The trail meandered out of the trees onto a ridgeline, which dropped off in a sheer descent to a valley below. Kane stopped and turned to face her, holding her gaze.
“Are you attracted to me?”
A blush colored her cheeks, but she didn’t hesitate to speak. “Yes, my sister knows me well.”
A bit of the weight eased. “The feeling’s mutual.” He bent to pick up a rock then sent it soaring into space. “So, Nolan and Grace wanted to warn you I’m a head case.”
“It wasn’t like that.”
“Then what was it like?”
Rachel sighed. “My marriage ended in disaster, and I haven’t dated much since. When it comes to men, Grace is overly protective. She doesn’t want me to get hurt again.”
“And based on a half-hour conversation, she thought I would hurt you? Or was that Nolan’s idea?”
“Grace wanted me to know you have some personal issues to deal with. She thought you might not be a great relationship risk at the moment.”
“All I did was walk you to your car.”
Rachel crossed her arms and gazed out at the view. “She didn’t say a word until I told her I was coming up here. Then she got it into her head I was planning this vacation as a way to see you again.”
His heart jumped. He reached out a finger to stroke her cheek. “Was she right?”
“I had several reasons for wanting to make this trip.”
“Was I one of them?”
She nodded and licked her lips. The flick of her tongue destroyed his self-control. Stepping forward, he gripped her arms as his mouth covered hers in a quick hard kiss. When it ended, he didn’t release her.
“I like being a reason.” His breath stirred the hair at her temple as he inhaled an intoxicating scent of floral shampoo, sunscreen and woman. “Are you sorry you came?”
“No.” She rested her forehead against his chest for a moment. “Should I be?”
He pulled back far enough to look her in the eye. “I hope not. Seeing you again has made me happier than I’ve been in months, but Nolan was right.” The tightness in his chest returned. “Shooting that kid screwed me up. I’m not sure what I’ll do when I get home. When I think about going back out onto the streets, I want to chuck my whole career.”
“What would you do instead?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I’ve never been anything but a cop. My dad was a cop, too, and I always wanted to be just like him.”
“I’m sorry, Kane.”
“Yeah, so am I. Your sister was right to warn you about me. I probably am a bad relationship risk.”
“Well, I have plenty of baggage of my own. I have a business to run and three girls who will always be my top priority. Right now Lark isn’t exactly a pleasure to be around, and I have a feeling her reaction wouldn’t be positive if I started dating someone seriously.”
“She doesn’t want you to have a life of your own?”
“Fourteen year olds tend to be a tad self-centered. She’s still struggling with her father’s death. It’s been rough on her, and she’s acting out. Hopefully with therapy and support, she’ll work through it sooner rather than later.”
“What about Jade and Ivy? They seem to like me.”
“They do. I don’t think they’d mind if we saw each other after our vacation ends, but it’s hard to know for sure.”
“So is this going to be our first and only date?” He tilted her chin, caressing the soft skin.
Concern clouded her eyes. “I hope not, but I have to consider my daughters and their feelings. My choices affect them.”
With an effort, he forced a lighter mood. “So, no making out while the kids are watching?”
Rachel smiled, and some of the worry in her eyes faded. “I’m afraid dating a woman with three children has its drawbacks.”
“It also has rewards.” He ran a finger across her lips. “I’d rather have you, your girls and your dog than Tiffany the Temptress any day.”
“That’s because mine are real.” She stepped back, and his hand fell away. “Where’s that lake? I’m hungry.”
Time to recapture the easy companionship they’d enjoyed before the conversation turned serious. No matter how attracted to her he was, she was right. He probably wasn’t ready for anything else. Not yet. Not until he figured out where the hell his life was headed.
He released a long breath. “Our destination is just ahead.”
They reached it a few minutes later. The lake was small but beautiful, surrounded by trees on one side and a granite apron on the other. Located a short distance from the trail, the spot he chose was sheltered from the breeze.
