Twenty-five

W yatt and Anna hadn't spoken all morning. Not a word.

"Can I take your order?" She looked up at the face belonging to the gentle voice. A young woman with a sparkle on her eyebrow ogled Wyatt. He didn't respond and sent a sharp glance toward Anna.

"I'll have coffee, fruit—cantaloupe if you have it—and the veggie omelet with no onion and Gouda cheese." Anna controlled her voice.

The waitress turned back to Wyatt, the crystal eyebrow ring sparkling in the light.

"I'll have the special. Just like it comes."

Anna calmed herself with a slow rocking in her seat. They ate in silence as she simmered. The sparkly waitress brought their ticket early, slipping it beside Wyatt. His "humph" brought Anna to a rapid boil, but her phone's musical ringtone saved her from saying something. "Garrett Clarke" scrolled across the screen. The ding from a voicemail soon followed. A flared glare from Wyatt helped her decide to listen to the message privately.

Ten minutes later, the white cottage came into view. Normally, the truck's rumble as it crunched across the gray cobblestone driveway would relax her. Not today. Once he parked, she grabbed her purse, ready to jump and run. Before she could reach for the door handle, the metal latch clicked, and the truck door swung open. Wyatt stood beside the door with his denim shirtsleeves rolled up and his hair casually tousled. And what girl could ignore the impact?

"Thank you. I can't imagine returning to an empty hotel room right now." Did she make that sound grateful despite her gritted teeth?

Wyatt didn't smile. His steel-blue eyes were focused, unblinking.

"Did you get a call?"

"Yes. Garrett. I didn't feel like talking to him, and I didn't want a battle with you right now. We're both angry. Although I'm not sure what you're angry about."

His shoulders stiffened, and when he looked away as if to hide something she didn't want to see, she cringed.

"Look, Wyatt." She softened her voice and touched his arm. "I have enough fireballs in the air for this dangerous juggling act right now. I don't need one more, or I'm going to burn my hands as the balls fall. Someone is trying to destroy me. Please don't help them."

"That's what I mean!" The words burst from him, and he shook away her touch. But he stood there out of habit, like a well-trained guard. "You shouldn't meet with Atticus. You're not ready. You could be hurt."

As he stomped into the house, she stood stunned when he went inside without looking back, shutting the door.

Her fingers clamped tight, her nails digging into her palm. If she was going to be strong, she needed an army to fight the forces against her. She didn't need an unpredictable, ill-tempered child. He'd said he loved her and she could trust him and count on him. Didn't that mean predictability? Not this.

She entered the house and willed her feet to be silent as they tiptoed up each stair. She grabbed the doorknob and opened it without a sound, then held the knob in place, and wiggled past. In her bathroom, she splashed cold water on her heated face, mumbling to herself. "You said we'd be a team. I shouldn't be feeling the need to hide ."

Still grumbling, she stepped out onto the balcony, brought up her voicemail, and held the phone close to her ear.

"Anna, this is Garrett. I just arrived in Boise."

Her phone slipped out of her hand, crashing to the deck. As she was picking it up, she imagined Wyatt jolted at the thump. She scooped up the phone and played the rest of the message.

"Are you feeling okay? I've never been to Boise, had some vacation time, and thought why not? Maybe you were lonely and needed a friend. Anyway, I'll text you my hotel information once I'm settled. Maybe we can meet for dinner this evening. Call when you can."

Her mouth was still wide open, so she closed it and bit her lip. She trusted Garrett—Didn't she? Why was she becoming so paranoid?

Her phone dinged, and a text came through with the address. She dialed.

"Hey, I bet that you were surprised to hear my voicemail."

"Surprised?" She laughed. "That doesn't cover it. I've been pretty wrapped up in family situations. Unfortunately, this isn't a vacation for me."

"Wow, it didn't even occur to me that this might be a bad surprise. You seemed so alone. I'm sorry if I overstepped."

