad girl.”

During their conversation, they’d somehow managed to move closer, the tenor of their words becoming more flirtatious.

Annie leaned even nearer. “I’mverygood at being naughty.”

“How naughty?”

She flushed, but didn’t move away from him. They were treading a thin line between playful banter and outright seduction.