"Still not a reason for us to get back together."

He was screwing this up. How could he convey what he needed her to understand? He ran his hand through his hair. "Just before the mission to rescue Savannah, I had planned to meet with you."

"That was more than a month ago."

The unspoken What took you so long? hung in the air. What, indeed? He scrubbed his face. "I guess I wound up with more questions than answers after that mission."

"Then what brought you here tonight?"

"You."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it."

Angelina's tone of voice had changed. She wasn't going to let him evade her questions anymore. Well, good for her. She deserved straight answers.

"While I had your nonna's furniture, I assumed you'd come back any day."

"Yet in the two months since I left, you only contacted me once."

"You didn't respond to that text."

She held her chin higher. "I was still upset about you going to Italy without telling me until the night before. With you shutting me out of such an important and difficult time."

At least she was talking with him again, even if she remained pissed about that asinine trip to Italy. He'd better not blow this chance at reconciliation. "I called Adam the other night to see if he'd heard anything after you moved your things out of our house." He hoped to conjure up some shared memory of what they had once shared.

"You checked up on me?" She didn't ask the question as an accusation for him meddling in her affairs but more as if she'd been pleasantly surprised he'd bothered.

He reached across the table to take her hand and brushed her knuckles with the pad of his thumb. "I never stopped worrying about you, caring what you were doing."

"No one told me you'd been asking. I thought..." Her voice cracked.

"I didn't always have to ask. I observed what was going on with Damian and Savannah. I knew you were taking care of Marisol. I'm glad you weren't abandoned by our mutual friends."

"I owe you a lot for sharing your friends with me. They've been wonderful through this...separation period."

He didn't want to hear that word, but at least she didn't call it a break-up. "After talking with Luke last month, I knew what I wanted-you. I just didn't know how to go about bringing you home again and being the man you deserve." He wasn't sure he should admit this but needed to be honest. "The man you needed."

She paused long enough to make him worry. "I don't think we should rush things this time, Marc. Maybe that was our problem before-we moved too fast, before we'd really established trust."

"You know I trust you-"

"No, I don't, Marc. You talk about being the man I need and deserve, well, unless you start sharing your life with me and stop shutting me out when things get difficult or emotional, how can I possibly know that?"

He pulled his hand back. Why had he come here in the first place?

He remembered.

"Adam mentioned you'd be here tonight. Since this is where it started for us, more or less, I thought it might be a place where we could get back on track. Rekindle some memories of happier times."

"Marc, are you ready to let me be a part of your life? It all boils down to your answer to that question."

Chapter Twenty-One.

Luke watched as Marc led Angelina off the dance floor and back to their booth. A lot had happened since the last time the three of them had been here. He hoped they were well on their way to reconciliation tonight. He was tired of watching two people he cared about being so damned stubborn. They belonged together. Anyone with eyes could see that.

Adam stood next to him describing a Shibari scene he wanted to work on with Luke's help after Karla had their baby-something involving roping two submissives together. Sounded interesting, but all Luke could think about was Cassie Lopez being the second demo model. His gaze strayed to the woman seated near Karla across the barroom. The girls had been deep in conversation the whole afternoon. He'd wanted to spend some time with Cassie, who'd been haunting his dreams lately, but apparently she and Karla had a lot of catching up to do.

He had no idea if Cassie had a submissive bone in her body, but from the way the woman closed herself off from everyone except her friend Karla, he didn't think he'd ever find out.

"Grab your beer, Luke. Time we break up that hen party over there. They've had more than enough time to roast my nuts over the fire by now."

Luke grinned at Adam. Hell, yeah. He picked up the long neck and followed Adam to the table where Karla and Cassie sat.

"Mind if we join you girls?" Adam set his bottle of water on the table without waiting for a response.

