As always, thanks to everyone who's read and reviewed, your words have been very endearing and encouraging!
And once again, special thanks to our beta/gamma team, Elainhe and Bluenose.

Chapter 7

Lindsay had attempted to lead the hike, though Danny's constant requests for breaks had really started to slow them down. They had been walking for about an hour, stopping every ten minutes for Danny to catch his breath.

"You know, Danny," said Stella after what felt like the fiftieth stop, "I thought you were supposed to be in shape. This is pretty pitiful."

"Shut… Up…" he panted, dropping his pack and leaning against a tree. Lindsay pulled out his water bottle and handed it to him.

"I can think of a few reasons why he's out of breath—ow!" laughed Hawkes as Lindsay punched his arm. "That hurt!"

"Oh shush, I hardly touched you," joked Lindsay, hitting him again. "Besides, we already have one big baby over here, we really don't need two."

"Ouch, cheap shot," said Danny, still leaning against the tree.

"Suck it up and let's get going, Princess," called Stella, who had started up the path again.

Danny rolled his eyes and picked up his bag.

Lindsay was absolutely loving the view around her – the lush trees, the distant sound of the lake's waves, the rustling of the leaves. It was so peaceful, so secluded.

"Hey guys, come here quick!" called Stella from up ahead in a half-whisper, her arm rapidly motioning them over. Lindsay jogged up to Stella and followed her hand in the direction it was pointing. In the distance was a doe drinking from the stream.

"She's so beautiful," said Lindsay, trying to stay perfectly still.

"It's a deer," said Danny loudly. "What's so special about it?"

As if on cue, the doe looked up in their direction and bounded deeper into the woods and out of sight.

"Way to go Danny," said Stella, obviously irritated.

Lindsay looked at Danny sympathetically. She turned to Stella and Hawkes. "Why don't you two go on ahead? I'll stay back with Danny while he catches his breath. We have our radios, we can meet up in a bit."

Stella shrugged. It was obvious she was all in favour of this idea. Hawkes, having picked up on the mounting tension between Stella and Danny, also agreed. Waving goodbye, he took off with Stella and they were soon out of sight.

"Finally," grinned Danny.

"Finally?" questioned Lindsay, turning towards Danny. "What do you—"

But she was cut off by Danny's lips unexpectedly on hers; immediately all her negative feelings evaporated.

Pulling back, he smiled widely. "I've been wanting to get rid of them all day. Took friggin' long enough!"

Lindsay laughed – he was full of surprises sometimes. She knew it didn't make any sense that he was so tired and out of breath – he was in great shape and she had expected him to be the one telling them to hurry it up. "Let's go," she said, taking his hand.

As much as Danny had managed to piss Stella off, Lindsay found herself glad he did it. She was enjoying the walk before, but it was a thousand times better, just her and Danny. "So, where to?" she asked.

"Wherever you want." Danny's eyes were fixed on her.

Oh, how easily she got lost in his eyes. He had a way of looking at her and seeing right through her, a deep connection she hadn't felt with anyone else. She didn't feel threatened or worried or self-conscious around him – she felt totally free to be herself. She was completely happy with him – there was simply no other way to put it.

When her knees threatened to buckle from beneath her, she pulled her eyes away and fished her map out of her pocket. Scanning over the red Xs, she settled on one that intrigued her – Kuson's Point.

"Lead the way," said Danny, intertwining his hand in hers again. Quickly getting her bearings, Lindsay found the path that would lead them to the point.

It only took them about twenty minutes to reach Kuson's Point, marked by a large statue. Lindsay marveled at the size of the statue, which stood about fifteen feet into the air. A man and woman stood on a large stone platform, their arms around each other. They gazed out over the lake, the wind blowing the woman's hair and dress. A plaque was attached to the stone foundation.

---
Tyler and Rachel Kuson
Founders, Kuson Resort
Erected 1954

Tyler Kuson met Rachel Simki in 1871, when they were both seventeen. Rachel's father, a wealthy businessman in New York, had brought his daughter to the Kuson's farm to purchase a show-quality horse. Rachel and Tyler fell in love instantly, but Rachel's family disapproved of the relationship. Deciding to choose love over money, Rachel ran away with Tyler. Using the little money to his name, Tyler purchased an old cottage to house himself and Rachel. To bring in extra money, Tyler renovated a single room in their cottage that he rented to travelers visiting the area. Rachel stayed in the house to ensure the travelers enjoyed their stay. Word began to spread of the couple's hospitality and pleasant accommodations. The business eventually blossomed into the Kuson Resort, and is still used today as a getaway for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. Tyler and Rachel were wed on this lookout in 1875. They had three children together, Anne, Elizabeth, and Lawrence. Lawrence took over the resort in 1920. Tyler passed away in 1939, Rachel in 1942. The resort remains family-owned and operated to this day.
---

Lindsay smiled as she looked up again at the two faces gazing out into the distance. "They really were in love," she said, smiling as Danny wrapped his arms around her.

"It's amazing what two people can accomplish, building something from nothing."

