Harlequin Heartwarming May 2016 Box Set by Rula Sinara

not even funny,” she said. “Why is it you think you’re so funny?”
    He grinned and winked at her.
    â€œBecause I am.” He tossed the rock into a nearby bush and cranked his neck. “Come on, the Tessa I knew was a survivor. I’m betting you can suck it up and manage the trip. With puke bags in hand.”
    â€œIt’s not happening,” she said. “My head is still spinning.”
    Mac whipped his cap off and put his hands on his hips. He needed to get back to work. This was ridiculous.
    â€œBe reasonable.”
    â€œI am being reasonable.”
    â€œI’m not staying here all night, Aunt Tessa,” Nick warned. “I could get bitten by a venomous snake or something. Or get eaten alive. What happened to doing what was best for me?”
    Mac had to hand it to the kid. He knew how to manipulate and guilt-trip like a pro.
    â€œYep, what he said,” Mac added.
    â€œYou two are ganging up on me?” Tessa asked. “I’m telling you, I’m not going back. I mean, not in that flying tin can. Nick is free to return to the lodge with you.”
    â€œOn second thought, nothing like a night out under the stars to make a man out of a boy. Camping here would be good for you, Nick. A new experience.” Mac smiled at his nephew.
    Nick stormed back to the cottage. Mac was grateful that Mugi and Kesi were staying inside to give them some privacy. He’d given them a signal earlier when Nick had lost his composure. Not that Mac cared what anyone thought of him—sort of—but his friends meeting his nephew and Tessa for the first time was turning out to be a little embarrassing. Mac lifted his cap, scratched his head, then set it back in place.
    â€œI tell you what,” he said, sitting back down next to Tessa. “Why don’t you go inside, chat with the Lagats and check on Nick. You have some explaining to do. At least out here he won’t run away. Maybe after a longer rest, you’ll be ready for the flight.”
    She dropped her head into her hands.
    â€œYou don’t understand, Mac.”
    â€œI could see if Kesi can brew up one of her concoctions to help with your stomach. She’s very skilled with herbs.”
    â€œI need to get back,” she said, her hands muffling her voice.
    Oh man. Was she crying? He hoped not. This was why he lived alone. He silently swore, then rubbed her back. It was instinct. An act of comfort. Brother-in-law to sister-in-law. But she shivered when he made contact and he quickly pulled back.
    â€œThat would be the point,” he agreed. “Get back and clear up the Nick situation. Clearly you can see this whole idea spells disaster.” If she wanted to go back, then why was she arguing about it? Why couldn’t women make sense?
    â€œI’m messing up your scheduled flights. I’m so sorry,” she said, raising her head.
    â€œMy...oh, yes...my customers. The photographers. Right. Um, no worries. I’ll radio Sue and tell her to take care of things. They won’t mind rescheduling.”
    â€œMac, can I trust you?”
    â€œI got you here in one piece, didn’t I?”
    She turned and, this time, she wrapped one of her hands around his. The sight of her slender fingers braided with his wiped out his train of thought.
    â€œWhat’s going on here, Tess? This isn’t just about Nick, is it?”
    She shook her head and licked her lips. Too close for comfort. Was Tessa Henning coming on to him?
    â€œI may be in trouble. Possibly even in danger. Not one word to anyone, Mac, until I have a chance to figure this out. Promise me.”
    He nodded because how could he not. She wasn’t flirting. She was desperate again. It must be some pretty deep trouble for her to have brought Nick here. Tessa looked over her shoulder, then back at him.
    â€œMac, I think Brice may be involved in an ivory smuggling ring.”
    Crap.
    Mac pulled his hand out of hers.