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He shook his head. “Nah, maybe next time. I’m showing you the good stuff.”
Shivering when a patch of cold air hit them, she snuggled closer. His body heat did more than succeed in warming her. She could stay in her spot and never get sick of it.Maybe Macha really is in my blood.
After thirty minutes, the motorcycle stopped outside a large fenced area. Leaning over, Doc punched in a code, and the gate swung open.
“Where are we?”
“Macha’s mountain lodge.” He didn’t give her the chance to ask more, simply drove up the long and winding driveway. The dense trees broke apart at the top of the incline, an enormous lodge sitting atop. Trees lined the driveway, two sizeable garages on both sides of the main cabin.
Doc parked and helped her off the back. The change in temperature sent her teeth chattering, and she rubbed her hands up and down her arms. A surge of heat surrounded her, and she smelled Doc before his leather jacket rested on her shoulders.
“Should’ve warned you. It gets pretty cold up here sometimes.” He tucked her under his arm and led them to the front door. A wooden awning held up by stone pillars kept visitors out of the elements until entry. After punching in another code, the door clicked open and warmth greeted her.
“Whoa.” Her mouth gaped at the interior. While it looked like any other expensive lodge from the outside, the inside surprised her. It looked nothing like a cabin in the woods but more of a compound. A catwalk across two sets of stairs grabbed her attention first. The entire space was warm and welcoming. The cherry hardwood floors throughout disappeared through several doors and hallways. Televisions were mounted on the walls, comfortable-looking couches filling the space. A large fireplace sat farther in a den off the living room.
“That’s what I thought too.” Doc smirked and plopped onto one of the couches, turning on the TV across from him.
Ignoring him, Isa kept exploring the space. She could make out the doors leading to a back patio and swore under her breath at the floor-to-ceiling windows back there. A blue glow beckoned her further, and she gasped at the sight of the pool just through the doors.
“It’s a hot spring,” he said, somehow beside her. “It stays warm all year round.” He grinned down at her. “Skinny-dipping is more than acceptable if you forgot to pack a swimsuit.”
Rolling her eyes, she shoved him away from the door and opened it. Sure enough, the large deck boasted a full-sized pool with plenty of outdoor chairs. Another smaller, crescent-shaped pool sat to the side.
“The moon pool is cold water,” Doc informed. “When it gets really warm in the summer, it’s nice to soak in that one.”
Craning her neck, she could make out an open garage to the far right. It was empty now but hinted at the perfect spot for UTVs or motorcycle parking. Another deck sat on top of the garage, tables and chairs ready for use as well as a fire pit. Instantly, she wanted to roast marshmallows and stargaze on that upper deck.
Behind the fenced-in pool area sat untamed wilderness. If she looked hard enough, she swore she could see wildlife back there. It was an ideal location to lie low and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Turning on her toes, she took in the backside of the lodge. It looked bigger from here. The front kept the true size of the compound well hidden. Windows dotted the back of the oversized cabin.Bedrooms.She’d bet her sketchbook on it. From here, the lodge looked like at least two stories of solid defense. Positioned on the side of a mountain, overlooking the valley, it was the ideal spot for a fortress.
“This place is incredible.”
“Wait until you see upstairs.” Doc waved her inside, locking the door behind them.
They made their way up the stairs, the scent of pine lingering in the air. Doors lined the wide hallway, and Isa stayed close to him until he paused at a room. “This is where you’ll stay.” He walked inside. “The boys need to add the finishing touches, and then you’ll be set.”
Isa glanced around the room that boasted a vaulted ceiling. It was empty save for a ladder. Blue-gray walls gave the space a homey feel. As did the walk-in closet and large bay window overlooking the pool. The mountains and trees in the background made her think of Ireland. No other buildings could be seen from this spot. “It’s perfect.”
“Once they get a bed and dresser, yeah.” Doc rested his arms above the doorway. “My room is across the hall. Macha uses this place for weekend fun and when there’s trouble.”
Her eyes snapped to him. “Am I in trouble?”
He searched her face. “No, but they’re taking extra precautions. If the Twelve Brothers finds out your identity and location, we’ll be ready.”
Suddenly the leather jacket felt paper thin. Retreating to the door, she wrapped her arms around Doc and buried her nose in his shirt. Instead of reacting, he stayed perfectly still. It should’ve encouraged her that she was safe with him, but it only made Isa feel alone in a world full of bikers who may or may not want to hurt her.
As if sensing her mood, he gently enclosed her in a hug. “You’re safe with me, Isa.” He kissed the top of her head. The simple act overshadowed his earlier innuendos. He wasn’t as tough as he acted in front of everyone else. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I swear.”
“Doc?”
“Yeah?”
She tilted her head up, their lips inches apart. “I’m scared.”
His blue eyes dipped to her lips and back again. “I’d be worried if you weren’t.”
A loud thud from the first floor broke them apart. “We should go. The guys are back from break. We’ll be in their way.” He disappeared down the hall before Isa could utter another word.
