“Emmaline.”
She sighed. He was just so dang appealing. An innate charm lightened his habitual intensity in a combination she found nearly impossible to resist. She could feel herself being drawn closer and closer to him. “I can’t go out on the lake with you.”
“Of course you can.”
She shifted uncomfortably. “No, it’s not a good idea.”
“It’s an excellent idea,” he contradicted. “You want to be able to tell your clients where the best kayaking or fishing spots are, don’t you? I’ll give you a tour of the lake.”
At her doubtful look, he smiled. “Think about it. I’ll come by in the morning and see if you’ve changed your mind.”
Because it felt churlish to refuse, she nodded. “Okay.” She rose to her feet and Brad ran a hand down her ponytail, said, “Later,” and strode out of the café.
***
Emma awoke well before daybreak. She showered, telling herself she’d only risen so early to get a jump on her list of chores for the day, not because she would go out on the lake with Brad. She pulled on a long-sleeved thermal to go with her faded jeans and left her hair to dry naturally in a loose fall down her back.
A quiet knock on the front door halted her journey into the kitchen. Opting for caution, she peeked out the front window. Brad's tall form was easily identifiable in the faint morning light. She turned on the porch light and opened the door.
He stood for a long moment, then reached for her hand.
“Brad, I can’t come with you.”
“Shh.” He felt inside with his free hand and flipped off the porch light. “Step out here for a minute.”
Without the harsh artificial light, the natural beauty of the wakening day struck Emma like a symbol of hope. He led her away from the cabin and toward the lake. He paused in an open area where the trees gave way to grass, and said, “Look up.”
Emma tilted her head back. Stars shone brilliant, the Milky Way casting a glittering canvas while the eastern sky had taken on a lavender glow beyond the mountains. Awestruck, Emma swallowed. No church in the world could be holier than this.
He draped an arm across her shoulders. “Now look over there.”
Following the direction of his pointed finger, she saw the movement of dark shadows toward the lake. “Deer?”
“Yeah, a mama and two fawns.”
She watched the three move down the trail until they disappeared into the undergrowth.
“Now tell me you don’t want to go out on the lake. That you don’t want to watch the sun come up with me.” The arm across her shoulders brought her around to face him.
Gazing into his face, Emma knew there was no way she could withstand that caliber of temptation. “I’ll come.”
“Good. Let’s get you a warm jacket and lock your cabin. I’ve got coffee in the canoe.”
Brad used the oar to push off from shore. Emma was quiet, seated at the front of the canoe, facing forward, while he sat in the rear. He propelled the boat along the surface of the lake with strong sure strokes, the oars making quiet plopping sounds as they dipped into the surface.
She felt the beauty of the morning relax her. With the lightening sky most of the stars had disappeared and a few early fishermen cast their lines from the shore. He guided the canoe toward the southern tip of the lake where the creek feeding it fanned into a reedy watercourse. He quietly indicated good fishing spots and narrow strips of shore where kayakers could stop for a picnic.
“There’s coffee in the thermos.” When Emma glanced over her shoulder he gestured to the container in the middle of the boat. “I only have one cup, but I figure you and I don’t have a problem sharing.”
Brad's mood lifted when he saw Emma’s smile flutter. She moved carefully to the middle seat, settling herself before pouring coffee into the lid. She held it out to him and he took it for the morning’s first jolt of caffeine.
“What would you be doing now if you were still in LA? Sleeping?” He couldn’t imagine living someplace where he couldn’t look out from his front window and see the lake. Steam rose from the cup he handed back to her.
She sipped the warm liquid. “No, I’ve always been an early riser. I’d probably be reading the paper at my little patio table before getting dressed for work.”
He eyed her curiously. “Where did you work?”
“At an insurance agency.” She refilled the cup and held it out to him again, seemingly oblivious to the intimacy of the shared coffee.
“Did you like it?”
She looked thoughtful. “I liked having a paycheck every two weeks. But no, I didn’t like the job. I was in a cubicle,” she said as if that explained everything.
And it probably did. “Why did you work there then? There are other places that provide paychecks.”
Emma sighed, and Brad thought she sounded sad. “They offered me a job when I was still in college. My mother was diagnosed with cancer and I needed something with regular hours so I could be with her when I wasn’t at work.”
“She didn’t get better.” It wasn’t a question.
“At first it seemed like she was better. The cancer went into remission, but it didn’t stay that way. The last year and a half were the hardest. But some days, some weeks, were better than others. She had a lot of issues besides cancer and working at the insurance company I could put in my time and not have to deal with anything work-related after hours.”
Did Emma realize she’d lost the guardedness she habitually wore around her like a cloak?
“Emmaline.” When she looked up, misty-gray eyes aware, he almost hated asking. He risked her clamming up but he had to know. “Tell me about cops. Tell me what happened that makes you think you can’t trust me.”
She shrugged, seemed to be trying for nonchalant. “It’s nothing personal.”
“Give me a break. It keeps you from trusting me so it’s damned personal.” He hadn’t really known until he’d asked how important it was for her to trust him. Everyone, his family, friends, his town, knew they could rely on him. But the person he was beginning to realize could be the most important of all thought she couldn’t.
