Chapter 1
Two years later, Addyson walked the halls of the Winters Foundation on Serenity Mountain. As the lead nurse, she checked all the nurses’ stations and ensured everything ran properly.
“Hi Ben, how’s the arm feeling?” she asked.
“Good, Addyson. Doc said he’s glad you caught the issue before it got worse,” Ben informed her.
“Good to hear,” she said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Oh, let me get that for you,” she said to Arthur, who barely balanced on his crutches, let alone picked something up off the floor.
She handed him the pen.
“Thanks, Addyson,” he mumbled.
“Teri, how’s the new patient in 201?” she asked one of her nurses.
“He’s stable, and we’re waiting on PT to evaluate him. I’m low on bedding and can’t reach laundry,” Teri reported.
“I’ll handle it,” Addyson said, making herself a note. “Thanks for letting me know.”
She rounded the corner, and her eyes landed on the one man she avoided at all costs, Liam Miller. With his dark brown hair, green eyes, and easy smile, he disconcerted her.
He turned, scanned the room, caught her staring at him, and smiled. She returned it politely and continued with her duties.
“Ms. Parker,” he called. “May I have a minute with you?”
Addyson froze and turned back around. “What can I help you with today?”
“The men asked me to join them this evening at the service for Lieutenant Merner. Due to the recent rains, Doc and Kassie have limited the number of people on the trails. The community center opened its doors to us for the memorial. My appointment took longer than expected, and the next van won’t leave for another hour.
One of the nurses suggested you might give me a ride since you’re staying in town. ”
“Oh,” she said, attempting to finagle her way out of taking him. “Did you try Leo or one of his team? I’ve seen them visit you, and you might still catch one of them. I’m not sure what time I’m leaving since I haven’t finished my rounds.”
“You must not have heard. They spun up a few days ago on a mission,” he said, quietly regarding her.
“What about Ivan’s men?” she suggested. “They’re always around here somewhere.”
Liam smirked. “It’s all right, Ms. Parker. I get the hint. I’ll find someone else to take me down.”
For heaven’s sake, you ninny, he’s asking you to drop him off at a funeral. He didn’t ask to spend the night with you,” she thought, chastising herself.
“I’m sorry. It’s nothing against you. I still have two units to check. Sometimes, I get pulled away, and I don’t want you to miss it,” she informed him while she fiddled with her pen.
“Again, I’ll find someone else,” he reiterated firmly, but his eyes said something entirely different. It seemed as if he guessed her thoughts completely.
She shot him a nod before turning toward the next unit. Anger brewed in her chest as he simply nodded and went to speak to one of the female veterans in the lounge area, not giving her a second thought.
Addyson groaned as she stopped dead in her tracks and stomped toward him. When she stepped closer, he stopped talking to his friend and arched an eyebrow at her.
“Did you forget something?” he asked, seeming almost amused.
“Be at the entrance at 1500, and I’ll take you,” she said curtly before turning around and walking away.
“Thank you,” he called after her, making her grit her teeth in annoyance.
She finished her final rounds, grabbed her coat, and made her way to the entrance. Liam stood tall and proud in his dress blues. When he saw her coming, he held the door open for her and followed her to her car.
“Thank you again for taking me,” he said, breaking the silence as she backed her vehicle.
“It’s no problem. As you mentioned, I live in town,” she replied coldly as she turned onto the mountain roads.
The rain started again, making her groan. She loved the mountain on sunny days, and the winter turned into a wonderland. The rainy times, however, made her think of Sam’s funeral and all the promises never fulfilled.
“Since we’re riding in the car together, may I call you by your first name?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“I’m Addyson,” she told him, gripping the wheel and slowing down around the curves.
“If you’re not comfortable driving in this, I’m happy to take over,” he offered, watching her.
“I’m used to the rain. When we met this morning, Kassie warned us of some trees falling. It has me on edge,” she confessed.
“Yes, the weather has stunk the last few days. It makes everyone melancholy. Even the kids in the nursery feel it. I haven’t heard the twins cry for the last two days,” he told her.
Knowing he spoke of the founders, Chase, and Kassie’s babies, she laughed. “It’s pure chaos. I don’t know how Kassie stays organized with all the kids. The twins have settled into a predictable sleeping pattern these days. It seems like the whole nursery quiets down when they do.”
“One of the Security Serenities team members, Whiskey, took me to the nursery and introduced me to his daughter, Ari. He’s completely smitten by her. His son LJ ran into the room before checking in for afterschool care and I’ve never seen two people brag over a baby as much as they do.”
“Usually, his wife, Samantha, keeps Ari with her. She must be on a business trip,” she surmised as she came around the next tight curve.
Thunder crashed, and lightning lit up the sky, and the tree leaned over the road as Addyson slammed on her brakes.
Liam grabbed the wheel, turning it away from the tree, sending them down the muddy mountain.
The car bounced off trees. One of the windows in the back broke.
The car spun a hundred and eighty degrees before jerking to a stop.
A big crack sounded in the air. Addyson jumped as Liam unbuckled her and pulled her lower in the seat.
The broken tree crashed through the driver’s side window. Liam’s quick actions saved her life.
“Are you all right?” he asked, peering down at her as she lay halfway in his lap.
“Yes. I think so,” she answered shakily. “What about you?”
“My leg is pinned under the dash,” he said calmly. “Do you have your phone? We’ll have to call Doc.”
