Heart Of A Hero

Up ahead, she saw Will on his route, but he was chatting with the owner of the pub where they had shared their first beer. The man was too easy on the eyes, and she purposely looked away, just to prove she could. It wouldn’t do her any good to get attached to the idea that he would see her as more than a pal with breasts. She glanced down at her chest. Her barely B cups might not be big enough to meet the general definition. They certainly had never been big enough to change the way the local guys saw her.

Tammy might be right about the raw chemistry between Charly and Will, and Charly was definitely ready to see where pheromones and attraction could lead. How could she find out if Will was on the same page? She was darn sure ready for more than another buddy to talk beer, guns and trails.

She yanked open the bank door and stutter-stepped to avoid bumping into the police officer walking out. “Whoops. Sorry, Steve.”

“No problem. How are things?”

“Can’t complain,” she replied. “How are the kids?”

“Good.” He stepped back inside with her. “I’m thinking about taking my youngest down into the canyon when it warms up a bit.”

Steve had worked part-time for her father during their senior year. They’d gone to the homecoming dance—as friends—because both of them had been too busy that season to find real dates. Suddenly she felt seventeen and awkward again, remembering the time they’d driven out to prep a campsite in the canyon and stayed long into the night, watching a meteor shower from the back of his pickup truck. She’d wished for a kiss as the stars fell, but Steve didn’t oblige.

Thank God, she thought now. It would’ve been weird. More of an experiment than romance, even under that endless sky.

Steve waved his hand in front of her face. “Charly? You okay?”

With a little jump and a self-conscious smile, she apologized. “Just lost in thought.” Steve’s youngest daughter had recently discovered a new fascination with photography. “Take her into the canyons southeast of town and she can get some amazing sunset pictures.”

“That’s a great idea. She’ll love that. I’m glad I bumped into you.”

“Me, too. Have a great time.”

They went their separate ways, leaving Charly feeling half a step out of sync with the rest of her world as she made the deposit. It irritated her. She had exactly what she wanted. More. With the business she had freedom and plenty of time in wide-open spaces, challenges of every variety. She had exactly what she needed, sharing the world she loved from mountaintop to river to canyon with new people every day.

“Living the dream,” she reminded herself as she walked back up the block to the Binali Backcountry storefront. This was her heritage as well as her dream come true.

So why did it feel as though something was missing? Determined to adjust her attitude, she tipped her face to the snowcapped peaks kissing the horizon. This happened to her when she spent too much time in the office and not enough out in the field. Four days was about her tolerance for the city life, and she hadn’t led a tour in over a week. Well, easy enough to fix that. She’d just make time for an early hike tomorrow morning since she had plans tonight. Plans with a man she definitely wanted to know better. In the biblical sense rather than strictly as a friend. Maybe she should ask Tammy for pointers on how to stage a seduction. Heck, she needed pointers in how to tell if a guy was open to being seduced.

She was laughing at herself, her balance somewhat restored, when she strolled back into the store.

“Must have been some check,” Tammy said.

“Every little bit helps,” she admitted.

“I opened the fan mail while you were gone.”

“We got fan mail?”

“Sure.” Tammy spun a handwritten note card around for Charly’s inspection. “Take a look.”

Charly read it aloud, happily recalling her time with the Ronkowski family. “‘Thanks again for making our vacation something we’ll remember forever. The kids are still talking about it with anyone who will stop long enough to listen. We’ve been camping and taken tours through all kinds of places, but Charly, your expertise and passion for the area made all the difference. We’re already planning to return to Colorado and take another tour with you this summer.’”

The note went on, elevating Charly’s mood with every word. She’d led the parents and their three kids on a camping excursion through the canyon she’d recommended to Steve earlier. “Wow. We can pull a few of these lines for the website,” she said. In fact, she wanted to upload the new quotes right this second. “They were a fun family.”

“They sure think the world of you.”

“It’s easy to share what you love best.” An idea dawned, one she thought might be a good compromise for Tammy. “Want to go hiking with me tomorrow?”

