by AJ Quinn
It wasn’t that she was immune to other women’s charms. But her time in New York had primarily been held in reserve for work and getting to know herself better. She’d worked long hours, had gone home and slept, then got up and went to work again. And between sharpening her professional skills, the pace in the ER, and becoming comfortable in her own skin far away from family influences, there had been little room for anything else.
But this—this was completely different. A happy difference that owed its genesis to the woman taking her skiing in the morning.
Surprisingly, when morning came, there was no conversation about how the previous day had ended. No reference was made to their kiss. Their incredible kiss.
Accepting the status quo for now, Dana put herself in Kellen’s experienced hands and, in no time, she was outfitted in high-quality ski equipment. And because they were going out of bounds, she also found herself equipped with an avalanche transceiver, probe poles, a shovel, and an air bag.
“Perhaps I need to remind you this is all new to me, and the demands of med school and practice mean I really haven’t skied much in years. But I did grow up in New England, remember?”
“That’s not skiing.” Kellen emphasized her point by rolling her eyes. “But duly noted. What you need to keep top of mind is that skiing in Colorado backcountry comes with an inherent risk of exposure to avalanche. And there are laws governing out-of-bounds skiing.”
“Laws? Really?”
“Really. The resort is only responsible for avalanche control inside the ski area boundary. That’s not to say avalanches don’t happen within resort controlled areas. They do. But once you pass through that boundary, you’re truly on your own until search and rescue can get to you.”
“Okay.” Dana studied each piece of equipment and followed as Kellen explained how to use it before packing it in a small backpack. “I get most of it. But an air bag?”
Kellen nodded. “It’s built in and actually increases your chances of survival if you ever find yourself caught in a slide. When you pull the trigger on the shoulder strap, the bag will inflate behind your head and shoulders. It increases your overall buoyancy and decreases your odds of being buried.”
Shuddering as an unexpected chill swept through her, Dana decided it was best not to think about it too much. Instead she’d concentrate on having the best Alpine SAR had to offer as her guide.
A short time later, a high-speed chairlift dropped them in the midst of hundreds of acres of wide-open bowls and some of the most spectacular scenery Dana had ever seen: a perfect deep blue sky, beautiful valleys under a blanket of white, and stands of snow-laden evergreen and aspen trees shadowed by the ever present mountains.
“My God, it’s so beautiful.”
Kellen’s ski goggles prevented Dana from seeing her eyes, but the width of her smile said she wholeheartedly agreed.
She reminded Dana again that her skis would feel different from anything she’d previously used, but because they were wider and shorter in length, it would also take less effort to make turns. “The motion is more a shifting of weight,” she said and demonstrated what she meant. She waited and watched Dana copy her movements, ensuring she was comfortable.
Clearly reassured, she started them through some gentle trails, moving slow and easy while Dana got used to her equipment, and increasing the challenge gradually when she saw what Dana could do. Taking them near the bottom of one of the bowls, she taught Dana how to maneuver in deeper powder.
There were times when Dana admittedly lost focus as she watched Kellen execute textbook perfect turns. She’s so damned beautiful. The high cheekbones, the smooth line of her jaw, the awesome smile…and the killer body. During those moments, it took little effort for Dana to imagine what was beneath the ski suit, all long and lean, smoothly muscled, and very naked.
Of course, those were the times when Dana ended up facedown in the snow or on her ass. But each time, Kellen reappeared by her side, pushed her goggles up to reveal eyes that rivaled the blue of the sky, and patiently helped her up. All without saying a word beyond ensuring she wasn’t injured.
*
By early afternoon, Kellen noticed Dana was struggling a bit. She circled and stopped alongside. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay. I think I just need a moment to catch my breath. I keep forgetting how high we are.”
“No problem. We’ll take a break and grab a bite. There’s no need to push and if you’re still tired after you’ve rested and eaten, we’ll head back.”
