Chapter 11
Cassie was giving serious thought to that wild sex in the rainforest suggestion when a voice pulled her back, just a little. Reminding her how they’d gotten here.
They were in trouble. Well, she was and Lane, by default, was caught up as well. If she cared about him at all, she should find somewhere else to be. Find another way to flip Welker’s plans so she survived and they went to jail for crimes committed.
Then Lane’s hands, brushing up along her ribcage, almost to her breasts, drew her focus back where she wanted to be.
With him.
To hell with the rest of the world and all its problems. This was paradise—one she hadn’t known existed. And it was all because of Lane. He made her feel beautiful and desired. She smoothed her hands up and down his arms, across his chest, eager for that first touch of skin. Her mind was full of visions of how great they’d be together. Had been since that first kiss. Every time he touched her, she wanted more. The scariest thought was wondering if she would ever get enough of Lane.
This was new territory for her, and she didn’t mean the island. She felt as if she was in the midst of an emotional earthquake. Out of her depth, uncertain of the next step.
She always knew the next step.
She’d invested the time to be fit, proficient with a number of weapons, and an expert in protection tactics and various skills, including hand to hand combat and defensive driving. She had a knack for situational awareness and strategy and, until this operation had gone sideways, she’d been satisfied with her life. Proud of who she’d become.
And now this. Him.
Lane made her feel. Everything. From the soft breeze moving over her skin and through her hair to the heat radiating from his body. She would’ve sworn she could feel the green leaves and blue sky overhead.
It sounded so sappy, even in her own mind, yet she was done shying away from this previously ignored layer of herself. The feminine and fun elements she kept locked down when she was on an assignment. Lane hadn’t just sparked an easy or predictable desire. No, he’d triggered an inferno. She’d never been so willing to throw herself headlong into temptation. He’d asked what had changed and though he deserved an answer, she wasn’t ready to share more than her body.
That’s what he’d first been interested in and that could be enough. Lane wasn’t like anyone she’d spent time with before. And all the feelings racing through her system, each of them with their own agendas, left her reeling.
The voice sounded again and she realized it was coming from the radio. This time the words registered, breaking through the sensual haze. “Any available personnel, we could use an assist.” The message relayed the name and address of a high school opening up as a shelter.
She pressed a hand to Lane’s chest and reluctantly broke away from his kisses. “That’s Hawk,” she said. “We should go help.”
Lane’s strong hands glided to her hips, rested there, as he studied her face. “You’re serious.”
It wasn’t a question. He didn’t sound annoyed, more curious. He looked oddly satisfied. With himself or her? Did it matter?
She stroked her palms over his strong forearms. It was impossible to be this close and keep her hands to herself. “Why did I ever resist you?”
That cocky grin flashed, then settled into a gentler expression she hadn’t seen on his handsome face before. “No idea.” He brought her hands to his lips, then lifted her down from the tailgate. “I’m glad you gave in, though.” He kissed her softly. “Let’s go.”
“Just like that?” she asked, moving around to the passenger seat.
He settled behind the wheel and started the engine. While she plugged the address into the navigation app on her phone, he radioed Hawk that they would pitch in. “Did you want to argue about it?”
“Of course not. I guess I expected you to complain that it wasn’t a safe option.”
“We’ll know soon enough if we’ve made a mistake,” he allowed. “We’ll take action if needed. This was going to be my suggestion,” he continued. “That we find a way to pitch in somehow. But your mind was on wild jungle sex.”
She laughed. “Because?”
He shifted in the seat, adjusting his grip on the steering wheel. “It’s always served me to be proactive whenever possible. You’ve got plenty of trouble on your heels and we’ll stay alert for sure. But this island is in crisis. Sometimes stepping away from a personal issue and finding a way to give back brings fresh insight or clarity.”
That revealing speech wasn’t something she’d ever thought to hear from the man who’d flirted with her out on the beach. Moved beyond words, she reached over and rested her hand on his thigh, pleased when he laced his fingers through hers.
They held hands like that, except when he needed to shift gears, all the way to the school.
It was a closeness, a degree of intimacy she hadn’t experienced in years. She liked it, liked this connection to Lane. Which seemed strange. She felt simultaneously content and out of her league right now and she thought, watching him weave his hand with hers again, that he might feel the same way.
She tried to recall holding hands with a date or boyfriend and… Couldn’t. Her last date had been a while ago, before being assigned to the Knowles family. Wow. That was eye-opening. She’d made sacrifices for her career, but had she given up on a personal life altogether? That was an unpleasant revelation.
She was grateful when they reached the school about an hour later without any issues. Once they were parked, she and Lane climbed out of the Jeep. She headed for the main doors, but he went to the tailgate.
“Problem?”
“I intend to be armed with more than my phone this time.” He quickly tucked a handgun into a holster at the small of his back, hiding it behind his shirt. Smiling, he gestured to the door. “Let’s dive in.”
She hesitated, her hand sliding to her pocket for her phone. “Do you think Welker is tracking our cell phones?”
“I wouldn’t put it past them. They didn’t follow us or find us earlier.” He tipped his head to the lockbox. “You want a gun?”
