Running On Fear Read online

  “Why?”

  “Duncan and I have some things to take care of before we head back up here.” Melanie swallowed tightly, noticing that Duncan had placed his hand under the table and was holding onto her knee. “We won’t make you stay there long. Besides, the two of you have never missed a day of school since I’ve known you. Don’t want to spoil that record. Now, when we finish eating, we’ll head out for the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, and see who gets the wettest, the men or us women. What do you say, Tiffany?”

  “I say the men can get the wettest, this time. You and I have had enough water splashed on us.”

  Melanie noticed a man not far from them casting a glance toward them. She knew him behind those dark glasses. Tiffany noticed her concern.

  “Mom, what’s wrong? Do you see someone?”

  “Melanie?” Duncan reached for her hand this time.

  The man appeared to take an even closer look at Melanie before walking over.

  “Melanie, I see you took my advice and decided to mix some R&R with your trip. Now don’t be worrying about the office. I locked it up. I’ve got the pager and cellphone if there are any problems.”

  “Harris, it was just a spur of the moment idea. Since I was taking some time off from work, I thought taking my niece and nephew to Dollywood sounded like a good idea,” she lied. “I don’t get to see them much and my time off happened to be the same time they were getting out for the summer, so I said why not.”

  “Hope you guys are having a blast.”

  “We are. Oh, let me introduce you to Duncan McGregor. Duncan, this is my associate, Harris Galloway. You already know Tiffany and Matthew.”

  Duncan rose to shake hands with the man as they stood outside in the open part of the restaurant. They had secured a table from which they could view the people passing by.

  “I’ve heard good things about you,” Duncan lied. He’d only heard that her associate was running the office in her absence. He hadn’t expected her partner to favor a Brad Pitt character. Duncan didn’t know if he wanted his wife working alongside this ‘Harris’ any longer. Listen to you, Duncan. The marriage is a marriage in name only, and lasts until the case is settled, and you go off getting jealous over this man. “Good to meet you,” he said.

  “Please, sit. Don’t let me intrude on your lunch.”

  “Guess you had the same idea as us,” Duncan said, sitting back down.

  “My sister Alice and some friends and their children invited me to tag along with them this weekend. I was taking a breather before I headed to join them on the other side of the park. A person can get lost in a place this size.”

  “It’s not as huge as Disneyworld,” Matthew informed him. “We want to go there next.” He tapped Duncan’s leg under the table with his shoe.

  “I bet you do, sport,” Harris acknowledged, then glanced at his watch. “Look, I’d better go find Alice. I don’t want her worrying. I’ll be back at the office come Monday morning, so no worrying from you either, okay?”

  “I’m not worried Harris,” Melanie assured him. “I left the office in capable hands.”

  Duncan finished the last of his food, then gulped down the water after Harris walked off.

  Tiffany noticed how quiet he grew. “Is anything wrong, Dad?” she smilingly asked.

  “Your mother didn’t tell me that she had Brad Pitt’s brother working for her.”

  “Are you jealous?” Melanie knitted her brows together.

  “No. Well, I’m finished. What about you guys? Ready for the water ride?” Duncan noticed Tiffany giving him the eye. “Look, sweetheart, we don’t want to spoil the fun we’re having. I haven’t forgotten your question. Later, I’ll tell you about my family. Will you settle for that, for now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, group, let’s go to the bathroom then head for the water. We’ve got some shows to enjoy, too.” Duncan wanted to keep an eye on Harris, too. There was something vaguely strange about that man, something he didn’t like. It was one of those things he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He would have the Department do a search on one Harris Galloway.

  It was just before sunset when they re-entered the cabin. Tiffany and Melanie had gotten soaked all the way through to their underwear, but Duncan didn’t mind. He enjoyed watching the way Melanie’s wet blouse exhibited her sexy bosom. He noticed some of the other men getting a bird’s eye view, too.

  The family had shared a late home-cooked meal at Miss Lillian’s Chicken House before they left the park. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had home-cooked food that tasted just like Grandma’s. Thinking about Matt’s mention of Disneyworld, he decided to make a point to take the boy there when all this was over.

