MacKenzie had called ahead on Klein’s phone and her parents were waiting for her at the airport Monday morning. Her sisters were both at work so she’d have to catch up with them tonight. Her dad drove her to her apartment. There was a lot of crying and retelling of every detail. She made the mistake of saying too much about Isaac. Her dad was scowling as her mom beamed.

“When do we get to meet this boy?” her mom asked.

“Yeah, when?” Her dad punched a freckled right fist into his large left palm.

MacKenzie laughed. “Maybe after I go back for the wedding. It’s not like we have some commitment. I just like him.” A lot.

“We’ll see if you like him after I meet him,” her dad grumbled, but MacKenzie could tell it was for show.

She hugged them both and promised to visit before she flew back to Crested Butte on Wednesday for the Thursday wedding. After they left she wandered around her apartment. It didn’t feel like her spot anymore. She’d lived alone for years, but she didn’t want to be alone right now. She changed into workout clothes and ran the mile and a half through the humidity to the gym. Crested Butte and cooler weather as she hiked through gorgeous terrain with Isaac seemed very far away. Her training group met at the gym most afternoons after work, so hopefully they’d be here.

She walked in and the front desk girl squealed, “MacKenzie. You’re back! Are you okay? We heard you died or something.”

MacKenzie forced a laugh. Or something. “I’m still alive.”

“I’m so glad!”

“Thanks. Is any of the group here?”

“Peter and Lexi.”

“Okay. Thanks. Good to see you.”

“You too.”

MacKenzie made her way to the training room, relieved that Vince wasn’t here. She’d never appreciated his extra touchiness, but after having Isaac touch her, she knew she’d be even more repelled by Vince. He was a nice guy so she hated to be mean and tell him to back off, but she needed to soon. It wasn’t fair to him when all she could think about was Isaac and was already counting down—two more days and she’d be back in Crested Butte. Hopefully Isaac wouldn’t be upset that she left, but he should understand that she needed to see her parents and friends.

Peter and Lexi were all hugs, exclamations, and grins when MacKenzie walked in. She finally got them to settle down enough to work with her on some strength training. She hadn’t done anything but hike since she’d been gone and didn’t want to lose her strength. They were doing dead lifts when the door opened. MacKenzie dropped the weighted bar and whipped around. For one insane moment, she thought the tall, broad, dark-haired man was Isaac, then he came out of the shadows.

“MacKenzie,” Vince whispered her name almost reverently. He hurried across the floor and stopped in front of her. “I thought you were dead. The police said you were missing. Are you okay?”

MacKenzie was touched by the sincerity in his handsome face and grateful he hadn’t grabbed her or anything.

“I’m okay. Crazy, scary story, but I’m excited to move past it and get back to life.” Life meaning hurrying back to Crested Butte to determine if anything was going to happen with her and Isaac.

“I’m all for getting back to life.” Vince grinned, wrapped his arms around her, and whipped her off of her feet.

“Vince,” she protested.

He whirled her around like she was the prize at the fair then pulled her in and pressed a kiss to her lips. The door slammed. MacKenzie had no clue if someone had come in or left. She only knew she had to stop this now.

She used all of her strength to strong arm him away from her. “Vince. Stop.”

He pulled back and she took a huge step away. Peter and Lexi were watching the two of them with unabashed interest.

“I met someone.”

Vince’s eyebrows dipped together and Peter and Lexi took a step closer.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know if you meant anything by that kiss, but I met someone who I am very interested in and I …” This was getting uncomfortable, especially with the scowl on Vince’s face. Was she assuming too much or not enough? “I’m going back to Colorado to be with him in a couple of days.”

Lexi lit up. “You have to tell us the story.”

Peter nodded his agreement. They all looked to Vince. His shoulders slowly relaxed. “I’m sorry, Kenzie. I always kind of hoped.”

“I know.” She wished she could lie to spare his feelings and say she’d hoped for something too, but she wasn’t going to lie again, ever. “But I really fell hard for Isaac.”

They all gathered around and forgot about strength training for a while as MacKenzie shared her story of the past few weeks. Reliving it again was both terrifying and wonderful. Her longing for Isaac kept growing and growing. She hoped she could make it through the next few days so she could be with him again.

