Hard to Handle by Diana Palmer

forget. He had a feeling the memory was going to haunt him until he died. But if she even remembered what had happened, she gave no indication of it. She wouldn’t look him in the eye anymore, as if her behavior had shamed her. He hated doing that to her, making her ashamed of such glorious abandon. But he couldn’t give in. He’d fought his own need and won. But it was a hollow victory.
    “Glad to be going home?” he asked when they were on the plane.
    It was the first remark he’d made in two days that wasn’t related to the job.
    “Yes,” she said without looking at him. “I’m glad.”
    “That makes two of us,” he said with a rough sigh. “Thank God we can get back to normal now.”
    Normal, she thought, as if her life would ever be that again. Now that she knew his ardor, she knew the touch and feel and taste of him, she was going to starve to death without him. But he seemed completely unaffected by what had happened. And why not? He was experienced. Probably these interludes were part of his work background, and the encounter they’d had was a fairly innocent one. She shivered, thinking what might have happened if he’d wanted her back, if he’d been prepared. She’d never have gotten over him if they’d gone that far. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep. They’d be back in Tulsa soon, and they wouldn’t be doing any more traveling together, thank God.
     
    That peaceful thought lasted only until she was sitting in Eugene’s office, giving her report. The land containing the potential moly strike was dead on government land, and Eugene cursed roundly.
    “They’re trading that tract. Look here,” he muttered, showing her the area on the map. “They’re trading it for a tract they like in Vermont. Damn! All right, there’s only one thing to do. Pack an evening gown and some nice clothes. You and Cynthia and I are going to Washington to do some quick lobbying with one of our senators. I went to school with him and he’s very Oklahoma-minded. Don’t just sit there. Get going! I’ll want to leave first thing in the morning.”
    “Yes, sir.” She went home and packed. So much for her idea of staying at home for a while so that she could get over Hunter.
    And there was one more unpleasant surprise waiting. When she got to the airport, to board Eugene’s corporate jet, who should be waiting with Eugene and his blond wife, Cynthia, but Hunter, looking as irritated and put out as she felt.

6
    C ynthia saw the flash of antagonism in Hunter’s dark eyes as Jennifer approached, and she smiled to herself. “You look lovely, Jennifer,” she told the younger woman, and linked her arm with Jennifer’s. “Let’s get buckled up while they finish the walkabout. How have you been?”
    Hunter spared Jennifer one brief glance. His expression was as hard as stone. He’d spent days trying to forget her, and fate had thrown him a real curve today. He wanted to go off into the desert and spend some time alone. Maybe that was the answer, when Eugene could spare him. Maybe civilization was getting to him.
    “You’re brooding,” Eugene muttered, glaring at him. “What’s the matter?”
    “I was just getting used to peace and quiet,” Hunter murmured with a dry smile.
    “God help us.” Eugene shuddered. “Peace and quiet is for the grave, man. No good for healthy humans. Come on. I’ll see if I can light a fire under the pilot.”
    “Better let him do his job,” Hunter cautioned. “More than oneplane has gone down because its owner was too impatient for the final check.”
    Eugene glared at him again, but that level stare intimidated even him. “Okay,” he muttered. “Have it your own way.”
    Hunter smiled at the retreating figure, and all the while he was wondering how he was going to survive being close to Jenny without reaching for her.
    The flight seemed to take forever. Hunter alternately read and glared at Jennifer, who pretended not to notice. Things had been so strained between