A movement on shore caught her attention and she paused in mid-step, senses heightened. Bradley stood there, what looked like a towel on the ground beside him. For a moment she thought she was imagining him. Had she conjured him up out of her dreams? Warmth unfurled deep inside her, pulsing insistently at the core of her womanhood. She closed her eyes for a moment, praying that he’d still be there when she opened them

  He was, and the intensity in his gaze sent her heartbeat into overdrive.

  He stepped into the sunshine and stood there for a moment. He’d removed his shirt, and she studied him openly. Dark hair grew on his chest then narrowed into a thin line that disappeared in the waistband of his jeans. His feet were bare, as though he’d been about to step into the lake. As she watched him he bent over the picked up the towel and she swallowed hard at the sight of muscles rippling across his shoulders. He radiated masculinity like no one she’d ever met before and her feet began to move toward him as he held out the towel.

  She stopped inches away from him. He held her gaze for several long moments, his eyes dark and hooded. The towel dropped again and he raised his hand to her face and brushed his fingertips across her bottom lip. A slow, sexy smile transformed his face and she closed the gap between them, eager to feel his body against hers.

  Strong arms wrapped around her and they stood there for a moment, her head against his chest, swaying in the sunshine. Finally she lifted her head and his mouth captured hers in a deep kiss that seemed to draw every bit of air from her lungs. His tongue traced the outline of her lips and she opened to him, her body frantic with desire as his mouth plundered hers. During the kiss she became aware of his erection, and after several delicious minutes he pulled back and looked into her eyes again, the question clear.

  She placed a hand flat against his chest. She’d forgotten what a man felt like, his body firm and tight yet vulnerable to her touch. His heart was thundering and her lips curved in a knowing smile. They didn’t need words to communicate; she slid her hand lower and tugged at the fastening on his jeans. As if by magic, the jeans disappeared. He wore no shorts, and she was treated to the sight of him at the ready.

  They somehow managed to spread out and beach towel and fell upon it with all the pent up desire that had been building for too long. He caressed her intimately, bringing her to the brink of orgasm several times before finally plunging into her, joining her in a release that left them both limp and breathless.

  She lay on her back, eyes closed, trying to steady her breathing. Beside her, Bradley was doing the same and when she finally opened her eyes she found him looking at her with tenderness that had been missing before. He obviously was waiting for her to speak, but she didn’t know what to say, afraid to break the spell that hung between them like a fragile bubble. He’d been everything she’d dreamed of...and more. She stood up on wobbly legs and went around to the other side of the bush where she’d left her clothes and backpack. She needed time to think about this. Her clothes went on quickly, and she slipped on her hiking boots without socks.

  * * *

  Bradley frowned when he saw her and scrambled to his feet. He wasn’t sure if he was surprised or angry, but he was ill at ease to be unclothed while she was fully dressed. Her face was flushed with that glow women get when they’re well loved. She walked up to him and gave him a lingering kiss on the lips. “Thank you,” she said, then walked away, up over the rise, and disappeared from sight.

  Stunned, he watched her go. What had happened to the after-sex chatter? Women always wanted that. If anyone was supposed to leave, it should be him. Too late, he realized that he’d forgotten to tell her that Candy wanted her to work tonight. But then there hadn’t been much conversation going on.

  He wandered into the lake and got rid of the sand. It was everywhere, but the most painful had ground into his knees. It had been worth it, though. He pushed away from the sandy bottom and took several long, relaxing strokes out into the deeper water, thinking about what had just happened. He didn’t think he’d ever seen anything so beautiful, or so erotic, as the sight of Laura emerging from the lake. Even now, in the cool mountain water, his skin sizzled at the thought of her. The way she’d walked up to him...when she’d placed a hand on his chest...he’d better stop, he was getting aroused again.

  * * *

  Laura didn’t notice much on the way down the hill. Her body was heavy and sated with lovemaking, but her heart was light. So this was what it felt like to be completely satisfied. It shocked her to realize that she’d never come across a man who knew a woman’s body so intimately. Or perhaps they just didn’t care enough to learn. Either way, Bradley had lived up to every one of her fantasies. Looking back, her former life seemed bleak by comparison.

