Invisibility Cloak (22 page)

Ryder doubted it, but he kept the feelings he had of Amanda’s ex-husband to himself. Reaching out, he covered both her hands with his palm.

“Anyway, she wants me―” She stopped abruptly and re-phrased her words. “She wants us to stop by the lab at nine tonight.”

“Sounds like a plan. Maybe we can get a damn handle on this mess, finally.”

Just as they pulled into her driveway, Ryder turned to her and said, “Got about ninety minutes before I need to stakeout the school, and shadow the kids home. I’m going to go for a run, then shower.”

A
manda nodded and stabbed her finger up to press the garage door open. “Pretty resourceful to think of grabbing my garage door opener, aren’t you?”

He chuckled. “We Rangers cover all the bases, ma’am.”

“Uh huh.” She turned her head dramatically to look at him. After she arched an eyebrow at him, she said, “You will not forget to put it back in my car will you?”

“Absolutely not,” he scoffed at her. “Maybe I don’t mind driving you around, Miss Harris.” He winked at her. “It may just stay right where it is.”

“What?” Amanda’s insides did that silly flip again. A giddy, happy, somersault.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll forget all about me in a few weeks,” she pointed out, “When you move onto your next case.”

“Come on.” He opened his door. “Enough gabbing. There’s too much to do.”

“Oh,” she muttered under her breath. “Whatever you say, Mr. Army Ranger.”

As he opened the back car door to grab his stuff, he looked up sharply at her. “Beg pardon, ma’am? I didn’t quite get what you said clearly?”

“Ah! Don’t get me started.” Amanda walked into the house and said over her shoulder, “I’m the one that has too much to do!”

Ryder chuckled as he followed her inside and jumped up the stairs with his bag in hand.

Throwing open her refrigerator, she looked to see what she had inside to feed her parents when they arrived. They usually liked to eat earlier that she did. Not to mention, Nickel would want to eat after school, too. Scanning the contents, she saw lunchmeat, coleslaw and her famous pea salad. Amanda loved it, but her kiddos always made gagging sounds when she made it. It was her mom’s recipe, so she knew her parents would eat some as well. A gallon of milk, a carton of orange juice, and a gallon of cranberry juice sat on the top shelf. Now onto the upstairs to change the sheets in the guest bedroom her parents always stayed in and lay out towels in the spare bathroom. Passing Ryder on the way up the stairs, he was dressed in running shorts and a T-shirt. She arched her brow at him.

“I’ll be back in an hour.” Slipping on his sunglasses, he said, “I need a hard run.” He turned to her before he closed the door. “Amanda, lock the doors behind me.”

“Will do.” He looked good in his black running shorts and short-sleeved shirt. She couldn’t help but look at him a little longer than need be and she found that she’d actually crouched in the middle of the stairs to watch his rear-end go out the door.

Rolling her eyes up, she turned to finish her chores because her parents should be here soon. When she had everything ready for her parents, she walked down the stairs to wait, maybe eat a snack. A soft knock rapped on the front door before the doorknob turned.

Crap
. She forgot to lock the door after Ryder left, and her back instantly stiffened. If that was him, she’d never hear the end of it.

“Yoo-hoo! Amanda?” Her mother’s high-pitched voice chimed out.

“Mom!” Amanda rushed eagerly to her tiny mother who pushed open the front door and hugged her. Her father was right behind her, wearing a tired expression.

“Long drive, Dad?”

“Yes.” He smiled affectionately at her. “But never too long for you, dear.”

Her parents had always there for her. After her car accident, they’d come down and stayed until she finally made them go back to Colorado. Now they were here to take Sammie and Nickel back to Ft. Collins. It had become a ritual. Every year, right after school ended her parents spoiled her children with going to the movies, and gooey deserts that she never made. Spending time together meant the world to both her children and parents. For those two weeks, they got to know each other and strengthened family bonds.

“Hello, Panda.” Her father wrapped his arms around her. “We’ve missed you.”

“Oh, Dad, you were just here two months ago.” She straightened her arms and looked up at him. “You have to be totally sick of seeing me!”

“Never, sweetheart.” He smiled and then swung his gaze down to her left leg. “Now, your mother told me you got fitted for a new brace. How do you like it?”

“Yes.” Amanda led them into the family room. “It is ugly as sin, but I can wear it under pants.”

“Well, honey, considering what the alternative would have been.” Her mother lowered her chin and gave her
that
look as she sat down on the sofa.

