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  “After six. We need to leave in a half hour.” Her grimace was met by a deep chuckle. “Oh, no, you don’t!” he drawled when she attempted to duck under the sleeping bag. Sam pulled the cover from her head. “Can you dress yourself or shall I help?”

  She peeked at his solemn expression and saw that he intended to follow through with the threat. A deeper examination of his blue eyes however, revealed a mischievous twinkle. She secretly wondered if he might enjoy the opportunity.

  “I don’t need any assistance, thank you.” Her voice dripped with nectar.

  “Good. I’ll start loading our gear. There’s breakfast bars by the coffee pot if you’re hungry.”

  Kate picked up her jeans, flinching as the cold fabric touched her skin. It was ridiculous to live like this. The man must be half mad. She pulled a heavy sweater over her turtleneck before fishing behind a rock for her boots.

  Fifteen minutes later, she limped to the entrance of the cave. Sam holstered his pistol, ignoring her speculative gaze. “I thought you had gone back to sleep,” he teased lightly. “I was getting ready to douse you with a bucket of cold snow.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!”

  He met her challenge without flinching. “Guess you’ll never know.”

  She shielded her eyes from the rising sun. “Do you really think we’ll need a gun today?”

  “I hope not, but it’s best to be prepared.”

  Kate eased into the pink snowmobile gear, realizing with a panicked gasp that her knapsack was missing. What if it had fallen out yesterday? She frantically scanned the cave floor. They’d have to go back. She couldn’t lose her father’s work.

  “I’ve already packed it.” She whirled around to find Sam standing behind her. “It’s in the seat compartment.”

  “I guess you’ve thought of everything.” He was like a damn boy scout. Always prepared.

  “It’s my job. Get on.”

  Kate followed him to the snowmobile, settling into the seat behind him. She didn’t understand why Sam’s preparedness should bother her. After all, she was out of her element. There was no way she could survive without his help. But he didn’t have to be so smug about it. He continually demonstrated the fact that he didn’t rely on anyone. Which meant he didn’t need anyone.

  Kate pulled the goggles over her eyes before wrapping her arms around his waist. The snowmobile shot across the frozen surface with a jolt. As the cold wind took her breath away, she buried her face against his back.

  As they approached a small clearing. Sam accelerated with a quick flick of his wrist while Kate clung to his taut muscles. The sun was beginning to creep over the tree line, turning each ice crystal into a thousand twinkling lights.

  They rode in silence, stopping at mid morning for a light snack of cheese and jerky.

  “Where are we going?” Kate asked between bites. “We’ve been riding a long time.”

  “An old friend lives on the other side of this mountain. It’s a secluded residence so I think we’ll be safe from Buckman’s men. It will give me a chance to contact the FBI.”

  “I. . .I thought you were taking me to the nearest town?”

  Sam chewed his food slowly, refusing to meet her gaze. At last he spoke with a resigned tone. “The men who are after your father’s formula will be searching every populated area around here. It’s not safe to go to the local authorities. I need to turn you over to the feds.”

  Kate impulsively reached out and touched his arm, her voice pleading. “I don’t trust anyone but you, Sam. Take me to Atlanta. I’ll pay for your time.”

  To her surprise, he didn’t say no. “I’ll think about it.”

  A wave of relief rose up inside her. “What if your friend is not home?”

  “He will be. He likes to ski. I’m sure he’s been waiting for the next storm to drop fresh powder on the slopes.” Sam jumped to his feet, cocking his head to one side. “Listen!” The faint chop of a helicopter could be heard from the opposite side of the mountain. “They’re looking for us. We need to get out of here.”

  Within minutes they were darting between trees as Sam attempted to conceal their tracks under the cover of towering pines.

  It was early afternoon when he pulled the snowmobile to a halt next to a two story log home. The sprawling compound spoke of wealth, and lots of it. Kate dismounted, stretching her aching limbs before following Sam to a covered porch.

  The walk was flanked by freshly shoveled piles of snow. Seconds after ringing the buzzer, a large, grey bearded man opened the door. A grin broke across the weathered face when he recognized Sam.

