I stepped to the side to reveal my fawn-colored Great Dane, who trembled behind my legs. “Jack. My dog. He hates storms.”
He glanced at Jack and shook his head, likely thinking…well, I had no idea, actually. I knew he’d have questions, and I’d have to answer them, eventually. But for now, I was hoping he’d show us both mercy.
He stepped to the side. “Just come in and get out of this crazy weather. Both of you.”
I felt so much relief that I nearly collapsed before we could get inside. But as if he understood the invitation, Jack bolted around me the second Chase moved, his huge body nearly knocking me over. A warm hand caught my elbow, keeping me upright, and gently tugged me into the dark house. The door shut behind me, blessedly reducing the noise of the storm.
“Stay here,” Chase commanded, then disappeared into the shadows created by the fireplace, the only light source. I didn’t care about being in the dark. At least it was dry. Plus, it hid all the demons I’d dragged along with me, followed by an endless trail of regret.
But Chase hadn’t turned his back. I knew I’d be safe here. That was enough for now. I’d deal with the rest later.
Chase returned to the room with a flashlight, placingcandles on tables and lighting them before making his way back to me.
“Here.” A large towel was thrust into my hands. I used it to pat my face and hair, comforted by the softness of the material and the fresh scent of lavender. I did my best to absorb some of the water from my dripping clothes, frowning as a puddle formed on the wood floors at my feet. I did the best I could to mop it up before finally taking in the surrounding room.
Chase was kneeling in front of Jack, using another towel to dry him off while dodging licks to his face.
Huh.Jack usually didn’t like men. Or at least, the men I knew.
A quick laugh came from Chase, the sound so different from the harsh manner of my father. “Hey, there. Jack, is it? We’ll be done much faster if you quit wriggling.”
For a moment, I wished I could swap places with Jack. To hear a kind word and feel a tender touch. To be cared for.
“Thank you.” My voice was barely audible above the sound of rain hitting the metal roof. I used to love to listen to that sound when I’d spent long summer days here with Chase and his Uncle James. But that seemed like a lifetime ago. A lot of rain had fallen since, but it would never be enough to wash away the hurt I’d caused.
Chase paused his actions for a brief second, then gave a final rub before patting Jack on the head. “You need to get out of those wet things. I put some clothes on the couch you can use.”
“Thank you,” I repeated. They were the only words I had. Needing a moment, I scooped them up and started to make my way across the room.
“Wait. You’ll need this.” Chase handedme the flashlight. In the brief exchange, our fingers brushed. He jerked away almost before I could register the touch. Without meeting his eyes, I silently accepted the light and headed toward the bathroom, remembering exactly where it was as if I’d just been a guest yesterday.
As soon as I shut the door, I leaned against it and blew out a long breath. This day hadn’t gone like I anticipated, although I didn’t know why that was a surprise to me.
The adage,when one door closes, another opens, didn’t seem to apply to me lately. It had taken several doors before I found one that would open to me. And ironically, it was the one I wouldn’t blame if it remained closed.
But I didn’t know where else to go. And even if I could have stayed in my car, Jack deserved something better.
I sank to the floor, torn between wanting to cry or scream. Anger won out.
I grabbed the towel, buried my face into it, and screamed, “Damn it!”
Damn Mason for betraying me. Damn his parents for their manipulative ways. Damn my father for his lack of compassion.
And damn me for being so blind to all of it!
I couldn’t stop the tear that rolled down my cheek. Was karma claiming its due? I had always tried hard to be kind to soften Mason’s blunt, egotistical ways. God knew he was only nice to people who served a purpose for him. Once, I had filled that role. But when he no longer needed me, he became someone else altogether. No longer the charmer, but a cunning manipulator. No longer the gentle benefactor, but a relentless taker.
That was on me and my naivety. But now, I couldn’t help but feel as though the universe itself had turned against me.
I drew a deep breath. Crying wouldn’t help anything.
Three things, I reminded myself.Just three.
I didn’t die in the storm
