Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“We have to save her,” Holly announces.
“I’ll go get her, but you two are going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. It’s safest.”
They don’t argue and move faster than I’ve ever seen them move before, grabbing their jackets and pushing their feet into shoes before rushing out to the Jeep.
When we pull up to the small house my parents live in now, Mom answers the door, worry on her pretty face.
“What’s going on?”
“I need a favor.”
Chapter Nine
Erin
“Holy shit.” I drop my phone in my lap, relieved that Remington’s on his way, and take a deep breath. “Holy shit.”
Feeling perilously close to hyperventilating, I lean forward and press my forehead to the steering wheel.
I cannot believe that I put Remington’s Suburban in the ditch. I don’t even know if it’s okay. I haven’t tried to get out. Well, I didn’t try all that hard.
I just called him as soon as it happened. I was on the verge of tears and a panic attack, but hearing his voice calmed me right down.
I could have called Millie or Brooks, but Rem was the first person who popped into my head. He’s not grumpy all the time, he’s just…serious. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. His kids adore him, and I can admit that I feel an intense attraction to him.
It isn’t Millie or Brooks that I want to come help me.
It’s Remington.
I’ve just managed to slow my breathing and get my heart rate in check when I see the Jeep pull up behind me. Remington, wearing a frown on that handsome face, hurries over to the driver’s side and opens the door.
“Are you okay?” he asks immediately, cupping my cheek in his hand as he stares into my eyes intently.
“Yeah.” I swallow hard and nod. “Just shook up. I’m not hurt.”
I unclip the seat belt and turn to him, embarrassed to find that my lower lip wants to quiver.
“I don’t know why I want to cry.”
“Adrenaline,” he says and simply pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly against him. “Scared the fuck out of me. What happened?”
“There was a deer.” I can’t help it; I break down into tears. My adrenaline is through the roof.
“Fucking deer,” he mutters as he tightens his arms and comforts me. “Come on, let’s get you into the Jeep, and I’ll see what’s up with the Suburban.”
I nod and let him lead me to the passenger side of the Jeep. Once he gets me all settled in the seat, he drags his fingertips down my cheek, as if he just can’t keep himself from touching me.
“I’ll be right back.”
I nod and offer him a brave smile as he shuts my door and walks back to the Suburban. He takes a quick look around the entire car, then hurries back to the Jeep and gets inside.
“It doesn’t look like there’s much damage. I’ll have a couple of the ranch hands come get it in the morning.”
“Will it be okay out here all night?”
He glances over at me and grins. “It’s not going anywhere. Come on, let’s go home.”
“Uh, Rem?”
“Yeah?”
“I live in town.”
“I’m taking you to my home.” Without any further discussion, he flips the Jeep around to head back to the ranch. “I don’t want you alone tonight.”
“I’m sorry,” I begin, shaking my head. “I should have called Brooks or Millie. I shouldn’t have bothered you because you were probably in the middle of putting the kids to bed, but you were the first person that came to mind when it happened.”
“You absolutely should have called me,” he disagrees, his hands white on the steering wheel where he grips it.
“I don’t have anything at your place. Clothes or toiletries.”
“I’m sure I have everything you’ll need for one night.” He glances my way. “You’re obviously still upset, Doc. You’re shaky and as pale as the snow on a January morning. I don’t want you to go home alone. Besides, I need to make sure that you’re not hurt.”
“I’m not.” I clear my throat. “But I guess you’re right. I don’t want to be alone right now. What a way to end my birthday, huh?”
“It’s not over yet,” is all he says as he turns into his driveway. We’re quiet as he parks and leads me back inside the house. I can still smell the cake I helped the kids bake. The TV is on in the family room.
“Where are the kids?”
“With my parents,” he replies and leads me to the kitchen. “Let’s boost you up onto the counter.”
Before I can object, Rem grips my hips and lifts me onto the countertop, and I raise an eyebrow.
“Why am I up here?”
“So I can check you over,” he replies, looking into my eyes. “Did you hit your head?”
“No. Seriously, it didn’t hit hard. I just went into the ditch. To avoid a deer. And yes, I know that you’re not supposed to do that, but I couldn’t live with myself if I hit and killed a poor, defenseless deer.”