On her fourth stroke, he closed his eyes in quiet pleasure.

aIam lonely, too, Max,a Kate whispered. In the aftermath of her fatheras death her emotions were so raw that just the realization that this dog was also lonely brought tears of empathy to her eyes. Trying to concentrate on something else, she thought about the possible ramifications of her reckless decision to have dinner with a stranger that night, and stroked Maxas head. When she finally glanced at her watch, it was fifteen minutes to eight. aI have to go now,a she said, giving the canineas head a quick pat before moving away from him. aTell you what,a she added, trying to sound cheerful for his sake, aif I get back here alive and unharmed tonight, weall have breakfast together in the morning, and Iall order you an entire, all-meat breakfast of your very own. How does that sound?a Large brown eyes looked at her imploringly, and he wagged his tail. He wanted more petting, and that was as clear as if head spoken the words. Kate backed into the suite and put her hand on the sliding gla.s.s door to pull it closed. In an idiotic attempt to bribe the forlorn dog to feel bettera"and make herself feel less guiltya"she made him promises as she slowly pulled the door closed. aIall order you bacon and sausage. Better yet, Iall order you a steak with a bone that you can take with you and bury! You really have to go now,a she urged, closing the door the last inch. On the other side of the gla.s.s, the dog stared at her intently; Kate reluctantly turned away.

Ten minutes later, wearing the outfit shead originally chosen, Kate bent down to slip on a pair of light blue sandals with narrow straps, then picked up the little blue clutch-style purse that matched the shoes. It was time to find out if shead made the most idiotic and possibly dangerous mistake of her life by agreeing to have dinner outside the hotel with a total stranger. If she didnat return that night and ended up dead, no one would ever know who murdered her.

Partway to the door, she had an idea and turned back. From her green canvas tote bag, she dug out the pen and tablet shead used earlier and tore off a fresh sheet of paper. On it, she wrote in large letters, aIave gone out to dinner with a man who says his name is Mitch.e.l.l Wyatt. I met him this afternoon in the Sandbar when I spilled a b.l.o.o.d.y Mary on his shirt. The waiter can give you his description.a Satisfied, she propped the note on the living room telephone, where it would be easily spotted by the police if they were investigating her disappearance. Once they read her note, theyad surely check with the waiters at the Sandbar, and one or more of them would be able to give a good description of her abductor.

At the door to her suite, Kate paused again and glanced over her shoulder at the terrace door. Max had moved off the terrace into the gra.s.s, and was poised to run. Evidently, he was too wily to hang around on her terrace if she left, and Kate was glad of that. She a.s.sumed head head for the safety of the trees and the company of his canine friends, as he usually did, but when she was only a few steps away from the white stucco villa that housed her suite, the brown dog bounded around the building and trotted straight to her side. Kate stopped worriedly and he sat. aYouare getting way too daring,a she warned him sternly. aThe groundskeepers are on the lookout for you, and I canat protect you if Iam not here.a Pointing to the woods, she ordered, aGo!a He glanced in the direction she pointed, then back at her.

aI know you understand me,a Kate told him firmly, abecause people are always chasing you off and telling you to go away, and then you do it. Now, I mean it.a She patted his head because she couldnat help herself; then she pointed to the line of trees and ordered sharply, aGo away!a He stood up slowly.

aGo ona"go away!a Kate said sharply, and clapped her hands for emphasis; then she turned her back on him and walked purposefully down the path to the hotelas main entrance. From the corner of her eye she watched him running toward the trees, but angling in the same direction she was headed. He was so large and so agile that he covered an amazing amount of ground in an effortless, loping canter, she noted admiringly, but if he intended to try to meet her outside the front of the hotel, head get into trouble for being there. She thought of the way head leaned his body against her and closed his eyes a little while ago when she petted him, and she felt like a cruel witch for running him off just a few minutes later.

Chapter Six.

aGOOD EVENING, MISS,athe doorman said when Kate walked past the lobby of the hotelas main building a few minutes before eight. Festive torches lit up the entrance and lined both sides of the long driveway. Couples were arriving and departing in a steady stream, some dressed for dinner at the hotel, others wearing shorts and heading for more casual island nightspots. aMay I get you a taxi?a aNo, thank you.a Kate looked down the line of waiting vehicles. Most were red or white compact rental cars, she noticed idly; then she remembered reading that Volkswagen bugs were the preferred choice of serial killers. If Wyatt was driving one of those, she would not get into it, she decided. Rather than going into the lobby and waiting there, she wandered slowly down a sidewalk bordered with giant bushes on her left and the hotelas main driveway on her right. As she neared the end of the bushes, she saw a black convertible with its top down turn into the drive, but a sudden outburst of angry male shouts from the other side of the bushes filled her with foreboding and made her quicken her pace in their direction.

