16

 

Tracking down the attending physician and obtaining discharge papers from Shenandoah County Hospital tested Chase’s patience. He’d threatened to walk out twice before Sierra convinced him he needed to wait for instructions on how to care for his wound and to obtain a prescription for painkillers. Deputy Ramirez had dropped off Chase’s and Sierra’s gear, and left the rental truck in the day parking area. When Sheriff Nelson finally called with directions to Skyland Resort, Chase was ready to leave.

He finished the call and gently nudged Sierra—she’d fallen asleep in the corner chair. “Wake up…” He almost finished by calling her ‘baby’. Good thing he caught himself. She had begun to trust him, but she certainly had no idea how he felt about her. True, he’d almost kissed her, and he guessed she’d sensed it. But, she couldn’t know he’d been enamored with her since the day he’d first seen her with Eason months ago. He’d never forget the instant attraction, and the dread washing over him at what Eason might do to her.

Chase called Sierra’s name, and when she didn’t move, he knelt before her and brushed a soft strand of hair from her cheek. She looked peaceful, even scrunched up on the uncomfortable looking chair. He cleared his throat and spoke louder. “Sierra.”

She woke with a jerk and took in a breath. Blinking repeatedly, she looked around. “Did I fall asleep?”

“For a while.”

“What time is it?”

The late afternoon sun sliced through the window, bathing her skin in warm hues. In spite of his aching arm and dull headache, Chase wanted to take her in his arms. But, he backed away before leaning toward temptation. They weren’t safe yet, and he needed to focus. “It’s going on four o’clock. We need to go.”

“Where?” Sierra stretched, and her shirt drew tight against her feminine curves.

Chase jerked to his feet to put more distance between them. She’d been attacked last night. He’d been shot. Now wasn’t the time to be noticing such things. He cleared his throat. “Sheriff Nelson rented a suite for us at Skyland Resort.”

“What’s it like there?”

“I don’t know exactly, but I do know it’s in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He says to expect fantastic views of Shenandoah Valley.”

Her brows drew together and she fidgeted.

“It has two bedrooms. You’ll have privacy.”

“I’m not worried about privacy.”

She might not be, but he was. He didn’t know how he would react seeing her first thing in the morning with sleepy eyes and tussled hair. His imagination took flight just at the thought. He cleared his throat and forced his voice to remain even and controlled. “Then what is it?”

“I just want to feel safe again.”

The innocent plea tore at his heart. “You will. The sooner we get there, the better. The doctor said I shouldn’t drive for a few days. Can you handle a full-sized truck on mountain roads?”

“If it gets me away from Kevin, I’ll manage.”

Chase wasn’t surprised. She’d probably attempt to pilot a plane blindfolded to escape Eason.

Minutes later, after a humbling ride in a wheelchair—as per hospital policy—Chase thanked the nurse and climbed into the truck while Sierra stored their belongings in the extended cab. He drew in a deep breath and the truck’s cherry-scented air freshener provided welcome relief from the hospital’s medicinal smells. He’d been officially discharged less than five minutes ago, and he’d already begun to feel human again.

He shut the door, and a cool breeze swept inside. “You might want to grab a jacket. It’ll be colder on the mountaintop.”

“I left my jacket back at Allie’s apartment, but I do have this.” Sierra slid on a teal pullover before getting behind the wheel. She tugged her hair from beneath the collar and glanced over at his short sleeved T-shirt. “Will you be warm enough?”

“Probably not. I’ve got a coat in my black bag.” Chase automatically turned to reach for it, but regretted the action as the movement caused a sharp pain to radiate from his shoulder to his fingertips.

Sierra touched his arm. “You’re bleeding again.”

He checked. Sure enough, a small patch of blood had seeped through the bandage, staining his shirt. “You can take a look at it tonight. We need to get going and pick up my prescriptions. I want to make sure we reach Skyland before dark.”

Sierra nodded, retrieved his coat and handed it over. As he attempted to slide in his arm, his nerve endings screamed in protest. He grunted and immediately wished he hadn’t as Sierra’s concern grew. His pride had taken a hit along with the bullet, and although a part of him liked having Sierra look after him, another part protested the need for aid.

“I know heroes aren’t supposed to require assistance, but maybe you can make an exception. You were shot, you know.” Sierra helped him with his coat.

“There you go again with that hero stuff.” Chase complained, although he didn’t mind her thinking of him as her hero. But, what if Eason had hurt Sierra last night? The thought sobered him. Maybe having help wasn’t such a bad idea. “What do you think about going home after we spend a few days in the mountains?”

“Home?” Her eyes grew round and she looked incredulous. “You’re asking if I want to go back to Washington State?”

He held up a hand. “Yes, but I’m not talking about taking you back to your condo. I’m talking about going to my family’s home in Granite Falls.”

“You must’ve lost more blood than I thought. You’re not thinking straight. I-I can’t go there and put your family in danger. Nuh-uh. No way.” She crossed her arms. “What gave you this crazy idea anyway?”

“I grew up there. I know the area. There are people I know and trust in Granite Falls. My parents are there. My brother’s close by. All I’d have to do is ask and he’d come stay for a few days and watch over you while I—”

“While you what? Go after Kevin and get yourself killed trying to protect me? Not going to happen. If you think for one minute I’m going to hide somewhere while you risk your life for me again you’re sorely mistaken.” Sierra’s face ripened as her passionate words tumbled out.

Her sudden temper should have alarmed Chase, but rather, it intrigued him. She looked vibrant and full of life as she expressed herself. He shifted to face her and attempted to calm her anxiety. “Are you forgetting what I do for a living?”

Her gaze dipped to his shoulder, then back up. “Just because you’re used to being shot at doesn’t mean I want you doing it for me…”

Chase’s mind blanked when her chest heaved with exertion, and he could no longer focus on her words as she continued to vent. He had to do something to calm her or he’d lose all concentration. At least that’s what he told himself as he cupped her face in his hands and sealed her lips with his.

She tasted like warm honey and sweet nectar. She felt like—home. Warmth spread through him at the same time his nerves kicked in. He held his breath, awaiting her reaction. If he’d overstepped his bounds, he had no doubt she’d let him know. When she stilled and didn’t pull away, he allowed himself a measure of hope. He placed another kiss on her lips, and she relaxed under the slight pressure.

“If you think for one minute”—he whispered against her soft skin—”I’m going to take any chances with your safety, you’re wrong. I lost Amber. I can’t lose you too.” He’d wanted Sierra since he’d first seen her; he’d begun to think of her as his the moment they collided on the street. No use in denying it now. “We’re in this together.”

A car’s horn sounded behind them. Chase released her and cleared his throat. He’d nearly forgotten where they were. “We should get moving before security has us towed from the hospital’s loading zone.” Amazed his voice sounded somewhat normal, he scooted over and secured his seatbelt as if his world hadn’t just been rocked.

Sierra blinked and looked around. “Right.” She smoothed her hair, adjusted the rearview mirror, and shifted into drive. “Of course.”

Chase dug the directions to Skyland from his pocket and concentrated on navigating. With any luck, his pulse would return to normal before they arrived, and he’d be able to think about something other than how amazing it felt to have Sierra’s lips touching his.