She’s the love of his life…

…but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

TARA RANDEL is an award-winning USA TODAY bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery, and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the west coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. This is her tenth book for Harlequin Heartwarming. Visit Tara at tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books.

Also By Tara Randel

Meet Me at the Altar

Trusting Her Heart

His Honor, Her Family

The Lawman’s Secret Vow

The Business of Weddings

His One and Only Bride

The Wedding March

The Bridal Bouquet

Honeysuckle Bride

Magnolia Bride

Orange Blossom Brides

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

Always the One

Tara Randel

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-0-008-90611-5

ALWAYS THE ONE

© 2020 Tara Spicer

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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“Yes, we made promises. Had our entire future before us.” Hannah’s eyes turned glassy in the lighting.

She continued. “But the longer we were apart, the more apparent it became that we were over. My family took precedence, Derrick. Decisions were made that moved you and me farther and farther from each other. This is my reality now.”

He couldn’t deny that truth. “So Prescott is the guy for you?”

She nodded. “He’s been there. Since we met and later when Mom got sick. He’s a good man.”

“You love him?”

“You’ve met him. How could I not?”

“That’s not an answer.”

She pressed her lips together. He remembered that stubborn expression.

“Derrick, it’s been a long time. We can’t be in each other’s lives,” she said, but had hesitated for a fraction of a second.

A shaft of hope lit through Derrick. “Not even if you’re the love I never stopped looking for?”

Dear Reader,

Do you love to travel? I do. Nothing is more exciting than hitting the open road on a new adventure. And when an interesting locale pops up on a television show, I love to say to my husband, “I’ve been there.” There are so many outstanding places to set a story, so picking the right location for a book is important.

Years ago I was out west with some friends and we drove through Nevada. I was really impressed with the Lake Tahoe area. The mountains were so beautiful. The water so clear and blue. I love being in the woods, and let me say, there were so many gorgeous rustic areas, so many tall trees and lots of wildlife, I fell in love. So when I needed a special place for Hannah, my latest heroine, to live, the lake and surrounding region immediately jumped into my mind.

Research is a big part of planning a book, and when I get to “visit” new places to discover interesting tidbits to incorporate in a story, it makes writing so much fun.

I hope you enjoy Hannah and Derrick’s story, and the return of the Matthews brothers.

Happy reading!

Tara

To my precious daughter, Kathryn. I love you.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Introduction

Dear Reader

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Extract

About the Publisher

CHAPTER ONE

“I DON’T LIKE the looks of this,” Derrick Matthews said to his three brothers as they huddled around the beach bonfire, waiting for their mother’s news. He hunched deeper into the fleece jacket worn over a T-shirt and jeans as a brisk wind whipped over the water. As the sun sank into the horizon, a damp chill settled in. The stacked logs snapped and crackled, pieces of ash rising in the air before being swept away.

“She’s been cagey, even more than usual,” Dante replied as he eyed the crowd. “Which is saying a lot.”

“You don’t think…” Dylan trailed off at the nods sent in his direction.

“Oh, yeah,” Derrick confirmed. “They’re going to make it official.”

He and his brothers stared into the burning flames. Their mother was going to marry a man with a sketchy past and if they valued their relationship with her, there wasn’t a thing they could do about it.

“It’s not like we didn’t expect this,” Deke reasoned.

Derrick leaned back in the beach chair, his gaze traveling to his mother, Jasmine, who was currently surrounded by a circle of friends. “Still, this is Mom we’re talking about.”

He couldn’t deny she looked happy. Happier than he’d ever seen her in the years since their father had died. Shouldn’t that count for something?

As the conversation faded, Deke and Dante, his two youngest brothers, rose and wandered over to their girlfriends. Derrick watched, the envy he’d tried to ignore all weekend making a repeat appearance. He was happy for his brothers, too, wasn’t he?

“You okay with Mom doing this?” he asked Dylan, the second brother in the Matthews line. All the brothers were dark-haired, with varied shades of blue eyes, concerned about the woman who had raised them.

“Not particularly, but it’s what she wants.”

“And you’re tired of arguing with her?” Derrick asked, amused by his brother’s failed attempt to rein in their mother.

“She’s stubborn,” Dylan muttered.

“I tried to talk to her, but she ended up lecturing me, so I gave up.”

“She lectured you?”

“What can I say? I was deep into a case and she caught me off guard.”

“Like she manages to do with all of us,” Dylan said.

“You know you could investigate. We threatened Stanhope we’d do it.”

Dylan looked at Derrick like he’d lost his mind. “Not if I prize my future.”

Derrick chuckled. “Exactly.”

“So I’ll let it go. For tonight.”

The Cypress Pointe crowd had gathered for the special occasion, which was all the insight their mother would allow. Neighbors, townsfolk, kids and teens swarmed the beach located not far from the city park. The sand ran up to the grassy area, which then led to sidewalks, picnic benches and a large gazebo used for town, or private, events. Everyone brought a dish to share. There were drinks galore, plenty of riveting conversation and the occasional firecracker set off farther up the beach. It reminded Derrick of his youth, even if he hadn’t grown up in this particular Florida location, but the antics were still the same.

“So when’s your big day?” Derrick asked, referring to Dylan’s upcoming wedding.

“This summer.”

“You’re going to brave the Florida heat?”

“It’s what Kady wants.”

Right. Dylan’s fiancée. The first of the brothers to make it to the altar.

Dylan and Kady had met during a DEA investigation in this sleepy little tourist town. Since then, Jasmine Matthews had moved to Cypress Pointe to be near one of her sons because the rest were scattered. What they hadn’t expected was for her to fall for a man and remarry.

Derrick and his brothers were law enforcement, following in their police commissioner father’s footsteps, or had been, anyway. Dylan had met Kady during an undercover stint in town, but was still on the job. Former criminal forensics, Deke had gone off to the Georgia mountains to get a line on the man in their mother’s life and had fallen in love with Grace. He now worked as an outdoor guide for her family’s adventure vacation business. And Dante, the youngest, had left his position as a detective with a local PD. His girlfriend, Eloise, had been promoted to sergeant, but Dante had decided to open a specialty mechanic shop to work on classic cars, located on the other coast of Florida.

They were happy with their decisions, in love and bugging the socks off him.

“Good luck with that,” Derrick grumbled.

“Don’t need luck. Just two words that’ll make me happy.”

I do. Yeah, he got it.

“You’re still my best man?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” Even though he’d like to. He didn’t need a reminder of the love he’d once had and lost, but he wouldn’t tell Dylan no. They were close, all the brothers were, and Derrick would do his part, even if it about killed him.

He must have frowned because Dylan said, “It’s been a long time.”

Like he’d ever forget. “Feels like a hundred years.”

“Think it’s time to move on?”

He barked out a harsh laugh. “Move on to what?”

“Happiness.”

Derrick didn’t hide his annoyance. “Happiness is overrated.”

“Says the guy who won’t give any nice woman he dates a chance.”

Okay, that was true. He’d been accused of being a serial dater albeit it wasn’t the case. He purposely let his brothers believe he was out enjoying the wild, single life when he was still hung up on Hannah. It was better for them to think he couldn’t commit, instead of witnessing their pity if they knew otherwise.

“I don’t need your opinion on how to live my life.”

Dylan raised a dark eyebrow. “Aren’t you the first one to stick your nose in our business? You made sure to give me unsolicited advice when Kady and I started dating. And if I remember correctly, you managed to butt into Deke’s and Dante’s love lives, as well.”

“I’m the oldest brother. It’s my job to put in my two cents.”

“Even when it’s unsolicited?”

Derrick lifted a shoulder. “Blame it on the cop in me.”

“More like you want to be in control.”

“Can’t help myself. I’ve got Mom’s genes.”

Dylan snorted. “On that we can agree.”

Derrick dug the toes of his boots into the sifting sand. Said in a quiet voice, “I was the first one to fall in love. The first one to talk about getting married. Now look at me. I work too much, don’t ever commit, as you endlessly remind me, and have to put a smile on my face to make our mother happy.”

“Don’t beat yourself up. You tried to find her.”

“A lot of good that did.”

“You can’t blame yourself.”

Derrick shot him a sharp look. “Really? Who else?”

Dylan wisely kept his mouth shut.

“She’s out there, Dyl. Somewhere, she’s out there.”

Hannah Rawlings had been his first love. His only love. The one who got away.

He glanced at his brother. “I was sure I had a good lead two years ago.”

Dylan sighed. “You’ve searched for years. Never made any headway. Let her go. Give yourself a chance to grieve and then start embracing life. Get serious with a woman.”

It wasn’t like the idea had never occurred to Derrick. There had been a woman once, but in the end, the memory of Hannah had overshadowed the budding relationship. Still, he’d ignored the idea of moving on. Until now.