Two bellboys trotted past her, apparently summoned by the shouting. Kate heard one of them say the worddog, and she broke into a run just as Mitch.e.l.l Wyatt brought the convertible to an abrupt stop at the curb beside her. She saw the surprised look on his face as she raced past his car, but she didnat have time to stop and explain.

Reaching the end of the bushes, Kate came to a halt beside the bellmen, and her fear quickly turned to reluctant amus.e.m.e.nt. Two angry, shouting gardeners were chasing Max in circles and waving their rakes at him, but he was easily staying out of their reach.

Behind her, Mitch.e.l.l Wyatt said drily, aFor a moment back there I thought you were running toward my car because you were extremely eager to see me again.a Over her shoulder, Kate flashed him a distracted, laughing look. aWere you flattered or frightened?a aYou ran past me before I had time to react.a A moment later, he added jokingly, aIf youare interested in betting on the outcome between the dog and the gardeners, Iall give you the gardeners and ten to one odds.a aAt twenty to one, thatas still a sucker bet,a Kate replied with a plucky smile. He grinned at her quip, and suddenly Kateas earlier fears that he could be a violent criminal seemed nonsensical. She waited a few more moments to a.s.sure herself that Max was in no danger of actually being caught; then she turned and walked with Mitch.e.l.l toward his car. aI wish they wouldnat chase him,a she said. aOne of the maids told me that several of the local islands have problems with packs of dogs roaming around, but this dog isnat dangerous. Heas just hungry. He isnat doing anyone any harm.a aIf I understood what the bellmen were talking about just now, that dog is doing the gardens a whole lot of harm because heas so big,a Mitch.e.l.l said as he opened the car door for her. aAnd he also scares the hotel guests. Last week, he ran up to a little girl and she got hysterical.a aHeas lonely,a Kate said sadly, thinking of the way head leaned against her and blissfully closed his eyes when she petted him. As she slid onto the pa.s.senger seat, she said, aWhat language was the doorman speaking? A lot of the hotel staff speaks French, but that wasnat French.a aIt was Dutch, and I may have gotten most of it wronga"a he said, but the screech of automobile brakes behind them made them both turn sharply, just in time to see the dog bounding across the drive between cars, followed closely by a golf cart with the two gardeners in it. The golf cart stopped safely at the curb and an arriving taxi stopped in time, but a departing taxi was accelerating on the other side of the median, and Kate screamed a warning to the dog. Max swerved at the sound of her voice and tried to run to her instead. The taxi hit him.

Kate was out of the car, running, before the taxi driver got out of his vehicle. Mitch.e.l.l caught up with her and grasped her arm. aLet me take a look first,a he insisted.

aI want to help,a Kate cried frantically, trying to wrench free of his grasp. aLet go of my arm.a Stunned that she wanted to subject herself to what could be a gory scene, Mitch.e.l.l let her go and quickened his pace to keep up with her.

When Kate rushed around the front of the taxi, her fear turned into anguish. Maxas still body was lying on its side, his head against the curb, his eyes closed. Kneeling next to him, she felt frantically for a pulse at his throat. She found it and relief flooded through her. aHeas alive,a she said quickly, abut we need help.a Lifting her head, she looked toward the bellmen and gardeners whoad gathered into a group next to the taxi driver and Mitch.e.l.l. aCall a veterinarian right away,a she told the hotelas employees.

One bellman looked blankly at the gardeners and then the other bellman. aA veterinarian?a he repeated as Kate began tentatively examining the bleeding cut on Maxas head.

aAn animal doctor,a Mitch.e.l.l clarified impatiently in English, then again in Dutch.

The gardeners were aghast at the suggestion; the bellmen were obstinate. aNo, miss, no doctor,a one of them said. aWeall take care of the dog, you go now and enjoy your evening.a He said something in Dutch to his companions and the group of men moved forward.

Their shadow fell across Kate just as she realized how they were likely to atake care ofa a large, destructive, unconscious animal that was an annoying nuisance to adult hotel guests and a terrifying threat in the minds of some of their children. aWhat do you intend to do?a she asked stubbornly.

aWeare going to drag him off the road now so the cars can get through, and then weall take him away.a aNo!a Kate said with an adamant shake of her head. aHe shouldnat be moved. The cars can go around him. He may have spinal injuries or broken bones.a They didnat care one bit about any of that, she realized, so she appealed urgently to the man shead promised to take to dinner. aWe have to help him!a Mitch.e.l.l gazed at her beautiful face and realized she expected him to agree it was imperative to save the life of a mangy, homeless, mongrel dog. And, suddenly, he did agreea"although it was her eyes and not the dog that caused him to come to that conclusion. Inwardly amused by the effect those beseeching green eyes were having on him, Mitch.e.l.l said solemnly, aIall see what I can do.a The doorman smiled politely as Mitch.e.l.l approached. aGood evening, Mr. Wyatt.a Mitch.e.l.l a.s.sumed the doorman would have witnessed the scene in the driveway, so he ignored the greeting, refrained from giving explanations, and tackled the problem: aThe dog is badly injured. Whereas the nearest animal doctor?a aThereas one here on Anguilla, but he will be closed by now.a As proof that it was quite late, he glanced meaningfully at the setting sun.

