Autumn Skies: 3 (A Bluebell Inn Romance)

by Denise Hunter

  “But that’s a whole week away, Gracie. And I’m not waiting that long to kiss you again. Go out with me tonight.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Grace followed the path down the peninsula, better known as Pawley Park. Maple trees cast long shadows on the well-manicured lawn as the filmy sun sank behind the mountains. Folks were out enjoying the mild evening weather: kids on the swing set, a young couple pulling ashore in a rowboat, and a couple of guys fishing off the pier.

  Grace headed toward the white gazebo where Molly and Adam had gotten married. There’d been another wedding earlier today—the podium still stood beneath the pavilion, and white chairs were lined up across the lawn like a sheet of postage stamps. Grace spotted an empty picnic table around the bend and headed toward it.

  She’d had some errands to run in town after work, so she and Wyatt had agreed to meet here. He was bringing food. She was early, but she’d sent him a text, telling him where she’d be.

  As she neared the picnic table, one of the guys on the dock gave a whoop. He grabbed the fish that flopped around on the end of his line and began removing the hook from its mouth. She was about to look away when the man turned.

  At the sight of his silhouette she stopped, her heart crashing into her ribs. It was the guy who’d grabbed her up by the creek. The tall, dark-haired one. His fishing buddy was the bearded blond.

  Grace’s heartbeat reverberated in her ears. Her lungs struggled to keep pace. She darted behind the nearest covering, a tree twice as wide as she was.

  You’re fine, you’re fine. Settle down. It’s a public park. It’s daylight.

  Not comforting, since the biggest fright of her life had happened in broad daylight.

  She leaned against the trunk, letting the solid feel of it ground her. She glanced around the park, the bark snagging her hair. No one else was around that she could see.

  Her legs were numb, but she forced herself to remain standing. She didn’t want to be caught unaware. She was being paranoid. They hadn’t even seen her, and they weren’t drunk this time. They might not even remember her or what had happened.

  But all those reassurances did nothing to quell the fear and sense of doom that hit her like a tidal wave. She breathed through the panic, afraid to close her eyes for even a moment.

  It’ll pass. Nothing is going to happen. God, help me. Because it sure felt like something was going to happen. Something bad. Something inescapable.

  The seconds dragged on, each one an eternity. She had no idea how much time passed. She didn’t hear the men anymore, but she was afraid to look.

  A hand touched her shoulder.

  She yelped and spun around, ready to scratch and claw and scream her head off.

  But it was only Wyatt.

  He held up his hands. “Hey, hey. It’s all right. It’s just me.”

  Grace clutched her chest to make sure her heart didn’t leap out onto the ground.

  Wyatt had stiffened, his gaze darting around the park. Hand on the gun at his waist. “What’s wrong?” he asked without looking at her.

  “Those guys.” Grace breathed though the panic. “The ones fishing off the pier.”

  “Where?”

  She found the courage to peek around the tree. “Over there. The man who attacked me at the creek and the other one. The drunk guys.”

  His brows pinched together. “Did they bother you?”

  “I don’t think they even saw me. I’m probably overreacting.”

  His eyes narrowed on the men. “That’s not them, Grace. Look.”

  She studied the guys who were baiting their hooks. Wyatt was right. The tall guy was lankier than the one at the campground. And his blond friend had a beard, but it was too long to be the guy she remembered.

  What had she been thinking? “You’re right.”

  Wyatt’s hand fell from his hip. His body lost some of that rigid alertness as he assessed her. “You’re white as a sheet.” He took her hand and gave a tug.

  That was all it took. She wrapped her arms around his middle and buried her face in his chest. “What’s wrong with me? I’m losing it. My heart’s beating so fast.”

  “You’re fine.” Without letting her go he lifted her wrist and took her pulse, holding her hand almost as if they were dancing.

  “Purse your lips,” he said against her temple. “Breathe through your mouth real slow. You’re all right. Nothing bad is going to happen.”

  She’d forgotten about that little breathing trick. It helped. As did knowing Wyatt was here and would protect her. Since when had she been so dependent on a man? But right now, security meant more to her than independence.

  The panic was subsiding, embarrassment creeping in. This was the second time he’d found her like this. And this time she’d freaked out over nothing. He probably thought she was a real nut job.

  He let go of her wrist and rubbed her back. “Better?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry.”

  “I feel stupid.”

  He leaned back, taking her face in his hands, searching her eyes. “Does this happen often?”

  She gave a wry laugh. “What, seeing things or flipping out?”

  He waited silently for her response.

  “It’s a new thing. You’re just lucky enough to be around when it does happen.”

  “I think you’re having panic attacks, Grace. You should see a doctor.”

  “You’re probably right. But I feel much better now.”

  He held her gaze for another moment, as if appraising her assertion. Then he dropped a soft kiss on her lips and let her go.

  When he knelt she saw he’d dropped the bags.

  “Our food.” She bent down to help.

  “No harm. It’s well packaged.” When it was all collected and put back in the bags, they stood.

  “Do you want to go somewhere else?”

  Grace surveyed the park. It was private and quiet and beautiful. But the peace had been ruined for her. “Would you mind?”

