Sound of Summer

by Annette Broadrick

  "I'll put some water on to heat and fill a tub for you, if you'd like."

  She smiled warmly at him, touched by his thoughtfulness. "That sounds wonderful." She sank down into the chair by the table and pulled off her boots. Flexing her toes with a sigh of pleasure, she watched as he pumped the water, set it on the stove and started a fire.

  "I'm afraid it will take a while to get hot."

  "I don't mind, as long as you don't have somewhere else for me to hike to."

  He laughed. "No. While you're bathing I'm going to check on the Jeep to make sure the tires were changed. I was hoping to find a message somewhere that everything has been taken care of."

  "What do you expect to happen?"

  "No one is sure. Right now our visitors are being monitored. They're planning something—something big—but you are no longer involved."

  "How did that happen?"

  "We gave them the slip. By now they realize it."

  "But won't they look for us here?"

  'I'm sure they did, just as I'm sure all roads leading into this area are under their surveillance. But I'm fairly certain they're convinced you're long gone from here."

  She nodded. "I've discovered that I much prefer my intrigue and spy stories as a script, nothing more. I don't know how you've managed to live that sort of life."

  "It gets to you after a while. Either you become as cold and callous as the people you're dealing with, or it begins to eat deeply into your soul."

  "You didn't become hard."

  His gaze fastened intently on hers. "I did, but eventually even I couldn't stomach the reality of my life. I had to get out."

  "Do you intend to live up here permanently?" she asked, looking around the room with affection.

  "I haven't thought that far ahead. It was enough that I had a lair to hide in while my body healed and my mind attempted to find its way back to civilized thinking."

  "I'm so sorry that I brought all of it back to you."

  He slowly walked over to her and placed his hands lightly at her waist. "I'm not. I'll never be sorry for having the chance to meet you—to get to know you." His mouth gently brushed against hers. "You're really a very special person."

  Selena relaxed in his arms and he drew her closer to him, his kiss softly searching, a careful restraint. She knew he had no intention of deepening their relationship.

  Did she?

  Of course not. She had her own life, a flourishing career and good friends. Regardless of how deeply her feelings ran for him, Adam wanted nothing from her but friendship. That was enough. It would have to be.

  Adam glanced over at the stove. "Your bath awaits, milady," he said with a smile. He pulled out an oversized, oblong tub that had been stored underneath the kitchen cabinets. With deft movements he poured the boiling water into the tub, adding cold water from the pump until the water level rose to a satisfactory point.

  "Why don't you go ahead and relax. I'm going to check on the Jeep. If we have wheels, perhaps I can get you out of here today. I'm sure you're ready to rejoin the civilized world by now."

  After he left, Selena stood staring at the door. The thought of leaving him was repugnant to her, and she had to remind herself firmly that he was a friend—a friend.

  Stripping off her grubby clothes, Selena crawled into the tub with a sigh of sensuous enjoyment. Nothing could feel better than the deliciously warm water flowing so smoothly against her tired muscles. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

  The cooling water finally convinced her she had to get out and dress. Adam's absence was definitely going to draw to a close shortly, and she didn't want to embarrass either of them by still being in the tub when he returned.

  After drying herself, she found clean jeans and a tank top to put on. It was time to go looking for him.

  She didn't have to go far. Just as she rounded the corner, she saw him coming up from the trail leading to the road. She waved. "I thought I was going to have to send Duke out to find you," she called.

  His grin lit up his face as he took in her well scrubbed appearance. "Hardly. I discovered I was getting hungry and thought I'd come back and dump you out if I had to, so I'd have room to prepare a meal."

  He lengthened his stride, but he was still some distance away when he heard a gunshot and saw Selena suddenly spin and fall to the ground. A second shot whined past his ear, and he rolled to the ground. The ambush was coming from the trees opposite the front door of the cabin.

  Staying low, he rapidly crawled to where Selena lay. Blood poured from a wound in her side and she was unconscious.

