Smoking Hot (17 page)

Half an hour later the casserole dish was scraped clean. Dillon ate as though he hadn't had a decent meal in…eons, and insisted on carrying some of the dishes to the kitchen. Raine grabbed hers and Grandpa's plates and silverware, following right behind him. As soon as she had him alone, she dropped the dishes on the counter with a loud clatter.

“Why are you encouraging them?”

“What do you mean?” he asked, looking completely dumbfounded.

“You're joking, right? You really want Grandpa and Tilly helping us find the bank robbers?”

“It will keep their minds occupied. This is the most excitement they've had since they dog-napped Lady.”

She drew in a deep breath as she took a step backward. “He did steal the dog and now he's dragging Tilly into a life of crime.”

His forehead wrinkled. “I thought you knew about the dog.”

“Not positively, and not that Tilly helped. Dammit, Grandpa said he wouldn't kidnap another animal. But getting Tilly involved is irresponsible.”

“I think he calls it rescuing them. She's the one who encouraged him.” He was thoughtful for a moment. “He's right, you know. About it being more a rescue mission than actually stealing the animal. Sock has a good heart. He doesn't like to see an animal abused. If he hadn't helped, Lady's paw would've got infected. She might have lost her leg.”

“Okay, okay.” She held up her hands. “I get the picture.” She didn't want the dog to suffer, but Grandpa needed to go through the proper authorities. He was breaking the law. “I don't like the idea that they're both criminals.” She didn't think he could handle going to court again. What if it caused him to have a heart attack? Like being accused of robbing a bank wouldn't.

Dillon came up to her and wrapped her in his arms. She immediately felt safe and secure, as though no harm would come to her as long as he was nearby. She indulged in this feeling for a moment before stepping out of his arms.

“I don't want either one of them getting hurt, Dillon,” she warned.

“I'll watch over them.”

“That's what I'm afraid of,” she mumbled.

Raine went into the other room. She wanted to explain to Grandpa he couldn't go around stealing animals. As soon as she walked inside the dining room, Grandpa and Tilly looked up, guilty expressions on both their faces. What had they been plotting?

Grandpa cleared his throat. “You never did tell me what you were doing last night.”

Raine stumbled. “What?”

“When I was about to step out to the back porch this morning, you said that you didn't want to talk about last night. What happened?”

Dillon came in behind her. He was grinning. Grinning? Really? Her mouth turned down. The man half of him would be no help whatsoever. Typical.

“Go ahead and tell them,” Dillon said.

He not only wouldn't be any help, he was going to throw her under the train as well. She was so going to kill him. Except she couldn't. He was going to be in a world of hurt when she got through with him, though.

“Yes, tell us.” Tilly smiled. “It would be nice to have a bit of fun news for a change.”

“I…I…I…” Raine implored Dillon with her eyes to please stop helping her.

Dillon knew he better let Raine off the hook or she would make him pay dearly. It was kind of nice she turned to him for help. He glanced between Tilly and Sock. They made a nice couple.

“I took Raine out. I thought she could use a night away,” he told them.

Raine made a gurgling noise.

“A date with an angel?” Sock's expression was skeptical.

“I didn't know angels dated,” Tilly said, smiling. “How interesting.”

“It wasn't a date,” Raine interjected. “We went…uh…”

“To a friend's house,” Dillon finished.

“They were friendly,” Raine blurted.

Sock's eyebrows veed. “Then why didn't you want to talk about it?”

“It's not that I didn't want to talk about meeting them.” Raine stumbled over her words. “I wanted to work on finding the bank robbers.”

“I thought she needed to get away from the ranch for a while,” Dillon said. “Take a breather. Then she might be able to concentrate better.”

“It looks as though your plan worked.” Tilly's gaze meandered over Raine. “At least you're not wearing those grungy pants that are way too big. What you're wearing now will turn a man's head.”

Raine's shoulders relaxed.

“Or an angel's,” Tilly added with a mischievous smile.

Raine cast a look in Dillon's direction that had him quickly looking the other way. Yeah, she was probably going to make him pay, but she needed to loosen up. She took life way too seriously. And another thing that bothered him: he didn't see the problem in involving Tilly and Sock. Elderly people needed adventure in their lives, and this was a big one for them. He liked the couple. Raine didn't look too happy by the time they left, though.

“Don't worry,” he told her. “They won't get hurt, and they might surprise you with the information they dig up.”

“You showed yourself to Tilly and now she's investigating the robbery.” She closed the door a little harder than necessary and marched past him. “What part of I don't want them involved did you not understand?”

She jumped when she entered the kitchen and he was leaning against the counter. He probably shouldn't pop in and out like that. It always seemed to bother people, especially mortals. She didn't say anything but her expression turned grim.

“She's only going to ask a couple of people she knows if Ethan and Leo might have increased their income. She said she has a friend who works at the bank.”

