Her feelings for Jake, however tempting or convoluted, would have to wait until this crisis was resolved.
He maneuvered off the main road, which ran through the wide valley, and onto a street that wended up the side of one of the mountains. She lifted her head and looked around. These weren’t ordinary houses. They were multimillion-dollar estates, most situated behind security gates. Did Jake own one of these mansions? Therians were often well-connected but few liked to flaunt their wealth. It drew too much attention.
Like the perfect jewel on the crest of an opulent crown, Jake’s house perched upon the hilltop. It was too dark to see much but the view had to be spectacular. He triggered the gate with a remote and drove onto the circular drive. The house wasn’t as large as some they had passed but real estate was all about location. The best seat in the house didn’t come cheap.
He activated one of the four garage bays and drove inside. The doors were separate but the garage was one open space. She looked down the row of automobiles and tried to keep her jaw from dropping. Sports car, sedan and SUV, all black and all the height of luxury.
Jake climbed off the bike then helped her down.
“Someone is fond of toys,” she muttered as she handed her helmet to him.
“Cats like shiny things. It’s a fact.”
His unabashed enjoyment made her smile. “Is Toulouse Tavern doing this well or do you own other businesses?” The question was out before she realized how rude it would sound.
“The tavern’s my only business, but I own lots of things.” His grin made it obvious she would get no more information. He unfastened the overnight bag and tossed it to her before they headed inside.
“There’s a guestroom down the hall or three empty bedrooms on the second level if that makes you feel safer. Take your pick.” Rather than heading for the stairs, however, he walked into the large kitchen. The lights came on automatically. “Feel free to turn in. I know you’ve had a hard night. I’m hopelessly nocturnal. Occupational hazard, I guess.”
She was an uninvited guest, imposing on his hospitality. It made sense to be as inconspicuous as possible. Even so, she set the overnight bag down by the stairs then joined him in the kitchen. She didn’t want to be alone and she wasn’t ready to leave him.
“Want something to drink? I make a mean sandwich if you’re hungry.”
“Actually I’m starving. The energy transfer helped, but my tank is still pretty empty.”
“Completely understandable. Have a seat.” He motioned to the row of barstools lining the breakfast bar. “This will just take a minute.”
The bar faced the adjoining family room but she turned the stool so she faced the kitchen. Jake moved about with quiet efficiency. She watched him in silence, feeling rather intrusive. He was being polite and kind but he hadn’t asked for this complication. He led the most influential tiger clan in North America. There was no way he needed more drama in his life.
He pulled open the refrigerator and scrounged around before he asked, “Is turkey and bacon okay? I could probably whip up tuna if you’re not into meat.”
The unintended innuendo made her cheeks burn. She was definitely into meat, or at least she was whenever she thought of him. “Turkey and bacon sounds wonderful.”
“And to drink?”
“Anything hot. Coffee, tea, I don’t care. My hands are frozen.” She rubbed her hands together and breathed on her chilly fingers. The kitchen was light and spacious with glass-front cupboards and recessed appliances. Modern elegance was echoed in the rest of the house. Each room was open and uncluttered, yet the décor seemed almost generic.
“The night wind can be brutal if you’re not used to it.” His deep voice drew her attention back to her host. He was watching her closely, deep-green eyes assessing. His black lashes were so thick they made him appear as if he were wearing guyliner. “I find it invigorating.”
With an intentional blink, she severed the connection long enough for her mind to reset. She was not here to flirt. She was in serious trouble. “How long have you lived in Colorado?”
“All my life. And you?”
“Third generation native.”
He chuckled. “I’ve got you beat by a generation.”
She wasn’t usually one for small talk but tonight had left her physically and emotionally exhausted. She didn’t have energy enough for anything more meaningful.
He set a steaming mug of hot chocolate in front of her a few minutes later. “Want a shot of schnapps in that? I think we could both use a drink.” She nodded and he retrieved a bottle from the freezer. “If this cools it down too much, let me know.”