  “Holden! Damn, it’s good to see you, man.” He quickly ushered them in from the cold. “What brings you off the mountain? I don’t think any of us was expectin’ this much snow so early in the season.”

  “Hello, Cal. I’ve got a favor to ask.” He glanced at Kate’s hovering figure. “We need a place to stay tonight.”

  The older man sensed the tension in his voice and nodded. “Not a problem, Sam. You know you’re welcome to stay as long as you need.”

  Kate followed them into the foyer, pausing to pull the goggles and ski mask from her face.

  “This is Kate Merrill.” Sam stepped back so she could meet their host.

  Her hand was gripped by strong fingers as a warm, friendly smile greeted her. “Cal Williams. Glad to make your acquaintance.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Mr. Williams. You’re so kind to help us.”

  “It’s Cal, honey. Sam and I go way back,” he grinned, sneaking a wink at her companion. “I’m from the South and we never forget those who help us. Sam and his friends will always be welcome in my home.”

  “I can second that.” They all turned around as a feminine voice sounded out from the balcony. “And this is my daughter, Melanie.” Cal’s eyes softened as he watched the woman glide down the oak staircase.

  Chin length blonde hair cupped the sculpted features as painted lips curved upward. Reaching the foyer, she rushed to Sam and threw her arms around his neck, leaving a pink stain on his cheek.

  “I’ve missed you, darling. I hate the winter. It means I never get to see you.”

  Sam gently unwound her arms, grinning in a familiar way that left Kate unsettled.

  “It’s always a pleasure, Melanie.”

  Always a pleasure? Kate wasn’t sure which word was more distasteful – “always” or “pleasure”. She took a step back as the young woman whirled around, her eyes narrowed like a stalking cat. She quickly appraised Kate’s disheveled figure.

  “How nice of you to return my snowsuit, darling, but I didn’t expect you to deliver it with a live mannequin.” Her brittle laughter filled the air as she moved toward Kate and stuck out her hand. “Hello, I’m Melanie Williams, and you are..?”

  “Kate Merrill.” Kate shook her hand, mortified to be wearing the woman’s snow gear. Why had this woman left her clothing at Sam’s cabin?

  Kate was dismissed with a shrug as Melanie hooked her arm through Sam’s. “So, my darling, are you still rescuing damsels in distress? You’re such a modern day hero.”

  Kate detected a red stain creeping up his neck before Sam quickly averted his gaze and addressed their host.

  “How about an afternoon toddy, Cal? I need something to ease my weary muscles.”

  Cal released a hearty laugh, leading his guests to a large room with vaulted ceilings. Kate liked the way the windows stretched across the wall, exposing the beautiful snowy forest outside. A large deck meandered from French doors, as vaporous threads drifted above a hot tub tucked discreetly under a covered gazebo. Beyond the deck, three deer stared curiously at the cabin.

  “This is breathtaking,” Kate murmured, gazing at the scene through the glass doors.

  “Quite different from my humble dwelling, eh?”

  She whirled around, surprised to find Sam close by her side. “I like your humble dwelling,” she retorted lightly, but she liked the man who lived there even more.

  H
e chuckled, obviously pleased with her answer.

  Melanie picked up a glass filled with amber liquid and hurried to Sam’s side.

  “Darling, it’s Jack Daniels. Two cubes and a dash of water.” She cast a sidelong glance at Kate. “I always remember what pleases you.”

  He took a sip and grinned. “Perfect, Melanie. Thank you.”

  “And what would you like, Miss Merrill? Perhaps a Shirley Temple? You look like the kind of girl who doesn’t drink anything stronger than milk.”

  Her laughter grated on Kate’s nerves. “Jack Daniels. Straight up.” The words were out before she could snatch them back. She released an inward groan, cursing herself for taking Melanie’s bait. Whiskey was the last thing she needed today.

  Sam let out a soft whistle behind her that only she could hear.

  Melanie’s lips compressed into a hard line before she gave a curt nod. “Very well. I’ll be right back.”

  “Hey, buddy, where did ya find a woman who can drink whiskey?”

