Wilde One (39 page)

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Rachel nodded. “I’m glad I don’t live in the city anymore, but I do miss nights like these.”

“Where do you live?”

“Up in Vine Haven, north of Napa.”

“I know the area, lots of rolling hills and grape vines. What do you do there?”

“I own a combination bookstore coffee bar. The town has enough of a tourist trade to survive, but not enough to ruin the small town atmosphere.”

“I think I’ve been there. Years ago, my ex-wife dragged me through Napa County on a wine-tasting tour. Is there a small winery in Vine Haven?”

Rachel smiled. “Only the best one in Northern California, but I may be a teensy bit prejudiced. Hanover Vineyards belongs to my family. I grew up there, and my father and brother still run the vineyard and winery. We offer tours on the weekends.”

“Oh, yeah? So you moved back to the family homestead after your husband died?”

“Actually, the year before. Bryce and I were divorced when he died in the skiing accident.”

“I remember hearing about that. I don’t imagine living with a professional athlete was easy.”

“There were some negatives.” Bitterness edged her voice, and she forced herself to relax.

“Cops make lousy husbands, too. Just ask my ex-wife.”

“You seem like a good guy. What happened?”

“The usual. I spent more time at work than I did with her. Diana is a very nice person, and she’s a fighter. She stuck it out for five long years before she finally gave up. I guess she came to the conclusion I wasn’t going to change.”

Rachel stopped walking and looked up at him. The breeze blew her hair across her face. One strand caught at the corner of her mouth, and Kane reached out a finger to free it. Her breath stuck in her throat as she struggled to remember what they were talking about.

“Did you want to change?”

“Not really. I was younger and had a lot to prove.”

“And now?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure anymore, but I do need a break.”

“Did something happen?”

His expression closed. “Yeah, something happened.” After a moment’s hesitation he took her arm to lead her forward. “I don’t know why I’m boring you with my problems. How did we end up talking about me?”

“I have that effect on people. Something about me makes everyone I talk to want to spill their guts.”

He grimaced. “I’m not the only one? There’s a crowd of needy jerks bending your ear? Terrific.”

“Mostly just family.” She gave him a teasing poke to lighten the mood. “I’m no psych guru, and even if there was a crowd, I’d say you’re unique.”

“Hardly. I’m just one of a million divorced cops. You may want to warn your sister we’re bad relationship risks before she gets too involved with Nolan. Not that he isn’t a great guy.”

“I’m sure he is. Anyway, I’d be more inclined to worry about him. Grace discards men faster than empty pizza boxes.”

Kane grinned. “Your sister seems like quite a dynamo.”

“She is. When God passed out inhibitions, he skipped Grace and gave me a double dose.”

“I doubt that. Anyone who was a soap star can’t have too many restraints.”

“Ask my oldest daughter. She’ll tell you all about them. Here’s my car.” Rachel stopped beside her red SUV.

“I rest my case. Inhibited people don’t buy red cars.”

“I chose the model, but I let my girls pick the color. They take after their aunt.”

He smiled, his rugged face lit by an overhead streetlight. Kindness—and pain—was reflected in his eyes. Lines radiated from the corners of his lips, and creases marred his broad forehead. He looked like a man who’d seen the darker side of humanity and was worn down by the experience. It took all her willpower not to reach up to stroke his cheek.

“It was nice meeting you, Rachel Carpenter. More than nice.”

“I hope you have a wonderful time camping. I must admit I’m a little jealous.”

“You should come up. My brother’s retreat is a great place for families. I bet your girls would love it.”

“Jade and Ivy probably would, but Lark’s another story. Anyway, I imagine the camp is fully booked for the summer.”

“It is for July and August, but I think there’s space left in June. People tend to wait until it’s warmer to go camping in the Sierras. It can be pretty cold at night this time of year. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s still some snow left around the lake.”

“In other words, pack a warm sleeping bag.”

“You’ve got it. If you decide you’re interested, Jed has a web site. Look up Granite Lake Retreat on the Internet, and you can get the phone number to make a reservation.”

“I’ll think about it.” She let out another sigh before she could stop herself. “I’d better go. The drive isn’t getting any shorter standing here.” She touched his arm. “Thanks for walking me to my car. I know you’re anxious to get home.”

“My pleasure, and it wasn’t out of my way. I own the Jeep parked three spaces over. Anyway, it’s not safe for a woman to be alone on the street this time of night.”

“True, more’s the pity. Good night, Kane. Maybe I’ll see you again sometime.”

He enclosed her hand in both of his, and a tingle shot through her.

“I certainly hope so.” He hesitated then released her. “Drive carefully.”

She unlocked her car door. “Careful is my middle name.”

Write what you know
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Jannine Gallant
has taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. She grew up in a tiny Northern California town and currently lives in beautiful Lake Tahoe with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t busy writing, Jannine hikes or snowshoes in the woods around her home. Whether she’s writing contemporary, historical or romantic suspense, Jannine brings the beauty of nature to her stories. To find out more about this author and her books, visit her website at www.janninegallant.com.