Free The Summit by Kat Martin Page B

on Wednesday. By Thursday night, she was resigned—if he didn’t get in touch with her by Friday afternoon, she was going to brave his secretary’s wrath, go up to his office and force her way in to see him.
    Autumn sighed as she pushed through the door leading into the climbing gym. At least for the past few days she hadn’t been dreaming. Well, except for Monday, the last time she had seen Ben.
    Four of her students were already there. As she set her notes on the table, the other two walked in. She was ready to begin the day’s lesson when a tall male figure strode through the door dressed in khaki shorts and a dark green T-shirt with the picture of a kayak plunging through white water and COULONGE GORGE printed on the front.
    Autumn tried not to admire Ben McKenzie’s wide shoulders and powerful biceps and the long bands of muscle in his suntanned legs. He was wearing a pair of Reeboks but carried rubber-soled climbing shoes in one hand.
    Autumn spoke to him as he walked toward her. “Mr. McKenzie. I’ve been hoping to hear from you. Unfortunately, we’re about to start our lesson. Perhaps after—”
    â€œI signed up for your class at the front desk. I’ve bought the book you recommended and studied the first few chapters…the parts of the class I’ve missed. I’ll be joining your sessions from now on.”
    Her mind was spinning. He hadn’t called all week and now he was here? “Could I speak to you for a moment outside?”
    â€œOf course.”
    He set his shoes on the floor and followed her.
    As soon as the door was closed, Autumn spun to face him. “All right, McKenzie, what’s going on? I’ve been waiting to hear from you all week but you never called. Now you join my class? I’d like to know why.”
    Ben shrugged those wide shoulders. “I’m in the sporting goods business. I like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, just about everything. We sell some of the finest climbing gear money can buy but I’ve never tried the sport. I figured this was a good opportunity.”
    She clamped her hands on her hips. “Fine. Now, what’s the real reason you’re here?”
    Ben’s gaze locked with hers. “You really want to know? I’ll tell you. You came to me with some cock-and-bull story about Molly. I don’t know you from Adam but just because you say so, I’m supposed to believe she’s alive after all these years and you think that together we can find her. If I’m crazy enough to believe you, it will turn my life upside down. There’s a chance my family will hear about it. And if they do, they’ll suffer. You say you need my help? Here’s the deal. I’m not committing to anything until I know who the hell you are.”
    She opened her mouth but Ben cut her off.
    â€œI’m not talking about the standard things—that you’re a twenty-seven-year-old schoolteacher or that your father is a retired fireman who lives in Burlington. I mean who you are in here.” He set a fist over his heart. “I need to believe you’re telling me the truth—not just what you believe is the truth. You want something from me, Autumn? Well, I want something from you.”
    â€œHow did you know about my father? Did you have me investigated like some kind of criminal?”
    â€œYou didn’t think I would?”
    Of course he would. With his money and connections, it wouldn’t be that hard to do. “So exactly what is it you want?”
    â€œI want time to get to know you, find out if you’re for real. Once I’m satisfied, you’ll have my complete cooperation.”
    â€œWhat about Molly? Every day lost is a day we could be looking for her.”
    â€œMolly’s been gone six years. Odds are she’s dead, just like the police believe. I have to think of Katie and Joanne. If this all starts again, questions will be asked, word will get