Ted, aggravated assaulter, dog abuser and all-around asshole.
And Danielle was out there somewhere, alone.
15
TODAY, DANIELLE THOUGHT, striding up a trail on a particularly steep hill, trying to release some of the terrible tension that gripped her. The records from Laura Lyn would arrive today.
Then shed be free to leave. To walk away.
Which was exactly as she wanted.
Mostly.
Oh, damn Nick Cooper anyway, making her yearn and burn for things that she couldnt have.
Shed so carefully schooled herself to be alone, to not depend on or trust another. Yet his love shimmered and glowed like a beacon, tempting her in ways nothing and no one else ever had.
He was so different from the people shed let into her life. Not temporary. Not selfish. Not out for only himself.
What would it be like to have someone like that in her world? Someone who cared about her hopes and dreams, and was right there by her side while she achieved them?
But what right, she wondered, kicking a rock, did she have to even think about things like romance and love, when her life was in such a mess? She had to fix things first, because only then would she be free to go after what pleased her.
And Nick Cooper pleased her, no doubt about that. She sank to a large rock and put her hands over her suddenly racing heart. If only
No. No more if onlys. Soon as she got the records, shed go straight to the police. If things worked in her favor, then soon she could be on the way to the rest of her life.
Whatever and wherever that life may be. Shed start over, make her life work out this time. Shed go to school. Shed become a vet. Shed-
Danielle.
At the low, unbearably familiar voice, Danielle took a deep breath and turned. It was Nick, of course, looking uncharacteristically ruffled, as if hed run the entire way from the inn for her, desperate-
Hauling her into his arms, he pressed close. So close she could feel his heart racing.
Or maybe that was hers.
His hands closed over her, stroking, soothing, though she thought maybe he was comforting himself, which made no sense.
God. He pressed his face to her neck. I couldnt find you, I thought-
Nick? Startled by his fierce possessiveness, the way he was holding her as if hed never expected to see her again, she brought her arms around him as well, thrilling to the way she felt against him.
His hands cupped her head, and he rubbed his cheek to hers, relief and fear still deeply etched in his face. I have what you need, he said. I can help you go back.
The records from Laura Lyn? They came already? She pulled back with a smile, which slowly faded at the serious intent on his face. Tell me, she said, heart pounding. Whats the matter?
Its not the records. He ran his hands down her arms. Theyre not here yet.
Thenwhat? He was looking at her so solemnly, his hands still gripping her arms as if he never wanted to let her go. Nick, youre scaring me.
I had Maureen run Ted through the system.
You what?
She found aggravated assault. He was fired from two different jobs for it. Danielle, this is what you need to give your testimony weight.
Oh my God. For the first time in as long as she could remember, the fist in her chest loosened a bit. I was just sitting here, making the decision to go back no matter what. Whatever it takes. Fines. Jail time. I want my life back, no matter what.
His eyes shone fiercely. Fines we can manage.
That we again. Oddly, the fist loosened all the more.
And you wont go to jail, he said, determined.
Nick-
I love you, Danielle. Remember that. He ran his thumb over her jaw. I think you love me back.
She couldnt breathe. Ive only known you a week.
A lifetime, he corrected. Weve lived a lifetime in that week.
But there are things I dont know about you. She could hear the fear in her voice. Things you dont know about me.
I know enough. In a jerky move, he stepped back, breaking her heart. But apparently you dont.
Im sorry, I-
Yeah. Expression unreadable now, he said, there were footprints in Maureens garden, outside the house. As if someone was watching from the outside.
Danielle stared at him then turned away. I gave Laura Lyn this address for the records. Another stupid move, huh? I shouldnt have trusted-
Danielle. With a sigh, he started to step close again but the radio at his hip crackled. Maureen insisted I take the two-way. Lifting it to his mouth, he said, Got her. Safe and sound.
Good. Maureens voice filled their little clearing, her worry coming through loud and clear. You guys have Sadie, right?
Shes asleep in the garden by the sunflowers.
No, shes not.
Nick looked at Danielle, his eyes filling with tension as he spoke into the radio. How about the veggies? Is she there?
No. Maureens voice caught. Nick, we cant find her anywhere. Shes gone.
Well be right there. He hooked the radio on his belt and reached for Danielles hand. Well find her.
Danielle thought of Sadie in Teds hands and barely felt Nicks fingers in hers. I failed her after all.
Not yet, you havent. This isnt over. Lets go.
Even in her own misery, she was able to detect his, and marvel at it. His feelings for Sadie werent something he faked. Nor did they have anything to do with how much Sadie was worth, or the awards she could bring. Hed simply fallen in love with the dog. And because he had, hed do anything to help Sadie, to get her back.
