Bear climbed out then opened her door. Leaning over her, he undid her seat belt and lifted her out of the truck.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. Nerves made her stomach flutter.
“You okay?” he asked in a low voice.
“Sure,” she said, not moving her gaze from her worn shoes. It was the first moment they’d had alone since Clint arrived at the cabin and she had to fight hard not to beg him to stay with her. To not leave her.
Put on your big girl panties, Ellie. Just because you have feelings for him doesn’t mean he feels the same way. You both had a good time. Now you have to move on.
“Hey, look at me.” He reached out and ran his thumb down her cheek.
She glanced up at him.
“It’s going to be all right, Ellie.”
“I’m afraid,” she whispered.
He drew her close and she rested her head on his chest, letting the safety of his arms surround her. If only she could stay here forever. “I know you are. But you’ve gotten this far. If you can drive halfway across the country to an unknown place with only a few hundred dollars to your name then you can do this. I know you can.”
He held her for a bit longer then pulled back. She had to bite back the urge to grab hold of him and never let go.
“Bear,” she said as he turned away.
“Yeah?”
“What if I can’t?” What if she couldn’t do any of it? What if she was a big, fat failure just like her parents always said?
He looked down at her. Then he gave her a small smile. “Do you know that you’re one of the bravest women I know?”
She snorted. “Yeah, right. I’m terrified.”
“Just because you’re scared doesn’t mean you’re not brave. Your courage comes from doing things even though you’re frightened. Now you just need to see it through, to know that you can.”
“Yeah. Yeah, I guess I do. Will you…can I…will I ever see you?”
He looked over at the house with a pensive look. Didn’t he like the house? It looked impressive to her. Suddenly, she heard a loud cackle and frowned.
“What was that?” she asked.
“I believe it was your lawyer.” He placed a hand in the small of her back and even through the huge jacket he’d given her to wear, which was apparently one of Clint’s, she swore she could feel the heat of his hand.
When they walked around the truck, she saw that the lawyer had her han
d on Clint’s arm and was leaning into him, smiling up at him.
“Does he know her?” she asked.
“Doubt it,” Bear said.
“Oh.” She was confused. The woman acted like they were old friends. Ellie turned her gaze to Clint and saw the cold way he stared down at the lawyer. Okay, she’d thought him a bit abrupt and stern, but if he ever looked at her like that she’d probably run and hide.
“Hello,” Ellie said, feeling the odd urge to rescue Clint.
“Hmm?” the other woman reluctantly turned her attention to Elie and Bear. “Yes?”
“I’m Ellie Bantler. Are you Ms. George?” Ellie asked wondering if she wasn’t actually the lawyer. She was here to meet Ellie, wasn’t she?
“Oh yes, I am. Sorry. You didn’t tell me you knew the Jensens.”