Stowaway (11 page)

“And nobody else knows about the chamber?”

“Just my immediate family. Now Dad, Jack, me and you,” she said, brushing dust off her clothes. He closed the closet door and dusted his clothes. “Dad swore us to secrecy when we were younger, and we took our pledges seriously. I told you because emergency situations are the exception, but you can’t tell a soul or you’ll be cursed for life.”

He used his right hand to make a cross over his heart. Then he crossed himself forehead to chest, from shoulder to shoulder. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Keri grinned. “Covering all the bases?”

“You betcha,” he said, returning her grin.

They stared at each other for a long time, the smiles slowly fading to a more intense study of each other’s features. Keri noticed a smudge of dust on his cheek. She reached out to brush it off, but the skin-to-skin contact heightened the tension between them, causing the rest of her body to stir in reaction. She badly wanted to explore the searing attraction. Her eyes widened, her lips parting, and he made a small sound of response.

She knew he felt the same sting of arousal, yet neither wanted to make the first move. Neither wanted to be the one who broke the unspoken decree to keep things platonic. Both knew the temptation should be ignored. Keri reminded herself they only had a few days together. He’d be going back to the city soon, and she didn’t need more regrets in her life.

“Smells like the pies are cooking nicely,” she whispered, breaking the spell. She drew in a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of spicy apples. Her next words sounded more natural. “I’d better check on them so the crusts don’t burn.”

Lamanto nodded, his voice gruff. “Better check the mirror first. You have cobwebs in your hair.”

That brought a smile back to her face. “You too,” she teased, turning toward the bathroom.

“You’re Catholic?” she asked an hour later as they sat down for lunch.

“You have a problem with that?”

She shook her head. “Why would I?”

“Some people dislike anything they don’t understand.”

“Well, I’m not one of them.”

He gave her a smile. “I’m not a very good Catholic,” he admitted. “I don’t practice the faith, but our parents raised us in the religion, and I agree with most of the teachings.”

“I was raised Baptist because that’s the norm for Thornsbury, but I’ve always been fascinated with the study of different faiths.”

They discussed various religions while they ate and then Keri cut them each a piece of warm apple pie. She waited for his reaction after tasting the first bite. He didn’t disappoint.

“Mmm…wow…that really is delicious.”

Her voice rose to a haughty note. “You had doubts?”

Lamanto chuckled. “I told you my dad’s a fantastic cook. I doubted anyone’s apple pie could compare to his.”

“And?”

“And I can’t say another word unless you cross your heart, hope to die, swear you’ll never tell a soul.”

Laughing, she made a cross over her heart. “I promise. You can trust me with the truth.”

He took another huge bite. “I think it might be better than my dad’s.”

“Might be?”

“It’s possible.”

“Possible?”

She kept challenging, and he kept eating. When he’d finished the whole slice, he responded. “It’s possible that I’ll need another piece to be absolutely sure.”

“I’m still eating. Help yourself.”

He went to the counter and cut himself another generous slice of pie. She finished her first about the same time he finished his second. Then he leaned back in his chair and patted his stomach.

“It’s official. That’s the best apple pie I’ve ever eaten.”

Her smile widened. She found it hard not to smile in his company. He nurtured her overworked, underappreciated inner self that hungered for an intimacy beyond the physical. She’d prefer a less complicated relationship, but decided to enjoy this one while it lasted.
Live for the moment
, she told herself.

“I’m glad you like it.”

He licked his lips. “I don’t just like it, I love it. And there’s still a pie and a half to eat.”

“Unless Russ stops by and demands a piece.”

Mention of the militia leader brought a frown to his handsome features. “You think he’ll be back today?” He stood and went to the window, surveying the area behind the cabin. “If he makes an appearance, I’ll have to hit the safe room.”

“If not Russ, someone will be stopping. I just hope he leaves his armed buddies at the camp.” Another thought came to mind. “You won’t be able to hear what’s going on up here, so stay put until I give you the all clear.”

“Will do.”

At the neighboring camp, a tall, casually dressed man paced the bare concrete floor of the main building. He shot a question at Carson.