  After checking the inside of the house and making sure the door was securely locked and bolted, Duncan strode up the stairs. Matt was right behind him. Tiffany used the upstairs bathroom to get ready for bed, while Matt used the downstairs one. When he came out, the boy threw his arms around Duncan.

  “I really had a super-good time today, Uncle Duncan. You’re the absolute best dad. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.” Matthew’s arms tightened around Duncan’s waist.

  Duncan thought of his own little Johnny. How his son would have been Matt’s age if only he’d … That reminded him. “Tiffany, front and center.”

  At his voice, Tiffany marched down from her bedroom, and even Melanie wondered what was going on.

  “What, Uncle Duncan?”

  Duncan sat down on the top stair step. He pulled Matthew down beside him, then patted for Tiffany to sit on the other side.

  “Is something wrong? Did Matthew and I do—”

  “No, hon. Just sit for a minute. I need to tell you both something. Then I don’t want any questions asked. Understand?”

  “Yes, sir,” she quietly answered, resting her bottom on the top step.

  “First off, after all this is over I am taking you and Matt to Disneyworld.”

  “Hey, I was only joking, Uncle Duncan. I’ve never even been. Only seen it on TV.”

  “Well, we have a date when this is finished. Second, I want to answer Tiffany’s question. It’s not fair for me to throw you guys into my investigation and not let you know a little about my life. I don’t like to discuss it because it’s a period in my life that holds painful memories. I had a wife, a boy and an unborn daughter at one time. It was five years ago when I lost them. They caught the men who killed them. Johnny would have been your age now, Matt. The daughter I never saw…” His words grew strained, and he cupped Tiffany’s hand in his own. “I would have liked to have seen her grow up to be like you, Tiffany. You’re about the brightest teenage girl I’ve seen in a long time. Your mother certainly raised you well.” Again his voice choked, and a tear misted his eye. “When I see Matt, I think of Johnny. But that doesn’t take anything away from you, Matt. You’re your own person. I admire you for all your strength and determination in helping me with this case.”

  Matthew leaned his head on Duncan’s shoulder. “I love you, Dad.”

  Melanie’s fingers flew to her lips. Tears danced out of the corner of her eyes.

  “I love you both, Matt. Now you and Tiffany go to bed. We’ve got to head back home tomorrow to finish up. You’ll need to pack some more of your things so you can bring them back up here with you.”

  Matthew hugged him, then kissed him on the cheek. The boy had started toward the loft when he saw Melanie. Walking over to her, he gave her a hug and kiss. “I love you too … Mom. I will always think of you as a second mom, more than an aunt.”

  “I love you, my darling. Get some sleep.”

  Tiffany rose to her feet at the same time Duncan did. She threw her arms around him. “Matthew’s right. You’re the only dad that we’ve ever really known. You’ve been saddled with us not even two days, and you’ve spent more time with us than any other man in Mom’s life, Uncle Duncan. I love you and Aunt Melanie.” She so wanted to present the note to him tonight. He h
ad opened up so much to her in only a few short minutes. No, she had to wait. This wasn’t the time. Tiffany strolled over to hug and kiss Melanie. “I really had a swell time, today. Thanks to both of you.”

  “Good night, dear. You and Matthew sleep well.”

  Melanie and Duncan watched as the children went off to their rooms. Then Duncan ambled over to Melanie, took hold of her elbow and snatched her away to their bedroom.

  “Duncan, what’s the hurry? What going on?”

  He closed the door, and removed his jacket and holster. Then, in one quick sweep he released Melanie’s ponytail allowing her long hair to sweep down to the middle of her back. Bunching his fists into the thickness of the mass of fluffy hair, he inhaled its fragrance, then slowly leaned into her face, brushing his lips over hers, tenderly tasting them. He heard her whimper slightly as the kiss deepened.

  When the kiss broke, his gaze penetrated into her eyes. “I know, Melanie.”

  “Know?” Did he know that she felt something special for him?