Kellen scanned the area before choosing a spot she knew for a well-deserved break. Leaning both pairs of skis against a fallen tree, she pulled out sandwiches and a thermos of hot chocolate from her backpack.
Clearly hungry, Dana unwrapped a sandwich and wolfed it down.
“Hey, slow down,” Kellen teased. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”
“Good, because I find I’m ravenous. Must be all this fresh air and exercise.” An instant later, she reached for another sandwich.
The sandwiches were consumed, the hot chocolate vanished, and they relaxed and talked about everything and nothing at all for nearly an hour. Noting the time, Kellen asked, “Since you have your breath back, do you want to ski a bit longer or would you rather head back?”
Dana smiled. “I’m ready for more if you are.”
“I’m always ready,” Kellen responded with a wicked grin.
The next hour and a half turned into the sexiest ski lesson Kellen had ever given. Standing behind her with her skis straddling Dana’s allowed her to put her hands on Dana’s hips or shoulders to correct her form. And with each breath, she inhaled the clean, fresh, and tantalizing essence of Dana’s skin.
Kellen closed her eyes as the scent evoked a series of tangible images. The warmth of the sun on her face, a cooling breeze, clean mountain air, and unfettered freedom. That was what Dana’s scent reminded her of.
“Kellen?”
She opened her eyes and realized they’d stopped moving. “Sorry. My mind wandered somewhere.”
“No problem. But judging by the smile on your face, I hope you let it wander wherever it went more often.”
That could be very nice, Kellen thought, as she began to lead the way home. It had been a good day, and with the shadows lengthening, there was no sense in taking any unnecessary risks.
The sense of bonhomie lingered until they were back, standing in front of Dana’s cabin.
“Do you want to come in for that drink I promised you?”
“I’ve still got to take Bogart out for a run.” She paused for a moment. “Thank you for today. I had a terrific time.”
“Can we do it again?” Dana asked.
Kellen nodded. “Of course. In the meantime, try to soak in the tub so you don’t get stiff. If I didn’t have to go, I’d give you a rubdown. Maybe next time.” She could only hope.
*
Dana awoke early, as had become her habit, still floating on the euphoria from yesterday’s skiing. It would not be her last, she promised herself, as she got ready for the day. Her coffee, for some reason, was never as good as what Kellen made. So after giving up on yet another futile attempt, she grabbed her boots and jacket and wandered toward the office, hoping Liz hadn’t felt abandoned yesterday.
She called out a cheerful good morning to Cody as she entered. Something was off in the girl’s expression. She could sense it immediately but didn’t know her well enough to interpret what the problem might be. But as she approached Annie’s office, she couldn’t shake a sudden and oppressive feeling of dread, so strong it left her momentarily dizzy.
She found Annie in her office. But she wasn’t alone.
Two men in dark suits turned toward her as she stopped at the door, uncertain if she should enter. One of the men was immediately recognizable. “Special Agent Grant. Back so soon?”
“Special Agents Grant and Owen are here to meet with Kellen,” Annie said, her voice indicating she was none too pleased.
&nbs
p; “Why? Wasn’t your last visit bad enough?”
“Dr. Kingston, it’s not our intention to cause problems for Ms. Ryan,” Grant said. “But there’s been another killing. A SAR volunteer was killed at Yosemite two days ago.”
“Whoever he is, he’s escalating. But we’ve been unable to turn up anyone with a potential motive for these killings,” Owen said, taking over the conversation. “It brings us back to Ryan and whoever she was prior to ten years ago. If the killer is someone from her past, then she’s our only link. She needs to talk to us. Tell us who she was and what she’s hiding.”
Dana’s thoughts troubled her and she turned to the only person who might be able to help. “Annie?”
“I’ve already checked,” she said. “Kellen’s in the gym putting the teams through their paces. We’ll go and talk to her. And if she needs help, I’ve already spoken with my father. He assured me all it will take is one phone call and he’ll have a team of lawyers here within three hours. We’re not going to let Kellen get steamrolled. You have my word.”
