for disadvantaged kids. Some of the money from the RMS summer gala was going to finance it.”
“The summer gala?”
“It should be happening in a couple of weeks.” If the plans for the gala had been derailed by her absence, Kate would never forgive herself. Several charities depended on contributions raised by the formal dinner, dance and silent auction. “It’s a black-tie event.”
“Not my style,” he said.
“Maybe it should be. You’d look great in a tux.”
Actually, he’d look great in almost anything. As Liam gazed down at the faxed pages, she studied his profile. Dark stubble outlined his firm jaw. Beneath his rugged brow, his deep-set, hazel eyes glowed with health.
He pointed to a picture. “Are these the Williams sisters, from tennis?”
“Venus and Serena,” she said. “Right.”
“And you’re standing between them. You were in good shape.”
The photo showed her as a sunshine blonde in a white tennis dress. Her teeth were perfect. Her skin was perfect. She wondered if she’d ever be so carefree again.
With Liam, she sorted through other photos of celebrity golf tournaments and tennis matches. For nearly an hour, she stared at picture after picture, waiting for a memory revelation that simply wouldn’t come. “It’s no use,” she said. “I can’t remember why I needed to stay in hiding.”
“Maybe more food.”
“Always a good solution.”
They took a break and made hamburgers. Liam took his turn in the shower.
Then, it was back to the photos. Kate picked up another wedding photo. It was her mother with her husband of two years, Peter Rowe.
Liam said, “It might help you remember if you talk your way through these pictures.”
She nodded. “This is my mother, Elizabeth. She remarried two years ago. His name is Peter.”
“And?”
“He’s a handsome guy, kind of reminds me of Robert Wagner. He seems to make my mother happy, but I never really liked him. Probably, I resent him because nobody could ever take the place of my father. Especially not Peter.”
“Why not?”
“Dad was totally into the outdoors. Peter is all about designer shoes and monogrammed shirts. He’s happiest with a crystal champagne flute in his hand. He used to call me The Brat.”
“You don’t seem bratty to me,” Liam said.
“I have a temper,” she admitted. “A legendary bad temper.”
“Like when you took a shot at me?”
“I wasn’t angry then,” she informed him. “Shooting trespassers is practical.”
His grin was ironic but also charming. And she was comfortable enough to respond with a smile of her own. Comfortable. Peaceful.
She glided a fingertip across the smooth maple of the tabletop. She liked being here. His cabin was cozy and quiet. She’d forgotten how pleasant it was to be inside a warm house, sitting on a padded chair, drinking soda pop. Nice and normal.
She exhaled a sigh. “Before you came along, I had convinced myself that I’d never leave the forest. Now, here I am. In a cabin. With you.”
He reached across the table. His large hand rested atop hers. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Though she suspected that Liam was only being kind and reassuring, she couldn’t help wondering if a deeper relationship was possible. She wouldn’t mind if he pulled her close in an embrace. It wouldn’t hurt her feelings if he kissed her.
Oh, good grief! Was she falling for the man who had rescued her? Wasn’t that the biggest cliché in the world?
“I still can’t believe it,” she said. “Yesterday, the most important thing was to catch a fish.”
“Tomorrow will be harder,” he said. “You’ll have to face the media.”
“And my family.”
“You don’t sound happy about that.” His eyes were curious. “Does meeting your family worry you?”
“I feel terribly guilty. They’re going to be angry and…” Her voice faded as a prickle of fear teased the edge of her consciousness. Why would she be scared of her own family?
“Back to the memories,” she said, picking up a picture of herself with her stepbrother. “This is Tom. Peter’s son. He’s gotten interested in the family business, attends board meetings and usually is on my side.”
“Does the board have a lot of disagreements?”
“Of course we do. RMS has a lot of money.”
“Tell me about Tom. Is he athletic like you?”
“There’s only one sport he excels at. Tom is an expert marksman.”
Staring at the slightly blurred fax, she remembered a site trip with Tom. They had been looking at several mountain acres proposed for development. Her stepbrother had insisted on bringing his rifle, a Remington. In her mind, she saw him bracing the stock against his shoulder. Peering intently through his shaggy, dark brown bangs, he’d aimed and…
Gunfire rattled through the forest behind her. The shooters came nearer and nearer, but she couldn’t see them. An oppressive weight pressed down upon her. Her arms were heavy. She couldn’t carry on. Not one more step. Her legs ached. She sank to the earth, beaten. Sweat poured down her forehead. She couldn’t move but she had to go forward. Into the flames. Into the searing fire.
“Kate, what is it? What do you remember?”
“A forest fire.” Her memory faded. “It seemed like I was in the middle of it.”
“Go on,” Liam encouraged.
“I was carrying something.”
“Your backpack?” he suggested.
“Heavier.” She shook her head. “I can’t see it. This is more like a feeling.”
“What else?”
“The hunters,” she said. “I don’t know why they’re after me. Damn it, why? What did I do wrong?”
“You didn’t do anything,” Liam said.
But her backpack held stacks of hundred-dollar bills and a pouch of jewelry. She remembered a man being shot. In her mind, she saw his blood. “What if I did? What if I’m a criminal?”
“I’d be surprised,” he said. “You don’t fit the typical profile for a perp.”
“A
