Corbin let go of Delaney and hugged his sister.
“Hey, Bro. Great to see you. I was beginning to think you’d never come back home.”
She stepped back and looked at Delaney. “And you brought a girl with you.” Her eyes danced as she clucked her tongue. “Wonders never cease.”
Delaney thrust out her hand to shake, but Addie just looked at it and chuckled. “No shakes in this family. Only hugs.” She pulled Delaney into a tight embrace. Delaney caught a whiff of Addie’s fruity shampoo and fought the urge to touch her wig. Hopefully, it wouldn’t fall off. The thought sent a burst of heat across her forehead, making it go moist. She’d not thought about that. What if she was out somewhere and the wig fell off?
Addie looked her up and down. “You’re very pretty.”
“Thanks.” Delaney looked past Addie to Corbin’s grandfather. He was Corbin’s height with a shock of silver hair and golden, wrinkly skin that suggested a lifetime spent in the sun. She offered a tentative smile. “Hello.”
“Hello. I’m Wallace. It’s a pleasure to have you in our home.” He returned her smile with a genuine one of his own, revealing neat rows of white teeth. It hit her. Corbin and his grandfather had the same smile. “Welcome to Birchwood Springs,” he said heartily, embracing Delaney in a tight hug.
Delaney decided right there and then that she liked Wallace Spencer. He’d only just met her, yet welcomed her with such genuineness. If she had a grandfather in her life, she’d want him to be like Wallace. Aside from their smiles and height, Corbin and his grandfather didn’t look that much alike. But there was something similar about them. She tried to pinpoint what it was. Maybe it was the fearless look in their eyes. Yes, could be. Although Wallace seemed tamer like he had a longer fuse, a fine wine that had aged gracefully.
Wallace turned his attention to Corbin. The two searched one another’s faces, some sort of silent information passing between them. “I’m glad you came home, son.” He hugged Corbin and patted his shoulder. Then he motioned. “Have a seat.”
Delaney followed Corbin to the love seat where they sat down. He draped an arm around her as if it were the most casual thing in the world. She ignored the attraction that buzzed through her.
Wallace and Addie sat down on the couch across from them.
“How was the drive?” Wallace began, looking from Corbin to Delaney.
“Not too bad,” Corbin said.
“Did you come in from Denver?” Addie asked.
Delaney tensed, hating the subterfuge. She glanced at Corbin, whose expression never changed. “Yes.”
“I love your Southern accent,” Addie said. “Where are you from?”
“Alabama.” Corbin had instructed her to tell as much of the truth as she could. That way, they’d have less chance of getting tripped up.
Addie’s eyes sparked interest as she tucked a curl behind her ear and leaned forward. “So, how did you two meet?”
A giggle rumbled in Delaney’s throat as she looked at Corbin who had a quirky grin on his handsome face. Yep, she’d known that question would be at the top of the list.
“Should I tell her? Or do you want to?” Corbin asked.
Crap. They’d started talking about their cover story then got sidetracked by their disagreement. “We met at a party,” she began. Corbin sniggered, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
“I don’t get it. What’s so funny?” Addie frowned, looking from one to the other.
“An inside joke,” Corbin said.
Addie harrumphed. “You and your inside jokes.” She looked at Delaney. “You’ll get used to those.”
“Oh, I already have,” Delaney agreed. “And you’re right. They can be annoying.” This won her a look of approval from Addie.
“I knew I liked you,” Addie chuckled, tucking her leg underneath her.
Corbin groaned giving Wallace a pleading look. “Now the two of them are ganging up on me.”
Wallace spread his hands, smiling. “That’s how it works. Better get used to it.”
Delaney laughed. “I’m sure you can handle it.” She turned to Corbin patting his cheek. “Right, sweet cheeks?”
“Sweet cheeks?” Addie howled with laughter.
Wallace’s eyes went large. He tried to hold back a laugh but it came out in a burst that gave way to a string of muffled chortles, his shoulders shaking. He held up a hand, giving Corbin an apologetic look. “Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh, but that’s funny.”