“Do you really think they'll redeposit money they stole? They're not that stupid.”

“All at once?” He shook his head. “No, I don't think so, but checking on Ethan and Leo will make Tilly and Sock feel as though they haven't been put out to pasture, and your grandfather will keep Tilly safe.”

“I don't know.” She nibbled her bottom lip.

Dillon could see she wavered. “What will it hurt?”

“I still owe you for bringing up last night.”

He closed the distance between them. “Last night was my pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.”

She screwed up her mouth. “That's not what I meant.”

“I know, but you have to admit you enjoyed the hell out of watching the threesome.”

A tremble swept over her as her nipples tightened, pushing against the cotton material. He didn't wonder why he wanted her so much. He just did. He was reaching for her when Chance popped in.

“You're digging yourself deeper and deeper, bro,” Chance said as he casually lounged in one of the dining room chairs. The biscuits were still in a basket sitting in the middle of the table, covered with a red-checkered cloth. He flipped a corner of it back and brought one out. As soon as he bit into the flaky bread his eyes closed. “Tilly cooks almost as well as Mama Paula.”

“Who the hell is this guy?” Raine asked, hands on her hips.

“This would be Chance.” Great. The last thing he needed was his friend interfering. “He's sort of like an older brother. He's a nephilim. Who likes to poke his nose in where it doesn't belong.”

“I'm wounded.” Chance took another bite, not looking a bit bothered by Dillon's comment.

Chance's gaze drifted over Raine, slow enough that Dillon decided he didn't like his frank appraisal. “Was there something you wanted?”

Chance chewed the last bite, then licked his fingers. He didn't look to be in any hurry to explain his presence. “Tobiah wants to see you. I'm his messenger.” Chance reached for another biscuit. “Damn, these are good.”

“Who's Tobiah?” Raine asked. “Another nephilim who's going to make my life hell?”

Dillon cringed. “My father.”

She weaved just a bit. He put out his hand to steady her.

“Your…what?” she asked, looking a little dazed.

“My father. At least that's his claim. I didn't meet the guy until a few days ago.”

“That's when Tobiah told Dillon he had to fix your life and pronto, or your grandfather was going to have a heart attack and die when you went to prison.”

Her face lost some of its color. “What's he talking about?” Raine turned to Dillon for answers. “Am I going to be found guilty of the bank robbery and sent to prison? Don't lie to me.”

“You didn't tell her?” Chance asked.

“No. I thought it would scare the hell out of her,” he ground out. He quickly grabbed a dining room chair and pushed it beneath Raine when she swayed, then guided her into the seat. “Which it has, thank you very much.”

“You're telling me that if we don't find the bank robbers, Grandpa will have a heart attack and die and I will spend the rest of my life in prison,” she mumbled.

“It won't end like that.” Dillon knelt beside her, taking her cold hand in his. He didn't like the lack of color in her face.

“And Tilly. What will happen to her?” She looked to Chance for answers.

Chance shrugged as if to say Dillon might as well tell Raine the rest. When Dillon didn't say anything, Chance continued.

“She'll mourn your grandfather. A drifter will rent one of her rooms and take her for all she's worth because she won't be paying attention to her finances. She'll lose everything she's got when she can't pay her bills.”

“And die?” She sucked back a sob, her bottom lip trembling.

“No, she hitches a ride to Fort Worth and ends up living under one of the bridges in a cardboard box. She survives under the bridge for another three years.”

Raine grabbed Dillon's hand and squeezed until he thought his fingers would break off. “Please tell me we can catch the bank robbers.”

“We will. I promise. You won't get sent to prison, Sock won't have a heart attack, and Tilly won't be living under a bridge in a cardboard box. None of that will happen. We can catch these men.”

“Unless Tobiah pulls the plug on the assignment.” Chance started to reach for another biscuit but apparently changed his mind when Dillon cast a thunderous glare in his direction.

“Will he do that? He's an angel. Right? Angels help people.” Raine looked between the two of them as she searched their faces. When neither one said anything, she clamped her lips together.

Dillon felt as ill as Raine looked. “He won't do that. He's not heartless.”

“Except you hadn't met him until a few days ago so you don't actually know that much about him.” She frowned as though some new information had just occurred to her. “If not for him, you wouldn't have returned. I'd be charged with the crime, Grandpa would have a heart attack, and Tilly would end up living under a bridge.”

“I thought you were better off without me. I didn't know you were a suspect,” he tried to explain. He didn't think she cared as she came to her feet, back ramrod straight.

“You're right about one thing. I would've been a lot better off without you in my life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have chores to do and bank robbers to catch. I'd rather you weren't here when I return.” With those parting words Raine walked out of the dining room. A moment later Dillon heard the back screen door slam. He flinched.

“She's pretty mad at you, bro,” Chance casually commented as he reached for another biscuit.

“I'm going to kill you.” Dillon started toward Chance.

