Trail to Trouble

  Wild Hearts Series

  Valerie J. Clarizio

  Dedication

  I’ve been truly blessed to have so many wonderful people come into my life on both a personal and professional level, and I want you to know you are all greatly appreciated.

  To my readers who take time out of their precious day to read my books and leave reviews, thank you — you are amazing.

  To my Clarizio Cronies who play along with me on my social media accounts, thank you for your continued support.

  Special thanks to those of you who helped me along the way to ensure that my book shines. Editor Judy Rosen, cover artist Dana from Designs by Dana, and proofreader Carol Karason — you ladies are the best.

  To my family and friends, thank you for your steadfast support, encouragement, and love.

  To my husband Rick, your support and belief in me mean more than I can express in words, and I’m a writer!

  Desciption

  Every winding trail hides a mystery, and every heartbeat hides a story.

  He’s never stopped loving her. She’s never stopped running.

  Hunter Samuelson has spent a decade longing for the woman who vanished without a trace.

  Hannah Rice just wants to escape the shadows of a violent past.

  When a chance encounter ignites old flames, it also awakens a deadly threat. Now, survival means trusting each other, and risking everything for a second chance at love.

  A relaxing escape turns deadly in Michigan’s remote wilderness…

  Hannah Rice joined her friends for a hiking and camping trip in Michigan’s breathtaking Upper Peninsula; a chance to heal from a near-fatal brush with a violent ex. With rugged trails, stunning views, and a skilled guide like Hunter Samuelson, the trip promises the peace she craves.

  But danger lurks in the shadows.

  Their serene adventure quickly spirals into a nightmare when an unseen predator targets their group. To protect his charges, Hunter throws himself into the line of fire. His life-threatening injuries force Hannah to summon every ounce of strength to survive in the wilderness alone, and ultimately live a life on the run.

  A chance encounter not only ignites old flames, but awakens the deadly threat they’d nearly died to escape years earlier. This time, will Hannah and Hunter be able to outrun the danger…or will it catch up with them?

  ***

  USA Today Bestselling author Valerie J. Clarizio brings you the first book in the Wild Hearts Series – Small Town Romantic Suspense – heroes and heroines willing to sacrifice everything to protect those they love. A happily-ever-after guaranteed.

  Looking for more steamy romances with heart-pounding suspense and characters who will live in your heart forever? Sign up for my newsletter to keep abreast of what is coming next. Start enjoying exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and special offers!

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  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  What, there’s a wedding???

  Also by Valerie J. Clarizio

  Enjoy this book? YOU can make a BIG difference!

  Meet Valerie

  Prologue

  Green Bay, Wisconsin – April 2025

  Orion’s gaze was glued to the backside of the woman pointing at the presentation screen in the front of the boardroom. She hadn’t seen him sneak into the dimly lit room and continued with her marketing presentation. There was something familiar about the sway of her hips and soft tone of voice. Without a doubt, he’d heard that lovely voice before. Needing to satisfy his curiosity, he willed her to spin and face him. Who was this woman with the angelic voice?

  The woman spun and swung her gaze around the table, halting on a dime when she reached him. She stumbled over her words.

  His heart leaped into his throat. He’d stared into those bright emerald eyes before. The tension between them thickened, along with the air in the room. He could feel the pull when she tried to tear her gaze from him, but he held on to it for a moment longer before letting it go.

  She repeated her last sentence as she returned her focus to the whiteboard in the front of the room.

  The new edginess and raised octave in her tone, confirmed she recognized him.

  Rather than paying attention to the presentation, Orion spent the next fifteen minutes trying to figure out how he knew the woman. He thought he knew, but the name on the cover of the presentation packet was not familiar to him. Still, he was ninety-nine percent sure he’d met her in the past when he’d worked as a camping and hiking guide. Those eyes, that voice, gave her away, yet the name she used didn’t match. Maybe she was a doppelgänger of the woman from his past. He should focus on what she said rather than on her, but he couldn’t help himself. Adrenaline surged through him. His immediate attraction to her was strong—undeniable. Who cared about the presentation anyway? It was just another one of the four firms competing for the marketing contract for his string of sporting goods stores.

  He reread the name on the packet, Katrina Holmes. Not familiar. Her soft voice resonated in his head. Familiar. He needed another glimpse of her eyes, but she averted his gaze as she fielded questions from his staff.

  Once his managers finished with their inquisition, Katrina leaned over the table and folded her laptop. That’s when he saw it, the tattoo that had haunted his dreams for nearly a decade. The ink confirmed it. He was right. He knew who she was. Apprehension snaked down his spine, and anxiety coiled in the pit of his stomach. The dark shadow of the past that lurked in the back of his mind moved to the forefront.

