Chapter 7


Another week quickly slipped past them. Peter kept himself busy with small projects around the old house that needed repair. He fixed and painted the fence along the road in the front yard, repaired the pantry shelves, re-hung Alainna's hammock between two trees in the backyard, and completed a myriad of other small projects that Alainna had neither the skill nor the desire to complete. She was most grateful that he had decided to take over mowing the lawn.

The only thing a little out of the ordinary had come mid-week, when Jonathan Miller, Esquire, attorney for the Hollingers, had shown up at Alainna's door, bringing a new offer on the land. The offer was above the market value for the property, but Alainna quickly sent the man packing. He left before she could resort to a firearm.

There were no new flashes of his past during the week, for which Peter was grateful. The pounding headaches he experienced each time a glimpse of his past made itself known convinced him that he did not want to remember. Things were going quite well for him without a past.
The nightmare, however, continued to haunt him. Only once was he unable to refrain from calling out into the black night, causing Alainna to come flying to his side. She was a great comfort to him, but he hated to cause her any anxiety. And the nightmares definitely caused her anxiety. Peter didn't know she was having her own sleep disturbances.

Cup of coffee steaming in his hand, Peter wandered down the hallway towards the library. Early morning sunlight was streaming in the windows at the front of the house, and he had to step over the dogs, who were lying in a sunbeam in the foyer. He hesitated in the archway at the sound of her voice, speaking in a tone he'd never heard her use before.

"Lynda, are you nuts? You know how I feel about those things." She sighed. "Yes, I know that it helps sell books. Yes, I know the fans like to meet me. But…" She paused as the person on the other end of the phone interrupted her. "Yes, Lynda, I KNOW! All right, I'll do it, but I don't have to like it and I don't have to be happy about it!"
Tapping her hand on the edge of the computer desk, she prepared to launch into another tirade. "Oh, and Lyn? I know that Shannon is on a six months leave of absence, but couldn't they have found me a better replacement editor? This one is DRIVING ME NUTS! I swear, I am going to have a nervous breakdown if this CONTINUES! Where did they find her? The National Enquirer?" Alainna sat quietly while Lynda listed the woman's qualifications.

"None of that means anything, Lynda, if I can't work WITH HER! For crying OUT LOUD, she's practically changing my WHOLE STORY LINE! If you talk to Shannon, you better tell her to enjoy her break, and then get her butt back to work. If she decides to quit, then there had better be another editor assigned to me. I will grit my teeth and work through this project, but I swear to you, if she's still here when this one's done, then I WILL FIND ANOTHER HOUSE, first look clause be damned!" She crumpled up several pages of work, tossing them over her shoulder.

Peter's mouth dropped open in shock. I know writers can be temperamental, but this just doesn't seem like Alainna. Apparently Lynda didn't think so either.
Her voice was more subdued when she continued. "You're right, Lyn, I sound like an arrogant, pretentious idiot, a prima donna writer. Sorry." She listened again. "Actually, the truth is, I haven't been sleeping very well lately, and you know how cranky I get when I'm tired. Well, it's kind of hard to sleep when the phone rings four or five times a night and there's no one there. No, I haven't reported it. Yes, Lynda, I will. Okay, Mom, I hear you! Listen, I'm going to run. I'll see you Wednesday, right? Yes, Ma'am. Bye."

Peter watched as she hung up the phone and leaned her elbows on the desk, covering her face with her hands. She rubbed her hands over her face several times before freezing in that position. Walking silently to her chair, he laid his hand on her shoulder, causing her to startle.
"Akk. Peter, you scared me," she complained, turning to face him.
Settling into the recliner with his coffee, he appraised her face. Now I understand the weary look in her eyes, the new lines in her face, and her sudden tendency to snap at me on occasion. "Is there a problem, Miss Writer?" He sipped his coffee, attempting to look nonchalant.

"How long were you there?" she asked wearily.
"Long enough to know the truth, so don't even think about trying to come up with a good story right now."
"Three weeks and already you know me so well, huh Peter?"
I don't know you near enough as well as I'd like to, he thought. You keep yourself closed off from me. "Well enough, Miss Writer, to know that you would rather lie to me than confess a problem to me."

Alainna's brows were furred, her mouth drawn into a tight line as she shook her head at him. "Not lie, Peter. I just…well… I hate to bother anyone else with my problems."
Leaning forward in the chair, he set his coffee on the desk, taking her hands into his own. "Hmmm. Now where would I be if I hadn't bothered you with my very big problem? I guess I would be out there in the woods somewhere, possibly dead by now. I think I owe you a few, don't you?"
"Okay, but I know what you're going to say when I tell you, so just save your breath, all right?"
Peter nodded his head.

