“Injuries?” he asked her.
“Head mostly. I’m okay.” She tried to sit up.
“Lie down. You don’t want me to get in trouble for not following protocol.”
“Fine.” She lowered herself to the ground. “How did you get here so quickly?”
“I was in a business meeting nearby. Aiden texted me after Bree got the alert from your personal locator beacon. She would have been here, but she was stuck up north on business. Sheriff’s office also got a call from another hiker who saw you fall.”
“Another hiker.” She opened her eyes, panicked. “Did he see the guy who attacked me?”
Every muscle in Quinn’s body tensed. “Someone attacked you?”
“He grabbed me and I pulled away and lost my footing. He was wearing a denim jacket and gym shoes and he asked me about Rick, and...and...”
Her breathing sped up and her cheeks flushed. Quinn guessed her blood pressure was in the triple digits.
“Shh.” He placed an open palm against her cheek. “We’ll deal with that later. Right now you’ve got to lie still and relax.”
With a few shallow breaths she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. The feel of her skin against his hand spread warmth up his arm. No other woman had this kind of effect on him. A part of Quinn ached to explore the dynamic further, but he’d never do that to Billie.
She suddenly turned her head, breaking the connection.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Try again.”
She opened her eyes, now tinted with amber and golden hues. He relaxed a little.
“You don’t believe me about the man on the trail.”
“I do believe you, but I’d like to deal with one thing at a time. I know you’re the master multitasker, but I’ve got a guy’s brain, remember?”
He thought she smiled. He hoped she smiled.
“We’ll get you to the hospital, then we’ll deal with the mystery hiker,” Quinn said. Although he hadn’t a clue how he was going to control himself if he ever came face-to-face with the guy.
“I’m afraid,” she whispered.
“He’s not here. It’s just me.”
Quinn assumed she wasn’t afraid of him, yet he wouldn’t blame her if she were.
She sighed. “Quinn, if my injuries are worse than they seem and I don’t—”
“Stop it,” Quinn ordered, because if she didn’t make it...
He wouldn’t be able to survive that kind of pain.
“But, Quinn,” she started, “you should know that the hiker accused me of coming out here to get something Rick left behind.”
She obviously couldn’t stop thinking about the threat so he encouraged her to continue. “Left something? Like what?”
“I have no idea. Something worth a lot of money apparently.”
“Why did you come out here?”
“I was hiking.”
“Alone?”
“I needed closure.”
Quinn leaned back on his heels. Closure was something he’d wished for with so many people in his life, especially his mom, who died when he was a kid.
He glanced at the ridge above, then at Billie. “So, was it worth it?”
“You’re making fun of me?”
“No, I’m not, although I was hoping to make you smile.”
“This isn’t funny. The guy said we’d make a good team. He was creepy and his breath smelled awful and he shoved me against a tree, and I thought, I thought—”
“Shh.” He touched her shoulder. “He’s gone. No one’s going to hurt you while I’m here.”
She sighed and looked away. They both knew that wasn’t true since Quinn could hurt her worst of all. Not physically, but in every other way that mattered. He couldn’t give Billie the sincere love and devotion she deserved. He was incapable of such feelings, incapable of opening his heart to a woman. After everything Billie had been through, she deserved a loving man with integrity.
“I hate this,” she muttered.
“The pain?”
“No, I meant I’m sorry to be inconveniencing everyone, making them drop whatever they’re doing to come out and rescue me.”
“It’s not an inconvenience. They live for this stuff—you know that.”
“Well, I’m embarrassed that I need their help.”
“There’s nothing wrong with accepting help, Billie.”
She chuckled and clutched her wrist to her chest, pinching her eyes shut.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“You giving me a pep talk about accepting help from others.”
She was right, of course. Quinn was not the type to seek counsel or ask anyone for help. A few seconds passed and he wondered if she’d lost consciousness. He was about to speak her name.
“Thank you,” she suddenly whispered.
“For what?”
“For saving me...again.”
“I haven’t saved you yet,” Quinn said, trying to lighten the mood.
She opened her eyes and he could tell she struggled to crack a smile. She was in pain and it was driving him nuts.
He yanked the radio off his belt. “Artie, where’s that litter, over?”
“The guys just got here, over.”
Quinn turned to Billie. “Saving you is getting to be a full-time job, Ms. Bronson.”
“Don’t worry, this will be the last time,” she said, her tone flat.
“Hey, I was—”
“Kidding, I know.” She cracked a sad smile. “But I wasn’t.”
That sounded awfully final, as if she no longer wanted him helping her, being there for her. “I don’t mind playing hero where you’re concerned.”
“Maybe I do. Maybe I mind depending on you because it makes me feel weak and naive. You won’t be there forever, or even tomorrow, or—”
“Hey, calm down.”
“I’ll be calm when you get me out of here,” she snapped.
