MacKenzie said goodbye to the elderly lady and her forty-something daughter. The two had about bought the store out. She gave a happy squeal after the door shut. If she kept selling like this, Haley would have to teach her how to do ordering as well. She missed being at home, teaching her second-grade students and training for Spartan races, but it felt good to be productive again. Thankfully, school wouldn’t start for another seven weeks so at least her students wouldn’t be thinking she was dead.

She sank into the chair, a satisfied grin on her face.

The door squeaked open and she called out, “Hello, welcome to Sugar ‘n Spice.”

Brad strutted in, white teeth flashing against his tanned skin. “So are you the sugar or the spice?”

MacKenzie fought to keep her face neutral. She couldn’t smile at this guy, after learning what he’d done to her friend. How was she going to kick him out of the store? “I think you should leave.” Might as well be direct.

Brad’s lips turned down but he recovered with an easy chuckle. “Guess you’re the spice.”

“Please leave.”

Brad ignored her request and strode to the desk. “I thought we had a great time last night. What’s going on?”

Guess he was going to be direct also. “Haley called.” She arched an eyebrow.

He watched her carefully, no indication of the guilt he should feel. Several seconds passed and the silence became heavy. “And?” he finally prompted.

“And I know all about … what you did to her.”

He tilted his head to the side. “That I’m Taz’s father?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “And it wasn’t consensual.”

Brad’s face filled with sadness. “Is she still stuck on that story?” He took a long breath. “That was a really bad night, MacKenzie. We both had too much to drink and we were young and dumb. Look, I shouldn’t have let things go as far as they did, but I know she was willing. You have to believe I would never take advantage of a woman.” He paused and searched her eyes. “Can you believe me?”

MacKenzie studied him. Either he or Haley was blatantly lying. She wished she could say for sure it was him, but the honest truth was she had only been around Haley at girl’s camp a couple weeks each summer and then come and stayed with her and her family that one time. They weren’t the closest of friends who told each other every secret. Her gut said to trust Haley, but Brad’s sincere look was planting a seed of doubt.

“The Turnbows have always hated my family. Isaac and Trevor wouldn’t allow me to be part of Haley’s life, they’ve always kept her and my son away from me.”

MacKenzie hated trying to wade through the truth. Something about seeing Brad bloody and prostrate yesterday had made her want to watch out for him. She could imagine Isaac and his dad being fiercely protective of Haley, but was it fair to keep a man’s son from him if he and Haley had both been drinking and allowed things to get out of control?

MacKenzie’s gut tightened. She hated herself for doubting Haley and couldn’t stand the thought of Haley or Isaac skewing the story in their favor. If they were deceiving to her about this then maybe she wasn’t in a safe spot. Here she thought she’d run to safety, but really, what had she run to?

“You know Haley is just trying to make me look bad so you’ll date Isaac instead of me.”

MacKenzie’s breath caught. The thought of dating Isaac filled her with all kinds of desires she had no right to be feeling.

“But you’ve seen how violent Isaac can be. Do you really want to be around a man like that?”

As quick as the good feelings for Isaac had come they disappeared. Brad was right. She’d seen Isaac hit Brad so hard he knocked him down. Before watching the murder she might’ve just written off the punch as men having a dispute, but now she could hardly stomach violence.

Brad’s shoulders drooped when she still didn’t talk. “I’ll let you think about things, but please, MacKenzie.” He reached out and squeezed her arm softly. “Give me a chance to prove I’m not the monster Haley and Isaac try to make me out to be. I felt a real connection with you last night and would really like to get to know you better.”

MacKenzie simply looked at him. She didn’t know how to respond, especially with her thoughts going a million directions, confused and worried about the situation she may have put herself in, and feeling guilt for doubting her longtime friend.

“I’ll come talk to you later,” Brad said.

She managed a curt nod before he turned and walked out of the store.

MacKenzie went through the motions of greeting customers, stocking shelves, ringing up purchases, advising on decorative arrangements, but her mind was somewhere else. Maybe it was time to cut her losses and leave. Where could she go? She had five dollars to her name. She could wait until she got paid or contact her parents to wire more money, but that seemed really risky. For sure Squire or the FBI would be monitoring them now.

She drove home to Haley’s house in an almost catatonic state. This morning, after the policeman had pulled her over, she’d been excited and nervous, wanting to confront Isaac about remembering her and their kiss years ago. Now she wasn’t sure who to trust or where to turn. Was Brad really the monster Haley and Isaac were making him out to be? Or was Isaac unstable and violent? Should she be leery of her friend’s brother, especially because of her attraction to him? MacKenzie’s brain was spinning and she didn’t know how to pinpoint which one was lying to her or why. She was hiding her own truths so she didn’t want to judge too harshly, but it was all so sticky and confusing.

She parked her car in front of the cottage. Easing out of the old Honda and standing next to it in the warm summer evening sun, she wished she felt brave enough to go for a run or even better an intense hike. It would be heaven to push her body and clear her mind. She glanced around wistfully at the verdant mountains. Oh, how she wished to hear that Solomon Squire had been caught and her fears were over, but with the new information Brad and Haley had both given her, she found that there were fears waiting everywhere.