She considered the timing and its impact while angling for a view of the flower garden out the window. "Well, it's thoughtful of you, and with the weather so beautiful right now, you can enjoy all the local adventures—kayaking, fishing, and four-wheeling. Why don't we meet somewhere for dinner around seven tonight? I do need a break and a friendly face."

"Sounds great. Let me know the address and if I need to wear anything special. Unless you want me to come pick you up at your hotel."

"No, I'm staying with a"—a what?—"a family friend. The one from the cabin. I'll text the address."

Okay. Awkward silence. Was he still there?

"Sure. I'm game for anything. I'm here for you and for you only. See you then."

She disconnected with a silent swallow and searched for local restaurants. A nearby grill had great reviews, amazing views, and an excellent menu. She secured reservations for two, then texted Wyatt's address and the restaurant information. Garrett responded saying he'd be here at seven.

Digging through her purse, she found crackers and nuts from the flight to hold her over. She lingered on the balcony until it was time to change, the birds overplaying Wyatt's pacing, heavy-footed down the stairs and then tiptoeing back up, then tiptoeing back down. He'd mentioned he'd be working from home, but it didn't sound like he got much done.

She rummaged through her suitcase, then smiled. Yes! She'd packed the salmon-toned dress she only wore on special occasions. She slipped it on, added some taupe sandals, then consulted the mirror with a shy pride. A simple shoestring tie gathered the scoop-necked dress across her ribs. Midthigh and flowy, it accented her fit frame.

Wyatt's footsteps were going down the stairs again. She added a splash of blush and mascara, then bracing herself, headed to meet him before Garrett arrived. Man, her stomach felt like a racetrack bombarded with speeding cars.

Wyatt turned. His head tilted, his eyes widened, and his breath released in a slight whistle. Suddenly, warm and then cold at his reaction—every girl's dream—she prepared for what would come next.

"You look amazing." She'd been told that before, but Wyatt obviously meant it. "I've been miserable since our fight. I'm just worried about you—about your safety. This is a pleasant surprise. Saying you take my breath away doesn't cover it."

Anna put on her armor and inhaled her strength. "Garrett is coming to pick me up. I wanted to let you know ahead of time."

"Wait. What? Your doctor ? He's here?" That look alone could have won an entire battle as his nostrils flared and his fists clenched, then went flat against his legs. "Your doctor is coming to pick you up at my house?"

"Hold up." She raised a hand in the universal stop signal. "Wait a minute. You offered this house to me. You didn't say it came with any preconditions. If you want, I can load up that bag you complain so much about and take it to a hotel."

"You don't need to leave. It's just…" Groaning, he palmed his face. Then his gaze met hers, and she wavered.

Guilt rose inside from her cruel, childlike behavior. Timid and withdrawn, she withheld her emotions—bottled them up inside—for most of her life. She wanted to be stronger, but she didn't want to become mean and calloused. His sudden reluctance to help left her feeling confused and betrayed. She could see his point, and Garrett's timing didn't help. Her feelings for Wyatt hadn't changed, but she needed a breather, time to sort through her emotions and deal with his unexpected withdrawal.

"Wyatt, I know this timing is awkward, but I could use a break. I'd ask Garrett to meet you or invite you to go to dinner with us, but you've been so unexpected. You changed everything when I didn't agree with you. I need you on my side. I was always clear on the plan." She grabbed her purse, shut the door, and walked toward the road.

Outside, she heard the country music before the purr of the high-performance engine whirred onto the cobblestone driveway. The black soft top down, his hair blew in the wind. She sank into the seat and glanced back at the house as Garrett threw the car in reverse. His teeth sparkled beyond his smile. His green polo showed off his athletic build, the attire sporty and perfect for the occasion.

At the restaurant, the attentive valet pointed toward the entrance and handed Garrett a blue card. Then Garrett escorted her into a posh room where gleaming mirrors reflected intimate lighting, crisp damask linens muted the clatter of silverware, and soft music underplayed a myriad of conversations.

Subtle admiring glances followed Garrett through the restaurant, and Anna scarcely resisted the urge to roll her eyes as even the hostess giggled and batted her eyes, taking a longer route to their table overlooking the lake.

