massive structure even sported a cupola. There was no lock on the double doors, which likely meant nothing of value had been left behind. That meant I wasn’t technically breaking and entering. Right?
I scanned the area double checking I was alone before tugging on the massive doors, finally managing to get one of them open. The scent of straw and some kind of feed assaulted my senses, but there was no sign of life of any kind. I was disappointed but refused to take this as a loss. There had to be other buildings somewhere on the twelve thousand or so acres.
Checking my watch, I realized I couldn’t waste but so much time. I had two new clients coming in later today. I’d make a single sweep then at least get the lay of the rest of the ranch before calling it a day.
What the hell are you doing, girl?
I couldn’t answer my little voice, other than the same nasty gut feeling remained. With no proof, I certainly couldn’t turn this over to the police. The barn was beautiful in its emptiness, the stalls obviously set up for cattle with various feed stations; there was no mechanical equipment of any kind. There was even a loft overlooking the main facility. I still couldn’t understand why it was empty, unless every one of the buildings was being prepared for use.
Exhaling, I chastised myself for the wild goose chase. The threatening call had been more about making sure I knew I was being watched than anything else. Just as I turned to go, I heard the sound of a truck closing in. Fuck me. Even if the building was empty, I didn’t need to be caught by some wayward ranch hand.
I scuttled up the ladder-style stairs to the loft, moving toward the back and sliding down. When I no longer heard the sound of the rumbling engine, I held my breath, chastising myself for being so impetuous and stupid. If I managed to get out of there unnoticed, I made a promise to myself that I would ignore my instincts and get back to my work. Maybe I was acting like a bratty child instead of a professional in the industry. While I could continue to fight for animals’ rights, I was in way over my head.
I heard nothing for a full minute and had to fight to keep from looking over the edge. When I heard a single strange sound, as if someone was tapping on a piece of wood, I cringed. The noise was definitely coming from inside.
Please leave. Please.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are.”
Dear God. The husky tone of his voice alone was enough to force my entire body into a fit of quivers. What was worse, my nipples immediately hardened. And I’d recognize that voice anywhere.
Deep.
Rugged.
Sensuous.
Commanding.
Mustang.
I bit my lower lip, fisting my hands out of frustration. I couldn’t have put myself in a worse predicament if I’d tried. Remain calm. Maybe he’ll just leave.
Somehow, the intelligent woman inside knew better, although that woman had been missing for a few days. I decided to remain quiet.
“Let me put it to you this way,” he said, obviously standing by the ladder. “I know you’re here so if I have to come up there and get you, your punishment is going to be much worse.”
Wait a minute. While I technically had broken into his barn, did the savage actually think he was going to punish me for that? Oh, no. That just wasn’t going to happen. Not today or any other day. Before I had a chance to retort, the man had already started up the stairs. I eased to a standing position, crossing my arms, trying to form words that wouldn’t make me sound like a freaking idiot.
Every step he took was beseechingly slow, as if it was his greatest desire to make me sweat. Damn him.
When he reached the top of the stairs, I had one of those girlie moments that rarely happened if ever. Granted, the man was gorgeous, his chiseled jaw portraying the perfect cowboy straight out of some action and adventure movie. And there was no denying that the muscular man with the shaggy, dirty blond hair and penetrating deep green eyes that could melt a snowman aroused every part of me. Even the way his well-worn dirty blue jeans hugged every sculpted portion of his body gave me a rush of electricity.
But I refused to be taken by this man, especially since his expression