She couldn’t bear to sit and stew inside her house so she hurried to her bedroom and put on a tank top, workout shorts, and some running socks and shoes. Maybe if she just ran up some trails close to the ranch, she wouldn’t be afraid. Isaac’s dad, Trevor, seemed like a good old boy who would watch out for a woman. She’d had that instinct the first time she met him years ago, but now she wondered if she could trust her instincts.

Wandering through the ranch, she remembered Haley taking her on a hiking trail through the canyon to the west when she’d visited before. As she passed a large shed, she jumped when a loud popping sound rang out, like the gunshots that had hit the safe house. Scurrying against the building, she searched for a shooter, but saw no one. The sounds came again from inside the shop. Her heart was beating almost as loudly.

Drumming up bravery she didn’t feel, she peeked in the open doorway. Isaac had his back to her and sparks were flying from his welding torch as he manipulated a metal loop. The popping sound came from the torch.

MacKenzie relaxed and watched Isaac as her heart rate returned to normal. He was wearing that darn transparent cotton shirt again, guess he probably had been all day. MacKenzie suddenly wished she hadn’t been at work and could’ve spied on him today in that shirt.

As he worked, the muscles in his arms, shoulders, and back flexed time and again. MacKenzie forgot all about hikes and watched him, maybe drooling a little bit, but she wouldn’t admit that to herself.

He turned slightly and must’ve spotted her because he turned off the welder and took off his welding helmet, gloves, and the weird leather drape thing that had been hanging from his helmet. Giving her a slight smile that she found much too sexy, he leaned against the counter. “Hey.”

“Hey,” MacKenzie whispered, licking her lips, glad he hadn’t advanced on her because she probably would’ve wanted to touch him instead of running away like she should.

“You going running?” He nodded toward her outfit.

“Yes.”

“Do you like to run?”

“Yes.”

He smirked at her. Good criminy, she was a school teacher. She was capable of more than these one-word answers. “I like to hike a lot too.”

He straightened up and took a step toward her. MacKenzie wondered if she should retreat, but there was only camaraderie in his expression. No indication he might kiss her again. Darn.

“I love to mountain bike and hike.” Isaac brushed a hand through his dark curls and MacKenzie wondered if they were soft or stiff. She wanted to touch just one.

“Would you want to go … together?” Isaac asked. “I could show you some fun trails.”

MacKenzie gnawed on the inside of her cheek. If Brad was to be believed, Isaac was dangerous. She’d seen him hit Brad, but she remembered him saying as he did so to stay away from MacKenzie. Had he been protecting her? Haley seemed to think that Isaac should’ve hit Brad more. Did she dare take the risk of going with Isaac? She would absolutely love to escape to a hiking trail and not worry about her situation for an hour or two. But the past two weeks had irrevocably changed her and trust was in short supply.

“No,” she muttered and his face fell. “Maybe some other time.” She backed away from the doorway, feeling his eyes on her.

Breaking into a run, she headed to the trail. Her legs tired quickly as she tried to maintain a quick pace up the slight incline. Everyone claimed the altitude was tough and she believed them now. Her head pounded and she felt lightheaded.

Enclosed by trees, her gaze darted from side to side. She was safe here. She was on Isaac’s property still and from the reports she’d read online last night Squire was believed to have fled the country. What if an animal, or one of Squire’s men, or …

Her breath came in quick bursts and it wasn’t all from exertion. Her chest started to tighten.

The bushes to her right rustled. MacKenzie darted away from whatever was concealed in the thick greenery, a small scream escaping her lips. The bush exploded and her scream escalated. A huge bird of some sort took flight.

MacKenzie stopped in the middle of the trail, resting her hands on her thighs and just breathing. “Just a bird, just a stupid bird.”

She couldn’t do this. All she wanted was some simple exercise and Squire had taken even that from her. She couldn’t close her eyes at night. She couldn’t lead any kind of normal life.

“Aargh!” She screamed out in frustration.

Footsteps pounded up the trail behind her. No, just when she thought she was safe. MacKenzie leapt into action, taking off further into the canyon. Such a dumb move, but all she knew was she had to run. If the person or large animal coming at her meant her harm, where would she escape? Could she dodge off the trail and race back to Isaac? Beg him to protect her and take her hiking with him somewhere she wouldn’t be terrified of every bird in the bush?

“MacKenzie!” the man called out from behind her.

She stopped, sweat pouring down her back and her breath coming in gulps that were quickly turning into sobs. “Isaac?” she whimpered.

He rounded a corner and leapt over a rock as he rushed to her side. Wrapping her in his arms, he rested his cheek on her hair, his breathing ragged. “Are you okay?”

MacKenzie nodded against his chest, loving that he’d come for her. The safety of his nearness washed over her. She had to trust him, she just did.

“I am now,” she whispered.

He pulled back and searched her body as if checking for injuries. “What happened? I heard you scream.”

“A bird.” She shook her head in disgust, wishing she could confide in him why she was scared of everything. “I guess I’m not used to running alone in the wild.”

Isaac smiled at that. He kept his arm around her, escorting her back toward the ranch. He didn’t speak for a few minutes, then he asked hopefully, “Does that mean you’ll go hiking with me?”

MacKenzie’s breathing had calmed after her scare and she savored the scent of Isaac’s musk and metal scent and the pine trees surrounding them. Isaac would make it possible for her to run or hike and feel safe while doing it. Yes, she still had questions about him and some of the things he’d done and said, but she did know that he would never hurt her or allow her to be in danger in any way.