“What about the police?” she asked, listening as the car creaked. Her hand clutched Liam’s as she wondered if the car would slide down further.
“They only have two officers on duty at one time. Doc knows the mountain. He can get here faster,” he said, brushing the blood from her forehead. “You have a small gash. It might take a few stitches. Do you have a headache?”
“No,” she said softly as his tender touch sent her trembling.
“Addyson. Where’s your phone?” he prompted her again.
“It’s in my purse,” she said, attempting to sit up.
“Stay here,” he ordered. “We don’t want to shift around too much. The car still may slide.”
“It’ll be dark soon. What if they can’t find us?” she asked, not used to the woods and worried about sliding again.
“I’m here,” he assured her. “They’ll find us in a jiffy.”
Liam searched the darkened car for her purse and pulled it from the wedged seats. He dug inside, located the device, and called the hospital.
“I’m Liam Miller, a patient of Dr. Winters. I need you to connect me to him immediately. We have an emergency,” he said calmly.
A minute later, Doc answered the phone. “Dr. Winters.”
“Hey Doc, it’s Liam Miller,” he greeted. “I’m calling from Addyson Parker’s phone. A tree derailed us off the road, and we slid down the mountain.”
“Do you know how far down?” Doc asked. “Did anyone get hurt?”
“We’re about a quarter of the way down on the right. Addyson’s got a gash on her head, and my leg’s stuck under the dashboard. The airbags deployed and helped us, but we’re banged up. The car doesn’t feel on solid ground. It’s sliding about an inch or two.”
“Don’t worry, Liam. I have a crew on their way and will be there shortly. Tell Addyson to hang in there.”
“Will do,” he said before disconnecting the call.
He grabbed his coat from the back seat and wrapped it around her as the rain poured in from her side. “They’ll be here soon.”
“Thank you. Not to sound as if I wish you ill, but I’m glad you’re here with me. What a wild ride,” she breathed.
Liam chuckled. “You forgot to mention you did stunt driving on the side.”
“A woman can’t tell all her secrets,” she mused. “Will it be dangerous for them to get here? I don’t want anyone else hurt.”
“Doc has lived here all his life. I’m sure it’s not his first rodeo,” he assured her.
“I’m sorry. You’ll miss the memorial,” she said softly as he stroked her hair away from the wound.
“Somehow, I think Lieutenant Merner will understand. In fact, he’d say getting caught in a car with a pretty woman and nowhere to go was a dream come true,” he said, chuckling.
“I can imagine him saying it,” she giggled. “He put up such a good fight,” she said sadly.
“Of course, he did. Since we have some time, why don’t you tell me about yourself?” he asked. “I know Kassie Winters hired you to cover her and Catherine. How did you find this place?”
“My husband spoke about it. He said some of his friends came here to visit. I ran into one of them a couple of weeks ago,” she said, shivering.
“Oh yeah? Are you referring to Cookie and his wife, Fiona?”
“How do you know them?” she said, surprised.
“Cookie and I have crossed paths before on missions. He’s a good guy,” Liam said.
“My husband spoke highly of him. I met the team once. They’re very nice. Dude seems a little… intense. Everyone else seems laid back and fun.”
Liam chuckled. “He beats from a different drum, but a good guy.”
“I liked him. Don’t get me wrong,” she rushed to explain. “His eyes follow Cheyenne everywhere. It feels more than protective, alpha male,” she said, searching for the correct word.
“Yes. It’s more,” he agreed. “Back to you. Where did you come from?”
“I’m from Portland. I retired a couple of years ago after my husband died. When I saw the position posting, I took a chance. A month later, I found myself here.”
“Parker…” Liam said softly. “Do you know Samuel Parker?”
“He’s my husband…was my husband,” she corrected. “How long do you think it’ll take for them to find us?”
“I’m sure they’re already above and assessing how to get to us. I’ll be damned. I’m sorry about his death.” Liam offered his condolences.
“How did you meet him?” she said, suddenly interested in how he knew her husband.
“You know I can’t discuss missions with you,” he chastised.
“I watched him run into a burning building to rescue two children from their father. The man appeared convinced they betrayed him and set his home on fire. Sam saved both the kids. We stayed in the same camp for a week. Didn’t he have a nickname for you? ”
“Yeah. He called me Adelaide. I hated it. He teased me unmercifully about my name,” she recalled.
“It doesn’t fit you. You try to play it cool at the hospital, staying in professional mode.
But I’ve seen you outside with Avie, Shadow’s wife, sliding down the big snow hill when you think no one’s looking.
You burst into laughter as you rolled off the sled.
I think you hide your playful side. I think Addy likes to come out and play. ”
“Addy?” she laughed. “My grandmother called me that. I haven’t heard it in years.”
“I agree with her. You’re too serious. Addy seems full of life and laughter,” Liam teased.
“What about you? I read your medical reports. What happened?”
“The mission’s classified, Addy. I can’t talk about it,” Liam explained.
“I hear you two decided to take a shortcut,” Doc called from the trees. “Everyone doing okay in there?”
“Liam’s still stuck under the dashboard, but he has a good pulse,” she reported.
The flashlights shone on the car as the men drew near to assist them in getting out of the vehicle.
Addyson glanced at Liam, seeing a cloud of disappointment cross his face before he smiled and turned his attention toward the rescue crew.
He must’ve realized Addy rarely existed.
The calm, professional Addyson Parker never let anyone get under her skin or in her heart.