  He may have only seen part of the small tattoo stamped on her cleavage, but he was certain it was the correct tattoo. A small butterfly with bright orange wings outlined in black. But still, there was something a little off about her appearance, not to mention her name. He’d never met someone by the name of Katrina Holmes before but the tattoo, eyes, and voice matched that of a woman he’d met nearly ten years ago when he worked as an outdoor guide for his uncle in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

  His uncle owned just over three thousand acres and offered guided hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting tours. Orion was a master hiker and he knew his uncle’s property like the back of his hand. He had hiked it from the moment he could walk. According to his parents, he’d hiked those woods before he could even walk, because they were hikers as well.

  He’d worked his way through college, guiding mostly city folk who wanted a sneak peek at untamed wilderness. And this woman who stood before him now had been on one of his guided camping trips. The camping trip that nearly ended his life.

  Katrina flashed her gaze around the conference room. All eyes were on her. The audience looked attentive. She had this. This contract was hers for sure. No doubt. Nabbing this account would surely secure that promotion she’d been working toward. Once her boss retired in a year or two, she’d step right into his management position.

  Her gaze drifted back to the vacant chair at the far end of the table. Where was the boss man? She was giving the presentation of her life and the man in charge didn’t show. She’d poured her life and soul into this one—this potentially big account. Okay, the account wasn’t huge, but if she succeeded at landing this one, it would be her biggest yet. At least his team looked pleased.

  Refocusing on the interactive whiteboard, she verified her words were timed correctly with the video that played. Spot on. Why wouldn’t it be? She’d practiced many times. So much so that she was sick of hearing it.

  She looked back at her audience and panned over them. Her gaze halted on the man who now filled that vacant chair. His eyes flashed in recognition, and her heart seized. She knew him. She knew those eyes. She also knew he knew.

  Her extremities quivered and her skin perspired. The words scrambled in her brain and she stumbled on them. She needed out of this room, but she wasn’t finished with her pitch. The only way to get through the rest of her presentation was to stop focusing on him. Those warm eyes, handsome square jaw, and unforgettable velvety lips. But his name, Orion, didn’t match what she remembered. Was it not him? No, judging from the way he studied her, it had to be.

  How was she going to get out of this room without talking to him? How was she going to represent this account without ever seeing him? And how was she going to ensure that he was wrong about who she really was? She’d worked so hard for this opportunity, and now she’d have to give it up. Just like she’d had to give him and her life up almost ten years ago.

  Chapter One

  Iron City - Upper Peninsula of Michigan - August - 2015

  Hunter sighed as he eyed from afar the group of flighty college girls he was assigned to guide for the three nights and four days.

  “Why do they all think they need to embark on a rugged camping and hiking adventure during their summer vacations?�
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  His Uncle Lee slapped his shoulder blade. “Oh, come on, it’s not that bad. Besides, they’ve paid your tuition and then some. Without them, you’d be working indoors bussing tables or something.”

  Inside work was the last thing he wanted. “I know, but good Lord, if I have to listen to one more city girl whine about bugs, the weather, or breaking a nail, I’ll...well, I’m not sure what I’ll do but....”

  His uncle laughed. “Until you get a year-round, full-time job with your big new business degree, you’re stuck here with me and the rest of the crew guiding hikers, campers, anglers, and hunters.”

  Hunter craned his neck to look at his uncle. “Do we have a fishing crew going out this weekend? Maybe I can take that one instead.”

  He’d rather that, but he always got stuck guiding the giddy girls.

  The man chuckled. “Sorry. We do, but Bud’s been assigned to them. Plus...”

  Hunter knew what he was going to say. He’d heard it before. Problem was, he wasn’t sure if he should be happy or angry about it.

  “You’re a good-looking guy. The girls love you. They give great reviews and that’s good for business. Keeps you employed. Keeps the business running.”

  “You know, I think it’s illegal to pimp me out like this,” Hunter said.

  “Except I have a rule, no fraternizing with the guests. So, that squashes that.”

  They shared a laugh.

  Uncle Lee inhaled deeply, taking in the crisp, cool morning air, and swung his proud gaze around, taking in the forefront of the three thousand acres of land he owned, comprising various terrains, mostly hardwoods, bordering thousands of acres of state land. It didn’t get much better than that. Your own massive property surrounded by state land. Public land large enough that most people didn’t venture too far in and get too close to his private land.

  “Too bad it’s not year-round work. It’s a man’s paradise up here,” his uncle added.

  Hunter couldn’t agree more, but now that he’d graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree, it was time he did the responsible thing and get a real job, the kind capable of paying a mortgage. What he’d really love to do is exactly what his uncle was doing: make a decent living working in the outdoors. However, you need money to buy land and set up shop, so getting a year-round job was on his to-do list.

