Page 17 of Deadly Target (Rocky Mountain Courage 2)

SIX

The river roared behind Nathan, spilling from the dam upriver and boiling in the canyon downriver. But here next to him? The river flowed peacefully, without turmoil, and in complete contrast to the emotions stirring inside him.

Erin lurked in the trees—and looked as skittish as ever. Like if he took one step toward her, she would bolt. Yep. That was the Erin he’d known before. Her psychology degree, distinguished title, and fancy job hadn’t chased away her inner demons. But she was more beautiful now than when Nathan had fallen for her. Unfortunately, he thought he might still be susceptible to her special brand of charm. There’d always been something about her that drew him. He’d been helpless before, vulnerable, and yeah, more than a little stupid to have believed for even a minute that she would marry him.

He trusted that he wasn’t that guy anymore.

Her blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she wore jeans that left no doubt she was thinner than she used to be. Along with the jeans, she had on hiking boots and a pink T-shirt. He was impressed that she’d made that hike through the woods alone, though she still hung back as if unsure of herself.

He should be flattered, or at least more appreciative of the effort she’d made. How long had she been watching?

“Are you just going to stand there all day?” He waved her over.

The way she hesitated, he wondered if he’d figured it all wrong. She almost seemed surprised to find him here, but then again, he couldn’t imagine her coming on her own. Unless ... Wait. She was Dr. Erin Larson. A criminal psychologist. Someone in his department could have asked her to view the scene and give her take on things. Except she was alone out in the woods, and that would be something new for Erin. He processed all these thoughts as she hiked gingerly toward him.

The ground shivered with a slight tremor—a mild earthquake, just one of many that had occurred over the last few weeks. Erin’s eyes widened, her surprise evident as she stumbled. As she lost her footing, her body shifted toward the boulder next to Nathan.

He rushed to catch her in his arms. “I got you.”

His reflexes cost him, though. He found himself much too close, staring into her wondrous blue-green eyes that often changed colors. Her soft breaths caressed his face.

And suddenly his heart pounded at her nearness. Not good. He released her, and she quickly stepped back.

“Thanks.” Her gaze held his for a few heartbeats before shifting to the river. “What’s with these earthquakes?”

She stepped closer to the river, and Nathan inched closer too.

“You lived here. You know this region has a lot of them. But I hear you ... the last few weeks it’s been worse. Who knows? Nothing to worry about, I’m sure.”

She stuffed her hands into her pockets, and her elbows hung out at her sides. “I heard they’re digging a new copper mine up the river. Is that the reason? You know, with all the explosives they use, maybe that can create a few small quakes?”

He shrugged. “All I know is that you get a different answer with each person you ask. Except for me.”

“Why not you?”

“Me? I haven’t got any answers.” He attempted a grin, but his heart wasn’t in it.

Erin’s gaze roamed over his face. His heart jumped. And here he thought he wasn’t that guy anymore—the man who could crush hard over her.

Her lips flattened.

“I’m sorry about what happened.” Erin looked into his eyes—searching, analyzing, offering help? He wasn’t sure.

“Did Detective West ask for your help?” Nathan asked. “Send you out here to the scene? I’m surprised he didn’t come with you. Or is he going to meet you here?”

Nathan stared at the place where Dad was standing when he was shot. That image rocked through him again. The report of a rifle echoed, ricocheting through him. He inwardly groaned, squeezed his eyes shut as he stepped forward—an almost stumble.

“Are you okay?” Her soft voice penetrated the flashback.

“I ... I don’t know.” He stared at the water. Didn’t want to look at her, fearing what he might see in her eyes. Pity? Accusation?

“To answer your question, no one asked me to help with the investigation. My experience lies more in forensic evaluations to learn if someone is able to stand trial, and I research, that sort of thing.”

Then why are you here?

Good to know that the department hadn’t hired her, because that freed her up to talk to him about what happened. He kicked a pebble into the river and watched it disappear in the dark-green flowing water.

“I sat with your mom a bit in the hospital until a few friends got there.” But Erin already knew that. He wasn’t sure what else to say.

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