by Wendy Davy
17
He’d kissed her—twice. Sierra hadn’t been able to think of much else on the forty minute drive up winding roads. It was a wonder she hadn’t driven off Skyline Drive.
After they’d left the hospital Chase had picked up his medications from a local pharmacy, and they had eaten a quick dinner at a drive-thru before heading toward the resort. On the way up they’d passed overlooks with spectacular views of the sapphire-tinged mountains, and had maneuvered through thick patches of low lying clouds. They hadn’t talked much beyond trivial conversation, and Sierra was satisfied. She hadn’t been able to put a coherent thought together since Chase had taken the liberty to kiss her.
Her lips still tingled, and her pulse continued to race. She stole a peek at him as they turned into the resort area. One hand rested on his upper thigh, the other grasped the handle over the door as he peered out the window. He looked calm and in control. Had he not felt the same jolt she had when he’d kissed her?
She wondered about his thoughts as she drove past a playground, a restaurant, and a series of cabins and other buildings. Children played, parents watched. A family gathered near picnic tables grilling food and mingling about a large, open field overlooking the Shenandoah Valley far below. “It’s nice to see people living normal lives.”
“Yes, it is.” Chase agreed and directed her to a structure housing their suite. She parked in the closest empty spot and shut off the engine. The two-story had balconies wrapped around as far as she could see, and the surrounding trees created a private, cozy atmosphere.
The thought of sharing such romantic quarters with Chase sent her mind reeling. She grasped the steering wheel hard, although she’d finished driving. “This place looks like it was designed for honeymooners.” She should’ve insisted they get separate rooms.
Chase shifted and caught her gaze. “It’s all right, Sierra.” He used a low, calming voice. “You’re safe with me.”
She had no reason to fear him. But, it wasn’t his actions she was afraid of. After Kevin, she’d never thought she’d trust again. She’d never thought she’d allow any man close. But she could imagine Chase—a man with honor and integrity whose word she could count on—to become much more than a temporary protector. But chances were she’d never find out what could develop between them. Kevin still wanted them both dead.
“I know I’m safe with you.” Sierra took in a deep, steadying breath. “The question is, are you safe with me?”
Chase’s brows lifted sky-high, and his lips quirked. “I guess we’ll find out tonight.”
“I…that’s not what I meant.” Sierra’s face burned with embarrassment as she scrambled outside. The high elevation chilled the air, and she welcomed the crisp breeze—she needed something to cool her off. She hadn’t meant to sound flirtatious.
Chase emerged from the truck. “Your nose crinkles when you’re flustered. It’s kinda cute.” He circled around the front, chuckling. “Don’t worry. I know what you meant, and I can take care of myself. Eason isn’t going to win.”
Relieved he hadn’t misunderstood, she relaxed and shot a pointed look at his arm. “Uh huh. There’s proof you’re not faster than a speeding bullet. Keep that in mind.”
“There you go again with the hero reference.”
“All I’m saying is—”
“Don’t worry. I am a trained professional.”
“Well, Mr. Trained Professional, let’s get inside so I can take a look at your shoulder.” He looked ready to argue, and Sierra added, “I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Yes ma’am.” He nodded and grinned. “But, let’s get settled in first. I want to check this place out before it gets dark.” He strapped his bag over his good shoulder and picked up her satchel.
“You shouldn’t be lifting—” she began, but it was too late. He’d already taken off with a handful of luggage.
Chase wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted to check out the place. By the time Sierra gathered what was left of their belongings and headed toward the second story room, he had investigated the suite and the surrounding area. “Looks like there are four suites in our building, and we seem to be the only occupants. It should be nice and quiet.”
“Quiet sounds good.” Sierra stepped inside. The room looked tidy and smelled of commercial grade detergents as if it had just been sanitized. A door on the right led to a small bathroom, and another door led to a separate bedroom as Chase had promised.
The main room had dark paneled walls and baseboard heating, which appeared to be part of the original structure. An updated flat-screen television and bright tiled floors added a contemporary feel. “This is nice.” Sierra set down the luggage and wandered farther inside.
“Come look at this.” Chase secured the front door and headed across the room. He set aside curtains and opened a sliding door. A balcony with railings jutted outward several feet. “If Eason shows up, I want you to get out this way and head down the mountain.”
She stepped outside and peered over the edge. Jumping from the second story wouldn’t kill her, but it certainly posed some risk. Farther out, the mountainsides dropped off at a steep grade; beyond that looked to be miles and miles of wilderness. Sierra grasped the balcony’s metal railing as if it provided a barrier to the unknown. “I’d get lost out there.”
“I’d find you.” Chase moved beside her, his words confident.
“I have no doubt you would.” Sierra felt his gaze on her, and her skin tingled as if he’d physically touched her. His softly spoken promise soothed a deep-rooted need to be wanted, to feel important. The man sure did have some kind of hold over her, and Sierra wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.
A hawk circled overhead, gliding freely above the course terrain, and Sierra wondered what it would be like to experience such uninhibited freedom. But, no matter how beautiful her surroundings, or how safe Chase made her feel, her threatening circumstances remained.
Moments passed in thick silence.
