A Marshal's Embrace

by Dora Hiers

  Danae stooped to pick up the pencil, jealousy sneaking up on her quicker than a slithering snake. Get thee behind me, Satan. Amber wasn’t after Ryker.

  Nearby footsteps crunched huge dried maple leaves. Athletic shoes stopped in her line of vision.

  Pencil in hand, she straightened, her gaze following the sneakers upwards. From the jean-clad legs, lean hips, powerful broad chest, and muscular arms rippling under a light blue sweater. All the way to the hair glistening from a recent shower. The scent of soap and Old Spice drifted her way.

  Hot. Yes. Totally hot. Remember your warning to Amber. Hot doesn’t make the man.

  “Thought you could use some help.”

  “That depends.” She lifted her chin.

  “On?”

  “Who’s offering.”

  He nodded once, lack of sleep evident in the lines around his lips and the dark circles rimming his eyes. “I’m offering.”

  Knowing he’d not slept well last night because of her caused a twinge of guilt. Maybe more than a twinge. Had she been too hard on him? Was Lorie right? She sighed. “You’re hired but for light duty only. I don’t want you to reopen that wound.”

  An eyebrow hiked, and his lips quirked up on one corner. “That’s not a problem. The best paramedic around is standing right in front of me.”

  “On one condition.”

  “You just told me I was hired.”

  “One condition. Take it or leave it.”

  “It depends on what the condition is.”

  He was making this tough. Well, she could be tougher. “No kisses.”

  “Ouch! I’m not sure that’s going to work.”

  “Ryker…”

  He angled his head to study her face, those probing lion eyes digging deep. “Is that really what you want, Danae?”

  No, that’s not what she wanted, but it’s the way it had to be. How could he not know that? She flattened her lips into a thin line, pushed her shoulders back, and steeled her heart. “That’s exactly what I want, Ryker. No more kisses.” Forgive me, God, for that lie.

  “I was hoping…” He spoke the words so softly, so tentatively, so unlike the adult Ryker.

  Loud music blared suddenly from a nearby speaker. She leaned close, pressing a hand against his muscled arm, and tilted an ear upward to hear what he hoped.

  A sharp intake of breath told her that was the wrong move. He took a step back with a jerk of his head. “Never mind. If that’s the way you want it, then that’s the way it will be, Danae. I’m sorry if I offended you. I won’t kiss you again.” His jaw clenched. He scraped fingers against the stubble lining his chin, then jammed a hand through his hair.

  She’d hurt him. But if she didn’t stop those kisses, she’d be the one suffering a broken heart. “Ryker…”

  He held out a hand. “We’re good, Danae. Still friends?”

  Friends.

  Yeah, that’s what she wanted. Well, not exactly. But what choice did she have? She didn’t want to ruin a good thing. His hand swallowed hers as they shook. She forced the lump down her throat. “Friends.”

  He released her hand and smiled. “What would you like me to do?”

  ****

  Ryker swiped an arm across the sweat gleaming on his forehead. The temperature had warmed considerably since this morning. He twisted the pliers one last time, squeezing tight, exerting pressure. “That should do it.”

  “Thanks, Ryker. Danae will be thrilled to cross this off her list. I’ll go tell her it’s done.”

  He waited until Amber jogged away, then stood, his muscles complaining. He frowned. He’d need to start hitting the gym soon if he hoped to be in shape to report to work next month.

  Was that what he wanted, though? To go back to work with the Marshal’s office?

  Ryker scowled and lifted the sweater over his head. He tugged down his shirt, grabbed a towel, and scrubbed his face.

  Maybe. He hadn’t had time to think about it. Danae’s safety had moved to his number one priority.

  After tonight, he’d probably have plenty of time to think about it.

  With the carnival set to open, Danae’s creep wouldn’t have any threats left, would he? Tonight might be a busy night.

  Ryker unclipped his phone and punched in Gunner’s number. “Hey. What time will you be here tonight?”

  He kept his gaze locked on Danae. Three teenagers surrounded her, apparently waiting for instructions. She issued orders, pointing the pencil in various directions, and then the teens nodded and dispersed. Ryker trailed Danae’s steps, keeping his eyes trained on her, his phone tucked between shoulder and ear.

