Nobody's Lost (Rescue Me Saga #5)(27)

Picking up her purse and camera case, she followed him noting that he hadn’t locked the door when he left. For someone so concerned about her security, he didn’t seem to have any worries about his own property or person.

The air in the house was cool. She scanned the room with its kiva fireplace. Very homey and old-fashioned furnishings from the sofa and arm chairs to the bear rug in front of them. She shuddered. How anyone found dead animals or their furs attractive was beyond her.

“I’m going to put your bag in what I call my sister’s room, since she’s the only one who’s ever slept there since I’ve lived here.”

She set her bags on the bed, grateful he had more than one bedroom here. She didn’t want to put him out. Not that the thought of sharing a bed with him didn’t send a fleeting image of their entangled bodies passing before her eyes.

Don’t go there, girl.

“She visits sometimes from Santa Fe, but isn’t due for another trip down here for months. She stays pretty busy up there with her gallery on the Plaza, especially this time of year when she’s gearing up for the summer tourists.” From his expression, she’d have thought he described the onslaught of a plague of locusts.

“What kind of gallery?”

He shrugged. “Art. Paintings, sculptures—even photographs. Want me to introduce you to her sometime?”

“I’d love to meet her and see if she’d be interested in any of my work. I plan to prepare some images for mounting while I’m up here. I could have a portfolio ready as early as next week.”

“I’d be happy to put you in touch with her.”

Apparently, he didn’t want to go to Santa Fe any more than Albuquerque, even though it was less populated.

She scanned the room, happy to find a desk where she could work. The bedroom was small with tiny windows on two of the walls. She walked to the one she assumed would have the best view. Spectacular. The red hills contrasted against the deep blue sky. Sunrise would be beautiful, too, over the mountains in the distance.

“This used to be Mrs. Chosa’s bedroom.”

“It’s cozy. Warm.”

“I didn’t change a lot since she…well, since I moved here.”

Megan could tell by the emotion in his voice that the woman had meant a lot to him.

“Let’s take a walk after you get settled in.”

She turned toward Ryder and smiled. “I’d love to. If you’ll point out where the bathroom is, I’ll make a pit stop, change into my jeans, and be ready in no time.” The more covered her legs were, the better. She shuddered at the thought of the creatures out here that would love nothing more than to bite or sting her fair skin.

A few minutes later, she met him in the kitchen as he put away the last of the groceries.

Everything was in its place. She smiled. Ryder had relaxed considerably since he arrived home, but still needed to make sure he maintained order in his environment.

He handed her a bottle of water, and she tucked it into the netting on the side of her camera case.

“Lead the way, Ryder. I can’t wait to see more of this sanctuary up close.”





Chapter Nine





Ryder guided Megan along a well-worn path, one he walked almost daily. When she asked about certain plants, he described them, sometimes telling her about their medicinal and culinary uses. Mrs. Chosa had taught him this and much more.

Sharing his knowledge with Megan pleased him in ways he hadn’t expected. Perhaps it made him feel useful again. Not that she needed to know about these things. She had little use for such knowledge in Albuquerque.

Megan paused and did a three-sixty before crouching down and snapping photos of a red and orange spike of Indian paintbrush.

“Is this one good for anything other than beautiful photos?”

“The flowers are edible, but not the leaves or roots, which have a tendency to leach selenium from the ground.”

“No thanks. I’ll pass.”

“We’ll avoid those parts, but the flower heads have some of the same nutritional benefits as eating garlic, without the smell.”

She seemed to reconsider. “Do you eat the flowers?”

“Sure. In salads.”

“Well, maybe I’ll try some new things while I’m out here with you.” She snapped off two blooms and put them into her pocket.

“Sure you don’t want me to find a nice rattler for dinner?”

She jumped up and turned in several directions, searching the ground. “Where is it? I don’t hear anything.”

Ryder grinned as he watched realization dawn. She turned toward him, fire in her eyes. “You’re joking. That’s not funny.”

“You need to face your fear. Besides, I’m here. I’ll protect you.”

The light left her eyes. “I know. It’s your job.”

“No, I’d protect you no matter what. You’re my guest.”

She nodded. “Let’s walk some more.”

Her mood remained somber. He wasn’t sure what he’d said to put a damper on things, but he wanted to return to the way they were a moment ago. Ryder reached for her hand, and she accepted it. They walked side by side where they could, and he preceded her on narrow stretches, keeping an eye out for anything that might hurt or scare her. Man, she was terrified of snakes.