  The giddy laughter of the girls drew closer to him. He cringed. Three nights and four days of this.

  He eyed the tall, slim, blonde girl with a pink backpack gripped in her hand, made up like she was going to a beauty pageant. Eyes, cheeks, lips—the whole works. Her long, shiny hair draped over her bare, thin shoulders. Who on earth thinks a skimpy tank top is appropriate wear for a rugged camping trip in the land of mosquitoes? The mid-morning sun peeked out from behind a cloud and nearly blinded him as the overbearing bling on her backpack sparkled. Great.

  Hunter shifted his gaze to the girl to the left of the beauty queen. Her hair was dark, nearly black, and her complexion was olive-toned. Just like the first girl, this one’s short shorts, tank top, and lightweight, thin-soled tennis shoes were not conducive to the hiking they were about to embark on. Had they not even glanced at the standard checklist he’d sent them?

  Did he dare check out the third princess in this trio? He drew in a long breath and shifted his gaze to the third woman who had just stepped out from behind the princesses. A blanket of relief fell over him. She was different. A pale, plain beauty with just a bit of makeup accenting her large eyes. Her long, brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail that swayed from side to side with each step she took. A pair of sunglasses was propped on her head. She wore a forest green T-shirt tucked into long tan shorts that almost reached her knees, and the dark brown hiking boots she wore looked like they were made for walking. Not only that, they looked like they’d been used before. The large army-green backpack slung over her shoulder was certainly not the one she used to haul her books around campus, like those her friends carried. Super, at least one of them shouldn’t be a problem.

  Hunter glanced at his clipboard and racked his brain to remember the names of the girls walking toward him, not to be confused with the many other ladies he’d guided already this summer. Let’s see Hannah Rice, Alyssa Barnes, and Bianca St. James. He scrambled to place a name on each of the women. The model-grade blonde had to be Bianca, that seemed like a model’s name. Next, he pegged the dark-haired girl for Alyssa—another fancy name for another fancy girl. As for the natural beauty, that had to be Hannah. A regular name to suit a wholesome beauty.

  Hunter flashed a smile at the ladies. “Hi, I’m Hunter, I’m your guide.”

  The blonde raked her flirtatious gaze over him, making no attempt to hide her interest. “I’m Bianca.”

  She extended her hand, and from the way she presented it, he wondered if he was supposed to kiss it, rather than shake it. Yep, rich girl. She released him and then gestured to the other two as she introduced them. He had placed their names correctly. After years of practice, he prided himself on his success in what he called the name game.

  “Are you ready to embark on the adventure of your life?” he teased with a wink.

  Though Hannah smiled along with her friends, unlike them, her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Why not? Hunter wondered. Did she not want to be here? Of the three, she looked like the one who most belonged in this environment.

  Hunter pointed at the two red canoes he had loaded with camping supplies earlier in the morning. “There are our rides. Shall we?” He motioned to the shoreline where the canoes sat half in and half out of the slow-flowing river water.

  The ladies slid into the life vests he had pulled from the canoes. Bianca, as he suspected, played stupid, unable to figure out how to strap herself into the vest. Playing along, Hunter reached toward her and untangled the straps before fastening the ends together over her well-endowed breasts. Then, he lowered his hands to fasten the other two sets of straps for her. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Hannah’s eye roll and nearly chuckled out loud. Bianca’s behavior was nothing new to him. She was one of those women. One of those who came for an adventure but wanted to be the adventure.

  “Have any of you ever been in a canoe before?” he asked.

  Alyssa and Bianca shook their heads. Hannah nodded. That didn’t surprise him.

  Bianca tilted her head to the side. The corners of her full, hot pink lips lifted. “For safety, I think I should ride with you,” she stated.

  Like he didn’t know that was coming.

  “Okay, you’ll ride up front in my canoe,” he shifted his gaze to Alyssa, “and you’ll ride up front with Hannah.”

  The ladies nodded in agreement.

  After giving his guests the canoeing 101, he prepared for departure, holding the canoes as each of the women climbed in and took their assigned spots.

  Before taking his seat, he stepped over to Hannah and crouched down. “You got this, right?”

  It’s not like the waters they would canoe were rough, but there were some rapids they’d be going through, and he wanted some reassurance they’d be okay.

  Her full red lips pulled into a smile wider than they had earlier. “Yeah, I’m good. It’s not my first go-around in a canoe.”

  Little gold flecks flashed in her emerald eyes, causing a rush of adrenaline to surge through his veins. Yep, she was in her element—confident, but not cocky.