Having already antic.i.p.ated that would be his answer, Mitch.e.l.l strode past him into the lobby and headed for the front desk, where two couples were waiting to check in and another man was asking for directions. When he was halfway across the lobby, the manager emerged from a side door, saw Mitch.e.l.l, and rushed forward to greet him. aMr. Wyatt!a he exclaimed delightedly.

Mitch.e.l.l reached into his pocket.

aI didnat realize youad booked reservations with us,a the manager said, holding out his hand for a handshake. aIave been busy with our new a.s.sistant manager because heall be in charge for the next week. I have to make an emergency trip to the States tomorrow, and heas quite overwhelmed, Iam afraid.a Mitch.e.l.l clasped the manageras outstretched hand and slipped a $100 bill into his palm. aIam glad youare still here tonight, Maurice, because thereas been an automobile accident in the hotel driveway that requires your special attention.a aOh, no! Is anyone hurt?a aYes.a aOne of our guests?a aNo, one of your stray dogs,a Mitch.e.l.l said, already striding toward the telephone on the front desk with Maurice rushing along beside him. aI need an ambulance and a physician here immediately.a aYou . . . you want me to send for an ambulance and a physician because a stray dog has been injured out there?a In reply, Mitch.e.l.l picked up the telephone and held the receiver toward the fl.u.s.tered manager. aI want them to come as fast as they possibly can. Iamextremely fond of this particular dog.a The manager took the receiver, pressed one b.u.t.ton on the telephone, and hesitated. aTheyall refuse to treat a dog.a aAppeal to their humane instincts,a Mitch.e.l.l said drily as he withdrew cash from his pants pocket and began peeling off large bills to cover whatever inducement the ambulance driver and physician demanded before theyad make the trip.

The manager watched him a moment, then quickly dialed the rest of the ambulanceas phone number.

Mitch.e.l.l stayed until that call and the one to the physician were both successfully completed; then he left the ainducement moneya with the manager to dole out to the recipients.

Kate Donovan was in clear view across the driveway when he emerged from the hotel. The taxi driver had left in his taxi, the bellmen and gardeners had dispersed, and she sat alone on the gra.s.s, in the median beside the curb next to the dog, with her legs curled beneath her. Captured in the glow of torchlight, with her red hair a silken mantle across her shoulders and her hand gently stroking the injured dog, she looked ethereal.

She looked up as Mitch.e.l.l neared, searching his face for a clue as to what head accomplished.

aHelp is on the way,a he promised, crouching on his heels beside her. aHowas the patient?a She shifted her attention to the dog as she answered, her fingers gently stroking the animalas shoulder. aHis breathing seems a little stronger and more regular. I canat feel any broken bones, and his cuts arenat deep, but he may be hemorrhaging internally. He started to come around a few minutes ago, or at least I thought he did.a She fell silent, and Mitch.e.l.l said nothing more because he was listening for a particular sound. He heard it very soona"a siren growing louder and louder.

Kate didnat notice the siren because she felt a slight twitch of muscles beneath her fingertips and suddenly Max opened his eyes. aThere you are!a she said joyously. aStay quiet,a she warned quickly, pressing him down with both hands when he made a feeble effort to roll onto his stomach. aHelp is on the way,a she promised him. Without looking up, she asked Mitch.e.l.l, aWhat sort of help is coming?a Her question was almost drowned out by a vehicle roaring up the driveway and screeching to a halt in front of the hotel.

aThat sort of help,a Mitch.e.l.l replied, standing up.

Kate leaned forward and looked around his legs; then she looked up at him in laughing disbelief and unabashed admiration. aYou called anambulance ?a She would have said more, but Mitch.e.l.l was already striding off toward the ambulance and the dazed dog was getting agitated, thrashing around in a feeble effort to roll to his feet. Soothing Max with her voice and hands, she watched two men jump out of the ambulance while a dark green car came racing up the driveway and lurched to a stop behind them. The car was still rocking when the driver flung open his door and got out, carrying a large black bag.

He was a physician, Kate knew at once, but her delight was doused by her fear that the doctor and ambulance drivers would all get back in their vehicles and leave as soon as Mitch.e.l.l told them who their patient really was. Tensely, she watched Mitch.e.l.l gesture toward the dog she was holding down.

Kate held her breath.

The doctor turned and started walking toward her. The ambulance drivers rushed to the back of their van and pulled out a stretcher.

