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sort of like All-Terrain Vehicles. Make them hand operable.”
    “You plan to put them in ATV’s? Zach, those things are unstable at best, and very dangerous at worst!”
    This was exactly the sort of irresponsible thinking she’d expected from him. Exactly the sort of proof she needed to get him off the assignment before actually having to go up the mountain with him.
    Which didn’t come close to explaining why her moment of triumph felt a whole lot more like disappointment.
    “I said Frank was modifying them. Bigger, softer tires, slower speed and completely hand-controlled.” He leaned back in the chair. “Of course, if they get real good with them going uphill, I figured we could race back down.”
    “Zach!”
    “You’re so easy.” His smile was sexy and teasing as he stood and walked around the desk, leaning one hip on the corner. “I was kidding about the race.”
    Dara lifted an eyebrow, and he laughed.
    “Okay, so maybe I thought a few races—on flat ground—would be fun. Kids race in wheelchairs all the time.” He raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “But I’ll let you make the call.”
    “I don’t know about this, Zach.”
    “So come with me to Frank’s place on Thursday and see for yourself.”
    Ah, the trap had been sprung, and she hadn’t even seen it coming. With an inward sigh, she didn’t bother to contemplate arguing. If they were going up that mountain together—and that was still a big “if” in her mind—then she’d be less than responsible if she didn’t check out all aspects of his plans beforehand. Besides, if these souped-up ATV’s didn’t meet her standards, then the whole thing could be over in less than forty-eight hours. She’d already compiled a list of well-reputed family camping outfitters and could have one signed on as early as Friday.
    “I’ll have to check my schedule.”
    “No problem,” he replied easily. “I know you’re busy. So is Frank. I told him we’d be there about six.”
    “He’s expecting me, is he? The ego has grown in proportion to the body.”
    “Actually, I think the body just caught up to it over the years.” His grin was totally unrepentant. “But it was your ego I was banking on. No way would you let me go ahead with this without checking out every little detail yourself.”
    “Touché,” she admitted with a reluctant smile.
    He lifted a hand, and she took it without thinking as he pulled her up. Only he didn’t let go, and she foundherself a half step away from standing between his parted knees.
    “Frank’s garage is in Leesburg. You want to meet me there?” His voice was soft and smooth.
    “Sure.” She gently tugged her hand from his. He let his fingertips trail across her palm, the wide pads rough and warm against her skin. “I’ll, uh …” Her gaze had fallen to his hand on hers, but when she lifted it back to his eyes, the words had just died in her throat.
    His eyes were so … brown. No golden flecks, no hint of any light. Just rich, dark brown. She watched with an absent sort of fascination as his pupils dilated.
    “Dart?” His tone somehow imbued the silly childhood nickname with more than a little adult interest.
    “Yes?” Her voice was barely more than a whisper.
    “You want directions?”
    “Directions?” For some reason her brain refused to compute that response. She felt her neck and ears heat. “Ah, yes, of course,” she said, as she took a small step away from him. Carefully avoiding his face, she unzipped her Day-Timer and slipped the slender pen from its holder. “I can get to Leesburg, just give me an address.”
    “Frank’s place is on Catoctin Circle, about halfway.”
    She scribbled that down, suddenly wanting—needing—to be out of there, away from him. “Do you have his number? In case something comes up?”
    Zach slid the pen from her fingertips and carefully tucked it back under the thin leather band. “If something comes up, call me, not Frank.” He smiled. “If