Recently he’d been rethinking his goals. Wondered what they’d look like without Hannah at the forefront. There was more to life and he was missing out by searching for a woman who didn’t want to be found.

“For once I’m inclined to go along with that.”

Astonishment flashed across Dylan’s face but was quickly gone. “Wise choice.”

Was it? He closed his eyes. Shouts of laughter and conversation surrounded him. He’d come to Cypress Pointe this weekend at Jasmine’s summons—yes, he still jumped when his mother called—as did all his siblings. But this time was different. His mother was about to announce her engagement to a man he and his brothers had suspected of harboring a secret past. Turned out they’d been right, he had a shady history, mistakes he’d made after losing his wife and his way, errors he was currently atoning for by paying back the families he’d swindled more than a decade ago. Nevertheless, there could be more to him than they’d uncovered and even though Dylan still talked about investigating, Derrick had convinced him to drop it. The kicker? Derrick kinda liked James Stanhope. He too was intimately acquainted with regrets of the past. Sometimes it was okay to let it go.

Could he do that with Hannah?

A woman’s bubbly laughter floated his way and memories bombarded him.

Bicycling to the beach under a blazing summer sun. Hannah’s riotous auburn curls shining, her hazel eyes filled with teasing merriment. They’d exchanged class rings junior year and she’d been excited to wear the necklace that held his ring around her neck. Every year they’d celebrated their birthdays on the same day. He’d always said she was the best birthday present he’d ever received.

They’d started hanging out when they were eight or nine, became an item at thirteen and planned to run off and get married the day after their eighteenth birthdays. Except when he showed up that special morning to whisk her away, she was gone. Her entire family vanishing into thin air.

If Hannah could, or wanted to, wouldn’t she have contacted him by now?

That was the part that tripped Derrick up, because bottom line, the real reason he’d never found her might be because she didn’t want to be found by him.

“What’s changed?” Dylan asked, drawing Derrick back to the conversation.

“I guess seeing my brothers have fulfilling lives. Even Mom. After years of being a widow, she found love again.” He turned to his brother. “I want that.”

“Then go for it.”

Easier said than done. He’d only ever loved one woman in his thirty-five years on earth. Didn’t know if he had it in him to try with another.

As if given a silent cue, the crowd started moving toward the gingerbread-decorated gazebo outlined in twinkling lights located just off the beach. Derrick and Dylan got up and followed the others. His mother and James stood in the center of the structure, his arm around her waist, his mother smiling into James’s eyes. Yep. Didn’t have to be a crack FBI special agent to realize it was time for the big announcement.

Rather than hang around his brothers and their girlfriends, he lingered in the back of the crowd, staying in the shadows. The wind whipped through again. It was a cold January evening, even for Florida standards. They’d gotten together to usher in the new year, but when their mother asked them to stay a few extra days, they knew Jasmine Matthews was up to something.

“Thank you for coming tonight, all our family and friends.” Jasmine’s eyes glowed with a barely contained joy. As Derrick glanced at the couples around him, he noticed a similar theme.

The envy kicked up again.

“As you know, James and I were lucky to find each other. And we’ve been even more fortunate to have your support.”

A snort escaped Derrick.

When he and his brothers had confronted James last autumn, they’d gotten two big surprises. One, James admitted his past as a con artist but confessed he’d been on the straight and narrow for a very long time. His mother ordered Derrick and his brothers to back off and they had. He kept waiting for one of his brothers to come up with a plan to break up the couple, but so far nothing had come to pass. At least nothing they were telling him since he’d landed on Team James.

And second, they were going to gain a sister. James’ daughter Serena had become good friends with his mother. Which was a plus because that helped keep Jasmine from worrying about his private life. So if Mom and James got married, there would be one more sibling in the family. And even Serena had found her great love with Logan Masterson, the PI hired to dig up information on Stanhope.

It was like the universe was conspiring against him.

Weird, the thought of having a sister after a lifetime of brothers. But again, his mother was ecstatic and Serena was pretty okay, so he’d show up at his mother’s wedding and smile, even though he and his brothers would never shake their suspicions of the man she intended to marry.

“I’m sure it won’t come as a news flash that we’re getting hitched,” she told the crowd.

Cheers and claps echoed in the night.

“So, mark your calendars for the second weekend in February.” She grinned. “The sooner the better.”

Voices rose in celebration. His mother’s gaze caught his and with a small lift of her chin, she motioned him over. He skirted the outer rim of the crowd to find his brothers already behind the gazebo with their mother.

“I have a request,” she said as the four circled her. Derrick could have sworn he heard Dante groan.

She looked each of the grown men in the eyes. “I love you boys too much to decide who will give me away at my wedding. So I’ll leave the decision up to you.”

“Are you sure?” Derrick asked.

She cupped his cheek with her warm hand. “I’m sure.”

After winking at him, she strolled away.

Reaching into the front pocket of his jeans, Derrick withdrew a worn coin. He ran his thumb over the warm metal, the raised edges smooth after years of being handled.

“Okay, guys. What do you say we decide who gives Mom away in the Matthews’ family tradition?”

Dante rolled his eyes. “I hate this tradition.”

“Poor loser?” Derrick asked.

“No, so far I’ve been fortunate, but the anticipation is agony.”

Dylan slapped Derrick on the back. “What do you say we let those two go first.”

“Works for me.”

“Heads,” Dante called.

Deke shrugged.

With a flip of his thumb, the coin sailed into the air then landed in Derrick’s palm. He looked at it for a long time, stretching out the suspense, a grin curving his lips.

“Oh, for the love of…” Dante griped.

“No worries, little bro. Heads.”

Dante blew out a breath and turned on his heel.

“Escaping so soon?” Deke called after him.

“I’m going back to Eloise where it’s safe.”

Deke turned back to the bearer of the coin. “Heads.”

“You sure?” Derrick asked.

“Let’s keep the good luck rolling.”

Once again, Derrick made a show of letting the coin twist in the air. The wind picked it up, but after it came down, he winked at his brother. “Safe.”

“Good,” Deke replied, then narrowed his eyes. “By the way, I’m onto you.”

Derrick’s hand flew to his chest, and he projected an air of innocence. “Me?”

Shaking his head, Deke walked away but not before Derrick glimpsed a small smile.

“That just leaves us,” Derrick said to Dylan.

“Why bother? The coin is double-sided.”

“How do you know? You’ve never seen it.”

Dylan sent him a really? glance. “My point, exactly. You wield that coin to do your bidding.”

“Harsh.”

“The truth.”

“Then let me buck the system and call tails,” Derrick said.

“Magnanimous of you.”

With a chuckle, Derrick sent the coin into the air. It hovered. Dropped. Derrick eyed the metal and said, “Guess I had to lose some time.”

“Let me see,” Dylan said, reaching for the coin. Derrick snatched his hand away.

“Nope. Doesn’t work that way.”

“So you really lost?”

“You doubt me?”

“You’ve been known to cheat.”

Once again, Derrick went for hurt. “I’m wounded.”

Dylan crossed his arms over his chest. “Yet you haven’t confessed.”

Derrick shrugged.

“Fine. You win.” Dylan took a few steps back, then turned to leave. A couple of minutes later Jasmine reappeared.

“How did it turn out?”

“We decided I’d have the honor of walking you down the aisle.” He puffed out his chest. “I am the oldest, after all.”

“And this decision didn’t have anything to do with you manipulating the coin toss?”

His eyes went wide. “How…”

“You boys think you’re a step ahead of me.” She rolled her eyes. “That will be the day.”

Barking out a laugh, Derrick hugged the woman who had loved him since birth, the woman he’d be pleased to give away in marriage.

She pulled back, her eyes bright as she searched his face. “You’re okay with this?”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.

“With the upcoming weddings and happily-ever-afters, I don’t want you to feel left out.”

His chest squeezed tight. He knew his mother was referring to Hannah. “I’m okay, Mom.”

She tilted her head. “Really?”

“Yes,” he lied.

While she continued to read him, he led her in the direction of the beach. “Yes, I’ve always been in love with her. And yes, I’ll continue to love her. But by her silence, Hannah’s made it clear she doesn’t feel the same way. I’ve tried to find her. Failed.” He ran a shaky hand over his closely cropped hair. “Maybe Dylan is right. It’s time to move on.”

A bright sheen brightened his mother’s eyes in the bonfire light. “I know how much this hurts.”

It did. Every day. But it didn’t change reality.

He swallowed hard. Forced himself to believe the words he was about to say. “I’m ready. Probably should have been years ago.”

“You never gave up hope.”

“Sometimes hope isn’t enough.”

