Page 69 of The Search

“I’m not wrong. Let me stay. Let me help you. I promise I won’t be a disturbance.” He made a face. “And just think how you’ll love ordering me around.”

“It might almost be worth it.”

“Then think about it.”

She was silent a moment. “I will.”

He watched her disappear to the porch. Had he been persuasive enough? He had laid the facts out before her with complete honesty; anything else would have been the height of idiocy. She would never accept deception in herself or anyone else. She had a directness he had seen in very few women and a passionate caring for the helpless he had never experienced. She had worked over that wolf as if it were her child, stroking it, talking to it, soothing even though the animal couldn’t hear her. There had been something beautiful about Sarah Patrick in those moments. Fine-boned hands that were gentle as well as deft, tousled hair that she’d had him push back once so she could better see what she was doing. Strong shoulders, breasts lifting and falling with the intensity of her emotion . . .

Oh, shit. He didn’t need this physical response right now. He certainly didn’t need it in connection with Sarah Patrick.

Then forget it, block it out.

Easier said than done. Every time he looked at her, he’d remember how he’d felt at that moment.

Nothing was easy. Do it. Forget how she’d looked in that simple white bra.

Remember only what he had to do to keep her alive.

Monty was stretched out next to the sleeping wolf, almost nose to nose. He didn’t lift his head when Sarah walked into the room. Good. She was glad she had a moment to herself. Too much had happened that night and she was upset and off balance. Logan had thrown her another curve and now she had to deal with it.

This cabin was her haven; she didn’t want anyone here. Particularly a presence as strong as Logan. He had said he wouldn’t disturb her, but there was no way a personality that forceful wouldn’t prove a disturbance.

Yet he hadn’t exerted that strength when he helped her with the wolf. He took a backseat, ready to help but not interfere, same as in Taiwan.

But living comfortably with him wasn’t the real issue. Was it safer for her and Monty to have him there? Did she trust his judgment and motives? He was a complicated man, but she had grown to know something about him and she had believed him when he had said he would never use her again.

She stared across the room at Monty and the wolf. “We have a problem, boy.”

Monty lifted his head and looked at her inquiringly. Okay?

“Me or the wolf? We’re both going to be fine. You shouldn’t have gone out looking for her, you know. You’re not in top shape yourself, and there’s no telling what could have happened. She’s no gentle soul.”

Monty put his head back down. Beautiful.

“Yes, she is, and she’s clearly a maiden in distress, but she could take you apart in minutes. You don’t have the killer instinct.”

Hurt.

“Right now, but in a few weeks she’ll be well again. And I don’t want you pulling that trick of putting your head on her throat again. It’s a good way to get mauled and you—”

The wolf opened her eyes and stared directly into Monty’s.

Beautiful.

“Oh, shit.” Sarah’s heart sank as she watched them together. “No, boy. She’s definitely from the wrong side of the tracks. Hell, the wrong side of the universe. Believe me, you have nothing in common.”

Beautiful.

“If you had a domestic squabble, she’d take you apart.”

Beautiful.

“And what kind of kids would you have?”

Beautiful.

They might be at that. Golden retriever and this gorgeous wolf . . . “It would definitely be a one-night stand. The Wildlife Federation has other plans for Maggie.”