| |
SHE WAS FINALLY STARTING to relax. The instant he’d pulled up—and she’d known he would, from the moment she’d decided to call him, and not his brothers—some of the fear and tension had left her. He’d looked so big and strong and perfect when he’d climbed out. Ready to conquer the world.
Or at least help her out.
She should have called her father. Or anyone other than him. They would have been closer. Easier. But it had been Nate who she’d wanted to call the most.
So she’d called him. And there he was. No questions asked. He’d just...come for her.
Just like she’d known he would. “I called my dad after I spoke with you. He’s home now.”
He pulled in to her father’s drive and backed her car into the space in front of what remained of the small barn. It had once been the oldest structure on their property, built by her great-grandfather.
Until Jay Gunderson had burned it down.
Every time she looked at it, she was reminded of what had happened. The investigation was finally over. They were just waiting on the insurance money to have it removed.
She couldn’t wait.
Perci still had nightmares about that barn. The moment when she’d known her twin sister was going to die had been one of the worst moments of her life—it had her waking in a cold sweat more nights than not. And nauseated.
No doubt Pip was having similar dreams, too. They always did.
Or they used to, when they shared every single day together.
She missed her twin more than she had ever thought possible, but she was thrilled Pip was so happy. Matt beyond adored her sister. And that was what mattered.
They were all happy.
It was only Perci that still felt off.
Maybe it was only she that was having the nightmares.
“Stay there. I’ll get you over the mud.”
“I’m ok.”
“You’re wearing your tennis shoes. Stay.”
She stayed, even though she didn’t like him being so heavy-handed. He opened her door, and before she knew it, hot hands were wrapped around her waist.
Nate guided her out of his ridiculously big farm truck like she was helpless and swung her over the mud. Her father really needed to get the driveway regraveled whenever they got the money.
Thunder cracked overhead, and lightning shot across the sky. Perci squeaked like an idiot.
Nate’s hands tightened on her waist, and just like that, he pulled her flush up against his chest. “You all right?”
Oh, yeah. Being held by a gorgeous, strong, kindhearted man who’d rushed through the storm to rescue her was never going to be all wrong. Perci wasn’t stupid.
She most definitely was attracted to this man.
He had the power to change everything about her world, and she damned well knew it. “I’m ok. Just ready to get home.”
He snorted. “You are home.”
She’d meant...heck, she didn’t know what she meant. “Don’t be a butt. I meant...”
Nate’s hands tightened on her waist and lifted. Until they were almost mouth to mouth, with the rain pouring down all around them. He kissed her and pulled back so quickly she almost thought she’d imagined it. Then he swung her down to the grass next to the drive. “Let’s get inside before we blow away.”
He wrapped a hot hand around hers and pulled her to the door of the only home she had ever known.
Her fingers fumbled on the door. Nate shifted to block the pouring rain from her.
Protecting.
Why did he always feel the need to protect her? So many times in the last year or so he had done whatever he could to put himself between her and any danger that existed out there.
She’d noticed it each and every time. And each and every time she didn’t know how to feel. It seemed like they’d fought so much.
Or...they used to. They hadn’t in recent weeks. She was just so tired of fighting everything anymore.
It felt like she’d been fighting since the night her entire world had changed alongside a dangerous, rain-slicked mountain road.
Sometimes the only thing that had kept her going was fighting.
She pushed open the door and stepped into the entrance of her home. She, Pan, and Pip had rearranged the furniture a bit after both Phoebe and Phoenix had moved out. Nothing had changed since Pan and Pip had left themselves, though. Perci hadn’t wanted it to.
Her oldest sister was sprawled in the floor, their youngest brother Parker next to her. Ivy was spread out on the floor, giggling.
Perci smiled instinctively at the happy sound. Ivy didn’t laugh often, but when she did, it was contagious. “Hey, is this a private party?”
Ivy squealed and rolled to her belly. She jumped up in that springy way kids had and hurled herself toward Perci. “Mama Perci! Mama!”
Before Perci could blink, she had an armful of little girl. Perci hugged her back, trying to keep up with the excited babble. She’d process the mama later. “Hi, baby. Did you have fun with Phoebe?”
“Aunt Pee-be can’t hear Ivy good. I have to yell. And Pee-be no hit for yelling.”
“Nobody hits for yelling here. Nobody gets to hit here ever. I promise.” She hugged Ivy then gasped when the little girl dove toward the man next to her.
“Daddy Nate!”
Nate’s hands were there to catch the little girl, as if Ivy had known they would be. Tears sprang to Perci’s eyes at the way the trust in the child’s actions was just so...there. Ivy was trusting them.
Just like Perci was beginning to trust him.
Her whole world rocked on its axis when her eyes rose to his.