The wooden chair sounded like an eraser on a chalkboard as the felt slid across the floor. Garrett stood behind her chair, helping her get seated, then sat, and opened the impressive menu.

Ice smacked against the water glasses, announcing the return of the giggling hostess, her lipstick fresh and glossy. "I'm helping Carrie out." Another giggle escaped while she placed sweet-smelling rolls beside Garrett, the steamy vapors rising into the air.

Anna fiddled with her water glass. "I'm not certain what you were expecting when you came to Boise." She shifted in her chair. "I'm caught up in serious family drama. It's been intense."

"I understand. I should've discussed this trip with you, but when you were hard to reach, I decided to be spontaneous." He shook his head, but his green eyes twinkled in the light. "There's no expectation. I'll make the best of it."

Her throat tightened, making it difficult to swallow. "I'm happy to see you. Truly." She twisted the glass in her hand, then dried her fingers on a napkin. "But I didn't ask you to come, and you need to be aware that Wyatt and I met at one of my family meetings. We've been spending a lot of time together. I have strong feelings for him."

"Wow. I'm clearly rusty and missed the mark." He grimaced. "This whole spontaneous grand-gesture thing played out so well in my mind."

Unable to sit still, she fiddled with the strings on her dress, tangling them around one finger, then uncoiling. "You mean a great deal to me, but I'm so conflicted right now. Is it the concussion? My memory, my emotional frailty, or is it something else? I'd sure love to blame something or someone for all this."

"Sweet Anna. You remind me so much of my fiancée, Janine. She died last year in a car accident. I didn't want it to be awkward to mention her, and I don't mean it in a weird way. It's just that you have so many of the traits that attract me to someone. I knew we would get along instantly. That's why I swung for the fences."

"I understand more than you realize—certain characteristics and wanting to find them in someone. I'm sorry that it didn't work out how you planned, Garrett."

He reached across the table, stilling her twirling fingers. "Maybe you need to get away from your family and the pressure. Can we spend tomorrow together? Take a day to see what that looks like for us. No intruders, no attorneys, and no meddling family."

"I sure could use a distraction." She gave a jittery laugh, sliding her hand free from his too-hot grip. She needed time away from Wyatt. He was supposed to be her ally—no, much more than that. Now he was fighting her. "Maybe we could go up to the local ski resort and ride the lift? You can see the entire valley like a colorful quilt. It'd be a refreshing outdoor adventure."

Wyatt's heart chilled as the sports car backed out of his driveway.

"No, no, no. This isn't what I waited my entire life for—to watch her disappear with someone else from my own home. I don't think so," he mumbled, standing up and shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

His effort to prevent her from getting hurt backfired and increased her risk. He promised she could trust him and count on him. His protective instincts hammered a wedge between them. It wasn't the first or last mistake he would make, but he needed to fix this—and fast. Whatever it took, he better get this right.

Grabbing his phone, he dialed his friend, Jim, a detective he worked with on occasion.

"Hey, what's up?" Jim answered.

"I need a little help."

"I'm listening."

"What do you know about Atticus Urbacch?"

"Not sure I understand the question."

"Any kind of issues related to his behavior? Anything to worry about that isn't public record?"

"I can check, but I don't think so. Guy keeps a low profile. Haven't heard of anything that I can recall. I'll do some asking and let you know."

"Thanks, man."

It wasn't much, but maybe Jim could narrow the concerns. Then a plan of attack could be prepared. A winning team needed a well-thought-out game plan, and he had no intention of losing this. It meant too much to Anna.

He glanced at the clock and paced the floor as he waited for her return. A flash of car lights announced their return. His pulse quickened. He slowed it with calm, relaxed breaths.

The door clicked open. Her unique scent drifted in his direction. Stay calm, buddy .

But it was too late. Her mere presence blasted his heart into orbit, and the wait for the reentry made it thunder all the more.