Grant grimaced. “Ms. Parker…Annie, you don’t really need to get the senator or his lawyers involved. We’re not looking to steamroll anyone, least of all Ms. Ryan. I empathize with the position she’s in. But we need to stop whoever’s behind these killings—”
“Not at Kellen’s expense,” Dana said.
“Exactly,” Annie added. “That’s why Dana and I will be present when you talk to Kellen. And if need be, we will shut everything down until my father’s legal representatives can get here. Is that understood?”
Grant nodded while Owen looked less than pleased.
*
Kellen stood to one side, clipboard nestled in her folded arms, as she watched her teams go through this morning’s version of the obstacle course she’d set up for them. Into the pool. Out, then up, over, and down the other side of a rope net. Back into the pool. The second station was an inverted rope climb. Back in the pool, then finishing with a single rope climb and ringing the bell at the top.
The teams went through in pairs—one from each team. It brought out the natural competitiveness in their blood, the need to be the best, along with a lot of good-natured catcalls. And after a sleepless night, watching them go through the familiar routine calmed her nerves.
“How are they doing?”
She turned to find Liz, the newest member of the medical team, closely watching the action. “They’re good. The best. But then in SAR, physical fitness is a way of life.”
“Does that include everybody?”
Kellen nodded and smiled. “Anybody who goes out on a rescue. So if you’re interested in going out with the team sometime, I’m here every morning.”
Liz looked at her intently. “Would you be interested in going one-on-one with me? Maybe let me know how far I’ve got to go to qualify?”
The challenge in her voice was unmistakable. Kellen had read the background documents Annie had provided and knew Liz had been a medic in the army before going to work for USAID. And just by looking at her, it was obvious she had stayed in shape. Kellen knew if she accepted a challenge it was always possible she’d lose. But she’d never passed up a challenge yet.
“Hey, Tim. Take the clipboard and stopwatch for me, would you?”
Tim walked over and grinned. “Are you going to have a go?”
Kellen nodded. “Tim, meet Liz, our new physician’s assistant, who I believe just challenged me.”
Tim’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding.”
Liz shook her head. “I never kid when it comes to fitness.” She flexed an impressive biceps for good measure.
“Um…Kel, are you sure you should be doing this?” Tim asked.
She answered by dropping her sweatpants to the floor, leaving her in knee-length spandex shorts that mercifully covered her latest stitches, if not all of her scars. Dropping her hoodie on top of the pants left her in a racer back tank top that revealed some of the faint crisscrossing scars on her back if anyone looked too closely, a tattoo of a phoenix covering a bullet hole, and a freshly bandaged arm. “Absolutely. Shall we go?”
Liz looked at the scars on her knee and the bandage on her arm as they lined up at the edge of the pool. “No disrespect, but are you sure this is a smart thing to do?”
Kellen grinned and dived cleanly into the water the instant Tim yelled go. When she got to the net, she climbed quickly, not bothering to place her feet on the ropes, relying completely on her upper body strength. She was flipping over the top when she saw Liz hit the bottom of the net.
She considered simply dropping to the floor, something she might have done a year ago. But she doubted her knees would handle the additional punishment and opted to climb down. Her decision enabled Liz to close the gap as she hit the water a second time. But Kellen made it up on the inverted rope climb and the gap stayed that way as they headed for the final rope climb.
In the end, Liz hit the bell only a couple of seconds behind her.
The teams gathered round, joking good-naturedly and making comments about Kellen slowing down with age. Kellen laughed as she extended her hand to Liz once they were back on solid ground. “Well done. You can come out with my team anytime.”
“Thanks,” Liz responded. “I’m looking forward to it.”
She was still laughing when she saw Annie and Dana standing near the entrance of the recreation center. But her smile disappeared as she recognized one of the two men standing behind them.