  * * *

  “Hey!” Jason brought the ATV to a halt as she walked past the maintenance shed. “I see Bradley found you.”

  Laura looked up, startled. “Yes, he did.”

  “Terrific.” His right hand played with the handle, gunning the motor. “I thought Candy was going to have a cow this morning when she learned that two of her girls wouldn’t make it in tonight for dinner.”

  Laura smiled at his choice of words and opened her mouth to ask a question but she was too late. Jason waved and tore off in a cloud of dust. She pulled her watch out of the backpack and checked the time. It was just past twelve. The restaurant would probably be full, as it usually was on these hot summer days. She went to her cabin, tossed the backpack onto her bed, then went back outside. She’d been foolish to walk back down from the lake without socks and by the time she realized her feet were blistering, it was too late. Part way down the mountain she’d come to her senses and put on her socks, but now they were stuck to the blisters, and she winced as she pulled them off. Small price to pay, she told herself, her body still humming with pleasure.

  So he’d come looking for her, had he? The idea was somehow exciting, and she smiled to herself. How had a man like that remained single? What woman wouldn’t want more of a man who made love with such consummate skill. Back there by the lake it was as if he was making every second count...as though he was making love for the last time. She looked up the hill, wondering if she’d see him coming down, but couldn’t spot him. Please, she said to herself in silent prayer. Don’t let this be the last time. And then she went into her cabin and changed into work clothes.

  * * *

  “Laura, you’re back.” Candy greeted her breathlessly, menus in hand. She turned her back to the busy restaurant. “It’s super busy in here today, but so far lunch is going smoothly.” She paused, gave Laura a piercing look. “You look different somehow.” Then the door opened, and a party of four entered. “Be right back,” she whispered, and turned to greet the customers.

  “I see Bradley found you,” she said when she returned. “Sorry to interrupt your day off.” She studied the other woman. “You got some sun. Your skin is glowing.”

  Laura smiled. “It’s probably just as well I came back down. I might have got sunburned.” She looked around the restaurant. “I could make myself useful if you like. I could clear tables, or fill up water glasses, or do coffee refills.” She lifted her shoulders. “Whatever you’d like.”

  “Great. See Roger, then. He’s in charge of the wait staff during lunch.” Candy clutched her arm. “Come and find me when things slow down, would you? I’d like to talk to you about last night.”

  Laura had forgotten about the incident last night. She thought about it as she worked, hoping that the man had recovered. No doubt Candy had an update from the hospital and would fill her in.

  * * *

  As it turned out, Candy was the one who found her when the lunch rush was over. “Let’s sit out on the terrace,” she suggested. “I’m going to have a glass of wine. Would you like one?”

  Laura shook her head. “I’d love some club soda, though.”

  “Sorry, thoughtless of me.” Candy pointed to an empty table in the corner. “I’ll bring the drinks over there in a minute.” She went to the bar and Laura sank down in one of the comfortable chairs.

  “I wanted to thank you for last night and to bring you up to date.” Candy wasted no time when she got to the table. “That man...Ken, I think his name is...is doing fine. They’re going to keep him in the hospital overnight again tonight and he’ll be able to go back to the coast tomorrow.”

  “That’s great.” Laura took a sip of club soda.

  “I guess that group had played eighteen holes in that heat yesterday morning and they were drinking along the way.” Candy shook her head. “Sometimes you think you’ve seen it all, and then something like this happens. Both Matt and I wanted you to know how grateful we are.”

  “I’m glad I was here.” Laura paused, took another sip. “Bradley was a great help.” She smiled at the memory. “Those men with Ken didn’t want to call 9-1-1, but Bradley shoved the cell phone at one of them so hard I think he scared them.”

  Candy nodded. “I didn’t know Bradley before, but Matt thinks the world of him.” She took a sip of wine and looked beyond the railing, her eyes distant. “They flew together in Afghanistan.”