  “What time do you want us there?”

  “As soon as you can. I expect things to get a little hairy tonight. The most recent threat against Danae warned her about this fundraiser.”

  “So I should come armed.” Gunner drawled.

  Three more teens trailed Danae. Danae stopped, issued more assignments, and the teens dispersed. Then she was on the move again. She smiled and waved at someone.

  Ryker’s gaze followed the direction of her outstretched arm.

  Ah. Officer Burton.

  “Don’t mess with me, Gunner. I know you. Always prepared for trouble. Listen, I have to go. See you in a couple hours.” After disconnecting, he looked around for an observation spot. He didn’t want to be in the way or intrude on a private conversation, but he wanted to keep a close eye on Danae.

  Stephen didn’t know Officer Burton, so that fact put Ryker a little on edge.

  He settled on a spot near the top of a ridge and hustled there. He picked up his phone again, this time dialing Stephen. “Hey, what time do you newlyweds plan to get here?”

  “We’re leaving now.”

  “Good. I can use the extra eyes. Danae’s all over this place.”

  Stephen chuckled. “She got you earning your salary today?”

  “In more ways than one. Listen, Burton just got here.”

  “Yeah? Interesting.”

  Ryker leaned a shoulder against an oak tree. “He’s in uniform. I’m guessing he’s working the event tonight.”

  “Okay. That’s good.”

  “It is. Unless he owns an expensive pair of hiking boots.”

  “You still suspect him?”

  “Let’s just say I haven’t ruled him out yet.”

  “He’s a cop!”

  “Yeah. I know. But, cops aren’t infallible.” Didn’t he know that? Ryker had arrested his share of bad cops. Protected some, too. He hated protecting dirty cops.

  Danae smiled at the police officer and gestured toward the Ferris wheel.

  Ryker jerked away from the tree, shaking his head. No, Danae. Don’t do it.

  “What did you say?” Stephen’s voice barely registered.

  “I need to go. I think she’s fixing to test the Ferris wheel with Burton.” He heard Stephen’s groan as he disconnected the call. Yeah, buddy, I’m with you.

  Ryker broke into a jog, heading for the giant wheel, sweat dripping from his face, the dampness sliding down his neck. What was she thinking? Don’t do it, Danae!

  “Excuse me.” He pushed his way through a handful of teenagers blocking the path, losing sight of Danae and Burton, panic building in his chest, gripping his heart tighter than the pliers he’d used earlier. “Sorry. Excuse me.”

  The wheel started to spin. Ryker kept his eyes glued to the cars jerking away from the ground, lifting toward the sky. He sprinted, pushing himself harder, pumping arms through the air. Felt blood seep through his shirt again.

  Oh, God, please don’t let her get on that wheel with Burton.

  Empty cars twirled around. The ride kept spinning, not stopping to let anybody on.

  Thank you, God.

  Reaching the entrance area for the ride, Ryker spotted Danae and Burton waiting.

  Danae turned. “Ryker, what—”

  He stopped. Panted. Gripped his side. Bent over.

  Danae was at his side in two seconds, palms ge
ntly touching his back, head angled to see his face, brown eyes glistening. “Ryker, what’s going on?”

  “You were…fixing to get…on that ride.” He finally caught his breath. “That’s what’s going on.”

  Her face went soft. She made an “oh” shape with her mouth and turned to Burton. “Will you excuse me, Chris? I need to get the first aid supplies.”

  “Sure.”

  If Ryker didn’t worry he’d pass out from loss of blood, he’d throw a right punch to obliterate that smirk from Burton’s face. He straightened, glaring at the youngster. Maybe it would be worth it to deck him.

  Danae tugged his arm, practically dragging him backwards toward the Henderson cottage. “Come on, Ryker. I left my stuff inside. Knew I’d need it for somebody today.”

  Satisfied that Burton wasn’t following, he turned, still gripping his side with one hand, exerting pressure on the wound, keeping pace with Danae.

  She opened the front door to the cottage. A blast of cool air energized him as she led him to the kitchen and pulled out a chair from the kitchen table. “Sit.”