  Wyatt gave her a little smile. “I know just the place.”

  * * *

  Wyatt pulled his car into the turnout at Summit Ridge and turned off his car. He’d found the overlook this weekend when he was out driving. It had a pavilion, much like the one they’d spent the night in, and several picnic tables, all of them empty now.

  “This is perfect,” Grace said. “My favorite vista in the whole area. We’ll get to watch the sunset again.”

  He helped her from the car. She seemed a lot steadier. Her face had lost that ghostly pallor, her eyes no longer wide and frightened. He hated seeing her like that. Would do anything in his power to keep it from happening again.

  As far as the food went, he’d asked Della if he could order something off the menu for their picnic.

  “I can do better than that.” She’d proceeded to make all Grace’s favorites and refused to charge him a dime.

  Wyatt spread a tablecloth—Della again—on the rough-hewn table, and they sat across from each other. Grace raved over the chicken salad sandwiches, potato salad, and fresh fruit heaped on her plate. He liked that she had an appetite. He suspected she had a killer metabolism. She was active and in good physical condition.

  They talked about the upcoming wedding and the dress she was required to wear. They talked about his love of science and math and her dislike for the financial side of her business. Her knack for bowling, his incompetence at anything requiring artistic skill.

  “But you play the guitar. That’s artistic.”

  “But it’s not visual. There’s a difference—I’m living proof.”

  “I’m tone deaf.”

  “Let me hear you sing something.”

  She laughed. “Um, no. Some people are tone deaf, and they don’t know it. I know it.”

  Then the conversation moved on to his training, some of the dignitaries he’d protected, some of his friends from the field office. She listened intently while he went on longer tha
n he usually did about his work. She was a good listener. Not demanding or pressing. Just letting him say what he wanted.

  “So . . .” Grace shifted in her seat. “About your work. I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

  “Hit me.” He took a bite of the peach cobbler and pushed the container toward Grace, giving her his full attention.

  “Would you mind if I told Levi and Molly what you do for a living? I kind of feel like I’m keeping something important from them.”

  Wyatt felt a twinge of guilt. After all, he had secrets of his own. He hadn’t shared that the inn used to be his family’s summer home. If he did, then Grace would figure out who his mom was and how she’d met her end. He didn’t want to bring Grace into the middle of that horrible event. Their relationship was new and fresh and happy and he liked it that way.

  “Wyatt?” she nudged when he was quiet for too long. “I’ll understand if you don’t want me to.”

  He leaned forward on the table, quirking a brow. “Will your brother stop giving me the stink eye?”

  “Probably.”

  “Can they keep it to themselves?”

  “They have their flaws, but they do know how to be discreet.”

  “All right.”

  “Just like that?”

  “It’s the Secret Service, not the Top-Secret Service,” he said with a smile.

  “You’re quiet about it though.”

  He lifted a shoulder. “I don’t broadcast it. That doesn’t mean I can’t tell people what I do. I don’t exactly want to be the talk of the town, that’s all.”

  “Are you allowed to tell friends and family where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone?”

  “Sometimes—and sometimes not. There are times I’m sent on assignments with little notice. I have to drop my life and do my job. I had to miss my dad’s wedding, and I was his best man—that was the worst. I’ve missed Christmas and birthday parties and anniversaries.”

  “Family or girlfriend?” she asked.

  “Both.”

  “I can see where that might be a problem.”

  “It’s a sacrifice. Not just mine, either. But people’s lives are at stake, and I’m one of the people they depend on to make sure nothing happens.”

  Grace closed the lid to the peach cobbler and propped her chin on her palm. “I bet you’re really good at what you do. You took a bullet for someone.”

  “Part of the job.”

  “Well, it’s admirable.” She gave a self-conscious chuckle. “You’ve seen how I handle danger. You don’t want me around in an emergency.”

  “I bet you can handle more than you give yourself credit for.” He studied her face for a beat. “Been meaning to ask you something ever since that idiot assaulted you up by the creek. But after today at the park . . . Would you be open to learning some self-defense? You’re a strong woman, but I’d feel better knowing you can protect yourself in a dangerous situation.”

  “Would I be able to take down a full-grown man?”

  She looked a little too delighted by the idea. “It’s a possibility—eventually. But first we’ll focus on buying a little time so you can get away with your life.”

  She sobered a little at the thought, then gave a nod. “All right. You’re on.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  The next morning Grace pulled Levi and Molly into the library. Molly had front desk duty, and Levi and Grace were dressed and ready for church. Wyatt was going with them this morning. The thought put a little spring in Grace’s step, even if she did have the toddler class this week.

  “We’re going to have guests checking out,” Levi said.

  “This’ll only take a minute.”

  “What’s all the secrecy about?” Molly asked as Grace pushed the door shut behind them. “Tell me—my lips are sealed.”

  “I just wanted to let you guys know something. It’s about Wyatt, and it’s sensitive information.”

  “He’s a convict,” Levi guessed with a straight face. “A felon. He has a rap sheet a mile long.”

  “Someone’s been watching too many cop shows. No, Levi, he’s not a convict.” Grace drilled him with a look. “He’s a Secret Service agent.”

