Page 71 of Let Me Be the One
“But—”
“He’s already huddled in with the others.”
Tanner had to fight the urge to lift Callie in his arms and carry her in, just to get her out of this damned weather, but he knew she wouldn’t appreciate that. Through the woods, while shivering and upset, she’d doggedly put one foot in front of the other. She’d watched the goat in front of her but avoided his gaze.
Now that she was in her own yard and the goat safe, she was already bucking up, standing a little straighter and holding herself more tightly.
No longer leaning into him.
“Thank you. I’ll ch-check him first thing in the morning.” Still with chattering teeth, she said, “My back door is unlocked.” She stood there, watching Kam wring the rain from his shirt. “W-when I saw the gate was open, my first th-thought was to find him.”
Without her phone. Without her keys. A woman alone going into the woods. In athunderstorm.
How many times had he warned her? But, he reminded himself, she’d been alone with no one to call, even if she’d had her phone. That was on him. Anyone could see that she truly cared about the animals.
“I understand,” he said, determined to get her inside where she could warm up. “Could have happened to anyone.”
Kam kept his worried gaze on Callie and her averted face. “Why don’t you two go in?” He said to Tanner, “I’ll run home and get you some dry clothes.”
Tanner started to nod, but Callie stepped away, further separating herself.
“I love you b-both for the rescue. N-no idea whatI’d have done if you hadn’t shown up.” With a shaking hand, she shoved back the sodden clumps of her wet hair. “You can both go h-home, now. I’m fine. Thank you for your help.”
Her flat tone sounded like anything but love. More like dread. Guilt. Self-recriminations.
Tanner turned back to Kam. “I appreciate it. Thanks.”
Nodding, Kam ignored what she’d said, acting only on Tanner’s agreement. Callie didn’t look up to debating it with him. Already she was trudging forward, her every step weary as she tried to leave them behind.
Reaching the door before her, Tanner opened it. Callie could be stubborn enough that she might lock him out.
And maybe he deserved that.
As they stepped inside, she asked, “They’ll be okay? My ch-chickens and goats? The storm won’t frighten them?”
“They’re outdoor animals, so they’re used to it.”
Accepting that, she locked the door—belatedly, to his mind—and then bent down to strip off her short, sturdy boots. They were meant for outdoor work. A good choice, but the soaked laces wouldn’t give.
“Here.” Tanner pulled over a kitchen chair and gestured her into it, then he knelt down and, with a little effort, got the laces loosened enough that he could tug off each boot. He set them on the rug by the back door, and then removed his own boots, too.
After peeling off her socks, Callie murmured, “I’ll get some towels,” and she started out of the room, barefoot, dripping, still shivering.
“Callie.” Catching her hand, Tanner gently turned her to face him. “Could you do me a big favor?”
Her downcast gaze lifted, searching his face. Withher lashes spiked, her lips pale and her nose pink, she said, “Of course,” like a vow. “Anything.”
Anythingwas one hell of an offer, but he took it as she no doubt meant it. Now was not the time to tease her. “Since the door was unlocked and the Garmets were already around, let me check the house with you.” When she started to speak, he acted on impulse, putting a quick, firm kiss to her chilled lips, lingering just long enough to add a little warmth. “I can see how it happened. No explanation necessary, but I’ll feel better if I take a look around.”
Her shuddering inhale nearly did him in. “Okay. If you insist.”
“I do. Thanks.” Taking her icy fingers in his, he went through her house. The basement door now had a dead bolt, thanks to Liam. Front door was bolted too. There was no place to hide in the kitchen or living room, and he made quick work of peeking into the bathroom, the two bedrooms, and the closets.
There was definitely something to be said for a small space.
Back to the bathroom, he found some towels, handing one to her before he stripped off his shirt, wrung it out over the tub, and then laid it over the side before briskly drying off.
Callie watched him so closely that awareness warmed his skin.
