Too Hot To Hold

CHAPTER ONE

Skipping double time, Caitlin caught up with Cameron’s long-legged stride. Give me one good reason I should be here, Cam. This is insane! You’re a big boy, now. As if he wasn’t listening, carefully enough, she hissed, I mean it, damn it! Look me in the eyes and explain it to me one more time. Why I have to put my own life on hold to get all garbed up in this .. this peasant costume for…

Without warning, he reached one long arm out and lifted her off the ground, turned her in his arms to face him, eye to eye. Because you’re beautiful, baby girl… you don’t have a social life to put off,.. and you wouldn’t want to know your big brother got the shit kicked outta him.. or lost his job…for no good reason.

No. I would not! I mean about the butt kicking. Not the job losing.

Aww honey, don’t be that way. Tate’s a good man, the best... and he’s making me a rich man. Can’t you, at least try to like him, for my sake? Please…

Looking straight into Cam’s sky-blue eyes, she gave in like he knew she would…like they both knew she would. Oh, all right,.. just this once, but don’t expect a miracle. I’m here as your date so don’t run off and leave me alone with the Tiger. Okay?

Pulling her to his chest, he chuckled, nuzzled her cheek with his chin before trailing his lips to her left ear. Just do what you do best, baby girl. Smile, bat your eyelashes, give me hot, hungry looks.. like you’re gonna jump my bones any minute. That’ll work real good. I betcha.

Truth is- I'd love to jump your bones- my way, with a big hardball bat in one hand .. an iron skillet in the other!

Pitching her onto the ground beside him, he slid one long arm around her small waist and began leisurely strolling with her toward the crowded movement of his co-workers and their families at their annual company picnic.

Flipping burgers on the outside, at the end of the parachute tent, Tate heard the sudden lull in conversation buzz and glanced towards the lined tables and then followed their focus.

Just in time, he saw what they saw- his second in command, Cameron O’Banyon, striding through his front yard, leaving a very pissed female standing in her tracks. With her hands on hips, she was mouthing what appeared to be a nasty retort at his departing back. When Cam whipped around, took a few steps, and snatched the woman off the ground, he was as curious as the rest of their audience. Without hesitation, Cam, turned her in his arms, wrapped one long arm around her waist, the other beneath her little butt and gave her- what looked like- a very thorough, passionate kiss. And then she was bouncing back on the ground, beside him. He grinned. It’s always the quiet ones you gotta watch.

In all these years, eleven, to be exact, Cam had attended these company events solo, except for the few times, one or two of his younger brothers had trailed along with him.

Back to flipping burgers, he checked the T-bones, turning them, as well.

Uh ohh, here comes trouble but before he could dodge the enraged Hispanic woman, she practically threw her picnic plate at him. "Puta!"

You wanna hotdog, burger, or steak, Tessa? With spatula in hand, he waited, eyeing the fuming female. Where the hell was her handler? Damn Jim Boy. He knew to keep his woman under leash. He’d warned him the last damned time.

No booze, no weed, no…nothing. A family outing. Ha! But you allow the sunshine boy his treats, yes? He brings his puta!

Now, Tessa, he mouthed through clenched teeth, glancing around for his lead mechanic, Jim Boy. On occasion, there may’ve been a few uh..ladies throwing their gold his way,… but, can’t say I’ve ever seen Cam spend a dime.. for even a little sniff. And since this is a family affair, I suggest you draw in your claws. Or leave. Your choice.

Just then, the band started up, couples started for the concrete basketball court/dance floor and he shoved Tessa’s filled plate into her hands. Go someplace and cool off…Or.. like I said, take it to your house. I‘m not having any diva bullshit at mine.

As the music became louder, more couples joined in the rhythmic Salsa set, including Cam leading his reluctant date by the hand. With a triple, whirlwind spin, they joined the other gyrating dancers but not before he got a glimpse of bare legs, beneath her flaring white skirt. From her sandals, two leather strings wrapped around each leg, all the way to her calves. Jesus! He’d always been a leg man,.. so was Cam.. and this gal’s legs were long, curvaceous and… honey sweet! When the rhythm moved up, she followed Cam’s movements, exactly shimmying her shoulders, rolling her hips to the lively Latin beat. Most of the other couples moved aside and stood, watching them.

