Wren nodded, still feeling the warmth of his kisses on her lips. “Yeah, I don’t want to leave the drone in the truck.”
The driver side door creaked slightly as he opened it. Wren watched him as he walked around the truck to her side, listening to his boots crunching on the gravel. She slung her tote over her shoulder as he opened her door and helped her out. They moved to the back of the truck where her photography gear was stored. Wren started to reach for her gear but Elias stopped her.
“I can get this.”
“I’m fine!” She smiled, hoping to convince him. “Besides, I don’t let anybody carry my baby.” She pointed at the drone case.
“Wren.” His tone was full of warning.
She ignored him and reached for the drone. “See? I’m fine.”
But she wasn’t fine. She didn’t like even this hint of an argument and it was going straight to her shoulders.
If I had my car, I’d leavethe panicky little voice in her head scolded. The same one that told her she’d lost her mind.Dumb, dumb, dummy dunce!
“What’s wrong?” Elias asked again.
Wren realized she was frowning at that little voice. She smiled. “Nothing! Told you.”
Elias only shook his head. Together, Elias and Wren carefully lifted her gear out. Elias took the heavier bags, slinging them over his broad shoulders with ease, while Wren cradled the case holding her drone.
“Are you sure you want to carry that? I promise I’ll be careful?—”
“Nope, I’ve got it,” Wren insisted, the familiar weight of the equipment bringing her back down to earth as they walked toward the house.
See? It’s not an argument. He’s looking out for you. Score a point for rationality.
Elias led the way. A sensor sent the porch light flickering on as they approached even though daylight still crept between the trees. The house was secluded, nestled among pines and aspenswith only the sounds of nature surrounding them. Peace washed over Wren as she followed Elias up the steps and through the front door, the same sort of peace she felt when she first saw Ellie and Bear’s property.
“Just set that on the coffee table,” Elias said as he carefully set her bags down on one of the chairs.
Wren’s tote started slipping off her shoulder. When she shrugged to keep it from falling, another sharp twinge shot through her shoulder and back, forcing her to stop in her tracks. She hissed and grimaced.
Elias swore and came to her side. “That’s not nothing.”
“Ugh. Yeah, okay,” she muttered, closing her eyes to block out the pain. And the fear that Elias would start yelling at her, telling her she was an idiot and should have listened to him and let him carry everything in.
“Here, let me take those.” Elias’ voice came from behind her, soft and warm and steady. Soothing. She felt the weight of her tote lift from her shoulder as he took it along with the drone case. She opened her eyes and released a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
He set the case and tote down on the table. Wren watched as Elias clapped his hands together, rubbing them briskly until his palms must have been warm.
“Turn around,” he said.
He’s making such a big deal out of this.
She couldn’t help but tease him, her lips curling into a grin. “Tired of my face already?”
“Mmm, never.” The low rumble in his voice made her insides flutter.
The growl of a lion knowing he’s got his prey at his mercy.
“Just want another look at my backside?” She couldn’t resist pushing her hips back against him, and when she felt his body respond, a wicked thrill shot through her.
Elias hissed, his breath hot against her neck. “Don’t distract me while I’m working.”
“What are you working—oh.” Wren’s words dissolved into a soft murmur as Elias’ strong hands gripped her shoulders, applying just the right amount of pressure. He knew exactly where the knots were, his fingers finding the tight spots like he had a map of her muscles in his head. Her body relaxed into his touch. She leaned back against him, practically purring as he worked.
Her nagging tension began to melt away under his skillful hands, but she couldn’t help the small voice of doubt that crept in.