He wondered if a head injury was causing the edge to her normally affable personality. She suddenly didn’t seem like herself.
Not taking his eyes off her, Quinn stood and reached for the radio to see what was taking so long.
“Quinn!” she cried, her eyes rounding with fear.
He glanced up and caught sight of something careening toward them. There was no way to dodge what looked like a large piece of equipment without leaving Billie exposed, making her the prime target.
“Close your eyes!” He instinctively threw himself over her body like a human shield and clenched his jaw in anticipation of the impending blow.
TWO
Adrenaline rushed through Billie’s body and strangled her vocal cords. One minute she was setting her boundaries, letting Quinn know he didn’t need to feel obligated to her in any way. The next, she saw something barreling down the side of the mountain—straight at them.
She wasn’t sure what she expected Quinn to do, but throwing himself on top of her wouldn’t have been her first guess.
“Quinn?” she said.
His warm breath tickled the side of her neck as he exhaled. Was he unconscious?
“Quinn, are you okay?”
He groaned. “What was that?”
“The litter, I think.”
“I’m gonna be sore tomorrow.”
She realized they’d never been this physically close before. She’d practically lived at his lake house as his personal assistant, but they’d never touched except for a polite hug now and then.
His body, pressed against hers, felt solid and comforting. But she couldn’t afford to enjoy it too much.
“Are you hurt?” she asked.
He tipped his head back to look at her. He was so close she could see the gray specs in his blue eyes
.
“It nailed me in the back, but I’m okay,” he said.
“Then would you mind...?”
“I’m heavy, right. Sorry, I’m probably crushing you.”
She didn’t correct him. It wasn’t his weight that bothered her as much as the ache of wanting something she could never have with this man.
Shifting off her, he stood and clenched his jaw as he pressed his hand against his back. He yanked the radio off his belt with his other hand.
“Artie, what’s going on up there?”
No response. Quinn glanced at Billie and she started to sit up again.
“Hey, hey,” Quinn said, putting out his hand to stop her.
“The litter’s gone and it’ll be dark in a few hours. I’m not spending the night here, Quinn. I can’t,” her voice cracked.
“You won’t. I’ll get you out of here.” He tried the radio again. “Artie?”
A few tense seconds passed. “Sorry, Quinn. A new guy messed up.”
“Then they shouldn’t have approved him for fieldwork.” Quinn sighed, shaking his head. “Have you got another litter, over?”
“Sending one down now, over.”
“Roger that.” He glanced at Billie. “You’re going to be okay.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, relieved that she’d be lifted out of here instead of having to climb her way out.
The search-and-rescue team would take her to the hospital where Quinn could absolve himself of his responsibilities. She knew he wasn’t here because he cared about her. He was here because Billie had become his pet project ever since he’d rescued her last year. He’d given her a job and a place to live, away from her local notoriety. He’d helped her find solid ground during a turbulent time in her life.
She’d always be grateful to Quinn for that, but she had to make it clear that it was time for both of them to move on. Alone.
* * *
Between the doctor’s examination, tests and giving her statement to the police about the man on the trail, six hours had passed and she still hadn’t had a chance to speak with Quinn alone. She wanted a private moment to set the boundary between them that she needed so desperately to define. Sure, he’d stuck close since the rescue, practically tailgating the ambulance to the hospital. He’d even tried pushing his way into the examining area but security managed to keep him out—at her request.
The sooner she distanced herself the better for both of them. But she wouldn’t humiliate him by having that conversation in front of strangers.
It was a necessary conversation. She was done being dependent on men who kept her at an emotional arm’s length. When she’d worked for him, Quinn had never missed an opportunity to remind her that he’d never be foolish enough to settle down with one woman.
Then why did he keep showing up to save her? It was a coincidence, that’s all. He happened to be nearby and responded to the text alert.
Stop thinking about him and focus on protecting yourself from Rick’s questionable business practices.
The man on the trail said Rick had worked for him. Doing what, some type of illegitimate activity? Her attacker accused Billie of going into the mountains to get something Rick had left behind worth a lot of money. But a sensible person wouldn’t hide something in the wilderness that could be destroyed by animals or weather.
The first thing she’d do after being released from the hospital would be to dig into Rick’s accounts. She’d abandoned her life after the accident because her insides had been so tangled in grief and regret, confusion and shame. Yet maybe a part of her was afraid to find out how far he had fallen.
She couldn’t do it any longer, especially since Rick’s business seemed to be putting her life at risk. Maybe she should leave Echo Mountain and conduct her investigation from a safe location in a different part of the country.
Which meant finding a new job and making new friends, again. She sighed at the thought. She’d grown close to Bree, her boss’s sister and was finally feeling a part of the community and Echo Mountain Church. She didn’t want to think about moving again, although it could be the best option to remain safe.
