Patricia Potter - A Soldier's Journey

She waited while he opened the trunk that was filled with dog food, a dog bed and a cardboard box full of dog dishes, toys and a leash. She was right about her luggage. He saw only a medium-size duffel.

Only too aware of her presence, he picked up the dog bed and the big sack of dog food while she reached for the duffel with her good hand and used the wounded fist to slam the trunk closed. Then she followed him inside. He watched surprise spread across her face as she took in the comfortable interior. “It’s very nice,” she said after a moment. “Are you the owner?”

“No. Just a friend of the owner.” Nate placed the dog bed in front of the living room window and, still holding the dog food, led the way into the kitchen. “I made some fresh coffee, and the owner of the town’s diner sent over some sweet rolls. They’re great. The owner’s wife also filled the fridge. You’ll find a couple of casseroles and cold cuts along with bread, eggs, milk and sodas.”

“Thank you,” she said. It was politely said with little emotion.

“There’s a bathroom next to the master bedroom down the hall. There’s also a second bedroom that’s mostly a library now. Help yourself to any of the books. There’s a desk in there, as well.” He paused, then added, “As for town, you probably drove through it. There’s a general store, grocery, hardware store and pharmacy there, along with Maude’s Diner. The food is very good, especially the steaks, and they’re easy on the wallet.”

She nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

She was scarce with conversation, but that was all right. So was he. Usually. “How long have you been driving?” he asked, strangely reluctant to leave.

“Since midnight. I like driving at night and dawn when there’s little or no traffic.”

He suspected it was more than that. Depending on the severity of PTSD, late-night and early-morning driving had fewer distractions.

“That car looks like a real collector’s dream,” he said, probing for more information, even as he knew he should be leaving. And quickly. She was distant.

“The Bucket,” she said with the first hint of a smile. “She’s been with me fifteen years, and she was pretty ancient before that. I’ve nursed her back to health more times than I can remember, but she’s a tough old lady. I couldn’t leave her behind.”

He mentally filed that information. Nursed back to health? The car? Was she a mechanic, too?

He was lingering. He had intended to say, “Hello, here’s the keys and goodbye.” He gave himself a mental kick. That was exactly what he should do.

“I’ll leave you to get some rest,” he said. He took out a sheet of paper he’d prepared. “My number is there, along with several others you might want to know. The veterinarian. The town doctor. Josh Manning, who owns the cabin.”

She nodded.

He handed her the keys to the cabin, then leaned down and scratched the dog’s ears. “Joseph? Of the many-colored coat?”

“It seems to have been the inspiration. I had nothing to do with it,” she said defensively.

“He’ll have a lot of company around here,” Nate said. Damn, he was rambling on, but he didn’t want to leave her alone. There was something broken inside her. Her voice was soft, Southern, but it carried no strength, no conviction that would be expected of an army officer.

He was nearly undone by those haunted gray eyes. They were framed by brown hair that fell to her shoulders, a simple style that he thought was probably for utilitarian reasons rather than vanity, although it suited her. She wore jeans and a simple white T-shirt and looked to be in her early thirties.

He suddenly realized he was staring. “I had better go,” he said. “The television is satellite and has a lot of stations available. There’s a path just to the left of the cabin that goes up the side of the mountain. There’s some great views there.” He cocked his head. “Anything else you would like to know?”

She shook her head. “It’s far more than I expected.” She hesitated, then added, “Dr. Payne said there might be something I can do to pay for the use of the cabin.” It was a question more than a statement.

“Is there anything you like to do?”

“I’m a surgical nurse. Or was one before my hand was damaged. I don’t really know anything else.”

“I’m sure Josh and Eve will find something if you’re interested. Eve’s uncanny in ferreting out talents.”

“Dr. Payne said she’s the mayor?”

He grinned. “And a damn good one.”

She nodded, obviously absorbing the information, then went to the door. “Thank you for the welcome,” she said.

It was an obvious dismissal. “Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything or have questions,” he said again as he walked toward the door. “Covenant Falls is very safe, and the sunsets are great. Oh, and every Monday night we have a meeting of vets. Seven p.m. at the community center. It’s right at the end of this road.”

“And play poker?” Her lips eased slightly into an almost smile.

“You heard about that?” Nate said with a grin. “It’s just penny ante. But we enjoy it. And we’re happy to have new faces.” Particularly a pretty one, he suspected. He kept that thought to himself and hurried on. “You can bring Joseph. Josh always brings his dog, and everyone has gotten accustomed to having him there.” He headed for the door. He had already stayed longer than necessary. He forced himself down the path to his pickup.

As he opened the truck door, he glanced back. Andy Stuart was watching as he left. Slim and straight and still, she looked like a statue.

He started his pickup and headed toward Lake Road. He swore to himself. Dammit. Why couldn’t she have been gruff and rough and thoroughly disagreeable? Instead, she was soft-spoken and appealing. More than appealing. He suspected the haunted gray eyes would stay with him. It was something he did not need at the moment. Or ever.

Hell, he had always been a sucker for a damsel in distress. That particular weakness had nearly destroyed his life. He’d sworn it wasn’t going to happen again. He had a chance now to rebuild his career, and he damn well wasn’t going to let anything, especially a woman, risk it.

He was going to stay away. A long, long way away.

* * *

ANDY WATCHED HIM drive away, then turned back to explore the cabin.

Her first impression of the cabin was warmth. Someone had loved this cabin. And that made her ache inside. It was just like the home she and Jared had planned to buy. A large living area with expansive windows, hardwood floors and a huge fireplace.

She went into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee from the electric pot. Mr. Rowland had put out a cup and bowls of sugar and creamer. She liked her coffee black, and the stronger the better. She had become addicted to it in college and later during long hours in operating rooms.

She took a plate with two rolls outside and returned for the coffee. She didn’t want to risk spilling either one with her bad hand. She sat in one of several chairs on the screened porch and ignored the swing. Joseph followed her and sat at her side and regarded the roll enviously.

Andy couldn’t help but smile as the dog’s tongue lolled out the side of his mouth. She steeled herself against getting too attached to the dog, but she had to admit he was growing on her. She couldn’t resist giving him a piece of roll.

She looked out through the pines to the lake. The sky was impossibly blue against the mountains, and a cool breeze was refreshing. The scent of pines perfumed the air.

For the first time since she set off on this journey, she relaxed. Maybe this had been a good move, temporarily anyway. She liked Nate Rowland. He hadn’t pushed but made her feel comfortable in a strange place under strange circumstances. He was lanky, like Jared, and had a warm smile.