“Yes,” the single word escaped her before she could take it back.

They reached the farm yard and Isaac released her and grinned at her. She had to lean against a nearby farm truck for support. He could divert political debates with a grin like that.

“I’ll hurry and change.” He turned toward his trailer, giving her arm a brief squeeze on his way. MacKenzie stayed where she was, her arm tingling, hoping she’d made the right decision.

* * *

Isaac could hardly believe MacKenzie had agreed to go hiking with him. She’d been ticked at him after he kissed her and when he’d waved and smiled at her this morning she’d scampered away like he was going to hunt her or something. He’d about had the panic attack she looked like she was having when he cautiously followed her up the trail to the old hunting cabin and heard her scream. He hated seeing her scared, but was thankful for the chance to hold her again. Him being there to help her had changed her stance on going hiking together.

He wanted to take her on the Blue Lake Trail but that hike was fourteen miles and he didn’t think she’d want to be out on the trail after dark. The Copper Creek Trail was about nine miles round trip and they didn’t have to go the entire way to the lake, but he thought she’d love the Judd Waterfall at the first of the hike, and the scenery on the rest of the route. Plus, they could walk side by side most of the way and talk. There was something odd going on with her. She was far too scared of everything and she had apparently driven that piece of crap car all the way from Chicago. He’d noticed she was wearing Haley’s clothes, and he’d never seen her with any kind of phone but the basic Samsung Haley used for the store.

He hurried out of his trailer and found her by his shop. “We’ll have to drive to the trailhead. It’s up past Gothic.”

“Oh, okay,” she responded quietly, and he worried she was already regretting her decision, but she didn’t say anything and walked by his side to his truck.

He got her door and was grateful he’d cleaned the hay and dust out of his old Chevy truck a few days ago. She was quiet as they drove the five miles to the trailhead. He tried a few times to start a conversation but got one word answers. Why was she being so quiet? His lips twisted. Was it because of whatever she was scared of or was she scared of him because of how he’d reacted with Brad yesterday. Dumb, dumb, dumb. He’d have to be on his best behavior, even if Brad showed up.

He bypassed the lower parking lot and bounced up the hill to the higher lot. She jumped out of her side before he could rush around to get her door. He’d have to be quicker next time.

As they started walking, he smiled to himself. He loved this trail, especially in the summer, hiking through the aspen and pine trees on a path covered with pine needles and smelling of the earth.

The first little bit was a dirt road wide enough they could walk side by side. “Did we drive all the way here just to walk on a road?” she asked.

Isaac glanced quickly at her. “It gets better. I promise.”

She laughed and gestured around. “I’m teasing, this is beautiful.”

His shoulders lowered. She was relaxing and enjoying nature. That was a relief after her earlier reaction to a bird taking flight.

Isaac looked at the forested mountains and soaring peaks. It was beautiful. He was lucky to live in a valley where everything was centered around being out of doors. They made it to the single file trail that lasted a half mile until they reached the falls. The path was strewn with rocks. He gestured for her to go first so she could set the pace. He enjoyed the view as he walked behind her and was very impressed with her speed. He was breathing hard to keep up with her.

As they reached the first scenic spot on the trail, Judd Falls, he took her arm and helped her down to the overlook. It was almost as much fun to touch her as it was to see the delight on her face as she stared at the falls below. “It’s cool to look down on a waterfall instead of up.”

Isaac nodded. “It is. Do you hike a lot in Chicago?” He couldn’t imagine there was much hiking there.

“There are a few great hikes through the trees, but you have to drive a while to get to them. I mostly run along the lake and train for my Spartan races …” Her voice trailed off and she studied the waterfall and river instead of him.

“You’re training for Spartan?” Isaac glanced over her physique. It was impressive, there was no doubt about that, but she was long and lean, not overly muscular like he would imagine a woman would have to be to compete in Spartan races.

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

“You’re just really… thin for Spartan.”

They started walking slowly back up Copper Creek Trail in the direction of the lake. It widened so they could walk side by side with the trees on either side, the mountains showcased to their left and the river below on their right.

MacKenzie grinned at him. “I’m not thin, I’m wiry.” She said wiry with an Irish accent that made him chuckle, then she flexed and he had to admit it was a very nice, wiry arm.

“Wiry, huh? What’s with the accent?”

“Haven’t you seen Replacements? Keanu Reeves? Goofy football show where the NFL goes on strike?”

He was drawing a blank. “No.”

“You should watch it, it’s funny, but there’s this Irish kicker who has no muscle and he claims he’s wiry when someone questions his athletic ability because he’s so scrawny. It’s kind of a joke with me and my friend who trains for Spartan with me.”

He liked being privy to her jokes. “We should watch it sometime, together.”

“Maybe.”

Isaac couldn’t help but smile. He might get to spend more time with her. “I’m still hung up on how impressive it is you do Spartan races. I’d love to watch you compete sometime.”

She looked away. “Have you watched them on television?”

“Yeah, I’ve seen a few.”

“Our team is hoping to make it to the finals by next spring.”

“That’s great, but why are you here then?”

“Um, just needed a little escape before school starts.”

His stomach dropped. She wasn’t going to be here long. “So you’re just here for summer.”

“I hope so.”

