Run Wild by Lorie O'Clare

seductress wasn’t a smart move.
    He shifted his attention each time the door opened and someone entered the diner. Trent noted almost all tables were taken. When the door opened again, he watched Natasha enter and hesitate. Helen was across the room, greeting her with a menu and a smile, then escorting her to one of the round, small tables at the other side of the diner. It was a small miracle when Helen sat Natasha with her back to Trent.
    “Pie for dessert?” Helen asked when she returned to his table.
    “Coffee is fine.”
    “Take your time then,” she said with a grin.
    Trent stared at Natasha’s long black hair streaming down her slender back. He never cared for women who were overly muscular. Natasha was a hell of a lot stronger than she looked. There were few capable of lifting him off the ground, not to mention throwing him off balance and taking him down. She hadn’t suspected he was the type of man who actually did believe in treating both sexes fairly. What was good for him was good for her. If Natasha could throw him to the ground, he could do the same. Granted, he had held her arm after pulling her on top of him and made sure not all his weight pressed into her when he rolled her to her back.
    Her stunned reaction had been worth giving her a taste of her own medicine. But Trent hadn’t been ready for how perfect she felt pressed underneath his body. They had molded together, every inch of her touching him; her soft curves, large breasts, and temptuous body caressed every inch of his until he’d turned harder than stone. It had taken more than just a bit of concentration to make himself presentable before standing and listening to Matilda rattle on. That had sobered him even more. Although it would take more than listening to idle gossip tonight to make him forget what Natasha’s alluring body was like pressed against his.
    Helen waited on Natasha, bringing her an iced tea and a salad. If Natasha was one of those women who refused to eat meat, it wouldn’t surprise him a bit. She was thin, although not anorexic looking, as some women tried to be these days. Trent preferred a healthy woman, one with curves a man could hold on to, and not sickly from a diet of rabbit food. Natasha had sure as hell felt healthy.
    He watched, patient, taking in her backside and every now and then glancing around the diner as he nursed his coffee and allowed his meal to settle. When Helen returned to Natasha, the two women engaged in a rather lengthy conversation. Most everyone in the diner was eating now, and Helen probably had a moment to catch her breath. Instead of sitting, waiting until she needed to dish out bills or bring dessert, Helen seemed content to chat away with the new lady in town.
    Natasha didn’t appear concerned about keeping a low profile. Not that she could with a body like that. A sexy body wouldn’t taint Trent’s judgment. If she was hiding her father or knew information that would help solve this murder and was keeping it from Trent, he’d treat her the same as any other criminal.
    Natasha finally pulled out a few bills, handed them to Helen, and waved off change. Then grabbing a coat that was much too light for this time of year, she headed out of the diner. Trent straightened, relieved when Natasha didn’t notice him as she left. He still planned on following her, allowing just enough time before he walked out so she wouldn’t notice him especially if she didn’t return to Pearl’s. When he stood, Helen hurried to his side.
    “What were you talking to Miss King about?” he asked without formality.
    “She’s quite the looker, isn’t she?” Helen wagged her eyebrows at him. When she got the hint he wanted an answer, she cleared her throat. “Nothing much. We talked about Weaverville. I told her some of our local history. When I started telling her about Trinity Ranch and the murder we had out there, she suddenly had to go. She did ask where it was located when she paid me.”
    “She