  Laura tried not to appear too interested. “I knew he was a fighter pilot, but I didn’t know he’d been in Afghanistan.”

  “Oh yes. They were there with the NATO forces. That’s where Bradley lost his voice.” She turned to Laura. “That doesn’t sound right, does it? Makes it sound like he lost a set of keys or something.”

  Laura knew she’d never get a better opportunity. “What happened?” she asked.

  Candy twisted the stem of her wine glass. “I’ve said too much.” She wouldn’t meet Laura’s eyes. “Bradley is so private.” She stared into the wine for a few moments. “But I suppose since I’ve said this much, it wouldn’t be fair to leave you hanging.” She raised her eyes. “Besides, I think he likes you.”

  Laura’s heart pounded, but she managed a casual shrug.

  Candy’s voice lowered, and her eyes took on a faraway look. “He was flying a support mission for NATO ground troops and was given the order to take out some enemy soldiers. Matt was in the air at the same time and heard it all.” Tears filled her eyes. “Bradley fired, and at the same moment the ground control people yelled ‘Abort’ but it was too late.” She shook her head slowly. “Five NATO troops were killed.”

  Laura sat silently for a moment, trying to imagine Bradley’s horror. “And that’s when he lost his voice,” she said, almost to herself.

  Candy was watching her closely. “You care about him, don’t you?”

  Laura looked at the woman who had been so kind to her. “Yes,” she said simply. “I do.”

  Candy took a deep breath, and her face softened. “Then good luck. I don’t know what else to say.”

  Laura nodded. She had a feeling she’d need every ounce of that good luck in the coming days.

  Chapter Twelve

  Laura helped to set up for dinner then went down to the staff room, thankful to find it empty. The kitchen staff had made her a small salad and she ate it slowly, pondering what she’d learned from Candy. The inability to speak wasn’t commonly associated with anxiety disorders, but it was possible. She couldn’t begin to imagine the trauma caused by what Bradley had undergone. The feeling of helplessness, the shock of what had happened...it was a wonder he’d been able to hold on to his sanity.

  She pushed the salad plate away and her gaze went to the computer in the corner. Would there be anything online about the tragic accident? She felt as though she was going behind his back, but she had to find out.

  The news articles were surprisingly easy to find.

  “The Canadian pilot, as yet unnamed, fired his Hellfire missile moments before ground command issued an ‘Abort’ order,” read the report. “The pilot, who suffered stress-related injuries in the incident, was subsequently cleared of all responsibility.”

  She stared at the screen; her own problems suddenly seemed small by comparison.

  * * *

  Laura worked in the restaurant over the dinner hour and was joined part way through by Faith. They managed to take the pressure off the servers and everything went surprisingly well.

  Candy was delighted. “I’ve told the chef to make you anything you like for dinner. You guys have saved my bacon again.” She looked at them with affection. “I’ll be sorry when you two leave.”

  They both chose salmon, and headed to the staff room on weary feet. Laura paused at the door, heart in her throat. Would Bradley be there, waiting for her? She entered and was disappointed to see only Jason.

  “You’re here late,” she said. It was past ten o’clock. “Haven’t you eaten yet?”

  “Oh yeah. Bradley and I ate a long time ago and then he took off.” He grinned at Faith. “Thought I’d hang around and wait for my girl, here.”

  “Jason, stop that!” Faith blushed, but she looked pleased. “I told you we’re not going to get involved.”

  Jason raised both eyebrows. “A guy can hope, can’t he?” He turned to Laura. “So what’s it like up there, where Bradley found you?”

  Faith looked up from her meal. “That’s right, I’d forgotten. He took off like a rocket this morning.” She paused and studied Laura’s reaction. “I guess he found you, huh?”

  “Yes, he did.” She wasn’t ready to answer questions so she turned the conversation back to Jason. “It’s nice up there, but it’s quite a hike.”

  “Sounds like work.” He lounged back in his chair. “I think I’ll pass.”

