Desert Rain (9 page)

Under certain conditions, Holly could be very beautiful, yet she was never cruel. In time,
Linc had to see that. Linc is right, she admitted to herself.We need a truce, a time to
know each other better. She prayed that two days would be enough.

Holly rubbed the skillet with sand, wrapped it in newspaper, and stacked it in the supply
carton. She carried the box to the Jeep along with the tarp that had covered Sand Dancer.

Though it was not yet ten oclock, the sun cut through her thin blouse like a laser. The
sky was blue-white and brilliant with water vapor. Even now the first clouds were forming
against the highest peaks. By evening, summer thunder would come again to the dry land,
bringing the gift of water.

From habit Holly moved quietly, enjoying the desert sounds. Quail chuckled beneath the
chaparral. Brush rubbed over itself with a soft, leathery sound. Bees hummed endlessly,
frantic with their efforts to take advantage of the brief bloom that followed midsummer
rains.

The thundershower had unsettled the desert inhabitants. Many of them lived underground,
letting the land itself insulate them from the suns killing heat. The hard rain of last
night had filled underground holes and burrows with water, driving everything living up to
the surface.

There the animals would stay until the water sank beneath the level of their homes. In the
winter rainy season the land softened and allowed water to drain quickly out of the
burrows. In the summer it took longer, for the land had been baked by the sun like clay in
a kiln.

At the Jeep, Holly shifted the gas can aside to make room for the carton. Metal clanged
noisily against metal.

In the silence that followed, the dry buzz of a rattlesnake sounded like thunder.

Holly froze.

For an instant she was thirteen again, taking a shortcut through her backyard to the
corral. She hadnt heard the rattlesnake that bit her, but she had seen it strike, sinking
its fangs into her leg just above her cowboy boots.

Her jeans had protected her somewhat, but not enough to prevent some of the poison from
entering her blood. The venom had been like molten metal burning through her.

At the time Holly had screamed in agony because she couldnt help herself.

She was screaming now, remembering.

Holly!

Finally she realized that Linc was holding her, calling her name again and again, his eyes
made dark by fear.

With a convulsive shudder, she returned to the present. Im all right, she said hoarsely.

What happened?

Rattlesnake.

Instantly Lincs glance raked the nearby desert. He saw nothing threatening.

Holly gave a shaky laugh.

Its gone now, she said. It probably was as scared by my scream as I was by its rattle.

Without a word Linc knelt and yanked up her pant legs, looking for puncture wounds left by
fangs.

The snake wasnt close enough to get me, she said.

Youre shaking like it did.

I know, but it didnt.

As Link stood up, Holly took a deep breath and tried to still the trembling of her body.

Sorry, she said. I feel like such a fool. There are always snakes around the springs. I
shouldnt have been so surprised.

He looked at her white lips and at the sweat that stood out on her skin. Gently he
gathered her in his arms again. One of his hands made slow, soothing sweeps down her back.

Its all right, Linc said. Even if the snake had bitten you. I always have antivenin in my
saddlebags. Silently Holly shook her head. No good, she said. What do you mean?

I was bitten when I was thirteen. Im allergic to the venom. Im even more allergic to the
antivenin. Dad barely got me to the hospital in time.

When what she was saying sank in, Lincs face went almost as pale as hers. He stepped back
abruptly and looked at her.

When I came to the next day, Holly said, the doctor told me that unless I happened to be
in an emergency ward the next time a rattler nailed me, I would die.

Then why in the name of God did you come to Hidden Springs? Linc demanded in a voice made
harsh by fear for her.

Though her lips were still pale, she smiled up at him.

Lots of people have the same problem with bee stings, she said, but they dont stay shut up
in their houses. I used have an adrenaline kit with me, but once I went back east I
stopped carrying one.

Linc looked grim.

Its okay, Holly said. I just have to remember where I am, and then I wont panic if I see
another rattler.

Briefly Linc closed his eyes and said something beneath his breath that he hoped she didnt
hear. At least, Holly added with a catch in her voice, I hope I wont panic. New rules. She
stared at Linc, surprised by the cool steel in his voice.

What does that mean? she asked warily.

