Fourth of July (13 page)

“Good.” Still trembling, she rubbed her hands up and down her arms.

“Are you all right?” Chris eyed her with compassion and took a step closer.

Alexis bit her lip and shook her head. His tender voice made her want to fall against his hard chest and cry her eyes out, but she held herself in check,

“Oh, Half-pint.” He wrapped his arms around her. “You’re okay now. I’ve got you.”

The shelter of his brawny arms relayed so much more than comfort. Alexis laid her head on his chest. He tenderly stroked her back. An ache rose inside her at his touch. She swallowed gulps of air. Fresh clean air, tinged with the smell of Chris’s sweat. But his sweat didn’t stink. It smelled like salt and his musky cologne. He smelled heavenly.

Alexis tried to get in control. Chris rubbed her back. He whispered comforting words over and over. “It’s okay, Half-pint. I’m here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Alexis trembled. Fear was replaced momentarily by a longing to stay in Chris’ embrace for hours. His lips and breath touched her forehead. If she looked up, she could kiss him to show her gratitude.

No. If she looked up he’d see the tears in her eyes. She stiffened in his arms, choking down her emotions. She couldn’t allow him to see her cry, and she couldn’t hold back if he kept touching her. She didn’t need any more embarrassment with this man.

Pushing away from his embrace, she folded her arms across her chest. It was the only way to ensure she wouldn’t kiss him. She wished she could fall into Chris’ strong arms again and bawl with relief, but she couldn’t allow herself that luxury.

“I was doing just fine on my own,” she said.

Chris arched an eyebrow. “Oh, you were?”

She couldn’t let Chris see how shaken she was, better to be perceived as ungrateful and possibly delusional rather than wimpy. Yet, it was impossible to conceal her unsteady hands and quivering lower lip. That disgusting man had almost raped her. The fear rose up in her throat.

Alexis swallowed hard, trying not to appear like a simpering fool. “Yes, you didn’t need to come rescue me like some damsel in distress.” Her tone was intentionally sharp to disguise her feelings. Deep inside she knew she would cry if she let her anger go.

“I’m sorry,” Chris said, his voice rising. “What did you want me to do? Leave you alone with the man who was dragging you through the trees by your
hair
?”

Alexis shook her head. “I guess not,” she muttered. “Do you need to go meet the police or something?”

Why couldn’t she just admit Chris had saved her from a fate worse than death? She shook with fear and tried to disguise it by putting on her tough-girl veneer.

“They’ll find him.” Chris rolled his eyes, his frustration with her evident. “I was concerned about how you were doing, but obviously you don’t need my help. Do you want me to leave?”

“No,” Alexis admitted, hugging herself for warmth even though it was a balmy summer morning. “I don’t want to let him hurt anyone else.”

“Neither do I.” He jammed a hand through his wavy hair. “I especially didn’t want him to hurt you.”

Alexis felt awful for chastising him when he had just rescued her.
Why do I act like this with him?
Glancing into his dark gaze, she restrained herself from begging him to hold her. She studied a patch of pine trees as the silence between them became oppressive.

Alexis studied the foliage. Chris studied her. He wished he could gather her into his arms again, but he wasn’t sure what her reaction would be. Probably not good. Only the chirping birds interrupted the silence. Chris hoped some helpful advice would break the lull and take his mind off touching her.

“Next time you could prevent something like this from happening.”

“Really?” Alexis dug the toe of her running shoe into the dirt. “How could I do that?”

“Try not to go running by yourself, but if you do, be more careful how you dress and carry some pepper spray and your cell phone with you.”

Alexis’ head snapped up. She stared at him. “He knocked the pepper spray out of my hand, I dropped my phone trying to call for help.” She pointed at the ground and bent to retrieve a pink iPhone. “And what, may I ask, is wrong with the way I am dressed?”

“Your shorts are a bit, um, short and that shirt is...well,” Chris grew embarrassed. “It really shows your shape.”

“So, what you’re saying is I made that man attack me by how I was dressed?” Alexis questioned, those perfect red lips snapping at him. “He was just some innocent runner, then he saw me running by, all scantily clad, and he had no choice but to
assault
me?”

“No, I didn’t say that at all. Of course he was the one in the wrong.” Chris blew out all his breath. “I am just saying if you run around looking like this you are going to get attention from the wrong kind of people.”

Chris didn’t like the thought of anyone seeing her bare, shapely legs or the figure that fitted shirt revealed.

“So, Agent Harmer,” Her voice was cold, her eyes narrowed to dark slits. “What would you suggest I wear when I go running?”

“Well...” He grew increasingly uncomfortable. He realized she was baiting him but he had to make her understand creeps like that guy looked for beautiful, innocent women like her. “To begin with, you could wear some baggy sweat pants.”

“Most runners wear shorts exactly like these,” she interjected, folding her arms across her chest, “
especially
in the heat of the summer.”

Chris’ eyes narrowed. “Most runners aren’t Christian. I know your leaders counsel you to dress modestly.”

“Oh, so now you’re lecturing me on
my
religion?” Alexis arched an eyebrow at him. “What do you know about my leaders or modest dress?”

“Not much, but that’s not the issue here.”

“Oh, and what is?”

“You.” Chris pointed at her. “You need to wear longer shorts than other runners.”

“Why?” She challenged him with an elevated eyebrow. Her lips curved into a smirk.

“Because.”

She tapped her fingers against her forearm. “Because why?”