“Yes.” But she stopped him when he tried to move in that direction. “No, thanks.”
“Cassie?”
“I’m waffling. Sorry.” She straightened her shirt. “No is my final answer.” She was scraped up and her pants were torn. That would draw more attention and she didn’t want anyone to notice the bulge of gun at her waist or her ankle. There were signs at the door that weapons weren’t allowed inside. “Let me tell Claudia what’s going on here.”
Once she sent the text, they walked inside to help the folks organizing the space. She was directed to the group setting up cots in long rows across the gleaming gymnasium floor. Each cot needed a blanket, bottle of water, and a personal care bag. Cassie and Lane joined what was basically a bucket brigade, moving up and down the rows with supplies, making sure the cots were ready before the people displaced by the volcano arrived.
She wasn’t surprised that Lane insisted on working closely with her. He was subtle about it and that was enlightening. More layers, each one more interesting than the last. She’d clearly made assumptions about him out on the beach. Assumptions he’d encouraged, so she wasn’t entirely to blame.
The difference between then and now was astounding. If anyone asked, she wouldn’t be able to explain it, but she was sure this man at her side was the real Lane. The carefree—almost careless—guy was a facade to keep people at arm’s length. What did it mean that he dropped that mask so completely with her?
She wanted to ask, though this wasn’t the right place. And she wasn’t sure she had the courage. She’d gladly charge into the fray to save a client or friend, but her bravery stopped there. Was she wearing a mask too? She resisted the obvious answer. So what if her personal stuff stayed inside, coming out only for specific therapy sessions?
Except she’d opened up to Lane about all those harsh details and memories from losing her parents. Sharing hadn’t felt terrible and his story about his mother had felt like a gift.
“What’s that face about?” Lane asked as they walked back to the volunteer table for their next assignment.
“Nothing really.” She flicked her wrist, wishing she could cast off this curious heaviness around her heart. “My mind’s wandering.” What a lie. Her mind was on Lane and not much else.
“Do we need to go?” His brow furrowed, shading those pale blue eyes. “Did you think of something?”
“No and no.” She gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s focus on what’s in front of us. There’s more to do.”
Although he didn’t seem convinced by her answer, he didn’t push. She knew the reprieve would be short lived. He was hoping she’d figure out why Welker was after her. Maybe if she actually gave that some thought, she’d come up with something. But it was far more pleasant to focus on Lane.
He handed her a water and an energy bar and they paused long enough to wolf down the snack. She watched him chat with other volunteers, asking questions about life on the Big Island. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was considering a more permanent stay. But he was the fun-loving vacation guy, squeezing every ounce out of his retirement.
From her pocket, her cell phone sounded with the ringtone she’d assigned to Claudia’s number. “Hello?” she answered, stepping back from the group.
Lane extricated himself from his conversation, moving with her.
“Are you alone?” Claudia asked. “I mean, I know where you are and what you’re doing, kind of. Can you listen?”
“Yes.” Her skin chilled. Something was wrong. Something big. “Just tell me.”
“Drake died,” Claudia blurted. “I’m so sorry, Cassie.”
She couldn’t believe it. “What? No.” Her breath stalled out and her vision turned dark around the edges. “No. He was fine this morning. Improving.” Denial washed over her, dragging her down. “No,” she repeated.
The sinking sensation was her own doing. Her knees had buckled, her entire body felt numb, and Lane was easing her into a folding chair. The metal was cold enough to chill her legs through the fabric of her pants, a stiff contrast to the warmth of Lane’s palm on the back of her neck.
“What is it?” he murmured.
She shook her head, unable to repeat the dreadful news.
“Put Lane on,” Claudia directed. “Cassie. Give the phone to Lane.”
She pushed the device toward him, her vision too hazy to know if he took it. This wasn’t happening. She must’ve dozed off and fallen into a nightmare. Drake couldn’t be dead. It didn’t make any sense at all. Any second now she’d wake up and find herself hiding in the rainforest.
Wrong. She was here, failing as a volunteer, as pain crushed her.
Drake was her partner. Her friend. His recent mistakes were a speedbump, nothing he couldn’t come back from.
The mistakes that had made her so angry and put Josie in jeopardy. Cassie suddenly wondered if her last words to him had been kind or cruel. She really should know the answer. Her mind spun and her heart was heavy in her chest. Sluggish.
Then, somehow, she was moving. An arm, warm and firm around her waist, kept her upright.
She blinked when they stepped into the bright afternoon sunlight. “Lane?”
“Right here.”
“I want to sit down.” She wanted—needed—to stop. To make all this nonsense upending her life stop. At least until she could catch her breath.
“Just a second. Almost to the car. You’ve got this.”
“No. I don’t.” She didn’t have anything. No assignment, no partner, no friend. Suddenly, she was swept up off the ground, cradled in Lane’s arms. She cuddled in close, grateful for this beautiful, capable man.
“We shouldn’t be friends,” she mumbled.
“All right.” He settled her into the passenger seat and buckled the seatbelt. He wiped a tear from her cheek. “You’ll be fine,” he assured her, tucking a blanket around her legs. His confidence was soothing, though she wasn’t entirely convinced. Her hands started trembling and she couldn’t make them stop. Not when Lane held them tightly. Not when he released her and started the car.