You get a new adrenaline kit and you carry it with you at all times.

She nodded.

You dont walk or ride anywhere in the desert alone, Linc added flatly. When you do go out,
you go second, not first. Let somebody else find the snakes.

Hollys first impulse was to argue.

Her second was to agree with his commonsense approach to the problem. He wasnt telling her
that she had to stay locked in a house. He was simply trying to work out a safe way for
her to enjoy the desert she loved.

Smiling, Holly bowed and waved toward camp. After you,monsieur, she murmured. Surprise
showed on Lincs hard face. Agreeable, arent you? he asked, not quite believing her.
Uh-huh. Docile, loyal, and obedient, too. She grinned. Want to scratch my ears? Linc
laughed, taken off-guard again.

Youre full of surprises, he said. There was a time when you would have raised hell if I
told you to do something sensible.

Im not sixteen anymore.

Suddenly serious, Holly looked up at him with eyes that were almost gold.

Six years, Linc, she whispered. Ive changed in a lot of ways. I can be very beautiful.
Will you still want me when you realize that?

His eyes narrowed.

Do you think I dont know how he began angrily.

Abruptly Linc took a deep breath, shutting off his irritation.

Truce,he told himself sardonically.Remember?

Youre a warm, capable, stubborn woman, Linc said after a moment. Very warm. Very woman.
And very damn stubborn.

As he spoke, his hazel glance lingered almost unwillingly over the opening in Hollys
blouse. The gentle swelling of her breasts was visible, tantalizing.

You noticed, she said, smiling.

It was a different kind of smile, a remembering kind.

A sexy kind.

Linc she began.

No, he interrupted promptly. Ive got a headache.

Isnt that supposed to be my line? Holly retorted, recalling what he had said to her that
morning.

Linc shook his head in rueful amusement.

Im glad you arent sixteen any more,nin‡, he said. Im having a hell of a time with my
conscience as it is.

Why?

Youre a virgin, he said simply.

You make me wish I wasnt. If I were experienced, I would know how to touch you so that you
would want me so much you

Truce, he interrupted, groaning.

wouldnt be able to stop yourself.

Without warning Linc bent and put his mouth over Hollys. His tongue parted her lips with
deep, slow strokes that brought a low sound from the back of her throat. Her body melted
against his with hungry ease and breathtaking thoroughness.

A bolt of raw desire lanced through him, shaking his powerful body like thunder shaking
the land. When he finally lifted his mouth, his eyes were glittering with desire.

You dont need to know one damn thing about turning me on, Linc said harshly. Just kissing
you is more exciting than sleeping with another woman.

At first she smiled. Then the image of Cyns voluptuous, experienced body flashed before
Hollys eyes. She stiffened, remembering Cyn and Linc in Palm Springs.

He felt the change in Holly, saw it in her suddenly wary eyes.

Whats wrong? he asked.

Another woman, she said, trying to make her voice light. How can I compete with Cyn, being
a plain virgin and all? And you so damned handsome and experienced.

Holly looked away, unable to bear the narrowed intensity of Lincs eyes. Cyn. His voice was
curt. Who told you about her? Silence and a shrug was Hollys only answer. Look at me, he
said.

Reluctantly, she turned her head. His expression was gentle and intent. His eyes searched
hers. Ive always been very careful in my affairs, Linc said quietly. Do you understand?
That youre not a virgin? Sure. He smiled wryly. Thats not quite what I meant.

What did you mean, then?

Ive always used condoms. Always. You wont have to worry about catching anything from me.

Holly knew she was blushing, but she didnt care.

I wasnt thinking about that, she admitted.

You should have been. As for Cyn He shrugged. We had an arrangement that was mutually
convenient.

Holly remembered Cyns full breasts and hips pressed against Lincs body. His arm had been
close around her, and his eyes were amused and indulgent as he looked at the little blond.

And those same hazel eyes had been so scornful of the woman called Shannon. Had? Holly
whispered. Its over with Cyn? Its history. Youre all I want, Holly. Youre more than I
dreamed Id ever have. Then why wont you make love to me?

Linc smiled crookedly.

I have, he said.

You know what I mean.

