“Like I get all dizzy and lightheaded and might have a panic attack afraid of heights.”
I stomped to the window. Couldn't just leave her there. And even if they got the fire out, I didn't think the stairs would be any good at this point.
I climbed out on the ladder and reached my hand back inside toward her. “Come.”
She raised an eyebrow, but tentatively moved toward the window.
“Close your eyes,” I added.
“How am I supposed to climb down with my eyes closed?”
“I'll direct you. Just don't open your eyes.”
“You guys coming down or what?” Jay hollered from the ground where he held the ladder. Logan and Zack were alreadyapplying water to the far side of the house, and I knew we were running out of time before they needed to hit close to where we were at.
But I ignored him as Violet's tiny hand landed in my large palm. I helped guide her through the window until she was seated on the windowsill, level with the ladder.
“Spread your legs.” The words came out husky and I cursed internally. I’d carried women down ladders a shit ton of times. But not exactly like this. This was definitely not a standard carry. Those were intended for use with victims who were unconscious or hurt, and Violet was neither.
She smirked, but kept her eyes closed and did as I asked. Maybe I'd be better off just throwing her over my shoulder, but having her in front of me would give me more balance going down. And this was the only way I could think that would stop her from opening her eyes and freaking out on the ladder, which could bring us both down—and not in a good way.
“I'm going to pull you toward me. When I do, wrap your legs and arms around me. Got it?”
“Like a monkey?”
I huffed. “Yeah. Like a monkey.”
She chuckled hesitantly. “Okay.”
I gripped her waist, trying to ignore the brush of her fingers against my skin and how the hair on the back of my neck prickled with electricity as she wrapped her arms around me. The moment I pulled her against me, securing her tightly around my front, I regretted my choice.
The guys were convinced getting laid would help my grumpy disposition. I had no problem with who I was, but they might be on to something, regardless of why. It had been far too long since I’d had a woman in my bed. And given my reaction to the one wrapped around my body, it was safe to say I needed to make that a priority in the near future.
I held her tightly against me with one hand and climbed slowly down the ladder, holding it with my other hand.
Once my feet hit the ground, I spun. “You can let go now.”
“Oh,” she squeaked. “Right.”
Her legs released their death grip on me and she slid them down to the ground.
The sound of people clapping had us both turning toward a small crowd gathered at the safety perimeter. What the fuck? Where did all these people come from? And why? I flinched when someone held up their phone. Jesus. She better not be taking pictures. That was the last thing I needed. I left Charlotte and moved here to avoid that shit.
I caught Owen's glare aimed at me. What did he want me to do? Sit around and wait?
That wasn't me. I'd rather ask for forgiveness than permission. Especially when someone’s life was potentially at risk.
Violet swayed on her feet and instinct had me reaching out, wrapping an arm around her back. “Come on.” I turned her toward the ambulance. “You need to be checked out.”
“I'm fine.”
I shook my head. Fine my ass. But she could argue with Adam and Lyla. She was their problem now.
Chapter Three
SETH
It was fucking ridiculous.In the days following me carrying Violet out of the farmhouse, half a dozen women had shown up at the station. All bringing me stuff and asking if I'm single. Some lunatic even gave me her panties.