She seemed to be thinking out her response, but instead of answering his question, she asked one of her own. “How many siblings do you have?”
He gave her a curious look, but answered, “Besides Maddy, I have a younger brother who is away at college and another sister who is married and lives in town.”
“You’re the oldest?” At his affirmation, she continued, “And your parents, do they live around here?”
“My mom lives in town. Dad passed away when I was in college.” When she nodded like he’d confirmed everything she expected, he asked her, “What’s this about?”
“I’ll tell you what I see. You’re the oldest of four children, and male to boot. Your father dies when you’re young. You live in the town you were born in and become a cop; now you’re the police chief, for God’s sake.” Her hands raised in an exasperated gesture.
He frowned at her. “Yeah, so?”
“So? I’ll bet you took care of your family when your dad died. And you are a leader in this community. You’re used to solving everyone’s problems. People come to you all the time and you solve their problems for them.”
“You think so?” He didn’t bother to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
“You’re like some white knight searching for a quest. Well, I’m not one of your problems.”
Ripples on the lake gently rocked the canoe. Brad took a deep breath to hold onto his temper. “That’s crap. If people come to me with their problems, I try to get them to find a solution for themselves.”
“Like Mrs. Donahue? You dug out a mudslide from her backyard.” Amusement danced in her expression.
Brad struggled for patience. “She’s eighty-something years old, for Christ’s sake. I’ve known her all of my life. Of course I dug it out for her.”
Emma held up her hands in a calming gesture. “You’re ri
ght. And being a leader and helping people in need certainly aren’t character flaws.”
They had drifted toward the shore, and Brad paddled the canoe smoothly through the water. He put his back into the job, hoping it would ease some of his frustration. “Look, you said you don’t trust me because I’m a cop. If that’s what is keeping you from having a relationship with me, then I should at least be able to challenge it.”
“Who said I want to have a relationship with you?”
“Are you telling me you felt nothing when we kissed?” he demanded. “I’ll tell you what I felt.” He leaned forward on the bench seat. The sun broke over the western mountains and he was able to see the wariness in her expression. “It was like I’d been waiting all of my life for you and then, with just one taste, I knew. Finally, the wait was over. Like my world settled into place.”
Emma looked dazed, like she’d been hit by a stun gun. She sat in silence, eyes locked on his. “No.”
“Yes, Emmaline. I don’t know why when you’re pigheaded and frustrate the hell out of me half the time. You’re much more to me than a problem to solve. And you need to figure out what you’re going to do about it.”
Brad propelled the canoe onto the shore next to her dock. He’d probably blown it. The feelings inside him were so huge they almost overwhelmed him. But that didn’t mean Emmaline felt the same. Well, he’d laid himself bare for her. The next move was hers.
They stepped out of the canoe. He stepped in front of her. “Give it, give us, some serious thought, Emmaline.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then stepped back into the canoe to push off again.
Chapter Six
Emma stood numbly and watched Brad disappear around the curve of the lakeshore, heading toward his cabin. In her entire life no one had ever made her feel as acutely as he did. Something inside her yearned to simply take what he offered, to ignore the flashing red warning light that urged her to use caution, to protect herself. Her shoulders slumped.
How in the world had that happened? Could this amazing, incredible man really have such deep feelings for her? She couldn’t help but think if he truly knew her, those feelings would wither like tender young shoots in the scorching heat of the California sun. And by keeping him at a distance, she wasn’t just protecting herself; she was protecting him. She didn’t want him to get in too deep, to care too much, and then be disappointed once he really knew her. But following the trail to her cabin, she knew she would do as he’d asked and give what he’d said serious thought.
Hours later, Emma rose from her stooped position, a hand to her back as she straightened. She stifled a groan, but once upright looked around at what she’d accomplished, quite pleased to see the payoff for the long hours of work. Big Horn cabin shone. While it needed to be outfitted with furniture, all the plumbing and electrical outlets worked and soon it would be ready to rent for the summer. By next week she would have the website up and be able to book vacationers for June. She couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face. It was really going to happen.
Her single-minded attack on the cabin had been her way of dealing with the jumbled thoughts racing around in her brain. Brad’s declaration had stunned her. He’d been waiting all of his life for her? Despite her knee-jerk reaction to pull back, she couldn’t help the giddy feeling tingling around her heart. The intense attraction she experienced whenever he was near was completely new to her. She’d never allowed herself to care deeply for any man. She’d always been too caught up in her chaotic life with her mother to give the few boyfriends she’d had the attention they deserved.
That certainly wasn’t the case with Brad. She couldn’t help but think about him. She’d never been the type of teenager to dream about the perfect man. But she knew if she had to imagine him now he’d be tall, have dark hair shot through with mahogany highlights, eyes the color of pines deep in the forest, and when he kissed her, her mind would melt like a scoop of rainbow sherbet on a sunny day.