Amanda had absolutely no desire to fall into another “how lucky I am that something worse didn’t happen, because it could have” conversation, so she turned her attention to her dad sitting in a chair across from the couch.

“So, any new projects keeping you busy, Dad?”

“Well, the latest is bookcases in the living room.” He lowered himself on the couch next to her mother. “Working with oak. I’m pretty pleased at how it’s progressing. Thought I’d have the kids help me finish it up with trim work.”

“They would probably love that.” Amanda jumped up out of her seat and said, “Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot, you must be thirsty or hungry.” She walked toward the kitchen stopping right before she went in to ask them, “Juice? Or should I make a pot of coffee?”

Just as her father was ready to respond to her, the back porch door flew open.

Chapter 13

“D
amn it, Amanda!” Her head jerked over at Ryder as he stormed into the family room. “The back door was wide open!” He stood absolutely still when he noticed her parents sitting on her couch. “Um, am I interrupting something?” Narrowing his eyes with his hands on his hips he scanned the room until his gaze landed on her.

The light sheen of perspiration covering his skin caused his black nylon running shorts and T-shirt to cling to his body. His aviators were plopped on top of his sweaty head. Who’d have thought a sticky, perspiring guy could look so good?

“Ryder, it’s all right.” She smiled at him. “These are my parents, Beverly and Donald Anders.”

Instantly, he softened his demeanor. “Beg pardon, folks.” He walked over to her dad and extended his hand. “Mr. Anders. Ryder Stevenson, pleased to meet you, sir.”

Her dad stood up and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you too, Ryder.” Then he turned to look at his daughter with a crinkled brow.

Her mother looked over at Amanda with an arched eyebrow. But she turned her head back to Ryder when he introduced himself to her.

God I’ll never hear the end of it, now.

“Beg pardon, folks.” Ryder planted his hands on his hips again. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I’m going to run up and grab a shower.”

Amanda didn’t dare look over at her mother or father. Instead she focused her attention on Ryder.

“Use mine, Ryder.” Amanda walked over to him. “I’ll show you where everything is.” She turned back to her parents before she ushered him up the stairs. “Be right back.”

“Ryder, I haven’t told my parents about any of this, yet,” Amanda confided in him as they walked up the stairs.

“Don’t you think you should?”

“I don’t want them to worry,” she said as she lead him into her bathroom and set out a few towels and a washcloth.

He grabbed her hand when she handed him the towels. “They need to know. It’s for their safety as well as yours.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

Ryder tugged her to him and gave her a quick kiss. “I’m sorry I busted in here like a madman. But I was worried when I heard voices. It slipped my mind that your parents were coming in today.”

“I know you were worried.” She flicked on the fan for him because she was so used to flipping it on for the kids.

He pulled off his shirt and threw it on the floor. Her eyes flew to his muscled, bare-skinned chest. It didn’t look like he had an ounce of fat on his body. And his arms . . . well, she always did have a thing for great deltoids. And biceps, oh and triceps, too. She swallowed.

He bent down to turn on the water and adjusted the handles.

And she thought he looked good with his clothes on. “So, okay.” She backed out of the bathroom to give him some privacy.

After he looped his thumbs under the waistband of his shorts, he growled at her. “And lock the damn doors, woman.”

Before she stepped out of the bathroom, she couldn’t help herself. Turning back toward him, she stuck out her tongue out at him, scrunching up her nose as well.

Why do I act like that around him?

He chuckled before he said, “I’d keep that inside, darlin’, unless you’re ready to use it.”

Her face got hot and she brought her hands up to her cheeks to cool them off.

The sound of rushing water filling the tub saturated the room and she stomped out.

Slowly walking down the stairs, she cursed herself for letting Ryder rile her up and thought on how she could tell her parents about all that had happened in the last few days.

Had it only been three days? It seemed more like three months! She didn’t want her parents to worry, or they’d get on their bandwagon to get her to come back to Colorado with them. Amanda had heard that lecture many a times. Her mother had told her a million times how her old high school boyfriend, Rob was divorced as well and how much he asked about her when they bumped into him around town.

That was a guy she dated the in high school―over seventeen years ago―but it felt like centuries.
Blah.
She shuddered when she thought back on those days.

When she reached the main floor, her father was still sitting on the couch and she could hear her mother fiddling around in the kitchen and went to find out what she was up to.

