Page 38 of Redemption

The front door flew open and slammed against the wall, causing the wind chimes to ring. Max stormed in, scrunching his face in fury.

“Why didn’t you call for help before attempting something like this?” he demanded.

I sipped the hot chocolate, trying to appear calm.

“We… have a situation, remember?”

His nostrils flared.

“That doesn’t give you the right to risk your life,” he shot back.

He walked briskly and sat beside me. Raising my arms and turning my head in different directions, he assessed the injuries.

“Always check the ground first before mending a fence.”

He plowed on, listing every possible ranch hazard and how to avoid them. I decided to defend myself. To tell him that the accident was a mistake.

“Max.”

But he continued.

“Max,” I said louder.

But he wasn’t having it.

“And don’t even get me started on the machinery. You need to be careful, Anna.”

Something about the way he spoke struck me then. His eyes were wide with concern, and he was fidgeting. Max was worried about my safety. Lecturing me was his way of showing he cared. His way of handling the fear that I’d come too close to serious harm.

Wanting to soothe him, I reached out and held his hand. He paused mid-sentence. My thumb caressed the back of his rough, work-worn hand to reassure him.

“Max,” I whispered.

He glanced at our intertwined fingers, then up into my eyes. For a moment, we stared into each other’s eyes.

I took in a shaky breath and spoke to him, my voice quivering.

“Max, I can’t do this alone. I’m not…” I hesitated before continuing, “I’m not too proud to admit I need your help.”

He straightened, his chest puffing out. Shockingly, he didn’t say a word.

“Can you lend me your expertise and guidance?”

His lips stretched into a grin.

“I’ve been waiting to hear you say that.”

He pulled me close, his touch sending tingles into my skin. His gaze traveled from my head to my feet.

“Are you okay, though? Besides the cut and bruises, did you twist your ankle or break any bones?”

I shook my head.

“I’m fine, Max. A little shaken but no broken bones. Well, I just have a few scratches and maybe a sprained ankle.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

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