Free Hazard Play by Janis McCurry

her.
    The light in Bailey’s eyes burned and his nostrils flared. “Let’s shake on it, then.” He reached for her hand and pulled Tess to her feet in one fluid movement.
    “You’re on.” She tilted her head back and smiled again. They were inches away from one another and she liked it. “I look forward to working with you, sir.” Tess saluted him and waited for his next move. 
    Bailey closed the space between them, wrapping his arm around her waist and pausing for a moment before his lips came down on hers. The brand of his kiss shot fire through her veins.
    The primal joining of breath and passion jolted. Set her aflame. Equal to it, she matched his heat. She demanded and gained access to his mouth, her tongue dueling with his as she sought satisfaction.
    Tess was determined not to back away. As long as she didn’t fall for the guy, she’d go all in. An appropriate strategy given their gambling destination. She ignored the voice inside her said that she might be getting in too deep.
    That his chemistry would be too strong.
    That his kisses were too potent.
    That her need for him would be too great.
    They broke free, both breathing heavily, still wrapped in each other’s arms.
    “It’s late, so I'll let myself out. I'll call you tomorrow.” He took a big breath, gently released her.
    She went to the window and watched him walk down the driveway. He turned when he got to the car door and saw her. They stared at each other. Tess watched as he shook his head, got into his vehicle and left. 
    She smiled and began to hum as she readied for bed. Lake Tahoe was beginning to look better and better. She was looking forward to handling this bounty hunter. She had a feeling it would be quite the ride.

Chapter Five
                 
    “Home.” Miranda Devere tested the word on her tongue as she would a new wine. “Home.” She waited for the rush of pleasure she expected. She wasn’t disappointed. She did a 360-turn and smiled at her foolishness. People who knew her as “Rand” had never seen her twirl. They would never believe that she could express such emotion—or any emotion other than cool professionalism.
    She didn’t have many friends. Acquaintances, yes. She lived out of her suitcase in hotels all across the states. That didn’t leave much time for cultivating friendships. One to three weeks in one town before she left for the next job and the next town.
    Until now. Until she’d bought a home of her own. Her first. She couldn’t help herself. She twirled again. And laughed out loud.
    She walked over to the cathedral picture window that opened up on a view of Lake Tahoe—California side, if you please—like a full-color brochure at a travel agency. The clear blue water beckoned to everyone who saw it, locals or tourists. Gentle waves ebbed and flowed onto the white, sandy beach. She’d fallen in love with Tahoe eight years ago when she’d stopped over on the way to a case.
    From that day, she’d combed real estate holdings to buy in the area. Finally, she’d found the perfect property. This home. Her home. She planned to put her stamp on it. Make it hers. A little remodeling and it would be perfect.
    The opening chords of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” signaled a call on her cell. Turning away from her lake, she took her phone from her pocket and read the display. She swiped her cell screen and connected. “I said no, Tuck!”
    “Hello to you, too. I knew you didn’t mean it, Rand. It’s a great job.”
    “I took time off, remember? I haven’t even finished moving all my things in.”
    “The pay will let you buy that artwork you keep yapping about.”
    Miranda sighed. She hated that he was right. She had her heart set on some Modigliani prints for her bedroom that would be perfect.
    “How about it?”
    “I’ve worked for two years straight with no vacation.”
    “What if I told you the action’s moving to Tahoe, sorta?” Tucked cleared his