He took her hand this time and led as they ran on. He had no way of knowing if the shooter was in front now or behind. The going was hard, and they both stumbled, but she didn't complain and soon he could see the light through the trees.
“You stay here and I'll go out and wait for Ethan.”
“Two people are easier to see than one.”
“Macy, let me do this please.”
She moved to stand in front of him, and before he could resist, she'd tugged his head down until their lips met. It was a hard, fierce kiss that Brad felt to his toes.
“No. Now let's go.”
Chapter 11
Macy clutched his hand, her heart thumping hard in her chest. Fear was choking her, and had been riding her since she'd realized someone was shooting at them. Focusing on Brad's broad shoulders, she hoped they got out of this in one piece. Her thoughts returned to Billy briefly and then she pushed them aside.
“Breathe, baby, I can hear your panic from here.”
She did as he told her, and then she let him lead her out into the open. She found no comfort in the beauty that nature displayed before them. Someone had shot at them and she was terrified, but alongside that was anger. How dare someone do this to them!
She let Brad push her to the side near the lake, where he could hide her from whoever was in those trees.
“Thank you.”
“For what?” He pulled his eyes briefly from the trees to look at her.
“Protecting me.”
He forced a smile onto his lovely mouth. “Honey, I'm Texan. That's what we do.”
“No, it's what gentlemen do, whether they are Texan or not.”
He didn't answer, his eyes fixed on the trees as they walked and then shooting skyward every few seconds.
“He's coming.”
They saw Ethan's helicopter appear, and she felt the tension inside Brad ratchet up several more notches.
“When he gets close, wave and leap about, do anything you can to alert him that we're here.”
“Okay.”
“It'll be over soon, Macy.”
“I hope so, but I'm worried that whoever shot at us will target the helicopter.”
“We can't get in there, you know that right? He won't have the room, and will have to drop the others back and return.”
She hadn't thought about that, and now that she did, she felt ill.
“You okay?” Brad took her hand, pulling her to him.
“I think so.”
“You think so?” He stroked a finger down her cheek.
“The last time I was this scared, Brian shot Branna. I don't want to witness anyone I care for being shot again, Brad.”
“I promise you that won't happen.”