She pressed her palms together, under the blanket. It was one of the blankets meant for those coming to the shelter. Guilt swamped her. Everywhere she went, she caused trouble.
The colors were a blur as Lane drove, she couldn’t seem to focus on any one thing. Drake was dead. He was dead and she’d never have a chance to reconcile. She’d failed her partner. That was the critical mistake. She had to do better. For Drake’s memory, for herself, and for Lane if he was staying on as her bodyguard.
“I should’ve been there. For Drake. To protect him.”
“Agree to disagree,” Lane said, his voice low. “Guy made his own choices. Sticking around for the fallout wasn’t an option,” he reminded her. At the next stop light, he took the cap off a bottle of water and held it out to her. “Take a sip.”
The cool liquid helped a little. “Got anything stronger?”
His mouth twitched. “Not in the car.” The light changed and his gaze returned to the road. “We’ll be at the new place soon. Claudia told me the condo is stocked.”
“Good.”
He glanced at her. “You’re perking up.”
“Yeah.” The initial shock was fading. After a minute, she recognized the street they were on. “Did I sleep?” They were closer to the resort than she expected.
“I wish,” he said. “You’ve been staring mostly.”
That sounded creepy. “Sorry.”
He reached over and gripped her hand. “Don’t you dare apologize. Grief sucks, we both know that.”
“True.” And her complete meltdown was hard evidence. She plucked at the blanket covering her legs. “Thanks for the assist.”
“Anytime, anywhere, I’m yours.”
He said it as if it was a vow. She frowned. “Is that a line?”
“Not one I’ve ever used before,” he said. “Unless you count my SEAL ops.”
That sounded remarkably like a confession. One that sent a curious sparkle through her system. She believed him. His actions certainly backed up the words. Time and again, he’d been there for her. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be in love with him before this was over. Was that crazy? It had to be.
And yet, it didn’t feel wrong. Didn’t even make it less true.
He turned off the main road, onto a tree lined drive that curved gently to the west. When the trees parted, a rainbow arched across the sky. Rainbows were a frequent sight in Hawaii and yet right now it felt like her own private miracle. A sign of hope to thaw out that chill of sorrow.
Eventually.
A few minutes later, they were through the gated entrance and on their way to the condo. “This is more secure than the resort tower?”
“Your team thinks so,” Lane said. “We’ll trust them.”
She was glad he seemed to know exactly where to go. As she took in the area, she was grateful for Claudia’s initiative. With the wide streets and open areas between each group of condos, they would certainly be able to see a threat coming.
“We’re the only reservation in these four units for the next few days,” Lane said, parking in front of a two-story building. “We’ll have plenty of privacy and know immediately if someone doesn’t belong,” he explained.
“Do you think Welker killed Drake?”
“It’s crossed my mind,” Lane admitted as he hopped out of the Wrangler. “Claudia wants you to call once we’re inside.” He was standing in front of her, holding out a hand.
She gratefully accepted the support. “Thanks.” She managed to keep it at that when everything inside her wanted to apologize. There was no need for that. Lane understood what she was going through.
They walked upstairs to the condo and, using the code Claudia had sent, unlocked the door. Inside, a ceiling fan turned slowly over a sitting area and a wall of windows overlooked a stunning, expansive view. Cassie walked through the rooms, looking around. In the primary bedroom, she found her suitcase unzipped and open on a luggage rack. Lane’s luggage was in the closet and his clothing on hangers and in the drawers. Whoever moved them here didn’t realize they weren’t a couple.
What were they?
Friends who kissed, she decided. Except Lane had said something about not being friends.
Hearing Lane curse, she hurried out of the bedroom. She could move her suitcase to one of the other rooms later. Cassie found him in the kitchen staring into the open refrigerator. “She wasn’t kidding about having things stocked,” he said. “Come look. There has to be something here you want to eat.”
She’d been sure she wasn’t hungry until Lane pulled out trays of fruit and cheese. He tipped his head toward the counter. “We have something stronger than water now. Beer and wine too.”
Cassie gaped at the bottles of vodka, rum, and tequila. When she had liquor, it was either vodka or rum. “You drink tequila?”
He nodded.
“Claudia always knows.”
“Lucky for us.”
Lane fixed plates for each of them and Cassie followed him to the balcony. The wind was once again steering the ash cloud away from this side of the island.
“I keep wondering about the last thing I said to him,” she admitted. “I don’t think it was nice.”
“It wasn’t anything rude,” Lane said. “You said “we’re leaving” and walked out.”
“And he told us to watch our backs.”
Lane nodded. “Turns out it was good advice.”
She sighed, not excited about agreeing with him. “But we’re no closer to knowing why Welker is after me.” She pushed her plate away.
“We’ll figure it out.” He nudged her plate back in front of her. “Keep eating.”
She frowned at the plate, then at him, but it only bounced off his charming smile. Picking up a slice of papaya, she decided cooperating was the better choice. She’d been mean to Drake and lost any chance to make it right. Best not repeat the mistake with Lane.