At those words, his mother tightly hugged him. Then she stepped back and wiped her cheeks. “I’m happy about your decision. And that you’ll be here for the wedding.”

“I have vacation time coming. And believe it or not, I’m happy you found James.” He lifted his chin in the direction of her fiancé. “Go enjoy your night.”

“You promise you’ll be okay?”

“Promise.”

She frowned. “I worry about you. You talk a good game…”

“Go.”

At his directive, she made her way back to James, the smile from earlier returning to her lips.

He glanced around the crowd, catching glimpses of his brothers and their girlfriends. He was the odd man out here. He’d head back to DC early, get some paperwork done and take off on his unwelcome vacation. It was going to be a long six weeks, but what choice did he have? Sit around his apartment and mope? The idea of a solo trip didn’t appeal, but he realized that maybe he was better off alone in the long run. In life.

On that sobering thought, Derrick made his way to the water’s edge to escape the pervading good cheer. The surf rolled in at a steady pace as he approached. The scent of burning wood and wet sand should have relaxed him, but as he stared out over the dark horizon, his mind traveled elsewhere.

Usually he kept himself so busy at work that he didn’t have time to dwell on the past. The pace in DC was hectic, and in his position as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he took every case he could. But coming here to Florida brought back memories he’d tried to block over the years. Even as they faded to black-and-white.

He and Hannah had come up with the idea to get married while they were at the beach, shortly after high school graduation. Hannah had been talking about college and how she didn’t want them to be separated and before he knew it, they’d hatched a plan. It had been a night much like this, filled with promise and joy, but they’d been alone instead of in a crowd like the folks gathered here to celebrate with his mother. Seemed like it had always been him and Hannah against the world. He’d liked it that way. Didn’t need anyone else and neither did she.

Excitement had gleamed in her eyes. She’d thrown herself into his arms for a kiss that sealed the deal. Two months until their birthdays and then they’d make things official.

Until fate decided otherwise.

He let out a sigh as he heard someone approach. He looked over his shoulder and spotted Dylan walking his way.

“You going to be able to make it back in time for Mom’s wedding?” his brother asked.

“Looks like I’ll have to now.”

“Because you cheated.”

He canted his head. “Like that’s a shocker.”

Dylan chuckled. “You can get time off?”

“Turns out I’ve accrued a month and a half worth of vacation time my superior is hounding me to take. He hates paperwork and wants me to lighten his load by going, in his words, anywhere.”

“Have you made plans?”

“I was thinking about hitting the road.” Dante had restored and modified a classic ’67 Challenger for Derrick. The same car that was a piece of junk when he’d arrived in Hannah’s driveway the day he’d discovered her gone…

He’d jumped out of the car. Run up the brick path to the front door and rung the bell. Could barely keep still from the excitement coursing through him. After a few minutes of silence, he’d pressed the button again. And again. He’d moved to the large picture window and cupped his hands around his eyes to peer into the dark recesses of the house before stepping from the porch to walk around the house. No one out back. Stumped, he noticed the next-door neighbor watering her flowers.

“Hey, Mrs. Gaines. Have you seen Hannah around?”

The older woman frowned. “Heard noises last night. Couldn’t sleep, so I looked out the window to see who was making the ruckus. The family got in the car and took off.”

That couldn’t be right. “In the middle of the night?”

“There were some official-looking men telling them to hurry. Hannah and her mother were crying but they were pushed in the car and left.”

Gone? Just like that?

“But…”

The neighbor shrugged. “Can’t tell you any more than that.”

Derrick jerked when his brother spoke.

“I asked where you’re headed.”

He shook off the memories, including how his actions, and his father’s, in retrospect probably set events in motion. Maybe if it had been a normal breakup—still not a great scenario—he would have had closure. But his nature, to find answers, kept him hooked.

“No destination in mind. Just get in the car and drive.”

“Need a wingman? For part of the trip?”

“Nah. I’m good.” He gazed over the water. “You’re right, Dylan. It’s time to let go. Maybe on this trip I can finally get rid of baggage from the past.”

Dylan clamped his shoulder. “It’s a good idea.”

Derrick thought so, even if his heart cracked a little bit deeper.

MONDAY MORNING HE was back in his office, finishing the last of his stack of paperwork. His superior, Ron Collins, popped into Derrick’s office.

“I thought you were leaving today.”

“I am. Just wanted to clear my desk before taking off.”

“You do have plans, right?” Ron asked, hope in his eyes.

Derrick laughed. “Yes. I’ll be gone until next month. My mother is getting married in February and after that, I’m all yours again.”

“Look, I know I sound like a broken record, but it was either remind you about your accrued vacation time or you lose it.”

“It’s fine. I needed the push.”

Ron nodded at the computer screen. “You tied up the museum case?”

“Yep.” He rifled through the papers on his desk to find the printed report. “Here you go.”

“Nice job.”

“Thanks.”

“And Derrick?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Enjoy your time off.”

Derrick allowed a small smile. “Will do.”

Once he’d finished the last report, he gathered his mail from the corner of his desk. He tossed a few envelopes aside until he came upon a bulky 3 x 5 package. His name was scrawled across the front in a flowery script. Definitely not official. The return address came from Nevada. He didn’t recall knowing anyone from there. Curious, he ripped the package open and peered inside. No paper. He tipped it upside down and out tumbled a small red gem, about the size to fit an expensive women’s ring. When the late morning sunlight from his office window reflected off the gem, his breath caught in his throat.

He took a pen from the holder and pushed the cut stone closer. Leaned down to inspect it better. A flash of memory jolted him and he sat back in the chair—multiple stones scattered on Hannah’s father’s desk. Hannah asking him not to tell anyone what he saw.

Could this be a signal from Hannah?

He grabbed the envelope and scanned the return address again. Dark Clay, Nevada.

He swiveled in his chair and typed the name into the computer. Found the location about twenty miles outside Carson City near Lake Tahoe.

His heart started pumping wildly. Finally. After all these years. A connection. Was this Hannah’s way of contacting him? And why now?

Did it matter?

No.

He picked up his phone and booked the next available flight to Reno-Tahoe International.

SOMEONE WAS WATCHING Hannah Rawlings. Or, Anna Rawley, as she was currently known. She was sure of it.

She’d been on the run long enough to recognize when the little hairs on the back of her neck were warning her, not acting up because of the biting wind. She walked around the playground of Ponderosa Day School, avoiding patches of ice as she pulled her wool coat more snugly around her. It had rained just after the morning bell and since then the temperature had dipped close to freezing. The sun barely peeked out from the cloud cover. Shivering, she watched her students, but her eyes flitted around the schoolyard. Nothing out of the ordinary for a Tuesday. But still, she couldn’t shake the strange feeling.

“Miss Rawley, Tommy threw snow at me.”

She glanced down to find William staring up at her. She controlled her exasperation. What was it with boys, always tussling and one-upping each other? She crouched down to his level, her heart squeezing at his mournful expression.

Teaching ten-year-old children required a patience level and skill she never thought she’d need.

“What happened?”

“You know the pile of snow in the corner? Chuck was kicking it with his boots and then Tommy scooped it up and made snowballs.”

“I thought you boys were playing a game?”

He nodded, his blue eyes solemn behind glasses. “We were. It was my turn with the ball, but Tommy took it from me and then started throwing snow at me.”

As usual, Tommy made his own rules.

“I’ll talk to him.”

William’s face lit up. “You’re the best.” He turned and ran back to a group of boys.

“Hardly,” she muttered under her breath. Not when she wondered every day why she was getting dressed to go to school and teach a class full of rambunctious fourth graders. Not exactly her grand plan, but then, nothing had turned out the way she’d dreamed.

But once she arrived, the kids reminded her why she loved being around them. Their optimism and energy filled her with a sense of hope she hung on to daily.

Rising, she stuffed her gloved hands in her coat pockets and watched the boys work out their problems just before the bell rang. The students hurried to line up. Taking one last look around the schoolyard, Hannah searched for the source of her uneasiness. No adults hung around the fence. The cars in the parking lot belonged to teachers or support staff. Even the cars along the street were a normal part of the landscape.

Okay, so she was overreacting. Wouldn’t be the first time.

The next couple of hours dragged on as Hannah finished her day. The black slacks and white sweater she’d dressed in that morning did little to keep her warm. Despite the heated classroom, she couldn’t seem to stop shivering. She was exhausted by the time the kids had been released and she was free to leave. As she took her keys in her right hand, she remembered her earlier prickliness and clutched the pocket-size container of pepper spray attached to the ring. With the other hand she gripped her leather tote bag, ready to head home to check on her mother and then relax with a strong cup of tea. She made her goodbyes to her colleagues and walked to the parking lot.

