“No, I’ll probably just kill the kid. Any boy stupid enough to dump my daughter doesn’t deserve to live.”
“That’s pretty darn funny.” She waved a hand. “Your protective streak might just span the whole lake.”
“I know. I really do need to dial it back. I’m here with you, though, so I really am trying hard not to hover. I read about helicopter parents in a magazine at the dentist’s office, and the thought that I might be one is terrifying.”
“You have too much common sense.” She slid her arm around his waist and squeezed. “I don’t see you as a micromanager, and Keely definitely isn’t spoiled, as far as I can tell.”
“That’s a relief.” He stood and pulled her up into his arms. “Thanks for making me feel better about how I’m raising her. Sometimes it’s rough not having any support and feedback.”
“I don’t want to ever butt into your business with unwanted advice.” She stood on her toes to kiss him. “But I won’t shy away from giving my opinion if you ask for it.”
He kissed her back, taking the embrace to a much higher level. Nina was dizzy with need and completely breathless when he finally let her go.
She held on to his forearms to steady herself. “If that’s my reward for a few supportive comments, I may never shut up.”
“Since we’re in full public view of anyone walking by, I figured I’d better quit before we got arrested.” His voice was a low rumble that grazed her ear. “Remind me why we left the privacy of our room.”
“The view. I know. Stupid, right?”
“Shortsighted for sure, because now I have to return to the lodge with my pants cutting off the blood supply to my—”
“Stop!” She couldn’t quit laughing. “It can’t be that bad.”
Turning his back to the deserted trail, he pressed her hand to the rigid fly of his jeans. “Want to feel for yourself?”
Her body tightened and heated. “You do have a problem.”
“Completely your fault, but I’m going to grit my teeth and bear it.”
Giggles bubbled up. “I hope not literally or you will be arrested.”
“Funny. Let’s go. If we can’t do the deed here and now, I guess we’ll have to go eat dinner instead. I need sustenance for the night ahead.”
Nina wouldn’t have minded in the least leaving her palm right where it had been. Instead, she tucked her hand through his arm as they hiked back to the trail. A flurry of emotions swirled inside her, happiness warring with her innate caution.
“I can’t remember the last time I simply let go and laughed. Just so you know, I’m not usually the giggly type.”
He smiled down at her. “No, your humor has an ironic twist.”
“My first impression of you the day you moved in was to wonder if you were always so serious. I guess we’re good for each other.”
“I’d sure like the opportunity to put that to the test.” He hesitated for a moment. “I want to spend more time with you after we get home. This past week, I didn’t much enjoy looking out my bedroom window at night and seeing the light on in yours. I wanted you beside me.”
Joy, along with a hint of relief, burst inside her. “What about Keely?”
“I’ll always worry my choices might hurt my daughter.” Teague stopped and turned to face her. With a gentle hand, he brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. “But I trust you. I believe in what we have, and I’m ready to take a risk.”
“Wow.”
“Wow? That’s all you have to say?”
She swallowed back tears. “Yeah. I haven’t been this happy in a long time, maybe ever. Thank you for your faith in me. I don’t intend to abuse it.”
He pulled her into his arms.” Thank you for just being you. I love you, Nina.”
“I love you, too.”
Chapter Twenty-one
If she could gain the child’s confidence, taking Keely—no, not Keely. The beautiful girl was her own Lynette. She would never use that other name, even in her thoughts. If Lynette grew to trust her before the big day, bringing her home where she belonged would be much easier.
With both Teague and Nina gone on their romantic tryst, this morning would be all about laying the groundwork. Anger burned in her chest. No father worthy of the title would desert his child to go off to fornicate with a woman who was no better than a tramp. The fact that the man in charge of Lynette’s well-being could be so shortsighted reinforced her certainty that saving her child from this untenable situation was urgent. Vital.
God’s will.
In the foggy morning chill, she shivered and hoped she wouldn’t have to wait too much longer for her chance. She’d thought about searching Nina’s house again for the lottery ticket, but surely she would have set the alarm before leaving town. Not a risk she could take.
When the screen door creaked open, it seemed like a sign from above. She straightened but kept out of sight behind the shed. If Lynette wasn’t alone . . .
Her girl skipped across the porch with the damn dog at her side, but Stella was nowhere in sight. Coco glanced in her direction, growled low in her throat, then barked.
“What’s wrong? Hey, a squirrel.”
The dog shot down the steps, tearing off in pursuit of a squirrel stupid enough to run headlong toward Nina’s yard instead of scampering up the nearest tree. Lynette raced after her pet but lost steam when Coco disappeared into their neighbor’s backyard. She paused beside the mailbox and kicked a loose rock.
“Don’t worry. Your dog won’t catch that squirrel. It’s too quick.”
“What?” Lynette spun around, her pink princess dress swirling around her ankles. “Hey, you were at the park. What are you doing at my house?” She backed up against the mailbox, eyes wide.
“I don’t live very far away, and I was just out for a morning walk.” She smiled, unable to contain her joy at being so close to her daughter. Emotion swelled up inside her like a balloon ready to burst.