Amazement and optimism soared through Kate, and she whispered to the dog, aI think weare in very good hands, Max.a She was positive of it when the physician crouched down beside her, looked at the nervous, wary dog and opened his black bag. aOur local vet is on vacation, but I phoned a veterinarian friend of mine in St. Maarten before I left, and I brought along some things he recommended. Now then,a he said calmly, adogs usually like me. Letas hope this one does, too, because I donat want to sedate him just yet. Head injuries,a he continued as he slowly reached out toward the dog, acan bea"a A low, throaty snarl began in the dogas throat and his lips curled back over white fangs.

The physician yanked his hand back. aWounded animals often attack anyone who comes too close,a he informed Kate; then he reached toward the dog again, this time cautiously, inches at a time. aBut this fellow is willing to let you touch him, so he ought to let me do it. Heas actually a little afraid of me . . . and all that snarling is really just . . . a bluff.a aNo, I donat think ita"a Kateas warning was drowned out by the physicianas yelp of pain.

Chapter Seven.

aITHINK THEdog is going to be fine,a the physician told Kate and Mitch.e.l.l as he looked around for his black bag.

The ambulance drivers had left earlier, after settling the dog on the floor near the coffee table in the main room. aHeall sleep through the night, a.s.suming I gave him the right dosage. Tomorrow, you should take him over to St. Maarten and let a vet there have a look at him and take some X-rays of his skull and shoulder.a aI canat thank you enough,a Kate said sincerely, aand Iam terribly sorry about your arm.a aThe bite isnat extremely deep, but it is rather painful,a he replied stiffly while collecting bandages and antiseptic from the table near the terrace doors. aAnd of course now thereas the question of rabies to consider.a Kate stifled a smile that was part anxiety and part mortification. aYou did say that whoever you spoke to at the hospital just now told you there hasnat been a case of rabies reported on the island in years?a aYes. However, itas imperative that you keep that animal with you until you leave. After that, Iall take care of him. I wish you would let me take him with me now.a aI want to look after him myself while Iam here,a Kate said. She had a feeling the physician would prefer to euthanize Max to find out immediately if he had rabies, rather than wait out a ten-day quarantine period to see if Max developed symptoms.

aIf he shows any symptoms of rabies while heas with you, I need to know about it immediately so that I can be treated. Agreed?a aAbsolutely,a Kate said, and nodded for emphasis.

aAnd you understand clearly what those symptoms are?a aI wrote them down right here,a Kate said, holding up the tablet.

aIf this dog were to disappear before ten days from now,a the doctor lectured, aI would have to undergo treatment for rabies, whether he actually has rabies or not.a Mitch.e.l.l had heard enough about this highly unlikely eventuality that didnat need to be addressed unless it became an unlikely reality. The dog had been so weak and disoriented that his bite had barely broken the physicianas skin, but the man had howled in pain and bandaged his arm as if a major artery had been severed. aWe understand perfectly,a Mitch.e.l.l said smoothly, and ushered the physician to the door. aWeall keep him on a leash when he goes outside,a he added, and swept the door open.

In the doorway, the doctor hesitated, and turned back around. aDo youhave a leash?a aIall get one in the morning.a The man still balked. aYouall do itfirst thing in the morning?a aAt the crack of dawn,a Mitch.e.l.l averred, and putting his hand lightly on the other manas elbow, he turned him around and propelled him unceremoniously out the door.

Kate watched that maneuver from the other side of the room, amused and impressed by Mitch.e.l.las blas sangfroid and his swift efficiency in times of stress. In the few hours shead known him, shead criticized him soundlya"and unjustlya"for the b.l.o.o.d.y Mary; dumped a drink on his shirt; reneged on the nice dinner she owed him; and involved him instead in a dramatic canine-rescue effort. Head handled all of that imperturbablya"and very, very graciously. An hour ago shead imagined he might be a murderer; now she regarded him as a friend and ally.

Kateas cordial feelings for him were evident in her warm smile as she said, aI still owe you dinner. I could call room service and we could eat out on the terrace, if you like.a Since Evan planned to arrive the next evening, Kate suggested the only other alternative she could offer. aOr would you rather forget about dinner and let me pay for your shirt instead?a She wondered if Mitch.e.l.l would notice shead limited him to only those two choices, but his reaction was so nonchalant that she decided he either didnat notice or didnat care.

aDinner here will be fine,a Mitch.e.l.l replied. aYou owe me a meal,a he added mildly, aand I always collect on debts that are owed to me.a She was obviously expecting a boyfriend to arrive the next day, he realized, or else shead have offered an explanation for not being able to have dinner with him some other night.