It was just like before when she’d come. He’d been a dumb teenager then but had completely fallen for her. She’d left for home shortly after he kissed her and they hadn’t talked in over ten years.

“You’re in school?” he asked.

They upped their pace as the path flattened out. He knew most people complained about the high altitude when they came here to hike or mountain bike, but she didn’t seem to be affected by it.

“No. I teach school.”

“Really? What age?” He knew far too little about her.

“Second.” She smiled at him. “They’re fun little monkeys.”

“I bet they love you.”

She shrugged. “Of course.”

Isaac chuckled. “So, Spartan training has got to be tough.”

“Yeah, our team is ripped. It helps me want to step it up.”

He felt a sudden pang of jealousy. He’d only seen Spartan races a couple of times but the men were all shredded and seemed to be pretty handsy as they helped the women over obstacles. “Where’d you meet your team?”

“The gym. I might be the most wiry, but I can hold my own, especially with the spears and running.” She tossed a brilliant grin at him.

Isaac could just bet she held her own. She’d definitely held her own with him the other night. He couldn’t really imagine this beautiful woman tossing spears though.

“Speaking of tough, you seem to be a pretty brawny welder,” she drawled out.

Isaac chuckled. She thought he was brawny. Yes. “I like doing it.”

“Were you working on stuff for the ranch?”

“No. I do home décor—wall art, centerpieces that kind of thing.”

“Wait a minute.” MacKenzie stopped in the middle of the trail and turned to face him. “You’re Iceman.”

He ducked his head. “I know, the name’s cheesy. It’s something my buddies used to call me in football.”

She was still staring at him with this look of admiration in her eyes that he really liked. “Your work is unbelievable. People just drool over the pieces in Haley’s store, but only a few can afford them.”

“Thanks. Haley prices my pieces a lot higher than I would.” He imitated his sister’s voice, “‘If you undervalue your work, you won’t ever be a success.’” He laughed, but knew his face was probably red. MacKenzie probably thought he was too full of himself and his work. His dad always called him, “Cocksure. Like a rooster who thinks he’s worth more than he is.” He knew his dad was teasing, but Isaac didn’t like it.

“No, I agree. Your pieces are more than worth it. I googled more of your work online and was amazed. Do you sell a lot online?”

“Some, but I need to do a better job with my website and online store. Sadly that takes money or knowledge and time …” He sighed.

“You should be able to hire marketing or web design help if you sell one or two pieces.”

He shook his head and studied the pine trees shadowing the trail. “I’m saving for some property to build a house and shop. Work full time on my welding.”

“Get out from under dad’s thumb?”

“Yep.” She seemed to understand how his dad undermined him. Isaac recognized his dad’s heart was good and he just didn’t know how to interact with an adult son who was still trying to find his place. Isaac had really enjoyed college and all of his business classes, but when his mom had died and his dad asked him to come home, he’d moved back to the ranch without hesitation. He just wished his dad could understand that he needed to be his own man and he loved being artistic. That was probably a lot of it. His dad had said many a time how artists had “frou-frou brains”.

Isaac met MacKenzie’s gaze. “You probably think I’m a loser, living in a trailer and working at my dad’s ranch.”

Her dark eyes were warm. “I don’t think anyone would dare call you a loser, Isaac Turnbow.”

Isaac laughed at that. Did that mean she thought he was tough or she thought he might punch anybody who disagreed with him? He gestured to the mountainside above them. “So what do you think of the hike?” It was almost as pretty as MacKenzie. He watched her study the natural beauty.

“I love it here,” she whispered. “Thanks for bringing me.”

“Anytime.” He really meant that. He wanted to ask if they could be friends again, but didn’t dare bring up that kiss and her furious reaction to it. “So hiking again. Tomorrow?”

She paused and studied him for a minute while biting on her lower lip. Isaac wished he could take control of those lips again, but didn’t want to anger her like he had last night. If taking her on hikes was the path to becoming friends, he’d control his urges to kiss her for a while.

Finally, she gave him a wide grin. “Sure, but I think this time you should lead the way so I can admire your physique instead of the other way around.” She darted up the trail. Isaac took off after her, wondering how she knew he’d been watching her instead of the scenery.

Isaac tried to keep up with her, but he was huffing and puffing. They were a few miles in and crossing their second river when they saw some people coming down the trail.

“What’s up there to see?” MacKenzie asked.

The teenage boys both grinned. Their eyes scanning her fit body. “The lake’s pretty great.”

“How far?”

“About a mile.”

Isaac didn’t tell her it was much longer than a mile away. They nodded to the boys and kept walking. Thankfully, she’d stopped running. He was more of a mountain biker and skier than a runner. Even though some of this trail was level, a lot was still uphill. They met an older couple who also claimed they had about a mile to the lake. Isaac couldn’t hide a smile when the third group they met, a young family carrying a toddler in a backpack told them it was a little over a mile to the lake.

MacKenzie walked on with Isaac, but muttered, “If one more person tells us it’s a mile after we’ve gone another half a mile I’m going to tell them off.”

Isaac laughed. “Like you tell me off?”

She tilted her head to the side and licked her lips. “It is fun to tell you off.”

“I feel special.”

“You should.”

They both smiled, then turned back to the trail and studied their feet on the rocks they were ascending. They met a middle-aged man with a large backpack.

“How far is the lake?” MacKenzie asked, winking at Isaac.

