Every Move She Makes (10 page)

“Girlfriends are fun, but they don’t keep you warm at night.” Mimi turned over onto her stomach.

“That’s why I own a down sleeping bag.”

“You wouldn’t need a heavy-duty bag with Kane around.”

Rachel sighed. “No, but I’d probably need a mile of surgical tape to put my heart back together when the relationship was over. Best not to even start one.”

“Who says it would have to end? The looks he gave you your first day here were hot enough to start a forest fire.”

“Maybe, but it takes more than attraction to build a solid relationship, and I have my girls to consider.”

“Speaking of attraction, Kevin has a bit of a thing for Lark. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Lark and I are going through a rough patch, and she could use some new friends.”

Mimi patted her arm. “It’s tough to have perspective with your own child. I realize Lark tests you, but honestly, when she’s with us, she’s polite and funny and caring. We’d be happy to see more of her.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“Hey, girlfriends are good for more than just gossip.” She rose to her feet. “I’m heading back to my cabin.”

“That’s probably a good idea. It must be close to dinnertime, and Jade and Ivy have got to be waterlogged by now.” Rachel stood and gathered up her towel.

“Do you have plans for tomorrow?”

“The girls and I are going on an all day hike. Lark even consented to join us. What about you?”

“We’re hiking, too. I could use the exercise to work off the meals Ozzie feeds us. At this rate I’ll be afraid to step on a scale when I get home.”

“I know what you mean. My jeans are snugger than usual.”

“Boohoo. If you don’t watch out, you’ll be a size six.”

Laughing, Rachel went to collect her kids.

* * * *

“I can’t believe tomorrow is our last day here.” Jade kicked a rock. “I wish we could stay longer.”

“It has been a lot of fun.” Rachel gave her daughter a commiserating smile. “We aren’t going home yet. We still have your grandmother’s birthday party to look forward to.”

Lark rolled her eyes. “Not to mention hot showers and toilets that flush. How far do we have to hike? We must be miles from camp, and I think I’m getting a blister on my heel.”

“Do you want to stop and put a bandage on it?”

She nodded then sat down on a rotted log to unlace her hiking boot. While Rachel dug out the first aid kit, Ivy threw pine cones for Daisy. The dog ran around in circles, barking like a lunatic.

Jade squatted down by the creek they’d been following and splashed water on her face. A moment later, her head popped up, and her back stiffened. “Make Daisy be quiet. I thought I heard something.”

Rachel frowned. “What sort of something?”

“Like someone stepped on a branch.”

“It was probably just a squirrel.” Lark held out her hand. “I need a bandage, Mom. I do have a blister.”

Jade scowled. “It sounded a lot bigger than a squirrel.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. If you’re ready, Lark, let’s get moving. The waterfall shouldn’t be much farther, and I’d like to reach it before we stop for lunch.”

Ivy groaned. “I’m starving now. We ate the trail mix hours ago.”

Rachel pulled an apple out of her pack and handed it to her. “You can eat that while we’re walking.”

“I think someone’s following us.” Jade moved closer and glanced over her shoulder.

“Other hikers could be on the trail. They’ll probably catch up to us by the time we reach the waterfall.”

No one passed them, but the falls were beautiful, twin cascades dropping twenty feet into a pool below. They sat on rocks near the creek bank and ate their sandwiches while sunlight sparkled on the water in a rainbow of colors. The girls waded in the creek and splashed each other, their joy in the moment infectious. Rachel pulled out her camera and snapped several pictures, trying to capture their happiness.

Her thoughts drifted to Kane, and she wondered if he was thinking about her, too, maybe missing her. Having him along on the hike would have made the day perfect. And more complicated. Probably it was for the best she didn’t have to decide whether or not to pursue a relationship. The choice had been made for her.

As the afternoon lengthened, she stood. “Girls, come put on your shoes. If we don’t start back now, it’ll be dinnertime before we reach camp.”

They left a few minutes later with Jade leading the way. They hadn’t gone far when she stopped. “Mom, look!”

Rachel stepped up behind her, keeping a firm grip on Daisy’s collar. At the edge of the trail, two adolescent bear cubs peeked out from behind a huge cedar tree. She handed the leash to Lark, reached in her backpack for the camera and took three shots before Daisy lost her battle with self-control. Her barking sent the bears bolting into the forest.