Is being a virgin so terrible? he teased.

Not terrible. Painful. I ache, Linc.

He drew in his breath sharply. His eyes narrowed to smoldering lines. Passion burned
behind his thick lashes.

Youre getting there, he said huskily.

Getting where?

To the point where youre as hungry as I am.

Holly groaned. You mean it gets worse?

Much worse. And then it gets much, much better.

Worse? That isnt possible.

Want to bet?

Even as Linc spoke, his long, lean fingers slowly unbuttoned her blouse. When the soft
blue folds parted, he smoothed the fabric off her shoulders.

For a long moment he simply looked at Holly, from the startled beauty of her eyes to the
gentle fullness of her breasts rising beneath dark blue lace.

Her heart turned over in answer to the desire that leaped in his eyes. Heat spread beneath
her skin, making it glow. Under the bra her nipples tightened visibly, aroused simply by
his look.

His fingertips stroked her throat, cherishing the pulse that raced in answer to his caress.

Ive never wanted a woman more than I want you now, Linc said huskily.

Holly tried to speak but couldnt force out anything more than a throaty sound that was his
name.

In hushed silence she watched Lincs face, watched his eyes grow intent, his lips part in a
sensuous smile, his tongue move between his teeth to claim her mouth.

At the first warm touch of his tongue, wires tightened and sang all through her. What an
odd sound, he said. Are you frightened? Holly shook her head. Want me? Linc asked softly.

She nodded. Youre shivering with passion, he said, and Ive done nothing more than look at
you and touch the life

beating in your throat. You tempt me,nin‡. My God, how you tempt me, and you dont even
know He slid the blouse down her arms and over her hands. He left tiny, biting kisses on
her fingertips as they

emerged from the blue sleeves.

With a husky sigh, Holly closed her eyes, caught in the sensuality that radiated from Linc
like heat from the sun. He took her mouth in a kiss that was as deep as it was quick.

Look at my hands, he whispered against her lips.

Her dense black eyelashes lifted. She looked down and saw his hands on her body. They were
brown and strong and very male against the delicate lace of her bra.

And she changed beneath his hands, rising to meet his caresses. When his nails raked
lightly over her nipples, her breath stopped, then started again, much more raggedly.

Holly kept watching Lincs hands despite the wires of sensation tightening throughout her
body, making her burn. She was fascinated by the beauty of his fingers, held by his
lightest touch more surely than if she had been chained.

With dreamlike slowness, one of his hands curved around her breast. He caught her nipple
between his thumb and finger, rubbing lightly. She arched against his hand, tormented by a
touch that was too light and too knowing. He bent and took the nipple tenderly between his
teeth, making her gasp with pleasure.

Linc lifted his head almost immediately. His fingers moved over the front fastening of her
bra. Even after it came undone, indigo lace still clung to the fullness of her breasts.

One of his long fingers slipped beneath the lace, peeling it slowly away from first one
breast, then the other, watching her with eyes that were nearly green with the intensity
of his passion.

Holly saw Lincs lips close over her breast. Her nipple hardened even more as his tongue
and lips tugged at her in a loving caress that made her moan. She held his head between
her hands and succumbed to the heat that twisted through her, melting her.

His teeth closed over her again, less gently this time, knowing she was too aroused to
feel a light touch any longer. She made a fierce sound of pleasure and buried her fingers
in his hair.

For a time Linc held Holly hard against his body, taking as much pleasure from the desire
that shook her as she did. Then his mouth gentled again, nibbling between her breasts,
ignoring her sensitive nipples. He blew on her hot skin, teasing her until her nails dug
into his arm in frustration.

Linc? Nope. Youre right, she said huskily. Its worse. Love me, Linc. He laughed softly
despite the talons of need that had raked his body into full arousal.

I saidmuch worse, he reminded her. Before she could protest, he took her mouth in a kiss
that consumed her. She gave it back just as

fiercely, needing to feel the power of his body against her naked breasts.

With quick, almost fierce movements, Linc undid her jeans. He pushed the faded fabric down
over her hips, then her thighs, then all the way to her ankles. When he was finished, only
a wisp of indigo lace covered her.