  He peeled off his shirt and complied. “Here we go again.” Not that he minded her ministration. He much preferred her hands working on him to the doctors.

  “My point exactly. Ryker, you realize you’re putting your health at risk pulling these stunts.”

  “I couldn’t let you get on that Ferris wheel.”

  “I wasn’t going to ride it.” She pushed long hair back and blew out a sigh, the scent of butterscotch drifting to his nose. “But why would you have a problem if I did?”

  Danae’s fingers worked near his chest area. He tensed, but not from the cool air, her touch sending tingles through his body.

  “I’m not sure I trust Burton.”

  Her hands stilled. “What? Why not?”

  She ripped the tape and extracted nearly half the hair near his wound in one quick jerk.

  “Ouch!”

  “Sorry. But the element of surprise usually works better.” She didn’t look sorry as she placed a fresh bandage on his side. Her fingers, long and gentle, brushed his bare skin.

  He sucked in a breath. “I’ll finish it.”

  “I don’t mind, Ryker.” She kept working, her head lowered, lower lip tucked under her teeth, brows bunched together. Man, she was killing him!

  He grabbed a hand, so soft and smooth, and stared at it, holding it gingerly in his palm, hungry for her touch. But, she’d said no kisses. He took a deep breath and rose from the chair, keeping her hand tucked in his. Her other hand stilled, but her eyes stayed fixed to the tile floor. With a thumb and forefinger, he tugged her chin up and stared down into wide brown eyes. Expressive, revealing eyes. Would they tell him what his heart longed to hear?

  He cupped both cheeks in his palms and inched closer. Until her breath fanned his face and he could almost taste her butterscotch candy.

  He wouldn’t kiss her.

  Unless she asked him to.

  Her eyes dilated, lips parted, and her breath came in short huffs.

  Should he tell her what was on his heart? “Sweetheart, I—”

  “Oh, there you are, Danae. I’ve been looking all over for you.” Amber interrupted, breezing into the room. “Jason needs you at the bumper cars.”

  Danae jerked backward, yanking away from Ryker’s grasp.

  Amber’s eyes darted from Danae’s wide-eyed, deer-in-the-headlights look to Ryker’s bare chest. Her jaw dropped.

  Uh-oh. This scenario called for a little creative action on his part.

  Ryker pointed to the gauze on his side. “Hey, Amber. Would you mind telling Jason that Danae will be out in a couple minutes? She was just finishing up changing my bandage.”

  “Um. Sure.” Amber backed out of the room, grinning. “Sorry to interrupt.”

  “No worries, Amber.” Danae voice squeaked. She cleared her throat. “Ryker, you can finish here. I’ll run and get you a fresh shirt.” She practically ran from the room, beating Amber out the door.

  The teenager flashed him a grin. “You’ve got her rattled.”

  When Amber disappeared, Ryker ripped the tape with his teeth and pressed it to the gauze, allowing the smile to sneak onto his face.

  He’d learned one thing from that encounter.

  Danae’s head may be telling her she didn’t want his kisses.

  But her heart was telling him something entirely different.

  ****

  From his vantage point situated on a rise, Ryker spotted Danae for the hundredth time in the few hours since the carnival opened. The poor girl walked her feet off, pacing up and down the length of the orphanage property, in and out of the carnival lanes.

  Now, she walked toward him, balancing two caramel apples in one hand, the clipboard with notes in the other. Floodlights highlighted the smudges around her eyes.

  “How’s it going?” She dropped the clipboard on the table. When had the spark disappeared from her eyes?

  “Great. The bills are rolling in.” She’d tasked him with collecting the money. He pulled out a chair next to the admissions table and gestured for her to sit. “Have a seat. Rest for a few minutes.”

  “Thanks. I could use a little break.” She sighed and handed him one of the caramel apples. “I come bearing gifts.”

  His heart did a little skip. He knew she meant the apple, but he’d rather her gift was a retraction to her earlier statement. The one about not wanting his kisses. Because kissing her was the only thought floating around his mind right now. That, and licking the chocolate off her lips. “My favorite. An apple smothered in caramel and chocolate.”

