To Catch a Thief Read Online Free PDF Page B

eyes met. She shivered and studied his face as if she’d seen something there that she couldn’t understand.
    She looked down and seemed to realize how her legs were wrapped around his waist.
    With a low gasp, she tried to pull away.
    Dakota held her right where she was. “Don’t fight me, Nell. We need to stay warm. Now close your eyes and rest. I’ll keep an eye on things.”
    â€œWhy should I trust you?” she whispered.
    â€œBecause right here, right now, I’m all you’ve got,” Dakota said gruffly. As he wrapped the thermal foil blanket around them, the wind howled out in the darkness.

    O KAY, THE MAN was tough and he thought on his feet. Calm under pressure, he had a way of moving in and taking charge before you realized what was happening.
    But Nell wasn’t a skittish child and she didn’t take orders from strangers.
    She yawned. Even as she struggled to keep her eyes open, she couldn’t ignore the hard lines of Dakota Smith’s thighs. The man had a great body, and the warm strength of his arms was like a dangerous drug.
    She felt the hammer of his heart beneath her cheek, felt the rise and fall of his broad chest. Even his scent teased her, a blend of salty air, sweat and heather.
    As he stretched slightly, Nell felt his thighs tighten against her, and his arms shifted to hold her steady. Though they were thigh to thigh, chest to chest, he didn’t brush her breasts or make suggestive comments.
    Life seemed small and very fragile as they waited out the storm’s fury. Idly Nell rubbed her elbow, which had begun to ache. Might as well try to sleep until the storm ended, since they were going nowhere.
    She closed her eyes, feeling her hips slide over his thighs. The man had excellent thighs, too.
    Maybe sleep wasn’t going to be so easy.
    â€œSo what do you do when you’re not on a climbing vacation?” she muttered. Anything to distract her from the feel of his lean, sculpted muscles.
    â€œMy job keeps me busy.”
    â€œBefore we went down, Jess told me that you’re amazing. I’ve never seen a kid in such an advanced state of hero worship. This is probably a walk in the park for you, Lieutenant.”
    â€œI never take any threat for granted,” he said roughly. “That includes weather and people.”
    Was there an edge in his voice? Nell opened one eye, but in the darkness she couldn’t read his expression.
    His arm cradled her head. His chest was warm and he seemed calm, but absolutely distant.
    Probably she’d been wrong about the edge in his voice.
    Quietly, he slid free. “Time to check on Amanda.”

    â€œH OW IS SHE ?” Nell was feeling a little blurry when he returned. Actually a lot blurry. A wave of dizziness hit her. She had forgotten the adrenaline spikes of rescue work—and the inevitable crash.
    â€œHer pulse is stronger. Right now I’ll take small favors. The cardiac patient is holding on, too.” With economical movements, Dakota sat down and drew her against him, covering them both.
    She tried to focus, but the growl of the wind was distracting. “So what made you decide to be a hero, Lieutenant?”
    â€œI just happened to be around when you needed me. It’s nothing heroic.”
    Nell studied his face as he switched on a small penlight. “When did you start your climb? I never saw you before today.” She angled her head, trying to read the expression in his eyes. The man didn’t reveal anything, she thought irritably.
    â€œI arrived yesterday. I’ve been on the move.”
    It made sense. As he pulled her closer, the soothing warmth of his body made her relax.
    The man would make a fantastic climbing partner, she decided.
    The penlight flashed off. Rough fingers opened on her hair. “What are you thinking about?”
    â€œI figure you have great deltoids,” Nell said sleepily. “That’s always the first thing I look