Every Step She Takes (Who's Watching Now Book 2) by Jannine Gallant Read Free Book Online Page B

easily.”
    “Not on a story.”
    He raised one brow. “I hear a but in there.”
    She sighed. “When it comes to work, tenacious is my middle name. With relationships, I flee at the first sign of trouble, which is probably why I’m thirty-four and still single.” She stared into the glowing fire and wrinkled her nose. “My mom is afraid at the rate I’m going, I’ll wind up a lonely old maid.”
    His lips twitched. “You may have a few good years left.”
    “What about you? I think you mentioned something about an ex-wife when we were driving up to the lodge.”
    “My marriage didn’t last long. If you ask Val, she’ll tell you I’m the worst sort of workaholic.”
    “Would she be right?”
    “I’m afraid so.” He shifted and jammed his hands in his pockets. “My marriage ended years ago. Lately I’ve been thinking it’s time to make a change.”
    “Easier said than done, I suspect.”
    “I imagine so.” The frown lines on his brow smoothed. “I took a first step in that direction before coming up here. I gave my second-in-command a list of new responsibilities and a hefty raise to go with it.”
    “That really is progress. When good intentions hit you in the wallet, it means you’re serious.” She hesitated for a moment, picked up a rock and tossed it from hand to hand. “I made a promise to myself not long ago.”
    “Sounds interesting.”
    “No more relationships doomed to failure before they even get started. No more dating just for the sake of having fun.”
    “Is that what you do—did?”
    “Pretty much.” She threw the rock and dusted her hands on her shorts. “Rachel says I discard men faster than empty pizza boxes.” Her laugh lacked any hint of amusement. “I live on take-out pizza.”
    “Rachel is your sister?”
    She nodded. “All my siblings are happily married with kids. I’m the misfit at family gatherings, the cool aunt. After years of holding the title, the novelty has lost its charm.”
    “So do something about it.”
    “I intend to.”
    His eyes widened. “Sounds like you have something specific in mind.”
    “I do.”
    “Dare I ask what?”
    “Sure. I’m going to start by not sleeping with you.”
    He cleared his throat and gave her a feeble smile. “Well, that sucks.”
    “Doesn’t it? I have a feeling we could have had one hell of a good time.”
     
     

Chapter 6
     
    Something shook the underbrush near the tent. A branch snapped. At her feet, Wylie growled low in his throat. Goose bumps pebbled Grace’s skin.
    She lifted her head. “Do you think it’s a bear?”
    “Sounds more like a raccoon. If we’d left the dog outside like I wanted, we wouldn’t have to worry about wildlife wandering through the camp.”
    “He looked so sad.”
    Travis snorted.
    “Well, he did.” She moved her feet in the sleeping bag, planting them more firmly beneath the dog’s welcome warmth.” Pressed against the tent wall on one side and Travis on the other, space was limited. Between fear of the unknown outside the thin nylon and the threat to her peace of mind on the inside, she’d probably never fall asleep.
    “Relax, even if it is a bear, it won’t bother us. I’d back your furry champion against the meanest grizzly.”
    Some of the tension drained out of her. “There’s a reason I gave him half my stew.”
    “I thought reporters were tougher than old jerky. You’re a marshmallow, Grace.”
    Warmth flowed through her at his teasing. In the tight confines of the tent, she could hear every breath he took, smell the scent of his soap, feel each tiny movement. She wanted to roll over and snuggle even closer. Gritting her teeth, she resisted the urge.
    He turned on his side and stoked one finger across her cheek, the pad rough against her skin. “I’m not going to put the moves on you, so relax.”
    Her heartbeat quickened. “I know you’re not.”
    “Then what’s the problem?”
    “I wish you’d stop being so damned nice. It makes sticking to my