by Hope White
She glanced at him.
“Yes, we’re good,” he said.
Do you want to have dinner with me? The words got caught in his throat. What was the matter with him? He wasn’t fifteen asking a girl on a first date.
Which was exactly the point. He shouldn’t be inviting Maddie to dinner given their current situation. Wasn’t he the one who’d wanted her to keep her distance?
Her phone beeped with a text and she glanced at it. “I’d better go.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea.”
She glanced at him. “Sick of me already, huh?”
“Not exactly, but it’s time you leave.”
She didn’t move to get up. Studying him intently, she said, “You’re trying to get rid of me. What’s wrong? Is it your head? Do your ribs hurt? What do you need?”
Way too much to ask of her.
“I’m fine.”
“I’ve stopped hearing you when you use those words. Try again.”
“There’s no reason for you to stay.” He figured being so direct would drive her away.
She shot him a side glance. “What are you up to?”
“Excuse me?”
“You seem intent on me leaving. What did you do, text one of your lady friends to come over for dinner?” she teased.
Of course he didn’t, but he couldn’t tell Maddie the truth, that he was developing feelings for her.
“Ooohhh, you really did.” She stood and grabbed her purse. “I hope you cleared that with Nate.”
“Maddie—”
“I get it, I do.” She cut him off. “You deserve more stimulating social interaction beyond me grilling you about your enemies.”
“Did you want something to eat before you go?” he said, feeling incredibly awkward. “I’ve got plenty.”
“Nah, your lady admirers made that food for you.” Maddie headed toward the door. “Enjoy it with your date. I’m staying at Bree’s cottage across the way if you need anything.”
“She lives here?”
“She’s the grounds manager for the resort, so they set her up in a cottage on the property. You’ve got my cell number.”
“I appreciate it. I don’t know how I’d manage without you.”
She turned to him. “What did you say?”
“I appreciate it.”
“The other part.”
“I don’t know how I’d manage without you?”
“Wow, a compliment. I’m not sure what to do with that,” she teased. “My brother’s got protective duty right outside, so you’re safe, okay?”
He nodded. Wanted to say something. Couldn’t.
“Have a good night.” She closed the door behind her.
Spence rushed across the cabin, stopping mere inches from the door. What was he doing? She was gone. He wanted her to leave, to get some time off from babysitting him.
A part of him wanted to call out, to thank her again for saving his life.
He couldn’t possibly thank her enough.
She deserved to hear his sincere thanks, but he’d been so careful not to cross the line, not to give her any signals that he was interested in her other than as a partner in crime prevention.
As he stood there, staring at the door, he wondered what made him think she had any inclination in that direction. For all he knew the rumors could be true about her and Rocky, that they were secretly in love but they couldn’t make it public or one of them would have to resign from work.
Regardless of her dating situation, Spence owed her a debt of gratitude, and letting her assume a woman was joining him for dinner seemed to bother her just now. He could read it in her eyes. He’d moved past trying to constantly push her away and felt like he owed her an apology.
He flung the door open. “Maddie?”
Spence peered into the dark night, but she was gone. He strained to see her. How was that possible? She’d left only moments ago.
“Maddie!” he called out, louder this time.
Silence echoed back at him. He glanced toward her sister’s cottage, but didn’t see Maddie’s silhouette crossing the property.
“What are you doing?” Maddie’s voice echoed.
He snapped his head left.
“Let go!” she said.
Spence took off toward the sound without a jacket or hat. He didn’t feel the cold, not when panic was lighting him from the inside.
A car engine roared to life.
Spence caught sight of taillights speeding away.
“Maddie!” he called after the vehicle, but it was too far away.
From his peripheral vision he saw a second car speeding toward him. Closer, closer...
SIX
A black SUV screeched to a stop, blocking Spence. Officer Ryan McBride, Maddie’s brother, jumped out. “What are you doing, Dr. Spencer?”
“Your sister,” he said, trying to catch his breath. “Someone took her.” Spence pointed, but the car had turned the corner.
Ryan glanced at Resort Drive, then back at Spence. “Are you sure?”
Still breathing heavily, Spence nodded, the exertion threatening to spike another headache.
“I think you’re confused. Maddie went to Bree’s. Come on, I’ll show you.”
“No, someone took her!” Spence shouted.
Ryan put out his hand in a calming gesture. “Doc, relax, she texted me. She’s okay.”
Spence frowned. Could he be mistaken? Or was he completely losing it?
“I heard her voice,” he said. “Demanding someone let her go.”
“Come on.” Officer McBride motioned Spence to his truck.
Spence climbed into the passenger seat and they drove the short distance to the cottage in silence. The police officer probably thought Spence had gone completely nuts, or at the very least he wondered why Spence was so worried about Maddie.
They knocked on the cottage door and Bree answered, holding back her golden retriever.
“Oh, hi. I thought you were Maddie,” she said.