Kate folded her arms loosely across her chest and regarded him with amus.e.m.e.nt. aDo you really?a aAlways,a he replied, reaching for theHotel Services folder on the desk.

aThen how much do I owe you for the physician and ambulance?a aNothing,a Mitch.e.l.l said, flipping to the Room Service section of the handbook.

aDidnat you offer them money so that theyad agree to come out here and treat a dog?a aI appealed to their humane instincts.a aI see,a Kate replied, pretending she believed his story. aAnd is that why they got here so fast, too? I mean, they were here less than ten minutes after you walked into the lobby.a Mitch.e.l.l glanced at her from the corner of his eye. She was watching him with a knowing little smile, and he had a sudden, impossibly premature impulse to wrap her in his arms and cover that tantalizing mouth with his. That thought made a smile tug at the corner of his own lips as he shrugged and said, aThey got here quickly because itas a very small island.a aAnd also because you promised them avery big tip?a Trying to ignore the impulse to laugh, Mitch.e.l.l focused on the menu. aWhat would you like for dinner?a Kate named the same delicious meal shead ordered the night before. aI think Iall have the sea scallops and a prawn and avocado salad,a she said, bending down to check on the sleeping dog.

aWould you like me to phone room service?a he asked.

aYes, please,a Kate said over her shoulder. aOrder anything you like. Ordereverything you like,a she joked, imagining the enormous tip he must have given to entice the ambulance drivers and a physician to race at top speed to the rescue of an injured stray dog.

Maxas nose felt warm to her touch, and his breathing was shallow and a little fast, but the physician had told her to expect this. Behind her, she heard Mitch.e.l.l pick up the telephone receiver, but a moment later he put it back in the cradle with a sharp clack. Puzzled, Kate glanced over her shoulder and saw him standing beside the phone, holding a piece of lined tablet paper in his hand, his dark brows drawn into a scowl.

A sheet of tablet paper . . .her tablet paper!Her tablet paper with the note shead written to help the police identify him if she disappeared. aI can explain,a she said, surging to her feet and walking over to him.

aIam dying to hear it,a he said coolly, and handed the note to her.

Kate reacted to the chill in his tone with an intensity that startled her. She didnat want to insult him or make him think badly of hera"not now, not when she was so grateful to him and liked him so much. He hadnat sounded this curt and unfriendly when she blamed him for the b.l.o.o.d.y Mary and dumped it on his shirt. Trying to think of the least offensive explanation she could give him, she reread what shead written on the note.

aIave gone out to dinner with a man who says his name is Mitch.e.l.l Wyatt. I met him this afternoon in the Sandbar when I spilled a b.l.o.o.d.y Mary on his shirt. The waiter can give you his description.a Stalling for time, she laid the offensive note back on the desk. aTonight,a she began haltingly, awhen I wasnat sure what I should wear to dinner, I decided to call you and ask where we were going.a She paused, nervously rubbing her palms against the sides of her pants.

aGo on,a he said brusquely.

aBut when I phoned the hotel operator and asked him to ring your room, he said you werenat staying here. That made me . . . well . . . uneasy. Possibilities started to occur to me that I hadnat considered earlier, when I believed you were a guest here and agreed to have dinner with you.a aWhat possibilities?a he demanded.

Kate wanted to be evasive, but that was impossible with his rapier blue gaze pinning hers. aThere were certain things about you that made me think you might be aa"a She almost choked on the word. aa"gigolo.a His scowl deepened. aAwhat ?a aPlease, just try to look at it from my perspective. You were hanging around a very expensive hotel that youare not staying at, youare outrageously handsome, youare incredibly smooth, youare totally charming, and youare avery fast workera"within two or three minutes of meeting me, you askedme to takeyou to dinner.a His expression hadnat softened a bit, which told Kate two things: He wasnat flattered by her complimentary remarks about his looks and charm; and he was waiting for an explanation as to why shead instructed whoever read the note to get a description of him from the waiter.

Raking her hair back off her forehead, she admitted the entire embarra.s.sing truth. aI was upset at the possibility that Iad been tricked into having dinner with a gigolo, but then I realized you could be a lot worse than a gigolo.a aI canat think of anything more repulsive than being a gigolo.a aNo, but you could have been worse than arepulsive.a You could have been dangerous. You could have been a murderer who picks up single women in hotels in the islands, kills them, and buries their bodies in the sand . . . or . . . something like that. . . .a Kate trailed off, feeling like a colossal idiot.

aSo you left a note for the authorities to find in case you disappeared?a Kate nodded miserably.

aBecause you wanted to be sure I wouldnat get away withyour murder?a Kate was so mortified and so annoyed with herself that she missed the thread of amus.e.m.e.nt in his deep voice. Unable to hold his gaze, she looked toward Max. aIt didnat seem quite so idiotic then as it does now.a For the second time in a few minutes, Mitch.e.l.l had to fight down the impulse to haul her into his arms. To distract himself, he turned away and picked up the telephone.

Startled by his abrupt move, Kate said, aWho are you calling?a aRoom service,a he said mildly.

aIn that case,a Kate said contritely, ayou may change my order to a large plate of humble pie.a Mitch.e.l.l was still grinning when the room service operator answered his call.

