Chapter 15 #2
She’d sacrificed everything for this job. Staying wasn’t an option. And Michael’s whole world was here. He would never leave, and she couldn’t ask him to.
So whatever these old feelings were stirring inside, she needed to shut them down—now!—and remind Michael that they were just friends.
“Hey, is that a peregrine falcon?” She pointed behind him at a tall craggy pine. A childish move, but effective.
He dropped her hand and turned around. “I don’t see anything.”
“Up there on that high branch.”
Michael dug out his binoculars. “Yeah, it’s a peregrine. Cool.” He handed her the binos. “I’ve never seen one this close.” The bird dive-bombed over the side of the mountain. “I wonder if we’ll see more on the trail.”
She tried to hand the binoculars back to Michael, but he shook his head.
He started to move closer again, so Dani hooked the strap of the binoculars over her head and resumed the hike.
She focused on soaking in the glory of the mountains, the sun warming her arms, and putting way more energy into not thinking about kissing Michael Martinelli.
She should enjoy the peaks while she could.
They didn’t have mountains like this in New York City or Miami.
Michael gripped the straps on his pack. “I’m glad we have good weather today and can see the wildlife. Won’t be long before the snow flies.”
“Do you still ski?” Perfect topic. Sports and activities. Nothing that would stir up unwanted memories.
“I haven’t since our senior year of high school with the youth group.”
“Why not? You and Josh were up here all the time when we were growing up.”
“After that season, I left for college. And getting into med school was all-consuming. I spent breaks studying and helping at home.”
Except for that one party that did not need to be brought up. One of the many times he’d rescued her from her own dumb decisions. “Must’ve been worth it since you got into one of the top medical schools in the country.”
Michael shrugged as they continued up the trail. “Not really. I quit and moved back.”
“Do you regret it? Quitting med school?” Part of her brain said she was moving into personal territory, but she still cared about the guy.
He stopped and turned to look at her. He shook his head slowly, gave her a sad smile. “I’m where I’m supposed to be. The hardest thing was probably disappointing my dad. We always talked about going into practice together. But I guess I’m more like my mom than I realized.”
“I could’ve told you that.”
“Really?”
“I remember when that little girl was missing and it was all over the news. Your mom wouldn’t stop until she was found. She was on the search for how many days without rest?”
“Three days and nights. She eventually found her. Then she ended up in the hospital with pneumonia.” Michael gave a mirthless chuckle. “She was relentless.”
“You’re the same. When you want to accomplish something, you stop at nothing. You’ll push until you solve the case. And I know when you’re not on the clock, you’re investigating your mom’s death. But don’t let it consume you, Michael.”
“Don’t you think she deserves justice?” He looked at her incredulously.
“Of course I do. But at the end of it, you won’t get her back. And what happens if you can’t solve it? Will you spend your whole life always searching? Never living? You could end up with something worse than pneumonia. A life of regret.”
Instead of answering, his mouth closed in a grim line.
“Your family is worried about you. Josh too. They say you’re so busy working, running the household, and investigating the murder that you’re losing yourself.”
“You sound like my partner.” He stilled. “Wait a minute. Was this all a setup to get me out of the house? Is that why you wanted me to come today?” A hint of vulnerability in his voice sent a pang through her chest.
She couldn’t lie.
“There was no conspiracy here. We wanted to go on a hike. And Liza wanted you to get used to the idea of her and Finn.”
“But you. Why did you come?” He stepped closer. His brown eyes studied her intently, probably analyzing her reaction. But they also seemed to be searching, looking down to her very core. “Did you really come just to rescue me from working myself to death?”
She dug for a lighthearted response. “It sounded fun. And you know me. I’m always up for a good time.”
“I do know you.” Another step closer. “And I know I’m not the only one good at avoiding things. I might work a lot, but that’s not the only way a person can distract himself.”
She rolled her eyes. “Come on, Mike. You’re taking this way too seriously. I came because I wanted to hike and enjoy the day with my friends. And now I’m getting hungry, so let’s—”
He stepped into her space and gently tucked a wayward strand of hair off her cheek. His touch ignited everything inside her, consumed all thought, all reason, all logic.
“Why did you kiss me the other night? At the truck shop.”
She tried to look away and brush off his question. “I…don’t know.” She grinned and stepped to the side. “Why don’t—”
He sidestepped her, blocking her path. “You said it yourself. I’m relentless. I’m not going to stop until you answer the question.”
“Why?” She shouldn’t ask, but she couldn’t help it. Some crazy, hungry part of her soul wanted to know.
“Because I’m falling for you, Dani.”
Her mouth dropped open. Had he really said those words? “Me?”
He nodded slowly. “There’s something here between us, and I think you know that too. But you’re avoiding it.”
“If I’m avoiding it, why did I come today? Hmmm?” She raised an eyebrow. “Like I said. I came to enjoy a hike with my—”
“Don’t say it.” His finger closed her mouth, slowly traced her lips.
She couldn’t breathe.
“We’ve known each other most of our lives. And ever since you came back, I don’t know, but it’s different. You’re more than just a friend. Why are you afraid of it?”
“I’m not afraid.” She lifted her chin.
His serious look grew amused. “Wanna prove it?”
“How?”
“Kiss me. One peck on the lips. If it doesn’t stir you, fine. I’ll never speak of it again. But—”
“But what?”
“If you do see that there’s more to this than friendship, promise me you’ll give me a chance.”
She blew a raspberry and laughed. “What are we? Twelve? You’re really daring me to kiss you?
Because you know there’s, like, a million women down there who would love to date you, show you a good time, and apply for the position of Mrs. Michael Martinelli.
” Smart women who wouldn’t hurt him. Who wanted to stay in Renegade and raise little Martinelli babies.
“It’s not a dare. And I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”
Everything inside Dani came to a standstill. “Me?”
“I think we could be good together. Because you’re right.
I’ve left room for nothing else in life but work and taking care of my family.
I don’t even go to church anymore. But since I saw you on that roof, it’s like you woke up my heart, reminded me that there is still goodness in this life. Still…more. Tell me you feel it too.”
Oh, Michael.
He’d saved her that night, yes. But maybe she wasn’t the only one in need of a rescue. His beautiful heart shone there in his warm brown eyes. His hand cupped her cheek so tenderly. His other arm wrapped around her waist, pulled her closer.
She was in so much trouble.
She pressed her hands on his chest, putting a dismal distance between them. “But what if I hurt you?”
“Why would you do that?”
“I don’t try to hurt people. I just do. I mess things up. So what if it’s good now, but later I wreck it? What if I’m too much? I don’t want to start something if I’m only going to ruin i—”
He silenced her with a kiss, and all her words disappeared. His lips against her own shut up all the voices in her head except his.
I don’t want anyone else. I want you.
He wanted her.
Why fight what she’d been wanting for so long?
She looped her hands over his shoulders and fell further into the kiss, giving as much as she was taking, savoring every second. Whatever had stopped her before was long gone now. She couldn’t remember why she’d resisted.
Kissing Michael Martinelli was as exhilarating as diving off a mountain cliff and flying.