The tempo changed slowing to a Texas Two Step. While he watched the couples rounded the basketball court in a circle, single file. Tame and boring! Obviously, Cam thought so, too and sidestepped, out of the circle, in view. Now, they danced freestyle.

He was mesmerized. Where’d this woman come from? And how long had Cam had her under wraps? If he’d been involved with anyone, he would’ve known. They’d never had secrets,.. he and Cam. Not until now, anyway. This one must matter. As he watched, Cam pulled her closer to his six, four frame, staring down into her face, listening intently to whatever she was saying while she leaned intimately into his tall, muscular length

With. her head raised, angled back to accommodate Cam's extended height, he was fascinated at the similarity between them. They were perfect together, except his date wasn’t near as tall as she’d first appeared. It was her heeled sandals. Even then, she didn’t even reach Cam's top shirt button. With both arms wrapped around her small waist, he watched her long, shoulder length light flaxen hair swaying softly against Cam’s muscular arms.

They were a good-looking couple, he’d give ‘em that. Cam, with his dark blond sun-streaked hair, long and lean, muscular body and pretty boy’s face. And her- well hell.. he hadn’t gotten to her face, yet, but he’d bet his new bulldozer,.. it was as enticing as the rest of her. Even if Miss Clairol show-cased her long, platinum flowing curls.

When the drums kicked in with a slow, sensual rhythm, he watched their movements- perfectly synchronized. She knew his moves.. to the letter. They’d done this before. Lots of times.

James, sugar,.. broke his concentration. "Turning, he acknowledged his aunt and uncle’s arrival, late, as usual.

Hey, darlin’. Bending his dark head, he kissed her smooth, unlined cheek. How’s my best girl?

Oh, you know. I have my good days and my better ones. She smiled brightly, nodding her silver head toward her husband of forty plus years. He’s the one trying to keep up, But the Viagra’s working wonders.

With a low chuckle, Tate reached out giving the elder man a light bear hug. Too much woman for you, huh. Maybe you outta trade her in for two twenties, more to hold with less voltage per unit?

Blushing to the roots of the white sprig still fighting for growth on his balding pate, his uncle’s breath rasped at the thought."

James Evan Tate! Don’t you dare give him ideas.

Reaching out, he captured his aunt’s personal drink glass and took a healthy slug. Mostly Rum with a hint of watery Cola.

Oh my,.. our Cameron must be double jointed. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen any man’s hips move like that. Fanning her face, she looked over her bifocals, Ah.. well, then. Turning, she faced Tate again, as if she’d suddenly lost her interest. Are we too late for steak? Henry can’t eat wieners, they’re not kosher, you know. And ground beef is just too, too unhealthy. Who knows what those poor cows ate?

I do, Aunt Vi, they’re my poor cows, remember? When she appeared confused, he relented, Harper’s been waiting in the kitchen. I‘m sure you‘ll find your meal excellent, as always. You’re such a connoisseur; he looks forward to your critique.

Just as she turned to head for the house, he reached out and snatched her hand, drawing her back to his side. Cam’s lady friend. You know her, don’t you?

With an impatient sigh, she made a show of scrutinizing the dancing couple once again. Of course. I‘m not quite senile, you know. It‘s Henry‘s memory that fades in and out. Thank goodness he has a supplement for that, as well. Don’t you, dear. Mutely, Henry nodded his head.

Well, who is she?

After her, ’how bad do you wanna know look,' she acquiesced, A big waste of your time, that’s who.

She was dying to drag this out - melodramatic style. C’mon Aunt Vi. Give. Cam and I don’t share women. You know that. I’m just curious since he’s never brought a date, before.

A date? I doubt that. Honestly, James, you need to get a checkup regularly. You’re getting as absent minded as Henry. With a disgusted sigh, she relented, She’s Cameron’s sister,… Kay…Caty…ah…Caitlin,.. the grown up version.