“Are you sure Keri’s alone at the cabin? The commander isn’t going to be happy if anyone’s shacking up with her.”

“Keri? Hell no. I mean, hell yes, I’m sure. She’s not the kind of woman who has cheap affairs. She hasn’t even dated anyone since she broke it off with Monroe before the wreck.”

“I’m not worried about her love life, but we never found that foreigner.”

“He’s long gone or we’d have tracked him down. Nobody could outsmart the sheriff’s department, the highway patrol and my militia. He must have caught a ride out of State before the alert.”

“That doesn’t guarantee he didn’t double back or he won’t be coming back with reinforcements. Monroe is recovering too, and his guard’s been doubled. We don’t want to do anything to draw more attention at this point. We’re almost ready. You know how important it is to stay on schedule. Timing is everything.”

“Sure, I know timin’ is important. We could start movin’ in stages, though.”

“He doesn’t want to move until we get the last shipment of stuff at the end of next week. Then we can put all aspects of the plan into action at the same time. Until then, you and your men will have to be hyper-vigilant.”

“Huh?”

“Extra careful.”

“Well, speak American,” grumbled Carson, annoyed at the way the other man looked down his nose at him. There were times when he’d been tempted to knock the uppity expression off his comrade’s face, but he reminded himself that the operation meant more than personalities. Besides, there wouldn’t be an operation without the finances provided by him and his partner.

The partner, who liked to be called Commander, hadn’t come near the place since Elaine Merritt caught them all in the beams of her headlights. He’d gone ballistic after one of the arms supplier’s crew had taken matters into his own hands and pushed her into the ravine. The gang-banger city boys had called it collateral damage, but the locals had to deal with the fallout.

Russ felt bad for Keri, especially since the wreck had left her barren and unhappy. He was glad she didn’t remember anything because he sure wouldn’t want to hurt her any more. He had the greater good of the country to consider, he kept reminding himself. All critical military exercises produced collateral damage.

“I still want you to watch out for Keri. If you see anyone sniffing around down there, make sure you put the fear of death in him.”

“Roger that, sir.” Russ kept his features fixed and stern, but he smiled inwardly. He liked the idea of keeping a closer watch on Keri. No hardship at all. Spending time with her this morning had reminded him how much he enjoyed her company. He’d sure like to kindle a flame there.

“As a matter of fact, I helped her pick some apples this morning, and she invited me back for apple pie.” Her lack of an invitation had irritated him, but she hadn’t told him not to come back. He could almost smell her fresh apple pie.

“Women should not be vacationing alone,” Russ continued. “I don’t care if she did grow up in these woods; she should have a man watching out for her.”

“Yeah, you’re right about that. Better keep a close eye on her,” said the other man.

“Speaking of the devil,” said Lamanto, “I think that’s your soldier boy marching over here now.”

“Disappear!”

Keri quickly gathered all their lunch dishes, dumped them into the sink and started filling it with soapy water. She heard the gentle thunk of the bedroom closet door closing just as Russ pounded on her back door.

Grabbing a dish towel, she wiped her hands as she moved through the small porch to the outer door. “Come on in, Russ,” she said after unlatching the lock. “I thought I might see you again today.”

“Hope you don’t mind. I know you want solitary and all,” he said with a grin, “but the thought of that pie has been teasin’ me since mornin’.” He inhaled deeply. “Ahh…it smells great in here.”

Keri couldn’t fault his enthusiasm, and he’d never treated her with anything but respect and adoration. Despite her growing concern about the militia camp, she didn’t consider him a personal threat. “Would you like some pie?”

“Sure would.”

She led the way back to the kitchen then grabbed a plate and fork. Russ placed his hat on the table and took a seat. “That sure is a lot of dishes for one person.”

Keri turned, hands on hips and glared at him. “Do you need yet another reminder that I’m on vacation? I don’t have to wash dishes after every meal or at all until I need something clean. There’s no dishwasher here, so I do them when I feel like it. Okay?”

He gave her a sheepish smile. “Yes, ma’am.”