Another option would be hiring a private investigator to dig into her husband’s accounts. If only she had the budget to afford one. Knowing what Rick was involved in could help Billie anticipate what was coming next and protect herself.
The things you didn’t see coming were the most dangerous of all, things like Rick’s sudden personality change and questionable behavior.
And Billie’s imprudent attraction to Quinn Donovan.
She’d been so relieved earlier today when she’d regained consciousness and seen Quinn staring down at her with worry in his eyes. She’d almost thought she was dreaming.
She was not only relieved but also surprised. After she’d left Waverly Harbor, she never thought she’d see him again. Oh, he’d texted her a few times to make sure she was okay and had settled comfortably into her new life.
She’d purposely kept her responses to his text messages polite but short and didn’t dare ask about his life. She didn’t want to know about his latest conquests, either in business or in the romance department.
A doctor in his mid-fifties with a gentle smile stepped into the examining area. “I’m Dr. Green. So, Wilhelma, are you on any medications or have you had any medical issues we should know about?”
“Please, call me Billie. No, no medications. I’m pretty healthy.”
“And extremely lucky. You don’t seem to have sustained any serious injuries from the fall, but you do have bruised ribs, a sprained wrist and slight concussion.”
“Great, then you’re releasing me?”
“I’d prefer you stay overnight for observation. Your injuries have the potential for complications.”
“I’d rather not. I have to—”
“She’ll stay,” Quinn said, stepping around the corner into the examining area.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” she snapped.
The doctor glanced from Quinn to Billie. “Do I need to call security?”
Billie crossed her arms over her chest and stared straight ahead. “No, it’s fine.”
Quinn extended his hand to the doctor. “Quinn Donovan. I’m with search and rescue. I helped retrieve Billie. Believe it or not, we’re friends.”
The doctor glanced at Billie for confirmation.
“It’s true,” she said.
“Fine, well, they’ll come to move you to a room shortly,” the doctor said.
“Do I really need to stay?”
“We need to keep an eye on swelling of the tissue, both in the lungs and brain, which could lead to more serious problems. Twenty-four hours to be safe.” Dr. Green nodded at Billie and left.
Quinn stepped closer to the bed. “What’s the rush to get out of here?”
“I don’t like hospitals.”
“It’s more than that. Are you worried the guy from the trail is going to track you down? Because I won’t let that happen. I’m staying with you until you’re released.”
“That’s not necessary,” she said a little too sharply. “I’m not worrying about him, but I want to get out and start investigating what he said about Rick.”
“Investigating?”
“Yes, I need to figure out what Rick was into and why that man approached me on the trail.”
“No, I won’t allow it.”
“Excuse me?” She half chuckled, wincing at the pain in her chest.
“It’s too dangerous.”
“It’s more dangerous if I do nothing.”
He leaned closer. “You don’t know what your husband was into. If you go digging into his business you’ll risk stirring up all sorts of trouble. You need to hire someone to do that for you, like a retired cop or a P.I.”
“I don’t have the
budget to—”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Billie—”
“Not happening, Quinn. I won’t let you keep paying for things and taking care of me. I’m not a charity case and I resent being treated like one.”
He jerked back as if she’d physically slapped him. She regretted the words, but they had to be said.
“I’m just trying to help,” he said.
“You have. You’ve rescued me twice now. You’ve done more than enough. So please, go back to Waverly Harbor and leave me to manage my own life.”
* * *
Quinn didn’t care how much she protested, he wasn’t abandoning her, not until he knew she was truly safe. With a nod, he stepped into the hallway to give her space. He wouldn’t go far. She was fighting him with what little strength she had left and he didn’t want to upset her further.
But it was his duty to make sure she was okay. He’d assigned himself her protector after the first rescue for many reasons, the least of which being a request made by her dying husband: Take care of Billie. She deserves so much better.
No one knew about the dying man’s plea. Quinn didn’t even tell his own brother, Alex.
Quinn would never forget the look in Billie’s brown eyes when she was told her husband had died. It wasn’t simply grief, it was complete and utter confusion. She’d obviously loved her husband and had been devastated by the loss.
After she came to work for Quinn and he got to know her better, he suspected something else, as well: regret. What he never figured out was if she regretted not being able to prevent her husband from spiraling into depression, or if she regretted marrying Rick Bronson in the first place.
“Wishful thinking,” he muttered.
It would make things so much easier if Quinn thought she’d wanted out of her marriage long before her husband died. Easier as in easier to pursue something more than friendship with Billie? That’s not easy. That’s insanity.
He’d made himself a promise never to go there with her, no matter how much his heart ached to have this special woman in his life. He simply didn’t deserve that kind of goodness, and she surely deserved better than a blackguard like Quinn.
Mountain Pursuit: Smoky Mountain Investigation ; Mountain Rescue Page 21
