her. Instead, after pitching that she was writing an article for World Tour Magazine, she secured a discounted rate at Jackson Hole Mountain Ski Lodge in between Jackson and Grayback.
Before Alan called with news about Zoey, Rae had been on a phone interview in which she’d assured the editor she would write a ski resort travel article for them as a test run. Like if she could write for them, then she could edit for them. Sure, she was grateful to be getting calls, but she couldn’t seem to force herself into the mold. Editor for a travel publication group that included magazines depicting weddings and honeymoon destinations? Such banal happiness had never been Rae’s thing. Making a difference in the world? That had been everything to her.
Using her time in Jackson Hole for dual purposes seemed strategic, but now that she was there, she knew she couldn’t think about writing that article. Not until Zoey was home safe.
She gripped the resort brochure detailing the upscale rooms with terraces, chic dining as well as a burger-and-fries eatery, a spa and pool, many outdoor winter sports offerings, coffee kiosks, and on and on.
In her peripheral vision, she spotted the man she’d hoped to find. He wouldn’t be happy to see her. In fact, at first, she’d recoiled at the idea of coming to Jackson Hole because she’d known he was there. Okay, well, maybe she’d been a bit of a stalker, but she’d wanted to make sure he was okay after the havoc her actions had caused.
Rae’s palms slicked at the thought of approaching him. For the hundredth time she wondered what she was doing at this resort looking for Liam McKade. Because what if she actually found him?
No one had asked her to contact Liam. Alan merely begged Rae to find out what she could about Zoey’s mysterious past and suggested Rae start in this valley—the place Zoey had left behind. Nothing could be discovered outside of physically coming here. Zoey didn’t exist on social media because she didn’t want to be found. Just like Liam McKade. No Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or the latest, greatest social media platform for him.
As for looking into Zoey’s past—well, sometimes a face-to-face conversation was required. Rae needed to have one with Zoey’s mother.
Alan had been right to send Rae to this small valley situated between the Teton and Wind River ranges. All she’d ever wanted was to make a difference. She was accustomed to unearthing information. Following clues. Exposing sins. All in an effort to save lives.
This time—one life.
Did she need Liam to help her do that? Maybe she should just leave the resort and do this job all by her lonesome. She’d never needed help before.
Liam left the restaurant. Rae’s pulse jumped at the sight of him.
He wore ski pants and a dark-blue ski jacket. With wheat-colored hair that hugged his collar, he looked like he belonged in the Swiss Alps. He looked good. Too good.
Her breath hitched. They’d had what could have been a good thing going until she’d blown it. She had believed she’d been doing the right thing. Why did seeing him still make her crazy? And how was she supposed to ask for his help when a thousand regrets and what-ifs swallowed her up?
Rae opened the brochure again and pretended to skim the contents while she tried to catch her breath.
I can’t do this. I can’t do this.
Zoey’s life could depend on it.
I have to do this.
If she were working in her old role as an investigative reporter, she would walk right up to him and ask for his help. Then again, her boldness had gotten them both in trouble. She’d lost her job, and Liam had been forced to put himself in harm’s way for her.
And that’s exactly why she needed him now. If she could trust anyone, it was someone willing to put their life on the line for someone else. Still, she was prepared for his complete rejection. That is, if she could even work up the nerve to face him.
Rae moseyed around the corner. For now, she’d shadow the guy until she could find the right words of persuasion. Otherwise, there was no point in approaching him.
Her cell rang.
Reggie.
Dad’s research editor was actually calling her back. She bit her lip. “Reggie, hi. It’s so good to hear from you.”
“You too, Rae. How are you? How’s your mum these days?”
“Mom’s great.”
“Good, good. And you?”
“In general, I’m good.”
He chuckled. “I heard the urgency in your voice, love,