“What? And close the store?”

“No. Before we open. Before breakfast.”

Tammy’s jaw dropped open. Then she snapped it shut and glared at Charly. “This is some kind of test.”

“Not at all.” Charly gathered up the mail as she rounded the counter, smiling again at the note from the Ronkowskis. “I just need to get outside.”

Tammy pointed at the door with her perfectly manicured finger. “You just came in.”

Charly laughed. “I meant the big outside, away from sidewalks and storefronts.”

“You’re a nature addict.” Tammy shook her head, as if the diagnosis were fatal. “I have plans for tomorrow before breakfast.”

“You do?”

“Yup.” Tammy nodded emphatically. “Sleep.”

“Fine.” Unable to argue with a confirmed city girl, Charly ducked into the office to deal with a few remaining administrative details. If she lingered, she knew she’d ask Tammy for advice about men and that just felt too...needy, she decided.

She’d let the mysterious chemistry work, and whatever happened with Will happened.

* * *

WILL TOOK A final look around his apartment and decided he had everything set for his movie date with Charly. The clutter was gone, the kitchen and bathroom spotless. The beer was cold, he had microwave popcorn ready to go, and he’d bought a pack of cupcakes for dessert. Yeah, he had everything except the movie.

Binali Backcountry had quickly become the high point on his postal route each day. During his first week on the job, chatting up so many strangers all at once had left him drained and craving nothing more than hours of quiet at the end of the day. Then he’d met her. There was an ease about Charly that smoothed him out. He blamed it on the absolute confidence that hovered over her like a cloud. That particular trait wasn’t something he saw in most civilians.

Casey expected Will to get involved here, so sticking to his hermit tendencies wasn’t an option even for personal time. Following orders, Will had jumped in with both feet and asked her out, telling himself it was all part of burrowing deep into the cover story.

Being a mailman came easily enough. The tasks were so different from his military career, he appreciated having the mental space to assess the community. The people were nice and generally took pride in the area as a whole. He’d been right about the mile-wide streak of independence out here. While it had been hard work denying the part of him that needed solitude and quiet, he was making the adjustment.

I’m dating, he thought, checking his watch. Charly would be here in ten minutes. He picked up the remote and started scrolling through his extensive movie library. He’d picked up most of the titles during his time on bases where the troops had created dedicated servers packed with entertainment for relaxation between missions. Still, he couldn’t make up his mind about what they should watch tonight.

This was the first time they were staying in, which felt like enough pressure, but he didn’t know her tastes well enough to make a confident choice. Will decided to narrow the list to three and let her make the final call.

While he skimmed through the long list, his cell phone sounded with the old-school telephone ring he’d programmed for contact from Director Casey. The familiar anticipation of a mission shot through his system as he answered. “Chase here.”

“This is a high-alert notification.”

Thank God, some action. He was more than ready for a challenge bigger than movie selections.

“We have confirmed reports that a device known as a Blackout Key, a cutting-edge cyber weapon, has been stolen,” Director Casey explained. “It’s reverse-engineering software. I’m told the damn thing can breach everything from bank systems to nuclear weapon launch codes.”

Will took a slow breath and waited for more details. Software could hide anywhere, on anyone.

It could be as sexy as a tube of lipstick or as unassuming as a car key. Hell, something like that could hover up in a technology cloud, just waiting for the right bad guy to access it. He fought the immediate disappointment. He couldn’t hunt software. Not the way he hunted bad guys.

Still, he wondered how it tied in to Durango. Every business on his route relied on software security and the internet in some capacity. Thinking of the businesses on his route, he automatically prioritized them, starting with the prime targets. The two banks for sure, but he could see the value in targeting the investment group and a nationally recognized architectural firm, too.

“Three suspects were under surveillance,” Casey continued, “but one suspect, a man we believe was instrumental in the key’s development, has suddenly disappeared from the Los Angeles area. The files and everything related to the program have vanished from all databases in the DC lab.”