“Oh.”
“Don’t you remember me?”
“You said you saw a bunny. Then Nina was mad because I talked to a stranger.” Lynette glanced over her shoulder. “I should go inside.” Raising her voice, she shouted, “Coco, come here right now.”
Why doesn’t she know her own mother?
Forcing back a cry of disappointment, she clenched her fists at her sides. They never did in the beginning, but this time should have been different.
“You can’t be too careful these days, but I’m not a stranger. I’m Lynette’s mother.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “The girl I talked to on the beach?”
“My daughter isn’t feeling well today, but maybe you’d like to come over to play sometime soon. That would make us both happy since we don’t often have company.”
“Lynette was nice. I can ask my dad when he gets home.”
“No reason to just yet since I’m not sure when she’ll be well enough for a playdate, but I’ll be in touch.” She laid a shaking hand on Lynette’s shoulder. “That’s a pretty dress.”
“Today I’m Aurora.” She scowled. “I lost my Belle dress.”
“I’m sure you’ll find it again soon.”
When Coco came running across the lawn, barking to wake the dead, she stepped back.
“Keely, what’s all that noise about? Did you get the newspaper?” Stella’s booming voice preceded her as the door swung wide.
Turning sharply, she hurried away. Sweat dampened her brow, but she forced herself not to run, which would surely trigger all Stella’s protective instincts.
“Who were you talking to?” The question cracked like a shot in the morning air. “Come back inside right now. Coco, stop that racket.”
The barking and voices faded. A close call.
Still, nothing awful had happened, and she’d had a wonderful conversation with Lynette. She’d gained her trust. Soon they’d be together again. Very soon.
But first she had to get rid of the impostor. The day of reckoning was close. She co
uldn’t wait.
* * *
Teague slowly opened his eyes. Contentment flowed through him like a gentle wave as he tightened his arms around Nina. Warm and naked, she molded to his side. A glance toward the window where bright sunlight streamed through told him they’d slept late. Not a surprise after waking more than once to make love in the dark hours of the night. But that didn’t stop him from wanting her again.
He had a feeling he’d never get enough of this woman. “Teague?”
“You’re awake.”
She yawned and pressed a hand to her mouth. “Hard to sleep when I’m being prodded in the hip.”
“Sorry.” He grinned. “Morning boner.”
“Then maybe we’d better do something about it.” She rolled him onto his back and lay full-length on top of him.
Before he could breathe, let alone think, he was buried deep inside her. He didn’t move, just held on tight and savored the connection.
“Do you know how good this feels?” She rested her cheek against his neck. “Remember when you were a kid, snuggled in bed on Christmas morning, knowing it wasn’t time to get up yet, but anticipating the excitement of opening your presents? That’s what waking up with you is like.”
“You’re the only gift I want.” He ran his hands up and down her back, gliding calloused palms over silken skin. “But you’re already unwrapped.”
She pressed kisses against his collarbone. “Clothes are overrated. They just hinder the process.” Taking her time, she pulled forward, then settled more deeply over him.
He laid his head back and groaned. “Are you ready to find out what’s inside that package?”
“I’ve been holding out for years, waiting for something this special. I stopped believing I’d ever find a man who could make me happy.”
“That’s the goal.” Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her deeply as he moved inside her. “This. Just this.”
She clung to him as he increased the pace. They moved together, heat flaming between them. When he couldn’t hold on for a moment longer, he rolled her beneath him and pushed them both over the edge . . . into heaven.
His ringing cell phone tugged him back to reality. Reaching toward the bedside table, he grabbed it just as the call went to voice mail. With a grunt, he slid off Nina and flopped over.
“Who was it?”
“I don’t know. I need a minute to gather my wits. I’m practically brain-dead after that.”
“I can relate.” When she stretched, the sheet slid down to her waist.
He swallowed hard, his gaze glued to her breasts. Surely he couldn’t—
“Maybe you should check.”
“Huh?”
“To see if the call was important.”
“Oh.” Focusing on the phone, he tapped the screen to bring up the voice mail and put it on speaker.
“Teague, this is Stella. Something strange happened this morning. I’m a little concerned. Call me.”
He jackknifed upright to return her call. His heart pounded in an erratic rhythm until she answered. “What happened?”
“No need to panic. Keely is fine, but a woman approached her when she ran outside to get the paper this morning. I found it odd but in no way threatening.”
He pushed a hand through his hair. “What woman? A neighbor?”
“She said she was on a walk and lived nearby. But she took off pretty quickly when I came outside, so I didn’t get a look at her. Keely’s only description was that she’s old like me.”
He met Nina’s gaze. “Sorry about that.”
“Just telling it like it is.” Stella snorted. “Anyway, I wouldn’t have thought too much about it until Keely said this same woman approached her at the park last week. She’s the mother of some girl your daughter met on the beach, and she asked about a playdate. The whole situation didn’t sit right with me, so I called. Sorry to spoil your morning.”
“It’s not spoiled.” He eyed Nina, who scooted back against the pillows and clutched the sheet to her chest. “But I’d appreciate it if you’d mention the incident to the camp counselor. I don’t want this woman trying to talk to Keely again when I’m not around until I speak with her first.”