“You mean she’s not here?” Ryan said.
“She’s on her way.”
Ryan looked at Spence. “Make and model of the car.”
“It was too far away, but I think it was a small pickup.”
“What’s going on?” Bree said, her eyes rounding.
“Someone took Maddie,” Spence explained.
“We don’t know that for sure,” Ryan said. “She could have gone off with a friend.”
“It didn’t sound like a friendly interaction,” Spence said.
Ryan ripped his phone off his belt.
“Come on in.” Bree motioned to them.
Spence and Ryan joined her inside. Ryan paced the front hallway as he called Maddie. “Answer the phone,” he muttered.
“Text her,” Spence said.
“She could be helping a friend.” Bree glanced at Spence. “She’s always there when they need her.”
Didn’t he know it.
Ryan stared at his phone, waiting. A moment later he glanced up. “She’s not responding to my text.”
“Let me try.” Bree slipped her phone out of her pocket and sent a message. “An SOS will get her attention.” She sent her message and glanced at Ryan, offering a supportive smile.
But seconds stretched into minutes, and there was still no response from Maddie.
Ryan reached for his shoulder radio. “I’m calling the chief.”
* * *
“Rocky, give me my phone,” Maddie demanded, adjusting herself in the front seat of his truck.
“Come on, can’t you live without it for two minutes?”
“You make it sound like I have a problem.”
H
e shot her a side glance as he pulled onto the highway.
“I don’t have a problem,” she protested.
“Yeah, right.”
“You’re enjoying this, being in control.”
He handed her the phone. “That’s not what it’s about.”
“What then?”
“It’s about you looking out for yourself for a change.”
“Uh, I’ve been taking care of myself for ten years, since Mom moved away.”
“Try again.”
“You’re not making any sense.”
“You put everyone else first, your brother, friends, and now that arrogant doctor.”
“Why do you dislike him so much?”
“He was never your favorite person in the world, either.”
“True, but I appreciate him for helping save my cousin last year.”
“And by luring the bad guys away from Cassie, Dr. Dreamboat increases his hero status,” he muttered.
“I don’t think he was doing it for hero status.”
“You sound like you know the guy. No one knows him, not really. His smile hides something dark and tragic. You were the one who said that.”
“Since the assault in the mountains I’ve seen another side of him.”
“Wonderful,” Rocky said, sarcastic.
She glanced out the window. “Where are we going?”
“Healthy Eats. I’m buying you dinner.”
“I’d better text Bree.”
He shot her a look.
“It’s rude not to let her know I won’t be home for dinner. Although, I could bring her something.”
“Home? The cottage isn’t your home, Maddie. Why are you staying there anyway?”
“It’s convenient.”
“You mean it’s close to Dr. Dreamboat.”
“You are really busting my chops tonight.”
“Because I worry about you.”
Maddie sighed. This was probably why folks thought she and Rocky were a couple. He always seemed so solicitous and caring. Then a thought struck her: Could he truly be in love with her? No, she couldn’t go there right now.
She glanced at her phone and noticed a missed call and text from her overprotective brother, and a text from Bree.
Worried about you.
She texted a response to both of them.
I’m fine.
She pocketed her phone and turned to Rocky. “I thought you had a date tonight.”
“Blew me off.”
They pulled into the crowded parking lot of the town’s most popular restaurant. Once inside Healthy Eats, Nate’s sister Catherine, the owner, greeted them.
“Hi, guys,” she said. “I’ve got a booth in the corner or a few spots at the counter.”
A booth sounded romantic and Maddie didn’t want to give Rocky the wrong idea. Maybe it was time they had that discussion.
“What do you think?” he said.
“Counter’s fine.”
He motioned her ahead and they found seats. Catherine was quick to serve their drinks. Coffee for Rocky and hot chocolate for Maddie.
“I’ll see what Bree wants for dinner.” She pulled out her phone and texted her cousin.
“You could order it while we’re eating, then it’ll be hot when you get back to her place.”
“Good plan. It will probably take her a few minutes to look at the menu online anyway.” She pocketed her phone and gazed into a mirror behind the counter. She spotted a few local residents eyeing Rocky and Maddie sitting together. The rumors were certainly going to fly by morning.
She turned to him. “Can I talk to you about something?”
“What’s up?” he said, blowing on his hot coffee.
“We’re friends, right?”
He glanced at her with furrowed brows. “Is that a trick question?”
“Be honest.”
“Haven’t I always been?”
In that moment, as she studied the curious expression on his handsome face, she realized he would make a wonderful husband someday. Just not for her.
“Dr. Carver made a comment about you and me being, ya know, a couple,” she said.
“And how did you respond to that one?”
“I didn’t know how to respond. I was shocked.”
He stared into his mug of coffee. “Right.”
So it was true. He cared about her as more than a friend.
“Oh,” she said. “I’m sorry.”
