“No, keep looking at me.”The slightest shift in her weight now could jeopardize everything.“That’s it.Now, when I tell you to, you’re going to unbuckle the seatbelt and grab my other arm.Understand?”
“Yes,” she blurted, eyes huge in her pale face.
“Okay.”He watched her lower her free hand to the buckle.Waited until her fingers were on the button.Shifted his stance for maximum power, getting ready to pull her with every ounce of strength in his body.
Her fingers dug deep into his forearm.He was her lifeline.And he wouldn’t let her down.
“I’m going to count it out,” he said in a low voice.“On three, you’re going to press the button and grab my arm.”
He reached his left hand through the window, careful not to touch the door, the muscles along his spine and across his shoulders already protesting the awkward position.“Ready?”
She gave a tight nod, staring into his eyes.
“On three.”He took a breath, dug deep for every last bit of calm and strength.“One.”
Willow’s throat moved as she swallowed.
“Two.”
Her lips trembled.
His heart pounded in his ears.“Thr?—”
Rufus suddenly scrambled partway through the window.
FORTY-SEVEN
“R
ufus, no!”Willow cried, voice shrill with panic.
The car rocked, the dog’s panicked motions shifting the delicate balance.
Shit.“Now!”Tripp commanded.
Willow released the seatbelt and grabbed for his arm.He caught hers, dug his feet into the soft shoulder and hauled back with all his might.Rufus was still struggling, his head, shoulders and front legs squeezed through the half-open window.