A frigid late-afternoon wind whistled around her. Pine trees swayed, the needles rustling, cones dropping to the icy ground with a thud. Clouds hadn’t left the sky since she’d been outside earlier. Patches of crusty snow lingered along the curb from the storm a few days earlier. She shrugged deeper into her coat, wishing she’d remembered a hat. In the five years she’d lived here, she’d never gotten used to winter in Nevada.

Her car came into view. Hannah scanned the lot, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Silly, really. No one had bothered her in a long time. Still, the years of drills were seared into her muscle memory, most of them unnecessary. Heaving out a laugh, she reined in her imagination.

In her haste to cross the lot, her boots slid on an ice patch but she righted herself before wiping out. Carefully navigating her steps, she finally made it to her car. Relieved, she pressed the button to unlock the door. Her hand had just settled on the silver handle when she heard rapid footsteps on the asphalt behind her. She tensed. Continued to open the door.

Almost there.

She tossed the tote inside just as she heard, “Hannah.”

Shock enveloped her. No one had called her that name in over fifteen years.

A presence drew up beside her. Panicked now, she turned, lifted the canister in her hand and aimed at the deepest blue eyes she’d ever seen…a color she’d never forgotten.

CHAPTER TWO

DERRICK RECOILED AS Hannah’s hand rose, a small pepper spray canister in her grasp. She wasn’t really going to… Flinging his hands in the air, he ducked, then slipped on the ice, his feet skidding out from under him, arms flailing as he dropped with a loud whoosh.

Thankfully the fall kept him from the full force of the spray, but the dose that did reach his eyes made him cringe. He sucked in a sharp breath at the combination of burning eyes and skin on fire. His right hip took the brunt of contact with the solid ground, but he managed to roll and scramble upright again. Through the stinging tears, he saw Hannah, eyes wide, mouth open.

“Derrick?” she whispered.

He rapidly blinked his stinging eyes, flushing the pepper spray as best he could, and tried to ignore the jolt of pain radiating through his body.

His vision may be blurry, but he saw enough to know Hannah was still as achingly beautiful as he remembered. Her usually curly auburn hair was pulled back into a tight knot, her hazel eyes still as luminous as ever as they stared back at him. In disbelief, if he had to gauge her reaction. Her skin was like ivory, but he couldn’t miss the dark circles under her eyes. She was tall. Willowy.

He couldn’t stop the racing of his heart as he stood mere inches from her.

“Oh my gosh. I thought…” She stepped closer. “Are you okay?”

“I will be once I can see again.”

“I was sure someone was watching me.”

“Guilty as charged,” he mumbled.

She reached into her car and returned with tissues. Stuffed them in his hand. “If I had known…”

Derrick gently dabbed at his eyes. “How could you?”

“True, but I…” She leaned over, peering into his face. “It doesn’t look too bad.”

It wasn’t. He’d been sprayed full-on in training and knew he’d survive this attack. Still, the burning sensation was not receding.

“I scared you. It was my fault.”

“Should we go inside so you can flush the spray out?”

He blinked again, his vision clearing. “I’ll be fine.”

She looked doubtful, but instead asked, “Derrick. It’s really you?”

“In the flesh.” He balled up the tissue and stuck it in his pocket.

Her eyebrows angled together, the shock of seeing him finally hitting home. “How…how did you find me?”

“I got your street address from the package you sent. No one answered at your house, but a neighbor walking his dog told me where you work when I mentioned that I was an old friend.”

She reared back. “That’s impossible.”

“You sent the gem so I’d find you.”

“Derrick, I never sent you anything.” She paused, clearly confused.

“Then who?”

“I don’t know.” She reached out to grab the open car door. “Right now, I’m needed at home.”

He placed his hand on her arm to stop her. She sucked in a breath and jerked away. “I’m not sure what’s going on,” he told her, “but I’m not leaving until I do.”

“Fine. We can have this conversation at my place.”

“I’ll follow you.”

She nodded, then ducked into her sedan. He strode back to his rental car, thankful the limited amount of pepper spray hadn’t incapacitated him enough to keep him from driving. Firing up the engine, he saw Hannah pull onto the street. He eased out of his spot, baffled and a lot disappointed.

No excited pronouncements of You found me. I’ve missed you for so long. Finally, we can be together. I never stopped loving you.

Instead he got, I never sent you anything.

Then how did that explain the stone delivered to his office? Her return address on the envelope? She was truly shocked to see him. Not surprising since it had been seventeen years since they’d known each other. Still, what had he expected? Angelic music from above and scattered rose petals leading a path to his one true love? That she’d run into his arms as if no time had passed at all? Not happening, apparently, but he’d hoped she’d at least be as excited as he was by the reunion.

The nagging feeling that she hadn’t wanted him to find her struck again. Why? What had she been doing all these years? Despite her reluctance to speak with him, he wasn’t going anywhere until he had answers.

Ten minutes later they pulled up to a ranch-style house in a neighborhood that had seen better days. The faded tan paint needed a touch-up. The grass, if you could call the brown stuff peeking out from under patches of snow, that could use the expertise of a good gardener. Of course, it was winter and grass tended to be dormant, but somehow Derrick suspected the neglected appearance was more about a lack of time and priorities than the season.

A long leg exited the car and soon Hannah was purposefully striding up the path to the front door. He parked behind her and made tracks to follow before she shut him out. A wave of heat smacked him as he stepped inside the house, igniting his burning skin again.

At first glance, the living room was cozy. An overstuffed couch and matching armchair took up most of the space, along with a large-screen television and a few end tables. Hannah was busy taking off her coat, not meeting his gaze. He shrugged out of his jacket. Waited.

“The bathroom is down the hall. First door on the right.”

“Thanks.” He hurried to the sink, rinsing the lingering pepper spray from his face. The skin around his glassy eyes was red, but splashing the water removed any residual effects. He dried his face with a towel and went back to the living room.

Hannah had the bay window curtain pulled back and was staring outside. When she heard him, she twirled around.

“Better?”

He nodded.

Crossing the room, she brushed by him to look down the dim hallway, the scent of vanilla enveloping him as she passed. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, she turned and repeated in a quiet tone, “How did you find me?”

“The red stone, Hannah. You sent it to me.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t send you anything. I don’t even know where you live.”

“It was sent to my workplace.”

She held out her hands and lifted her shoulders. “I don’t know that, either. I know nothing about your life.”

Ouch.

“It was one of the four gemstones your father had in his possession.”

She closed her eyes and ran a hand over her face. “The collection that ruined our lives.” She lowered her hand. Stared hard at him. “Because of you.”

“I never got a chance to talk to you.” He took a step toward her. “You were gone.”

A harsh laugh escaped her lips. “You have no idea what you did.”

“Then tell me.”

“What, you show up here out of the blue years after my family had to give up everything and assume I’m going to chat you up like we’re long-lost friends?”

“We’re more than that.”

“We were. Not any longer.”

The sharp words aimed at his heart did their damage.

She waved a hand in his direction. “It doesn’t matter what happened. The bottom line is, you can’t be here.”

“Why not?”

“You don’t know?”

“No. Why do you think I’m standing here asking questions?”

She began to pace the length of the living room. “You have no idea why we left?”

“As far as everyone was concerned, your family just disappeared in the night. No one knew why.”

She stopped. “Even your father?”

Old wounds tore open at the mention of his dad. “If he did, he never said.”

“And you didn’t ask him before making this trip to find me?”

The lingering guilt and pain swamped him. “He died, Hannah.”

She stopped, her face softening. “I’m sorry.”

He nodded, swallowing around the obstruction in his throat. “I’ve been trying, without luck, to find you for years.”

“There’s a reason you had no luck.”

“Which is?”

“I didn’t want you to find me.”

The blunt force of the truth smacked him square in the chest. He’d been correct. She didn’t want him. Still, despite the searing pain, the part of him that couldn’t let go had to ask, “But why? What happened?”

She opened her mouth and he waited for his questions to be answered when a weak voice came from the hallway.

“Hannah, I hear someone with you. Is Jonathan there?”

Something dark rose at the mention of another man’s name, but Derrick controlled his emotions. He didn’t know anything about this Hannah and could not jump to conclusions. Not when he was finally in the same room with her.

Hannah sent him a now-you-did-it look and hurried to the entrance of the hallway. A woman joined her, her hair gray and her face lined as she shuffled into the room wearing a housecoat and slippers.

“Mom, you should have stayed in bed.”

“And miss the commotion?”

When Derrick realized this was Hannah’s mother, his jaw dropped. This woman was obviously ill and looked way older than Derrick thought she should be, a far cry from the feisty, petite dynamo who had opened up her house, especially her kitchen, to him when he was a kid.

He stepped forward. “Hi, Mrs. Rawlings. It’s Derrick Matthews.”

