“Yeah, Zander isn’t normal. He’s paranoid. He trusts very few people. Unfortunately, I am one of those people. That’s what happens when you save a guy’s life. Suddenly, they think they can call you up every time they get shot!”
He moved into the bathroom to gather up his toiletries and she followed him. “Wait, this has happened more than once?”
“Uh-huh. Zander gets hurt a lot. As well as being paranoid and anti-social, he also pisses people off on a regular basis. If he keeps doing this, I might shoot him. And it won’t be a flesh wound.”
“How long will you be gone?”
He zipped up his bag. Then turned to her. “I’m not sure, baby doll. It depends how bad the wound is. Maybe a couple of days.”
She bit at her lip. “Should I…should I come with you?” Some panic filled her at the thought of it. She hadn’t been away from this cabin for more than a few hours. Just enough to go get supplies. But she also couldn’t imagine being here without Issy.
You would be fine if Archer was here.
But he wasn’t.
Issy cupped her face between his hands. “I wish I could take you with me. Believe me, I would. But Zander won’t let me on his property if you’re with me.”
“Oh. All right.”
“What I do want you to do, is to follow all the rules. I expect an honest accounting your chart. Understand?”
“Okay. I guess I can do that.”
“No working long hours. You need to eat and drink. You have my cell number. Go grab your phone and I will put Kent’s in as well. That’s my boss. If, for some reason, you can’t get through to me then you can call Kent.”
She very much doubted that she’d need to call his boss, but she let him put his number in her phone.
“I’ll try to call but don’t worry if you don’t hear from me until tomorrow night, all right? And, baby girl, I expect you to take care of yourself or there will be trouble when I get back.”
She rolled her eyes and he spun her around, popping her sharply on the bottom. Then he turned her back and drew her into his chest, holding her close. “Be good. I’ll miss you.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist. She didn’t want him to leave. What if he left and decided that she wasn’t worth returning to? What if…
“Hush, Caley,” he murmured. “Whatever you’re thinking, just stop. I’m coming back. I’m not leaving you. The only way I’m leaving here permanently, is with you by my side.” He took a step back, giving her a firm look. “I am never leaving you. You. Are. Mine. I want you to come home with me, live with me, be mine. I’ve got to go.”
Caley watched him drive off, until his rental vehicle disappeared around the corner in the driveway.
Feeling bereft and lost, she stepped inside the cabin and locked the door.
I am never leaving you.
Thing is, he couldn’t guarantee that. And losing him…
It might just break her permanently.
* * *
Why had he left her?
Archer drummed his fingers against the desk in his office. He had one more patient due in about an hour. He should be spending this time more productively. He stood and moved to the wide windows, looking out at the Dallas skyline.
Why hadn’t he stayed and fought for her?
Because the person who you would have fought for her was your brother. The person you’ve been trying to mend fences with for years. The person who deserves her love, needs it.
I need it too.
He pushed his hand into his immaculately pressed pants. Pursuing Caley would have been a disaster. He knew that. Plus, there was no guarantee that Caley would pick him.