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“Should we go see if we can find transportation to the hotel?” Liam attempted to divert his rambling thoughts. His sister’s claims had him reeling, and he needed time alone to think.
Paul lifted Liam’s bag from Meg’s chair. “I’ve already arranged for a large SUV to take us where we need to go. The hotel isn’t far, but the roads are filling with water. The driver assures me that this isn’t his first hurricane rodeo.”
“I’d rather think of it as an adventure,” Meg added, slipping massive sunglasses on her head even though it almost looked like night outside.
“Getting stuck in moving water isn’t an adventure, Meg. And I can’t swim,” Callie said firmly but quietly to her friend through clenched teeth, but Liam heard it.
“I was a lifeguard in high school. I’ll save you.” Liam stilled as her mouth dropped open and the room quieted. He didn’t know why he’d offered to save a woman who clearly hadn’t asked to be saved, but given a chance, he’d do just that.
Callie turned and crossed her arms in front of her. The move was probably intended to be commanding, but it only created a beautiful valley between her breasts as her white shirt gaped at the unbuttoned top. He put the thought from his mind to concentrate on what she was saying.
“I appreciate the offer, but I guarantee there’s no chance of needing your valiant rescue. I take care of myself, Mr. Young.”
His head reared back. He formulated a retort at her denial of his offer.
Meg slid in between them, pushing Callie back in the process. “Let’s get going to the resort. Jonathan, please open the door. Everyone, stand back. This could get messy.”
They were parked in a hangar, but as the door opened, a solid sheet of heavy mist sailed inside. Wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t just air, and that was with protection overhead.
Jonathan slipped on his raincoat from the small closet outside the main cabin. “Okay. Here goes nothing.” He shouldered the door farther until it was open the whole way and then Paul stepped in to help him lower the stairs. What only took one man in Omaha took two as the wind drove into their bodies.
“Hola! Bienvenido a Monterrey.” The taller of two local men greeted them at the top of the stairs. “Your car is waiting for you. Please hold hands as you walk across the tarmac. The…” He seemed to be struggling for a word. “The…” He motioned with his hands. “Air?”
“Wind?” Meg offered.
“Si. Si. The wind moves people without asking.”
“Personally, I’d rather have the earth quake under my feet.” Meg batted her eyes at the young man, and he smiled back at her. “Do you like tequila? Maybe you can come along to the?—”
“Not now, Meg.” Callie pushed her friend toward the door.
Jonathan took up the front of the line, then Meg, then Paul, then…
Callie motioned for Liam to go next.
“Why don’t we go boy, girl, boy, girl, boy?” he asked.
Her jaw tensed. “I’d like to bring up the end for your safety.”
“And I’d like to keep you safe, Callie.”
He could almost see the wheels turning as to how to present her final argument.
“Fine.”
Liam found himself both surprised and disappointed at her submission. A small piece of him wanted her to argue. He craved to banter with her and witness her spirited side. She had one, it was in there. He’d seen her with Meg. Callie obviously could handle herself. Plus, she was a little unpredictable. That almost-lap dance was clearly only an accident, but it lingered in his mind as the best part of the flight.
Only two nights?
Staying meant more time with Callie but leaving meant making his sister happy. Britt wanted them to be back by the next afternoon. A gust-whipped rain sprayed onto his face. Clearly, that wasn’t happening. He’d tried to prepare Britt on the phone, but she’d broken down before he could even start to mention that they were staying the night. He’d texted Trent, simply to pass along the information when Britt was in a better place. Trent would answer questions soon enough. Liam was known for his interrogation skills, and his brother-in-law-to-be had some explaining to do.
They made it to the bottom of the stairs and joined hands. Callie’s left hand slipped cautiously into his while her right clasped Paul’s.
Before they started moving, she turned to Liam, and her eyes pleaded. “If I go down, let go of me, please.”
What the hell?
He gave a small tug on her hand, and Callie’s hand slipped out of Paul’s. Paul glanced back but kept moving when his gaze met Liam’s, and Liam mouthed, “I’ve got her” to him.
