Maverick / The Playboy's Passionate Pursuit. Emilie Rose

stared at his friend in surprise. Hawk was losing his cool, and that didn’t happen often. Tanner decided it was time to referee this match.

      “Okay, boys and girls,” he said, pushing himself from the chair to step between the two combatants. “Take a break. It’s time for a truce.”

      “But, dammit, Tanner, it’s just not safe!”

      “Save your breath, ole buddy,” Tanner said, shaking his head. “I went through all that with her, chapter and verse.” He shot a quick glance at her face, her expression one of detachment. “It’s like talking to a brick wall.”

      “How charming, so complimentary,” Brianna coolly inserted. “But can we drop the subject now? I’m so hungry I could eat a…brick wall, maybe.” A smile teased her lips and danced in her bright eyes.

      “Told you so,” Tanner said with a grin, chiding Hawk.

      Hawk heaved a deep sigh. “I give up.”

      “Good.” She rewarded him with a charming smile. Too soon.

      “On one condition,” Hawk went on, challenge hard on his voice.

      Bri narrowed her eyes. “What condition?”

      Tanner frowned, wondering what Hawk was up to now.

      “You take Boyo with you.”

      “But…” she began in protest.

      “Good idea, Hawk,” Tanner said, deciding it was time to end this match. “Brianna, Boyo is a good hunter. You know, the Irish wolfhounds were bred to hunt and bring down wolves and elk.”

      “Wolves?” She shifted her gaze to the dog, who had cocked his head at the sound of his name. “Well, he certainly looks big enough and strong enough for it. But he doesn’t seem natured to do that. He’s as friendly as a puppy.”

      “Of course he is,” Hawk agreed. “Here he’s a big, sloppy sweetheart. Matter of fact, most wolfhounds are simply house pets these days. But take him out hunting, turn him loose on a scent, and he reverts to breed and can be one mean son of a—” Again, he caught himself from cursing. “He can be rough.”

      “But…” she began.

      Tanner smothered laughter to interrupt her. “You may as well give in, Brianna. Hawk can be as stubborn as you, maybe even more so.”

      “Oh, all right. We’ll take Boyo…but only if I get food—pronto.”

      Hawk slid a look at Brianna, a smile twitching the corners of his mouth. “Man, you’re tough. But you win. Food’s ready. Let’s eat.”

      Tanner lost it and let loose the laughter he had been holding back.

      Hawk followed in kind.

      Brianna looked from one to the other before her laughter blended with theirs. She was first to regain control. “Okay, you clowns, what’s for supper?” She gave a dainty sniff. “Whatever it is, it smells wonderful.”

      Hawk sobered except for a lingering chuckle. “It’s chili. Hope you like it spicy.”

      “Love it,” she said.

      Tanner wasn’t surprised. He’d figured Brianna Stewart wouldn’t have it any other way.

      Five

      Bri sighed with contentment as she dabbed her lips with a napkin. The chili was delicious. And spicy. She had hungrily finished off two bowlfuls, along with several slices of Hawk’s homemade corn bread.

      “That was a wonderful meal,” she said to her host. “Thank you.”

      “You’re welcome.” Apparently pleased with her response, Hawk pushed back his chair and stood. “Are you ready for coffee and dessert now?” He glanced from Bri to Tanner.

      “Coffee,” Bri answered without hesitation. “But I couldn’t eat another bite.”

      “Just coffee for me, too,” Tanner said.

      When they had finished their coffee, Bri stood up and began clearing the table.

      “You don’t have to help,” Hawk said.

      “I know. But I want to do it.” She shooed him away with a hand. “You two go relax or something.”

      “You win. I don’t often get out of kitchen duty.” Hawk led the way outside to let Tanner choose the horses for the hunt.

      At the door, Tanner paused to tell Bri how to find the room where he had stashed her gear. No sooner had he shut the door behind him when Hawk lit into him.

      “Are you out of your mind?” he demanded, striding for the stables.

      Tanner sighed. “Don’t start, McKenna. I had my fill arguing with Brianna back in Durango. I’m not in the mood to argue with you.”

      Hawk snorted. “In the mood or not, you’re getting an argument. Dammit, Wolfe—”

      That’s as far as he got before Tanner cut him off. “Yeah, dammit. Hell, double dammit. What else was I supposed to do?”

      Reaching the stable, Hawk yanked the door open and flicked on the lights to illuminate the dim interior. “How about making it clear you wouldn’t bring her. End of argument. Period.”

      “I tried that.” Tanner gave his best friend a fierce scowl. “Didn’t work. She told me if I refused, I should forget it, she’d find herself another hunter.” He exhaled in a bid to ease the tension riding him.

      “And you didn’t want to give up a big payoff?”

      “Are you nuts?” Now Tanner was getting angry. “Hawk, you know me better than that. And you know as well as I do there are bounty hunters out there that will agree to any conditions, even to allowing a woman to hunt with them, if the price is right.”

      Now Hawk sighed. “I know. But I don’t like this at all. Brianna is a beautiful woman. A nice woman.” He strode inside. “I’d hate like hell to see her hurt.”

      “Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. I feel the same way.” His mouth curved into a wry smile. “That’s why I’m not taking her along.”

      Hawk narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Aah, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

      “You got it, ole buddy.” He grinned. “I’m leaving her here, in your capable hands.”

      “But what the hell’s the difference if you leave her in Durango or here with me?”

      “Hawk, you’re not thinking,” Tanner chided him. “If I’d have left her in Durango, she’d have either contacted another hunter or set out on her own.” He shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about that. Out here, with you, she’s stuck. All she can do is ask you to drive her back to Durango.”

      “Where she will promptly look up and hire another hunter,” Hawk pointed out.

      “I know, but by then I’ll be way ahead of the pack, so to speak.”

      Hawk shook his head as if in frustration. “And when you bring him in and hand him over to the law, you know damn well she will likely hand you a check for the original ten grand posted.”

      “I know.” Tanner nodded. “And I don’t care. Hawk, it’s no longer the money. It’s Brianna and her safety.” He paused before continuing. “I’m attracted to her. Very attracted. It was there from the minute I opened my door and saw her standing there.”

      A small smile tugged at Hawk’s lips. “That’s understandable. Brianna’s gorgeous and sexy as hell.”

      “Tell me about it.” Tanner shook his head. “She had no sooner walked into my place and I wanted to swing her up into my arms and…well, never mind. I’m sure you can figure it out for yourself.”

      “Sure.”