  “I know.”

  “You’ll have to sit with me while I eat mine. Your customers might not like their tickets sticky with caramel.”

  She laughed, the sweet sound doing a number on his heart. What had she overheard in his conversation with Stephen that had changed the course of her feelings? Caused her to pack her bag and bolt from his house like it was on fire?

  “I can do that.” She groaned as she slipped the sneakers off and sank back into the chair.

  He set the apple on the table. Slowly, he reached for her calf and draped it across his legs. His fingers massaged her foot and lower legs. He didn’t dare let his hands drift past her knee.

  She closed her eyes.

  When a soft moan gurgled up from her throat, he smiled. He did the same thing with her other foot, stopping only when a couple customers walked up. He collected their money and handed them tickets.

  “Thanks, Ryker.” She slipped back into her sneakers.

  “Have to repay you somehow for all the doctoring you’ve done for me.”

  Pink crept up her neck and cheeks. She lowered her head, scooped up the clipboard, then put it back down again. “I could say the same for you. All the protecting you’ve done for me.”

  He stared at her, wanting his eyes to mirror his thoughts. “It’s my pleasure, Danae.”

  She cleared her throat, looked unsure of what to say.

  They’d never had problems talking before, and he didn’t want to start now. Maybe he should move things into neutral territory. “Are you satisfied with the turnout?”

  “It depends.”

  “On?”

  “If we bring in enough money to start another building for the orphanage.”

  He nodded, an idea taking root in his brain, but it was too young, too new, and not the right time to consider all the implications. Something he could think about after the carnival. After he made sure she was safe.

  He bit into the apple, chocolate and caramel oozing together in his mouth, mixing with the tart apple. “Mmm. Thanks. This is great. I haven’t enjoyed a caramel chocolate covered apple in years.”

  “Not been to any carnivals lately?” Danae took a bite out of hers and chewed, not caring that juice dripped down her chin.

  Leaning forward, he swiped at her chin with his napkin. But a smudge remained closer to her mouth. He thumbed it away, his gaze li
ngering on her lips.

  She pressed her hand against his, stilling his fingers, while her eyes closed. Then she blinked, gave him a wide grin, and gently removed his hand. “Thanks.”

  He couldn’t hold her hand and eat the apple, so he let it go. For now. “I haven’t been to a carnival in years. Carnivals weren’t exactly Jennifer’s cup of tea.”

  “Oh.” Danae chewed, frowning, as if measuring and finding herself lacking.

  Far from it. “It’s not like I made the time, either.”

  “No time for carnivals?” Danae snorted, then rolled her eyes. “Whatever!”

  She looked at him like he’d sprouted two heads. The job definitely had a tendency to take over his life. Maybe it was why lately his feelings about his job left him empty, hollow. Was it time to make a change? “I admit it is nice to get away for a couple hours and walk the midway, eat caramel apples, watch how normal people enjoy themselves.”

  “Ride the Ferris wheel.” She flashed that mega-watt smile at him.

  He scrunched his brows together and shook his head. “Mm…no, can’t say that’s on my agenda. When I get a break, I’m heading for the turkey leg stand.”

  Danae curved her lips. “What makes you think you’re getting a break?”

  He grinned. “I’ve already got a relief worker lined up. Decided to take matters into my own hands.” It was true. But not for a break. He’d hooked Willow and Tessa, Gunner’s wife and daughter, into covering his table while the marshals did some reconnaissance.

  Danae swatted his arm. “You nut. You know you can take off whenever you need to. I’m grateful for your help.”

  Ryker finished the last bite of apple and licked the caramel off his fingers. “Danae, would you mind watching the store for a second while I wash my hands?”

  Danae smiled. “Sure. Take your time. I’ll do the same when you get back.”

  Ryker stood as Gunner and Willow sauntered up to the table, holding hands, Tessa prancing alongside. Ryker studied the couple. How did Gunner combine family life with the job? He’d ask later. “No need, Danae. Looks like my replacements have arrived.”

  Ryker made the introductions, smiling at the grin covering Tessa’s face. “Having fun?”

  “Yeah. I just got Gunner on the zipper. You should have seen his face.”