Nathan
Chapter 19
“You could have gotten hurt going into a basement when you had no idea what was down there,” Nathan called into the bathroom where Cassie was getting ready for bed.
His heart had jumped out of his chest when she disappeared into the darkness. Any number of things could have happened to her.
“There were hungry kids down there. What did you expect me to do?” she asked.
Nathan rested his hands behind his head and let out a hefty sigh. “Be more vigilant, and start thinking about your own safety.”
Cassie stepped out of the bathroom and turned off the light. She was wearing a pair of boy shorts and a tank top that left little to the imagination, and he hardened instantly. Sleeping with her in the horse stall seemed like months ago, and he was hungry for more.
“I can take care of myself, Nathan, or did you forget that I track criminals for a living?”
Nathan reached for her as she climbed onto the bed. He pulled her into his arms and gave her a heated kiss.
She moaned against his lips as she leaned over him. She broke the kiss, determination and fire flickering in her eyes. “I’m going to help those people.”
“I believe you,” he whispered.
She gave a hard nod before she kissed him again. Nathan rolled until he had her beneath him. He took his time, devouring her and showing her new heights until she lay in a heap of boneless bliss, sound asleep in his arms.
****
The sun was streaming through the windows into the room. The warmth of the rays woke Nathan from a sound sleep. He glanced to the bed next to him to find Cassie already gone. Scrubbing his hand down his face, he tossed the covers aside and got out of bed. After tugging on some jeans, he walked to the window to find his dad and Cassie standing around the new oil rig.
A smile formed at the corner of his mouth. Cassie was clapping and jumping up and down and had thrown her arms around Nathan’s dad’s neck. “I guess they struck black gold.”
“It’s a gusher too,” Mildred said from the doorway as she stepped in and placed some clean clothes on the dresser. “Your Cassie sure is talented, but not as smart as I’d thought.”
Nathan’s brows dipped as he turned to Mildred. “Oh, she’s plenty smart. She just has her own agenda, but what makes you say that?”
“She could be a millionaire. Heck knows your daddy was trying to give her part of the find.”
“She deserves it,” Nathan offered. “Dad wouldn’t have known to drill there if it wasn’t for her.”
“I agree,” Mildred said. “That’s why I don’t understand it. Cassie wasn’t interested in money in her bank account. She said she already has enough.”
“If she didn’t want money, what did she agree to?”
Mildred shrugged. “That’s between her and your daddy. Now wash up. Cassie told me you’re taking her to town later.”
“Oh, did she now?” Nathan asked, putting away the clean clothes.
“Something about a map and the property appraiser’s office.”
Nathan’s smile grew. “Of course. Why didn’t I think of that? They have maps of the entire town. If there’s any more heist money, she’ll find it.”
“That’s what she said,” Mildred said as she left the room after grabbing a hamper full of towels from the closet. “I’ll go heat up your breakfast.”
Mildred disappeared while Nathan brushed his teeth and got ready for the day. After jogging down the stairs, he ate and headed out onto the porch where Clayton was sitting.
“About time you woke up,” Clayton said. “She’s been waiting on you all morning, but judging by her squeals out there, I’d say they struck gold.”
“Probably made her a millionaire.”
“She’s already one. Her entire family is,” Clayton said, chuckling as he rose from his seat. “She’s like the rest of her sisters. She’s got the looks, the heart, and the bank account. And that one isn’t naïve either. She’s a keeper, Special Agent Murray.”
