Rachel rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Gracie. Remind me to break out the support hose.”
“I don’t think you’re ready for a nursing home yet.” A smile tugged at the edges of Kane’s firm mouth. “Shall we go?”
She nodded. “Good night, Nolan. Grace, I’ll talk to you soon.”
“You certainly will.” A speculative gleam lit her eyes. “I’ll expect a full report.”
Kane guided Rachel through the restaurant with a warm hand against the small of her back. “What did your sister mean by that?”
“Nothing. Grace is just being Grace. She’s a nut.” Rachel’s cheeks heated. She knew full well what her sister had meant. Unfortunately, Grace had seen her attraction to Kane and was undoubtedly hoping for a juicy end to the evening. As Rachel wasn’t in the habit of jumping into bed with relative strangers, her sister was doomed to disappointment.
“Where’d you park?” Kane waited for her response as they stepped out into the brisk spring air.
“Down the Embarcadero.” She shrugged on the sweater her mother had knit her the previous Christmas. “I suppose you’re in the opposite direction.”
“No, I’m that way, too.” Taking her arm, he led her around a crowd of people who’d stopped to listen to a street musician.
The clear, clean notes of his saxophone followed them as they strolled down the brick-paved sidewalk. The moon was out, a silver orb shining over the bay.
She tilted her chin. “Look at that sky.”
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Rachel nodded. “I’m glad I don’t live in the city anymore, but I do miss nights like these.”
“Where do you live?”
“Up in Vine Haven, north of Napa.”
“I know the area, lots of rolling hills and grape vines. What do you do there?”
“I own a combination bookstore coffee bar. The town has enough of a tourist trade to survive, but not enough to ruin the small town atmosphere.”
“I think I’ve been there. Years ago, my ex-wife dragged me through Napa County on a wine-tasting tour. Is there a small winery in Vine Haven?”
Rachel smiled. “Only the best one in Northern California, but I may be a teensy bit prejudiced. Hanover Vineyards belongs to my family. I grew up there, and my father and brother still run the vineyard and winery. We offer tours on the weekends.”
“Oh, yeah? So you moved back to the family homestead after your husband died?”
“Actually, the year before. Bryce and I were divorced when he died in the skiing accident.”
“I remember hearing about that. I don’t imagine living with a professional athlete was easy.”
“There were some negatives.” Bitterness edged her voice, and she forced herself to relax.
“Cops make lousy husbands, too. Just ask my ex-wife.”
“You seem like a good guy. What happened?”
“The usual. I spent more time at work than I did with her. Diana is a very nice person, and she’s a fighter. She stuck it out for five long years before she finally gave up. I guess she came to the conclusion I wasn’t going to change.”
Rachel stopped walking and looked up at him. The breeze blew her hair across her face. One strand caught at the corner of her mouth, and Kane reached out a finger to free it. Her breath stuck in her throat as she struggled to remember what they were talking about.
“Did you want to change?”
“Not really. I was younger and had a lot to prove.”
“And now?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure anymore, but I do need a break.”
“Did something happen?”
His expression closed. “Yeah, something happened.” After a moment’s hesitation he took her arm to lead her forward. “I don’t know why I’m boring you with my problems. How did we end up talking about me?”
“I have that effect on people. Something about me makes everyone I talk to want to spill their guts.”
He grimaced. “I’m not the only one? There’s a crowd of needy jerks bending your ear? Terrific.”
“Mostly just family.” She gave him a teasing poke to lighten the mood. “I’m no psych guru, and even if there was a crowd, I’d say you’re unique.”
“Hardly. I’m just one of a million divorced cops. You may want to warn your sister we’re bad relationship risks before she gets too involved with Nolan. Not that he isn’t a great guy.”
“I’m sure he is. Anyway, I’d be more inclined to worry about him. Grace discards men faster than empty pizza boxes.”
Kane grinned. “Your sister seems like quite a dynamo.”