Color blotched up Corbin’s neck, his eyes shooting daggers at Delaney. She just laughed and winked at him, loving putting him on the spot for once instead of the other way around.
“Ooh, she’s good,” Addie cooed. “Keeps you on your toes, bro. Better hold onto her.”
Corbin pulled her closer. “Oh, don’t worry. I intend to.”
The sure promise in his voice reverberated through Delaney like the hum of an ocean current … steady, permanent, and all-consuming.
“Okay,” Addie said impatiently. “Tell me the story.”
Delaney’s brain raced to come up with something sensible. Corbin worked at a bar in Denver before taking on her assignment, meaning it would be logical that they would’ve met there. She turned to Corbin, whose eyes were sparking amusement. Was he really going to sit there and let her flounder? Help me, she pled silently.
Corbin grabbed her free hand, linking his fingers through hers. Her pulse cranked up a notch. When he started rubbing circles over her thumb, her heartbeat shot through the roof. How in the heck was she supposed to concentrate on the conversation with Corbin touching her this way? “Like Dee said, we met at a party,” Corbin said with a straight face. “She teaches music at a middle school. Dee hosted a party for her kids, a reward for their performance. I was working security for the school during special events.” He flashed Delaney a very convincing affectionate smile as he squeezed her shoulders. “I looked at her, she looked at me. The rest is history. Right, babe?”
Delaney forced a smile. “Right.” Dang. Corbin was good. She could almost believe the story herself. She didn’t know if she should be impressed or concerned at how smoothly the fabrications flowed from his lips. Another reason why she needed to be leery of him. How could she ever be sure that the man she was seeing was the real deal?
Addie untucked her leg, shifting to get comfortable. “So, you teach middle school kids? I’ll bet that’s a challenge.”
“You have no idea,” Delaney said, causing everyone to laugh.
“What do you have planned during your stay here?” Addie asked.
Delaney looked to Corbin to answer that. Addie seemed nice enough, but the barrage of questions was getting a little tiresome, especially after the long drive.
As if reading Delaney’s thoughts, Wallace touched Addie’s arm. “There’ll be plenty of time to talk later, after Corbin and Dee have had a chance to rest.”
“Rest?” Addie wrinkled her nose. “They only had a two-and-a-half-hour drive.”
Delaney fought the urge to roll her eyes. If only.
“Yeah, sis. You’re right. But Delaney had to get up early this morning to teach her class before we could head out of town, and I had a late night at work the night before.” He yawned. “Like Pops said, we’re worn out.”
Addie cocked her head like she’d just thought of something. “Who’s watching your classes while you’re here?”
Geez! The firestorm of questions was getting old. Delaney fought to keep her voice pleasant. “I got a sub.” She smiled adoringly at Corbin. “As much as I hated to leave my students, I wanted to come here and meet Corbin’s family, see where he grew up.”
Addie’s eyes sparkled. “You should go to the sweetheart dance this weekend at the ski resort.” She wiggled her eyebrows at Corbin. “Show Dee off.” A wicked grin curved her lips. “Madison Wells will be green with envy. She was asking about you the other day.”
Sweetheart dance? Certainly not something Delaney wanted to attend under the circumstance. She felt
Corbin tense, realized he was looking at Addie like he wanted to stuff a sock in her mouth. “Who’s Madison Wells?” she asked before she could stop herself.
“Nobody,” Corbin muttered.
Addie laughed. “His ex-girlfriend. They broke up before Corbin joined the Navy, but Madison’s still got a thing for him.”
The stab of jealousy that went through Delaney came as a surprise. Then she had to laugh at herself. Why did she care who Corbin’s ex-girlfriend was? She realized Addie was watching, waiting for her reaction. Let’s see … how would a real girlfriend react? She arched an eyebrow, putting on a touch of a wounded expression mingled with frustration as she looked at Corbin. “You never mentioned Madison.”
It was fun watching Corbin squirm. “That’s because it was over a long time ago.” He shot Addie a frustrated look. “Ancient history. I assure you, there’ve been plenty of other girls since Madison Wells.”