“Sierra?” Chase finally spoke.
“Mmm?”
“Thanks for trusting me to protect you. Sometimes I don’t think I deserve another chance. Not after Amber.”
Sierra looked at him. The breeze kicked up into a stronger wind, flipping few strands of hair over his forehead. She tentatively smoothed the pieces back. “You put your heart into what you do. That counts for a lot. I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else.”
“I will stand by your side until this is over.”
Chase had referred to a time frame, and Sierra would do well to remember that. He hadn’t promised her anything past when Kevin was caught.
Lord, what am I thinking? Chase is pursuing Kevin. Not me. She drew in a deep breath and guarded her heart. Too much was happening too fast. “We should go inside. I need to check your bandage.”
****
Chase sensed a subtle change in Sierra as she tended to his arm without meeting his gaze. Although he didn’t know what he’d said, he figured her remoteness was for the best. He’d enjoyed her gentle touch entirely too much, and he needed to remain focused—he needed answers.
“Tell me about last night.”
Sierra rolled up his shirtsleeve, removed his bandage and scrunched up her nose when she looked at the saturated material. “What would you like to know?” She tossed the trash into the nearest can and returned to his side.
Chase glanced at his wound. He had moderate bruising and swelling, but no signs of infection. “Sheriff Nelson said Eason skidded about a hundred yards and rolled off his bike. Is that the way you remember it?”
“Yes. But, I’m not sure if you shot him or if he just lost his balance and fell.”
Chase flexed his right hand as his fingers tingled. He gently moved his arm, trying to stimulate circulation.
“Stay still. I don’t want you bleeding again.” Sierra steadied his arm. “It all happened so fast, it was like a blur.”
“That’s understandable, but I need you to try a
nd remember everything.”
“Can’t we talk about this later? I’m so tired I can hardly think straight.” Her voice wavered, and Chase wondered if her reluctance stemmed from exhaustion, or if it frightened her to think about it.
Sierra dabbed antiseptic on his wound, and he ground his teeth against the razor-sharp sting. “This discussion is long overdue. What did Eason do after he fell off the motorcycle?”
After smoothing on a fresh bandage and cleaning up, Sierra sat in the chair opposite him. “Kevin was hurt. He limped as he stood and came toward me.”
A burning ignited in Chase’s gut as he imagined what she’d experienced as he laid unconscious, unable to help. When Sierra paused, he waited, staring into her glassed-over eyes. Tears shimmered, making him want to take her in his arms and keep the world and all its horror from touching her.
“What happened next?”
“Kevin somehow managed to keep hold of his gun. When he got close, he pointed it at me.” Her voice trembled, and she gripped the chair’s armrests so hard her knuckles turned white. “He said it was my turn…to die.”
Chase’s blood ran cold, and he flexed his hand, wanting to point his Glock at Eason and fire a kill shot.
Sierra’s lashes lowered, she clasped her hands and studied her fingers. “I thought my life was over. He was going to shoot me, right there on the street, but some people from inside the diner rushed out. Kevin backed off.” Her gaze snapped to his. “He’s going to keep coming for me, Chase.”
He leaned forward and braced his elbows on his knees. “He will try.” An image of what could’ve happened to Sierra at Eason’s hands flashed in his mind, causing anger to rise. “None of this should’ve happened. I should’ve obtained evidence against Eason and locked him away long before he had a chance to hurt you.” Chase stood, too fast, and winced at the pain.
Sierra stood along with him. “You are not responsible for what Kevin does.”
“My badge says otherwise.” The room suddenly felt confining. “I need some air.” He strode past her, out to the balcony. The sun had set and lights in Shenandoah Valley twinkled far below. The brisk air filled his lungs, but did nothing to calm his restless soul.
Sierra followed him. She stepped to the railing and stared out at the night sky. “This isn’t about your job. This is personal. I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve been through with what happened to your sister. But, you can’t blame yourself.”
“Believe me. I can.”
“Kevin took Amber’s life. He’s the one stalking me and threatening our lives.” She appeared to study the ground below. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t know how much longer I can handle all this. I dread not knowing what Kevin will do next.”
Chase steeled his nerves. He’d have time later to be angry with himself. Right now, Sierra needed comfort. Careful not to aggravate his injury, he moved behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her, shouldering her into a cocoon. She fit snug, and he tucked her head under his chin, breathing in her warm vanilla scent. “Hang in there for me. This will all be over soon.”
Sierra turned and leaned against his chest. Hot tears seeped through his shirt. Once again, guilt overflowed; she wouldn’t be in this situation if he’d done his job in the first place.
He wanted nothing more than to reassure her. “Good things come from bad situations, God sees to that.” Surprised at his own faith-filled encouragement, he wondered if he’d lost as much trust in God as he’d first thought. Maybe he’d just needed someone like Sierra to come along and reawaken his dormant beliefs.
Sierra sniffed and looked up. The hotel room’s lighting spilled out the open door, highlighting her features. Not only were the rims of her eyes red and swollen, but every blood vessel within streaked red. “I know He does have a plan, but it’s hard to imagine something good in all this.”
