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camping for the night. Others prefer to sleep in the facility at the falls provided for trail walkers, and get an early start the next morning.”
    “Getting started early suits me fine too. I’m eager to get on the trail,” Savannah told him.
    “Ah, but what about your friend? He—or she—might not agree.”
    “Then I’ll go alone.”
    “That wouldn’t be a good idea, Savannah. It isn’t safe on a trail for a woman alone, even an experienced camper. The rangers prefer that hikers go in pairs.”
    “But they can’t physically stop me, can they?”
    “No, I suppose not, unless you’re drinking, or there is some potential for physical or legal liability.”
    “That’s what I thought,” Savannah replied with a Mona Lisa smile.
    Rasch parked in the designated area and helped Savannah from the truck as he looked expectantly around. There were no friends waiting for Savannah, just as Rasch had suspected. “Looks like there’s only us.”
    “Looks that way.”
    The ranger on duty came out on the porch and greeted them. “Hi. It’s been a while, Rasch. Who’s your friend?” He glanced down at Savannah’s bare feet and lifted his eyebrows in amusement.
    “Her truck broke down a ways back. She plans to hike the trail.”
    “This part of the trail is pretty rough. Have you walked it before?”
    “Er, no.” Savannah followed the ranger and Rasch inside. She was beginning to get a sinking feeling that her plans were about to fall apart, just when success had seemed imminent.
    “That probably isn’t a smart idea, ma’am, not even for an experienced camper. Maybe you ought to join a group.”
    “Thank you for your concern,” Savannah said, her voice soft but determined, “but I can make it. Where do I sign?”
    The ranger indicated the register signed by all those walking the Appalachian Trail. There was a place for time of departure, destination, and expected time of arrival. By keeping such a record, the authorities could sound the alarm if anyone failed to show up in due time.
    Rasch had hung back, letting Savannah struggle with her lie. He decided that he’d punished her long enough. Now he stepped forward. “Never mind, Paul, I’ll look after her. She can come with me.”
    The ranger looked relieved. “Well, that’s good of you, Rasch. What’s the plan?”
    “I’m going to meet Jake at Bly Gap and drive on into Asheville. Should take about ten days.” He filled in the log.
    The ranger turned the page and handed it to Savannah for her signature. “And you?”
    “The same. Thank you for your concern, Ranger. The judge says that Nightshadow Ridge is a good place to camp.”
    The ranger gave Rasch an odd look as he replaced the register on the counter. He assembled the usual camping brochures and maps and handed them to Savannah. “Well, I hope the weather stays good foryou. Glad to have you, Ms.”—he glanced back at the register—“Ms.—”
    “Savannah.” Savannah cut the ranger off, stuffed the papers into her backpack, and started up the trail with more determination than sense of direction.
    “Wait, Savannah,” Rasch called out. “If you’re traveling with me, I lead—that is, if you think you can keep up.”
    “I can go anywhere you go,” she said, and he knew that she would.
    There was no challenge in her voice, simply a statement of fact. He nodded and started up the trail, setting a fast pace. She watched him, allowing herself to notice the graceful way he moved, the confidence, the sheer physical beauty of the man. How could he be so appealing and yet be her enemy?
    Walking in the woods, feeling the warmth of the sun, listening to the sound of Rasch’s jeans rustling crisply as he walked, made it easy to imagine how glorious this time together could be if things were different, if they were just a man and his ladylove out for an afternoon promenade.
    They walked along in silence for a while before Rasch slowed his pace and spoke. “Talk to me, Savannah. Tell me what