And away they went, in a hurry to sample Harper’s culinary talents.

‘Well- I’ll be damned. In retrospect, it'd been a damn good move, bringing a woman Tessa couldn’t compete with, nor could anyone else. On the surface, Caitlin O’Banyon was one hot babe, and beneath that, she had Cam’s back, wasn’t apt to allow that hot-bloodied Hispanic bitch to cause him any more trouble, not here.

They‘d put on a show, all right, one that‘d fooled even him. Not lovers, but the love between them was as real as it got. Cam …and all four of his younger brothers worshiped their little sister, had collectively spoiled her rotten, right from the crib. Looked like they were still doing it.

It was just then, movement from his peripheral vision caught his attention. Like the parting of the Red Sea, Tessa was being led through the crowd by her mad as hell, red-faced husband. It appeared Jim Boy had finally maxed out on her whiny bullshit.

Periodically, he glanced up. Cam and his sister had separated. Once the oversexed Latin bitch had left, it was safe to cruise the crowd. Cam wasn’t hard to trace. With his height, he rose above the moving masses. Half his size, his sister was just as easily to follow without any effort, searching. Just follow the buzz.

But he didn't have to look far; she was almost within touching distance. She would be. Wherever a group of men were gathered- she'd be in the center. Close enough now, he could study her face. Right now, her full lips were in a natural pout but spread slowly into a bright smile, where a slight dimple appeared on either side of those luscious lips,.. high cheekbones, a delicate but stubborn little chin with flashing eyes,..light.. probably blue. He couldn’t tell at this distance. But what he could see was a tight little package of C4, highly explosive when attached to the right detonator. Shit…what a powerful combination…and the little witch knew it. Moved it and used it.. like a pro. All of it.

Now that everyone had been fed, he piled up his own plate and headed for the kid’s table. In the past year, they’d all had birthdays. This was his favorite part of the picnic.. theirs, too, since he had twenty-seven birthday cards with a crisp C note in each one.. And as usual, they knew it too.

Across the yard, Cam seated Caitlin on a patio bench and waited. In another twenty minutes or so, Tate’d be shaking hands and handing out bonus checks. Give or take ten minutes after that, the crowd would head for the parking lot. Party over, bonus and crowing time. He'd meet up with Tate for briefing on the new bid before he left.

So, where’s all my birthday money?

I’m not on salary, baby girl. I’m on commission. I can afford my own birthday cards.

Yeah, I know. Tiger man only donates to the needy.

Aww Caity, don’t be like that. He’s a good man…a fair one. What’ve you got against him, anyway? Besides that tattoo on his shoulder? I told you. We were both sleep deprived, hungry and too damned drunk to object. Nobody gets in and out of Singapore without getting an ink job. It‘s not like we planned to wear Tigers the rest of our lives.

Yeah, but yours isn’t so big… or scary. After I saw his, I lost sleep for a week!

Well, you’re a grown up, now. So… get over it.

Oh Cam, you just don’t get it, do you? When his dark blond eyebrows veed in question, she was prompted to be candid. It’s not Tate, the man. It’s the job I hate. Every time you leave for a new location, I worry if you’ll come back all shot up, again, Or even come back at all. Why can’t you stay here in your own country and build your damned bridges? Why traipse all over the globe, hunting for potential kill sites to bid on?

You know why. The money’s too damned good… and, by the way, he took the first shot, you know.

Doesn't matter. The slug went right through him and plugged you, too. You never should’ve been there in the first place, Cam. When the American Embassy closes in a third world country, that’s a pretty good indication that all remaining Americans are at risk. Tate should’ve shut operations down and brought the crew home. None of you should’ve stayed.

We were in the final phase of development. We couldn’t drop everything and run out on the contract. It wasn’t just the money. The company’s credibility would’ve taken a hit.. a big one. Reputation means everything in this business.

The object of their conversation stepped up, behind them, This a private free for all.. Or can anyone join in?