They stared out over the lake together, the bright sun bouncing playfully off the water. Danny tugged on her arm, then sat and leaned against the base of the statue. Lindsay sat between his legs and leaned into his chest.

"It's nice to hear stories like that," she said. "Restores my faith in humanity. In our job, all we see is death and destruction, families being torn apart by mindless, heartless criminals every day. Every so often, you need that reminder that there's still good in this world, that evil isn't the only thing that exists."

Danny kissed her head and pulled her close. "Every morning I wake up with you is a reminder of all things great and beautiful and lovely in this world."

Dinner that night was simple but exquisite – a pasta bar with a variety of pastas and sauces, vegetables and cheeses, all to be assembled to each of their individual desires.

Once again they were told to wait in the lobby; Danny and Lindsay took their usual spot on the couch. Lindsay smiled as Danny drew miscellaneous shapes on the palm of her hand. She closed her eyes as Danny's fingers left tiny sparks on her skin. He started in her palm, then ran his fingertips up her fingers, then back down again, making little circles in the very center. He ran one finger in a wavy pattern along her wrist, tracing her veins, then lightly ran his nails back down, sending a shiver through Lindsay. She smiled and nuzzled into him just a little bit more. He placed a soft kiss on her head and interwove his fingers with hers.

The opening of the front door caught her attention – a man they had not seen before had entered. His attire indicated that he also was an employee of the resort. He introduced himself as Chris, then showed them outside to a large van.

Danny and Lindsay sat in the middle seats in the same position they had assumed on the couch. Lindsay smiled as she closed her eyes – she wasn't sure exactly what, but there was something about the resort, the atmosphere, that was causing her to fall harder and deeper for Danny. What had started as just a crush had now evolved into so much more.

Flack had called 'shotgun' on the passenger's seat, much to Mac's amusement. He laughed his way to the back seat alongside Hawkes and Stella.

Chris drove them along a windy back road that ran around the perimeter of the resort. Flack tried prying information from a tight-lipped Chris, but to no avail. Before long, they pulled in front of a large building, and Chris led them through two large, red-painted doors.

They all smiled excitedly as they registered what was in front of them: the resort had its own full-sized arcade. Lights blinked happily everywhere, as the dings and chimes of the various games filled the air.

"No way," said Flack. "I haven't been to an arcade like this since I was five!"

"I don't think I've ever been to an arcade like this," said Mac, looking around skeptically.

"Okay, here are your pass cards," said Chris, handing one neon green card to each person. "Just swipe them through the readers and you're good to go. You've got a few hours, so take your time – we'll leave whenever you're all ready! If you need me, I'll be in the room right through those doors."

Lindsay immediately saw the game she wanted to play first. "Come on," she said excitedly to Danny, yanking his arm.

"Ow, easy there," he joked, jogging after her.

Lindsay stopped in front of a large display of jungle vines, large tree leaves and …

"You can't be serious," said Danny in disbelief. "The Jurassic Park game!"

Lindsay nodded excitedly. "Yeah! I loved this movie when it came out," she said as she climbed into the booth and picked up a red plastic gun. Danny climbed in slowly beside her; she passed him the matching blue gun, then swiped her card to start the game.

Immediately images of dinosaurs started jumping out from the screen; she and Danny clicked their plastic triggers wildly. The large screen made the sudden movements startling; they both laughed wildly as they moved and swayed, dodging what wasn't really coming at them, but having a great time anyway. Three levels in, the dinosaurs finally got the better of them.

Lindsay leaned back in the both, out of breath and still laughing. "That was a lot of fun," she panted, turning to face Danny.

"Mmm, indeed it was," he smiled. He looked around, then leaned into Lindsay. "You know, there's no one around here."

"This is true," she replied softly. "No one can see us." She tilted her head back to meet Danny's. It was just as exhilarating as ever – and this time, it almost felt a little bit 'against the rules' – even though they were concealed, they were still with their coworkers, in an open environment. But Lindsay didn't care – around Danny, it was so hard to focus on anything but him.

Danny slid one hand beneath the hem of her shirt, sweeping across the skin at the small of her back, pulling her into his lap. The touch sent chills up and down Lindsay's spine. When she was with him, wrapped up in him, kissing him, the whole world disappeared. With him, everything was simple.

"You're good at that," she breathed as her lips parted his.

"Well, you know, I do try my best," he murmured, his fingertips grazing the skin under her shirt, leaving a sizzling trail from her belly northward.

Lindsay caught her breath, remembering that they were in a public place - even if slightly concealed. "Danny," she said gently, but firmly. "No more," she pleaded. "It will only make it harder." She kissed his forehead as she slipped off his lap. "Maybe later. For now, let's go see what else this place has.

Danny nodded - he was frustrated as hell, but he knew Lindsay was right. Getting frisky in public was not a situation he wanted to be trapped in. The idea of Mac seeing him like that made Danny shudder.