They stretched out on the warm granite to eat their lunch. Daisy wandered around the shore, sniffing here and there before coming back to settle near Rachel.
“This place is gorgeous. Thank you for bringing me.”
“My pleasure.” Kane finished the last bite of his sandwich and polished an apple on his shirt. He bit into it with a crunch. “We can take a swim after lunch if you’d like.”
“I’m tempted, but I didn’t bring my bathing suit.”
His pulse jumped then raced ahead. “We could always skinny dip.”
Rachel peeled a banana. “I’m a little too old to get caught swimming naked. I’m not seventeen anymore.”
“No, you’re a whole lot better.” His gaze moved over her curves, and his fists clenched at his sides. “Anyway, no one will see us. The lake is hidden from the trail.”
“It is hot.” She scratched a mosquito bite on her elbow. “Maybe I could wear my underwear.”
“And I’ll leave on my shorts if it’ll make you feel better.”
Rachel took a bite of the banana. “I’m pretty sure that’s not what would make me feel better.”
Two seconds later, he had her flat on her back with the banana lying on a nearby rock. He cradled her head in his hands and kissed her. When she kissed him back, desire surged even stronger.
So much for the slow approach.
“Do you know how much I want you right now?”
She bit her lip. “I’m sorry. I wish I could say yes, but I can’t.”
“I know. Can we do this?”
He trailed kisses down the side of her neck, burying his nose against her skin. She smelled like fresh air and woman. His breath came fast as he moved back to cover her mouth with his, his tongue stroking until he wasn’t certain he could stop.
A cold nose thrust between them. At a blast of stinky dog breath, they separated in a hurry.
“My savior.” Rachel’s smile shook as she gave Daisy a shove.
Kane stretched out on the rock with an arm over his eyes. His chest rose and fell. Frustration filled him, edged with disappointment and a touch of guilt. “I wouldn’t have pushed.”
“I know. It wasn’t you I didn’t trust.”
He sat up slowly. “I’m ready for that swim.” With swift, jerky movements, he untied his hiking boots, shucked his T-shirt and took a running dive into the lake.
* * * *
Kane’s powerful body cut through the water as he swam to the far side of the lake. The woods were still except for the buzz of a mosquito. Rachel swatted at it and untied her boot laces, then waited for her pounding heart to still. She’d been so tempted…
Daisy sniffed the banana.
“I’m not sure if I should thank you or tell you to get lost.” Rachel scratched the dog’s ears. “I know what I’d like to do.”
She pulled off her boots, socks, shorts and tank top, leaving them in a neat pile. Wearing only a pair of cotton bikini panties and an electric blue jog bra, she walked down to the lake to wade slowly away from the shore. The water was freezing, and the pebbles on the lake bottom dug into her feet.
“It’s easier if you just dive in.” He swam closer.
“I don’t think I can.” Rachel inched forward. “I’m not usually one to jump in with bot
h feet.”
Kane reached out and caught her hand. “Then I’ll help.” With a quick tug, he pulled her into the water next to him.
“Oh, my God, it’s so cold.” Her teeth chattered.
“Right now, that’s working in your favor. I’m not the man I was before my swim.”
She grinned. “Maybe we should stay in here all day.”
“Not a chance. I think I’m turning blue.”
“A little exercise will warm you up. Let’s race.”
Rachel was a decent swimmer, but she was no match for Kane. He passed her and was waiting when she reached the far shore.
“It looks like I won.” He pushed a strand of wet hair out of her eyes. “What’s my prize?”
“Your choice.”
Slowly he pulled her against him. The wet cotton bra wasn’t much of a barrier as she hooked her arms around his neck. Skin slid against skin before a searing kiss stole her breath.
“Want a rematch?” His breath came in a gasp.
“You’re on.”
Rachel flipped backward into the water and swam hard enough to reach the shore seconds before he did, then climbed out onto the warm granite.
He flopped down beside her, water running off him in streams. “You beat me. What’s your prize?”
