“How long will you be gone?”
“Until we find them. They’re calling in help from all over, so hopefully, not long, but you never know. I don't want you to worry though, I’ll be with other guys, we don't search alone. You know that.”
I lifted myself off him and let him get out of bed, watching his naked ass as he walked toward the shower. He was ready in minutes, and I walked him to the door in my bathrobe, fighting anxiety and tears every step of the way. The cold air hit me as he opened the door.
“Oh, and Cass, no peeking under that tree,” he said, nodding toward the two wrapped boxes under the tree. He leaned in, kissing me hard. I watched as he pulled his hood up over his head and headed toward his truck.
The memory that ran through my mind as I watched him disappear out of the driveway was enough to make me want to vomit. I felt like I was close to reliving the worst day of my life all over again, this time with a completely different man.
A couple hours later, I was showered and dressed, sitting at the table, working on my book, a steaming hot cup of tea beside me and Missy in my lap. Brody had been gone for three hours by now and had sent me a text, letting me know he had just arrived at the ski lodge.
Brody: Keep the house warm in case the power goes out. Get some wood in. Whatever you do, do not go out in this.
I glanced over at the wood and saw I only had about a dozen or so pieces left inside.
Me: Doing that know, be safe.
Brody: This may not be the best way or time to tell you but you need to know, I love you
I stared down at the screen and read over those three little words. Blinking again to make sure they were there that funny feeling returning to my stomach again. My hands shook as I deleted the first three words I had typed, correcting it, I pressed send.
Me: Can't wait for you to come home.
I sat the phone down on the table and suddenly, what I had typed struck me. Home, the word hit me, it was his home, and I sincerely couldn't wait until he was back here. I waited for a reply, but nothing came. I waited a little more, then I got up, grabbed my coat and boots and headed out to get some wood, just like he had asked. I opened the back door and stepped out into a blizzard. I couldn't see more than a couple feet in front of me for the blowing snow. I made my way over to the woodpile, loaded up the wood sling, taking it in the house. I made close to a dozen trips, then shut and locked the back door, pulling the curtains across the sliding doors. I was just piling more wood in the fire when I realized Brody was out in this nightmare of a storm. That was when the realization really set in.
I sipped my tea, trying to calm the panic rising in me, but he wouldn't leave my mind. It was bad out, and a storm like this could trap someone for hours, even days up here. I knew he was fully trained, but I was still afraid I might never see him again. I grabbed my cell to see if he had responded, but there was nothing, so I sent another text off to him. “Answer me please,” I whispered. After five minutes, I sent another. Again, nothing. I wanted to hear his voice, I knew that would calm the panic, and I was just about to call him, when I heard a loud knock on the front door.
I ran to the door with my heart in my throat, but as soon as I saw who was standing there, I felt the bile rise into my throat, and my heart sank into my gut.
“Well, are you going to invite me in or just leave me standing out here in the blowing snow?”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Cass
Ilooked at Ray, thecold air blowing into the house and couldn't move.
“Cass, you look like you've seen a ghost. Are you going to let me in?”
“Of course.” I swallowed hard and stood off to the side, making room for him, shutting the door behind him.
“It's fucking freezing out, this storm came out ofnowhere. I was on my way home but thought I better stop in and make sure you were okay.”
“I'm good, Ray. Really. I have wood, a fire, and food in the fridge.” I didn't want him to stay, my mind a million miles away, worried about Brody.
“Well, I'm here, so I may as well start by apologizing for my behavior the other night.” He shrugged out of his coat and took off his boots. “Mind if I come in to get warm?” he asked, his eyes meeting mine.
It looked as if it didn't matter whether I wanted him there or not, he had already made up his mind, he was staying. He headed over to the wood stove and warmed his cold hands in front of the fire.
“Where's your buddy?” he asked looking around the room.
I hung his coat up on a hook, then walked over to the table and closed my laptop. We had enough to talk about, I didn't need to listen to his disapproval about my writing.
“He was called to search for two people who are missing up at the ski resort.”
“Aww, so we're alone then.” He walked over and placed his now warm hands on my waist, pulling me in for a kiss. I went through the motions, but other than that felt nothing.
When his lips parted from mine, I pulled away, turning out of his arms. “Do you want a tea or coffee?” I questioned, moving toward the kitchen.