"I have been getting phone calls for the past few days. No one's there when I pick up the phone. The caller hangs up immediately. He calls three or four times a night and seems to have a real knack for knowing when I've finally dropped back off to sleep."
Standing up, he walked around her, picking up the phone. He handed the receiver to her. "Since you already know what I'm going to say, then you know what to do with this. Call him, and call him now, Alainna."
She grimaced at him.
"I'll do it myself if I have to, but you know that he doesn't like me very much. I think he'll be a lot nicer to you."
Shoulders drooping, she exhaled loudly, reaching to take the receiver from him. "Okay, I'll call."

Jimmy Sartell paused as he got out of the patrol car. He had done the exact same thing only a week ago. He stared at the back door to Al's house, eyes narrowing as he wondered if her guest was still present. Peter had still been with her when he'd stopped by during the week, and he'd seen them together around town several times.


Peter was waiting in the kitchen when he walked into the house. "Don't you knock?" he asked the sheriff.
"Don't you have someplace else to be?" Jimmy countered, placing his hat in its usual place on the kitchen table. "Where's Al?"
"She's upstairs. I'm sure she'll be down in a minute. And to answer your question, no I don't have anyplace else to be right now. In fact, I rather like it here." Peter leaned against the kitchen doorway.
The two men eyed each other warily as Jimmy opened a cabinet and removed a mug, helping himself to a cup of coffee from the pot on the counter. He went to the refrigerator, adding milk to the cup before settling himself at the table. Peter grabbed his own half-empty mug and joined the sheriff, sitting opposite him. The staring contest continued as the two looked for weakness in the other.

Finally, Peter shattered the silence. "Look, Sheriff, we seem to have our differences, but I think we can agree on one thing: We both want to protect Alainna, right?"
Jimmy nodded. "But I want to be sure I know who I need to protect her from."
"Well, you don't have to protect her from me." Sipping his coffee, Peter waited for Jimmy's response.
"I'm not so sure about that, Mr. Walker. It seems mighty coincidental that all Al's problems started around the time that you showed up. You don't seem exactly Al's type, either, if I may say so."
Peter grinned at him. "Call me Peter," he reminded him. "Type? What ever do you mean, Sheriff?"
Jimmy shot him an evil look. "I can't recall Al ever mentioning you, Peter. Now, why do you suppose that is?"
Peter raised his eyebrows at the sheriff. "Maybe because our relationship was a little too personal in nature for her to share it with you?"
Jimmy's eyes narrowed and Peter could see a dark ember appear there. That struck a nerve. Score one for me, Peter thought.

Jimmy stared at Peter coolly, drumming his fingertips on the edge of the table. Peter felt like he was being examined with a magnifying glass, the sheriff looking for a flaw. The suspicion was confirmed when Jimmy said, "You know, I'm rather curious about why you wear long sleeved shirts when it's 75 degrees outside. You thin blooded or trying to hide something?"
Peter's nerves leaped within him. Those scars bothered the hell out of him and he wanted to keep them known only to Alainna, Doc and himself.
Alainna had brought him home short-sleeves from her shopping trip, and he wore them when no one else was around, but he'd sent her back out to pick up some lightweight long sleeves as well.

Well, the Sheriff has called you on the long-sleeves, and it looks like the only way to not make a big issue over the damn things is to expose them. Hide them in plain sight, so to speak.
"As a matter of fact, yes, I am trying to hide something, Sheriff." Peter unbuttoned the cuff of his right sleeve and pulled it up, exposing the tiger. Looking into Jimmy's eyes, he began the process with the left sleeve, exposing the dragon. He raised an eyebrow at the sheriff. "Interesting, huh?"
Jimmy's eyes were fixed on the scars. "What are they?"
"They are the reminders of a very foolish, misspent youth. I was very stupid in my younger days, and I have these to remind me of that forever."

Alainna walked from the back staircase just in time to hear Peter's explanation for the scars. She was proud of him. That was very good. "Well, look at this. How cozy. Two of my favorite men in the world sharing a cup of coffee and conversation. Shall I get out the International Coffee to celebrate this moment of our lives?"
Peter grinned, and held out his hand to her as she sat down in the chair next to him. She definitely wasn't going to push her luck after what had happened the last time she'd been in the same room with the two men together. Alainna returned the smile and clasped his hand.

"I see Jimmy got your secret from you, huh?" she asked, trying to reassure Peter that he'd done the right thing.
"Yes, he did. I was just telling him how stupid and foolish I was in my younger days. That is certainly the truth. I let you get away from me, and that was definitely the most foolish thing I ever did." Peter raised the hand he was holding to his lips and kissed it, lightly stroking her arm with his other hand.
"You are so sweet, " she cooed, causing Jimmy to clear his throat.
"Um, if I could have some of your attention, Al? You did call me out here to file another report, didn't you?"