  Sam cast a sheepish grin in the direction of Cal’s teasing banter. “She just fell out of the sky. I couldn’t very well send her back, now could I?”

  “Hell, no. A woman like that is a keeper.”

  Kate felt the heat searing her face. Dropping her eyes, she whispered under her breath. “Do you suppose I could find a restroom? I’d like to freshen up and get out of these clothes.” Especially since they belonged to Melanie Williams.

  “Of course. Melanie, can you show Kate to the restroom? I’ll finish making the drink.”

  The blonde returned an icy smile but not before expressing her annoyance with a loud sigh. “This way, Miss Merrill.”

  Kate reluctantly followed the young woman to the hallway. “It’s the first door on your left. I’m sure you’ll find everything you need to freshen up.”

  “Thank you. I’ll return your ski gear in a few minutes.”

  Melanie leaned against the door frame, her eyes resembling frozen glaciers. “You can keep it. I planned to give it to charity anyway.” She chuckled nastily. “I won’t wear anything another person has used. Not everyone has good personal hygiene, you know.”

  Kate met her gaze evenly. “Thrift stores must love you.”

  Melanie ignored her comment. “I admire women like you, Miss Merrill. You obviously have no problem wearing other people’s clothing. Or taking another woman’s man.”

  “What do you mean?” Uneasiness knotted Kate’s stomach.

  “Isn’t it obvious Sam and I have history?” Melanie lowered her voice as she leaned closer. “You think you can waltz into his life and take him away? He’ll always come back to me.”

  The blood drained from her face as Kate pushed past the young woman. “You’re mistaken. There’s nothing going on between us. My plane crashed on Sam’s mountain. He’s helping me make arrangements to fly to Atlanta. Trust me, I don’t want him.”

  “Is something wrong?”

  They both whirled around to find Sam’s tall figure filling the hallway. Kate cringed, praying he had not heard her boast. An enigmatic expression hovered across his features as he hung his snow gear on a coat rack near the front door.

  “We were just having a little girl talk.” Melanie shot back before turning to wrap her arm around his waist. “C’mon Sam, Kate needs to make herself presentable.”

  Kate closed the door and leaned against it, squeezing her eyes shut against the image of their linked forms. A mixture of anger and disappointment swept over her. Sam Holden could have any woman he wanted. It made sense that he’d prefer a glamorous socialite over a mousey process server. They’d shared a couple of kisses. So what? It was merely a result of his loneliness and her fear. They were isolated in a small cabin, trapped by a storm. It was a physical reaction compounded by their environment. Nothing more.

  Kate took a deep breath to calm her nerves before shedding the snow gear. She liked Sam. They had chemistry. But chemistry and infatuation were fleeting and short lived. In another week, neither of them would remember the other’s name.

  Kate emerged from the restroom refreshed and composed. She had discovered a few cosmetic items in the vanity drawer and indulged herself. It was a guiltless pleasure when applying them to her face, imagining Melanie’s disgust when she learned they were “used”.

  Sam was first to notice her. His eyes glinted approval as she walked through the door. He retrieved a glass from the credenza and met her half way.

  “It’s cola. I thought you might prefer that over whiskey.”

  She smiled, relieved to see the welcome in his gaze. “Thank you.” He might be a womanizer but he was a damn thoughtful one.

  Kate caught a glimpse of Melanie’s face when Sam pulled her down next to him on the sofa. It boiled with suppressed fury.

  “I’ve explained our situation to Cal but kept the details confidential. I didn’t want to alarm him,” Sam explained in a solemn whisper. “He’s offered lodging for the night and arranged for his private jet to transport us to Atlanta.”

  Kate’s eyes flew to his face. “You’re going with me?”

  “I could use the extra paycheck,” he nodded. “I’m going to need a new roof this year.”

  Kate was relieved. “I must thank Cal. He’s been so kind.”

  Sam nodded, taking a long sip from his drink. “Cal’s a very generous man, as well as a good friend.”

  “Is Melanie generous, as well?” She immediately regretted the slip. Kate sensed his annoyance.

