She bit back the tears. Because there was some truth to his accusation. Her ambitions had dragged Josh across the country. Her persistence had gotten him killed.
“No—I—grrr.” He threw up his arms in frustration and paced.
She waited for him to simmer down.
“Dani, when I saw the motorcycle gone, along with Sanchez and Kane, I assumed the worst. For that, I’m sorry. I misjudged you. Again.”
Thunder rattled through the outhouse, and rain pelted the structure. Dani sank into one of the camping chairs. “I get why you’d think that of me. I refuse to get complacent or lower my guard. Those men killed Josh. The world needs to hear his story. It’s my fault?—”
“Just stop, Dani.” He sank into the chair next to her and placed his hand on hers. Electricity sparked through her. “What happened to Josh wasn’t your fault. Sometimes things are out of your control.”
There was that word again.Control. What had that Bible verse said?I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.She sighed. “Second place is still losing.”
Grizz squeezed her hand, and she relished the warmth of his touch. “Tell me why you think this.” His husky voice was soft, laced with compassion—the words urging her to bare her soul to this man that had crashed into her world and turned it upside down.
“I can’t lose. My father drilled that into my head as a child. I was on my way to becoming an Olympic gymnast until I fell. I hurt myself and lost my ranking. My dad moved on to coach my sister. All because I lost. It’s his voice that pushes me to win at all costs.”
Grizz sighed. “Isn’t that tiring, having to push so hard all the time?”
“It’s lonely.” Just having him in such close proximity reminded her of how alone she’d been. When was the last time she’d made time for a date? “I just thought that’s the way it was supposed to be. Work as hard as you can. Make it to the top. Do it all on your own so no one can take credit for your success.”
“But what happens if you…I don’t know…find yourself stuck in a tree and your friends have to come rescue you?”
She laughed at his grimace.
“I guess I’d have to find a way down on my own. I don’t have a lot of friends that would come rushing in the way your hotshot crew does. Most of my friendships are superficial or people I’m competing against. Most reporters are just waiting in the wings for me to fail so they can swoop in and take my spot.”
Grizz shook his head. “You could have the same kind of relationships too, if you let people help you.”
What would that be like to have friends that stepped in when she needed help? A few of her supposed friends had dropped her once she had the stigma of that bad report.
He rubbed circles on the back of her hand with his thumb, and she leaned her head against his shoulder.
Lightning lit up the room through the one window by the loft, and the distraction shattered her illusion of safety. This couldn’t happen. No way was she getting cozy with this mountain man. Despite the cool temperatures that had settled in the outhouse, her face flushed. She hoped Grizz couldn’t see.
“Hot chocolate.” She stood, severing their connection. “I found some packets in the kitchen. I need a warm drink.” She moved to the kitchen area and found a pot to boil some water.
Grizz watched in silence until the radio crackled.
“Grizz. Come in.”
He jumped up from the chair and snatched the radio from the counter. “It’s Rio. Finally.” He punched the button on the radio. “What’s the plan, Rio?”
“We can’t get to your place. Road is washed out. Can you make your way to your cousin’s cabin? That road is passable. In the meantime, I’m calling all agencies to send backup. We’ll stop these guys and get you and Dani off the mountain. Do you think you can make it?”
“We’ll do our best.”
The kettle whistle made Dani jump. Her nerves were fried, but at least now help was near.
But another hissing sound gave her pause. It wasn’t from the boiling water. Grizz stood alert, eyes wide.
Saxon rushed into the outhouse. “We’ve got company. And looks like they brought fire power. Two men just used longbows to light up the forest around your cabin. They’re trying to smoke us out.”
* * *
How long could Grizz keep Dani safe? She had the power to take down this secret militia group and a senator.
“Dani, stay inside.” Grizz and Saxon scrambled up the stairs to the loft, then stepped out onto the wooden deck. Sunlight peeked through the clouds, but it was the light from the fire that sparked his anger.