Alainna looked at him as if she'd completely forgotten he was there. "Oh, sorry, Jimmy," she apologized, offering him a sheepish smile. "Yes, I did. Why don't we go in the library and talk about it? You know that's where I like to conduct all serious business." And maybe I'll be able to avoid a repeat of last week's fiasco, she thought.

Several minutes later, Alainna was pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. She had parked Peter in the recliner and Jimmy on the sofa, providing plenty of distance between the two men, and Jimmy couldn't even see Peter, since the recliner was situated behind the sofa.
Alainna handed Jimmy a paper listing all the phone calls she had received. "Jimmy, it's the weirdest thing, " she confessed. "It's like he knows the minute I fall back asleep, because that's when the phone rings again. I know that's impossible, but that's how it feels."

Jimmy scanned the list. "Does the number show up on your caller ID?"
"DUH! Of course it doesn't, Jimmy. Do I look that stupid to you, that I wouldn't have checked that out? And *69 is blocked, too. I tried to call the creep back and give him a good piece of my mind, but it didn't work." Alainna continued her pacing.
"You keep saying him, Al. You got somebody in mind?" the sheriff asked, digging for her thoughts on the issue.
"Yes, I think it's Daniel, and you know it."

Jimmy sighed. "Yes, I know it, but you have to say it. I'm sorry, Al, I know you hate dredging that whole thing up, but it's actually good for you to talk about it."
Alainna shot him a glare. "Since when did you become a psychologist, James?"
Jimmy pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows. "James? That won't scare me, Al, so don't think I'm backing off on this. I'll put a trace on your phone and let you know what's going on. If anything else happens, and I do mean ANYTHING, I expect to hear from you right away. NOT three days later, do you understand?"

Alainna mutely nodded her head, then spoke in a hushed voice, "I'm sorry, Jimmy. I just thought that this whole thing was a closed chapter, you know?"
James Sartell stood and crossed the rug to where she was standing, leaning against the mantle. He reached out and gently caressed her face, murmuring softly, "I know you did, Sweetheart, but obviously it's not. So you just hold on. If we give him enough rope, maybe he'll hang himself good, this time."
"We can only hope, huh?" Alainna's voice caught in her throat, and Jimmy gathered her into his arms.

Glaring at Peter over the top of her head, as if he had something to do with her pain, he planted a kiss on her forehead. "Yeah, Sweetheart, we can only hope."
Mandy lifted her head from the rug and rumbled a low, warning growl in her throat, a growl directed at Jimmy.
Alainna stepped out of his embrace and looked down at the dog in astonishment. "Mandy! What do you think you're doing? Don't you growl at Jimmy."
The dog put her head back down, satisfied now that her mistress had stepped away from him.

The sheriff laughed as he put on his hat. "Don't yell at her, Alainna. I don't get many hugs from you; the dog's just doing her job." He glared over at Peter one more time. "It's good to know that these dogs will protect you from anyone they think is a threat, even if it is the sheriff." Jimmy turned back to Alainna, brushing his hand over her cheek again. "If I don't hear from you in the next few days, I WILL be stopping back."
"Okay, Jim. I won't be around on Wednesday, I have a book signing, but you can stop in any other day. The coffee's always on, you know that."
The sheriff nodded. "I'll see myself out," he stated. Striding from the library, he turned left to leave through the kitchen rather than the front door.

After contemplating Peter for a minute more, Alainna also escaped from the library. She went out the front, letting the screen door slam behind her. Peter followed quickly, not wanting to lose her as he had last week.
He discovered her sitting on the porch swing, rocking back forth. She stopped long enough to throw a wave at Jimmy as he backed the patrol car from the driveway. Then she resumed her rocking with a vengeance.
Slipping onto the swing beside her, Peter took over the task of making it move back and forth in a semi-frantic rhythm. She stared at him briefly, drew her legs up underneath her, and closed her eyes, allowing him to continue the swing's motion without her help.
The dogs nudged the screen door open with their noses, and filed out onto the porch, sniffing around a few times before settling into a prone position near the front steps.

Peter wasn't sure how long they sat there in silence, but somehow he knew that the rocking was something she desperately needed right now. That and a good cry, but he wasn't quite sure how to convince her to let that happen.
He slid closer to her, placing his arm around her shoulder. When she did not protest, he pulled her into his arms, ever certain to maintain the swing's rocking motion.
She leaned back against his chest, sighing deeply, then abruptly changed her direction on the swing, nestling her head into his shoulder, pressing against him, chest to chest.
Tightening his arms around her, he waited to see what her next reaction was going to be. He rested his chin on the top of her head, inhaling the sweet fragrance of strawberries he assumed was from her shampoo, and gently stroked the silky blond strands of her hair.

