A Walk In The Wilderness by Nancy Hopper Page B

fascination.
          “So, you know Skyler quite well.”  she said slowly.
         “Too well.  He’s not a bad sort really, but he’s weak and unstable.  He loves to take the easy way, and indulge himself when he can.  It’s caused him a great deal of trouble in the past; and I’m not about to let him walk on you .” he explained evenly.  “Your life doesn’t need to be sullied because of him, and Connie.  It will be my pleasure to prevent it.”
          She looked up at him uncertainly.  He seemed a gallant knight, and her only defense, at the moment.  There was nothing to indicate that David had any motive beyond seeing to her safety, and teaching Skyler a lesson.  She was content. 
         The car pulled up in front of Kilpatrick Inn.  David opened his own door and got ot.  He went around, and held a hand to Caitlin as the driver opened her door, and she climbed out.  Then, he held her arm protectively. He smiled down at her with a sparkle in his eye. 
          “Don’t forget to look like you’re enjoying this, now.”  he teased.
     “I never have been much of an actress.”  she admitted softly.  “I have to tell you, I’m still ... so frightened.”  she admitted.  She was embarrassed by the shakiness In her voice.
         David’s head swiveled toward her worriedly as she gulped back a sob.  He turned her face toward him, and made her look up into his eyes as he held her shoulders. 
         “Caitlin.  I know.”  he assured her softly.  “Don’t worry, you can trust me.  I won’t let them harm you.  Now, listen.  Hold up your head, and walk into this lobby as though you own the place.  By the way, will you tell the clerk to hold your calls?  I might get some sleep, that way.”
         “All right.” she agreed.
         “And don’t be alarmed if I do things to put suspicion in Skyler’s mind.  It won’t hurt for him to wonder a bit about us.”  he whispered, slipping an arm around her waist.  She looked up at him, and he raised his eyebrows questioningly.  There was nothing in his eyes but a friendly, teasing glint.
         She grinned, and shook her head.  “You’re very naughty.”  she accused.
         He chuckled in reply as they walked up to the front desk. 
    Caitlin smiled at the clerk.  “Hi, Lauren.  Listen, will you hold my calls?  I’m exhausted!  If I don’t get some sleep tonight, I’m dead.  I’ve got finals next week.”
         Lauren looked up at the swarthy, handsome stranger with his arm around Caitlin.  His eyes were gleaming as he looked down at the pretty girl. 
    “Sure.”  Lauren agreed immediately.  She wondered what she might do if Uncle William became interested in his niece’s whereabouts.  This man obviously had plans for Caitlin, and Lauren seriously doubted that sleep was a part of the equation.
         “Thanks.  See you tomorrow.”  Caitlin said, with a sweet smile.
     David kept an arm around her, and whispered as they walked down the hall.  “He is watching us, from just outside the front door.  We’ll have to be a bit sneaky.” 
         “I wonder where he stashed Connie?”  Caitlin hissed as she put her key in her lock. 
        “Lord only knows.  As he's watching, I'll follow you.”  he murmured as he followed her into her room. 
         The place was like Caitlin, with the soft, lace eyelet bed covers and pillows, and the beautiful things she kept around her.  He picked up a hand-sized heart fashioned from ruby glass, and looked at it absently.  Then, he took another look around. 
          Antique rocking chair.  White lace.  Dried roses.  He smiled.  Caitlin was a romantic. 
        She opened her armoire, and took out a nicely folded nightgown.  White flannel with tiny pink rosebuds, and lace.  Then came a pair of jeans, a lavender sweater, some matching socks.  She put them all in a canvas bag, and