“Hey, don't kill the messenger.” But he apparently decided he'd overstayed his welcome and quickly closed his eyes. A second later he was gone.

This was great, just great. Raine probably hated him. Last night he'd envisioned a different beginning today. Searching for more clues, making love, putting the bank robbery puzzle together a piece at a time, working with Raine, making love with Raine. So much for his plans. Now he would—

Something incredibly strong pulled at him from all sides. He thought his body was going to be ripped to shreds. He grabbed the chair, but caught air instead. The room began to break into a million tiny pieces right before it exploded all around him.

Dillon floated through time and space, wondering if this was some kind of new punishment Tobiah was forcing him to endure. Raine would think the worst when she returned from the barn and he was nowhere to be found. He looked down and saw her filling the horse bins with new grain. She was talking to herself but he couldn't make out her words. The way she frowned, he wasn't sure he wanted to hear.

She was gone an instant later. Dillon's stomach lurched as he began to spin wildly out of control. He clamped his lips together to keep from throwing up. When he thought he could stand no more, he was plopped down onto something hard and uncomfortable. He thought at first it was a big rock, then realized it was a cloud. He'd been brought upstairs. He had a feeling he was in deep trouble.

***

Raine finished the chores and trudged wearily into the house. All the life seemed to have been sucked out of her body. She pushed her hair out of her face and looked at the dark clouds hovering low in the sky. Lightning flashed around one angry cloud. Did Dillon live on one of them? She didn't know. Come to think of it, she didn't know a lot about him.

Except that Dillon would've left her high and dry if not for his father ordering him to right his wrongs. That hurt more than anything. Dillon would've let her and Grandpa and Tilly suffer. Her rotting in a prison cell, Grandpa having a heart attack and dying, and Tilly living under a bridge. Some guardian angel he turned out to be.

No, she didn't believe what she was thinking. Dillon wasn't the kind of person who would leave someone hanging. She knew that about him, at least. He answered a prayer sent by an old man to watch over his granddaughter. It wasn't totally his fault, and he had saved her from a bullet. Ninety-two percent his fault, maybe.

She walked up on the porch and stopped at the screen door. There wasn't a sound coming from inside. Had Chance left? Where was Dillon? She'd said some pretty harsh things. When she thought about it, she believed him when he said he hadn't known about her troubles and thought she would be better off without him.

She moved through the house, sensing she was the only one there. It was an eerie feeling to be all alone. In the past, she always preferred her life that way. She had company when she wanted people over and not before. People knew not to drop in on her unexpectedly because she refused to answer her door. Yes, she was anti-social and she liked her life that way. If she needed something, she went out and got it whether it was groceries or sex. There were no entanglements that way. She didn't need to worry about being in a relationship and pretending to enjoy the person she was with when both of them wanted one thing, and it wasn't small talk.

Her cell phone began to ring. She listened, then remembered she left it in her bedroom. She hurried up the stairs and down the hallway. Her phone was still ringing when she jogged into her room and scooped it off the nightstand. Good Lord, she could barely take a deep breath. She used to go for a run every morning. That stopped when she moved back to the ranch and there never seemed to be enough time to exercise. Maybe she should find time. She scooped up her phone, glancing at the screen. Tilly. Raine slid her finger across the bar at the bottom of the screen and brought the phone to her ear. Her heart skipped a beat.

“Yes? Is Grandpa okay?”

There was a pause, and in that moment Raine wondered if Dillon's dire prediction might have come true sooner than he thought. Had Grandpa suffered a heart attack?

“Of course he's okay,” Tilly said. “Why would you think he wasn't?”

Any energy Raine had left quickly drained. She grabbed the bedpost as she sat down hard on the side of the bed. “I worry about him,” she was finally able to say. “I know the stress can't be good for his health.”

“Don't you worry about him. He still has a lot of life left.”

Raine certainly hoped so. “Did you need something?”

“I talked to my friend at the bank.” Excitement laced her words.

“Oh, that's…uh…nice.” Tilly had played detective. Raine stifled her groan. Why did Dillon encourage Tilly and Grandpa? They should be sitting on the porch at her bed and breakfast taking life easy and not adding more tension. Grandpa might not be able to take the strain.

“Don't you want to hear what I found out?” Tilly sounded a little miffed by Raine's lack of excitement.

“Of course, I want to know everything,” she said, trying to summon more enthusiasm. Tilly was trying to help. Dillon had been right that a person's age shouldn't matter as long as they felt useful. And the excitement didn't kill them in the process.

“Good, because I have news.”

“Really?”

“You sound surprised.”

“No, I mean, I'm not at all surprised,” she quickly interjected. “It's as you said, you have connections.”

“Yes, I do.” Some of Tilly's excitement returned. “My friend at the bank is still checking, so nothing yet from her. All hush-hush though, so I can't reveal my source. If I have to take the stand and testify, her name will not leave my lips.”