After a few minutes, she finally spoke, her voice soft and hesitant. "Do you think we could just stay like this for the next hundred years or so?"
He chuckled lightly. "Probably. If that's what you want."
"Yes, I think a hundred years ought to be just about right."
"Okay." He sat quietly, not wanting to spoil the mood or chase her away. He just kept rocking the swing, though he had slowly dropped the pace from the near frantic one she had initially set.

He was surprised when he began to feel the wetness seeping into his shirt. The tears had finally come, although she was being very quiet about it. He decided to risk encouraging it. "That's it, Alainna, let them flow. Tears cleanse the soul."
The sob that broke forth from her startled him, upsetting his rhythm of rocking the swing. Quickly compensating for it, he pulled her closer. He continued to murmur softly into her ear, crooning words of encouragement and comfort, words that said everything and nothing at all.
The sobbing lasted for several minutes before it faded and tapered off. Still she remained exactly where she was, content to let Peter rock her in his arms. "Feeling better now, Alainna?" he asked, at last feeling the tension draining from her body.

She nodded against his chest. "Actually, yes, I'm feeling much better. In fact, if we stay like this much longer, I'm liable to fall asleep in your arms."
Peter laughed. "Well, I would say that you feel safe there then."
Alainna wasn't laughing when she glanced up into his eyes. "You're right, I do feel safe here. Why is that? What is it about you Peter, that makes me trust you so completely and feel so secure around you?"

Peter shrugged his shoulders and brushed away the tears that were still clinging to her face. "I don't know. My handsome face?" he teased.
"No, that's not it. Handsome is as handsome does, Peter." She blushed and he raised an eyebrow at her. She lowered her head back to his chest so she didn't have to meet his eyes any longer. "I feel like there's some kind of connection between us, Peter. I don't know what it is, but I…I know that I trust you completely. And since Daniel, I haven't trusted anyone. But you, I trusted you the minute you stumbled out of those woods. Why?"
"If I knew that Alainna, I might know who I am. And I don't know that. But I know what you're saying. I can feel it, too." He gently put his hand under her chin and lifted it until they were again gazing eye to eye.

Alainna's heart began to hammer in her chest as she read the intent in his eyes. "Oh, no, Peter, we're not going there," she stammered at him.
"And why not, Miss Writer?" he asked softly. "It is the next logical place for the two of us to go, isn't it?" He let his thumb gently trace the outline of her lower lip, causing it to quiver. Closing the distance between the two of them, he hesitantly brushed his lips across hers.
Pulling back as though he had burned her, she bolted from the swing. She turned and stared at him, leaning against the porch railing. "Peter! We can't go there!"

Peter sat in stunned silence. The wonderful electrical current that had passed between them at the second of contact was still playing on his lips. He hadn't expected her to react quite this way. "Why not?" he finally asked.
"Because you could have a lovely wife waiting for you somewhere!"
It took a moment for Peter to absorb that statement, but when he did he began to laugh, loudly and heartily. Alainna just shook her head at him.
"Alainna, do you see a wedding ring on this finger?" He held up his left hand.
"Maybe the guys who beat you took it!"
Peter shook his head. "Do you see a wedding ring mark on this hand from a ring worn a long time?"
"Maybe you haven't been married that long! Or maybe you're one of those guys who never wears a wedding ring!"
Peter laughed again. "I don't think so. I think that if I loved a woman enough to marry her, there would be a ring on that finger. And to tell you the truth, I just don't feel married. Alainna, your imagination's running away with you again. If you're afraid, that's fine. But have the guts to say so, Miss Writer." His face grew somber suddenly. "This is just great, " he muttered. "I'm afraid there's no one there for me, and you're afraid there is. What a good pair we make."

Alainna's eyes filled with compassion. Slipping back onto the swing, she settled at his side. "Peter…I'm sorry." She reached out and took his hands in her own. "I think we both have scars that are getting in the way. You don't even know what yours really are, yet they're popping up to haunt you. I know what mine are, and trust me, they could haunt both of us." She slipped one hand to his cheek, savoring the smoothness, offering comfort.
"Don't be sorry, Alainna. But don't keep us both from missing out on something special. You're a romance novelist, for crying out loud. Stop thinking with your head, and go with your heart for a change." Peter grabbed the hand from his cheek and kissed it. He could see she was thinking about it. " 'Lainna, I know you've been hurt. But I am not Daniel." Peter's heart was pounding, thudding in his chest and in his ears.
"Umm…"
"No," he said sharply.
She looked at him, puzzlement in her eyes.

"NO talking about it, no thinking about it. Either kiss me or go back in to your computer, Miss Writer." He leaned closer to her again, "Personally, I recommend taking a chance. Doesn't that writer's imagination of yours need a little feeding?" He kissed her hand again. "I am not going to rush you, Alainna. If you want more time, we'll pretend this little conversation never happened. But I also want you to know that I am here for you, whatever you decide. I will hold you and rock you whenever you need it."

