Brody leaned against her and she patted his head as she approached her destination. She slowly slid the handle back and slipped through the doorway, stepping out of Brody’s way before closing it.
Moving toward the hammock, her heart jumped into her throat as a figure rose from it, making her scream. It leaped at her, and she beat on its chest.
“Hannah, it’s me,” Cole’s voice drifted through her hysteria. Her arms stopped flailing as she stepped back. Her chest felt like she ran a marathon as she took huge, gulping breaths.
“Cole?” she said, struggling to breathe. Her voice came out broken and thin.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. The storm kept me awake, and I came out here to keep from disturbing you,” he explained.
“We think alike,” Hannah said, as she regained her composure. “I wanted to see what you meant by sleeping out here.”
Cole gently took her hand and led her to the hammock. “Come lie down with me. I promise I won’t touch you. We’ll share the blankets while nature gives us a show.”
She climbed in, and Brody jumped up, making the hammock swing.
Hannah giggled as Cole grumbled about his partner becoming a traitor.
Turning on the fireplace, he slid under the blankets, maneuvered Brody, and watched the sky.
“Wow, it’s soothing,” she exclaimed, listening to the rain pelt the trees outside. Every few minutes, it lit up, showcasing different parts of the woods.
“I’ve always loved the sound of the rain. I missed it when they stationed me in Afghanistan,” Cole murmured.
“Me, too. I love the smell after a storm,” Hannah whispered, unwilling to break the spell. Brody lay his head on her shoulder and soon fell asleep, letting out a few snores.
“Yeah, did I happen to mention it lulls my dog to sleep, too? He’s nature’s little miracle, all right,” Cole joked as Brody continued to slumber.
“I thought most dogs feared thunder,” she said softly, not wanting to wake Brody.
“When I first returned, he hid behind the couch. Can you keep a secret?” he asked.
“My parents left for Arizona, and I met with a buddy, Cookie, who returned from Afghanistan. I left when I saw the storm headed our way. I placed Brody in a crate but didn’t lock it since he never caused any issues. I ran by a local burger place to grab dinner on my way home. By the time I returned, the storm grew worse. Trees covered the streets. I found Brody behind the couch, shaking like a leaf.”
“Oh, poor baby,” she said, covering the dog with one of the blankets.
“I felt like shit for not thinking about it. We’re always together, and I didn’t anticipate the storm until later. He refused to budge from his hiding spot until I gave him pieces of my burger. As a trainer, I know better. Brody’s become family and I felt terrible I didn’t care what it took to make it right,” Cole admitted.
“One treat now and then doesn’t hurt anyone. You did the right thing,” she said firmly. “I can’t tell you how much I dreamed of burgers and cinnamon rolls. After a month of captivity, it cured me of imagining anything.”
“I’m sorry you endured that,” he said softly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” she said, yawning.
“Why did you stop talking? I apologize if you don’t want to discuss it. It’s a personal question,” he rushed.
“The military teaches classroom training on how to withstand a hostage situation. The real thing doesn’t compare. I knew not to give out any information other than the general stuff, name, rank, and birthday. They failed to tell me about not sleeping, rotten food, hearing your brothers scream in agony and making you watch. They tried to protect me, the only woman of the group. I guess they knew the rebels might hurt me more than them. It turns out watching them die hurt a helluva lot worse. I screamed at them to stop, but they ignored me and laughed. By the time they killed the third man, I no longer made a noise. They enjoyed it too much. When they rescued me, I retreated into myself and forgot my way out.”
“I can’t imagine how you felt. I only hope you know I’m always here if you need to purge. We seem to communicate even when you don’t speak, but I really love hearing your voice,” he said as he turned on his side, facing her.
Hannah’s head lay on top of Brody’s and her eyes closed. Her lips parted in slumber, making him smile. Hannah seemedto fit into his and Brody’s life. Something told him he needed to practice patience as they navigated her road to recovery, but he planned to stay by her side and hoped to cross the finish line on her journey together.
CHAPTER 25
Hannah rolledover to find herself in the arms of a sleeping Cole. Her head lay on his chest, and her arm settled on his hard abs. Even through his thin T-shirt, she felt the rigid muscles. Instead of feeling terrified, he’d overpower her, she felt safe and secure. Her gaze drifted up to his face. His jet-black hair and morning scruff made him appear sexy. Her hand ached to run her fingers along his jaw.
Cole blinked and glanced down at her, staring at him. A sleepy smile appeared on his face. “Good Morning, Stormy.”
“Stormy?” She questioned.