He shrugged. “I get it. I know how much Waylan hurt you when he left.” Then he looked straight into her eyes. “I would never hurt you, Maddie, ever.”
“I know you wouldn’t. You’re my very best friend.”
A sad smile eased across his lips. “Ouch.”
She wanted to say more. She wanted to apologize that she didn’t have romantic feelings for him. Had Waylan emotionally damaged her so badly that she was incapable of falling in love with a kind man?
No, she wasn’t broken or damaged. She just wasn’t attracted to Rocky like that.
Like she was attracted to Dr. Spencer.
She stirred her hot chocolate, frustrated. Would she always be destined to fall for the wrong guy? Either ambitious men who put their careers before love, like Waylan, or enigmas like Spence?
Although Rocky was acting a little bossy tonight, he was generally kind and funny. The doctor, on the other hand, had been challenging and moody since the assault, and before that he’d always seemed aloof bordering on arrogant.
The absolute wrong kind of guy with whom to build a life. Maddie wanted stability, not chaos.
She glanced at Rocky. If only...
But she didn’t feel that way about him. Now that the question was out in the open she hoped it wouldn’t ruin their friendship.
“You are very special to me,” she said.
“Apparently not special enough.”
“Rocky, you’re a great guy but—”
“Let’s leave it at ‘Rocky, you’re a great guy.’” He cracked a half smile. “It’s okay.” He redirected his attention into his coffee. “But a piece of unsolicited advice? At some point you have to move on.”
“You mean past the heartbreak?”
He nodded. “Maybe even start a life somewhere outside Echo Mountain.”
“Why? I like it here.”
“As long as you’re here because you want to be here, not because you’re afraid to leave.” He glanced at her. “Or because you’re waiting for them to come back.”
“Them?”
“Waylan.” He paused. “And your parents.”
She stirred her hot chocolate, thoughtful. Was it true? Was she afraid to leave, to move on with her life? Did a part of her cling to her extended family and friends in Echo Mountain because she was secretly hoping the people she loved would return?
“I’m sorry if I offended you,” he said.
“You didn’t.”
Sirens drew her attention outside. Two police cars pulled into the lot, lights flashing.
A few seconds later, the front doors opened and her brother stormed into the restaurant followed by the police chief and Dr. Spencer. Her heart skipped a beat.
Ryan’s cheeks flared bright red as he approached her. The doc’s expression was unreadable. She shifted off her stool, panicked. “What happened?”
Ryan opened his mouth and shut it again, as if he struggled to form words.
“Ryan, tell me,” she demanded.
“Let’s take this outside.” Nate motioned for her and Rocky to join them.
Privacy was a good idea considering the diners filling the restaurant. As they marched to the door, her heart hammered against her chest. Was it Aunt Margaret? Bre
e? Was Aiden’s condition worse than they thought?
Nate motioned them toward his patrol car. Ryan suddenly turned and shot dagger eyes at Rocky, and then glared at Maddie. “What’s going on here?”
That judgmental, accusatory tone set her teeth on edge. “We were eating dinner,” she said as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.
“You disappeared and didn’t answer my call,” Ryan snapped.
“I texted that I was fine.”
“You took her against her will,” Dr. Spencer directed at Rocky.
“I think your head injury is messing with your judgment, Doc.”
“Rocky,” Maddie admonished.
“What? He’s accusing me of kidnapping you. That’s crazy.”
“I heard Maddie say, ‘Let go of me,’” Spence said. “She obviously didn’t want to go with you.”
“And then you ignored me and didn’t respond immediately to Bree’s text,” Ryan added. “With everything that’s going on? Really, Maddie?”
“Let’s all take a breath,” Nate said. “Maddie, what happened after you left Dr. Spencer tonight?”
“I was walking to Bree’s cottage and Rocky pulled up.” She glanced at the doctor. “Rocky grabbed the strap of my bag and pulled me into his truck, which is why I said ‘let go.’”
“So you did not go willingly?” Spence said.
“He was being playful. Not forceful. You must have misunderstood.”
“At least you’re okay,” Ryan shook his head and turned toward his cruiser. “Come on, Doc.”
Spence didn’t move. It was like he was waiting for Maddie, that he wasn’t going anywhere unless she was with him. She surely didn’t want to ride in the patrol car with her brother and suffer through an angry lecture.
“Chief, I’m really sorry about this,” Maddie said. “I had no idea going to dinner with Rocky would cause such a misunderstanding. I was about to order food to take to Bree. Can I still do that? Rocky can drive me to Bree’s cottage.”
“I’ll wait and give you an escort,” Nate said. “Spence, go on back with Officer McBride.”
“I’d rather wait for Maddie,” Spence said.
With a frustrated sigh, Rocky marched back into the restaurant.
“Officer McBride,” Nate said. “Head back to the resort. I’ll bring Dr. Spencer and Maddie.”
“Yes, sir,” he said, getting into his cruiser.
