Page 21 of Been There Dragon That
She wrapped her fingers around the handle on the door only to have it open suddenly, yanking her forward. If she hadn’t still been belted into the seat, she would’ve face-planted in the snow.
There was a lot of snow. It was up to his knees.
“It’s too cold. The car won’t start again without a jump.”
“W-what a-are–”
He leaned in, unbuckled her, stripped off his coat, wrapped it around her, and lifted her into his arms yet again. And yet again, an amazing amount of warmth seeped into her wherever she touched him. It was almost like he was made of flame. His jacket smelled like pine trees and campfires.
“Shuarra, forgive me.”
“Shoo-what? What did you do?” Rylee snuggled deeper into his arms. The cold was everywhere. Her face hurt. Her eyes hurt. She closed them and turned her face into his coat and against his chest.
“We’re almost to my cabin. I will care for you there.”
“Wait!” She wriggled, trying to take off the jacket, but he didn’t budge his grip on her. “I can’t take your coat. You’ll die. I have a sweater on. I’ll make it.”
He looked down at her, disapproval curving his beautiful mouth into a frown. “I’m perfectly fine.” He wasn’t angry, but he wasn’t pleased either. Those golden-brown eyes burned with an intensity she couldn’t understand. It was like she couldfeela connection to him so deeply it was all the way down into her bones.
Her body warmed even more under his glare. She wanted to touch his face.
“You will keep the coat on. And I will carry you to the cabin.”
“I mean, I’m practically wearing house shoes. I can’t feel my feet at all. I probably wouldn’t be able to walk even if you put me down.”
“Fuck.” His gaze drifted away from her into the snow and then back to her. This time it wasn’t disapproval she saw in his expression, but sorrow and fear. Also, she recognized that cuss word. It was universally understood.
“Oh no. How far is it?” She glanced around at the swirling snow and thick cover of trees. How could he even tell if he was still on the road? “Should we get back in the car?”
“Promise me you’ll give me a chance to explain later.” He turned her in his arms and lifted and moved her to his back. “Wrap your legs around me. I’ll be able to run faster. Your legs will be warmer this way. I can put my hands on your feet.”
“Your hands are going to be–”
A gasp of shock hissed between her teeth. His hands were like a damn electric blanket. Her toes burned under his touch. “How? How are you not freezing right now?”
He didn’t answer.
The wind and snow bit at her cheeks like thousands of tiny fangs. She buried her face in his neck, breathing a sigh of relief at the instant warmth. Rylee felt his body give a slight shudder and then they were moving.
Fast.
He wasn’t walking through the snow like a normal person. He was running. His arms were threaded beneath her knees, holding her solidly. His hands were wrapped around her feet, keeping her toes toasty and comfortable. Maybe she wouldn’t have any frostbite after all.
Every time she tried to look around, her heart climbed into her throat, threatening to choke off all her bravery. It was a fog of swirling white and trees that all looked the same. How did he know where they were going? How could he tell if they were even still on the road?
Getting lost in the woods with the deputy wasn’t the only thing she was focused on. She also couldn’t stop thinking about how close she was to him. How she was plastered against his body. Her legs were wrapped around him. Her face was against his neck, and his scent filled her lungs with each and every breath.
Every nerve inside her was keyed into each movement he made. Each breath. Each heartbeat.
Why did she feel so safe and content riding piggyback on a stranger? But she did—feel safe. She’d never felt safer in her life.
She was reading too much into his behavior. He was being responsible. He happened to be patrolling when a tree fell on the house. He would’ve helped anyone.
But would he be taking anyone tohishouse?
She snuggled deeper into the jacket, tightened her grip around his neck, trying to be careful not to choke him.
“You won’t hurt me,shuarra.Hold as tightly as you need.” His voice rumbled pleasantly, and her body hummed, wishing for more than being held against his hard body.