“Am I being relocated?” The flicker of regret at leaving Durango—and Charly—surprised him. His SEAL training had made him innately qualified for action in this kind of rugged terrain.

“No. You sit tight. This is a nationwide alert. What we don’t have yet is hard intel on the location of the key. Photos of the missing suspect and full details will be emailed to you. Keep the information secure and notify me at once if you spot anything that relates to this alert.”

“Sit tight,” Will echoed. “Does that mean you don’t want me to act?”

Casey hesitated. “You are authorized to take whatever action is necessary to protect civilians or recover the Blackout Key. This breach cannot go public. We can’t allow it to reach the black market, either.”

“Copy that.”

The line went dead, and a moment later a knock sounded at the door. He set the phone to vibrate and pushed it into his back pocket. When he opened the door, the rich aroma of hot pizza spiced the air.

Charly smiled at him over the big square box. Her long hair, usually pulled back from her face in a braid or ponytail, was down tonight. It fell like a thick midnight curtain across her shoulders and lower, brushing the gentle curve of her breasts highlighted by the deep V of her light green sweater. His breath caught and his stomach growled.

“Sounds like I’m just in time.” Her lips gleamed with a soft sheen, and she’d added some subtle touch that made her big brown eyes wider, more... It hit him suddenly—she’d applied makeup. For him. He liked it.

“You look great,” he said, stepping back so she could come inside. She looked more delicious than any meal. He reminded himself they were friends. The smart play was to take it slow. His assignment was long-term and he didn’t want to make the wrong move and alienate her—or anyone else.

While she settled the pizza in the kitchen, he pulled down plates and offered her a choice of the locally crafted beers he’d picked up.

His phone hummed, and he pulled it out. A quick check of the display confirmed it was the expected information from Casey.

“Problem?”

“Not tonight,” he said, raising his glass to hers for a toast. “Let’s eat.”

Chapter Three

The next morning, under a cloudless blue sky, Charly parked her truck behind the store and slid the key into the back door. Stepping inside, she silenced the alarm system and locked the door behind her. At just past seven, she still had two full hours before Tammy arrived.

She sighed happily. Two full hours to enjoy the sweet high resulting from the combination of an interesting evening with a sexy man and a perfect morning hike through crisp winter air.

It had been a bit more challenging than she’d anticipated getting out of bed after the impromptu double feature at Will’s place. The beer and pizza had been impeccable accompaniment for the loud, over-the-top action flick they’d started with. But his unexpected admission that he had a weakness for Disney films had forced her to test his honesty. She’d woken up with random lyrics and lines from The Little Mermaid playing in her head.

Along with the memory of his face—so solemn—when he’d said the film had been required viewing during his navy training. She’d laughed in complete disbelief over both parts of his wild claim.

Oh, he undoubtedly had the well-honed body of a warrior, but she couldn’t fathom any reason a navy veteran would settle in Colorado. She’d blurted out the observation and listened, entertained by his colorful explanation of having had his fill of endless oceans and major waterways.

Whatever the reason, she was more than glad he was part of her landscape now. “You’ve got it bad,” she scolded herself while she started a pot of coffee. A few dates was way too soon to be this enthralled over any man, but especially irresponsible when the man was new to town.

Still, she’d wanted to spin in a happy circle as she left his place last night, after he’d asked her for a pool game rematch at the pub tonight. This was almost like having a boyfriend, though they hadn’t really discussed it in those terms.

She suffered another nearly deflating moment thinking the feelings were only on her side, but then she remembered the way he’d looked at her when she left last night. There’d been a certain chemistry—or at least something that felt distinctly warmer than friendship in his clear blue eyes.

Catching her reflection in the glass of the half door between the storefront and the back room, she wondered what Will saw when he looked at her. She paused, taking stock. With her hair pulled back from her face, a company ball cap on her head and only a sweep of mascara, she felt plain. Bland.