  She smiled to hide her relief. The last thing she wanted was Jason stumbling upon her and Bradley. That is if they ever went there again...

  “So did Bradley say where he was going?”

  Jason shook his head. “Nah, but he was his usual cranky self. He just ate and took off.”

  Faith shot her a sideways glance and she knew she’d pushed far enough. “Well, that was delicious.” She’d eaten everything on her plate. “I think I’ll go back to the cabin. See you guys later.”

  It was completely dark now. Lamp standards lit the road leading to the guest accommodations, and landscape lighting lit the paths leading to the outbuildings. Laura walked slowly, daring to hope that Bradley would be waiting for her on her patio. She came around the corner, heart in her mouth, but he was nowhere in sight. The only discernible movement was a couple of moths battering their wings against the light outside the maintenance shed. She stood for a moment, looking out over the vineyard.

  What she and Bradley had experienced this morning had been mutual, but even that knowledge didn’t make her immune from the fear of rejection. After all, she’d been confident of Stew’s affection and look how that had ended. Perhaps she’d been wrong to leave the lake so abruptly, but she’d been selfish...she’d wanted to hold on to the glow of contentment as long as possible. Her gaze drifted over the rows of vines, their leaves silvered in the light from the half moon. What was Bradley feeling right now? She wished she could reach out and touch him again, to feel the beat of his heart and the touch of his lips on hers. It was all so confusing! She sighed softly, turned and went in.

  * * *

  Laura came around the corner of her cabin and Bradley’s heart thundered so loud he was sure she could hear it. He stood perfectly still at the end of a row of vines and watched as she stood on her patio, a slender silhouette against the soft light of the cabin’s interior. This was the second time today he’d acted the part of voyeur and he didn’t like the role. It wasn’t in his nature to spy on women, and he didn’t want to start now, but he tonight couldn’t help himself.

  She’d been in his thoughts all day...from the time he’d set out to climb the hill until this very minute. Had it really been only this morning that she’d stepped out of the lake and into his arms? His world had shifted several times in the interim, and he was definitely confused. Confused because she’d walked away and confused because he wanted her so badly. And yet what did he have to offer? A former fighter jock with no job, no prospects, and no voice? The idea that she’d want to be with him was beyond ridiculous. And yet there was something there...some incandescent spark that flared every time they were together. He’d been with enough women to know pure lust, and this was more than that. He watched her turn and walk into her cabin. Maybe tomorrow things would make more sense.

  * * *

  Laura was busy over the next few days. She worked outside as much as possible, hoping to run into Bradley, but she only managed to catch sight of him in the distance, as he worked in the vineyard. The local girls who had been sick over the weekend were off for several days, and Candy called on her to work in the restaurant more frequently. Time passed quickly...too quickly perhaps. This weekend made three weeks since she’d arrived, and the offer had been for one month. She’d be leaving in little more than a week unless Candy asked her to stay. It was clear by now that Bradley was avoiding her, but the idea of staying on appealed to her. She’d talk to Candy tomorrow.

  Faith and Jason were spending more time together every day. Laura didn’t inquire about the details of the relationship, figuring it was none of her business, but it left her free in the evenings to do her own thing. She wandered along the path, wondering as she usually did at this time of night, what Bradley was doing.

  Head down, she turned onto her patio and was instantly aware of another presence. Startled, she looked up and saw him. He was standing there, arms at his side, looking as though he was trying to make up his mind whether to stay or run.

  “Hi,” she said softly, and took a step forward. She heard the longing in her voice but didn’t care. The days since last weekend fell away, forgotten, and she knew that she wanted him more than ever.

  He closed the distance between them in two strides and gathered her into his arms. A guttural groan rose in his throat as he kissed her. It was a primal, possessive sound and Laura responded by tugging his shirt out of his jeans and running her hands over his broad back.

  He pulled away and looked deeply into her eyes for a moment before re-launching his attack on her senses. His kisses turned from wild and fierce to slow and sensuous. Laura staggered backward, knees buckling as desire raged through her body.