Page 28 of Refuge for Cherilyn

“That’s something else I’ll have to explain later. But thanks for at least being willing.”

“Son, you know I’ll always do anything I can to help you. That’s what moms are for.”

“And I appreciate it. I’ve gotta get moving. Love you.”

“Love you too, son. Talk to you later.” Well, that was that. The girls would meet SheriffMcEvers, and he hoped they weren’t too afraid.

There was soft, even snoring coming from the room where Maya and Lara slept, so he knocked on the door and told them there was food to be had. Two minutes later, two youngsters sat on stools at the island in the kitchen, munching on pastries as Maya tried to keep Lara from sticking her fingers into her Danish. Movement caught his eye, and he looked up and toward the hallway.

Cherilyn slipped out of the bathroom and tiptoed across the hallway to her room, but not before he’d gotten a look at her. With the big towel wrapped around her, all he could see were her shoulders, but that was enough, and he wanted desperately to touch her.I really shouldn’t be thinking about her that way, he told himself, but it had been a long, long time since he’d had a woman under his roof, and he liked it. A lot. Was that something he'd even want to pursue with her?Shut it down, Harrison, he told himself as he turned back to the kids.

“Well, don’t you look nice!” he chirped as she stepped into the kitchen a few minutes later.

She shrugged. “Hair’s still wet.”

“You still look nice. That dress really suits you.” It was true. Maisey had great taste, and the little sundress accentuated Cherilyn’s trim figure nicely. “Did she get you a sweater too? It might be a little chilly out.”

“Yeah, there’s a nice one in there. As long as I’m in the house, I should be fine.” She leaned back against the counter and watched the girls. “Lara, don’t do that.”

“SWEET,” the girl called out as she poked the pastry with her finger.

“Yes. I know. It’s very good too, right?” The child didn’t respond. “But we eat our food, not play with it.”

“She keeps doing that and it’s exhausting, Mom,” Maya groaned.

“I know, baby. Just keep reminding her.” Cherilyn’s head turned toward Shaw and she gave him a soft smile. “And itisexhausting.”

He hoped his smile gave her some comfort. “Maybe you’ve just been doing it alone for too long.”

“Maybe.” She clapped her hands and both girls looked toward her. “Okay, you’ve played with your food long enough. You two need to get ready. The sheriff will be here in a little while.”

Maya’s eyes went wide. “Are they taking us away?” she cried out.

Shaw looked into the girl’s eyes. “No. They’re not taking you away. But we’re going to see if they have any housing for you or any kind of assistance.”

To his utter amazement, her voice was firm when she answered, “But I like it here.”

“That’s going to be up to your mom. It’s her choice. Now go help your sister get ready. SheriffMcEvers will be here in a little while.”

“Can we wear some of our new stuff?” Maya asked, glancing between the two adults.

“Of course. Now scoot!” Cherilyn grabbed the girl’s head, kissed her crown, then helped her to her feet. “Off you go.” As soon as they were out of sight, she sighed. “That was nice of you, but I know you’d rather we got out of your hair.”

How could he make her understand without making himself too vulnerable? That was the hard part, being open and honest and exposing himself while still protecting his heart from being batted around like a tennis ball. “You’re not in my hair. You’re not in my way, you’re not causing me trouble, you’re not a pain in the ass. Nothing is wrong here. Everything is fine, unless being around me makes you uncomfortable.”

“I feel safer with you than I’ve ever felt with anybody.”

Shaw could feel his heartbeat pick up. “I think that’s the greatest compliment I’ve ever gotten.”

Cherilyn snorted. “Uh, well, I’m pretty sure it’s not.”

“Oh, I think it just might be.” He patted her arm and smiled. “I’ve gotta go get in the shower myself. Need anything before I jump in there?”

Her lower lids glistened with unshed tears. “Please, tell me again how it’s all gonna be okay.”

“It’ll all be okay. You’ll see. I’m a determined sumbitch, and if I say it’s gonna be okay, it had better work out that way or I’ll make it so myself.” She rolled her eyes. “What? You don’t believe me? Hide and watch, girl.” Shaw stood and stretched. “Okay. Shower and then we wait. Come on in my room and knock on the door if you need me.”

“I will. Thanks.”

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