Ryan searched her face for what seemed like an eternity. “That’s what scares you the most, isn’t it? Not the danger you’re in, not your father’s attitude, but that you’ve lost complete control of your life.”
She didn’t expect him to question her determination. True, he might see this strength as her way of standing up to him, but he should be proud of her resilience.
She squared her shoulders. “You sound like there’s something wrong with trying to plan. To be in charge of your life.”
“Planning is one thing, trying to control things is another,” he fired back and added a challenging stare. “You can have every minute of every day planned and things you don’t want to happen will still come to pass.”
“Hah! Don’t I know it, but if I have a plan to follow when these things occur, I can get back on track.” She paused to catch a breath. “I can’t afford to live any other way. I’m all alone in this world.” She couldn’t stand to see him curling his fists and the uncertainty on his face, so she bolted from her stool and went to the massive window overlooking the lake.
Children and parents floated on rafts, laughing and splashing water. She remembered similar days here. Summer vacation. Her mom planning and keeping everyone active and engaged. And then she died and the whole concept of family died with her.
“Mia.” Ryan’s voice came from behind her.
She wanted to face him, but if she did, he could sway her decision to take charge. “I really have a lot to do, so I think you should go now.”
“I can’t leave you feeling this way.” He gently turned her by the shoulders.
At his tenderness, her throat went dry, and she couldn’t tell him to back off.
She started to move away, but he tightened his hold and rested his forehead on hers. “You don’t have to be so tough all the time. You’re not alone. I’m here to help you through this.”
She inhaled the sweet musky scent of his cologne and slowly exhaled. What could she say with him so close? Too close. Even if she could find the words, her mind couldn’t form a coherent thought other than…what would happen if he kissed her?
What a fool she was. Someone was going to great lengths to chase her away, her father still hated her, and all she could think about was kissing the man she’d left in the lurch. Where had that resolve gone from just a moment ago? Did this wonderful man still have such a strong hold on her? It was looking like it.
She dug deep for strength and pulled back.
“Mia, don’t. Let me help.” He reached up to cup the side of her face.
She peered into his eyes and saw the hope and healing waiting for her if she could only let go of the past, but it was so ingrained in her by now that she lived with distrust for any man. “I wish I could trust you not to hurt me like others have.”
“I’ve never hurt you before,” he said.
“I know, but I figure it’s just a matter of time before you do something like every other man in my life.”
He drew in a breath and seemed to withdraw mentally as he physically stepped back. He glanced around as if looking for a way to change her mind. He was wasting his time. She’d gained control again, and she wouldn’t let him back in.
He went to the island and picked up a manila folder.
“This is Eddie Kramer’s file. He’s the student I told you about yesterday.” Ryan forced the heavy folder into her hands. “If you can fit him into this new life you’re planning, take a look at the file. I’ll be at the rec center all afternoon, and I’d appreciate it if you’d stop by for a short orientation on our procedures.”
Ryan plodded out the door and down the stairs. Her heart tightened and the urge to run after him nearly had her feet moving, but she hadn’t worked so hard to build a life for herself to toss it away on a whim.
No. She was back in control and ready to put her plan into action. Find the person threatening her. Fulfill her dear uncle’s wishes and then move on.
* * *
Ryan stormed down the stairs and hopped into his truck. Mia had rebuilt the wall she was so famous for putting up when trouble threatened. A tall wall. An unscalable wall. One he’d never been on the wrong side of before, and he didn’t knowhowor evenifhe wanted to bring it down.
He shoved the key into the ignition and backed the pickup around. On the driveway, he spotted Russ’s car and a tow truck at the barn.Curious.Russ hadn’t said anything about the truck or who owned it. Did he know something new on the investigation?
After Mia’s latest rejection, Ryan had half a mind to go straight to the rec center and let her find the person behind the threats by herself. After all, she’d made it perfectly clear that she didn’t need or want his help.
So what? He wasn’t the kind of guy who could leave a damsel in distress alone to fend for herself. Never had been. Never would be.
He groaned and swung the wheel left toward the barn. It didn’t mean he was helping Mia. He was just curious. That was all.
At the barn, he exited his vehicle near Russ, who leaned over the hood of his car and filled out a form on a clipboard. The barn’s charred rubble sat like a hulking reminder of the danger to Mia, the stench of burnt wood lingering in the air.
