Emma
I’m starving, exhausted, and more than a little freaked out. When I woke up this morning, I didn’t have any of this on my bingo card; now I’ve filled it up to overflowing. A panic attack is just waiting to rear its ugly head. I know the symptoms. I force myself to take a deep breath—in and out, slowly—then another. Losing it right now won’t help me at all.
“What’s wrong, Emma?”
I turn away from the passenger window to find Asher watching me. “Shouldn’t you be watching the road?”
“I am. But you’re almost hyperventilating. I’m going to pull over.”
“No, please don’t. Let’s just keep going. I’ll be okay. I’m just a little freaked out, okay, maybe a lot freaked out. Today has been… a lot.”
“I know, baby, and it’s all my fault. I promise I’ll make it up to you. Everything will work out.”
His right hand covers my clenched fists, and he rubs his thumb in slow circles on my skin. I concentrate on the feeling, and the anxiety eases a little. I believe him when he says he’ll help. I’m sure his brothers will too, to avoid a lawsuit if nothing else. Not that I’d sue them.
“Better?”
“Yes, thank you.” I don’t mention that he called me baby. No one’s ever called me that or even worked this hard to make me feel seen since I lost my parents. I didn’t realize how much I missed being touched.
Between spending so much time healing and working on my thesis, I’ve pretty much withdrawn from the world. Other than my advisor, I don’t think I’ve spoken to anyone in months. I never really had friends, and after my dating disaster my first year of college, there haven’t been any others. It’s always been about my studies, working toward my future. My doctorate in conservation biology was supposed to be my dream come true. But somehow, since losing my parents, it’s seemed hollow.
Dad would chastise me for thinking this way. I have my whole life ahead of me, but after being around Asher for the last few hours, I realize just how lonely I’ve been. Going back home after all of this is going to wreck me. Who am I kidding? Leaving Asher is going to be the issue. Somehow, even though we just met, I feel closer to him than anyone I can remember. And when he lowers his voice and orders me around, my insides melt into goo.
I don’t even realize Asher has parked until he speaks. “Ready to meet the rest of the family, Raindrop?”
After taking one last deep breath in, I let it out. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Don’t worry, I’m the only one who bites.” Then he winks as he climbs out of the truck.
Oh. My. God. Kill me now. Could he get any hotter? Wait, universe, please, please don’t answer that question. You’ve already proven you don’t have a sense of humor today.
As he comes around to my side, I stare out the window at the huge, two-story log home. It looks like something out of an architectural magazine. I can’t believe they don’t live here. Why build cabins when they could live in this gorgeous home?
Not that I don’t love Asher’s cabin. It’s perfect, exactly what I hope to live in someday. I can’t believe he built it himself, either. I wonder if all the brothers did the same thing.
“C’mon, time to face the family,” Asher says as he lifts me from the car.
“What about my crutches?”
“Did you forget already? No walking or standing for two days, right?”
I was hoping he’d give me some leeway on that, but I should have known better. “Yeah, yeah. So what, you’re just going to carry me everywhere? What if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?”
“Then you’ll wake me up.”
“How’s that supposed to happen? I just lie in bed and shout for you?”
Asher grins, and tingles run down my spine. Uh oh, that looks kind of evil. But he doesn't answer before the front door opens.
“It’s about time you two got here. We were about to send a search party.”
I know it’s one of the twins, from my research about their family, but I don’t know which one.
“I’m Aaric. You must be Emma. Andrew and Adrian were just telling us all about you. Welcome to the Gallant Homestead.”
“Umm, thanks. Nice to meet you, too.” It feels awkward since I’m cradled in Asher’s arms, but no one else seems to notice.
“Everyone’s in the kitchen. We’ve been waiting for you to get back. Andrew called the doc, so we knew you were on your way.” Aaric winks at me, then grins at his brother. “We were afraid you’d take her directly to your place.”