“Because
most
runners don’t have legs like that,” he growled at her, gesturing vaguely toward her toned lower limbs.

“Yes, they do,” Alexis retorted.

“No. They don’t.” Chris snapped back at her. “At least not that I’ve noticed.”

Chris shook his head at her stubbornness.

Alexis’ lips turned into an undeniable grin. “Any other brilliant ideas besides covering up my legs?”

Chris continued his suggestions. Even though she laughed at him, maybe something would sink in. “A bigger T-shirt. In fact, I have a couple you can take.”

“So if I borrow your super-size T-shirts you’ll feel better?” She glanced over his chest and shoulders.

“Much better,” Chris sighed, relieved she was finally being agreeable.

He continued on. “Wear a hat to cover all that...hair,” he gestured to her short, red locks. “Pull it down low so no one can see your face.” He scrutinized her delicate features. “And absolutely no makeup.”

“I don’t have makeup on.”

“You have to have some on.” He eyed her face more critically. “People don’t look like that naturally.”

“Look like what, Agent Harmer?” She raised an eyebrow, as if daring him to continue.

“Chris. You always call me Chris, and I know you have makeup on. Some of that stuff that makes your eyelashes look longer.”

“Mascara?” she clarified.

“Yes, you have mascara on.”

“Nope.”

“Lipstick?” he asked.

“My natural color.”

“No,” he sucked in a quick breath, remembering Friday night and how soft her lips had felt against his own.

“I don’t usually wear lipstick.”

“You don’t wear makeup?” Chris asked in amazement.

“I didn’t say I don’t wear makeup. I wear foundation to cover my freckles along with eye liner, shadow, blush, and lip gloss.”

“You have freckles?”

“Yes,” Alexis retorted.

He leaned closer, examining the light sprinkling adorning her nose and cheekbones. A pink color crept under those freckles.

“I never noticed freckles.” He thought he knew every detail of her face. “So you really aren’t wearing makeup?” He couldn’t resist asking one more time.

“I’m not wearing any right now.”

“Wow,” Chris murmured.
Her future husband will be thrilled to wake up next to her in the morning
.
He jerked in surprise. Where did that thought come from?

“So.” Alexis flashed him a tremulous smile. “You still think it’s my fault that jerk attacked me?” She shuddered.

“I didn’t say that.” He shook his head. “I just said you shouldn’t look so good when you’re running by yourself.”

“Well thanks, I guess.”

“Thanks for what?” Chris asked. This beautiful woman was exasperating. How could she be frustrated with him one second and thanking him for who knows what the next?

“For the compliment and for...for...”

Why was it so hard for her to say?

She met his gaze. “Thank you for rescuing me.”

“You’re welcome.” At least she admitted he saved her. He was just grateful he’d been here to protect her. Too bad she hadn’t fallen into his arms or given him one sweet kiss to express her gratitude.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He searched for signs of distress. “That must have been awful.”

“I’m all right.”

The brightness of her eyes made him wonder.

“I’ve had men bother me before. No one’s ever gone that far, though. I didn’t know how I would get away.”

Her body trembled. Chris reached out to steady her. His hand engulfed her small shoulder. Once he touched her warm skin, he couldn’t stop himself. Pulling her close, he rubbed her back. He relished the feel of her lithe form tucked into his embrace. She fit perfectly in his arms. Gently stroking her hair, he inhaled the soft scent of her shampoo.

“You’re okay. It’s over now,” he soothed.

Her body stiffened in his arms. Pulling away, she shook her head a couple of times. Chris resisted the urge to drag her back. He was confused. Why did she react that way when he was just trying to comfort her? At least that’s why he told himself he wanted to hold her.

“I’d better get going. I have to be ready for work in an hour,” she said.

They picked through the dense undergrowth, making their way toward the running path. Alexis tripped once. Chris was quick to steady her. She was just as quick to retrieve her arm from his hand. By the time they reached the path Chris was certain she wanted nothing to do with him.

Alexis studied a pine tree as she spoke to him. “Thanks again. I can’t bear to think about what would have happened if you hadn’t come along.”

“I know. Are you sure you’re all right? I could run home with you.”

Alexis shook her head. Her eyes shone. He guessed tears were coming.

“I’ll be fine.” Gently squeezing his arm, she locked her gaze on him. “Thank you,” she said.

“Sure.” He couldn’t ignore the warm pleasure washing over him as she touched his bicep.

She released his arm. Turning abruptly she began running down the trail.

“See you at work,” Chris called to her.

She raised a hand in acknowledgment, but didn’t glance his direction.

Chris felt a slight stirring of hope from her warm touch. She’d made the contact voluntarily. Her soft hand on his arm made him wish he could hold her again. No. He wouldn’t attempt embracing her again. She didn’t respond like a normal female.

Why can’t anything ever go right when I’m with her?

He studied her retreating form. He knew most women would probably fall into their rescuer’s arms weeping with relief and admiration. Not Alexis. She was the most fiercely independent person he had ever encountered.

Chris shook his head, forcing his legs into motion. Matching his pace to hers, he trailed her at a respectable distance. He didn’t want her to know she was being followed, but he had to assure himself she got home safely.

ALEXIS SMILED WHEN SHE WALKED into her office later that morning. A small container of pepper spray and a stack of extra-large T-shirts were folded neatly on her desk. She could picture the man who filled out the shirts so perfectly, could still feel his muscular form surrounding her.