Free Against the Wall by Rebecca Zanetti Page B

hunched. “I’m not sure. They all like the design but don’t want it on the Charleton Group’s land.”
    “Still?” He rustled papers over the line.
    “We may not have tribal support when we face the county commissioners next week.” Dread chilled her gut.
    “The Group’s lawyers are pretty good. You’ll just describe your design and they’ll do the proposal for the permit.”
    Thank goodness she had backup at the hearing.
    “But I’ve done a bit of research. You haven’t run across Jake Lodge, have you?”
    The air caught in her lungs. She took several deep breaths. “I’ve met Lodge. He’s the tribe’s lawyer.” And the man who had kissed her into oblivion. “Why?”
    “He’s good. Really good. Took on the state twice, won both times in the U.S. Supreme Court. Tell me he’s not involved in opposing the project.”
    Sophie coughed. “I’d say he is involved. Very. Though he hasn’t seemed too fired up about opposing us.”
    “Probably the calm before he strikes. I’ve heard he’s the shark of all sharks. Plus, there are rumors that the tribe wants to build its own golf course over by the casino and are out to prevent any competition.”
    “No, you’ve got it wrong. Jake’s not like that.”
    Quiet slid across the line. “Just how well do you know him?”
    “I’ve met with him regarding the proposal.”
    Preston cleared his throat. “Of course. Well, I guess I’d just tell you to watch your back.”
    She needed to get off the phone. Now. “No problem.”
    “So have you given any thought to taking the cruise with me?”
    No. Not at all. She’d been too busy mooning over a dangerous, country badass of a lawyer who might just torpedo her proposal. “The cruise? I, ah, don’t know. I should probably concentrate on work right now. We need to save Uncle Nathan’s company.” She didn’t want to hurt Preston’s feelings. He was a good man. On paper, they so worked. In reality? Maybe not.
    “I’m not taking no for an answer. Keep thinking about it. ’Bye.” He clicked off.
    Sophie shut the phone and stared sightlessly at the drawings before her. Just a week ago she would’ve jumped at the chance for a cruise with Preston. Now she balked. Why? She reached for her sketchbook and flipped it open to the second page. The answer stared back at her with Jake’s eyes.
    What was she thinking, agreeing to a dinner at the Lodge house? Jake stirred feelings in her that all but guaranteed a broken heart when she left—when she returned home.
    Why did home seem so far away?
    Hurriedly, she changed and then headed downstairs. She waited for Jake on the wooden porch swing, her nervous motions swaying it back and forth.
    Thick boots thudding on the wide steps announced his arrival.
    “No Armani tonight, Jake?” Sophie raised an eyebrow at his black graphic button-up shirt, low-slung jeans, and polished cowboy boots. Combined with the deep black eyes, rugged face, and jet hair curling over his collar, he all but screamed bad-boy handsome. A true temptation for some girl to try and tame.
    Some country girl to try and tame.
    “You look spring pretty, Sunshine.” His grin was pure sin.
    Electricity zinged through her when she took his proffered hand. “I think your family is matchmaking.” It wasn’t what she’d meant to say.
    “They like you.” He flipped her around, pressing her against the hard metal of the truck. “So do I.” He lowered his head, giving her all the time in the world to resist or shift away.
    She didn’t move. Her breath caught with anticipation.
    Warm and soft, his lips wandered over hers before he deepened the kiss to something intimate, something demanding. Sophie sighed deep in her throat. One broad hand molded itself to her lower back and pulled her against him. Sheer masculine strength met her softness.
    Her heart pounded, and need thrummed between her legs. Her nipples peaked to sharp points. Fire lashed through her nerves—fire for him.
    Jake raised his head,