  Molly gasped. “He guards the president of the United States?”

  “He’s not on presidential detail—it takes time to rise in the ranks apparently. But he does guard other people, politicians and dignitaries and such.”

  Molly clutched her chest, letting out a swoony sigh. “He puts his life on the line to protect people. How sexy is that?”

  “I know, right? I’ve seen him in action too—he’s amazing.”

  Levi rolled his eyes. “If it’s true, then I guess I’m relieved.”

  “It is true, Captain Dubious. He showed me his badge and everything. Would you like to call his superior?”

  “He has a badge,” Molly said giddily. “When you said he was in security, I was thinking police officer or sheriff or—”

  “Mall cop?” Levi said.

  Grace scowled at her brother. He was really getting on her nerves.

  Molly looked at Levi and burst out laughing. “And you assaulted him! You’re lucky Grace stepped in. He would’ve kicked your butt.”

  “Ha-ha. I’m not exactly a wimp, you know. I can hold my own.”

  Grace quirked a brow at Levi. “What she said.”

  “I sure never imagined this,” Molly said. “I mean, how safe are we right now?”

  “Yeah, well, he doesn’t broadcast it, so keep it under your hats.” Grace gave Molly a look. “And try not to lose your cool the next time you see him.”

  Molly’s eyes widened, blinking. “Who, me?”

  * * *

  Wyatt faced off with Grace on the yoga mat she’d borrowed from Molly. It was spread out in the inn’s backyard, just off the patio. The sun was high in the sky, the lake starting to get busy with boats. The sweet scent of some flower hung heavily in the air, mingling with the smell of pine and fresh water.

  Grace looked adorable in a T-shirt and leggings. She’d worn a pair of tennis shoes, as he’d suggested, and had her hair back in a ponytail. She stood with her feet shoulder-width apart and shifted her weight from one foot to the other like she was a prizefighter.

  “Okay, bring it on, big guy.”

  He smiled patiently. “Settle down there, Gracie. We’ll just be walking through a few moves today. Proper preparation will take more than one lesson. You’ll need to rehearse the moves I show you a few times a week. Muscle memory is everything. You need to know them so well you perform automatically in a threatening situation. I checked with Jim’s Gym, and they have protective padding. So once you have the moves down we should go there and practice a full-on assault.”

  “Yeow. That sounds painful.”

  “It’s the only way to prepare you for a real threat. I wouldn’t be doing you any favors by treating you like you’re made of glass—an attacker sure won’t.”

  Her playful expression fell away. She was probably remembering how she’d felt when that idiot had assaulted her.

  “There’s no reason to be afraid. I won’t hurt you, and by the time I’m finished, you’ll be a lot more prepared. A lot more confident.”

  “All right. Where do we start?”

  “This is a pretty basic move. Let’s do it in slow motion. An attacker grabs your wrist—”

  “That’s what that guy did to me. I tried to pull away, but he was too strong.”

  “A natural reaction. Try this instead.” He took her wrist in a firm hold. “Here’s what you’re going to do. Make a fist with that hand, then grab it with your opposite hand. Good. Now with the arm he grabbed, point your elbow up. Higher. That’s right. Now slice down as you twist away from him, using the strength of both arms.”

  Grace did as he directed.

  “That’s it. When you make that twist in real time, use your core—that’s where the real strength comes from. Your purpose is to get loose and run. Let’s do it again.
When you complete the move, take a few steps to get into the habit of making a break for it.”

  They went through the move again. And again and again. Grace’s motions became more natural and confident each time. “Wow, that seems so easy.”

  “Let’s try it in real time. I won’t grab you hard—we’ll wait for the padding for that. Ready?”

  She nodded.

  He took her wrist.

  Grace went through the motions, but her feet got a little tripped up as she turned to run.

  “Let’s talk about feet. Whichever side he grabs, put that foot forward. When you twist, you’ll pivot on that foot. Once you have this down, we’ll practice with the other hand.”

  While they went through the motions again, Levi and Mia exited the house and stepped onto the patio.

  Grace finished the move perfectly this time.

  “Good job,” Wyatt said.

  “I’m afraid to ask.” Levi’s gaze slid down to the mat. “And you’re flattening the grass.”

  “I’m taking him down—that’s what I’m doing—and you’re next.”

  “What’d I do?”

  “You’re a Groomzilla.”

  “Not since Mia arrived.”

  “I’ll give you that.”

  “Aw.” Mia snuggled into Levi’s side, clipboard and all. “Have I tamed you, honey?”

  His face softened as he looked down at his fiancée and whispered something in her ear.

  Mia smiled, a pretty blush blooming on her cheeks.

  While the lovebirds talked over the details of the backyard wedding, Grace and Wyatt went through the moves he’d just shown her, practicing them with the other hand in slow motion until she had the hang of it.

  A few minutes later Levi led Mia away. As he opened the door, he looked back at Wyatt. “Try not to break her. She has to walk down the aisle in six days.”

  “Your concern is overwhelming,” Grace said.

  She and Wyatt took a quick breather as the couple disappeared inside.

  Grace appraised the yard. “Hard to believe there’s going to be a wedding here this weekend.”