Page 90 of Mountain Rescue
“Jack’s trying to talk me into heading up his therapy horse part of his foundation. I was hoping, since this is your home and your best friend lives here, that—”
“That what? I’d give up everything I’ve worked for and move back just because you’re here?” Embarrassed that she’d lost it in front of Jack and Nichole, she snapped her mouth shut.
“What’s going on, Rachel?”
“Um, Jack, come help me fix everyone’s drinks,” Nichole said.
“Good idea.”
Rachel almost laughed at how fast he disappeared inside, but she didn’t feel like laughing right now. She kept her gaze on the mountains, because if she looked at Dallas, she’d cry.
“Talk to me. I obviously did something wrong, but I can’t fix it if I don’t know what.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat, and willing herself not to cry, she faced him. “Tell me something. Are you thinking I might bethe onebecause I’m the only woman who can touch you without you feeling like bugs are crawling under your skin? Are you using me as a crutch?”
His eyes widened. “You heard that?”
“I did. You don’t know the answer, do you?” At his hesitation, and the confusion as to what he felt and wanted coming from him, she turned her eyes back to the view. She liked it better when she couldn’t read him. “And if you’re wrong, where does that leave me?” By his silence, he apparently didn’t have an answer to that either. She swung her legs over the edge of the chaise longue.
“What are you doing? You shouldn’t be walking on those feet,” he said when she stood.
“I’m not yours to worry about.” When he got up, she shook her head. “Stay here. I’m just going inside for a little while.” She could tell by the expression on his face that he didn’t like it, but he sat back in the chair.
“You okay?” Nichole said when she entered the kitchen.
“No. Will you take me back to the cabin?”
Jack glanced between them. “What’s happening?”
“I heard you and Dallas talking when I came in to go to the bathroom. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but—” she shrugged “—I did. He’s a great guy, a wonderful one really, but I can’t sit around waiting for him to figure out if the only reason he’s with me is because he can tolerate me touching him.”
“Shit,” Jack said. “I’m sorry you heard that, but for what it’s worth, I think he really does have feelings for you. Strong ones.”
“And if the day comes when he realizes he doesn’t and he leaves, taking my heart with him? Sorry, but that doesn’t work for me.”
“Come on. I’ll take you back.” Nichole stepped over and hugged her, then gave Jack a quick kiss. “Don’t let Dallas follow her. She needs a little time to think.”
“Might have to tackle him and tie him to a tree, but I’ll try. Be careful.” He pulled Rachel into a hug. “We’re always here for you, you know that.”
“I do, and thanks. Love you both.”
“Wow,” Nichole said when they were in her car, on the way to the cabin. “I didn’t know that Dallas can’t handle being touched. Well, except by you.”
“If you could see all the scars on his body, you’d understand. I don’t know how he survived what those people did to him.”
“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. I wish I wasn’t.”
“Well, the heart rarely listens to what our brain thinks is best for us.”
“Stupid heart.” When Nichole laughed, Rachel found herself laughing, too.
“You know, I think Jack’s right, that Dallas really does have strong feelings for you.”
“Maybe, but I meant it when I said I can’t hang around only to end up with a broken heart...well, more broken than it already is.” In fact, the thought of seeing Dallas when he returned to the cabin—no. She just couldn’t. It would hurt too much. She pulled out her phone and logged into airline flight schedules. “I know I said we’d have lunch tomorrow, but there’s a flight home later tonight, and I want to be on it. Problem is, my rental car’s at the other cabin, so can you take me there?”
“Of course I will, but are you sure that’s what you want to do? Maybe the two of you should have a long talk when he gets back to the cabin.”
