Page 57 of Their Reluctant Catch

Hell, they both do.

Savannah’s doing better, but she’s not whole. Her nightmares haven’t completely disappeared. Most nights, we’re awake before they fully take hold. With soothing words and tender—or carnal—touches we ground her and keep her from spiraling into the abyss. But what happens when we’re not there? When something—like the crack of a rifle—sets her off and she’s alone?

It happens often enough in this town. Plenty of hunters, plenty of gunshots echoing through the woods—especially during the fall.

She needs therapy.

And so does Colton.

I squeeze her hand as we step outside and brace ourselves against the cold night air. The security light switches on, illuminates us while it plummets the rest of the front yard into darkness.

I wonder where Colton went, but I guess he’s on his way to theSea Spirit. I turn toward the van, when movement at the end of the driveway draws my attention.

Colton?

Coming into view, he stops short, breathing hard like he’s run a mile. His eyes flick to Savannah, to our joined hands, before they slide back to me.

His jaw is tight, his expression unreadable.

Good. He should be unsettled.

I hold his stare and wait him out.

Waiting for an apology.

Waiting for an explanation.

Waiting for some goddamn accountability.

But he says nothing.

Savannah lets out a slow breath, then slips her hand from mine.

I don’t let her go far.

If Colton has something to say, he’d better say it. Now.

* * *

Savannah

Colton is staring at us—at me.

His dark eyes are unreadable and locked onto mine like he’s trying to memorize every part of me. I can’t tell if he’s searching for reassurance or forgiveness. Maybe it is both.

I let go of Todd’s hand and take a step forward.

Still, Colton says nothing. His jaw works, and tension radiates from his broad shoulders. His breathing is ragged like he’s run all the way back here.

I ache for him.

He takes a wobbly step forward, then drops to one knee.

For a moment, my heart clenches. I think he’s falling, and I propel forward to catch him.

But he straightens his back and holds out a hand to me. When I take his hand, his fingers tremble slightly before curling around mine.

When he finally speaks, he doesn’t address me—he speaks to Todd. “I think we should do this together.”

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