*
Dana licked suddenly dry lips as she watched the ongoing obstacle course challenge. She attempted to tear her gaze away but couldn’t. She’d actually been mesmerized from the moment Kellen tossed her hoodie and sweats onto the floor. The move left her in a tank and spandex shorts that lay smooth and tight on her skin, so that every muscle showed. Dark hair, blue eyes, dusky skin.
Perfect.
She couldn’t say she was surprised to see Kellen taking part. Although she didn’t know her well enough to predict her course of action with any regularity—something she planned to rectify as soon as possible—she recognized the competitive streak that ran through all the SAR team members. The desire to be the best. Doctors weren’t all that different.
Her heart pounded in sync with each breath Kellen expelled as she completed each segment through to the final rope climb. Unrushed, despite Liz closing the gap between them. In total control of every movement she made. A perfect blend of grace, strength, and determination.
She looked glorious in victory, laughing joyously and extending a hand to her vanquished challenger in the true spirit of competition.
Dana also knew the moment Kellen saw the two FBI agents. One instant she’d been laughing, standing in the midst of razzing and cheering team members as she and Liz Shaw congratulated each other. In the next, her movements suddenly slowed. There was a perceptible stiffening of her shoulders and her smile vanished as she turned and cast a long, hard look in Calvin Grant’s direction before looking away.
The team sensed the change and circled protectively around her, uncertain of the problem, but ready to defend her if needed.
Dana half expected Kellen would simply walk away in the opposite direction, knowing her team would cover her back and prevent the two FBI agents from following her. She continued to watch nervously as Kellen took her time putting her sweatpants back on. Saw her pick up her hoodie, stare at it, and keep it in her hand rather than put it on. Then she slowly made her way across the gym to where Dana, Annie, and the two agents were standing, stopping when she was less than five feet away.
Owen broke the silence. “You need to talk to us.”
Kellen stared at him through narrowed eyes. “I don’t know you. Nor do I have anything I need to say to you.” She cast her eyes on Grant. “You I do know. And if there’s anything we need to talk about, this isn’t the way to do it.” Without another word, she turned and walked into the changing room.
Owen made a move as if to follow her but was stopped as both Dana
and Grant stepped in front of him.
“Dana, why don’t you go in and talk to Kellen,” Annie said quietly. “See if you can convince her to come to my office to talk. Let her know we’ll support her in whatever she decides, and that the support includes my father. In the meantime, I’ll take these gentlemen back to the office to wait for you.”
Dana thought she heard Owen start to protest, but she didn’t stick around long enough to listen. Leaving the disgruntled FBI agent for Annie and Grant to sort out, she followed Kellen. She could hear the shower running and dropped onto a wooden bench to wait.
It didn’t take too long, but when Kellen finally appeared, the first signs weren’t promising. Her hair was hanging wet, dripping onto a towel draped on her shoulders, but she was dressed in jeans and a turtleneck sweater. A frown appeared to have permanently settled over her brow and her body was rigid with tension.
Without saying a word, Kellen sat on the bench beside her and added socks and boots to what she was already wearing. Intensely aware of the temper radiating from her, Dana decided to play it light. “That was an amazing display you put on during the obstacle course. So tell me, do I need to protect my new PA?”
Kellen scowled. “You’re thinking you need to protect Liz? You did notice she nearly beat me, didn’t you?”
“Actually, my money was still on you.” Dana smiled. “If Liz had gotten any closer to you, I was certain you would have found the energy you needed to go just a little harder and ensure you won.”
“I’m touched by your faith.” Drawing in a sharp breath, Kellen clenched her jaw. “Tell me, are you here as the Judas goat, sent to lead me to slaughter at the hands of the FBI?”
“Damn it, Kellen, of course not,” Dana said. “You know better than that. I’m here as a friend. Now put away the lousy mood.”
“Some people would say it’s the only mood I have lately.” She finished toweling her hair, tossed the wet towel into a laundry hamper, then shook her head slightly, so the dark locks fell in some semblance of order.