“Weren’t they the cutest things you ever saw?” Ivy cried. “Why did Daisy have to scare them away?”

“Don’t let go of her, Lark.” Rachel grabbed the dog by the collar. “We’d be out here all night searching for her.”

“Geez, she almost pulled my arm out of its socket.”

Daisy trembled as she stared into the forest and growled.

“No, girl.” At Rachel’s firm command, the dog sat.

Jade adjusted her pack. “Do you think they’ll come back?”

“Probably not, but I’d rather not be around if their mother shows up. Let’s get moving. It’s late.”

Two hours later, Ivy was beginning to lag behind when Rachel called a halt.

“It’s not much farther to camp, but maybe we could all use a break. I brought power bars if you want one.”

The girls grabbed them eagerly.

Jade shoved the empty wrapper in her pocket then lifted her head. “I heard a noise again.”

Ivy stared into the woods. “Maybe it’s the bears.”

“Or Jade’s overactive imagination.” Lark drank from her water bottle before returning it to her pack.

“No, I heard something, too.” Silence echoed in Rachel’s ears, sending a chill through her. “Is anyone there?”

Shadows stretched across the trail. Wind blew softly through the tree branches, and a bird chirped somewhere overhead. The forest was beautiful and peaceful, but the hair stood up on the back of her neck.

“No one’s there. Can we go?” Lark let out an exasperated sigh.

“Fine. I’m sure it’s nothing.” But she couldn’t resist one last look behind them.

Rachel set a swift pace. Ivy’s feet were dragging when they finally reached the camp.

“Geez, Mom, we didn’t have to rush so fast. Ozzie doesn’t even have dinner ready yet.”

“I’m sorry, honey. I felt like hurrying. Why don’t you take Daisy back to the cabin and go wash up. I need to talk to Jed for a minute.”

The camp host was stashing food in the bear-proof boxes near the barbecue pit. He looked up and smiled at her approach.

“That’s a lot of supplies.”

“Jason just got back from town with enough to hold us over until the weekend.” He shut the door on the last box then turned to face her. “How was your hike?”

“The waterfall was beautiful, and we saw a couple of bear cubs. All in all, the day was pretty spectacular.”

“Then why do you look worried?”

Rachel rubbed the toe of her hiking boot through the dirt. “This is going to sound stupid, but I think someone was following us.”

He frowned. “Are you sure?”

“No, but Jade heard someone several times today. She has excellent hearing, and she wouldn’t joke about something like that. I called out, but I didn’t get a response. Is everyone back in camp?”

“You’re actually one of the first groups to return. The senior Dawsons are in their cabin, and I saw Tiffany down by the lake. Oh, the Andrews got back a few minutes before you did. Everyone else is still out hiking. Hillary took a group with her, but most of our campers spent the day on their own.”

“So, it could have been anyone on the trail with us.”

“I’m afraid so.” Jed gave her shoulders a squeeze. “I wouldn’t worry about it. Maybe one of the guys was following you, enjoying the view, and was embarrassed to admit it when you busted him. You’ve got great legs.”

Rachel laughed. “Thanks, Jed. For some reason, that makes me feel better.”

“Glad I could help.”

“Looks like the two of you grew pretty cozy while I was gone.”

Rachel spun.

Jed stepped away. “You’re back.”

“Not expecting to see me?” Kane’s brow rose.

“Not this soon. How’s Dad doing?”

“A lot better. He was out of bed this morning, fixing his own meal and insisting he could drive. I stuck around until I was sure he could manage and then left. Maybe I shouldn’t have rushed back. You seem to be doing fine without me.”

A grin stretched Jed’s lips. He reached over to give Rachel another hug. “Jealous?”

Kane scowled.

His brother laughed, released her then gave Kane a slap on the back. “I’ll leave you two alone to talk. See you at dinner.”

“Jed was just being friendly.” Rachel smiled. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“I know he was, but the guy’s a magnet for women.” Kane stepped forward and reached for her hand. “How’ve you been?”

“Good.” She sucked in a breath when his thumb stroked her palm. “We went on a long hike today.”

“Yeah? Where’d you go?”

“Up to a waterfall west of here.”

His eyes glowed with an interest she suspected had nothing to do with their conversation.

“Where’re your girls?”

“Washing up for dinner. They’ll be back any minute.”