Alainna moved her face closer to his, then kissed him gently on the tip of the nose. "I…I think I need a little more time, Peter. But, thanks for the offer." Her own heart was pounding again. "I can't believe this…" her voice trailed off.
"Why not?" he whispered. "You are a beautiful, fun-loving woman. You make me laugh. You have shown me more kindness than I could ever deserve." Peter once more inched forward. "You are easy to love, Alainna Anderson. You just don't know it."

This time when he brushed his lips gently over hers, she didn't run. She closed her eyes and sighed, then ever so gently kissed him back. Peter was satisfied. He pulled back and released her, smiling tenderly. "Good. That was a start. Now, I want you to remember that you are to bother me with any problems, big or small, day or night, agreed?"
Alainna mutely nodded her head.
"You'll even wake me up in the middle of the night if you get more of these phone calls?"
She smiled. "Only if you wake me up in the middle of the night when the nightmares come."
"How do you know that I haven't?"
"I'm a very light sleeper, Peter. You might walk like a cat, but the old floorboards have given you away on occasion."

Grinning sheepishly at her, he admitted, "Okay, I'm caught. I'll try to remember that. Now, I have to go and mow your lawn. I have to earn my keep around here somehow." Leaning over, he brushed his lips across hers one more time. This time there was not the slightest hesitation on her part. She kissed him back immediately. Peter fled the porch with a grin, the dogs following him.
"Hey! Where are you going with my dogs, Mister?" Alainna yelled after him.
"What can I say?" He chuckled. "They like me."
Alainna laughed and went back into the house, thoughts and emotions spinning around her like a top.
Neither of them was aware of the pair of jealous eyes, which had watched the entire exchange.


Anger began to build slowly as he watched the pair on the front porch. He had been pleased with the way Alainna had bolted from the swing when Peter had tried to kiss her. But his pleasure quickly soured when she had returned to the swing and accepted two more kisses from him. Granted, things had been hesitant, but that's how these things always started. First it was slow and easy. Next thing you know, they'll be kissing a lot harder than that, he mused. I need to distract her more. I'm watching you, Alainna. Don't you get too cozy with this guy or you will be sorry.


Chapter 8


"Peter?" Alainna rapped on the door to the guest room with a big grin on her face and a bundle in her arms.
"Come on in, 'Lainna," he called from inside. He was stretched out on the bed, relaxing. Noticing the mischievous grin on her face, he wondered exactly what she was up to.
"Here!" She threw the bundle at him. "Get dressed, Handsome. Your few weeks of healing are up, and we have some research to do tonight. I'll meet you in the library." Spinning on her heel with a chuckle, she waltzed from the room.
Peter picked up the clothes she had thrown at him, a black, silk shirt with long sleeves and a pair of black jeans. He grinned at the doorway. Going out, huh? Where are we going with me dressed like this?


She was sending off an e-mail from her computer when he entered the library. She spun on the chair, whistling her delight at him. The shirt fit him like it was tailor made for him, emphasizing his muscular, lean torso. The jeans were also a perfect fit. "WOW! Look at you. Oh, yes, Handsome is definitely your last name tonight. Mmm, mm."
Peter's face slowly turned scarlet, from his cheeks to the roots of his hair, and he fumbled for a response. Then she stood up from the chair, crossing the room towards him, and the words that he planned to say died in his throat.

The pair of gray leather boots came just above her ankle, and he ran an appreciative eye up the shapely legs to the skirt that began mid-thigh. The tight-fitting denim skirt accentuated the narrow waist, and the curve of her hips. Oh, my. Peter sucked in his breath sharply as he felt his body respond, reminding him of the attraction he felt for this woman. His eyes continued their upward journey, appreciating the white silk shirt that clung in all the right places. Silk. I love the feel of it on my own skin, but to run my hands over that silk shirt…Down, Boy, he chastised himself. She's an innocent, remember? You are going to scare the life out of her, so get a grip.

Her face was animated with delight at his appearance, and he noticed that for the first time since they'd met, she was wearing make-up. God, she's gorgeous! He let out a whistle of his own. "Mmm, mmm, mmm, is right. Who are you and where is Alainna? She's a beautiful woman, but you, mmmm, you are heart-stopping."
It was Alainna's turn to blush, but she tried to hide behind a grin. "What a sweet talker you are, Peter Walker. Now, shall we go?" she asked, reaching for his arm.
"Oh, no. Just a minute," he said, pulling his arm out of her reach. "First, I want to know exactly what this 'research' we are doing is all about. Doc has told me a few of your horror stories."
"Come on, Peter, what do we look like we are dressed for? We're going out for a night on the town. We are going to paint this town red…and purple…and blue…and…" Laughing at him, she reached for his arm again.