The older woman stilled. Squinted her eyes. Then a warm smile curved her lips. “My goodness. It is you.”

Hannah steered her mother to the armchair. “Sit, Mom.”

Once Mrs. Rawlings was seated, she gazed at Derrick for a long moment. “I never thought I’d see you again. You or anyone from our old life.” She grinned and pointed a shaky finger at him. “You always were full of surprises.”

“If anything, finding you and Hannah has been the major surprise.”

Mrs. Rawlings glanced at her daughter as Hannah wrapped a knitted afghan over her mother’s knees.

“Have you eaten today, Mom?”

A grimace crossed her mother’s face. “No.”

“Let me get you some tea and toast.”

“Please.”

Always one with gracious manners, Hannah asked Derrick, “Can I get you anything?”

Yes, he wanted to shout. The truth.

“I’m good.”

Hannah hesitated as if she didn’t want to leave them alone, then hustled to the kitchen.

After a tense moment, Mrs. Rawlings said, “I’m sure you’re startled by my appearance.”

He nodded.

“Cancer. Had my last treatment yesterday.”

He swallowed hard.

She offered a small grin. “But Hannah takes good care of me.”

“Where is Mr. Rawlings?”

The older woman blinked. “Gone.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Oh, not dead,” she rushed to say. “Just gone.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I believe it would be best if Hannah explained.”

A shrill whistle sounded from the other room. Seconds later Hannah returned with a steaming cup for her mother. She took it with shaky hands.

“Your mother was just telling me your father left.”

Hannah’s brow pinched. She shot her mother a glance, then faced him. “We…separated years ago.”

Separated? What did that mean?

“Go ahead,” Mrs. Rawlings instructed.

Hannah sank down on one end of the couch. He took the other, breathing easier now that the burning sensation on his skin had subsided.

“We were trying to stay under the radar when some things happened.” Hannah brushed her black pants. “Dad thought it would be safer for us if he left.”

“For where?”

“I don’t know. It’s been ten years and we haven’t heard from him.”

Okay, this entire catch-up session was getting muddier instead of clearer. “I’m stumped here.”

“You might as well tell him the whole story,” Mrs. Rawlings said. “He did come all this way.”

Hannah blew out a breath. “We had to leave Florida. For our safety.”

“From whom?”

“My father did business with some shady guys. They wanted him to make a transaction with them and he said no. Let’s just say they weren’t pleased.”

“They threatened him?”

“Yes. And then we went away.”

Unease shivered down his spine. Her father had owned the town jewelry shop. How could he have gotten into dangerous business? “What kind of help?”

A ding came from the kitchen. Hannah jumped up. “Let me get my mother’s toast.”

He rose, an uncomfortable sensation settling over him. “What kind of help, Hannah?”

He didn’t miss the anger radiating from her as she spat, “Witness protection,” and raced into the other room.

HANNAH RAN A trembling hand over her forehead. Derrick was standing in her living room. Her living room, for Pete’s sake! She had absolutely no idea how to process this.

No matter how many times she might have dreamt it, she never thought she’d see him again. Yet he stood in the doorway, confusion shadowing his handsome face. He was dressed in a navy cable-knit sweater that brought out the blue in his eyes, worn jeans encasing lean legs, and boots, looking as gorgeous as the last time she’d seen him. More so. He’d aged well, the youthful face now matured into that of a man, with hard angles and wrinkles around his eyes. And the red skin that looked like he’d been sunburned, courtesy of her knee-jerk reaction.

Acrid black smoke drifted from the toaster oven. With a yelp, she pulled open the door and waved her hand to disperse the cloud. The slice was charred and inedible. Pinching it between her fingers, she flung it into the sink then pulled another slice from the bag to start over.

Once the bread was toasting, she rested her palms on the counter.

“Witness protection?” came Derrick’s deep voice at her shoulder.

With a start she swung around and placed a hand over her tumbling stomach.

“Yes.”

He ran his fingers through his short, dark hair. “This has got to be some story.”

“It is.”

He rested his hip against the counter. Crossed his arms over his broad chest. At such a short distance, she could smell his spicy cologne. Good grief. He’d been back in her life for less than an hour and here she was all over the map. She straightened her shoulders and ignored his grim expression.

“I never would have guessed,” he said.

“That was the point.”

A heavy silence settled over the room.

“So, who are you now?”

Tears burned behind her eyes but she blinked them away. “Anna Rawley. My mom is Sophie.”

“A close variation of Sofia.”

“Yes. I haven’t been Hannah for a long time, Derrick.” Nor was she the person she used to be. That girl was gone, replaced by Anna who took care of every problem that came their way.

“You’ve lived here this entire time?”

“No. This is just the latest place.”

He went silent. She gazed out the window over the sink. The sky was still a dank steel gray, not a ray of sun to be found. She shivered, brushing her hands up and down her arms.

“So this gem,” she said with hope in her voice. “Is it possible my father sent it to you?”

“Does he know where you live?”

She turned back to him. “No, but he could have found out.”

“The stamp indicated the envelope came from Carson City. Do you think he’s there?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

“But why would he send anything to me if you were in hiding?”

Unable to answer, she massaged her throbbing temples with shaking fingers.

“Hannah, the stone was identical to the ones I saw on your father’s desk before you left.”

She shot him a sharp glance. “He claimed that because of the confusion the night we left, he lost track of those four gems. But then, he said and did a lot of things I found out later weren’t legit.”

“I don’t have any knowledge about that.”

The toaster dinged again. With quick hands, she removed the toast to a small plate and spread butter over the top. “The government insisted they didn’t take the stones either.” She glanced his way. “Who sent it to you?”

“I swear I’m as in the dark as you are.”

She believed him. One thing she remembered about Derrick—he was always up-front. If he didn’t know, that was the truth.

“Let me see it.”

“It’s in a safe place.”

Convenient. She pressed her lips together, then said, “Let me get this to my mother. I’ll be right back.”

He nodded, his eyes distant as if he were lost in thought. She went back to the living room. The pang of fear that attacked her whenever her mother was so still tweaked her heart. With relief Hannah realized her mother had only dozed off. At least she’d put the teacup on the table next to her chair first. “Mom,” Hannah said softly.

Her mother roused. “Did I fall asleep again?”

“Yes. It’s okay.” Hannah set the plate on the table. The treatments had wiped her mother out. Her last infusion had been the day before so now they would hope for the best.

“Just rest.”

Her mother’s lids fluttered closed again. Hannah tucked the afghan around her slight form. She was the one person in the world who meant everything to Hannah, other than Derrick had been once upon a time.

“Your mom told me she has cancer,” Derrick said as Hannah walked back into the kitchen.

Drained by the worry over her mother and Derrick unexpectedly showing up, she pulled out a wooden chair and sat. “Lung. When the doctor made the diagnosis, he surgically removed the tumor and started her right away on radiation and chemo. Now we wait for the results.”

“I’m sorry, Hannah.”

She pressed her trembling lips together. Nodded.

“Are you the only one taking care of her?”

She would have laughed out loud if she wasn’t so close to tears. Yes, she was her mother’s caregiver. Her father had made sure of it. “I’m afraid so. Carol, our next-door neighbor, has been wonderful, checking in when I work or taking Mom to the doctor if I can’t make an appointment.”

“I wish I had known.”

“So you could do what? Derrick, why are you here?”

“I’ve been searching for you since the night you left.”

She found that hard to believe. “Why? You had to know.”

“How can you ask me that? Especially after what we meant to each other.”

She refused to answer.

“I had no idea the depth of trouble your family was in. And even when I pressed my father, he never gave me any details.”

Her voice trembled. “That was a long time ago. Things are different. I’m not the same girl I was back then.”

“I get that, but it doesn’t change how I feel.”

“It should.”

He moved closer. “I want to help you and your mom any way I can.”

“Help?” Her voice rose again and broke off with a croak. “You’re why we’re here in the first place.”

“You alluded to that but I’m not making the connection.”

“Those gems? The ones I asked you not to tell anyone about? They were my father’s downfall.” She fisted her hands on her thighs. “Because you told your father.”

“But not to get your dad in trouble. I was concerned when I heard your father on the phone begging someone to leave his business alone. I just asked my dad some questions.”

“And as police commissioner, he called the proper authorities.”

His expression didn’t change but his eyes wavered.

“You knew,” she said.

“Suspected. But I didn’t want to believe it was related to your leaving.”

“We ran in the middle of the night, Derrick. Only had time to pack our barest belongings. Lived in a motel somewhere for weeks until my father went to court. Then we were given new identities. Started over in Illinois before moving multiple times since.” The weight of the years pressed on her. “Now my mother is sick. How does that seem right or fair?”

He reached for her hand, paused for a long, drawn-out moment, and pulled back. Disappointment swept over her. After years apart, did she still want Derrick to comfort her?