Cassie blinked before glaring at Adam for intruding, and then she sat back in her chair as far away from him as possible. She was more skittish than the mustang he'd spent the last month trying to train for SAR work-and just as worth working with to get past her fears. When Cassie zeroed in on Adam's hand stroking Karla's cheek, Luke didn't miss the instantaneous look of longing in her big, brown eyes before she masked it. He didn't know what she feared a man would do to her, but one thing Luke had in spades was patience and a gentle hand.

Adam sat down next to Karla at the square table while Luke took a seat with Adam and Cassie on either side. The girl scooted her chair close to Karla in retreat.

Hearing Karla mention her baby had just kicked splashed cold water on his mood. Maggie hadn't been far enough along for them to feel their baby's kick. In some ways, that made it easier to pretend their baby hadn't been real. Well, until Cassie drew that sketch of Maggie holding his baby up in heaven and gave it to him at the hospital while they were all holed up in the waiting room waiting for news about Adam's condition.

Luke didn't want to think about all he'd lost that day in the mountains nearly eight years ago this month. He also didn't want to think about Maggie right now.

"So Cassie, what are you working on now?"

She looked up at him as if she'd just realized he was there, which didn't do a lot for his ego, and then she sputtered on a swig of what looked like a margarita.

"You okay, darlin'?"

Luke leaned forward to pat her hand, but she snatched it back as she coughed to clear her windpipe. He didn't try to get too close, but when she regained control of her breathing, he asked about any upcoming projects or exhibits she might be working on. She spent several minutes talking about her llamas-no, alpacas, as she'd corrected him-and work she was doing in fiber arts. But she made it clear she didn't want him coming anywhere near her or her alpacas.

Fine. Might as well enjoy himself. Watching Cassie scowling at him all afternoon wasn't going to cut it. He shifted his focus to Adam. "How about a round of pool? You and Karla taking on Cassie and me?"

Adam smiled. "Sounds good to me."

Luke turned back to Cassie only to find the blood had drained from her face. Now what had he said? She had a glazed look in her eyes, and her hand shook uncontrollably. Damn. He stood and went to her, trying to bring her back to the present with a firm arm around her back. He placed his hand on her quivering arm.

Karla reached out for her friend's other hand and squeezed it. "Deep breath, honey. You're safe."

Safe? What else would she be? Had Luke missed something?

Karla directed her next comment to Luke. "No, thanks. We don't play pool."

When Adam tried to remind her they had just played pool recently, she argued her belly was too big, but Luke didn't take his eyes off Cassie. She looked terrified.

Abruptly, she pushed the chair back and stood, announcing her departure. "It'll be dark soon."

With the threat of avalanches, especially in the passes like the one near Cassie's cabin, Luke grew worried and pulled out his phone. "Let me check my app before you head out."

"No, really! I'll be fine." She assured him she knew what to look for. She wasn't one to rely on anyone for anything, but a quick glance at the app told him the roads up that way were clear-as of last reports, anyway. Things could change in the blink of an eye this time of year with all the new, wet snow. "Why don't I follow you home, darlin'?"

"No!" The sheer panic in her eyes surprised him, even though she tried to assure him she'd be fine. What the hell kind of guy did she think he was?

Someone had hurt her. Bad. Just like the abused horses he rescued, she just needed a kind word and a gentle touch. He hated seeing someone with so much of her spirit broken. Luke wasn't looking for forever-after love again. That came along once in a lifetime. But hell, after spending time with Angelina lately, he would sure enjoy a woman's company again. He and Cassie shared a love of art. If nothing else, perhaps they could be artist friends. He didn't really hang out with local artists much. She only lived thirty minutes from him, high up on that lonesome mountain.

One of these days, he'd find a way to breach her defenses.

Right now, though, he wasn't going to let her go up that mountain on her own without making sure she made it home safely. Adam helped Karla to her feet, and she and Cassie said their good-byes with a long hug. Another glimpse of longing crossed Cassie's face, bordering on something painful while embracing her friend.