“Then I guess I should let you go. Would you be interested in taking a canoe out on the lake with me later this evening?”

She nodded. Heat crept up her neck and bloomed in her cheeks. “I’d like that a lot.”

“It’s a date. I’ll see you at dinner.”

As he walked away, her whole body tingled. When Ivy skidded to a stop next to her, she tore her gaze away.

“Was that Kane?”

“Yes, did you wash your hands and face?”

Her daughter nodded. “Jade is helping Rex find his football, and Lark went to take a shower.”

“Maybe I’ll take a shower, too. Do you want to come?”

“I’d rather help Hillary set up for dinner. Can I?”

“If you don’t get in her way.”

“I won’t.”

In the cabin, Rachel grabbed clean clothes, soap, shampoo, and a towel then set off for the showers. She passed Bob and called out a greeting.

“Hi, Rachel. Did you have a nice day?” He adjusted his ball cap and rocked back on his heels.

“I did. How about you?”

He nodded. His sober gaze lingered on hers before he smiled. “I caught a couple of trout. Ozzie is cooking them for me.”

“Sounds delicious.”

“Would you like to try some? I’d be happy to share.”

“Twist my arm. Well, I’m off to wash off a layer of dirt. The trails are sure dusty.”

“That’s because it hasn’t rained in a while. Good thing getting dirty never killed anyone.”

With a laugh and a wave, she walked away.

Lark was bent over wrapping a towel around her wet hair when Rachel reached the shower stalls.

“Does it feel good to be clean again?”

Lark ignored her question. “I saw you talking to Kane.”

“He just got back. His dad’s a lot better.”

“I bet you’re happy to see him.”

Her daughter’s tone set Rachel’s teeth on edge. She put down her clothes and shampoo before turning to face her. “As a matter of fact, I am. What have you got against Kane? He’s really a very nice man.”

“Nothing, I guess.”

“Then what’s with the attitude? I’ve dated men before, and you didn’t seem to mind.”

She shrugged. “I could tell you didn’t like those guys very much. But you smile at Kane the way you used to smile at Dad when I was a little kid. It bugs me.”

“Don’t you want me to be happy?”

Lark sighed. “Sure. Whatever.” When she raised her gaze to meet Rachel’s, her blue eyes clouded. “What I don’t want is some guy thinking he can replace my dad. Jade and Ivy might be dumb enough to fall for it, but I’m not.”

“No one can replace your father, honey, and I wouldn’t want anyone to try. Besides, I think this conversation is a bit premature. I barely know Kane. I don’t think you have to worry about picking out bridesmaid dresses just yet.”

“Funny, but you don’t fool me. You really like him.”

“Yes, I do, and I’m going canoeing with him tonight. I’d appreciate it if you’d be civil.”

Her daughter’s expression reflected pure disgust. “That’s so gross. How am I supposed to sleep knowing you’re making out with Kane in a boat?”

“Try hard. If you’re done here, I’d like you to keep an eye on your sisters. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

Lark whipped the towel off her head and trudged up the path as the last rays of dying sunlight highlighted the magenta streaks in her hair.

* * * *

A full moon rose above the mountaintops, casting a faint trail of light across the lake. Stars shone brilliantly in the night sky as Kane paddled the canoe away from the shore. Rachel was more beautiful than he remembered as she leaned back against a heap of inflatable cushions and blankets and gazed upward. His arms flexed as he pulled the paddle smoothly through the water. He’d rather wrap them around her.

“Are we going someplace in particular?”

“Just following the moon path.”

Her teeth flashed in the darkness. “Kane Lafferty, I believe you’re a romantic.”

“Promise not to tell. It’d ruin my tough-guy image.”

“You’re about as tough as a marshmallow.”

He dropped the paddle and held out a hand. “Come over here and say that.”

“I would, but I have all the blankets.”

“Good point.” Stepping carefully, he left his seat to settle with her in the bottom of the canoe. His arms came around her as he pulled her against his chest.

Rachel unfurled a blanket to cover them. “This is cozy. I could stay out here all night.”

“Suits me.”

“Unfortunately, Jade and Ivy would worry.”

His chin rested on her head. “Lark doesn’t worry about you?”

“Not when she thinks she knows what I’m doing. She said this canoe ride was just an excuse to make out.”

His laughter echoed across the lake. “That’s one smart girl you have.”