Standing to his full height, Cam and Tate shook hands. Naa, just a family thing. Cam turned to Caitlin, You remember my little sister, Tate. She agreed to run defense for me. Musta worked since no blood was shed.

Extending his outstretched hand, he offered her the same greeting. I remember a skinny kid with freckles and bony knees. Caitlin, isn’t it?

Quickly, she avoided his hand by placing hers in her brother's. Before thinking it out, she all but blurted, Three outta four wrong isn’t exactly a win but yeah,.. the name’s still Caitlin.

Caitlin watched something indescribable reflecting in Tate's dark golden eyes.

The freckles are gone but unless you wanna lift your skirt, I’ll just have to take your word on the other two.

Her mouth dropped open but before she could respond accordingly, he snaked her hand and began leading her toward the basketball court. C’mon, I have to start the last dance so we can wind this shindig up.

Sliding on her brakes, she yelped low, I don’t dance with strangers!

Tate wasn’t deterred in the least, It’s just good manners to dance with your host, sugar and.. you danced with Cam. I’d say he’s about as strange as they come.

He nearly laughed in her face. She hated him. It shone in her eyes, not blue now…darker, an ocean green-aqua. Simply put, she was highly pissed.

His first assessment of her petite six was dead on. Like her mother, she had a small frame. It was her four inch heels that gave her shapely legs the illusion of long and tall. But.. She was exquisite- what there was of her. Even her breasts were probably smaller than they appeared-due to the delicate slenderness of her small frame. He knew his long arms could almost wrap around her twice.

Another disturbing revelation was his instinctive knowledge that inside that beautiful head was a quick, assertive mind. She was a natural and exotically sexy little butterfly, but she wasn’t a bimbo, which was going to make her hard to pass up.

But pass her, he would. In the last decade or so, he’d been drawn so closely into the O’Banyon family circle, he couldn’t toy with the pride of their clan without causing friction, both in his company.. and his personal life. Cam would be hard as hell to replace. If he was ever forced to cut him loose. It was a risk he wasn’t prepared to take, not for any woman. This one, he was going to have trouble remembering she was strictly hands off.

Caitlin cursed beneath her breath. Damn it! She’d tried to keep her distance from Tate. Though he didn’t have the handsome, almost pretty faces of her brothers, he had something more potent. With a nose that had started out straight, aristocratic, it had changed shape at least twice, judging from its slight crookedness, now. And, she’d never particularly cared for cleft chins though the indention in his was only slight. She couldn’t see anything in his facial features that was all that attractive- unless you got near enough to feel the hot, scorching glimmer from his golden tiger eyes, eyes that darkened to compensate his changing moods.

It was his mouth that captured her attention. Not exactly full, but sensual as the fires of hell when he used that slow, killer smile to sucker in his famous three-day harem. Lady killer…no. Tate wouldn’t get near a lady…And a real lady would run like the hounds of hell were after her if he so much as glanced in her direction.

Not quite as tall as Cam, he was still inches over six feet with wide shoulders and a broad chest that narrowed down to ridiculously narrow hips, long muscular legs and an agility about him that suggested he could pounce.. without warning. Good looking men like her brothers were just that, suave and confident. This man, Tate, fairly exuded power-danger. By far, he was the sexiest male she’d ever known.. which put him way out of her league.

Caitlin considered herself a social preserver. She loved the social aspect of friendly flirting, laughing and pulling outsiders into the mix. Wherever she went, she gave everyone attention, especially the shy, timid ones with few social skills. Spreading confidence and boosting egos didn’t take much effort, and she was very good at it. Although she knew when to tone it down and walk away.

A flirt, she might be, but she didn’t tease. Not ever. But perhaps Tate didn’t know that about her. Already within the circle of his strong arms, escape was impossible unless she pushed him forcibly out of her way and walked off in his face. What a stir that would cause and..Cam would be furious. Anyhow, she didn’t do things like that. She liked to fit in with the crowd, not showcase.. or worse, generate gossip.