“I definitely will. As it is, I’m sorry I let her go outside after the paper by herself. I should have been watching her more closely.”
“She likes to run out to get it in the morning. Don’t beat yourself up over that.” He met Nina’s troubled gaze. “We might leave here a little earlier than anticipated. I’ll plan to be back in time to pick Keely up from camp this afternoon.”
“Are you sure?”
A weight settled on his chest, but he nodded. “Yeah, I am. Thanks for calling me, Stella.”
“I felt like you’d want to know.”
“You made the right decision. Drop by whenever it’s convenient, and I’ll have a check ready for you.”
“I’ll do that. Bye, Teague.”
He dropped the phone on the bed, then swung his legs over the side. “What the hell?”
“Keely’s fine.”
“Yes, but I don’t like the idea of someone I don’t know approaching my kid.”
Nina scooted forward, then reached down to scoop her robe off the rug.
“Stella said this woman is her age, which is probably mid-sixties. Isn’t that awfully old to have a young daughter?”
“I figured she was the girl’s grandmother when I saw them on the beach the first time.”
He turned slowly. “You know this woman?”
“No. I saw her at a distance with a scarf over her head. But she moved like an older person, if you know what I mean. I actually painted the girl . . . her daughter.” She stood and tied the belt on her robe. “A quick rendition while she stood at the edge of the water. Keely talked to Lynn—something like that—for a few minutes when we were at the beach on a different occasion.”
“I feel better about this woman approaching Keely, then.” His frown lifted. “She didn’t necessarily seek her out. Just a neighbor being friendly. I still have that city mentality of looking for danger in every random encounter. I’m not used to small towns where people are friendlier.”
“We do tend to say hello to perfect strangers.” Nina headed toward the bathroom. “I’m going to take a shower. If we’re leaving soon . . .”
“About that . . . A knee-jerk reaction to run home to protect my kid before I thought it through.” He slowly rose to his feet. “I promised not to do that to you again. I can call Stella back. We don’t have to cut our day short.”
“Not necessary. I think we both got what we hoped for out of our overnight date.”
Guilt ate at him. “But you were going to sketch the lake.”
“Really, it’s fine.”
She disappeared into the bathroom before he could protest further. The door shut behind her with a sharp click.
* * *
Something was definitely on her mind. Teague could only hope he hadn’t completely blown it. Again.
He ordered a ham and cheese omelet before sitting back in his chair, but the easy companionship of the previous evening was missing. Nina sipped her coffee and stared out the window at the spectacular view of Crater Lake. Other than placing her breakfast order, she hadn’t said two words.
Reaching across the table, he touched her hand. “Hey, is everything okay? You’re awfully quiet.”
The smile she turned in his direction didn’t reach her eyes. “Just thinking. Having kids is like putting yourself into a perpetual state of worry. I know Leah and Ryan want to start a family in the near future, but I don’t know if I’d make much of a mom.”
He frowned. “Why would you say that? You’re great with Keely. She adores you.”
“Sure, because she has fun when she’s with me. But when I’m focused on my art, which is nearly all the time, I can be pretty self-absorbed. I didn’t see that woman approach her at the park. It scared the crap out of me when I turned around and couldn’t find her immedia
tely.”
He set down his coffee mug with a thump that splashed hot liquid onto the tablecloth, leaving a stain. “What are you talking about?”
“You heard Stella. The woman approached Keely at the park last weekend when I was watching her. She took her into the parking lot to see a bunny.”
“And you were . . .”
“Painting while she played on the slides and swings. When I turned to check on her and didn’t see her, I freaked. As soon as I shouted her name, she ran back between two cars, but my heart stopped for that moment before I knew where she was.”
Teague took a couple of deep breaths and held his tongue while the waitress delivered their food. After he thanked her and she left, he stared down at his plate. “So you thought it was okay to let my daughter run wild in a public park without paying attention to where she was at all times?”
Nina’s fork clattered against her plate. “I was constantly checking on her. It took me twice as long to finish my painting because of it.”
“But she disappeared from sight in only a matter of seconds.”
“I guess so.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me about this before now?” he asked.
“Keely was fine, so I didn’t see the need. Anyway, you were tired when you got home from work that night, and I had some phone calls to make. By the next day, I’d forgotten all about it.”
He cut into his omelet but left the bite on his plate. “Shit.”
“Are you angry with me?” Her voice rose. When the couple at a nearby table glanced over, she lowered her tone. “If you’ll recall, I was doing you a favor that day.”
“Yeah, you were.” He stuffed eggs in his mouth and chewed furiously but could barely swallow. “I thought I could trust you with my daughter.”
She closed her eyes. When she opened them again, both irritation and hurt were reflected in their green depths. “So now I’m irresponsible and unreliable? Every mother in that park was on her cell phone, not keeping her attention glued to her child each second. You said yourself you let Keely run out to get the paper in the morning.”
“Apparently I shouldn’t, but I thought I was in a safe neighborhood.”
Lost Innocence Page 21