  “You’re going to stand there and deny that you already knew about my past? That you didn’t pull Andrea off to the side and inquire about the women in my life?” He pulled off his boots, followed by his socks. “You didn’t say a word to me when Tiffany asked about it while we were eating.”

  This was what the hot kiss was about? He gives me a kiss filled with hunger then inquires about the conversation with Andrea? Talk about getting a girl hot and bothered. “So you’re saying that gave me away? And for your info, I didn’t pull Andrea to the side and start any investigation into your background.”

  “Yes, not saying a word when Tiffany asked the question again was one sign. The other was the way you were sweeping your eyes my way when you and Andrea were chatting.”

  “You can’t blame me for wanting to know a little something about your past. I mean what about you? Sneaking around and checking on my sister, and then on me.”

  “I haven’t done a thorough enough search on you yet, darlin’.” Duncan undid his belt and started to remove his jeans.

  “Duncan?”

  “I’m only getting ready for bed. I advise you do the same. We’re both tired and you need to change after all that water.”

  “I’m dry now.”

  “Well, you probably want to change undergarments. Go ahead. I won’t look. I don’t drool like you do when you see me in my briefs. At least, not while you’re looking.”

  Melanie arched a brow. “You sure were salivating when you saw my blouse drenched.”

  “I couldn’t believe how wet you got. Now get along and get ready for bed.” Duncan slid his jeans off, walked over to the bed and climbed under the covers.

  “And what was the meaning of that kiss just now?”

  Duncan raised his eyebrows. “Powerful, was it?”

  “Is that what you call it? You swept me in here, then slapped those heavenly lips to mine…” Did she say heavenly? “What I mean is…”

  “I know what you meant. Heavenly lips.”

  Melanie fisted her hands by her sides. “Oh, you make my blood boil!”

  “Shh, you’ll wake our kids, dear.” Duncan chuckled lightly.

  “You think all this is funny?”

  “Melanie, it’s your fault.”

  “My fault?”

  “The way you turn heads. The way you look, present yourself. You’re a knockout beauty. I needed to kiss your lips.”

  “Do you feel better now?” Her arms crossed as her toe impatiently tapped the wooden floor.

  “Yes. I’ll feel even better when you hurry up and get in this bed.”

  “Oh?”

  “For sleep, Melanie.”

  Melanie snatched the oversize nightshirt off the bed, and padded into the bathroom to take a quick shower. She couldn’t work out if he was upset with her or not. He hadn’t really yelled, only expounded on facts concerning her chat with Andrea. But that kiss meant something. Joking or not, that hot kiss was for real. He would most likely be sound asleep when she returned. Might as well hurry. They were all exhausted. But that kiss was phenomenal.

  Duncan waited until he heard the water running, then dialed the number.

  “Ramon, any word on Spencer?”

  “Not yet. We saw you return. The cabin has been quiet. Haven’t seen a sign of anyone. What time are you heading back tomorrow?”

  “After we sleep for a spell. The park was fun, but tiring, especially when you aren’t use to all those crowds. I still worry about Spencer. No one has spotted him anywhere?”

  “Not yet. Some of the others are doing a complete check of the area. There’s a lot of underbrush, not to mention having to watch out for bear. We’re having a good time with this search. They’ve spotted two bears in the area. Saw the searchlights come on outside your cabin a few minutes ago but a squirrel or something could have tripped it. We didn’t see any other forms of life.”

  Ramon seemed to notice Duncan’s quietness. “You okay?”

  Duncan was so preoccupied he didn’t even hear the water shut off or Melanie walk in the room. “Yeah I’m fine. Just thinking about how it feels to have a family again. I can’t let my mind get clouded this time. I won’t lose someone that important to me again. Look, I need to go. Just keep me posted on Spencer. He’s got to be out there somewhere, even if he’s dead, and I hope that’s not the case.” Looking up, he saw Melanie standing at the foot of the bed, mouth agape. “Talk to you in the morning, Ramon. Call me if anything develops.”

  “Sure thing. Goodnight.” The connection broke.