  The bitter curses that fell from his lips had no power to undo the damage. He measured the distance to the cabin. He had enough weapons in there to repel an attack, but the most important thing was to get Selena to a doctor. She needed immediate help.

  Another burst of gunfire brought an answering volley from somewhere close by, and Adam saw Eric and two other men closing in. Help had arrived, but he wondered if it were too late to help Selena.

  He felt for her pulse. It was weak but still discernible. Carefully gathering her in his arms, he started back down the hill. Two cars were pulled up beside the Jeep with one man standing nearby.

  "We've got to get to a hospital—right now!"

  The man swung around and climbed into the closest car. "Get in. I'll get you there as soon as I can."

  Adam had no conception of time as he held Selena in his arms during that long drive out of the mountains. She whimpered and he leaned down to her ear. "You're going to be all right, darling. I won't let anything harm you."

  But he had. He had stood there, unable to prevent her being shot.

  Her eyes flickered open. "Adam?" she whispered.

  "Yes, love. I'm here. We're going to the hospital right now."

  "What happened?" Her voice was barely audible.

  "I'm afraid I was a little too smug. I thought we'd beaten them—but they found us after all."

  "My side hurts. It feels like it's on fire."

  "I know, love, I know. Just take it easy." He pulled her closer to him, nestling her head into his shoulder.

  Had trouble followed him or was it all just a ghastly coincidence? He couldn't allow himself to consider that Selena had received a bullet intended for him. That way of thinking lay madness.

  Adam strode through the emergency entrance of the small county hospital with Selena in his arms and was met with professional efficiency. Within minutes she was being prepared for surgery. The bullet had lodged itself in her side. A higher calibre bullet might have ripped a hole in her back as it went through.

  He refused to consider that she might not recover.

  Selena hurt. Her side felt as if it had been sandblasted. Her throat was so dry she could barely swallow, and her lips felt parched. If only her eyelids didn't weigh so much she'd get up and get a drink of water.

  Why did her side hurt so much? Had she fallen? She remembered the long hike with Adam back to the cabin, but she didn't remember falling.

  "Adam..." she murmured.

  She heard someone shift in a chair nearby, and a hand reached out and gently touched hers. "I'm here, love."

  Selena tried to force her eyes open without success. Had the makeup woman glued them together or something? When was the last time she'd had a drink? "So thirsty,'' she mumbled.

  A sliver of ice was placed on her hps and it tasted delicious. Eagerly she opened her mouth for more, her tongue touching the cold piece with greedy desire.

  "Does that help?" His voice was barely audible.

  She tried to nod but her head wouldn't cooperate. Adam picked up her hand and laid it against his cheek. She could feel the beginnings of a beard. When had he last shaved? She'd have to tease him about his Grizzly Adams appearance.

  If only she could get her damned eyelids to work. Maybe if she had someone trim the eyelashes—would that make them lighter? She was still trying to decide, when she fell asleep once more.

  The next
time she woke up, her eyes were much more cooperative. She gazed around the small room with vague curiosity. The decor left a great deal to be desired. Pale green walls surrounded her. A small window was shuttered against the light by aging Venetian blinds. There were two chairs in the room— one against the wall near the door, the other pulled up beside the bed. The one by the bed was occupied.

  Selena turned her head for a better view. Adam was asleep, his head resting on the back of the chair, his body lounging. He looked awful. He hadn't shaved in days, and his clothes were rumpled. He looked nothing like the Adam she knew.

  He still looked wonderful to her, though. She wondered why they were there. The room had very little going for it. The least he could have done was found a room with two beds. Poor man—he looked exhausted.

  The door whispered open and Selena fought to change the focus of her eyes. Why did it seem that everything she did was in slow motion? A young woman in a white, zippered jacket walked in. She wore a nursing cap on her dark hair. Aha. My powers of observation have not deserted me in my time of need. That woman is a nurse. It would be a safe assumption to believe that we are in a hospital.