Lying on her stomach, she glanced up and blinked fat droplets off her lashes. “I get to dry off on your shirt.”
He grabbed his shirt, but instead of handing it to her, ran the soft cotton over her back and down her legs. “How’s that?”
“Nice.” She closed her eyes, afraid to see the expression in his. Afraid the temptation to let him do more would destroy her control.
“Turn over.” The words were a whisper in her ear. When she rolled onto her back, he dried her arms and bare stomach. “Look at me, Rachel.”
Slowly, she lifted her lids.
“We can leave now, or we can stay. Your call.”
She met his direct gaze. “I don’t want to be a tease. If we stay, I don’t intend to make love to you on this rock. I’m not good at casual sex, and we haven’t known each other very long.”
His finger ran along her rib cage. “I won’t push you.”
“It isn’t fair to let you kiss me then ask you to stop.”
“Why don’t I decide what’s fair?”
Rachel glanced over his shoulder. “Daisy might object. She looks ready to pounce.”
“You don’t need a furry protector. Tell her to stay.”
“Daisy, sit.” She cleared her throat. “Stay.”
“Will she behave?”
“She’ll only disobey if she thinks I’m in danger.”
“I won’t give her a reason to think anything close. Just a few kisses, and then we’ll go.”
He took her in his arms and rolled with her until she was laying full length on top of him. Their bodies fused, leaving little to Rachel’s imagination. The hard length of his need pressed against her. She caught her breath.
“The effect of the cold water appears to have worn off.” She stared down into the depths of compelling blue eyes.
“Holding you would make a monk horny. You’re beautiful, Rachel Carpenter.”
She leaned down and touched her lips to his. “So are you, but it’s more than attraction. I genuinely like you. That’s what’s making this so difficult.”
He cupped her head and brought her mouth down to meet his. Their tongues mated and explored as the kiss went on and on. Rachel squirmed against him, and he groaned.
“Move like that again, and I’m going to disgrace myself.”
With a nervous giggle, she dropped her face onto his chest, loving the way the hair tickled her nose. She wanted to take off her bra and feel its softness against the sensitive tips of her breasts. She wanted to reach between them and touch the part of him that poked so insistently against her belly.
“We should go before I forget I promised not to rush you.” One hand stroked her hair.
“I want to. I really do, but then what? When this week is over, I’ll go back to my bookstore and my girls, and you’ll return to a job that’s killing you. We might see each other once in a while and have great sex, but we won’t really be a part of each other’s lives.”
He winced. “A real relationship can’t survive on sex alone, great or otherwise. Maybe we should take a step back and see how we work as friends first. We’ve gotten a little ahead of ourselves.”
“Smart idea. I’m not like my sister. I can’t indulge in a quick fling without winding up with a broken heart.”
Kane ran a finger along her cheekbone. “I don’t know if I’d be able to either. Rule number one: No more getting almost naked when we’re alone.”
“Rule number two: Kissing is okay, but not the soul-sucking kind that makes me forget rule number one.”
He sat up and handed over her clothes. “You’d better get dressed before I forget rule number three.”
“Which is?”
“I can hold your hand, but I can’t feel you up.”
She threw back her head and laughed.
He bent and kissed her throat, his hand sliding across her breast in the process.
A quiver shook her, and her laughter quieted. “What happened to our rules?”
“They don’t go into effect until we’re back on the trail.”
“Too bad we have to leave, but it’s getting late.” She glanced at her watch. “After two now, and it’ll take a couple of hours to hike to camp.”
“Don’t worry. Jed will keep an eye on your girls. I told him we’d probably make a day of it.”
Rachel pulled her tank top over her head. “Did you tell him why?”
“He’s a smart man. I’m sure he’ll figure it out for himself.” Kane tied his boots. “Ready?”
She nodded.
The hike back was uneventful. The only time Kane touched her was to help her over a fallen tree in the path. By the time they ran into Chip a half-mile from camp, she was starting to regret all their new rules.