“She is. When God passed out inhibitions, he skipped Grace and gave me a double dose.”
“I doubt that. Anyone who was a soap star can’t have too many restraints.”
“Ask my oldest daughter. She’ll tell you all about them. Here’s my car.” Rachel stopped beside her red SUV.
“I rest my case. Inhibited people don’t buy red cars.”
“I chose the model, but I let my girls pick the color. They take after their aunt.”
He smiled, his rugged face lit by an overhead streetlight. Kindness—and pain—was reflected in his eyes. Lines radiated from the corners of his lips, and creases marred his broad forehead. He looked like a man who’d seen the darker side of humanity and was worn down by the experience. It took all her willpower not to reach up to stroke his cheek.
“It was nice meeting you, Rachel Carpenter. More than nice.”
“I hope you have a wonderful time camping. I must admit I’m a little jealous.”
“You should come up. My brother’s retreat is a great place for families. I bet your girls would love it.”
“Jade and Ivy probably would, but Lark’s another story. Anyway, I imagine the camp is fully booked for the summer.”
“It is for July and August, but I think there’s space left in June. People tend to wait until it’s warmer to go camping in the Sierras. It can be pretty cold at night this time of year. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s still some snow left around the lake.”
“In other words, pack a warm sleeping bag.”
“You’ve got it. If you decide you’re interested, Jed has a web site. Look up Granite Lake Retreat on the Internet, and you can get the phone number to make a reservation.”
“I’ll think about it.” She let out another sigh before she could stop herself. “I’d better go. The drive isn’t getting any shorter standing here.” She touched his arm. “Thanks for walking me to my car. I know you’re anxious to get home.”
“My pleasure, and it wasn’t out of my way. I own the Jeep parked three spaces over. Anyway, it’s not safe for a woman to be alone on the street this time of night.”
“True, more’s the pity. Good night, Kane. Maybe I’ll see you again sometime.”
He enclosed her hand in both of his, and a tingle shot through her.
“I certainly hope so.” He hesitated then released her. “Drive carefully.”
She unlocked her car door. “Careful is my middle name.”
Chapter 2
Rachel eyed Kane through the rearview mirror as she drove away and wished she could be more like Grace. Toss caution to the wind, forget her responsibilities and hook up with an attractive man for the night. Too bad having a one-night stand wasn’t in her nature. Chances of a more meaningful relationship with Kane Lafferty didn’t seem likely.
She took the onramp to the Bay Bridge, thankful the traffic at this hour was light. Though it was a complete waste of time, her conversation with Kane played over and over in her mind. The man was thoughtful, attentive and just plain nice. The fact that he was gorgeous and sexy didn’t hurt. Perhaps he had a few hang-ups, but who didn’t?
God, maybe Grace is right. Maybe I do need to get laid.
It had been too long since she’d felt a man’s arms around her. Her first and only love had been Bryce. After the divorce
, she’d dated occasionally, feeling she owed it to herself to meet someone new. At the same time, she’d known going into those relationships they wouldn’t work. Her girls were her number one priority, and not many men wanted a ready-made family.
Rachel counted back the months since her last attempt at a relationship, and her jaw sagged. Could it really have been nearly a year?
“No wonder Kane sent my hormones up in flames. I guess I should make an effort to throw myself into the dating pool again.”
Exiting the freeway, she drove faster than she should along the two-lane country road that wound through the rolling hills of Napa Valley. It was pushing eleven-thirty, and she was anxious to get home. Her mouth opened wide in a bone-cracking yawn.
“What the...”
A fallen limb from a giant oak lay across the middle of the road. She swerved hard left to avoid it. Whump. Her SUV jolted as the rear tire hit the end of the branch. A moment later, an ominous thumping sounded from the back of the car. Swearing under her breath, she pulled to the side of the road, stopped and got out. In the faint moonlight, one look at the rear tire confirmed she had a flat.
“Five more measly miles and I would have been home.”