“Oh, bout a mile.”

“Please tell me you’re stinking kidding me right now.”

The man looked confused. “Um, no. It’s a pretty good incline for this last mile and then you’ll be there.” He studied them. “You camping there?”

“No.” MacKenzie pursed her lips in the cutest way. “Do we look like granolas who sleep under the stars?”

“Granolas?”

“You know, like people who take care of nature and eat granola bars?”

The man laughed. “I do have a few granola bars and like to sleep under the stars.”

MacKenzie gave him such a friendly smile, Isaac was jealous. “See? We’re not that tough. We like our beds.”

The man smiled, wished them good luck, and headed off.

Isaac couldn’t hold in the laughter anymore. “You can’t offend anyone even when you try to.” You’re just too cute.

“Yeah.” She shook her head, looking disgusted with herself. “I really wouldn’t want to offend someone. The granola thing just came out. I’m not usually bratty.”

“Oh? I’m not sure about that. You’ve cussed and offended me a few times.”

MacKenzie’s eyes narrowed then Isaac started laughing and she joined him. “I guess you like to tease me.”

“It’s becoming a favorite pastime.”

She blushed and turned away. “Okay. This mile isn’t going to hike itself. Let’s get it finished.”

Isaac knew they were really close to the lake, but didn’t tell her. They hiked up the steep terrain that was the last half mile then they crested the rise and surveyed the small lake below them.

“Well, it’s pretty,” MacKenzie said, “But I’m not sure it’s pretty enough to justify all that hiking.”

“You didn’t complain … too much. Did you not like the hike?”

She laughed. “I liked it. It felt great to move my legs.”

They splashed the cool lake water on each other for a little while then turned back so they could get home before dark. Isaac really enjoyed being around MacKenzie. She didn’t complain, she could tease with him and other people, and she was definitely easy on the eyes. Prettier than any scenery he’d seen and he lived in one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.

* * *

MacKenzie slept even worse after spending a few hours with Isaac hiking. He hadn’t acted like a jerk, far from it. She really liked the way he acted, reminding her of the chill, fun guy she’d known as a teenager when she’d come to visit before. Yet, she couldn’t fall hard and fast for Isaac like she’d done back then. She was an adult, for one, and didn’t need a teenage crush, but the bigger reason was the dangerous situation she was in, and all the lying to Haley and Isaac about why she was here. She’d told Haley she just wanted to escape from the city for a while before school started again. Isaac would probably hate her if he knew she was taking advantage of his sister.

She smiled wistfully as she thought about Isaac and how he’d helped her relax and have fun on the hike after she’d been so terrified by being alone and a harmless bird rustling the bushes.

The next day work passed slowly. She met some tourists from Chicago and it was great to chat about her hometown, though she pretended she’d just visited there. Thankfully, she didn’t see Brad at all. She was frustrated that he would blatantly lie to her about what happened with Haley. At least she hoped he was lying because it would be a nightmare if Haley and Isaac were the ones who were hiding the truth. She sighed. Like she was hiding the truth about running from a murderer and crime lord.

She rushed home after closing up the store, and changed into running shorts and a tank top. Exiting her front door, she came up short to see the huge, handsome man sitting on the porch swing. What would he think if she sat next to him and reached for his hand?

“Hey,” Isaac said. “You ready for another hiking adventure?”

MacKenzie pursed her lips and tilted her head. “Yep. And you promised that I could follow.”

Isaac actually blushed. MacKenzie loved it. She knew he’d been checking her out yesterday and she couldn’t wait to return the favor. He stood and gestured to his truck. “I guess turnabout’s fair play.”

“I never understood what that meant.”

Isaac chuckled and shrugged. “In this case, I checked you out, now you get to check me out.”

MacKenzie laughed and pushed at his side. His very firm side. Of course he didn’t budge. The man was built like a tank. “You’re assuming I want to check you out.”

Isaac escorted her down the stairs and waved a hand over his body. “You wouldn’t want to miss out on all of this.”

“Oh, I think I’d survive.”

Isaac opened the passenger door for her. “Ouch. What if I wouldn’t?”

MacKenzie placed a hand over her heart. “Isaac Turnbow. I didn’t know you were capable of flirting.”

He leaned in and MacKenzie hoped and feared he would kiss her. She had no idea what was developing between them or even if she should let anything develop. Yet, there was something about Isaac that drew her in. It wasn’t just his good looks or strong body. She wondered if she’d misread him and his intentions. Now that she was getting to know him better, he was fun to tease and seemed almost humble and uncertain of where he stood with her.

“I’m capable of a lot of things.” His eyes dipped to her lips then focused in on hers again. Those green eyes. They killed her.

MacKenzie wanted with everything in her to see exactly what he was capable of, but she forced herself to turn and climb into the truck instead. His expression would’ve been comical if her heart hadn’t been thumping so hard and her disappointment so strong at not kissing him again. The long lashes framing his green eyes dipped as if he was shocked and hurt by her not continuing the flirtation, but she needed to slow this desire down or it would steamroll her. He still hadn’t said anything about remembering her from before and she didn’t need a relationship right now.

“What are you two ya-hoos doing tonight?” Trevor appeared next to Isaac.

MacKenzie laughed. “Isaac’s showing me the local beauty.”

