Denali Dreams (34 page)

But the thought of starting over after all these years horrified her. He’d follow her or find her. No matter where she went, no matter how long she hid.

“Deanna?”

Someone called her name. She opened her eyes and blinked. “I’m sorry. What?”

John was talking to her. “Everyone here wants you to know that you’re a part of us. We’re one family. And we don’t take that lightly. You don’t have to do this alone anymore.” He smiled and nodded at each person around the table. “In fact, we won’t be leaving you alone at all. Ever. Until this is over.”

What had she missed? “I’m sorry, John, I’m confused. What are you saying?”

One by one the guys all stood, then the few women stood as well. Arms crossed, shoulders set. She looked up to the wall of rangers around her.

John thrust a hand out to Agent Williams. “We’re saying that at least two of us will be with her at all times. Whether you like it not.” He leaned toward Deanna, his face a mask of stone and determination. “Prepare to have your space invaded, Ranger Smith. Because your guardians are here to stay.”

So she thought she could hide with the rangers? Might make it more difficult at first, but they didn’t know who they were up against.

He leaned against the tree, puffing on his cigar. The bitter cold of the air stood in contrast to the warmth of the smoke as he inhaled.

She was surrounded as she left the station. Her gaze darting all around.

Excellent. He’d gotten under her skin.

He could almost smell her fear.

First, the agent would have to go. Then he’d deal with the rangers. One by one. He’d find their weaknesses. Besides, the addition of extra players made the game more fun.

All he needed was a little time. Then the little speck on the map called Talkeetna wouldn’t know what hit it.

T
hree long days had passed since the meeting in the station. John had suggested—no, ordered—that she stay home a few days and rest. Deanna wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. Oh, she had plenty to do. She always did. Living alone all these years had taught her to keep busy with projects, crafts, books, anything and everything she could learn how to do herself. She’d built her own craft cabinet, taught herself how to sew, quilt, tat, knit, crochet, and weave. Her latest craze had been scrapbooking—that project alone could keep her busy for the next decade since she had no lack of beautiful pictures. She lived in Alaska for heaven’s sake.

But what she had trouble dealing with? People. Now. In her home. All the time.

For the first time in fifteen years, she was constantly surrounded by people. Granted, these were people she knew. But people she’d spent the last seven years keeping at a distance. And it was just plain weird.

At the station, every day, she dealt with people. Worked with people. Answered people’s questions. But she always went home alone. Shut herself up in her little house and did her solitary confinement. There was never a girls’ night out, or movie get-together, no Tupperware party or book club. So when John warned her that her space was about to be invaded—he wasn’t kidding—she really had no idea what to expect.

Her skin had crawled the first day just because it was different. Day two brought on claustrophobic feelings. Today, the thought of running away sounded good. Would she ever get used to this?

David, Logan, Kyle, Zack, and Josh were the worst. They hovered. Like mother hens. And when David was around, he seemed to suck all the air out of the room just because he was so stinkin’ huge. Kyle challenged her to keep praying and reading the Word. Zack tried to get her laughing, while Logan filled her in on everything at the station and the café since Deline fed him new information every day.

Their hearts were in the right place. But adapting to this new life proved hard.

Then there was Josh. His hovering … well,
it
was different. She longed for it and didn’t know how to deal with it all at the same time.

For years, she’d wondered what it would be like to give her heart to someone. Shoot, she’d wanted to know what it was like just to hold someone’s hand, to be wrapped in the arms of a man who loved her. But those ideas and dreams seemed so far-fetched.

Then last night, she’d had a dream. A beautiful dream.

Several nights she’d endured nightmares created by the letter, but this dream erased them all. Deep in her heart, she wanted it to come true.

The only way that could happen?

If the predator took the bait and they caught him.

Williams had spilled the truth to the rangers. But not the whole truth.

Everyone knew what happened to her sister, and as a result her parents.

But no one knew why.

That secret would have to remain buried.

Another minute. Another hour. Another day.

Passing by with the slow tick of the clock on her mantel.

Deanna wanted to scream. Acclimating to people in her home was worse than acute mountain sickness. But she had to admit the only thing keeping her sane was the other rangers. Every moment they stayed with her, helping her survive the mundane life as a fugitive in her own home. This had to change. Could she leave? Or was it her own fear holding her back? She allowed that thought to take root. The first day, they’d encouraged her to think about getting out, acting “normal.” But the thought of that scared her. More than she wanted to admit. Her abrupt refusals had ensured they wouldn’t ask anymore. She could see that now. No wonder no one had offered to take her anywhere the past couple of days.

Resolve to stop the stalker bubbled up again.

Agent Williams entered the living room where she’d tucked herself into the couch. “How are you doing, Deanna?”

“Okay, I guess. Under the circumstances.” She wasn’t ready to admit her struggle with fear.

“We need to discuss a plan. Our man hasn’t shown himself.”

“I think I need to get out. What do you think?” There. She’d said it.

His eyebrows raised. “I was actually going to suggest it.”

She threw off the blanket and sat on the edge of the couch. “This roller coaster of emotions will eat me alive if I don’t get out. I’m scared to death, I’ll admit that, but then I get angry and want to stop him. I feel like a mouse sometimes and a lion at others.”

“That’s understandable. Your life has revolved around hiding from him.”

“Yeah, but the swing of the pendulum is getting to me. One minute I want to hide, the next I want to strangle him with my bare hands.”