His astute gaze roamed her face. “Why did you shoot me with pepper spray?”

“I had this feeling I was being watched. The one thing they don’t tell you when you become part of WITSEC is that you’re always looking over your shoulder. You never feel completely comfortable or let your guard down.” She shook her head. “I tend to be a bit suspicious anyway and my overreaction this afternoon proves it.”

“Has something happened to make you jumpy?”

“Not recently. Like I said, I’m overly attuned to my surroundings. I was right in being concerned, but since it was you, not some bad guys, I made a mistake.”

“Somehow I don’t think that happens often.”

She briefly met his gaze and looked away. “So now what?”

“If you’re still concerned about your safety, I can help. I have contacts through my job.”

“Which is?”

“I’m an FBI special agent.”

She closed her eyes and groaned. “I don’t want any more help from government agencies.”

“Then how about from an old boyfriend?”

It would be so easy to fall into his arms. Let him carry the burdens she’d been laboring with for so long. Go back to the days when the biggest decision she had to make was what color lip gloss to use or which jeans to wear. As much as she might want the reprieve, it wasn’t possible. This was her reality now. Not glamorous or flashy, but she had a good job. A few friends she trusted. Her mother would get well. She had to.

Squaring her shoulders, she met Derrick’s gaze. Recognized that look. The one that said “I’ll take care of everything for you.” Yeah, well where was he when she’d needed him? When she’d been scared to death the night the US Marshals took them from the only home she’d ever known? When her father left, thinking his absence was the best solution for all of them? When she’d had to change her mother’s name and her own and find yet another job in a new city? Or when she’d cried alone at night after her mother’s diagnosis?

Did he think he could just show up out of the blue and things would go back to the way they were? After he’d changed the entire trajectory of her life because he’d posed questions when she’d asked for his silence? Yes, they’d been children back then. Their dreams had been just that, dreams. But she’d needed him when the world was falling down around her, when things were off-kilter and scary, and he was nowhere to be found. She’d learned to forget the past, then carve out an existence without the heaviness of memories weighing her down. So why did he think she needed him now? She’d taken care of her mother alone. Put her dreams aside to make a stable life for both of them. And now, with her mother’s diagnosis, they couldn’t leave Dark Clay until they knew for sure the cancer was gone.

So no, he didn’t get a free pass to barge into her life, with his list of questions and offer to make things right.

She met his gaze dead-on and said the words sure to keep him at bay. “I don’t think my boyfriend would appreciate your assistance.”

CHAPTER THREE

“BOYFRIEND?”

“You didn’t think my life stopped because you were no longer in it, did you?” Hannah asked, the heat of her words scorching her tongue.

“Well, no. I…”

For once he was speechless. Good, because she couldn’t deal with the torrent of emotions racing through her right now.

“Jonathan?”

She blinked. “How…”

“Your mother mentioned him when she first came into the living room.”

Right. So much had transpired since they got to her house, she didn’t remember her mother mentioning her boyfriend’s name.

“He owns an art gallery in Carson City.”

“So you’re still interested in paintings?”

“It’s not like I have the time to indulge my interest, but yes.”

“I always thought you’d work in a museum.”

“Obviously that would have been in another life.”

Annoyance crossed his face. “Yes, we’ve established you’re mad at me.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose. “You seriously caught me off guard. And now we’re sitting around like long-lost friends bringing each other up to date when I never expected to see you again. It’s surreal.”

“I get that you’re off-balance. I’ve been the same way since the package arrived.”

She folded her arms on the table and rested her forehead on top, at a total loss for words. Was this really happening? And why did she keep noticing those wide shoulders of his and that lopsided smile that still left her a bit breathless. Surely she should have gotten over her first love…right? Especially when he’d blown up her life once already.

“I guess I thought small talk might ease the shock.”

She lifted her head. “At this point, I’m numb.”

“Sounds like you have a lot on your plate.”

Her hackles rose at his statement. “I can handle it.”

“Didn’t say you couldn’t. It’s just an observation.”

Those pesky tears she kept blinking back made an untimely appearance. She shook them off. “What do you want, Derrick?”

“To make sure you and your mom are okay.”

“Tall order.”

“Good thing I’m a tall guy.”

Biting back a grin, she rose. Wasn’t it just like Derrick to make jokes in a tense situation? He’d always had a quick sense of humor. It had been one of the qualities that drew her to him the most. Some things never changed…including her feelings? Impossible.

“I’ve been taking care of us for years, Derrick, without anyone’s help.”

“Point taken. But I have time off. If you’d—”

“We’ve been perfectly fine, and will be, without you.”

“Hannah,” came a strained voice from the living room, cutting through the tension simmering between them.

“I need to check on Mom.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

With a resigned sigh, she went to the other room only to return to the kitchen with her mother’s teacup. “Mom dozed off and when she woke up her tea had gone cold. The day after chemo she sleeps a lot.” Hannah dumped the tepid remains and refilled the cup with steaming water from the kettle. She glanced at the clock, hoping Derrick would leave soon so she could rest. After everything that had gone on today, she needed time to organize her thoughts and suppress her wayward emotions for a man she’d vowed to forget. “I suppose I should get dinner started,” she said mostly to herself, trying to hide the exhaustion that never seemed to go away. She shook off her fatigue, not wanting Derrick to feel sorry for her.

She returned the cup to her mother who seemed more awake now. “I’ll fix you something else to eat.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Mom…”

“I’m also not twelve. If I don’t want to eat, I won’t.”

“You need to keep up your strength.”

“Tomorrow. I’ll feel better then.”

Hannah blinked back hot tears. She knew not to push. Tomorrow would be here soon enough. She bent down to kiss her mother’s cheek. “I love you, Mom.”

“Back at ya,” her mother teased with their little catchphrase, and what Hannah thought might be a cocky grin.

“I’m cooking anyway.”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Help us all.”

A laugh escaped Hannah, sounding hoarse and rusty to her own ears. She turned to go back to the kitchen but stopped short in the entryway. Surprisingly, Derrick was at the stove.

“What’re you doing?”

He glanced over his shoulder. “You said you wanted to get dinner started.”

“Me. Not you.”

He grinned. “First come, first serve.”

“You sound juvenile.”

“And you look beat. Sit down and let me worry about the meal.”

She had to admit, letting someone else cook tonight was fine with her. She sank onto the chair.

“What smells so good?”

“I found leftover chicken in the fridge, pasta and sauce in the pantry.”

Despite the crazy day, her stomach growled.

“You cook as well as solve crimes?”

He stirred the sauce, then turned to face her. “I live alone. It’s either learn to cook or order a lot of takeout.”

He lived alone? Why did that tidbit fascinate her, even when it shouldn’t? It wasn’t like she was dying to know what he’d been doing in the years they’d been apart. Okay, she was lying to herself, but there was no way she was going to broadcast her curiosity.

She rose to gather plates and glasses from the cupboard and set the table for three, even though she was sure her mother would decline. “Sit, please,” he insisted again, then placed a small portion of plain chicken and noodles on a plate to carry to the other room. “Should I add sauce?” he asked. At her head shake, he left, returning empty-handed. She raised a brow.

“Mom took it?”

“I’m very persuasive.”

How well she remembered. When they were kids, he’d managed to talk her into one adventure after another. She was a stickler for doing things the right way, but he’d been able to coax her to the dark side a time or two. Well, not dark, exactly, but definitely gray in her world.

Like prom night. He’d picked her up in his run-down car, promising an evening she’d never forget. She’d laughed, excited about the final high school dance. They’d stayed for an hour before Derrick rushed her back to the car and they drove to the ocean. It was there, sitting on a blanket in the sand under a full moon, that he gave her a promise ring he’d saved up to buy with money from his part-time job at the pizza place. The tiny chip of a diamond had glittered in the moonlight. It could have been as big as a carat for all she cared, but the fact that he’d picked it out touched her heart.

Even though it was years ago, she’d occasionally dreamed about her time with Derrick and woken with a sense of loss she found difficult to shake.

Derrick dished out the amazing-smelling concoction. She picked up her fork and twirled the sauce-covered pasta before taking a taste. “If you get her to eat even a tiny bit, that’s more than I can do.”

“It’s been tough?”

“Lately. Once she gets her strength back I have no doubt she’ll run circles around me.” She took a bite and nearly groaned out loud. “This is amazing.”

“And it’s from a jar. Imagine if I made it from scratch.”

She couldn’t. If she had her way, he wouldn’t be around that long.

“What happened to your dad, if you don’t mind my asking?”

He pushed aside his fork and she thought she saw him grimace. “He wasn’t feeling good one morning. Got up and went to work, but during the day he keeled over. It was an aneurism.”