He gave Cassie a few minutes head start before letting Adam know he'd make sure she got home safely. Marc and Angelina hadn't come up for air since they'd become ensconced in that back booth. The look on Angelina's face didn't bode well for them, but he still hoped they would give their relationship another chance. He wouldn't interrupt. Surely they'd see they belonged together. Hell, one thing for sure, both were perfectly miserable apart.

Luke said good-bye, grabbed his sheepskin coat, and donned his Stetson. Walking out the door, he bowed his head against a brutal gust of wind. Once he was certain Cassie had made it home safely, he'd head back down the mountain to his ranch about ten miles away. At least he was making some headway with his skittish fillies there.

No reason to follow Cassie so closely that she'd make him, because he knew where she was headed. Soon, though, he had her Tahoe in sight. Maybe he was a little more anxious than he thought. He eased up on the accelerator and followed at a safer distance up the mountain watching as the taillights of her vehicle made a left turn at the pass. He navigated the same turn two minutes later and opted to switch to the truck's running lights so as not to frighten her. Some of the ruts in the road were bone jarring. Maybe he could have the lane to her cabin graded for her early this summer. Of course, she probably knew how to avoid the ruts with her eyes closed. He was driving half blind in the evening dusk.

Her taillights disappeared around the bend, and he sped up a little to make sure he had the cabin in sight before she got out of the Tahoe and heard his engine. He didn't want her getting spooked-again. Then he'd head home himself. Not the night to be out in the passes like this.

A glimpse of the sketch of Maggie and their baby flashed across his mind. He hadn't seen or dreamt of Maggie since last fall and felt a little guilty that he'd barely noticed she wasn't part of his daily life anymore; he'd thought of her every day for seven years. He'd been so busy with the horses, a dream Maggie had once shared that they hadn't had the time or finances to pursue. New orders for furniture were coming in all the time now, too. Maybe his mind had been too busy to be quiet and let her talk to him. Or maybe she'd said her good-byes when she'd inspired Cassie to draw that sketch, and she'd moved on.

"Maggie, darlin', I hope you found whatever it was you kept searchin' for."

The ominous crack breached the still air leaving no doubt what had happened. A mountainside of snow roared toward him. He floored the accelerator, and his head jerked back as the truck shot forward. He hoped he was moving away from rather than into the avalanche-and that he wasn't hurtling off the side of the damned mountain. Hell. Maybe following Cassie up here without headlights wasn't the smartest move he'd ever made.

Luke turned on the low beams and saw the bend in the road half a football field ahead as the roar grew louder. Sounded like the worst of it was behind him, so he must be moving in the right direction. "Come on, Betsy. Give it all to me."

When the snow pack crushed against the bed of the truck, Luke lost control and veered off the rough grade in slow motion. He flashed back to the sound he heard when another avalanche took Maggie from him. Sweat broke out on his forehead, and his heart thudded to what seemed an abrupt stop.

Was he dead already? Would anyone find his body? He hadn't promised anyone he'd check in when he returned home from Cassie's mountain.

Had Cassie made it past the tumbling snow pack? She must have. He hadn't seen her taillights even when he gunned the engine. She was safe. God, he hoped so at least.

The avalanche shoved his truck off the roadway as if it were a diecast toy. How far down the mountain would the snowpack carry him? A second later, as if the mountain answered his question, his body slammed against the door, his head hurtling toward the window as the truck came to an abrupt stop against something. A tree maybe.

His head banged against the glass, and Luke heard the window shatter before everything went black.

"Luke, open your eyes!"

Cassie heard him moan. Thank you, goddess. At least he wasn't dead.

Karla's frantic phone call had sent Cassie outside searching for Luke. She'd never expected to find him up here, certain her friend had been mistaken that he would follow her home. What possessed him to do that? He had to have been up to no good. He'd also shown up at the gallery reception last winter. Was he stalking her?

Maybe not, if he'd told Karla and Adam of his plans. Stalkers didn't do that, as far as she knew.