He continued to regard her quietly, keeping his distance.
Sighing, she finally explained. "All right, Peter. We are going bar hopping. Maybe not even hopping, but we are going to a country bar, and we are going to hang out there while I absorb some of the color and atmosphere. I am NOT a bar person, in case you hadn't figured that out. But my next story is going to have a man who is a bar hopper, and I need to know what the heck I'm talking about."
That doesn't sound like a problem, but I'm glad I can go with her. Especially if she's going dressed like that. Bending his elbow, he finally offered his arm to her. "Okay, Miss Writer, let's saddle up and head on out."


The bar was crowded, noisy and smoky. The music was loud. Alainna's unease surfaced in her constant fidgeting, in her toying with her soda glass. Nursing his second beer, Peter watched Alainna as she did her research. He could sometimes almost see the wheels turning in her head.
Reaching out, Peter grabbed her by the hand as the music finally slowed. "Come on, Miss Writer, take a break. Let's dance." She let out a small squeak of protest, but Peter was already pulling her onto the dance floor.

Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her in close, nuzzling her hair. "Mmm. This is much better," he growled playfully, allowing his hand to roam across her back. Silk.
"Much better than what?" she asked with a chuckle.
"Much better than just about anything." He looked down into her sparkling blue eyes, overwhelmed by the feelings battling in his heart. What was that you told her, Peter? he asked himself. Stop going with your head and go with your heart? Take your own advice, fool.

"A penny for your thoughts," she said, interrupting his debate with himself.
Peter continued to hold her close, then leaned his head down and whispered huskily into her ear, "Are you really sure you want to know?"
She blushed. "Umm…yes."
"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you." He smiled at her, causing her heart to skip a beat, then he kissed her. This kiss was not gentle or hesitant; this kiss was more demanding.

Caught in his arms, body pressed firmly against his, Alainna really had no place to go. After a moment's pause, she surrendered to those demanding lips, answering them with her own. The surroundings faded from her reality and they were alone in the universe.
Peter joined her in a place where nothing existed but the two of them, dragged back to reality too soon by a hand tapping him on the shoulder.

"Well, well, what have we here?" a voice boomed. "Mind if an old man cuts in, Son?"
The two of them opened their eyes to look at Doc. Alainna began to laugh. Peter did not look amused. "Well, Doc, I owe you one for taking care of me, so, I guess you can cut in." Peter reluctantly surrendered Alainna to him and moved off the dance floor to their table.

Doc Waldron took Alainna's hand, putting one arm around her waist. The two stared at each other for a moment before Alainna burst out laughing again. "Doc, you are bad! What are you doing here, anyway?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing, young lady."
"Well, before you so rudely interrupted me, I was kissing Peter!" Alainna's eyes twinkled as she said it, knowing full well it would annoy her foster father.
"I could see that, as could everyone else in the place!" Doc responded gruffly. "You are playing with fire there, 'Lainna. Watch that you don't burn yourself," he warned her. "Now, what brought you here in the first place?" Alainna began to open her mouth to speak, but he cut her off, "No, wait, let me guess. Research!"
"Correct. Now, why aren't you at your poker game tonight?"
"We decided to do something different tonight, 'Lainna. Actually, it was Jimmy's idea. He called just before the game was supposed to start and told us all to meet him here."

Jimmy Sartell glided up behind Doc at that very moment. "That's right. Now, Doc, how about giving me a turn with this gorgeous creature?"
Bowing his head, Doc handed her over. "I will discuss this with you further some other time, 'Lainna," he said before he stalked off the dance floor. Alainna could see he was headed straight for Peter. Oh, poor Peter. He's in for it now. He's going to get an earful from Doc.
Jimmy snagged Alainna around the waist, drawing her close. Alainna responded by restoring a little more distance between them. "What's this, Al? You'll dance that close to the guy who's living in your house, but not with your old buddy? I'm the one who taught you how to slow dance, remember?"

Alainna stiffened in his arms. "Jimmy, please. You know we've had this conversation many times in the past. You are a dear friend, and I'd be lost without you, but I just don't feel that way about you. You are special to me and I love you, but I'm not in love with you." I have that speech memorized now.
"What about him?" Jimmy nodded towards Peter. "Are you in love with him?"
"I…I'm not sure yet, Jimmy. It's too soon to tell."
"If he breaks your heart, I'm gonna break his neck," Jimmy growled menacingly.
Alainna laughed. All these men who want to protect me, she thought, but they're all busy growling at one another. "I think you'll have to get in line, Jimmy. I think Doc might beat you to it."
The music finally ended and Alainna slipped from Jimmy's arms. "Go and be nice to Peter, Jimmy. Rescue him from Doc. I have to go to the little girl's room. Tell Peter I'll be right over."

