Finn didn’t like the looks of things outside—not one little bit. Normally there weren’t big weather events at this time of the year, but every once in a while a late-season storm would make its way across the Atlantic. This just happened to be one of those times.
Finn rinsed a dinner plate and placed it in the dishwasher. Yes, to Holly’s amazement, he did know his way around the kitchen. He was a man who preferred his privacy and he didn’t have a regular household staff in New York, just a maid who came in a couple of times a week.
But here on the island, it was different. Maria and Emilio had a small house off in the distance. They lived here year-round. Maria looked after the house while Emilio took care of the grounds. They were as close to family as Finn had—until now.
He ran the dishcloth over the granite countertop before placing it next to the sink. Everything was clean and in its place. He wondered what Holly was up to. She’d been particularly quiet throughout dinner. He made his way to the study.
Though she wouldn’t admit it, he could tell the storm had her on edge. He was concerned, too. The tide was much higher than normal and the wind was wicked. But this house had been built to withstand some of the harshest weather. They’d be safe here.
Now if only he could comfort Holly, but she resisted any attempt he made to get closer. He wondered what had happened for her to hide behind a defensive wall. It had to be something pretty bad. If only he could get her to open up to him.
He was in the hallway outside the study when the lights flickered and went out. This time they didn’t come back on. He needed to check on Holly before he ventured outside to fire up the emergency generator.
He stepped into the study that was now long with shadows. He squinted, looking for her. “Holly, where are you?”
She stood up from behind one of the couches. “Over here.”
“What in the world are you doing?”
“Looking for candles in this cabinet.”
“There are no candles in here. I have some in the kitchen.”
She followed him to the supply of candles. There were also flashlights and lanterns in the pantry. It was fully stocked in case of an emergency.
“Do you think we’ll really need all of this?” She fingered the packages of beef jerky and various other prepackaged foods.
“I hope not. The last I checked the weather radio, the storm was supposed to go south of us.”
“And I think it’s calming down outside. That has to be a good sign, doesn’t it?”
When he glanced over at the hopefulness in her eyes, he didn’t want to disappoint her. He wanted to be able to reassure her that everything would be fine, but something told him she’d already been lied to enough in her life. So he decided to change the subject.
He picked up a lantern. “I think this might be easier than the candles.”
“Really?”
Was that a pout on her face? She wanted the candlelight? Was it possible there was a romantic side to her hidden somewhere beneath her practicality and cynicism?
Deciding it wouldn’t hurt to indulge her, he retrieved some large candle jars. “Is this what you had in mind?”
She nodded. “But we won’t need them, will we?”
Finn glanced outside. It was much darker than it normally would be at this time of the day. “Come on. I have a safe place for us to wait out the storm.”
She didn’t question him but rather she quietly followed him to the center of the house. He opened the door to a small room with reinforced walls and no windows.
“What is this?”
“A safe room. I know it’s not very big, but trust me, it’ll do the job. I had it specifically put in the house for this very reason.” With a flashlight in hand, he started lighting the candles. “There. That’s all of them.” A loud bang echoed through the house. “Now, I’ll go work on the generator.”
Holly reached out, grasping his arm. “Please don’t go outside.”
“But I need to—”
“Stay safe. We’ve got everything we need right here.”
“Holly, don’t worry. This isn’t my first storm.”
“But it’s mine. Promise me you won’t go outside.”