Chapter Eight.

LEAVINGMITCh.e.l.l TOdeal with room service, Kate went into the suiteas luxurious bathroom/dressing room to clean up. Twisting around in front of the full-length mirrors that lined one wall, she brushed at the bits of gra.s.s and dirt stuck to the back of her pants, but there was a damp stain on one side that was very noticeable.

Conscious of the pa.s.sage of time, she walked over to the closet and considered her choices. Holly had helped her pack because the night before Kate was to leave for Anguilla, shead gotten one of the fierce headaches that had been plaguing her since her fatheras death. Holly had chosen outfits that were suitable for a romantic holiday with Evan, and none of them seemed completely appropriate for this particular occasion.

Kate decided on a pair of cream silk lounging pants with a wide band of gold Moroccan embroidery at the hem and a delicate cream silk camisole with a straight neckline and narrow spaghetti straps that tied into bows on her shoulders. The outfit seemed a little too softly feminine to suit dining alone in a hotel room with a strange man, but it covered everything except her arms, and the neckline was perfectly modest, so it seemed like the best selection among the clothes she had with her.

She changed quickly and slipped on a pair of gold sandals. At the mirror above the hammered bra.s.s sink, she paused just long enough to run a brush through her hair and put on fresh lipstick. She was absolutely determined to atone for everything shead put Mitch.e.l.l through by making the rest of his evening as enjoyable as she possibly could, and that meant not keeping him waiting alone any longer than necessary.

The telephone began ringing while Kate was applying lipstick, and she reached automatically for the extension hanging on the wall beside the mirror; then she hesitated and let it continue ringing. Evan phoned every night at about this time, and this call was undoubtedly from him. If he was calling to explain that he couldnat make it to Anguilla the next afternoon, then head probably be relieved to leave that message on the hotelas voice mail for her. If he was calling to confirm that he was going to arrive as planned, she could listen to his message later. Right now, she had a rather urgent debt to repay to the man in the next room, and the only way she could repay it was by being the best hostess she could possibly be. That was one thing Kate knew how to do rather well, having grown up in the restaurant business.

She took a last glance at herself in the mirrored wall behind her; then she turned off the lights and left the room.

She expected to find Mitch.e.l.l outside on the terrace enjoying the balmy, moonlit night, but instead he was standing beside the sleeping dog with his hands in his pockets and a bemused smile on his face. She stopped in the doorway, arrested by his expression, trying to guess what he was thinking, but then something else struck her: He looked as immaculately groomed as he had when he first arrived at the hotel that evening. His thick black hair was beautifully cut and styleda"and completely unmussed; his snowy white shirt was as unwrinkled as his tan trousers, and his brown loafers were gleaming. Head draped the navy blazer head been wearing earlier over a chair, and head folded his shirtsleeves back onto his forearms, but other than those two alterations in his appearance, he certainly didnat look as if head helped load and unload a large, unconscious dog on and off a stretcher.

Earlier that day, in the dim light of the restaurant, shead been too mortified at having doused him with the b.l.o.o.d.y Mary to do more than form an impression that he was handsome. Tonight, shead been too busy with Max to actually study the man whoad gallantly responded to her appeal for help, but now she realized Mitch.e.l.l Wyatt wasnat merely handsome, he was absolutelygorgeous. He was about six feet three inches tall, with extremely broad shoulders, a muscular chest, and narrow hips. His face was tanned, his jaw square, his brows thick and straight above dark-lashed eyes that she already knew were a deep indigo blue.

Normally Kate was unimpressed with exceptionally handsome men, because they were usually either vain and shallow or subtly effeminate, but this man was thoughtful and kind, and he was thoroughly male. Standing perfectly still in the living room, with his hands in his pockets, he positively emanated masculine vitality and s.e.x appeal.

All of those attributes, combined with his wry sense of humor and blas sophistication, made Kate decide that he was, in every respect, the most attractive man shead ever encountered. Glamorous, sophisticated women undoubtedly dropped into his arms when he crooked his finger at them, Kate thought with an inner smile. She, however, was neither glamorous nor very worldly, and for once she was rather glad of those shortcomings, because he wouldnat be tempted to turn the full force of his charm and good looks on someone like her. The evening had already been nerve-racking enough without having to fend off halfhearted advances from a lethally attractive male. Belatedly realizing shead been studying him for far too long, Kate stepped forward and announced her presence by saying the first thing that came to mind. aIam sorry I took so long.a He turned at the sound of her voice; but instead of replying, he looked her over slowly from head to toe with a smile of frank masculine appreciation that was so flattering and unnerving to Kate that she had to concentrate on walking without tripping over her own feet. As his gaze traveled back up to her head, she braced for a suggestive compliment.

aYour curls are all tamed down tonight,a he observed mildly. Kateas nervous misgivings evaporated in a relieved laugh.

