“Come on, guys,” he whispered, the floorboards creaking beneath his feet as he followed them from the bedroom into the kitchen. Moonlight spilled through the windows, casting long shadows across the countertops. Nothing moved outside. Still, the dogs’ behavior set his nerves on edge. He moved toward the living room, sat on the sofa, tugged on his boots, stood, then pulled on his coat and hat, and removed his keys from the pocket and moved to the door, wincing at the metallic click of the lock, then eased the door open.
“Go. Search,” he commanded softly, watching as the dogs bound off the porch, their dark shapes disappearing around the side of the house.
Rawley walked to his truck, the cold air burning his lungs. He removed his gun from the case, loaded it, then headed to the side of the house.
He stayed close to the house, so he didn’t mess up any new tracks. He clenched his jaw any time he thought about those men scaring her and because of that, she was going back to her place in California. He didn’t blame her for leaving. It would keep her safe. But he also knew he’d miss her more than he could say.
The dogs growled as they stared into the woods. Rawley walked to where they stood and it was the same area he’d found the cigarette butts.
He looked around, stared at the dogs, and whispered. “Go.” He grinned as they shot off into the thickets, then he heard them barking, so he made his way into the woods, but before hecould get to the road, he heard a truck start up, then drive away spinning tires.
Rawley ran toward the road and saw a high-setting pickup truck tearing away with snow flying up behind it.
“Damn it,” he muttered as he watched it disappear.
After getting back inside the house, he commanded the dogs to lay down, their fur dripping melted snow onto the polished hardwood. He didn’t want to invade Skylar’s privacy by searching her closet for towels. The sofa creaked as he sat to remove his boots, then headed down the hallway to find Skylar beneath her quilted duvet. Moonlight spilled through the half-drawn curtains, illuminating her peaceful face. He stripped off his damp clothes, the fabric clinging to his skin, before sliding beneath the sheets. Her body was warm against his chilled skin as he pulled her close, breathing in the strawberry scent of her shampoo.
Rawley pressed his lips against her silky hair when she nestled against his chest. “I’ll never let anything happen to you,” he whispered into the darkness, his eyelids growing heavy until sleep claimed him.
The next morning, snowflakes continued their relentless descent, accumulating in pristine drifts against the windowpanes. Steam rose from his black coffee as Rawley’s gaze scanned the white landscape, searching for any shadow or movement that didn’t belong. The storm had transformed the world into a sparkling fortress, too treacherous even for those who might wish them harm.
“Good morning.” Skylar’s voice was husky with sleep. The dogs ran to her, sat at her feet, and she pet them both.
Rawley turned to see her framed in the kitchen doorway, hair tousled, wearing an oversized T-shirt that hung past her hips.
“Good morning. Take a seat, I’ll make you a cup of coffee.”
She nodded the wooden chair scraping against tile as she pulled it out and settled onto it.
“Are you alright this morning?” he asked, the coffee machine gurgling as the aromatic brew dripped into the waiting mug.
“Yes...” her voice trailed off, uncertainty hanging in the air between them.
“But?” The ceramic mug clinked against the granite countertop as he set it down.
“I’m going to pack today so I can get out of here.” She rose from her seat, the spoon tinkling against porcelain as she stirred cream and sugar into her coffee before sinking back down.
“So soon?” He cleared his throat as his voice caught slightly on the words.
She met his gaze. “The sooner the better. I’m too scared to stay.”
“Do you need me to drive you to the airport?” He leaned back and gripped the edge of the counter.
“I’m driving. It’s a little over fifteen hours. I’ll drive as far as I can, stay at a hotel for the night, then get back on the road.”
Rawley nodded, his coffee forgotten as he crossed the kitchen. The chair’s legs scraped against the floor as he pulled it out and sat down, his fingers gently covering her hand, compelling her to look at him.
“I’ll miss you.”
She looked at him, unshed tears making her eyes glisten. “I’ll miss you too.”
Rawley stared at her, tightening his jaw. “When are you leaving?”
“I’m hoping tomorrow or the day after.” Her fingers twisted in the hem of her shirt.
“I want to be with you before you leave.”
“Same here. Can you stay tonight?” She met his gaze, eyes searching his face.