Hannah’s voice was quiet when she said, “I don’t think you’re ever prepared whether the end happens suddenly or if an illness is drawn out.”

“How long has your mom been sick?”

“Feels like forever, but it’s actually been a few months. She started coughing one day and it persisted. I talked her into seeing a doctor and, long story short, they found a spot on her lungs. After the surgery and subsequent treatment, we’re hoping for positive results.”

He covered her hand with his. The warmth radiated up her arm and straight to her heart. Okay, there was still a tangible connection to Derrick that hadn’t seemed to lessen, but no way would she trust him. Look what had happened because of that misguided belief.

Slowly easing her hand from his, she took another bite. A frown marred his forehead but he didn’t press the issue.

“So,” he said instead. “You’re a teacher.”

“Elementary. Fourth grade. Ponderosa Day School is private, so it helps to keep my visibility low.”

“I never would have pegged you as the teacher type.”

“Why not? I tutored you in art history.”

“Which I sat through because I wanted to be with you, not learn about old paintings.”

“I can’t work in a museum. Too high profile.”

“Because someone might recognize you?”

She tamped down the old resentment. “We were discouraged from any kind of job that might put us in a spotlight. Teaching, even if it should be given more attention, is never highly publicized.”

“It’s a noble profession.”

“I do enjoy the children. Ten-year-olds are quite imaginative.” She pushed the pasta around on the plate. “You?”

“I work with the Art Crime Team out of DC.”

She blinked.

“Hey, those lessons paid off,” he said.

Envy swept over her, swift and hard. He got to be around artwork? Her dream job? Well, not the crime aspect, but being part of that world. Touching masterpieces. Showcasing new artists. Being in the glamorous world of high-end art. He got to have that job while she’d ended up on the run.

He must have mistaken her silence with the end of the topic—more like she was incredulous at his career choice—and switched the conversation back to her.

“So you’re okay with your job?” he asked.

Was she? It was hardly her dream career, but it was all she knew. “Content.”

A pause. Then, “And you’re serious about this guy you’re seeing?”

“I don’t think that’s an appropriate question.”

“Why not? I’m trying to catch up.”

“Yes. We’re serious.” She ran her thumb over her left ring finger. Derrick saw the motion and froze.

“You’re not wearing a ring,” he said.

“It’s on my dresser.”

He laid down his fork and sat back in the chair. A wounded look flashed in his eyes before disappearing.

“I have every right to date, be engaged if I want.”

“I’m not saying you can’t, I just…”

“Thought I’d pine over you forever?” She rose, took her plate and tossed the remains in the garbage. “You have a lot of nerve—”

The doorbell stopped her midtirade. She placed her dish in the sink and hurried to the door. Lynny Dunlop, her best friend and coworker who lived down the street, stood on the other side, a bright smile on her face.

“Your mother called. Said she and I should have a movie night.” She held up a DVD. “She told me you had an old friend in town and needed to catch up, so I’m here to keep her company.”

Hannah suppressed a groan. It was obvious her mother wanted to give her and Derrick some time alone.

“Come on in.” As she shut the door, Hannah shot her mom a chagrined look. Her mother simply smiled.

“Brought Mama Mia!” Lynny said as she shrugged out of her heavy coat.

“Perfect,” Sofia said as Hannah spoke at the same time.

“Which isn’t necessary,” Hannah added. “He’s not staying.”

“He?” Lynny asked, full-blown interest lighting up her elfin features.

It figured that would be the one word her friend would pick up on. Derrick chose that moment to stroll into the living room.

“And this must be him,” Lynny said, shooting Hannah a raised eyebrow.

Yes. Derrick was ridiculously handsome. Anyone with eyes could see that.

Derrick walked over and held out his hand. “Derrick.”

“Lynny. Hannah’s BFF.”

Hannah bit the inside of her cheek.

“Who was helping me to the bedroom,” Sofia interrupted as she tried to rise from the chair. Lynny hurried over to assist.

“We’ll leave you two alone,” Lynny said, winking at Hannah as the women disappeared down the hallway.

Hannah loved Lynny, really she did. They’d met a few days after Hannah and her mother had moved into the neighborhood. She was also instrumental in getting Hannah a position at Ponderosa Day School. Between Lynny’s sunny disposition and habit of getting her own way, she’d been responsible for prodding Hannah out of the house more times than Hannah could count. It was on one of their impromptu outings that Hannah had met Jonathan and was now engaged.

She glanced down at her ringless finger. Could this day get any more weird? Derrick had to leave before she lost her head and said things that she would regret. Like admitting she had lingering feelings for him. Which she shouldn’t because she had a fiancé. A man who had been there for her when she needed him. Who hadn’t betrayed her, despite the fact that she’d been up-front when she’d told him she couldn’t reveal her past. A man who was steady and dependable. Who didn’t show up and demand answers.

Yes, Derrick ought to go.

“Look, Derrick, I think you should leave now.” She walked to the couch where he’d dropped his jacket. “Mom and I are fine. You can take off now that your curiosity’s appeased.”

“It’s more than that and you know it.”

“That’s all it can be.” She handed him his jacket and crossed to open the front door. The freezing night air sent shivers over her skin, the cold waking her up to reality. She jutted her chin, hoping it made her look tougher than she felt. “You don’t deserve to be in our lives after what you did.”

“Correction, after what your father did. And I only just found you.”

“I don’t want you here.” Yeah, it was a lie, but his standing here was a reminder of what she’d lost. What they’d lost. No amount of hoping was ever going to change what had transpired in their past.

He didn’t move.

She opened the door wider, not taking no for an answer.

“Fine,” he said, fisting the jacket in his hands. “But until I find out who sent that stone, until I get answers, I’ll be around.” He brushed by her and marched into the frigid night. His words sent tremors over her that had nothing to do with the weather.

SIX DAYS LATER, Derrick stood outside the front entrance of Ponderosa Day School, dressed in an official security guard shirt, jeans and boots, watching students file into the tan building after being dropped off in the car zone. He’d gotten more than one curious look. Most of the kids were expecting to see an older man, Glen Harvey, on duty, but today and until he solved the gem situation, they’d get Derrick.

After talking with Hannah on the first night he arrived, Derrick was legitimately concerned about her. Not only because of her mother’s health issues, which she was handling admirably, but also because of the fact that at some point her father had taken off. That in itself raised red flags. He needed to find out if they were still under WITSEC protection since Hannah gave so little information. After settling into a hotel room, he had checked into the school where she worked, looking for a way to stay close. He discovered that the private school hired guards from a local security firm. Armed with the name of the company, Derrick applied for a position with the security company the next morning.

Using an alias, he’d created for the occasional undercover FBI op, Derrick Fields was vetted through a background and fingerprint check, then hired. When he showed up for his first day of work, he went through an orientation and then came the conversation about where he would be assigned. He made sure to point out that he thought working at schools was a high priority and had noticed that Ponderosa Day School was in the middle of a security upgrade. Relying on his innate power of persuasion, he asked to be sent there to assist the lone guard during the system upgrade. Thankfully, the owner agreed.

Now Derrick was on duty, bright and early on a clear and crisp Monday morning, good to go.

Until Hannah found him here. Then he expected fireworks.

He nodded at a group of girls. A buzz sounded and then a click as the door opened. Their laughter faded when the heavy door closed behind them. It was another freezing day, even with the sun shining. He rubbed his hands together and blew on them as a young boy strolled right up to him.

“Where’s Glen?”

“In his office.”

“You taking over?”

“No, just helping out.”

“You got training?”

Derrick fought back a grin. “Extensive.”

The boy nodded as if satisfied.

“I got my eyes on you,” the kid said, leveling Derrick with a serious gaze.

“Then I hope to live up to your expectations…?”

“Tommy. I run this place.”

“Do you? Then I’ll see you after school for a report.”

The boy’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“Those of us who watch out for this place should compare notes.”

A bell rang. Tommy shifted his backpack. “I’ll be there.”

The boy hurried inside and Derrick allowed himself a small smile. As more children entered, he found he approved of the remote lock system. Those outside the building had to press a button to be allowed inside. A camera installed high in the corner at an angle facing the entrance offered the office staff a view of whoever wanted to gain admittance. Since this was a smaller school, the principal had informed him that the staff knew the parents or those permitted to come into the school on a child’s behalf. In the aftermath of school tragedies, Derrick was glad this administration implemented serious security.

Shaking off the cold, he scanned the parking lot. Fewer students were arriving now that the last bell was about to ring before classes. A gray sedan pulled into a slot and Hannah emerged from the car, wearing the same coat as yesterday. She zigzagged through the cars as she hurried up the sidewalk to the main door. She stopped abruptly when she saw him.