  Selena was proud of herself. A tidy piece of deductive reasoning if she'd ever experienced it. She tried to smile but her lips felt as if they'd crack into a thousand tiny pieces.

  The nurse took her pulse then checked her blood pressure and temperature with equipment that looked like something out of a science fiction movie. Digital readouts flashed on, and she quickly jotted them down. With efficient movements, the nurse slightly shifted Selena, picked up a syringe and deftly inserted the needle into Selena's hip. She was surprised to discover the shot had been painless and smiled her appreciation.

  Both women glanced at the sleeping man and refrained from speaking. Selena tentatively licked her lips, and the brilliant nurse poured her a small amount of water on cue. Either she could read minds or most patients woke up thirsty. Someday she'd have to ask her.

  Patting Selena's hand, the nurse turned around, looked at Adam with a slight smile and departed.

  Selena went back to sleep watching Adam.

  When she woke up again, he was gone.

  Chapter Nine

  Selena lay there wondering where Adam could have gone and wished she hadn't slept so soundly that she hadn't heard him when he left.

  The door opened and she eagerly watched to see who came in. Another nurse entered, carrying a tray. "Good morning. I've brought you something for breakfast. Are you hungry?"

  Selena didn't know. She felt as though she were floating several inches above the bed and wondered if the shot the other nurse had given her could have something to do with the sensation.

  "Where's Adam?"

  Her voice sounded raspy, and she tried to clear her throat.

  "Adam? Oh, you mean your friend? I saw him leave about an hour ago. Probably needed to get cleaned up." She smiled at Selena. "He hasn't left your side since you were brought out of recovery."

  "Recovery?"

  "Yes. They had to remove the bullet that hit you."

  Interesting. A bullet had hit her. She tried to recall when it could have happened. She remembered her sinfully long bath and her going out to look for Adam. She even remembered his loping stride up the incline toward her. What then?

  She must have been shot. "Was Adam hurt?"

  "Devastated, from what I could see." "I mean, was he shot?"

  "No. But I've never seen a man so beside himself when he brought you in."

  "How long have I been here?"

  "Three days."

  "Three!" It didn't seem possible. No wonder he'd looked tired. She hoped he would be back soon.

  After a breakfast of clear broth and hot tea, Selena slept until early afternoon. When she drowsily opened her eyes, Clay Kenniwick sat in the chair next to the bed, studying her.

  Clay was not tall but had the heavy chest and arm muscles of a wrestler. His golden beard was sculpted to a strong jawline, but his beard couldn't conceal the broad grin when she opened her eyes.

  "It's about time, Goldilocks."

  "Have I been sleeping in your bed?" she asked plaintively.

  His grin turned into a chuckle. "Not likely. Carolyn would never understand." He glanced around the room in disgust. "This was not what I had in mind when I suggested a quiet, restful vacation."

  "It wasn't? I don't understand why not. I have all the comforts of home, my meals brought on a tray. I don't have to lift a finger."

  "The question is, can you lift a finger?"

  One eyebrow lifted in a quizzical gaze.

  "Come to think of it, I haven't tried." Selena glanced down at her hand lying on the white sheet and tentatively wriggled her fingers. With a triumphant expression, she said, "There. I can lift a finger with ease."

  He leaned over and kissed her on her forehead. "I'm very glad to hear it. How are you feeling?"

  "Like I've been shot. I had no idea it felt so awful. The television series always makes it look so heroic when a person is shot and he is still able to wipe out the enemy before the commercial. It's not only heroic, it's impossible!"

  "Have they told you we're moving you?"

  "We?"

  He didn't meet her gaze. "The powers that be felt you should be closer to home. You're going to be flown back to Los Angeles."

  "But what about Adam?"

  "Who?"

  "Adam Conroy. You remember him, don't you?"

  Clay shook his head. "Am I supposed to?"

  "He said he knew you—that you'd met several years ago in the Far East."