Too late, they were already out in front. The band began its wind up performance, and they circled the floor. Surprisingly, his hold on her was loose, impersonal until another couple bumped into them, Within seconds, nearly every couple had recognized ’last call’ and was dancing around them.

After the second sharp bump from the nearest dancers, Tate pulled her closer until she was so near she could smell the distinct fragrant of his deodorant bar. This, she couldn’t allow.

So, Tate, she began, peering up, into his tan features, where're you off to next ?

Not sure, he said low, lifting his face, seemingly searching the crowd. Somewhere a child cried out and his eyes searched out the source. Toby Bryant, Ricky’s three year old toddler, musta fallen. No blood that he could see. Sweet Jesus!.. Even her husky voice was enough to arouse him.

Glancing down into her dark aqua eyes, he commented quietly, We haven’t committed, yet. Now, then, a ruckus broke out near the parked cars and he swiveled his neck. Shit! He hoped to hell no one backed into his new ’Vett, shoulda parked it in the garage…out of the way."

With a loud drum roll, the music climaxed and stopped.

She could feel his touch burning through her as he stepped behind her, guiding her by her shoulders, through the departing crowd. Cam was still standing, but surrounded by a half dozen co-workers. Like I said, we won’t know anything for a week or so. In the meantime, go fishing, get in some ’honey do’s.

Good advice, Cam, Tate added, joining the cloistered group. They were antsy. Even a hefty bonus wouldn’t last if they were out of work long. We caught the bid, but it’s not a solid deal, yet. Take a few days off but, he reminded, check your voice mail and emails for updates. You’ll know as soon as I do when the next location’s been decided .

Glancing at his wristwatch, Cam chanced a quick look at Tate, waited for his nod before extracting himself and Caitlin from the group to head for Tate’s ranch house, about seven landscaped acres from their picnic area.

Where’re we going ? Everyone else is leaving. Can’t we go, too?

Not yet. Tate has business on his mind. He’ll meet us back at the house as soon as he gets free. At her disappointed sigh, he added, It’s important, hon… Tate doesn’t waste anything, especially his time. I need to find out what’s up.

CHAPTER TWO

Cameron watched his sister fidget. For God’s sake, chill out!.. This won’t take long. You think you can hold it together for a few more minutes?

"I have to work tomorrow, Cam. That means business as usual for five straight days of pricing, stocking merchandise, and meeting sales‘ quotes. And then, during breaks, I’ll have showcases and displays to tear down or work up...and that’s just from nine to five. After that, I’ll get in another four hours at home on my laptop. I won’t even be able to think straight until next weekend... Now, I‘ve wasted this weekend on your .. nonsense. Men! You‘re all such cowards. All you ever had to do is tell that woman ‘NO‘ and mean it.

Did that. I told you.. She just isn‘t listening, neither is her big, bad husband…Jim Boy’s a blind, dumb, fool. But I need him. The company needs him, Caitlin. He’s the best diesel engineer I’ve ever seen.. But unless we can work together, I’m gonna have to let him go. Damn!..Do you know how hard it is to hire highly skilled technicians to do what we do?

It’s not what you do, Cam, and you know it. I don‘t imagine many engineers are willing to lay their lives on the line half the world away, for a paycheck.

Shaking his blond head, he gave up trying to reason with her when nothing was working.

If you hadn’t spent all day yesterday arguing and groaning, it wouldn’t have been an entire weekend wasted.. And if you hate your job so damned much, why don’t you quit. Lean on me for awhile. You know you can.

She rolled her eyes, I’m nearly through with my computer classes. With luck and a few free weekends, I’ll be ready to finish testing out for my degree. So.. thanks, but no thanks big brother, I don’t need your help.

Just then, Tate walked through the patio doors, You two at it, again?

Cam grinned but Caitlin immediately took offense. Of course not. Why would we be?

Unconsciously, Tate flexed his shoulder muscles, did a half circle with his dark head, relaxing his upper back and neck muscles. It had been a good day and he was damned glad it was over. Hell, I don‘t know. Whatever…genetics, maybe?