“Good morning, Miss Rawley.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Working.”

“You have a job.”

“Yep. Security officer at Ponderosa Day School.”

“No,” she glanced around and stage-whispered, “with the FBI.”

“I told you I wasn’t leaving until I get the entire truth out of you.” He held out his hand to shake. “Derrick Fields. Additional help until the new security system here is in full working order.”

She barely contained an eye roll.

He wanted to laugh but couldn’t. Apparently, she’d forgotten how tenacious he could be. There were holes in her story, which he was desperate to fill in. And her father leaving? Why would he do that? From what Derrick could remember, he’d doted on his wife and daughter. There was more she hadn’t revealed and he was the guy to get to the bottom of things.

And then there was the boyfriend issue. Or fiancé? He glanced down to find a bright, shiny diamond on Hannah’s ring finger. His heart lurched. Yeah, he hadn’t quite decided how to react to that piece of news.

“You’re unbelievable,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

“So I’ve been told.”

She blew out a breath. “Derrick, you can’t stay here.” She looked down at her finger. “It’s complicated.”

“You keep telling me that, but, put simply, I want to help.”

She met his gaze, heat flashing in her eyes. “No one asked you.”

He shrugged. “Never stopped me from inserting myself anyway.”

“Fine. Suit yourself.”

As she passed by, he fell into step beside her. “Hannah, you have the look of a woman who has too much on her plate. Even though you think I’m where I don’t belong or I’m a huge inconvenience, please let me hang around for a while to assure myself you’re okay. Is that too much to ask?”

They stood in the bright sunlight, eyes locked. Yesterday when his vision had been blurry, he’d missed the smattering of freckles scattered over her nose and cheeks. Standing this close reminded him of the times they would disagree and have a silent standoff until one of them conceded. The bell rang again and she blinked.

“I need to get to my students,” she said, sweeping past him to enter the building.

Since she didn’t argue with his decision to be here, he took that as approval. He remained at his post for five more minutes. When no additional students showed up, he went inside. The warmth of the building made his fingers tingle. He’d never been a fan of the colder weather, even though he lived in DC, preferring tropical climates instead.

He turned the corner to head to the main office. He’d already gone over the layout of the school and where Hannah’s classroom was located. After hanging his jacket in the small room that served as the security office, he checked the schedule on the desk. Time to patrol the halls.

Just before he left the room, his cell phone rang. He smiled when he glimpsed his mother’s name on caller ID.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Derrick. So glad I caught you. I wasn’t sure if you’d answer the phone since you’re on vacation.”

“For you, always.”

“Here’s the thing,” she said getting right to the point. “I’m busy planning the wedding. It’s only weeks away and I’ve decided I want your opinion as I go along.”

“Mine?”

“Not just yours. Your brothers’, too.”

“Why?”

“This is such a big deal. I never imagined I’d ever get remarried. I thought your father and I would grow old together.”

His throat went tight at the sorrow in his mother’s voice.

“But here we are. And since things with James got off to a rocky start, I’d feel so much better if I could chat with you from time to time about my ideas.”

How could he say no? This was an unexpected gesture he realized he couldn’t turn down. “Sure. Contact me any time you want.”

He heard her sigh of relief. “Thank you. I know you’re off on some grand adventure, so I promise not to bother you too often.”

“I mean it, Mom, any time.”

“You’re a wonderful son. I wish you could find a woman to love.”

“Mom,” he warned.

“I know, I know, stay out of your love life. But still, a mother worries.”

“Focus that energy on your wedding. It’ll be better spent planning the details.”

“You’re right.” She drew in a breath. “Okay, panic over. Now, how is your trip?”

“You know, same old.”

“That doesn’t tell me a thing.”

“Nothing to tell.” Yet. He hoped that would change in the near future.

“Where—oh, James just walked in the door. I should run.”

“Bye, Mom.”

He hung up, thinking that despite the moment of sadness in her voice, his mother sounded good. Must be the excitement of the upcoming nuptials. He chuckled at the thought of his mother wanting his input. His steps echoed off the concrete walls as he walked down the deserted hallway lined with lockers. The familiar smell of paste, chalk and rubber erasers, mixed with the stringent odor of cleaning supplies, had him recalling his school years.

He’d had a great childhood. Parents who had loved him, brothers who were his friends. His father had made sure to engage in an activity with each of his boys, making them feel connected in a special way. He and his dad had bonded over woodworking, his father teaching him how to use specialized tools to create mini works of art out of chunks of wood. The skill also came in handy when he had to make repairs around the house.

It wasn’t until Hannah that he understood the meaning of romantic love. And the pain of losing that love. Hannah’s leaving had not only torn his heart apart, it had put a huge strain on his relationship with his father.

When Derrick had confronted him after finding the Rawlings family gone, his father had remained silent. Derrick railed, asking if he had taken the information Derrick had confided in him and used it against the Rawlingses. His father had justified his actions by saying he was looking out for the best interests of the family. That he was a police officer sworn to uphold the law. Even though he never revealed what happened, they’d argued and a wide chasm had formed between them, lasting right up until the day his father suddenly died. Derrick had never repaired the relationship and it had haunted him ever since. He didn’t want that for himself and Hannah.

He shook off the bitter memories as he stopped at the door to Hannah’s classroom. Peeked in through the window. Chalk held by slim fingers, she was writing on the board, teaching a math equation, it looked like. She wore a slim-fitting green dress and tall black boots. The fluorescent lights shone down on her beautiful hair, pulled back again, only today a few reckless curls escaped confinement. He could just make out the lilt of her voice through the barrier between them.

The walls were covered with various posters, the desks lined up in straight rows. He noticed two types of students: those studiously writing down the information Hannah presented, and the others, talking to their neighbor or gazing out the window. One industrious student hurled spitballs at the girls seated in the desks in front of him. Like every teacher in the world who had eyes in the back of their head, Hannah turned a stern look on the children, bringing the group back to order.

He wished she’d called him the night she left. Did she even try? The Marshals wouldn’t have allowed it, but he and Hannah had such a close relationship—or at least he thought they did. Couldn’t she have found a way? It still hurt that she hadn’t let him know what was going on. Surely she could have snuck around the authorities? He would have if their positions had been reversed.

Realizing these were questions to be posed at a different time, he continued his rounds. By the time the lunch buzzer sounded, he was ready for some action.

The large cafeteria was bustling with activity, noise echoing off the high ceilings. The hot lunch aroma had his stomach growling, but he stood in the designated spot to observe as the kids found their places at the tables. He might be here to get the truth out of Hannah, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t take this job seriously.

As the kids got busy eating, Derrick noticed a motion out of the corner of his eye. The young boy from earlier, Tommy, stood by his table and wildly waved his arms. Curious, Derrick headed his way.

“Is there a problem?”

“The guys don’t believe I’m working with you.”

Derrick swallowed a chuckle. “Well, technically, you’re a student.”

“So am I working with you or not?”

“In a limited capacity.”

“What does that mean?” asked a smaller boy with glasses and a serious expression.

“It means I do the work, but I will listen to Tommy’s report at the end of the day.”

Tommy puffed his chest out, fist-bumping the boys around him. The serious boy motioned Derrick to come closer. Leaning over, the boy whispered in his ear, “Tommy is mean.”

“Really?”

“He thinks he’s the boss of everyone.”

Derrick sent Tommy a narrow-eyed glance. The kid suddenly looked unsure of himself.

“Can you make him stop?”

“I can certainly try.”

This earned him a big grin and a serious case of hero worship. He wanted to show these kids how to get along without taking advantage of their places in the power structure. He’d hated that hierarchy when he was in school and imagined it hadn’t changed much.

The lunch hour ended and Derrick spent the afternoon doing various security tasks: patroling the campus, going over the surveillance equipment with Glen, monitoring some of the student activities. With only a half hour left of classes, Derrick headed to his position outside the front door to watch over the lineup of cars for student pickup. He hadn’t gotten far when he heard a ruckus come from the direction of Hannah’s room. He took off on a brisk run and skidded in front of the door. The voices were louder now, more alarmed. He pushed the door open to step into bedlam.

Girls were running about, checking inside desks and cubbies. Boys scurried around the perimeter of the room, rummaging through bookshelves. Hannah was calling them to order, without much success. Tommy stood before a cage, the door wide-open, a grimace on his face.

Hannah finally noticed Derrick and came over.

“What’s going on?” he asked, his tone sharp, his reflexes ready to take control of the situation.

“Sally is missing.”

His instincts to protect a child kicked in. “Can you give me a description?”

“She’s stout and short legged, with short brown hair, a bit fuzzy, wearing a pink ribbon.”

He gaped at Hannah as she described her student.

“Sally’s our class guinea pig and she’s escaped her cage.”

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