* * *

Isaac exited the plane later that afternoon with MacKenzie’s apartment address programmed in his phone and a growing hope in his heart. He was going to see her soon. How would she react? He was more nervous than a first-time bull rider.

He used the Uber app and within minutes a driver had picked him up and they were cruising toward MacKenzie’s apartment. Tucker’s pilot had told him he’d refuel and wait until Isaac told him if they were going back tonight or tomorrow. The pilot said it was no worry and just to keep him informed. What a crazy life his brother-in-law and friends lived. To have a jet and a pilot at your disposal? Isaac didn’t know that he’d ever have that kind of money, but that was fine. The thought of finally being able to go full time with his business was enough for him.

He arrived at MacKenzie’s apartment. It was nice, just a little north of downtown. She had a doorman who welcomed him in and asked who he wanted to visit.

“MacKenzie Gunthrie,” his voice felt raw and he swallowed hard.

“Oh, our sweet MacKenzie. You just missed her, young man. Can I leave her a message?”

Isaac’s shoulders fell. He’d missed her. Haley had given him MacKenzie’s cell number. Would she have her cell back after all she’d gone through or would the FBI have it? “Do you know where she’s gone?”

“Ah. I can’t give out information like that.”

Isaac nodded. “Of course. Sorry. I’ll check back in a little while.”

“Did you come from far away, son?”

“Just flew in from Colorado.”

“To see MacKenzie?” A bushy white eyebrow rose.

“Yes. She’s been staying at my family’s ranch the past few weeks.”

“Are you Isaac?”

He jolted. “Yes.”

The older man smiled. “That girl’s a spot of sunshine for me. She told me a bit about what happened and how Isaac saved her.”

Isaac’s heart picked up. She’d talked about him with her doorman. That had to mean something.

“Now, I’m not saying where she is, but she was wearing some of those spandex clothes.”

Isaac smiled at the thought of seeing MacKenzie in spandex.

“And she really likes to train for those Spartan races at some gym called Reach. Corner of Chicago Avenue and Paulina,” he whispered out of the side of his mouth.

“Thank you.” Isaac wanted to hug the old man. He settled for a hand shake then he hurried out of the door and put the address and gym name into his phone. A mile and a half. He should get another Uber, but he set off on foot instead. He could probably beat an Uber, the way he was soaring. He made it to the gym and was sweating from the humidity. He was accustomed to Crested Butte’s cooler temperatures. The air conditioned interior was a relief.

A young blonde perched over the front desk. “Can I help you?” Her eyes trailed over him as her tongue trailed over her lips. Oh, no.

“I’m here to see MacKenzie Gunthrie.”

“Really?” Her unnaturally dark eyebrows arched up. “Why?”

“Can you please tell me where she is?”

“Sure, honey, I’ll tell you whatever you want.”

Isaac waited. “MacKenzie?” he asked again.

The girl pointed, red lips pouting from him obviously not taking the bait. “Through that door is where they train for Spartan.”

“Thanks.” He gave her a genuine smile and she sighed dreamily. Isaac turned and hurried for the door before she got any ideas. He swung it open to see MacKenzie being whirled in some dude’s arms. The guy lowered her to him and kissed her. Isaac’s heart stopped. No. MacKenzie had a boyfriend. No! Why hadn’t she told him?

He let the door fall closed and turned, slowly making his way back past the receptionist. “Did you find her?”

He shook his head, unable to talk, and walked back into the oppressive air. Something inside begged him to wait and talk to MacKenzie, but he couldn’t handle seeing her with that guy. Isaac had assumed she was unattached and had fallen for him and only him. The fact of the matter was she’d been scared and Isaac had been there. He didn’t think MacKenzie was the type for casual relationships, but that was another stupid assumption. Isaac had told her he loved her and she hadn’t responded. She obviously had a boyfriend and at the first opportunity had flown back to Chicago to be with him.

Isaac texted the pilot that he wanted to fly back to Colorado as soon as possible then ordered another Uber. He officially decided that he hated Chicago and would never come back again.