Not ugly, just...unfinished. Unpolished was the better word. But she had no intention of changing her habits. Makeup didn’t go well with her career, though Will had seemed to approve of her effort in that area last night. She wasn’t sugar and spice and everything curvy and nice like other women. A total tomboy, she’d spent her youth proving she could keep up with the nature-loving men in her life instead of embracing the critical differences that made her a woman, from chewing tobacco—once, on a dare—to splitting wood every winter. It was simply who she was. She wouldn’t change for any man, no matter how hot and ripped or funny or intriguing. With an irritated huff for letting anything as silly as a reflection erode her good mood, she pushed through the door and into the storefront.

She hit the power button for the computers, then went out and took a quick stock of the displays. Tammy had everything neatly organized, and while she might not be a big fan of the great outdoors, she was an asset here in the shop.

“Here’s hoping she’s that efficient with spreadsheets, schedules and financials.”

Charly filled a tall mug with coffee and returned to her desk, the same simple and scarred desk her father and grandfather had used. Now it was hers. Feeling connected to all they’d handed down to her, she started on the email.

She discarded the obvious spam and answered the easy ones before dealing with the rest of it. Inquiries ranged from advertising offers to shipping confirmations. A new shipment of ball caps was scheduled to arrive today, and she smiled when she saw they were coming by the US Postal Service. She’d make herself available to sign for that package when the hunky new mailman delivered it.

The time slipped away as she dealt with necessities and soon she heard the security system chiming as someone came in the back door. Her eyes went to the little monitor perched on the corner of her desk that kept an eye on the back entrance. Tammy and Clint.

Well, that should keep spirits high around here today. Charly stood up, stretching her arms and grabbing her empty coffee cup to go greet them.

After catching up and successfully dodging direct questions about her evening, she shared one of the more intriguing email messages with Clint.

“Take a look,” she said, handing over the page she’d printed out. “It’s a team-building thing. Sounds like we can name our price.”

Clint gulped his coffee while he read the short message. One of her father’s hires, Clint had joined Binali Backcountry almost on his first day in Durango. Blond, lean, with sun-kissed skin and deep dimples, Clint was a good-looking guy, and she understood Tammy’s wistful crush on him.

But Clint had his own priorities. When he’d invited Charly to dinner, it had been for the sole purpose of learning all he could about the trails she’d been running tame on her whole life.

She valued his friendship, work ethic and love of the job. When Charly’s father stepped back from the business, Clint stepped up, helping her maintain the reputation of excellence. And as each of her brothers followed their careers away from Durango, Clint had filled the void, becoming an important partner and friend.

“Says he’ll be in this afternoon.” Clint set the printed email aside in favor of a fast-food bag of breakfast. “Want me to be here?” He stuffed a big bite of a breakfast sandwich into his mouth.

Charly cut short the urge to tease and judge him. For a man comfortable eating off the land, he made up for it whenever he had the chance. “Something like this will take two guides for sure.”

He nodded, chewing thoughtfully. “What are you thinking of charging?”

She tossed out a number. “Plus the rental gear.”

Tammy whistled, but Clint’s eyebrows dipped low. “For seven software geeks in this weather? Add in another grand for pain and suffering.”

“You charge the customer for the chance to suffer?” Tammy was aghast.

“No, darlin’.” Clint’s dimples showed up. “That’s for our pain and suffering. Desk jockeys tend to whine.”

“I wouldn’t whine,” Tammy vowed.

“I’d never give you cause,” Clint said, his voice oozing charm and innuendo.

Charly rolled her eyes. Tammy looked as though she might dissolve into a puddle. “Why don’t you unlock the front door,” she instructed Tammy. Clint had no idea the destruction his little flirtation could leave behind.

“Come on,” she said to Clint. “Let’s hammer out a few ideas and price points. We can give them options.”

“You really don’t want to risk losing them, I guess,” he said, following her to the office. “But our books can’t be that dire.”

“They’re not. We’re doing great,” she assured him.

Clint pushed aside some catalogs, making room for his coffee cup on a corner of her desk. Settling back in the only other chair, he finished off his breakfast while they came up with a few package ideas.

“Seems sudden,” he said when she was printing out the varied proposals.

