Page 11 of Love and Forgiveness (Rough & Ready Country #6)

He shrugs, rubbing his chin and making that sexy sound of flesh against freshly shaved skin. “Some things never change.”

I don’t want to dwell on that thought any longer than I have to. Instead, I look down at the briefcase he’s brought with him. Though it’s December, I fight the urge to fan myself with my hand. What this man does to my body by being in the same room is criminal.

I feel like I’m burning alive right now. I clear my throat, working hard so my voice won’t crack. “Did you have the chance to look at some of the museum security documents provided to you? I’d love to get your thoughts.”

He nods curtly, reaching into the briefcase to pull out a pile of documents. “What are you going by these days?” he asks with a glower.

“Director or Ms. Ormsby.” The muscle in his jaw softens as do the lines in his forehead.

I should remind him to sign the divorce papers so that I can legally revert to my maiden name. Until the other night, I was certain that’s all I want. Now, I have my doubts.

I can’t let hormones rule my life. Maybe I need to get laid and be done with this. But the only man I want to please me is him. I want Wolfe—no one else. I unconsciously finger the silk scarf around my neck before I notice the knowing grin on his face and drop my hand.

My cheeks burn from embarrassment mixed with anger. While I’m falling apart in front of him, he looks calm and composed. I hate him for it. Sure, there was the momentary ruddiness earlier. But that’s gone now, too.

His voice is even as he replies, “Ms. Ormsby, let me be blunt with you. My security company’s got its work cut out trying to get this place up to par.”

I nod. I couldn’t be in more agreement with his assessment.

His face relaxes a little more. “The security protocols are shockingly outdated and in serious need of revision. I’ve made a list of recommendations. But this is going to be a process.”

I nod again.

“We’ll need to start with background checks for all employees and docents.

I’d also like to explore a badge system where employees and docents clock in and out.

The security cameras need updating, and better placement, and we have a lot to go over regarding who has access to artifacts, records, and the like. ”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I grab the neatly organized stack of records from my laptop bag and push them across the table toward him. “Off the record, I need you to look at this.”

His eyes meet mine questioningly before he stares at the papers before him.

I lick my lips, explaining, “This has to stay between us for the moment … in the strictest confidence.”

He stiffens, his brow stormy with puzzlement.

“I’m not certain the best course of action. But I’d like to revisit everything once you’ve finished your review.” I take a deep breath, leveling my gaze on his. “Moreover, I don’t know how far or high this may go. So, I’m counting on you not to get me stoned.”

Grim recognition crosses his face, and he frowns slightly. I know the reference isn’t lost on him.

One of the first times Wolfe acted as my mahram in a rural part of Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan, he made the mistake of walking too fast for me.

Each time I fell what was deemed an indecent distance behind him, a showering of stones came in my direction.

It was a warning, and I finally called out to him, exasperated, “Private Ormsby, slow down. You’re going to get me stoned!

” His stride was naturally much longer than mine, and it took him a while to get habituated to traveling at my speed.

Now, I need him to understand what we’re doing requires staying in lock-step.

I hope I haven’t misplaced my trust in him.

“I had a conversation with Dr. Watts last Friday, and he emphasized your role in recommending my company. I suppose this explains why?” he asks drily. His unreadable eyes search my face.

“Personal matters aside, you were the best choice by far. But, yes, there’s no one else I would trust with this.”

He nods, looking down at his hands. “At Lucky’s, you seemed pretty bent about me getting the contract. I have to be honest. I’m confused at this point. But then, you also seemed to have an audience.”

I nod. I knew nothing would get by him. “I have no clue how deep the criminal infiltration of my employees runs or who’s listening to what.

Honestly, I had the impression somebody eavesdropped on us in the alley Friday night.

Or at least tried to. I kept seeing a shadowy form but couldn’t make out the person.

So around the museum staff, I think it’s best if we act like we only begrudgingly get along. ”

Understanding lights his face.

“Begrudgingly get along” hasn’t been too far from the truth for nearly a year now. Even before Wolfe left for the UAE, all we did was fight. He often spent nights at Flynn’s cabin, making the estrangement feel real long before I took the step to move out with the kids and get my own place.

I continue, “We need it to look like I oppose you working here. At least on some level.” I sit back, watching his unreadable face.

He nods in response, catching my eyes in another heated gaze that makes my pulse pound.

I shake my head, looking down and trying to clear my thoughts.

Why is he still so capable of making me feel this way?

I clear my throat. “By the way, I’m sorry, in advance, for getting you involved in this.

” A swirl of guilt sours my stomach. If I had more scruples, I wouldn’t drag him into this. But I’m desperate and out of options.

He twirls the band on his left hand, replying, “I’ll never let you down. But I’m still confused by your official story. Do we secretly love each other? Openly hate each other? I just need to know how to proceed with stuff like heavy petting in museum parking lots.”

My lower core tightens, and my cheeks darken. Damn him, and damn the gorgeous grin that momentarily captures his face. I shrug, trying to look as calm and polished as he does.

“We’re your typical estranged couple. Preferring to keep our interactions brief, to the point, and professional.

I’m certain those involved in whatever’s going on are counting on a general lack of communication and trust between us.

” While sexual longing burns me alive. I keep the last part to myself.

“I’ll review your recommendations, and we’ll go from there.

Let me know what you think after your review. ”

“Of course,” he stands up, and I do the same.

I take the hand he offers me, feeling the thrill of his touch as I always do.

Will flesh-to-flesh contact ever become easier with him?

With his other hand, he pats the place on his chest where he took a bullet for me so many years ago.

It’s how he used to let me know he has my back.

I nod in recognition, fighting the tears forming in my eyes.

How did things ever get to this point? There’s nothing I want more than for him to pull me into his arms and hold me.

He was always my strong fortress against the world.

As much as I long for him to claim my body and do a million filthy things to me, I miss the safety and security of his arms even more.

“I’ll be in touch.” Still holding my hand, he momentarily covers it with his other before letting go.

I immediately miss the warmth and security of his flesh against mine.

“Brief, to the point, and professional it is.” He grabs the pile of evidence from my desk and puts it in his briefcase.

Looking up, he adds, “Oatmeal. Stasia wanted me to request you have oatmeal for breakfast at your house tomorrow.” Placing his brown cowboy hat on his head, he winks, walking out the door and closing it behind him without a glance back.

I stand there, disappointed and overheated. I don’t know what I was expecting. But he’s walking away from me again. I hate it. I also resent how he can act so calm and pulled together while I incinerate.

He’s got me tied in so many knots that I can’t think straight. I take a deep breath, attempting to calm my erratic pulse. Nobody on this planet affects me like him. Where once it thrilled me, now it flusters and frustrates me. I’ve got to pull it together.