After many rounds of motorcycle racing games, water-skiing, golf, and zombie-shooting, Lindsay noticed a sign pointing down a hallway. More this way, it read. She altered the others to the sign. They walked together down the hallway. At the end were two more bright red doors, identical to those they had came through. They looked around at each other – Stella shrugged, stepped forward, and pushed open the doors.

The cool breeze and the bright lights hit them at the same time, but it only took a second for the view to come into focus.

"A go-kart track!" Lindsay said enthusiastically, pointing. A miniature oval-shaped track was set up in the center of the midway, surrounded with orange cones and bales of straw. Go-karts of multiple colors waited for them patiently at the starting line. She grinned. "When I was a teenager, we went to the track every week."

"Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" asked Mac.

Lindsay made a face like a child begging for a new toy, hoping the others would join her. "Come on, let's race!"

Flack held up his hand, feigning a look of horror. "Are you sure about that? I've seen Danny behind the wheel, it's not a pretty sight!"

"If you can drive in New York City, you can drive anywhere," Danny sneered back at him. He took Lindsay's hand. "I'm in - anyone else?"

Stella and Hawkes both eagerly agreed, and Mac appeared undecided but followed them anyway.

Flack glanced disappointedly at the shiny cars. "It looks fun," he sighed, "but I think that's against doctor's orders, too." He added with a sly grin, "Lucky for you all, because I'd beat the pants off you!"

Lindsay smiled. "Flack, you can be my crew chief instead," she offered, patting his shoulder.

The operator of the go-kart races introduced himself, then briefed them all on safety. He directed them to a rack of helmets and gloves.

"So," Danny said casually to Lindsay as they picked up the necessary items. "What will my prize be for beating you?"

"What?" Lindsay asked as she strapped on her helmet. "You think just because we're dating, I'm going to let you win?" She flipped the visor down over her eyes. "Think again, loverboy."

Danny gawked at her retreating figure. No matter how close they had grown emotionally, the competitive spirit that had existed since the first day they met had never diminished. It turned him on like nothing else.

Still grinning, he joined the others who were all suited up, with the exception of Mac. When Stella inquired about his hesitance, he held up his hand.

"I think I'll just sit this one out," he chuckled, warily eyeing the miniature race cars. At the far end of the track, an overturned bale of hay was clearly visible. Beyond it was a go-kart that had clearly spun off the track.

Stella laughed. "You gotta be kidding me!" she ribbed him. "Mac Taylor is chickening out?"

Mac raised his eyebrows sternly, but his eyes danced at the challenge. He reached for a helmet off the rack. "Well, when you put it like that…" he responded, "let's burn rubber!"

They each climbed into a kart and buckled in. Hawkes was on the inside lane, with Danny, Lindsay, Mac, and Stella on the outside. The motors were so loud, they had to yell to hear one another.

"You ready for me, Messer?" Lindsay shouted.

Danny glared at her. "Sure I'm ready. Ready for you to eat my dust!"

The operator handed the green flag to Flack, who waved it wildly before jumping out of the way. Gas pedals on all five karts were pushed to the floor.

As they entered the first turn, all five racers were close together. Breaking onto the straightaway, Hawkes took an early lead. Lindsay pressed harder on the gas, steering so hard that she knew she would have blisters later, even through her gloves. Danny was close on her tail, and there was no way she was going to let him get close enough to pass her.

Around the second turn, and Stella was weaving dangerously as she tried to maintain control of her kart. Mac passed her in a blur, then overtook Danny within seconds. There was also no way Lindsay was going to let Mac pass her - boss or not. She stayed close to the inside of the track, to prevent him from getting around her.

After one full lap, Hawkes was still leading, but Lindsay was closing in. Behind her, Mac continued to battle Danny; they were so busy competing with each other that they were hardly a threat to her. Stella had fallen back considerably, then crashed into the straw barrier just before the end of the second lap.

With less than half a lap to go, Lindsay was determined to defeat Hawkes. She was faster than him, but she just couldn't get around. After multiple attempts, she pulled up right behind him, then lightly tapped his bumper with hers. As his kart wobbled from the contact and he tried to recover the steering wheel, Lindsay saw her opportunity. In one smooth motion, she swung her car out to the side, slammed on the gas, and pulled up beside Hawkes. The finish line was in sight. Go, go, go, she mentally urged the car. Just… a little bit… more… Flack and Stella, now safely out of her kart, cheered wildly as Lindsay crossed the finish line just ahead of Hawkes. She jumped out of her car and pumped her fist in the air, Hawkes close behind her. Danny crossed the finish line a full car length ahead of Mac.

Before Lindsay could celebrate her victory, Hawkes had to protest. "You cheater!" he complained good-naturedly, tugging off his melt. "You totally did a bump-and-run there."

Lindsay shrugged, flushed from the speed and the wind that had been pummeling her face. "You know the saying: rubbing is racing!" Everyone laughed.

Mac smiled. "I hired you for your determination. I see that isn't limited to just your job."

"Congratulations," Danny said. He leaned close to her, and gave her a brief kiss in front of everyone. "To the victor," he murmured, "goes the spoils."