"Hell, woman. Let me sleep. No more dreams, damn it."

Dream? Freaking nightmare, more like it.

She struggled to pull him out of the truck. The dried blood on his temple indicated a scalp wound of some sort; he might even have a concussion. He was lucky he hadn't been killed. What was she going to do if he needed more medical attention than she could offer up here? The avalanche would keep the road blocked for days if not weeks. There was no easy way off this mountain other than the road or backcountry hiking. Normally, being snowed in didn't bother her, but she'd never been sick or injured before with no way out.

Damn fool. She fought to support his weight, but he was practically dead on his feet. No, don't think about him being dead. She didn't wish that on him. Still, the fact that he had followed her home didn't sit well with her. She didn't get any particular creep vibe from him, no more so than any other man. Maybe even a little less than most men. He didn't push her, and she liked talking with a fellow artist who could understand her world a little better than most of her acquaintances. But knowing he'd followed her home just put her on edge.

What was she going to do with him when she got him to her cabin? No man had ever invaded her sanctuary, well, except for Eduardo. But she trusted her brother with her life. He'd saved her once before.

A chill ran down her spine.

"What are you doing out here, Luke?" she muttered, straining under his weight. Looking up at the hill in front of her, she wondered how she'd ever get him up to the roadway.

"Makin' sure you got home safe."

She hadn't expected him to answer but was glad he was at least lucid. A shiver racked his body, and he pulled her closer as his muscles went into spasms. The breath left her body, and she placed a hand on his chest to keep him at as much of a distance as possible. Not that she could keep from touching him. He was all over her. She needed him to move on his own steam and give her some space.

"You'll need to help me here, Luke. I can't lift you up the hillside."

"No worries." He released her body and wobbled on his feet before crouching to pull himself up the slope. Maybe he wasn't too badly injured. She helped him along by placing her hands on his backside before realizing touching his butt wasn't the safest move she'd ever made. She let go and watched him crawl the remaining few feet on his own. Scrambling up the crest of the bank, she found Luke with his head pressed against the roof of her Tahoe. He must be exhausted.

"Here, Luke, let's get you inside."

She figured he might feel more comfortable stretching out in the back seat, but he had other ideas and opened the front door, crawling inside. He grinned a dopey smile at her before she shut the door. Resting his head against the window, he closed his eyes.

"Please don't pass out on me, Luke. I need to get you inside and warmed up."

What on earth was she going to do with him once she got him inside? She had a twin bed and a tiny cabin. Her studio took up more than half of the floor space, because that's where she spent most of her time. The thought of any man other than Eduardo invading her space made her stomach queasy. Sure, Luke would be easy to fight off now, but what would happen when he regained his strength?

How long was he going to be here?

She hoped she wouldn't have to use the self-defense skills she'd learned while in college with Karla before this nightmare was over.

Cassie got in behind the wheel and put the SUV in reverse, careful to follow the dimly lit roadway back to the cabin, but there wasn't enough room to turn around without risking sending them hurtling down the hillside, too. Luke groaned each time she hit a rut. She'd planned to have the annual grading done once the permafrost heaving was over.

"I'm sorry."

Luke grunted. She glanced over at him and saw he still leaned heavily against the window. At least he wasn't pressing against the cut he'd gotten from hitting the driver's side window in his truck. She hated to see any living thing in pain, even a man.

Luke had never done anything to hurt her, either. She needed to stop assuming every male on two legs was out to harm her the way her ex-boyfriend and his drunken friends had during that college break in Peru.

Cassie shuddered and closed the lid on the memories of that horrific ordeal. At the cabin, she put the gearshift in park and exited the vehicle. Before she could get to his door, Luke had opened it, and she watched in horror as he started to tumble out. "Luke!" She charged underneath him to break his fall, but the man's weight came down on her full force. She flashed back to the scene in the Andean bar for an instant before she could regain her equilibrium.

You aren't in that place.