She got back in the car and pulled out her cell phone. Turning on the dome light, she punched in the number for roadside service and waited for the operator to come on the line. Three minutes later, she threw the phone across the seat. An accident had both their area tow trucks tied up. It would be at least an hour before someone could get there.
“Forget that.”
Rachel pulled the owner’s manual from the glove box. After reading the section on changing a tire, confidence surged. Not hard at all.
Until she got started. After she released the spare tire from beneath the car, she took out the jack. Grunting with effort, she managed to pump the jack enough times to raise the flat clear of the ground.
“All right!” Her fist pumped the air.
A bird in the granddaddy oak emitted a small chirp.
“Next, off with the old tire and on with the new. Piece of cake.”
Except it wasn’t. The lug nuts must have been soldered on. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t budge them. Tired and frustrated, she admitted defeat and went searching for her cell phone. Finding it on the floor of the passenger side, she entered her brother’s number.
Four rings later, a groggy voice answered.
“Hi, Will. It’s me.”
“Rachel? What’s wrong? It’s almost midnight.”
“I know, and I’m sorry to wake you, but I got a flat coming home from San Francisco.”
“Did you call the auto service?”
“Yes, but they can’t get to me for an hour or more. I took the spare out and jacked up the car, but I can’t budge the lug nuts. I’ve tried. They’re on too tight.”
“They usually are. I’ll come get you.” He sounded slightly more awake. “Where are you?”
“About five miles south of town. I’m really sorry.”
“Yeah, well you’ll owe me. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
“Thanks.”
She leaned against the side of the car and closed her eyes. The world around her was dark and silent, the moon having sunk behind the hills. Minutes later an engine rumbled in the distance. She shielded her eyes as twin beams of light speared through the darkness.
The car approaching wasn’t her brother’s Volvo.
An older pickup pulled to a stop, and a man’s voice called from the open window. “Need some help?”
In the glare of his headlights, she could only make out a shadowy figure wearing a baseball cap and dark glasses.
“No, thank you. I have a flat, but my brother is on his way. I appreciate the offer.”
“A pretty lady like you shouldn’t be out alone this time of night. I don’t mind getting started on the tire while you wait for your brother. Better yet, give him a call and tell him you’ve got it covered. I’ll be happy to change it for you.”
Rachel shifted from one foot to the other and glanced up the deserted road. The guy made her nervous. Who wore sunglasses in the middle of the night? “Really, I’m fine. Don’t let me keep you.”
“I insist.” His door creaked as it opened.
She took a step back, heart racing. Before real fear could take hold, a second set of lights appeared on the road. Her breath whooshed out. “Here’s my brother now.”
“I’ll be on my way then.” The door shut. Truck gears grinding, he accelerated around the branch and headed down the road.
“Who was that?” Will stepped from his car into the glow of its headlights. Ten years her senior, her brother was tall and thin with a shock of red hair beginning to recede. He stared after the retreating pickup.
“Some guy who stopped to help after I called you. I know this isn’t exactly a high crime area, but I was a little nervous out here alone with a stranger.”
“I’m glad you called when you did. It looks like you made good progress with the tire.” He hunkered down beside it.
“I thought I could change it by myself. I was feeling pretty cocky until I tried to loosen those damned lug nuts.”
“They are on tight.” He grunted even more than she had as he threw his weight into the task. Ten minutes later the spare tire was on. Will stowed the flat in the back of her SUV. “Don’t forget to drop it off to be repaired tomorrow. You wouldn’t want to get stuck again without a working spare.”
“God forbid I should have another flat. Fate couldn’t be so cruel twice.”
“You never know. Help me drag this limb off the road so the next driver doesn’t hit it.”
They moved the heavy limb then Rachel gave her brother a hug and slid into her car.
“Thanks for bailing me out. I hated having to wake you at this hour when I know you’ll be up at dawn.”
“No problem. What were you doing out so late, anyway?”
