Free Texas Wildcat by Lindsay McKenna Page A

the rear of the plane weren’t working properly. Kelly wondered if they would reach the Middle East in one piece. By the way Boots and Coots were acting, they would. Everyone was up, wandering around, checking the cables securing the skids. Sam came back with a thermos and a brown bag. He handed her the bag.
    “Here. Dinner.”
    Kelly was surprised at how hungry she had become. Darkness came quickly as the aircraft headed in an easterly direction. They ate chicken sandwiches and drank black coffee, sharing the one available cup. Even in the dim light, Kelly could see the strain written on Sam’s face.
    “You’re worried, aren’t you?”
    Sam collected the wrappers and stuffed them back into the bag. “About your being here, yes.”
    “But not for yourself?”
    “No.” He held her gaze. “This is a man’s job and only men are going to be present, Kelly. I know it’s a chauvinistic statement, but it’s not meant to be. You’re going into a part of the world where women are considered little more than baby-bearers or merchandise to be sold into harems.” His voice lowered. “Maybe it would be wise for you to gather up all your hair and tuck it inside one of those white hard hats we all wear when we’re at a site. Boots had an idea.”
    She felt tiredness creeping up on her. “What?”
    “We’re going to pass you off as Coots’s daughter. The story we’ll give them is that you’re a water hydraulics specialist learning the trade. Naturally, because that’s my field, you’ll be with me at all times. That way, the Bedouins are less likely to bother you. If I were you, I wouldn’t wear any makeup, either. I’d try to look as much like a man as possible. Don’t draw their attention if you can help it and whatever you do, don’t wander away from our crew.”
    It sounded like someone’s idea of a joke to her. But she could sense Sam’s genuine concern. Rubbing her face, she muttered, “How in the hell do I get myself into such trouble?”
    Sam shrugged. “Honey, I think you’ve been in and out of trouble all your life. There’s a part of you that likes this adventure we’re going on. There’s another part that wants to be home right now in a nice bubble bath.”
    Kelly nodded. “You’re right on both counts. But this is even a little farfetched for me. Just the same, I’ve got to prove that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to solve this problem with our pipe. I need to be there, Sam.”
    He grimaced. “I know, it’s a matter of integrity and pride. Come here. Lie in my lap and stretch out. You might as well try to get some sleep. It’s going to be a long flight.”
    She looked up at him, her heart beating more rapidly. “What about you? Aren’t you tired?”
    “Not yet. Come on, you first. I’ll wake you up halfway through the flight and then you can be my pillow. Fair enough?”
    Nodding, she capitulated without another word. Lying on her side, she allowed Sam to gather her into his arms. The roughness of the coveralls against her cheek, the drumming of his heart next to her ear served as a tranquilizer to her. The turbo-prop engines throbbed and the vibration of the aircraft soothed her. But it was Sam’s arms around her that made her feel protected and she nuzzled more deeply into his arms like a lost child.
    You’re a beautiful fairy tale princess, Sam thought. But if you knew of my physical hunger for you, you would run from me like a wild mustang. Sam supported her body with his right arm. Bringing up his left hand, he gently moved several strands of her silken hair away from her cheek. She was childlike in some ways—trusting, vulnerable. And yet, she was all woman. His kind of woman. His eyes darkened as he drank in her form. He wanted to make love with her, touch that willful spirit that made her eyes shine like rare emerald fire and make her his own. She could be his—with a gentle hand and plenty of patience.
    Patience, Tyler, he warned himself. But where they were