“Really?” Delaney arched an eyebrow. “That’s good to know.” This time, her irritation was real.
Wallace stood, shaking his head. “All right, Addie. That’s enough grilling for one night.”
Addie thrust out her lower lip, smirking at Corbin. “I was just getting started.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of,” Corbin said dryly. “Little sis has been sharpening her knives.”
“Only because you never come home,” Addie retorted.
This was the second time Addie mentioned that. Delaney made a mental note to ask Corbin why he didn’t want to come home. Wallace seemed great. And yeah, Addie was a little annoying, but it was obvious she was just needling Corbin so he’d pay attention to her. Even through the teasing, Delaney could tell Addie adored her brother.
Corbin and Delaney stood. Hesitantly, Addie did the same.
“I’ll go and get the keys. You’re staying in cabin eight.” Wallace shuffled out of the room.
“You’re staying by yourselves in a cabin?” Addie tsked her tongue. “What will people think?”
“I don’t really care,” Corbin said, his brows bunching.
Addie made a face, zeroing in on Delaney. “How do you put up with his foul moods?”
“It can be tough,” Delaney said, not cracking a smile.
Addie laughed. “Like I said, I like her.”
Corbin shook his head, his tone mellowing. “It’s good to see you, Addie. I’ve missed you.”
For an instant, Addie’s eyes went moist, then she blinked to clear them. “You know where I’ve been, big brother. You could’ve come home anytime.”
He nodded, his lips forming a grim line.
Addie gave him a hard look. “Are you gonna visit Gram while you’re here? You haven’t been to see her once since she moved to the home.”
Delaney looked at Corbin, saw the tension building inside him, felt she had to do something to relieve it. She put a hand on his arm, but he seemed oblivious. He glared at Addie, his face turning a shade darker. “She didn’t move to the home, she was put there.” The vehemence in his voice took Delaney off guard. But it didn’t quell Addie in the slightest.
Addie locked eyes with him. “You need to go and visit her.”
Corbin’s jaw tightened. “Why? She won’t even know I’m there.”
The hurt in his voice struck something deep inside Delaney, bringing tears to her eyes.
Wallace came back into the room. He stopped, concern washing over him. “Is everything okay?”
“As good as it ever is.” Addie waved a hand. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight, folks.” She turned on her heel and strode out.
“What was that all about?” Wallace stepped up to Corbin and placed the keys in his hand.
“Nothing,” Corbin grumbled.
Wallace looked at Delaney like he wanted her to explain, but she only shook her head and smiled politely. She had enough problems of her own without getting in the middle of this family’s.
“I’m really glad you came,” Wallace said to Corbin. “It’s the best place to keep her safe.”
Delaney’s jaw went slack as she turned to Corbin. “He knows?”
“Yes, I called Pops last night and explained the situation. I wanted to make sure it was okay if I brought you here. If Hugh were to find us, it could potentially put my family at risk. I wanted Pops to have all the information before he agreed.”
A shiver went down Delaney’s spine. She couldn’t stand the thought of Hugh doing anything to Corbin’s family. “I hadn’t thought about that. I don’t want to put your family in danger.” Tears pressed against her eyes, panic building inside her. “We have to go someplace else.” Her mind whirled trying to figure out where that place was. Maybe Anton was right. No place was beyond Hugh’s reach.
Corbin took hold of her arm. “No, this is the best place to keep you safe. The plan is set. We just have to follow it and trust that Sutton’s taking care of everything on his end.”
“He’s right,” Wallace said. “You’ll be safe here. Corbin knows this place like the back of his hand. I’m glad he brought you.”
She searched the man’s lined face touched by the wisdom of having lived a long, productive life. “Are you sure?”
He smiled. “Absolutely.” His gravelly tone held all the confidence in the world, the voice of reason amid chaos. “What you both need right now is a good night’s rest. Things will look brighter in the morning. I picked up a few things from the store today. You’ll find them in the fridge and on the counter.” He gave Delaney a reassuring look. “It’ll be all right.”
A tear rolled down her cheek. She wasn’t used to people being this kind. “Thank you.”