“I had dinner with Grace, and it lasted longer than usual. Her latest boyfriend showed up with a friend, and we talked to them for a while. I should have left sooner.”
“Grace has someone new?”
“When doesn’t our sister have a new guy? You know Grace, but she really seems to like this one. He’s a cop.”
“She hasn’t dated a cop before, has she?”
“No, but I can see why she decided to broaden her horizons. Nolan is very handsome. So is his friend.”
“Interesting. Should I assume you dragged this friend off for a round of mad, passionate sex? Is that the real reason you’re late getting home?”
Rachel laughed. “Not a chance.”
“Too bad.” He gave her door a thump. “Let’s go. Sharon’s probably wondering what’s taking me so long.”
“Thanks again, Will.”
Minutes later, Rachel rolled into her driveway and turned off the engine. The porch light illuminated the pale blue paint on her old Victorian home. She entered the house quietly, flipped off the outdoor light and left her shoes in the entry. Crossing the hardwood floor to the stairs, she stumbled when she tripped over a big, furry shape.
“Geez, Daisy. You picked a fine spot to sleep.”
The golden retriever stood and wagged her tail, wiggling with excitement at this unexpected activity in the middle of the night. She followed, toenails clicking, as her mistress went up the stairs.
Before going to her room, Rachel looked in on each of her girls. Ivy was a small lump beneath her quilt, the top of her blond head shining in the glow of a nightlight. Across the hall, Jade lay sprawled on her bed, blankets in a tangle at her feet. Lark’s door was locked. Sighing, Rachel entered her bedroom as quietly as she could and shut the door behind her then turned on the lamp.
Daisy thumped down on the rag rug next to the bed and let out a groan.
Rachel smiled at the dog. “That’s exactly how I feel.” She stripped off her clothes and dropped them into the hamper. Shrugging on a
n oversized T-shirt, she walked into the adjoining bath and quickly brushed her teeth. After splashing a little water on her face, she headed back toward the bed to stretch out on cool sheets.
She flipped from lying flat on her back to her side, but couldn’t sleep. Her mind conjured up disquieting memories of Kane Lafferty. Firm lips quirked in a smile, blue eyes piercing and direct as his gaze rested on her. Broad shoulders, strong arms...
“I need to get a life.” Rachel punched her pillow, flopped to her back and closed her eyes.
Still, it was a long time before those images faded…
* * * *
Kane lay in bed, bone-tired but unable to sleep. Sitting up, he punched his pillow then lay back down. Insomnia was just one of the lingering after-effects from the night. The night he’d lost his partner and good friend. The night he’d killed another human being.
The night he’d started to ask himself some tough questions.
Was he so caught up in saving the world he’d lost sight of the bigger picture? His kind of work was necessary. Vital. But it had cost him his marriage. Sometimes he wondered if it was costing him his soul.
Gazing at the ceiling, he groaned. A cop who second-guessed himself was a liability, which was why his lieutenant insisted he take all his accumulated vacation time. Maybe after spending a few weeks in the mountains, he’d figure out what was important. If he was lucky, hanging out with Jed again would take him back to his roots and help him remember why he’d wanted to become a cop in the first place.
To serve and protect.
To watch his partner’s head explode.
To kill a child.
“Son of a bitch!”
He stumbled out of bed and into the bathroom where he turned on the light. It wasn’t the wound in his chest that hurt. Surgery had removed the bullet, but not the memories. Staring into the mirror, a man with haunted eyes looked back. Somehow he had to get beyond what had happened and think about the future.
When he lowered his head, an image of Rachel Carpenter drifted through his tortured mind. Unquestionably, she was beautiful. Just the memory of her smile and the touch of her hand on his arm sent an arrow of feeling straight to his groin. He’d sensed a sweetness in her that attracted him. When he got back from the mountains, maybe he’d give her a call. His jumping nerves calmed at the thought.
Every Move She Makes Page 2