  He smiled. "I've met a lot of people, Selena, my love. I can't remember all of them."

  "Oh." She couldn't help feeling a little disappointed, but she wasn't sure why.

  "Is this Adam fellow the one who brought you in?"

  ''Yes. He was trying to save me from some spies who had satellite dishes set up in the woods near his cabin and—"

  "Whoa...wait a minute. Whatever they're giving you for pain is making you a little spacey."

  "No, it's not the medication. You just wouldn't believe what's been happening."

  He could see she was growing agitated. He took her hand and deliberately changed the subject.

  "Carolyn sent her apologies for not flying up with me, but right now she's having an uncomfortable bout with morning sickness."

  The diversionary tactic worked. "Morning sickness. Carolyn?"

  He grinned, his blue eyes dancing with a devilish gleam. "Umhnnrimm."

  "I take it you aren't too upset by that unexpected turn of events."

  "Not really. We had talked about a family in another few years but...what can I say? I have a tough time keeping my hands off the lady."

  Selena smiled, thinking of the way they'd met. Carolyn had given him a tough time from the very beginning. She didn't know anyone who deserved it more! "I suppose that will cut down on some of your traveling for authentic details...at least for a while, won't it?"

  He shrugged. "Probably, but I've got enough data to draw on for several more novels and a few dozen more television episodes. I'm not too worried."

  Selena shifted restlessly in bed and Clay tensed. "Are you in pain?"

  She grimaced. "A little. I was just wondering why Adam hadn't returned. I hate to leave without at least thanking him for saving my life."

  "Does he live somewhere nearby?"

  "Hardly. He lives like a hermit on top of one of the mountains with a Great Dane."

  "Are you sure he intended to come back?"

  The innocent question smashed into her with unexpected force. What made her trunk he'd be back? Was it because he'd stayed by her side for three days and nights?

  "I don't know," she finally admitted.

  She was so pale. Clay had never seen her like this and it worried him. He stood up, taking her hand. "You can always drop him a line to thank him once we get you home."

  "Yes."

  "Look, you try to get some rest, and I'
ll make the final arrangements for the transfer. You'll be your old self in no time."

  She nodded, her weighted eyelids drooping. She felt so dopey. Maybe when she woke up again, Adam would be there. Selena went to sleep with a slight smile on her face.

  Adam sat staring into the empty fireplace, Duke's chin resting on his knee. Selena seemed to haunt him. He remembered so much about her—the way the sunlight highlighted her hair, the warm blond waves dancing as she hiked along the trail, the sound of her infectious laughter when she was amused, and she found so much about fife to amuse her.

  Her enjoyment of fife and her ability to see the humor in almost any situation seemed totally foreign to him. For too long his survival had depended on his facing the grim facts of life. He'd never had time to relax and enjoy the common, everyday occurrences. He felt as though Selena had introduced him to a whole new perspective on life. He missed her.

  How could someone become such a necessary part of his fife in a few short days? At least he was going to be honest with himself. His love for her was what ate at him.

  He got up and strode to the door, jerking it open. The calm vista that had been a soothing balm over the past months beckoned to him. Snapping his fingers for Duke, he waited for the dog, then closed the door and stepped outside.

  He had to decide what to do. Or had he unconsciously made his decision when he left the hospital without speaking to her again? The doctor assured him she was out of danger, and he knew if he stayed any longer, he'd tell her how he felt about her.

  He started up the trail to the meadow where he'd spent so many enjoyable hours fishing. Maybe that activity would be a panacea for him once again.

  He knew he had nothing to offer her. They didn't even have that much in common. She would probably burst out laughing if she knew how he felt about her. She had everything in her life in order, and once she returned home she would no doubt quickly forget about him. He wished he believed he could forget her. All he could do was try.

  Selena's hospital room in Los Angeles looked considerably different from the county hospital. Warm colors covered the walls, and the room had so many flowers in it that she wondered if she should open a florist's shop.