listening.”
“I’m going to go,” announced Melinda, shaking.
“No, you’re not,” said Bull.
“I can’t bring this to your house,” she said. “We’re leaving. It’s best for all of us.”
Hannah had to agree with her sister. And if Melinda left, she would have to as well. She rose to go pack.
“Whoa,” said John. “Time out. You’re not going anywhere. If they come here which they won’t, we’ll handle it.”
“Billy Weston has already notified every precinct about all of this,” said Trenton. “He and I both are in touch with the district attorney. I wouldn’t be surprised if that cop who harassed us just lost his day job. You’re fine. You’re welcome. But you guys leave, you’re sitting ducks. Am I clear?”
Melinda looked so scared as she searched Bull’s eyes. Hannah was reassured that Bull was promising her with a look that he wanted her to stay.
“Okay then,” said Danny. “No more talk of leaving. Except that we have to clean up and leave now.”
Chapter 7
Everyone laughed. The dinner party buzzed into the kitchen and cleaned up in no time. It was as though they were never there. That left Bull and Melinda, Pike and his girl, Laramie, and John and Hannah around the campfire.
“Anyone ready for coffee?” asked Laramie.
“Yes,” said Pike. “I’ll help you.”
“Any coffee takers?” asked Laramie.
Everyone raised their hands.
“Okay then,” she said.
“We’ll be right back,” said Bull.
He and Melinda held hands.
“We’re going to take a walk. We’ll have our coffee when we get back,” he said.
“That leaves us,” said John.
Hannah left her chair and sat on his lap.
“I’m fine with those numbers,” she said.
Again, she cringed inside that she said something kind of corny.
John cupped the back of her head, firmly but gently and pressed his lips to her. Hannah never felt such a solid person in her life. John McCarthy was ripped and cut from stone. She couldn’t help but indulge her curiosity. She wove her fingers through the tangle of their arms and bodies and gave his bicep a squeeze.
John giggled, breaking the kiss.
“What was that for?” he asked with a laugh.
“I just had to see,” she said.
“See what?” he asked, the smile still in his eyes.
“You gotta lotta muscles there,” she said, the arousal choking her voice.
“I do, huh? Is that a problem?” he asked wickedly.
“Oh no,” she said quickly.
While still seated, he dipped her romantically, backward as he ravished her with another kiss. His fingers gently pressed on the curve of her neck creating a sensation somewhere between ticklish and erotic. His touch sent curls to her belly, making her squirm.
But their moment was interrupted by Laramie and Pike appearing with a tray of beautiful coffees, piping hot and topped with whipped cream.
“Oh boy,” said Hannah. “Those look great. Do you guys eat this way all the time? It doesn’t show if you do,” she said, giving his belly a pat.
“No, we just had to make a dent in the camping food, so it didn’t go to waste,” said Pike.
Hannah was bowed by a pang of guilt. .
“I didn’t mean–” said Pike. “No–”
“Don’t give it a second thought,” said Laramie. “We had a great time. And here. Here’s more good time in a cup.”
She handed Hannah her cup of coffee. It was laced with just the right amount of brandy.
“Delicious. Very good medicine,” Hannah said.
Melinda and Bull reappeared from their walk. They each took their cups. It was clear to Hannah that both of them had something on their minds.
“Guys,” said Bull.
John could see it too.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“I think we’re going to fly down to Reno and get Melinda here a quickie divorce,” he said.
“It’s about time,” said Hannah excitedly.
“Careful,” John guarded himself.
She got off of his lap, balancing her coffee.
“You should probably talk to Trenton about that. I think he and his wife had to