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taken her to a doctor, a specialist, someone who might be able to help her?”
    He was starting to get mad himself. “What do you think I did? Just pretended she was okay? I took her to every specialist I could find. Seattle. San Francisco. Even Chicago. The doctors ran tests, prodded and poked her till it drove me half crazy. When the tests all came up negative, I took her to a string of psychiatrists.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œAnd in the end they all agreed. Emily was in her quiet world because that was where she felt safe. There was nothing physically wrong with her. Nothing anyone could do.”
    â€œSo you’re saying the reason she doesn’t speak is because she doesn’t want to.”
    â€œBasically, that’s right. No one but Emily can break the spell she’s put herself under. So far it hasn’t happened.” Maybe it never would. He didn’t want to think about that.
    Long moments passed. They were staring at each other, both of them still angry. He should have expected the blowback. Maybe he had. Maybe he hadn’t mentioned Emily because he was afraid Lane wouldn’t come.
    â€œWhere were you living when this happened?” she asked.
    He sighed, suddenly weary. He hated talking about Emily, hated feeling so helpless. It was the reason he mostly stayed away from her.
    â€œWe lived in Juneau at the time. I’ve got two brothers, Nick and Rafe. All three of us live in Alaska. We’re spread out pretty good, but we were raised in Anchorage, and Alaska’s our home.”
    â€œWhat does Emily do about school?”
    â€œMrs. Henry homeschools her. She doesn’t have a learning disorder—she just doesn’t speak.”
    Her gaze softened and she reached toward him. Before she made contact, she let her hand fall away.
    â€œSo you’re staying?” he asked when she didn’t say more.
    One of her burnished eyebrows went up. “As you said, I’m sure your daughter won’t bother me. I’ll hardly even know she’s there.”
    He just nodded and started walking, feeling a sweep of relief. She was here, and at least for the moment, she was going to stay.
    He led her up onto the porch. Outside the ornately carved front door, he gripped the big iron handle, turned, and stepped back out of the way, allowing Lane and the dog to walk past him into the entry beneath a heavy wrought-iron chandelier.
    â€œOh, my God, Dylan! It’s . . . it’s spectacular.”
    He released the breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. “You’ll make it even better.”
    She looked up at him, green eyes sparkling. “You bet I will.” Then she smiled. “Thank you for bringing me here. Oh, I can’t wait to see the plans for the remodel. I can hardly wait to get started.”
    Her excitement was contagious, vibrating through her and into him. His pulse began to pound and desire curled through him. He’d wanted Lane Bishop since the first time he’d seen her, all that fiery hair, sweet curves, and a face that could grace the cover of Vogue . Now that she was here, he wanted her even more.
    Instead, he took a step back, giving them both a little space.
    â€œWelcome to Eagle Bay,” he said and led her farther into the house.

Chapter Three
    Lane was exhausted. She was always tired after traveling and plane changes, and then that amazing plane ride to the lodge. And there was Dylan himself. The man was even more imposing than she remembered. Imposing, impressive, commanding. Also daunting and slightly overwhelming.
    She hadn’t missed the scorching looks he’d cast in her direction, the way those incredible blue eyes slid over her, taking her measure.
    In L.A., during the few brief times she had seen him, he hadn’t made the slightest effort to hide the desire he felt for her. She had tried to hide her attraction to him, but clearly it hadn’t worked. She had finally agreed to