“What do you mean?” She shot him a look as he worked the wrapper of his meal into a ball between his palms. A sure sign he was thinking.

“Come on. You think this guy just plans to hand out plane tickets when his crew comes in today or do you think they’ve been in on the planning process?”

“Does it matter? The email says they just wrapped a project. They want to cut loose and get out of the office.”

“In their place I’d go to Vegas.”

“Then be grateful they’re coming here and want to give us their money.”

“If you close the deal, I’ve got plenty of ways to spend my cut.” Clint flipped through the pages once more. “Should we pad that pain-and-suffering number a little more?”

“There’s padding and then there’s outright greed.”

His dimples flashed again. “True.” He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. “But if they go the mountain route, they’ll be cold.” He stood, pretending to shiver. “We could make a side bet that you’ll cave to the inevitable whining before I do.”

“No deal,” she said on a chuckle. “I can be just as much a hard-ass as you when it’s necessary.”

Clint scoffed. “Then start practicing, sister, and get the payment up front.” He clapped her on the shoulder. “I’ve got a feeling these soft, cube-withered geeks will have us earning every penny once they get a taste of nature up on the mountain at this time of year.”

“You’re a cynic.” She shooed him out of the office with orders to make space in the back room for the delivery coming in. “And put some polish on your professional charm while you’re at it.”

* * *

A FEW HOURS LATER, as she listened to their potential new client, she realized both she and Clint were right. The job would be lucrative, but with every passing minute it was becoming more complicated.

“Let’s do this,” Charly suggested to the client. “Which of the options presented comes closest to what you have in mind?”

Reed Lancaster had made it clear from the moment he’d walked in that money was no object. His precise though relaxed appearance gave her an impression of significant wealth to back up the statement. His cashmere sweater, perfectly creased and cuffed khaki slacks and stylish shoes told the story. She imagined he spent a small fortune to keep his hair trimmed, and the gray at his temples added distinction. It was pointless to guess how much he’d shelled out for the Rolex on his wrist. She hoped he had the sense to leave it in his hotel safe rather than wear it on the excursion they were planning. Now, if they could just agree on where he wanted to go and the top three objectives he wanted to get out of the hike.

“As I explained in the email, my team deserves a break. I want to build on our momentum and camaraderie. The three-day hike into the mountains sounds ideal.”

“We’ll make sure your team is bonding while they’re having fun,” Clint said.

Mr. Lancaster ignored him, focusing on the paperwork in front of Charly. “Ms. Binali, I’ve done the research, read the reviews and asked around since coming to town two days ago. Your company has a reputation as the best.” He removed his reading glasses—no drugstore cheaters for Mr. Lancaster, these were designer frames.

“Your specific reputation—” he looked directly at Charly “—is what brought me here.” He tapped the small table. “I’ve taught everyone who works for me that to settle—on anything—is equal to defeat. With every project, every day, we strive for excellence. We are the team that sets the bar others try to reach. I won’t give them less than the best experience possible. That means I need you.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence.” She gave him a smile and while she gathered the proposals into one stack, putting her favorite mountain hike option on top based on his decision, Mr. Lancaster reached into his coat and withdrew a long, slim wallet.

He’d said there were two hobby photographers on his team. While there wasn’t a bad view on any of the routes she and Clint had chosen, Lancaster insisted on the mountain options despite the weather risks.

“The mountains will give you stunning views, crisp air and opportunities for teamwork from the campsites to the hike itself.” She forced herself to keep talking as he counted out cash. “You’re sure everyone on your team can handle the physical exertion?”

He added more bills, hundreds, she noticed, to the stack. “Fitness is another requirement to stay on my team, Ms. Binali.”

“All right.” The guy struck her as a tough boss. It would be interesting to meet the people who chose to work with him. “Clint and I will get things together.”

Lancaster’s gaze slid to Clint and back to hers. “You’re sure two guides are necessary?”

She willed Clint to keep his mouth shut. “Two guides will guarantee you and your team get the most out of the excursion and the challenge course experiences we’ll provide.”