aI tortured them into submission with a flat iron and blow dryer,a she said, stopping beside him. aHowas the patient doing?a she asked, bending down to lightly scratch behind Maxas ears. Her fingertips encountered a light dusting of a powdery substance that hadnat been on him before, and she noticed more of it on the white carpet around where he lay. Kate glanced uncertainly over her shoulder and held up her powdery fingertips. aDo you know what this is?a aFlea powder. I had housekeeping bring some in while you were changing clothes.a aWhy do you think he has fleas?a aBecause they were dragging him toward the door while I watched,a he said drily, as he grasped her arm, urging her up. aIad stand back until that stuff does the job or youall be awake all night scratching behind your own ears.a Surprised and touched to discover head gallantly taken care of yet another problem for her, Kate straightened and looked searchingly at his handsome, tanned face. Shead been uneasy about him simply because he was outrageously good-looking, and she had an impossible impulse to tell him that, and then to apologize for it. Instead, she said with soft sincerity, aYouare very sweet.a Mitch.e.l.las reaction was s.e.xual, not sweet; yet as he gazed into her luminous green eyes, he found himself wondering if there was actually some truth to the axiom that the eyes were a window into the soul. His attention shifted almost immediately to her full lips, but just as he started to act on his impulse to kiss them, the silence was shattered by musicians down at the beach launching into a rousing steel-drum rendition of aJamaica Farewell.a Kate stepped back immediately, smiled, and tipped her head in the direction of the music coming in through the open terrace doors. aI love calypso music. Did you arrange for that, too, when you arranged for the flea powder?a Her recovery was so smooth that Mitch.e.l.l would have actually believed she hadnat realized what was about to happen between them a moment before, except that her skin was too fair to conceal the telltale pink tinge on her high cheekbones. Her pretense struck him as entertaining but humorously unnecessary. They were both adults, they were obviously attracted to each other; therefore, they were going to end up in that inviting king-size bed in the alcove later on. Mitch.e.l.l saw no reason for either of them to pretend the situation was otherwise. aIf Iad arranged for that music,a he a.s.sured her drolly, aIad have told them I prefer a much slower tempoa"at first.a Kateas eyes widened at the double meaning she read into that remark. Earlier, shead accused him of being a afast worker,a but even if he was, he surely couldnat intend to make a flying leap from a discussion of fleas, to an aborted kiss, to a blatant s.e.xual innuendo, without pausing in between.

Or could he?

Kate decided her imagination was running wild and reminded herself that her goal tonight was to be a good hostess. aLet me fix you something to drink,a she said with a quick smile as she turned toward the suiteas well-stocked bar. aWhat would you like?a aVodka and tonic if you have ice. Otherwise, plain vodka.a aIam sure we have ice,a she said, and confirmed it when she lifted the top off the ice bucket. aThe staff here looks after everything. They even give you chilled towels while youare at the beach.a From the refrigerator, she removed a miniature bottle of vodka, some tonic, and a fresh lime.

aYou had a phone call while you were changing clothes,a he said.

Kate glanced at the red message light flashing accusingly on the desk phone and opened the bottle of vodka. aI know. Iall listen to the message later.a aWhen are you expecting him to arrive?a His casual, conversational tone was as startling to Kate as his astute conclusion that she was expecting a man, but somehow she managed to glance over her shoulder, smile, and answer his question as casually as head asked it. aTomorrow evening, probably.a As she added ice to his gla.s.s, she waited for Mitch.e.l.l to comment, and when he didnat, she felt compelled to fill the awkward silence with added information about a boyfriend she didnat really want to discuss with him in the first place. aHeas trying an important case in court during the day and working to negotiate a settlement between the parties at night. He flew down here with me four days ago, but the judge decided not to continue the case again, and so he had to turn around and fly right back home. He thought the case would be over quickly, but itas been dragging on and on.a As Kate finished speaking, she realized the additional remarks about Evan were probably a good idea. Shead not only confirmed to Mitch.e.l.l that she had a boyfriend, shead provided enough additional facts about him to bring him into sharp focus right there in the room, where he would now be a barrier between Mitch.e.l.l and her. If Mitch.e.l.las earlier comment about the atempoa he preferred had actually been a s.e.xual reference, Kate knew there would be no more of those to deal with now. He wouldnat try to kiss her again, either, and so she wouldnat be foolishly tempted to let him. No matter how likeable he seemed or how attractive he was, the fact remained that Mitch.e.l.l was a total stranger and they were alone together in a hotel room. aWeave been going together for years,a she threw in for good measure, to further eliminate any lingering chances of overtures and temptations.

Kate poured the vodka over the ice in Mitch.e.l.las gla.s.s, serenely certain that everything shead said about Evan would ensure that the lovely evening ahead would be completely free of any more unnerving sensual undercurrents.