“You’re the only beauty I see around here.” Trevor pumped his eyebrows.

MacKenzie laughed louder as Isaac grimaced. “Dad. Really?”

“What? I can still teach you a thing or two about flirting.” He lowered his voice. “You get a girl that pretty in your truck and don’t get a kiss you’re a lily-livered loser.”

Isaac shut the truck door and lowered his voice so she couldn’t hear his response. She sat there trying to decide whether to laugh at Trevor or be half-terrified, half-dreaming that Isaac would prove he wasn’t a lily-livered loser.

They drove north of town and up Washington Gulch, parking next to a small private reservoir. Walking across the paved dam, they turned onto a dirt road. Isaac held the gate open for her, but MacKenzie paused at a sign warning that black bears were in the area and how to prevent an encounter or what to do if a bear attacked. MacKenzie swallowed, ready to run back to the safety of the truck. “Um, Isaac? I put perfume on before we left.”

His cheek crinkled as if he was fighting a smile. “I noticed. You smell great.”

Her eyes widened. “What if a bear thinks I smell great?” She’d wanted to smell nice for Isaac, never thinking of a bear being drawn to her. The city girl wasn’t prepared for bears.

“We’ll run up the trail and get sweaty then they won’t come near us,” Isaac said.

“I’m serious.” MacKenzie glanced over the instructions again. “Fight back if the bear attacks? Yikes. Where are you taking me?”

Isaac smiled. “Don’t worry. I can protect you from a bear.”

“How are you going to do that?” Isaac probably was big enough to take on a bear, but bears had claws and sharp teeth. She shivered at the thought of seeing one.

“They don’t like noise and I can scream really loud.”

“Oh, I feel all kinds of safe now.” She was trying to tease, but her heart was beating hard and fast.

“If that doesn’t work, you just run faster than me. The bear will be too busy chewing on my guts to catch you.”

MacKenzie’s stomach dropped and her palms started sweating. She’d run after Agent Klein had been shot and wondered if she could’ve helped him if she would’ve stayed. No way would she leave Isaac if a bear attacked. She’d fight with everything she could find.

They walked side by side up the dirt road and she tried to follow Isaac’s lead and not be concerned about bears but enjoy the peaceful scenery. Aspen and pine trees lined the edges and it was a beautiful walk, not too steep, so she didn’t have to act like she wasn’t winded while trying to catch her breath like yesterday’s hike. It was warmer this evening and she wondered how far they were going to hike. She’d loved the hike yesterday, but wearing Haley’s shoes had given her a blister on her heel.

Sooner than she expected, they crested the hill and the dirt road turned to a single-wide path. A long, skinny lake framed with cascading pine trees stretched out before them. “Oh, this is gorgeous. What’s it called?”

“Thanks.” Isaac grinned as if he’d created the picturesque spot. “Meridian Lake, but the locals just call it Long Lake.”

“Long Lake fits. Not much of a hike though,” she teased him, secretly relieved they weren’t going nine miles today.

“I know, but we did a big hike yesterday and I figured it’d be fun to do something different.”

“We’ll see.” She winked at him.

“If you don’t love it, we’ll hike Snodgrass to make up for it. The trail’s just over there.” He pointed to the east.

“Glad to know I have options.”

“As long as those options are with me,” he murmured. He gestured for her to go ahead. She mulled over his comment as they walked on the path above the lake. They reached a spot where instead of greenery going right down to the water’s edge there were some spots with black gravel where people were hanging out or swimming.

“Hey,” a redheaded young man with broad shoulders and an even broader stomach called out to MacKenzie, as he floated on a black inner tube. “How’s it going?”

“Good. How’s the water?” she called back.

“Not as fine as you,” the man drawled out then laughed too loudly. “Ask me another one.”

Isaac stepped up next to MacKenzie. “I’ve got one. Why don’t you shut that mouth?”

“You know what?” He paused. “I think I will.” The man cackled. “Isaac Turnbow. What are you doing, you big stud?”

Isaac chuckled. “I’m doing great. How are you, bro?”

“I take it you know him?” MacKenzie asked under her breath.

“Kyle. Went to high school together. Good guy, just really loud.”

“I wouldn’t have hit on the pretty lady if I knew she was yours,” Kyle said.

“Wish I believed that,” Isaac retorted.

“Come swim with us.” The redhead gestured to his group of friends.

“Think we’ll find our own spot.”

“Good plan. I’d keep her to myself too.” Kyle raised his beer can in a salute and leaned back on his inner tube.

MacKenzie shook her head and kept walking. Isaac led her to an area on the north end of the lake where they could hike down and get close to the water. Isaac removed his shoes, socks, and shirt then gave her a warm smile before running and diving in.

MacKenzie watched as he surfaced, his dark hair thrown back from his face and his skin glistening with the water. He was truly a beautiful man.

“Are you coming?”

MacKenzie couldn’t resist. It was going to be weird to swim in her clothes, but it was actually above eighty today, which in Crested Butte meant blazing hot, and the water looked inviting. The handsome man waiting for her in the water looked even more inviting. She untied her shoes and stuffed her socks in them. She walked to the water’s edge in her tank top and shorts, wishing she was a boy and could shed her shirt too.

She walked in, and as soon as her toes hit liquid, she jolted. “That’s a popsicle!”

Isaac chuckled. “Mountain lake.”