The powerful, refined convertible engine whir combined with the tires crunching across the cobblestones. Garrett stopped, then patted the top of her hand. She slid out and clicked the sports car's door shut. Two porch lights lit her path, but the solemn house remained dark inside. Anna swallowed and gripped the doorknob. Garrett waited until the door closed behind her. Then the crunching of tires and the soft sound of the engine drifted back to the road, and she tiptoed across the floor, found the handrail, and dropped her foot onto the step.

"Anna." A soft voice spoke from the dark.

Her foot slipped. Her hand saved her head from hitting the rail. Shaking, she spun toward the sound. Wyatt was sitting in the dark, the porch light sneaking through the blinds enough to outline his slouching shoulders.

"You almost made me fall."

His behavior was becoming erratic. Wasn't Martha already filling that role in this game of crazy?

"Anna, where were you? I was worried."

"Wyatt, it's late. I'm not gonna stand here and speak to someone in the dark. If you want to discuss this now, turn on the light. Otherwise, I'm going to bed." Her eyes burned. "I don't understand what happened here. You promised I could trust you."

"Is your doctor coming back here?" He stood, his shadow seeming to fill the entire window.

"Yes. I'm about to fall apart and need a break from all the drama—drama you're adding to." She spun around, feet hitting the steps the only sound.

The next morning, her pulse pounded in her head. She packed her things into her bags and rolled them to the door. The wheels moaned and squeaked along the way. She lifted the smaller carry-on and her other items, leaving the bag with two orange stickers—the bag of rocks—for her second trip.

The smell of coffee lured her down the stairs. She braced herself, slowing her pace. Men spoke in the kitchen. Her pace slowed further. Garrett was leaning against the counter, a cup of coffee in hand. Whoa. How'd that happen?

"Garrett was here promptly at eight." Wyatt studied her.

Seeming to sense the intensity, Garrett saluted her with his cup. "I came early to meet Wyatt. You spoke so highly of him."

Wyatt had been so different. She didn't know him anymore or know what to expect.

"Why do you have your bag, Anna?" He nodded to the carry-on she was pulling behind her.

"I thought I might change to a hotel before I meet with Atticus."

"Nonsense. Dr. Clarke and I were talking about your plans for the day. He's going to take you up to the ski resort. Then I'm going to pack a lunch and meet the two of you at the park. Maybe give Dr. Clarke and me a chance to visit."

What was up with this guy? Anna gritted her teeth, not in the mood for Wyatt's personality changes. "Wyatt, can I please speak to you outside?"

"Sure." He downed the last of his coffee, then pushed off the barstool he'd claimed.

"What are you doing?" she asked as soon as they'd stepped into the backyard. She fisted her hands at her sides. "You've been a jerk, and now you're my best buddy. I am so confused right now. I can't put it into words."

He gripped her shoulders and held fast as she tried to yank away. "I know, Anna." His fingers trailed down her bare arms. "I've been thinking only about myself, my concerns, and how everything impacted me because I thought that was in your best interest. I should have considered how it impacted you, what you wanted, and how you felt. I realized that last night, but you went upstairs before I could apologize. I don't want you to go to a hotel. I'd worry about you. And I'm serious about getting to know the competition."

She stepped backward, shaking loose his grip on her wrists, and glared at him. "I don't know what to say right now. I do know I need some time away, some space."

Hooded blue eyes regarded her. "What do you think about the picnic?"

"I'll speak with Garrett and let you know. You're so all over the place right now. It's making me uneasy."

He walked into her space again, reached over, and touched her, stroking her shoulder. "You can always count on me when you're in a jam. I promise."

Anna ignored her attraction, flashed a frustrated look at him, and opened the door. Garrett was waiting.

"I'm ready." She left the carry-on bag against the wall and walked out of the cottage as Garrett held the door open. She fought the urge to look back.

Shortly later, the wind blew their hair and brought a chill as they rode up the steep roads. Garrett turned the heated seats on and adjusted the temperature higher. Then he pulled his rental a couple of spaces from a four-wheel-drive utility vehicle.