Daniel Hollinger watched Alainna stride from the dance floor. She sure looks good tonight, he thought.
The clothes she was wearing were not her usual style, and they accentuated every curve of her body. A body Daniel had fond memories of. He would never forget that night. His hands twitched at the thought of being able to run his hands along those curves as he had that night. Unfortunately, it hadn't ended up the way he had planned. He chuckled. She's a feisty one, all right, he mused, taking a long pull on his beer.
He was amused by the way Doc had interrupted her passionate dance with the stranger he had first seen shirtless on her front porch. Word around town was he was an old friend of Alainna's by the name of Peter Walker. It serves the tramp right that Doc interrupted her like that, he thought. Man, she sure has changed.

Peter was nodding, trying to placate Doc. "Yes, Doc, I remember the conversation we had. I recall telling you that I wouldn't hurt her. I have no intentions of hurting her."
"I knew from the beginning that you were going to break my girl's heart, Peter. You might want to rethink this whole thing and just back up a little bit."
Jimmy Sartell slid into the booth, bottle of beer in his hand. "I'm with him on this one, Peter. You know, breaking her heart is an easy thing to do. It's also a foolish thing to do. It seems you may have done it once already. I wouldn't recommend doing it again."
"Is that a threat, Sheriff?" Peter asked, thumping his mug down onto the table.
"No, it's not a threat. It's a promise. I think maybe it's time for you to head back to your life and leave Alainna to hers."
"I think that's a decision for Alainna to make." Peter scanned the crowd for her. "Hey! Isn't that Daniel over there?" Peter pointed at a figure across the room. "What is this, old home night tonight? Is the whole town here?"
Jimmy Sartell looked in the direction Peter was pointing. "Damn, it is him. I wonder what the hell he's doing here? Well, I've been meaning to have a little talk with him ever since Alainna called me this morning." Jimmy stood up from the booth. "Gentlemen," he glared at Peter, "and I use the term loosely, if you will excuse me?" Stalking off across the room, he zeroed in on Daniel.


Heading back to the table, Alainna wondered if Doc had finished grilling Peter. She chuckled. Poor Peter. Doc is probably really giving it to him.
Suddenly a strong hand clamped itself around her wrist. Alainna looked up in shock into a pair of dark brown eyes.
"Well, what have we here?" growled the man. "Ain't you something?"
Alainna's knees began to tremble. "I think you must have me confused with someone else," she stammered. "So, let me go."
The man began to laugh. He was about 6'2" and looked like he ate grizzlies for breakfast, but was planning on having her for his next snack.

"Stop that laughing," she commanded, unwilling to show her fear. "I am warning you, mister, either move that hand, or loose it!"
The man laughed even harder. "You're a feisty one, are you? Well, little missy, do you happen to have something to back that threat up with?"
"As a matter of fact, she does," came another voice into the conversation. "She has me."

Alainna peered over the man's shoulder. To her great relief, Peter was standing directly behind him. "There, you see. So, now just let me go, and we will forget about this whole thing."
The big man twisted his head, locking eyes with Peter. "Oh, is that how it's gonna be, pretty boy? I let the lady go, and you two just walk off and everything is fine?" Turning his body, he maintained his hold on Alainna's arm.
Peter did not move a muscle. Standing toe to toe, the two men glared at one another. "No, I don't think so. I think you'd better apologize to the lady first. Then maybe we'll run along and forget about this whole thing."

Abruptly letting go of Alainna's arm, he lunged at Peter with a snarl. Peter stepped quickly to the side and the man went flying past him.
Peter turned and faced the man again, protecting Alainna by stepping between the drunk and her. The man lunged for him again.
Grabbing him by the arm, Peter twisted the appendage sharply to the point of breaking, guiding the man to his knees at Alainna's feet. "Now, what was it you wanted to say to this lady?" Peter asked again.
The man growled unintelligible words.

Peter gave him a shake, applying a little more pressure to his wrist. "What was that? I couldn't understand you."
Grimacing, the big man finally spoke clearly. "I…I said I'm sorry."
"That's what I thought you said." Peter turned the man loose with a shove in the opposite direction from Alainna. "I'd stay away from the lady, if I were you," he warned.
Rubbing his wrist and glaring dark looks at Peter, the drunk stumbled off towards the bar's exit.

Peter turned to face Alainna. "You okay, Alainna?"
She nodded, her eyes wide and staring. "Yes, thanks to you." The after-effects of the adrenaline rush left her trembling.
Peter took her gently by the arm, guiding her back toward their table. "Come on, let's get you to sit down before you fall down."