Mitch.e.l.l watched her, completely satisfied that the lawyer-boyfriend was no obstacle whatsoever to their going to bed together tonight. It was apparent to him that Kate didnat imagine she was in love with the lawyer; women who believed they were in love gave off unmistakable signals, particularly when they spoke of their lovers, and Kate Donovan wasnat giving off any of those signals.

The boyfriend wasnat even likely to be an annoying inconvenience if Kate and he also decided they wanted to enjoy each other for an additional day or two. In Mitch.e.l.las experience, lawyers who predicted they could successfully conclude aan important casea in a few days were either deluding themselves or trying to delude someone elsea"in this instance, Kate.

In his mind, Mitch.e.l.l envisioned a prosperous, middle-aged lawyer whoad managed to dazzle Kate years before, not long after she was out of college. He could have confirmed his suspicions with a few questions, but it was disadvantageous to the mood of the evening to further discuss another lover with her. Besides that, Mitch.e.l.l felt it would be in bad taste for him to pry into the absent manas personal life at a time like this. Under Mitch.e.l.las personal code of European s.e.xual ethics, sleeping with another manas lover was perfectly allowable if the lady was willing. However, discussing the absent man with her was a needless and tasteless invasion of the manas privacy. It was ungentlemanly. And Mitch.e.l.l abhorred ungentlemanly behavior.

Unaware that her discussion of Evan had accomplished exactly the opposite of what she thought, Kate added a slice of fresh lime to the vodka and tonic, and took Mitch.e.l.l the finished drink. When she held the gla.s.s out, he made a silent joke about the b.l.o.o.d.y Mary shead spilled on him earlier by stepping back and eyeing her warily before he cautiously took the gla.s.s from her outstretched hand. Of all his attractive qualities, Kate decided she liked his disarming sense of humor besta"undoubtedly because it was easier to forget his good looks and relax when they were joking with each other. Smiling good-naturedly at his gibe about the b.l.o.o.d.y Mary, she asked the first question that came to mind. aWhere did you learn to speak Dutch?a aIn Holland,a he replied, and took a sip of his drink.

aWhen were you there?a aWhen I was eleven or twelve.a He seemed a little unforthcoming on the subject, but Kate stuck with it anyway, because it seemed like a good conversational starting place. aWhy were you in Holland at that age?a aI went to school with a boy whose family lived in Amsterdam, and he invited me to spend a couple of summers there with his family.a aIave never been to Europe,a Kate said as she turned away and headed back toward the liquor cabinet, abut Amsterdam is one of the places Iad especially love to see. Do you know what I think of whenever someone mentions Amsterdam?a aNo,a Mitch.e.l.l replied, studying the easy, unselfconscious grace of her walk and the way her dark red hair tumbled in a gleaming waterfall of waves and curls halfway down her back. aWhat do you think of when someone mentions Amsterdam?a She shot him a rueful laughing look over her shoulder as she crouched down in front of the refrigerator. aThe same two things you do, Iam sure.a aMarijuana and prost.i.tutes?a Mitch.e.l.l speculated with certainty.

She stood up with a bottle of Perrier in her hand, but instead of saying he was correct, she fumbled with the top on the bottle for several seconds, trying to get it off. Intending to offer to help her, Mitch.e.l.l started forward; then he realized her shoulders were shaking with laughter and he stopped in surprise. aWhenever anyone thinks of Amsterdam,a he stated with certainty, athe first two things that come to mind are restaurants with marijuana on the menus and prost.i.tutes standing in storefront windows.a She laughed harder and she shook her head vigorously from side to side, causing her hair to shift across her ivory shoulders like a wavy crimson curtain. aThat isnot what most people think of,a she managed unsteadily after she finally got the top off the Perrier and poured some of the sparkling liquid into her gla.s.s.

aWhat else is there to think of?a he asked.

She turned fully toward him then, her face alight with laughter. aTulips!a she informed him, picking up her gla.s.s and crossing the room to him. aAnd ca.n.a.ls. Everyone thinks oftulips andca.n.a.ls when they think of Amsterdam.a aNoteveryone, obviously,a Mitch.e.l.l pointed out.

aApparently not,a she agreed, but she refused to concede the issue based solely on his opinion. aHowever, I would like to point out that when you see pictures of Amsterdam on calendars, you see fields of bright tulips and beautiful ca.n.a.ls. You donot see photographs of menus with marijuana as an appetizer, nor prost.i.tutes standing in store windows.a aThe marijuana choices are listed on a separate menu,a Mitch.e.l.l corrected, deriving the almost-forgotten, boyish pleasure of an innocent, lively debate over meaningless trivialities with an impertinent girl who attracted, amused, and opposed him. aThey arenat listed underAppetizers. a aThey should be,a Kate informed him, automatically thinking like a restaurant owner. aMarijuana is an appet.i.te stimulant.a aAre you speaking from personal experience?a Mitch.e.l.l inquired with a knowing grin.