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“What does your brother do? I mean, I know your family is in international banking and finance.”
“My brother headed up the investment side of the family business, and he earned it. He’s smart, shrewd, and good at recognizing shifting markets, spotting patterns. I know he’s saved the firm millions if not hundreds of millions.”
“How’d you end up in photojournalism?”
She laughed. “I never really got the knack of balancing even my own checkbook, and frankly, I didn’t care. I am a complete and total embarrassment to my parents. Not only didn’t I want to go into the family business, I didn’t want to marry a doctor. What I did care about was bringing light to the darkness that evil demands to flourish. I thought if I could expose some ofthe corruption and iniquity that seems rampant, maybe I could make this world a little better place… if not for everyone, at least for some.”
“I think you have. I know the brass at my father’s level hates your guts,” he chuckled. “And I say that with nothing but admiration. It takes a lot to get under the skin of those guys. I think, though, those of us who serve on the front line appreciated your unwavering support of the truth and of those being used as cannon fodder, so to speak.”
“So, you’re saying family dinners on either side are going to be strained?”
“I’m saying our family is you, me, and whoever else we want to include. Seriously, Finn, I haven’t seen or spoken to anyone from my family since I walked away.”
“Except my brother, I haven’t spoken to mine in over a decade. He really does love me. I’m fairly certain he’s the only one who ever did.”
“Do you think he could be mixed up with whatever they’re doing? If he is, that’s okay… I just need to know to protect him.”
“I asked myself the same question, but I honestly don’t think so. If he, or anyone else at the firm, had a part in it, he wasn’t aware of it. It’s funny, but the last time we talked, he made some comment that made me wonder if he wasn’t rethinking his career choices.”
“Don’t worry, babe. Whatever it is, we’ll keep you both safe and get it sorted out.”
She yawned.
“Close your eyes, Finn, and go to sleep. We’ll get everything back on track tomorrow.”
“Good night, Croft. Thank you.”
“For what? Helping your brother? I haven’t done that yet. For loving you? I didn’t have any choice in that. Some brattyphotojournalist from Boston who rides dressage… the boys will never let me hear the end of that. Finn?”
“Yes?”
“Do I need to handcuff you, or will you give me your word you’ll be here in the morning?” he asked only half teasingly.
“Jackass.”
“I’ll take that as you are giving me your word.”
He held her until he felt her fall asleep. What the hell had her brother gotten the both of them into? He closed his eyes and slumbered.
Croft woke and realized that, once again, Finn was not at his side. Swearing, he sat up.
“What is it?” she asked from near the campfire.
“I thought you’d snuck off again. I’m sorry, I should have known better,” he said, rolling onto his knees and joining her before kissing her.
“Would you like me to take care of that?” she said, nodding at his erection.
He glanced at his watch. “Much as I would, I don’t have time. I’m going to go down to the river and take a quick dip. The trout were running last night. It hasn’t gotten too hot yet, so I ought to be able to catch something for breakfast.”
“Okay, I’ll make something to go with it.”
Croft picked up his fishing rod.
“Croft?”
He turned back to her and smiled at the picture before him—a campfire in the beautiful Grand Canyon with the most gorgeous, sensuous woman he’d ever had underneath him, dressed only in his shirt.
“Be safe and come back to me.”