He nodded.

“I don’t want to put others in danger,” she said.

“You forget that everyone volunteered for this.”

She nodded. Time to suck it up.

A knock at the front door made her jump. Williams peered through the side window. “It’s Josh.”

Relief poured through her as the agent allowed her favorite ranger entry. “Hi, Josh.”

“Hi.” He glanced around the room, a worried expression on his face. “Am I the only one here?”

Williams patted his shoulder. “The others are outside getting some fresh air. We’re done for now, Deanna. I’ll check in with everyone else and come back later.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Josh paced in front of her. “So, how are you doing?”

“Good.”

“Getting enough rest?”

“Uh-huh.” She watched him go back and forth. “Josh, you’re going to wear a hole in the carpet. Why don’t you sit down?”

His feet stopped, and he sighed. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I know this is stressful for everyone.”

“Yeah, it is.” He looked up and captured her gaze. “Especially since it’s you.”

That got her attention.

“You’re special, Deanna.”

Heat crept up her neck, into her cheeks. He thought she was special?

“More than just a fellow ranger, and more than just a friend.” He looked down.

The front door opened before Deanna could respond.

John stood there, glancing back and forth between Josh and her. “Am I interrupting something?”

“No,” Josh said, face flaming as he glanced at Deanna. “I just wanted to check on Deanna.” He smiled.

“Me, too.” John moved forward. “I brought some paperwork I was hoping you could help us with.”

Deanna stole a glance at Josh as he backed toward the door. He winked and slipped out.

Maybe next time.

T
oday was the day. After prodding, ribbing, and teasing from all the guys, Josh was going to make his move.

The bouquet of flowers behind his back would hopefully make Deanna smile.

David sat on the porch of her little house as Josh walked up. The smirk on the big guy’s face couldn’t be missed. “About time.”

“Don’t think it’s insensitive? Bad timing?”

“Nope. Go for it, dude. She needs you.”

He nodded. “Let’s hope so.” The door stared him down. Deep breath. Shoulders back.

“But if you hurt her, you realize how many big brothers will kill you, right?”

Right. Nothing like a bunch of brawny, scared-of-nothing, mountaineering rangers after your tail. He gave a mock salute to David. “Understood.”

He opened the door. “Hey, Deanna.”

“Josh.” She smiled from her perch on the couch. “How are you?” Feet tucked underneath her, she looked at total ease, except for the haunted look in her eyes.

“I’m great.” He handed her the flowers. “Especially now that I’m off.”

“What are these for?”

“You.” Realization hit him square in the jaw. He’d just referred to her as a “what.” Well, kind of. “I mean, who … well, you said, ‘what’ and I said ‘you,’ but I meant that they’re for you. And you’re a who, not a what….” The hole he dug couldn’t swallow him up fast enough. “Just because.”

Laughter surrounded him. Deline stood in the door from the kitchen. “You’re adorable when you get nervous, Josh. I didn’t know you were such a chatterbox.” She handed a cup of steaming liquid to Deanna. “You better snatch this one up, I think he’s a keeper.”

Adorable. Just what a guy aimed for. Wasn’t
adorable
reserved for puppies and babies?

A slight blush rose in Deanna’s cheeks. She lowered her head to sip from the cup.

It made Deline laugh harder. She turned to Josh, gave him a smack on the arm. “So, have you seen Logan today?”

“Yep, just a little bit ago.”

“Is he behaving himself?” She pulled on a jacket.

At least she had the courtesy to change the subject. Josh swallowed his embarrassment. “Yes, ma’am. In fact, he’s on his way over here for a little while. He said something about a hot date with a beautiful woman.”

“Did he, now?” She winked at Deanna. “I’ll come back by tomorrow, but I need to go check on my dad.”

“Thanks, Deline. It’s been fun.” Deanna tossed her long auburn braid behind her shoulder.

“You’re welcome. Promise me it won’t take another seven years to do it again.” And in a blur, she was gone.

Josh stood in the living room feeling awkward. Were they actually alone? Oh boy. What was it about Deanna that threw him off like this? Every single time.

“You can sit down, you know.” The cup in her hands hid the lower portion of her face. Her cheeks were still pink.

“Okay.” The spot next to her on the couch invited him.

“Thank you for the flowers.”

“You’re welcome.” Good grief, he was an idiot. Couldn’t he come up with something better than that? “Look, I know things are really tough right now. But I want you to know I’m here for you.” Here for you. Uh-huh. What did that mean exactly? Open mouth. Insert foot.

Warmth seeped through his jacket as she touched his shoulder. Her smile was small, but it reached her eyes. She didn’t seem to care that he turned into a bumbling fool around her. “I don’t know what to do with my feelings, Josh. I’m scared. Really scared. And for the first time as an adult, I’m not alone. But I don’t want to risk anyone else’s life. Especially yours.” A soft sigh escaped as she uncurled and sat forward. Her bare feet rubbed the carpet. “I haven’t been able to trust a soul. No friendships, no dating, no one allowed in my life.” She turned her head toward him.

A lock of hair escaped her braid, and he longed to brush it back.

“All these years, I’ve wanted to live a normal life—be around people, hang out with friends—you know the drill. But now that people
know
, I don’t know what to do with myself.” She bit her bottom lip. Then breathed deep. “And I don’t know what I would do if anyone got hurt because of me.”