Rising from the leather arm chair, Cam started the real conversation. So, where’s the bid going?

We won the bid. Waving to follow him, he led them through to the next two rooms, his office and work area.

Tate stepped behind his massive mahogany desk. Grab a chair. This may take some time.

Caitlin inwardly groaned, not comfortable to find herself inside the tiger’s den in the first place. She sure hadn’t agreed to this.

Tate, picked up what appeared to be a remote control of sorts and aimed it at the far corner. Instantly, a series of video shots appeared on the wall screen.

First came the maps, dozens of them. The first, a full map view of the island of Borneo drew her attention. Then, the three countries, East Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei came into focus. Now, he zoomed in on the newest location bid- somewhere near the center of Sarawak, East Malaysia.. And it was all rain forest- jungle.

Looks intense. Any opposition forces? The weather’s gonna be another factor with the Monsoon season.. So what’re the pluses?

Tate kept hitting the video changes, explaining each new set. The bridge will be a fully fortified structure with military checkpoints on both ends for the duration, including construction.

How come? So, who doesn’t want this bridge built? Cam’s voice was low, intent on hearing the full details.

Tate didn’t hesitate. For the last few decades, foreign companies have been making side deals with the various government officials, bringing in logging equipment, cutting down huge portions of the rain forest. Which, he reached for a bottle of Chevis Regal, un-capped it and took a long swig before handing it off to Cam, "..started a war of controversy with the global EPA. Since these companies hire locals for the labor, indigenous jungle dwellers, the humanitarian organizations are up in arms, and rightly so. The Dyak natives mostly live off the land, fish and animal skins.. Usually earn less than twenty bucks a year. With the mills paying ’em two bucks a day, they’re breaking their backs doing the labor, most of ’em don’t last a month.

Our bridge would connect the main thorough fare through the jungle, giving the milling companies access to and from their cutting sites."

With a gasp, Caitlin, whispered, You’d help them destroy the rain forest?

Nope. That’s the government’s political dilemma. They need a stable, permanent structure-a safe bridge to reach from point A to point B. That’s what we do, sugar,.. build bridges.

With righteous indignation flushing her features, she was sickened at Tate’s mercenary indifference. But.. but..can’t you see how wrong that is?

What I can see is a bridge that’ll connect people to civilization, a road that can carry all its citizens further than they’ve been able to go, before. Modernization brings education, medical facilities, and schools to areas that were too remote and unreachable to provide those services without safe infrastructure.. and that starts with a bridge.

Sighing, she knew she’d lost her point with both men.

Tate tapped a button on his desk and as if from nowhere, a stout, bald man appeared. Gil, Miss O’Banyon needs a nice cup of tea? When Caitlin shook her head, he rephrased, Make that coffee… in the library. Facing her, he stated low, You’ll find the entire history of Tate Global Construction captured through aerial and on site photography. We even have a few awards scattered around. Maybe you’ll get a better idea of what your brother and I do,.. if not why we do it.

She stood, suppressed anger filling her senses. I already know why you do it. Money…And I’m not in the least bit interested in examining your creations. Turning to Cam, she ground out, I’ll wait in the car.

It was with a great sense of relief that Cam responded, I won’t be long. In less time than it’d taken to enter the office, she was gone.

Tate nodded to Gil. Make sure she gets safely to Cam’s car… and stay around until he gets back.

With a red face, Cam scowled, Sorry. We didn’t raise her to be such a snobby, rude, little witch.

Sure, you did. She’s exactly what you taught her to be. You, Caleb, Corbin, and Chad spoiled her rotten, Colin, too.. and he‘s her twin. Now, you don’t know how to handle your little monster. But since he had a half grin on his lips and a twinkle in his light brown eyes, Cameron relaxed. Tate wasn’t being offensive, just telling the God’s truth.

Handing Cam the bottle, Tate glanced down at the maps, spread out before him. Now, they could talk business without censorship.

Cam took his cue, Any other risks factors besides protests and politics?

Tate tapped the remote, changing the video screen. A wild card could come into play. The United Arab Emirates own