“Maybe I’ll just stick my sore feet in and watch you swim.”

“Come on, that’s no fun.” Isaac arched an eyebrow at her.

“Cold water isn’t my definition of fun.”

“It’s not that cold. You get used to it quick.”

MacKenzie shook her head, not trusting his judgment on the matter. Isaac swam her way with sure strokes, the muscles in his arms sleek and strong. She watched, mesmerized. It was only when he stood in waist deep water, and then started running her way, that she realized she was in trouble.

MacKenzie gave a small gasp and rushed for higher ground. She stubbed her toe on a boulder, crying out in pain. Isaac was by her side in seconds. He swept her off the ground. “Are you okay?”

MacKenzie’s breath came in short puffs. She was pinned against Isaac’s well-defined chest and couldn’t form a coherent thought. His skin was smooth with the rounded muscles pressing against her arm.

“I, um, my toe.”

Isaac’s eyebrows lifted.

“Stubbed it,” she managed.

“The water will make it feel better.” His lips curved up in a tempting smile.

“No!” MacKenzie shook her head. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Isaac ignored her and ran into the water until he was thigh deep. MacKenzie wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and held on. If she was going under, so was he. Isaac grinned and instead of throwing her, he leapt with her in his arms. They plunged under the water and the shock of the cold had MacKenzie sputtering and flailing her arms. She broke from his grip as they surfaced. The water was up to her neck, but only to his chest. It was so cold she could already feel her arms going numb.

MacKenzie wiped water from her eyes and smacked him on the arm. “You cretin! That’s freezing cold!”

Isaac backed a step away. “I’m sorry, MacKenzie. I shouldn’t have …”

“You’re right, you shouldn’t have.” MacKenzie dragged her arm through the water and flung it at him. Isaac caught a mouthful. “And now you’re sorry!” she cried out, laughing and dodging away from him. She swam quickly out into the deeper water. Now that she was all the way in and moving, her body adjusted fairly quickly to the cold water. She loved to swim and savored the weightlessness and the feel of cool liquid against her skin.

Isaac swam up next to her. “No hard feelings?”

“No. It feels great.”

He treaded water and smiled. “I like this no-worries MacKenzie.”

She returned the smile, though her stomach pitched. What would he think if he knew how great her worries were? Rolling over onto her back, she floated and gazed up at the wide, blue sky and the gray and white streaked clouds touching the pine trees along the mountain’s ridge. Isaac floated next to her and took her hand in his. MacKenzie gently kicked. Isaac couldn’t be more right; she also loved this no-worries MacKenzie, but knew it couldn’t last.

They swam around the lake for almost an hour then finally made themselves climb onto the shore and let the setting sun dry them as they sat on a patch of grass. MacKenzie’s stomach grumbled, but she snuck a peek at Isaac’s chest and smiled to herself. He was definitely yummier than ice cream.

“What are you grinning at?”

“You.”

“Oh, yeah?” He raised a questioning eyebrow. “You were checking me out, weren’t you, Mac?”

“Mac?” MacKenzie sputtered.

“You need a nickname. And you need to admit that you like looking at me.” His green eyes trailed over her, sparkling with a challenge.

“Mac! Like I’m a truck or a boy or something. You like fighting with me, don’t you?”

Isaac chuckled. “I like the fire in you, that’s for sure.”

“You’ll see fire if you try to call me Mac again.”

Isaac reached over and lifted the wet hair from her shoulder then brushed his fingers across the bare skin of her shoulder. His touch left tingles in its wake. “I think you’ll grow to like it, Mac.”

“Well, think again.” But she was hiding a smile. A nickname? Hmm. It added a layer of intimacy. “Am I so masculine you need to give me a nickname like that?”

“Nothing masculine about you.” He trailed his fingers down her arm and squeezed her hand. “But I’m sure you’ve been called Kenzie by lots of people. I wanted to be different.”

She pulled a face. “Different is right.”

Isaac laughed again.

The sun dipped behind the mountains and MacKenzie shivered in her wet clothes. They slipped into their shoes and Isaac offered her a hand up.

“You can put your shirt back on,” she said.

Isaac tilted his head to the side and studied her. “I would, but then you couldn’t check me out as well.”

MacKenzie forced a mocking laugh. “In your dreams, big boy.” She walked past him to the trail with his laughter following her. Isaac offered her his shirt when she shivered again. The walk back was happily accomplished with his masculine smell surrounding her, no bear sightings, and MacKenzie able to sneak glances at Isaac’s chest when he was looking at the scenery.

They reached his truck and arrived at his ranch northwest of town before too long. MacKenzie was sad their time together was at an end. She’d enjoyed being with him far too much and where she had looked forward to working at the home décor store to keep herself occupied, now she dreaded it because she couldn’t be with Isaac until after work.

He rushed around to get her door and escorted her up the porch steps. MacKenzie slipped off his shirt and handed it to him. He tugged it on and smiled. “Smells like you.”

She bit at her lip, not admitting she’d thought it smelled like him. She knew she looked like a soggy mess, but Isaac’s gaze was warm and complimentary as he turned to face her. “Thank you for going with me, Mac. It was fun.”

“Everything but your lame nickname.”

He smiled and took a step closer. “You like it and you know it.”

She shook her head and arched back to meet his eyes. “You’re much too sure of yourself, do you know that?”