She stared at him a little longer, studying him for the first time in years. The angular features hadn’t softened much, but the boyish freckles had faded and the brightness of his red hair had darkened to auburn. A short, military haircut kept the wiry curls in check. He’d always been tall and thin. Now he carried more weight. More muscle, she’d guess.

“What would you like to drink? I have sweet tea or I can make instant coffee.”

“Tea’ll be fine,” he said.

She served him a generous slice of pie and poured him a glass of tea. Instead of sitting at the table with him, she turned back to the dishes, not wanting him to get too cozy.

“Aren’t you gonna join me?” he asked.

“I’ve already had too much pie.”

Keri saw him glance at the two pies on the counter. Nearly three quarters of one was missing.

“It must have tasted good to you too,” he commented before taking a huge bite of his piece.

“I skipped breakfast and had pie for lunch,” she quickly fabricated as she put dishes in the drainer. “I’m a big girl, and I don’t have to eat healthy if I don’t want.”

“Apples are healthy,” he teased, washing down another bite with half a glass of tea. “Besides, you’re on vacation.”

She threw him a grin over her shoulder. “You’re absolutely right. I may eat all the rest of it for supper.”

He’d nearly finished his piece. “You think you could save me one more slice?”

Keri wiped her hands again and found a disposable plastic container. She scooped the rest of the pie into it. “I guess I might as well wash this plate while I’m catching up on dishes,” she said. “You can take the last of it with you.”

Russ’s brows met in a frown. “Is that a ‘here’s your hat, what’s your hurry’?”

“Not particularly. I just want to clean the kitchen and get back to the book I’m reading. Did you want the rest of it now?” She turned to him with the container in her hand.

He started to say something when his radio beeped. He shot a glance at it and stood. “I guess not. I’m needed back at the compound.”

“Do you want me to refrigerate it until you head home this evening?” she asked.

“I can take it with me,” he said. “I have a room at the compound.”

“You live there now? I thought you just did occasional maneuvers. What about your house and business in Thornsbury?”

“I spend most of my time at the compound, so my brothers take care of the home place and garage.”

“I’ve heard all three of them are good mechanics, but not as good as their big brother.”

His chest puffed out at the flattery. Keri saw a blush color his cheeks. He’d hated the telltale, fair-skinned reaction since grade school. She found it comforting.

Chapter Eight

Five days after their arrival at the cabin, Keri checked Lamanto’s wound after their evening baths. “I can’t believe how well your arm is healing,” she said, gently probing the area around the stitches. She’d stopped bandaging it days ago. “Is it tender?”

“Not too much.”

“How about when you move it?”

“It throbs a little.”

“I think it’s time you stopped using the sling and started doing some therapy.”

“You’re a physical therapist too?

“No, but I know the basics. If you don’t start moving it more, you’ll lose your normal range of motion.”

“Okay, nurse, I’ve stretched it some, but what else should I be doing?”

Keri tried to focus on his shoulder and ignore the pure male beauty of the rest of him. Freshly bathed and shaved, he looked good enough to eat. The ebony hair on his head and chest glistened with dampness. He’d insisted on a shower, so his body radiated with warmth. He smelled clean and infinitely appealing. After days of close proximity, she had trouble remembering why they shouldn’t get involved.

Putting one hand on his shoulder and the other beneath his elbow she slowly lifted until it pointed straight from his body. She lowered it to his side and repeated the motion several times.

“Can you do it yourself?”

Lamanto managed the motion a few minutes before sweat popped out on his forehead. She could hear the increased labor of his breathing as he struggled to push his torn muscle back into action.

“Show me how high you can raise it.”

He got his arm a little higher each time he lifted it, but not close to a normal range.

“Now try a forward motion. Lift it to my shoulder.”

She watched his jaw lock as he brought the arm in front of him and lifted it to shoulder height. When it trembled, she supported his elbow with her hand. He dropped his arm on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes.

“That’s about it,” he said in self-disgust. “Who’d have thought lifting my arm could bring out a sweat?” He put his other arm around her and drew her to his body. She didn’t resist as he held her close, his chest rising and falling against hers. She slid her arms around his waist, enjoying the solid feel of his smooth, firm flesh. Pressing her face against his good shoulder, she absorbed the scent of him while he caught his breath.