She wondered if the love he claimed he had for her meant the same thing.
She wondered if the love he claimed he had for her meant the same thing.
Wondered if she could ever be half as sure of it as he was.
FROM THE DECK Nick glanced at Danielle. She stood about twenty feet away from him, facing the steep hills and trails, calling for Sadie. The wind blew her hair back from her face, which had gotten some color from the sun. Her lithe, toned legs were bare, as were her arms.
Nick figured hed never get tired of looking at her. Wanting her. But the wanting went far deeper than the physical. He craved her voice, her laugh. Her thoughts. And he wanted her to feel the same.
Oh my God, there she is! Danielle suddenly cried, pointing.
Sadie came barreling out of nowhere, stopping short at the sight of them, head cocked, as if trying to figure out what the fuss was all about.
But twenty minutes later, inside, she was still panting for air, still drenched in sweat, looking the worse for wear.
Not to mention the rope burn around her neck, where someone had clearly tried to restrain her.
Bullmastiffs are incredibly strong, Danielle said, inspecting the rope burn. She could easily snap a tie if she didnt want to be held.
And someone definitely wanted to hold her. Nick kneeled beside the dog and tried to get a better look. Instead, he got licked from chin to forehead for his efforts.
Danielle was running her hands over Sadie carefully, and when she got to her chest, the dog whined and turned, putting her bottom in Danielles face. When Danielle persisted, Sadie actually growled.
Nick tried, and got the same reaction, though Sadie added a big, sloppy kiss to soften the sound.
Oh boy, Danielle whispered.
What?
Its not an injury that shes hiding.
What is it?
Her nipples seem to be tender.
Umokay.
Danielle bit her lip and looked at Sadie. Then, covering the dogs ears, she leaned closer to Nick. I think thats a sign that shes in a very early stage of pregnancy.
What? How will you ever tell? he asked, looking at Sadies considerable chest and belly.
Youll be able to tell soon enough, a dogs gestation period is only two months. But this is going to put Ted over the edge, you know. Her pups, from that rogue mutt in the hotel, will be worthless.
Hey. Nick covered Sadies ears himself this time. Dont let her hear that.
This isnt a joke, she said, rubbing her cheek to Sadies. I dont have enough money to take care of myself, much less puppies. But I cant let anyone know that. I cant let her go back to Ted simply because of money. Look what he did to her neck.
Yeah, were going to get a record of that. Nick looked up at Maureen and Clint, both of whom nodded.
Already called the police, Maureen said, holding up her cell phone. I reported the footprints, too.
Clint stroked Sadie. It looks like its time to take a stand, huh, girl?
Danielle looked at Nick. Yes, she said cryptically. Its time to take a stand.
And then theres the upcoming wedding, Clint added. Weve got to clear everything up for that.
Danielles eyes widened as she apparently remembered at the same time as Nick that they were supposed to be engaged.
To each other.
The wedding. Danielle forced a smile. Clint, about that-
Jerking upright, Sadie let out a sharp set of barks, then leaped over the back of the couch to press her huge face up against the window. Continuing to pierce everyones eardrums with the pitch of her barking, her entire body quivered.
Hes out there, Nick guessed.
The ex? Maureen asked.
Yes. Danielle stood, moved toward Sadie. But this ends today. It ends now, she said, shrugging off Nick. Im going out there to do something I never did before. Im going to tell him what I think, and how this is going to end. Im going to take a stand.
Not alone, youre not, Nick said, firmly pulling her away from the window.
Nick-
Yeah, yeah. You hate the we, he said, disgusted, not caring that both Maureen and Clint were watching and avidly listening. Screw that. Youre not alone, so forget it. After this is over, when its all said and done, then fine. Go be as you want. Alone. More power to you if you can do it without regret.
Nick-
Youll have your damn life back, and-
Nick. Danielle swallowed hard and put her hand on his arm. I meant we. Well take a stand.
Is Ted armed? Maureen asked, while Nick stared at Danielle, unable to process that shed just said we.
No, he worries about his image. Danielle still held Nicks gaze, as if she was trying to tell him something. Hed never carry a weapon. He just wants Sadie. We can set a trap, put Sadie out on a lead rope. Hell come, hell threaten her and Ill have witnesses this time.
She looked around hopefully, appealing last to Nick with those wide, beautiful eyes he could never resist. Youll see, she said to him. This will work because the police will believe all of you.
Nick shook his head. You sound as if you want us to stay back while you face him alone.
Yes. Exactly.
No-
Youll be right there. Waiting. What can happen?
Only anything. Danielle-
I want to do this, she said firmly. Im going to do this. Im sitting out there with her. Well wait together, Sadie and I, and then itll be over.