Wallace gave her a nod of acknowledgement.
She thought of something else. “What about Addie? Does she know the truth?”
Corbin spoke up. “No. It’s better to keep Addie in the dark, for her own safety. Pops is the only one who knows.”
“I’ll come around mid-morning to check on you,” Wallace said.
Appreciation flashed in Corbin’s eyes. “Thanks, Pops.”
“Sure thing.” Wallace gave Corbin a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” Delaney said as they went out the door into the frosty night air. A hundred large snowflakes pinged her face all at once. There hadn’t been a single snowflake in the air when they’d gone into the cabin and now, during the short time they were inside, it was coming a blizzard. All she could see were endless streaks of white against the black velvet darkness. She hugged her arms, chills racing through her. It was sunny and warm when they left San Diego this morning. And now this. Everything was happening so fast, she could hardly wrap her mind around it. When Corbin put an arm around her, she snuggled into the warmth of his shoulder as they walked, heads down to the SUV.
“Let’s get you to the cabin where it’s warm,” Corbin said, opening her door and helping her inside.
Regardless of the conflicting feelings she had for Corbin, she was grateful that he was here with her … keeping her safe.
13
The wheels spun a little, trying to gain traction until Corbin popped it into 4-wheel drive and maneuvered the SUV up the hill and around the bend to the cabin. He was grateful that the roads were clear earlier. If a storm had to hit at least it was after they’d arrived. The snow pounding against the windshield reminded him of a meteor shower. The windshield wipers were of little help. The instant they brushed the flakes away, thousands more took their places.
“Can you even see?” Delaney was leaning forward in her seat, her voice strained.
“Yeah, we’ll be fine,” he answered, even though he really couldn’t see very well. “The cabin’s just up here.” He could feel Delaney’s relief when they pulled into the driveway.
“Let’s get you inside, and I’ll come back for the luggage.”
“Thanks.” Delaney shivered, giving him a slight smile. “I guess you were right. I should’ve worn the thicker coat instead of leaving it in the suitcase.”
; When they set out this morning, Corbin questioned Delaney’s choice of clothing, reminding her that Colorado winters were nothing like the mild ones in San Diego. Delaney brushed aside the comment saying she’d be fine. He couldn’t help but smile a little inwardly. At least she didn’t mind admitting that she’d been wrong. “The good news is that you have lots of winter clothes in your suitcase.”
“Yeah, I’m glad Sutton thought of it.”
“Me too.” Birchwood Springs only had a handful of shops with a scanty selection of clothing. It was nice that they wouldn’t have to worry about it. The wind pushed against the driver door, making it hard to open. He tucked his chin into his neck as he went around to get Delaney’s door. Cabin eight was near the back of the property in one of the more secluded spots. Pops had chosen it for added privacy. Snow was accumulating fast, already a good six inches on the ground. Delaney got out, leaning into him for cover as they made their way to the door. Even though he knew she was only getting this close to him because he was shielding her from the snow, it felt good to be next to her.
He’d wondered how Delaney would react to his family. She seemed to do just fine, despite Addie’s intrusiveness. It felt so natural to sit in Pops’ living room, his arm around Delaney as they talked. They trudged up the steps to the door where Corbin shoved in the key, turned the lock, and pushed open the door. The two of them practically fell into the shelter of the cabin as they brushed off the snow. Corbin flipped on the lights and looked around.
It was the same as he remembered—exposed rough timber beams on the ceiling, log walls, a wooden staircase leading up to the bedrooms on the second floor, woodsy furnishings. An open floor plan included the living room and kitchen in one big area. He looked at the efficiency kitchen. A kettle was on the stovetop, a dishtowel draped over the oven door. His gaze moved back to the living room, his eyes resting on the emerald afghan draped over the back of the couch—Gram’s handiwork. His heart clutched as memories gushed over him. One autumn, Gram decided to crochet afghans for all the cabins to give them a homey feel. What she thought would take three months took seven, but she completed her goal.
The Reckless Warrior (Navy SEAL Romance) Page 11