  “Melanie has her own form of generosity.”

  I’ll bet she does. His words stung but Kate knew she had no one to blame but herself.

  “Hey, folks, the cook rustled up a snack for the weary travelers. What say we grab a bite of food?” Cal’s beaming face beckoned from the doorway before directing his guests to a warm sunroom.

  Kate seated herself at an oval table next to her host. To her dismay, Melanie ushered Sam to the opposite side and sat down beside him. Sandwiches, a tureen of steaming soup and a pitcher of iced tea awaited them.

  “I don’t know how to thank you, Cal. You’ve been so gracious.”

  “Nonsense, little Missy. You’ve obviously never had a taste of Southern hospitality.” He shot her a conspiratorial wink. “You just wait until tonight. I’ve instructed the cook to prepare Sam’s favorite meal, fried chicken.”

  Sam’s face lit up. “I hope there’s enough for leftovers.”

  Melanie squeezed his hand. “If that’s what it takes to keep you around, I’ll insist the cook prepare fried chicken every night.”

  Kate clamped her lips together, dropping her gaze as soon as she realized Sam was staring at her. She noted an odd expression darkening his gaze before he turned to Cal.

  “Can I use your computer and phone after lunch? I need to take care of a little business.”

  “Of course. Anything I have is yours to use. I’ve asked the housekeeper to freshen up the guest suites so the two of you can rest after lunch. I’m sure little missy over there would like a hot bath, too. Last time I saw your cabin, Holden, you lacked a few amenities.”

  Kate smiled, pushing the food around on her plate. She had to remind herself that she wasn’t on vacation. Her father entrusted his formula to her for safekeeping and the only thing that mattered was making sure it reached Atlanta.

  “Miss Kate?” She realized with a start Cal had been talking to her.

  “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

  His broad face reflected amusement. “I asked what you do for a living.”

  “I’m a struggling artist.”

  Sam mischievously added additional information. “She’s also a process server and an excellent marksman.”

  Kate’s withering glance failed to squelch the teasing glint when all eyes riveted to her.

  “Well now, that’s quite a combination of skills!” Cal laughed heartily. “Which one do you enjoy the most?”

  “Wildlife painting.” She cursed Sam for mentioning her job, especiall
y around Melanie. The woman probably never worked a day in her life. “Unfortunately, being an artist doesn’t pay the bills. Serving a court summons does.”

  Melanie’s smug expression was hard to miss. “That’s quite adventurous of you, Miss Merrill. I’ve always found it remarkable when a woman attempts to compete in a man’s world. But I find such actions are usually driven by a hatred for the male gender.”

  Kate bit her lip to keep from lashing out. She’d play nice but only because of Cal. It didn’t change the fact that Melanie Williams was a bitch.

  And she didn’t like her. Not one bit.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kate perched in front of a small dressing table, raking a silver backed brush through her long hair. The reflection staring back at her was that of a somber young woman with troubled eyes. All sense of normalcy had been ripped from her life in the past few days, leaving her confused and frightened.

  She placed the brush on the polished surface and glanced around the room. It was beautiful. Everything in Cal’s cabin was beautiful, including his daughter. She wished for her father. They’d been best friends. And then he’d introduced her to Jeff and she had an instant big brother.

  A smile hovered on her lips. If only there was some way to let him know she was safe. She stiffened, swinging around to stare at the phone on the bedside table.

  Of course. She was back in civilization. Cal had phone service.

  Kate raced across the room and picked up the handset, quickly dialing the number to Jeff’s cell phone. She perched on the side of the bed, waiting anxiously for him to answer. He was probably a complete wreck, wondering why she hadn’t arrived in Atlanta.

  “Hello?”

  “Jeff? It’s Kate.”

  “Kate! My God, where are you?” She could hear the relief in his voice. “Your private jet never arrived. I’ve been worried out of my mind.”

  “I’m fine,” she assured him happily. “It’s been a nightmare. You won’t believe what happened.”

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m. . .I’m not sure. Outside of Tahoe, I think. My plane crashed in the mountains. Sam rescued me. He saved my life.”