“So, Amanda,” her father began as she passed by him. “Is there something we should know?”

“Dad, Ryder is a friend―”

Her mother rounded the corner. “Who uses your shower?” Her mom’s eyebrows jumped up and Amanda instantly felt like a ten-year-old. She sat back down next to her father.

Silently groaning, Amanda clasped her hands together. “So, Mom and Dad.” She spoke slowly. “Some weird stuff has been happening lately.”

Beverly Anders walked back into the family room and sat down in a chair adjacent to the couch, where she and her dad sat. “What
stuff
?” Her mother asked stiffly as she sat up straighter in the chair.

“Beverly,” her father warned. “Let Amanda finish.”

“Well.” Amanda licked her lips. “It seemed Wayne may have been involved with the wrong people. And they may be coming after me and the kids.

Her mother gasped. “What? Wayne?” Narrowing her eyes, she asked, “Who is coming after you?”

“Well, for heaven’s sakes, Pandy, when we found out how he was killed, I had a suspicion that he may have been involved with the wrong people.” Her father stood up. “I need some coffee. With bourbon or whiskey. Got any, sweetheart?”

“Oh for God’s sake Don! It’s two o’clock in the afternoon!”

Heavy footsteps pounded down the stairs and they all looked up to watch Ryder stride downstairs. His hair was still wet, but he had jeans and a fresh black T-shirt on. Amanda’s heart did a little flip.

“I’ll get it for you, sir.” Ryder headed to her dad. “I got some Jack in the basement.”

Her father nodded and followed Ryder across the room.

Amanda’s gaze tracked Ryder and her dad down the basement stairs, wishing they wouldn’t leave.

“Come on, honey let’s get the coffee cups.” Beverly Anders grabbed her daughter’s hand and led her into the kitchen.

All types of thoughts bounced around Amanda’s head. Like how much she should tell them and would they be in danger if they knew anything? No one would go after or hurt them, would they?

“Amanda?” Her mother’s terse voice brought her out of her thoughts.

“Yes, mother?”

“Amanda, what exactly is really going on?” Her mom glared at her before pulling out four coffee mugs from her cupboard.

“Mom, I really don’t understand it myself.” Amanda frowned. “I’m just glad you’re here to take Sammie and Nickel away from all of this for a few weeks.” She took the coffee cup her mom handed her and dumped a generous amount of cream in it.

“Oh, honey,” Her mom said softly as she opened her arms and Amanda stepped into her embrace.

“I’m scared, Mom.” She whispered, “We had a few break-ins already. I just don’t get it.”

“Come back home with us then, dear.” Her mom cradled her head in her hands. “I don’t like you down here by yourself. Please, honey. You’ll be safe with us. Remember Robbie Halloway? Well, he asks about you all the time, honey.”

“Uh, Mom―” Amanda groaned. Footsteps pounding back up the basement stairs caused her to glance in that direction. “That was a zillion years ago.”

“I got her covered, Mrs. Anders,” Ryder said after he jumped up the stairs from the basement, her dad followed close behind. He came over to them and slid his arm around Amanda’s waist.

‘“Manda . . .” Her mother’s eyes, the same color as hers, pierced into her. But this time she didn’t have to try and convince her parents that this was the best alternative. She had a six foot two inch ex-Army Ranger as back-up standing right next to her.

“I promise you, Mrs. Anders,” Ryder said as he stepped up and took her mother’s hands. “I will take care of your daughter.” He turned to look at her father. “I’ll just be thankful knowing Amanda’s kids are safe with you and I know Amanda does too.”

“Beverly.” Her dad walked over to her mother and slipped his arm around her shoulder. “I had a nice talk with Ryder downstairs. Don’t worry, sweetheart.”

After flipping his wrist over to check the time, Ryder walked over to Amanda and ran both his hands down her arms. He bent down and said into her ear softly, “I won’t be long, I’m going to tail your kids from school.”

Nodding, she said just as quietly, “Okay, thanks.” She bit her lower lip. “See you soon.” Her eyes followed Ryder as he strode through the kitchen and opened the garage door.

Beverly Anders waited until the car engine sounded and the garage door closed and then she rounded on her daughter.

She knew it was coming, and blew out a breath. It really was just a matter of time.

“Manda,” she said as she walked over to her. “Just who is this Ryder Stevenson?”

“I met him at Sophia Edgington’s party last Saturday.”