Emma had to believe she was smart enough to understand not all cops were the same. Of course, some were corrupt, but the Hangman’s Loss police chief was a straight arrow. Bradley Gallagher was a decent, honorable man and she knew he would never do what that cop in LA had done. Thinking about it made her stomach churn, but she was going to have to tell him. Tell him about her childhood and what was in her sealed juvenile record. And when she told him he would ease back. Oh, she was sure he would be kind, but he would realize she simply wasn’t the one for him in the long term. He was the student body president and deserved the homecoming queen, not the rebellious troublemaker.
Now you’re feeling sorry for yourself, Emma decided as she gathered her cleaning supplies in the plastic tote. Bumping open the screen door with her hip, she set the caddy on the porch before pulling the cabin door closed to lock it.
“Hello! Ms. Kincaid?”
Startled, she looked through the slanting rays of the late-afternoon sun to a man trudging up the dirt driveway.
“Yes?” He had obviously not come prepared to tromp around in the outdoors. Dust coated his wingtips and his dress shirt had come untucked from his slacks. Even though the temperature was mild, he paused to take out a white handkerchief and mop his forehead. He had a large envelope clamped in one hand. He should wear a hat over that receding hairline before he gets sunburned.
“Let me catch my breath a minute.” He huffed a bit, then smiled at her. “I’m Frank Singleton. The lady with the boy told me where I could find you.” He approached her, hand outstretched.
Emma shook his hand cautiously. “What can I do for you, Mr. Singleton?”
“Make it Frank, and I’ll call you Emma. I feel like we’re friends already.” He smiled showing a wide gap between his front teeth, then wiped again at his forehead before stuffing the handkerchief in his back pocket. He fanned himself, waving the envelope back and forth.
Emma shifted, not sure why the guy made her uncomfortable. “All right, Frank, what can I do for you?”
“It’s more what I can do for you. This property you have here? It’s caught the eye of my company. We’ve got a plan to develop this side of the lake, turn the town of Hangman’s Loss from a rustic little backwater into something fine. Something fine indeed.” His smile looked false, his lips turned up but the sparkle didn’t reach his eyes.
“What’s the name of your company?”
“Great Mountain Developments, honey. We’re the biggest name in themed resort development in the western United States. You might have heard of us.”
When Frank dug out his handkerchief to once again wipe his brow, Emma worried the man had overexerted himself. “Are you okay? Do you want to stand in the shade a bit?”
“No, no. I’m right as rain. It’s just a little warm out.”
Emma walked back toward the office, keeping her pace slow, while he trudged alongside her.
“I’ve heard of you,” Emma said. “Your company sent my grandfather several letters. He told you he wouldn’t sell but the letters kept coming. Your company put a lot of pressure on an old man in failing health.”
“Well, I’m sorry for that. That must have been under the old management. Things are different now.”
They approached the office and Emma motioned him toward the steps. “Have a seat here. I have some iced tea inside.”
He heaved his bulk down on the top step, and Emma was back a moment later with a glass tinkling with ice. He gulped down half of the tea before coming up for air. “That hits the spot. Now I want you to consider what I have to say. This little operation of yours doesn’t realize the full potential of this property.”
He rose to his feet, perhaps realizing that seated he was at a disadvantage. Emma leaned against the porch rail as he placed the glass next to a post. “Our company has the full support of your mayor and even some of the city council members. They realize this town has great promise and with our help there would be jobs for anyone who wants one. Hangman’s Loss would become a shining jewel among the ski res
orts in the western states.”
“I won’t sell.”
He sputtered to a halt, looking at Emma with a flabbergasted expression. He regrouped quickly. “Now, you don’t want to say that. You haven’t heard our offer.”
“I don’t need to. I’m not selling.” She picked up his glass, then added, “Have a good day, Frank,” before turning to reach for the screen door.
He moved quickly, his hand slapping the frame before she could pull it open. “Ms. Kincaid, just hang on a minute.”
At her cold glare, he gave her an unctuous smile. But she had seen through it, the folksiness hadn’t quite hidden the flash of mean that had shown when she’d told him no. Emma glanced over when she saw Dory approach the porch, then back at him. “Mr. Singleton, you are overstepping your welcome. You need to back off.”
Singleton dropped his hand, acknowledging Dory with a nod before continuing. “No need to be hasty, now. You don’t want to turn us down, honey. We’re a real reasonable company. But we wouldn’t prosper if we tucked our tails and ran off whenever anybody said they didn’t want to sell.”
“I’ll repeat myself; I won’t sell and you’ll have to accept that. Now step back.” He stood closer than was comfortable and Emma refused to back away. Dory stepped onto the porch and Emma saw the hammer she held gripped in one hand.
Singleton also noticed the hammer, and eyeing Dory, retreated a step before addressing Emma. “Hold your horses, little lady. I just want to explain our offer. We’ll give you fair market value for this property. But we’re not willing to take no for an answer. It saddens me to say, but when individuals stand in the way of prosperity for a community, then other means might have to be brought to bear.”
Emma frowned. “Do you mean arson, Mr. Singleton?”
He looked at her shrewdly. “I heard you had yourself a little fire, honey, but that’s not the way Great Mountain does business.” He held out the envelope. “Look over our offer. I think you’ll see that it’s very advantageous to you. I’ll contact you in a day or so and see what you think.”
A Need to Protect Page 7