Chase smoothed away a tear. “Well, we had the chance to meet, right? I think that’s a blessing in itself.” There it was again—another reference to God pouring out of him.
“You know, for someone who doesn’t pray anymore, you seem to have a lot of faith.”
“I did pray again, for the first time in months. In the hospital.” Part of him felt guilty for waiting until desperation set in to ask God for help, while another part was glad he’d finally taken a step back toward Him.
“You must’ve been pretty scared waking up not knowing what had happened to you, or how bad you’d been injured.”
“No. I was scared not knowing what had happened to you.” Chase closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers.
He hadn’t known the degree to which he craved her touch until Sierra smoothed a hand over his jaw and down along his neck. He savored the sensations, knowing this moment couldn’t last. He had a job to do. He had a criminal to catch. It didn’t matter that his attraction to Sierra was growing, turning into something deeper. It didn’t matter that he’d begun to imagine a future with her—if he didn’t keep her safe, there would be no future.
He reluctantly opened his eyes and took a step back. “We need to get some rest. The sooner we can get back to Washington, the better.”
The warmth in Sierra’s eyes went out like he’d thrown ice water on smoldering embers. He hadn’t meant to bring back her fear. “It’s going to be OK—”
A rustling sound came from the trees. Instantly alert, Chase tensed and peered over the railing. Darkness swallowed the surroundings, revealing only vague impressions of trees and foliage.
A twig snapped. Leaves crunched. Insects quieted.
“Let’s get inside, Sierra. We have a visitor.”
18
Sierra despised cowering inside like a vulnerable child while Chase scouted the area, chasing away her ghosts. What if Kevin was out there? Chase was injured and unarmed. He’d be an easy target.
Decision made, she dug out the pepper spray she’d bought when she’d arrived in Shenandoah Valley. She’d used this type of self-defense weapon once, she could do it again. Ignoring the night air’s cold chill, Sierra made her way down the stairs and around the building. She kept close to the wall, blending into the shadows, and willing her eyes to adjust. She’d never been afraid of the dark before Kevin’s attack, but now she had to fight panic. Something was out there lurking, and not being able to see beyond a few feet terrified her. Only the thoughts of Chase being a possible target kept her moving.
She crept around the building until she was directly beneath their balcony. The area was eerily quiet, making the crackling branches seem exceptionally loud. She didn’t see Chase anywhere. When a noise sounded to her left, her finger twitched on the pepper spray’s trigger.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Chase moved in on her, appearing out of the inky darkness like an apparition. But, there was nothing phantom-like in his grip as he disarmed her. “I asked you to stay inside.”
Sierra didn’t like the way he’d so easily taken her only means of defense. “You didn’t ask. You told,” she snapped.
“Either way, the end result should’ve been the same.” He moved closer, crowding her against the building’s cold, unyielding wall.
A branch cracked, again. “What’s out there?” She strained to look, but couldn’t see past his wide shoulders.
“It’s only a couple of deer.”
“Are you sure there’s nothing else?” She shivered at what might be nearby, just beyond sight.
“Nothing of the two-legged variety.” His gaze held steady on her.
“Good.” Although relieved, she kept up her guard. “Can I have my pepper spray back?”
“Not if you’re going to use it on me.”
“You came out of nowhere,” she defended.
“Yes, I did. And, I could’ve been Eason.” Chase braced his arms on either side of her. “Mind telling me why you didn’t stay inside?”
She’d left the room without a jacket, and her arms felt the chill, but it was Chase’s icy stare causing her to shiver. She fought
the urge to duck out of his reach. “I wanted to…protect you.” Looking at him now, with his tall, well-built physique towering over her, the gesture seemed unwarranted.
“You’re the one needing protection”—he looked around—”and I can’t do that very well out here.” He stepped back, took her hand in his and kept her close as he led the way back.
Sierra had a feeling Chase wasn’t finished scolding her. She didn’t have to wait long before he confirmed her suspicions.
“What were you thinking coming out here?” He took the steps two at a time, dragging her behind him.
“I told you. I was thinking about you.”
He made an indiscernible noise, used his motel key to enter their room, and tugged her inside. After securing the door, he faced her. “You’re not trained to handle this. I am.”
“I know Kevin. I know how he thinks. I can help.”
“Not if you’re dead.”
Sierra swallowed. The inflection in his tone indicated he knew exactly what could happen. “I guess you’ve seen some horrible things as a homicide detective, haven’t you?”
He nodded. “Things you couldn’t even imagine.”
“That doesn’t mean they’ll happen to me.”
“You’re right. Because next time you will listen and do as I say.” Authority rang through his voice as he closed the distance between them. “Got it?”
Chase wasn’t playing around. Sierra’s mouth dried, and her breathing hitched. She had no doubt he would protect her using any means necessary. A part of her warmed at the prospect, but another part rebelled. “Kevin used to order me around. He’d get angry when I made my own decisions.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing? Ordering you around?”
“Well, isn’t it?”
“If you can’t tell the difference between controlled manipulation and what I’m trying to do…” His voice trailed off and he shook his head.
Heart thundering, Sierra’s pride warred with her common sense. Moments passed before she dared to speak. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re at all like Kevin.”