Doc looked up in alarm, seeing how pale Alainna's face was. Peter had her clutched firmly by the arm as she slid into the booth. Sliding in next to her, she leaned onto him for support.
" 'Lainna, what have you done this time?" Doc questioned.
Smiling weakly at him, she protested, "I didn't do anything, Doc. Honest!" She looked at Peter for support. "Did I do anything, Peter?"
Peter smiled back at her, caressing her face. "You are only guilty of being the prettiest woman in here, Miss Writer. That guy may have been drunk, but you can't fault him for his taste in woman."
"Drunk?" Doc asked. "Are you sure everything is all right, Alainna?"
"Yes, Doc. Peter rescued me. What a knight in shining armor! By the way, " she said, turning to meet Peter's eyes, "How did you know I needed rescuing, anyway?"
Peter shrugged his shoulders. "I…don't know. I just did."
"Well, I don't care how you knew. I'm just glad you did." She sighed wearily. "You know, Peter, I think I have soaked up enough color and atmosphere. Let's go home. I'm exhausted."
Peter slid from the booth, and Alainna followed him, pausing to kiss Doc on the cheek. "I'll see you soon, Doc. Enjoy the rest of your…poker game."

Outside in the parking lot, the drunk was collecting his pay. "Okay, man, I did what you told me to. Now, pay up."
A twenty-dollar bill was placed in his out-stretched hand. "Hey! That's not what you said!"
A hand quickly grabbed the big man by the shirt collar. "You got a complaint? That was the worst excuse for a bar room brawl I ever saw. You never even laid a hand on the guy! And you didn't seem to scare the lady very much, either. I suggest you take what I gave you and get lost in a hurry!"
"O…okay, no problem. I'm gone."



"Do you want me to drive, Alainna?" Peter asked as they approached the car.
"What? And get pulled over, you without your ID? You just want to get your hands on my new car. Forget it, buster." She flashed him a weary smile. "No, I'm okay, Peter. I just want to get home."
"And hopefully get some sleep, right?" he asked, holding open the car door for her.
Sinking down into the roadster, she admitted, "You read my mind, Handsome."


Unable to get a wink of sleep himself, Peter heard her sneak past the guestroom and down the back staircase at midnight. Tugging on a pair of jeans, he padded down the stairs himself. At least if we're not sleeping, we might as well do it together.
The light over the sink provided the only illumination in the kitchen, casting strange shadows across the room. Alainna was placing a pot on the stove.
Peter was sure to make sufficient noise not to startle her, knowing her nerves were on edge. He didn't want to frighten her. "What are you cooking at this hour?" he asked softly.
"Warm milk," she answered with a slight smile. "Want some? It sounds rather disgusting, but it usually does help you sleep."
Peter wrinkled his nose in distaste. "No, thanks, I'll pass. So, how come you can't sleep?" He looked at her carefully. She was trembling. Peter stepped closer and put his arms around her. "Alainna, what is it?"

Lingering in his arms only a short time, Alainna pushed him away. He could see the tension in her body, the glint of fear in her eyes. "Another phone call, Peter."
Peter raised his eyebrow at her. There's more to this one then she's saying. "And?" he asked.
Her voice quivered with anxiety. "This time, he spoke to me. It didn't sound like Daniel. He…he said how good I looked tonight." She leaned against the counter for support, beginning to feel a little unsteady. "Peter, he saw me. He was there tonight, at the bar. He described what I was wearing."
"Then it must be Daniel, Alainna, because he was there tonight. I saw him. He must have been disguising his voice somehow. There are all kinds of electronic gadgets today that will do that."
"Well, I kind of hope it is him. What's that saying? Better the devil that you know than the one you don't know? Daniel, I know what to expect from him. If it's someone else, then I have no clue what could happen." Turning, she walked to the cabinet next to the sink, getting down a mug. "Are you sure you don't want some of this yummy milk?"
"No, thanks."

Once Alainna had her milk in the mug, Peter took her by the hand. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"You are going to bed. I am going to bed right after I disconnect the phone in your room. No more phone calls tonight. You need some rest, and I'm not letting that guy disturb you anymore."
"But if you disconnect it, then we can't keep track of the calls for Jimmy." Reaching the top of the backstairs, Peter took her gently by the arm, steering her into the guest room.
"On second thought, you sleep in here tonight. I'll sleep in your room, that way I can answer the phone when it rings. Then we can still have a list for Jimmy, okay?" he asked, running his hand over her cheek.

She nodded wearily at him, exhausted and willing to try just about anything.
"Good." Leaning over, Peter quickly stole a kiss. "Pleasant dreams, Miss Writer." He gave her a gentle push into the guest room. "You want me to tuck you in?" Grinning at her, he was relieved to see that despite her tension and exhaustion, there was still a spark in her eyes.
"I don't think that will be necessary, Handsome. Maybe some other time?"
"Don't make offers that you have no intention of keeping, Alainna." He laughed when she blushed, then leaned forward to kiss her tenderly. "Get some sleep. You can't write if you're so tired you're falling asleep on the keyboard!"

Waiting until she had closed the door, he stalked down the hallway to her room. Quickly shedding his jeans, he threw himself onto her bed and stared at the phone on the night table, daring it to ring. It remained infuriatingly silent for the rest of the night.

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