Anna held back a giggle at the contrast of oversized tires almost as tall as the convertible.

"I see you smirking. Don't laugh at this baby." He pressed the button, creating a hum as the convertible top began to close. "She's tougher than she looks—like someone I know." He reached into the back seat and grabbed their jackets after pulling in and parking at the ski resort.

Anna slid her arms into the Texas jacket, zipping it up halfway, and hiked alongside him to the ticket booth, then the lift.

The metal dangling chair clanked and swayed as the pulley brought it closer. He held his hand out to assist her into the seat, then climbed in beside her. The chair lunged forward, once again swaying up along the steep piney mountain.

She zipped her coat up to her neck. Mounds of snow began to overtake the colorful fields. "Glad we brought coats. The unobstructed view's marvelous, but the cold nips."

At the summit, the chair slowed, and they stepped off. She closed her eyes, shielding them from the blinding sun reflecting off the snow-covered ground.

"Wow." He breathed deeply. "This sure isn't Texas snow that comes and goes before you have time to take a picture." He stomped in a drift. "This snow's deep, and there's plenty of it."

White blankets covered the mountain range as far as the eye could see. "It's beautiful."

"It is, but do you mind if this Texas boy admires it from the warmth indoors?" Garrett reached for her hand.

Maybe he'd heard her teeth chattering. She gripped his fingers and let him help her over the shoveled walk.

Inside, he disappeared while she picked through stacks of magnets and painted souvenirs. A hot-chocolaty smell drifted from two cups when he returned. The marshmallows danced and bobbed on top as she eagerly grabbed the cup he held out to her. "Hmm." She tested a sip. "Hot chocolate tastes like winter and happiness."

"I like that." He laughed and led her onto the wraparound balcony overlooking the valley.

Anna sipped her warming drink, savoring it and the view.

Then he slugged back the last of his drink and twisted his watch into view. "We'd better head down soon, but they have a mountain coaster. Do ya want to give it a try?"

She eyed the contraption, her heartbeat quickening with what might be a thrill or fear. "Let's do it."

After purchasing tickets, they climbed into a bright-yellow car they could control along its downward race around sharp curves and lower and lower toward the end of the track. He sat in the back and held on to the brakes, his arms on the sides of the car, bracketing her in. As she clutched a handgrip in the front, they started through pine trees and wound around into the rocky grassy hill. They turned and dropped, the car creaking and clanking in its descent. He didn't pull the brake but let them fly down fast enough to make her squeal.

"Garrett, slow down!" Anna managed while holding on tight. With him laughing so hard, they might keep going and miss a turn, tumbling down the mountain. When the coaster slowed and faded to a stop, she puckered her mouth and squinted the meanest look she could muster without giggling.

And he just patted her arm. "You're more adventurous than you let on. It was fun, right?"

Somehow, she managed to keep her complaining expression while smiling on the inside.

They hiked back to the convertible, stepping over rocks and weaving around fences. When he placed his hand on hers, she patted it and moved it away. She stopped at the rental car and leaned against the side. "Are you okay with Wyatt meeting us at the park? He's been unpredictable lately."

"Haven't we all? I flew to Boise on a whim. Life is unexpected, and we all adjust differently. We're both worried about you. We may just react to that concern in different ways."

"I'm not sure that answers my question."

"It's fine for Wyatt to meet us. He's in the lead right now." He glanced at her hand, wrapped his arm around her with a strong pull, then opened the door. "We might as well face this head-on."

He slid into the driver's seat, then revved the engine.

So she shrugged. "I'll give him a call so he has time to get the lunch together and meet us there."

"I suspect he's already at the park waiting."

She reached for her phone as the car whizzed along, winding toward the valley. Flashes of colored patches flew by.

Wyatt answered on the first ring.

"We're headed down the hill and would love to meet for lunch."

"Great. I'll see you there and snag us a table by the lake."

She frowned at the screen. How could the guy act like nothing had happened? And how would this lunch go? Why the feeling of premonition as if something more was about to occur?