  Melanie ran the brush through her hair, still gazing at Duncan. She recalled the moments they’d shared at the park. When he’d placed the cap on her head and his fingers had touched her hair, pulling the ponytail through the opening above the cap’s fastener. Little embers of heat had danced through her flesh. She remembered the rides they’d taken where they’d been sitting side by side, and he’d would cup her shoulders with his palms, or lace his fingers through hers.

  “Melanie?” He interrupted her steamy thoughts. “You okay?”

  She remembered some of the phone conversation she’d overheard before he hung up. Time to return to reality. “I knew something was amiss. Did you lose one of your agents near the cabin? Someone who was keeping an eye on us? And please don’t conceal anything from me. We’re on this case as a family.”

  “We aren’t sure yet. But yes, one of the agents has been missing since we left this morning. Don’t panic, Melanie. You and the kids are protected. It could mean anything. Ramon said two bears were spotted.”

  “No doubt they were coming down to the cabins for food.”

  Duncan pulled down the covers on her side. “Just get into bed so I can turn off the lights.”

  Melanie placed her brush on the nightstand and slid under the covers.

  Duncan reached over and turned off the lamp. “We’ve got a long ride after we get up in the morning. And you have to make arrangements. I’ll be with you, Melanie.”

  Arrangements? She stiffened.

  Duncan noticed.

  “Thank you. I am going to owe you plenty when all this is over.”

  “Just coming to the aid of a beautiful woman.”

  Melanie adjusted her pillows and found him sliding over into the center of the bed and pulling her into his arms. He spooned around her, snuggling her body very close to him. “Duncan?”

  “I need to feel a woman in my arms tonight, so I can go to sleep. I haven’t felt anyone this soft in a long time.”

  “I’m not Jean. And the children … what I’m trying to say is that we’re only a make-believe family. I don’t want us to be a substitute for your real family. Oh, Duncan, I’m not wording this right.”

  “No, you are, Melanie. Matt and Tiffany could never replace my family. When I look at the three of you, it’s as if I’m being given a new start.”

  “We’re only on a mission, Duncan. You said when this was over we’d be getting an annulment. Have you forg
otten so soon?” There was a touch of disappointment in her voice.

  He hadn’t forgotten. The kiss only told him it would be hard to dismiss her when the case was over. Hard to say goodbye to her and the children. Okay Duncan, slow down. You’re getting in way over your head. It’s been five years. But maybe it was time to let go, to get on with his life. He’d have to give it more thought. Something about this family was making his heart melt. He cared for them. What was flirtatious fun with Melanie, seemed to be blossoming into something more every minute he was near her.

  Duncan suppressed a sigh. “No, I haven’t forgotten our deal, but until all this is over, you’re my soft sweet sensual Melanie McGregor. It doesn’t matter if it’s only make believe now. Make believe? Didn’t Conway Twitty sing that?”

  “I believe he did.”

  Duncan smoothed the hair off her shoulders as he bracketed her back into his chest. “What matters is finding out who’s behind all this. I don’t want to bicker with you. We have to be on our best behavior at all times.”

  “You call this our best behavior? I’m practically in your chest.”

  Duncan feathered a few soft kisses to her ear. “You have any arguments with me clinging to you so I can sleep?”

  Any arguments? Spooned inside his arms, while his muscular thighs and legs nestled up against hers. Not to mention having her back pressed into his rock-hard chest. He talked about Harris resembling Brad Pitt. Didn’t Duncan realize he had a body like the Rock? The bed would definitely have heat rising through the covers tonight. How would she manage to sleep? Duncan, you are driving me to the point of insanity.

  “Melanie, any arguments?”

  “Uh, no. I was almost asleep.”

  “Liar,” he crooned.

  “I beg your pardon.”

  “You were having sexy thoughts of you and me…”

  “Duncan McGregor, goodnight.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Duncan smiled as he blew a whisper of air near her ear. “If you get frisky tonight be sure to wake me instantly.”

  Melanie gave an exasperated sigh. He was exhausting her on all levels, especially with the heat of his body. “I will be fast asleep any second. Goodnight.”