“Amanda Eugenia!” Bringing both hands up to her chest, her mother gasped out-loud. “My God, you just met this man?”

“I know it seems crazy, believe me,” Amanda murmured. “But really, mother, he’s been great. Helping me out, when stuff goes wrong, always being in the right place at the right . . .” She stopped and looked at her parents who now stood right in front of her.

Her mother’s lips were pursed and she shook her head, while her father looked down as he swirled the contents of his coffee mug in his right hand.

Slapping herself on the mouth to make herself stop talking, her brain mashed what she just said together. Ryder was always around when things went wrong, lately, except when she got in the car accident. But he saw her go back and forth to therapy. Without warning a wave of dizziness overtook her.

The break-in.

Trouble at the Institute of Physics; Wayne’s last place of employment.

He left when she did from Sophia’s. No, she shook her head on that thought, since it was really her leaving after Ryder.

She breathed out a sigh of relief. Okay. There was such a thing as coincidences. But the intense and immediate attraction she felt for him? And what about all of the PDA they seemed to have going on? Now that really was a first for her. She’d never had a guy do that with her before, but okay, she reasoned she’d only been with Wayne up to this point, so she really couldn’t compare. Rolling her eyes, she moaned.

She was so lame.

“What?” Her mom asked worriedly, “What is it? Why are you groaning?”

Crap.
Did I do that out-loud?

“Really, Beverly, I had a nice talk with the young man downstairs. He’s a retired Army Ranger. You have to be a special breed to do that.” Her dad walked into the kitchen, set down his cup and opened the refrigerator. “Pandy, did you say you had some food for us? I’m starving.”

“Really, Don!” Her mother huffed out, “This is no time to talk about food. She needs to come back with us.”

Her father grumbled under his breath, “We still need to eat.”

Amanda pulled out Tupperware containers and got out two plates and dished out food. “Really, Mom,” she said over her shoulder, only to find her mother had followed her into the kitchen as well. “I’m a grown woman and I can take care of myself. I need to stay here. I have things to do.” She mentally kicked herself for telling them anything. No way did she want to go back home, to Ft. Collins with her parents. These two weeks they took the kids every year when school ended, was her down time.

A total Godsend. The house got a good spring cleaning; especially her kid’s rooms. And most importantly that she did whatever she wanted.

Running around the house in her underwear. Sleeping until noon. Eating crappy foods; watching even crappier television and movies, not to mention reading shamelessly naughty novels. She treasured those two weeks, where she could have no responsibilities at all.

When she heard the hum of the garage door going up, she knew the kids were home. A second later, the door burst open into the kitchen.

“Grandma and Poppy!” Sammie rushed in with her arms wide, while Nickel sauntered in behind his little sister twirling the car keys on one finger.

He nodded to her. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hello, honey.” She glanced up in the process of making her dad a sandwich. “Do you want one too?”

“Absolutely.”

She waved her knife at him. “I know you drove safely and responsibly, am I right, Nick?”

He nodded again. “Absolutely.”

“My little darlings!” Her mom and dad gave Sammie a big hug and her father straightened and rocked on heels looking over at Nickel, who stood apart still twirling the keys with a wry grin.

“Get over here grandson, and get your ‘ole Poppy a hug.”

Nickel jerked his chin at them. “Hey, Grandma and Poppy.” He walked over and put both his arms around her parents. She hadn’t noticed how much Nick had grown in the past two months since they’d last been here. Now he towered over her parents. Either he had a growth spurt or her parents had shrunk.

“My, my, Nickel.” Her mom held onto her son’s arms and smiled. “You’ve grown so tall, darling!”

“Well, Grandma.” Nick grinned. “I am almost sixteen and I’m driving now, you know.”

A second later, the doorbell rang. Amanda set the sandwiches on two plates and sliced them in half. She rounded the corner and went to the door. Peering through the peephole, she saw Ryder outside stuffing his hands into his front pockets looking at the door.

Slowly pulling the door open she asked, “Hello? Can I help you?”

“Good girl.” Ryder grinned. “I saw your green eyes use the peephole viewer.”

She threw her index finger up to her cheek. “Do I know you, sir?” And then she batted her eyelashes dramatically.

“You forgot me already? I leave for what?” He looked down at his watch and then back up at her. “Forty minutes?” He jerked out his right arm and grabbed her.

A giddy spiral of excitement swirled through her when his hand clamped around her back and he tugged her to him.