Chip’s brown eyes shone as he offered a friendly smile. “Fancy meeting you out here.”
Kane raised a hand in greeting. “This is a popular trail. I’m surprised we didn’t meet anyone else from camp.”
“Bob and I saw Olmstead earlier. Then, not long ago, I ran across the guy who brought the blond bombshell.”
“Curt Dawson. The blonde is Tiffany.” Kane pulled out his water bottle.
“Well Tiffany wasn’t with him. She doesn’t strike me as much of a hiker. Did you have a nice day?”
Rachel nodded. “We ate lunch up at a little lake. Where’s your friend?”
Chip shrugged. His gaze rested on her for a long moment before he glanced away. “I’m not sure. We got separated a couple of hours ago. Bob’s probably back at camp by now.”
When they reached the cabins, Chip went into his, and she walked down to the lake beside Kane to look for her girls. Ivy and Jade were with Hillary, a petite Asian woman, building a castle out of sand and rocks. Lark sunbathed on the dock with Lauren.
“Hi, Mom.” Ivy glanced up and smiled. “I painted the most beautiful picture. You’re going to love it.”
“I’m sure I will. Did you have fun?”
She nodded, her ponytail bobbing. “Hillary showed me how to paint shadows. It was so cool.”
Rachel smiled at the young woman. “Thanks for taking Ivy with your group.”
Hillary’s dark eyes sparkled with good humor. “We had a great time. Kane, I think Jed was looking for you earlier.”
“I’ll go find him in a minute. How were the games, Jade?”
“I won the running and swimming races, but this boy name Leo beat me at rowing. Of course it wasn’t exactly fair since little Rex was my partner.”
Rachel squeezed her shoulder. “Sounds like you had a good time despite the loss.”
“Yeah, it was pretty fun.”
“I’m goi
ng to go talk to Lark, and then maybe we should all take showers before dinner.”
Jade rolled her eyes and pushed Daisy away from the castle. “Geez, Mom, I was in the water half the day.”
“Yes, but it wouldn’t kill you to use soap.”
“I’d better go see what Jed wants. I’ll see you later.” Kane touched her cheek in a gentle stroke before hurrying up the path.
Rachel let out a breath then walked over to the dock and sat down next to the two older girls. “How was your hike?”
“It was really great.” Lauren flipped long hair over her shoulder. “Lark and I got tired after lunch, so Kevin brought us back to camp. Dad kept going. I think he’s still out there.”
Lark wore a hot pink bikini with her tattoo prominently displayed. “We’ve been here for hours. You were certainly gone long enough.”
“We hiked quite a distance before stopping to eat.”
Her daughter’s eyes narrowed. “Your cheeks and chin are pink.”
“I guess I should have used more sunscreen.”
“Or Kane should have shaved closer this morning.”
Rachel grasped the edge of the dock and counted slowly. “I’m taking your sisters up to the shower. Would you like to join us?”
“Maybe later.”
“That’s fine, but don’t stay out here too long. Both of you look like you’ve had enough sun for one day.”
“We won’t.” Lauren gave her a friendly smile. As Rachel walked away, the girl spoke in a low voice. “It must be so cool having a mom who used to be an actress.”
“She was just on a soap opera. It was no big deal.” Lark sighed. “My dad was really famous. I wish he hadn’t died.”
Silently Rachel cursed Bryce for the millionth time, damning him for leaving his girls without a father. If he hadn’t been skiing out of bounds, the tragedy never would have happened.
She called to Jade and Ivy then headed back toward the cabin. As they reached it, Kane approached.
“Get your shower stuff and a change of clothes, girls. I’ll be with you in a minute.” They went inside as Rachel waited by the door.
“What’s up?”
“I have to go.” He swept a hand through his hair. “My dad threw his back out playing golf, and he’s confined to his bed for a few days.”
Every Move She Makes Page 7