His eyes widened in surprise. “I wish I was more sure of myself with you.”

“What does that mean?”

“If I was sure of myself I’d do this.” He wrapped his arms around her lower back and slowly drew her closer, giving her a chance to escape if she wanted to. She didn’t want to.

“See, much too confident. Most men would ask permission.” MacKenzie’s heart thudded against her chest, her skin tingled from his strong body brushing against her.

“Most men would ruin the moment then.”

She silently agreed, but didn’t want to stroke his ego.

Isaac paused inches from her lips. His warm breath tantalized her and made her want to pull his head down. “Friends?” he whispered.

MacKenzie laughed. “I don’t kiss my friends.”

Isaac arched an eyebrow and brushed his thumb along her jaw line. “More than friends?”

MacKenzie swallowed hard. “Maybe. Let’s see if this kiss can convince me.”

“Oh, it’ll do more than convince you.”

“Much too confident.”

“With reason.” He pulled her against his body with his strong hands and covered the inches separating their mouths before she had time to give a smart response. MacKenzie melted against him as he explored her mouth and made her ache to be even closer. Isaac held her tenderly, working his enchantment on her mouth. A couple of days ago she’d been exasperated with him, now she wanted to spend every spare minute talking, touching, kissing. He finally pulled back.

“That was almost as good as our first kiss,” he said quietly.

She smacked him on the arm. “So now you’re admitting that you remembered?”

Isaac looked confused. “Of course I remembered. How could I forget you or that kiss?”

MacKenzie forgot about smacking him again and instead threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I felt so bad that you’d forgotten.”

“Ah, Mac.” His green eyes took on a wicked glint and his firm lips turned up in a grin. “Every time I’ve kissed you it’s been like heaven wrapped up as a beautiful brunette.”

MacKenzie blushed. “Thank you. When I came here last week you teased me about trying to snag a billionaire. I was so excited to see you again and it was like you didn’t even remember me.”

Isaac’s huge frame overshadowed her as he gently traced his finger across her cheek and then her lips. “Believe me. I haven’t forgotten this.”

MacKenzie sighed as she stared into his green eyes. Suddenly, she heard footsteps coming from the road. MacKenzie clung to Isaac, fear wrapping itself around her stronger than even Isaac’s arms. Was it Squire? His men? The FBI? How could they have found her?

“Isaac,” she whispered. “We need to go.”

Isaac shook his head. “What?”

“He’s … found me.” She could hardly talk through the fear choking her. Could they make it to Isaac’s truck? Where would they go? Would Isaac protect her or would he not want to get involved? So far he’d shown every inclination to protect her, but this was huge. Squire would kill Isaac without thinking twice.

“My dad’s found you?”

MacKenzie was jolted back to the safety of this farm. “Your dad?”

He nodded. “Who did you think it was?”

His dad spotted them and his weathered face split into a huge grin. “Well, what have we here?”

MacKenzie squirmed and backed out of the comfort of Isaac’s arms. “Hi, Trevor. Did you have a good day?”

“Nobody cares if I had a good day.” He winked at her. “Don’t let me interrupt.” He sauntered by, whistling and smiling. “Boy finally grew some nerve.”

MacKenzie’s shoulders deflated. She was safe. Isaac and Trevor were the only ones here.

Isaac studied her. “Who did you think it was?” he repeated.

MacKenzie shook her head and forced herself not to reach out to him again. She wanted his comforting arms, but she had to be strong. “No one. Sorry, I overreacted. Thanks for the fun time tonight.”

“Mac.” There was a warning note in his voice. “Tell me what’s going on. You were shaking a few seconds ago, and the other night you ran from me like the devil was on your heels. And just yesterday you screamed like someone had knifed you when a bird flew out of the bushes.”

MacKenzie backed up a step. Knifed. She drew in a long breath and worried her lower lip with her teeth. She couldn’t tell him. He’d either be mad at her for lying and bringing danger to his family, or turn her over to the police. Maybe he’d think she was certifiable and just laugh at her.

A sudden vision of Solomon Squire leaning over Isaac and Isaac’s handsome face covered in blood brought a wave of nausea. He’d be disfigured forever, if he survived. All because of her. She couldn’t do this.

“I did not,” she insisted. There was nothing to do now, but run—from Isaac and the comfort of his brawny arms. She tossed her hair, hoping for a snooty expression. “Don’t make something out of nothing.”

His eyebrows arched up. He put a hand on the door to prevent her escape. “Why are you lying to me?”

“How dare you!” MacKenzie poked a finger into his chest. “I don’t lie.” Her face reddened but she forced herself to hold eye contact.

Isaac studied her and she almost squirmed. Keeping her back ramrod straight, she didn’t even blink.

“Well, you’re lying about this,” he finally muttered. “Come on, Mac. Who’s after you? Why are you really here? Something’s going on that you don’t want anyone to know about.”

“You’re such an overbearing mound of muscles,” MacKenzie yelled, her fear and defensiveness growing. “Stop calling me nicknames, stop assuming we’re friends, and stop thinking you know me!” She pushed past his arm and banged into the house, locking the deadbolt behind her.

“You can trust me, Mac,” Isaac said through the door.

MacKenzie sank onto the couch and buried her head in her hands. “That’s where you’re wrong,” she whispered, “I can’t trust anyone.”