She gnawed at her lip. Could she really do it? Use Daniel like that? Well, technically, he was getting something out of this too. Plus, he suggested faking their relationship in the first place.
“If you won’t do it for our business, do it for Adam,” Darcey said.
“What do you mean? We can’t lie to him. Not when this is all over the news.”
“I’ll explain to him what happened, okay? But think of the scandal and gossip that’ll spread when it comes out you guys were strangers and got married while drunk? He’ll get teased and bullied even more than he already is. However, if you let the press think you and Daniel are actually married for real and for love, no one will bat an eye. They’ll even think it’s romantic, and not some sordid tale of a drunken weekend in Vegas.”
Darcey had a point, she conceded. Adam would probably get angry at her for being irresponsible, but then a good cover story would protect him publicly. “I’ll think about it,” she said. “And talk to Daniel.”
“Daniel, huh?” Darcey asked in a teasing tone. “First name basis already. What’s he like?”
Utterly handsome. Dazzling. Charming. Confident. There was also a true strength in him she could sense. He felt solid, like a tree standing up to a storm. “He’s fine, I guess.”
“So, there’s a possibility you won’t be driving back today, huh? It’s already ten there, right?”
Glancing at the clock, she realized her sister was right and that she’d overslept. “Crap.” Rising to her feet, she stretched her arms out and let out a yawn. “All right, Darce, I should get my day started and find my future ex-husband. Just … take care okay? And tell Adam—”
“I’ll take care of Adam,” she assured her. Darcey had always been the more maternal of the two them. Not that she didn’t get along with Adam, but he and Sarah were so alike, they often clashed, especially now that he was a snotty teenager who thought he knew everything. Darcey was a soothing balm between them, the buffer that stopped them from exploding at each other all the time. “Go take care of business.”
After putting the phone down, she took a shower, dried off and got dressed in a clean white blouse and yesterday’s jeans, then headed to the reception. Sure enough, there was an envelope at the front desk with her name written on the front in neat handwriting. “I’ll need to extend another night,” she told the clerk at the desk. “Is that possible?”
“Of course, should I just charge your card?” he asked.
She gulped, remembering that that particular card was nearly maxed out. Actually, all her cards were, but if what Darcey was saying was true, then it shouldn’t be an issue. “Yes, please. Thank you,” she said before heading out to the parking lot and to her car.
It was another gorgeous summer day in the mountains, and she drove more leisurely this time, allowing herself to enjoy the views as she drove up to the Blackstone Rangers Headquarters. Thankfully, the news vans were nowhere in sight, but there were still a lot of people waiting outside. Ignoring them, she got out of her car and hurried to the entrance.
“I’m sorry, miss,” the young man guarding the door said, holding a hand up. “I can’t let you inside. If you’re looking to get a hiking or camping permit, that’s all done online and the entrance to the trails and campsites are down the road.”
“I’m not,” she answered. “I need to get inside and see Daniel Rogers.”
The guard’s mouth twisted ruefully. “You and everyone else.” He nodded at the crowd gathered. “Why don’t you join your friends, and maybe when Daniel comes out, he’ll let you take a selfie with him?”
“That’s not why I’m here.” Her patience was running thin. “I’m his—”
“What’s going on here, Reynolds?” someone said from behind.
“Hey, Russel,” the guard greeted, then rolled his eyes. “Chief posted me here to keep the Rogers groupies away.”
“I’m not a groupie,” she said indignantly.
“Excuse me, I need to get in—oh, it’s you.”
Sarah looked up at the man who’d arrived, recognizing him as the blond ranger from the pie shop yesterday, though he was wearing street clothes today. “Hey. Thanks for the help yesterday. But I have to see Daniel. Now.”
“You didn’t see him yesterday? Didn’t Anders help you out?”
“He did, and I saw Daniel. But … I need to talk to him again.” She cursed herself for being rude to this guy yesterday. “Um, maybe you could just give him my number?”
Clear blue eyes regarded her. “All right,” he said. “You can let her in.”
“But—”
“I’ll take it up with the chief,” he said, pushing past Reynolds and holding the door open. “Let’s go in. He’s probably out patrolling, but I can find out what time he’s swinging back to check in.”
“Thank you,” she said as she followed him inside. “I’m Sarah, by the way. I’m sorry if I was rude to you yesterday.”
He flashed her a bright smile. “You’re fine. I’m Gabriel, by the way. Gabriel Russel.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Are you … okay? Do you want a drink of water? Bathroom?” There was an odd look on his face.
“Er, I’m fine. I just need to see Daniel.”
“Of course. We can go to the comms room and get someone to radio him. Meanwhile, I can get you a snack or maybe find a quiet place for you to sit down?”
Why the hell was this man—a stranger—obsessed with her comfort? “It’s fine.”
“Are you sure? I can get you some juice—oh, wait, there he is.” Gabriel nodded up ahead.
She followed his gaze, to the two figures walking down towards them. Sure enough, she recognized Daniel’s tall and broad
