“I’m grateful you and Griz are helping me.”
“We’re glad to help. And I really do believe that nature heals. Spending time here will help.”
Calla already felt the good effects of being in the mountains. She was lucky to have this place to live and the time to spend out here. She felt safe, which was amazing. She hadn’t felt safe in years.
After checking on everything in the house, they headed back to the smaller cabin. When they approached, she saw two dogs. Her heart rate picked up. Was Thario here? Excitement flooded her, and she wanted to race forward and wrap her arms around him, but she tried to play it cool and not be too excited to see Thario.
Chapter 22
Thario didn't wantto act like a fool, but seeing Calla made him feel like one. He noticed the smile on her lips and how her face lit up when she saw him.
Frog greeted her, circling around her like he was happy she was there. After another circle, Frog came over to Thario, like he was telling him that Calla was there.
It was easy to laugh at Frog’s antics. He walked over to Calla and wondered if a hug would be too forward.
“Hey, it’s good to see you,” Thario said.
She giggled, and her smile grew even wider. "It's good to see you. How is your head?"
“It’s okay. I’ve been careful not to spend too much time looking at screens. I felt better after some sleep and decided to drive over.”
“I’m glad you did. It’s good seeing you.”
He wanted to hug her, but he decided not to push his luck. She didn’t need him acting like a fool, at least not yet.
“Have you been inside the big cabin?” she asked.
Thario nodded. “Yes. When Elowen had a guy stalking her, I stayed here. So yes, I’ve been in the big cabin. It’s beautiful.”
“Wait, she was stalked?”
"Yeah. A guy got it in his head that he wanted Elowen, and she wanted him. It was all this huge fantasy he made up. He's locked up in prison now. He murdered someone else, so they got him on that. He won't get out any time soon."
“Wow. I had no idea.”
“She’s a strong woman.”
“She didn’t tell me about that. She said she’d been locked in juvenile detention, but not about the stalker.”
"Elowen may not have wanted to make you worry. This place is safe, and with Griz out here, no one is going to come around and cause problems."
She nodded. “I do feel safe out here. I guess bad people can be anywhere.”
"Yeah, but generally it's safe. There are fewer people in this area, so if new people show up, the people in the community spread the word that someone new is in town. I can tell you if anyone asks where you're staying, Griz will get a call. The community likes him and Elowen a lot. They spend money here and send people who stay at the cabin into town for meals."
“Hey, you two, we’re going to make burgers. You good with that?” Griz called out.
“Sure,” Thario said.
Calla nodded, "Sounds good." Griz went in, and they were alone again. "I love burgers and fries. I don't think I had one when Brent was holding me. Honestly, he didn't let me eat much."
“I’ll remember that. Come on in, and let’s help them get the food on the table.”
Thario liked having Calla beside him. When they got to the porch, she glanced up and met his gaze. The look in her eyes made his stomach tighten. He hoped she was interested in himbecause he certainly wanted to spend more time with her and get to know her better.
Calla hopedThario didn't think she was too dorky. She was younger than he was, but that didn't curb her attraction to him. He was good-looking, and more than that, he had kind eyes.
When they stepped onto the porch, she thought for a moment he might kiss her. He didn’t. Which was okay, because both Griz and Elowen were inside the kitchen and could easily see them outside.
