Open Arms by Marysol James

was something that confounded Tammy. Despite his past, and his alcoholism, and his prison time, he was steady and warm. Tammy felt calm and safe, just by sitting next to him, just by being around him. Phil was probably one of the most dangerous men she’d ever met – if she just looked at him on paper – but she’d never even felt any anger in him. No matter what he was like before, or how tough and dangerous he looked, or where he came from, she just wasn’t afraid of him. She had no reason to fear him. He wasn’t about to hurt her.
    “I’ve been sober for about nine years now,” Phil said. “When I got out of jail the last time and Dave gave me the job here, I told him everything.” He looked down at his hands. “Dave had had a problem with drugs when he was younger, and he gave me a chance. He knew what I was up against, and he wanted to give me something good enough to fight for, to protect. Something I didn’t want to lose or screw up.”
    “That was Open Skies?”
    “Yep. I can’t say I’ve never had moments of weakness, ‘cause I have. But Kimana has been amazing, and so have Jake and Mattie. Everyone, really.”
    Tammy smiled at him. “You’re lucky, Phil. I’m happy for you.”
    He smiled back and that battered face just lit up. “Thanks, hon.” He glanced at his watch. “So, I’ve got to get back to work now. The kids from Clarity will be here soon to help take care of the horses, and I need to be there. You want me to walk you back to your cabin?”
    Tammy thought about the wolf staring at her from just a few feet away, and she shivered. Those eyes had been so cold and calculating; emotionless and blank. She didn’t want to see the beast ever again, and she simply couldn’t understand Kimana’s love for the creatures, or Mattie saying that the wolf of her childhood had been beautiful.
    “Yes, please,” she said. “I’d appreciate that.”

Chapter Five
     
    Almost a week later, Tammy was sitting in her cabin, staring out the big window in the living room. She had a glass of white wine in front of her, and she was gazing at the perfect sunset over the mountains. Despite the hush and the beauty, and a deep sense of joy and belonging, she was feeling a bit lonely.
    God. This would be so perfect is someone were here to share it with me .
    As always, her thoughts went to Rob. She imagined him here with her, drinking wine and watching the sun sink below the mountain tips in bursts of gold and rose and purple. She pictured him here with her after a Sunday morning of making love – he’d be lounging around in his jeans, his muscular torso bare and warm, drinking coffee. Immediately, her nipples hardened, her breath got shallow, her pussy slicked up. Jesus. Just thinking about him turns me on.
    There was a knock at the door and she got to her feet. “Who’s there?”
    “It’s Rob.”
    She almost sagged against the wall. Oh, shit. Here she was in a state of complete arousal about him, and he shows up in the flesh. She raised her chin and straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. OK, Tammy. You can do this. Hang tough.
    She opened the door. “Hi.”
    “Hi. Is it OK if I come in for a minute?”
    “Sure.”
    Tammy deliberately moved away from him, didn’t watch him undo his coat and take it off, roll up his sleeves over those amazing golden forearms and undo the top button of his crisp white shirt. Instead, she went as far away from him as she could and walked in to the kitchen. “Can I get you something?”
    He glanced around the room and saw her glass of wine. “I’d love some wine, if you have any left. Not too much, though. I have to drive home.”
    “Sure.” She poured half a glass and brought it to him. He took it, thanked her.
    She gestured at the sofa. “Sit, please.”
    He smiled as she settled next to him, two sofa cushions away. She was facing him, her long, slim leg crossed below her, one elbow perched on the back of the sofa, her