I jump to my feet. All three of my siblings stop talking and stare up at me. I’m across the room and pulling open the door before they can manage to ask me anything.
“I have to go.”
13
rose
I wouldn’t bein this situation if I’d adopted one of the dogs at the shelter instead of a cute but useless cat. I could have brought home any of the pit bull mixes in the kennels, even if they looked more like roly-poly cuddle bugs than guard dogs. Of course, I probably would have brought home an elderly Chihuahua with a wonky tongue that wouldn’t stay in his mouth. I’d still be cowering in the downstairs hall, but instead of fearing for my life, I’d be worried about his, too.
I’m an adult. I shouldn’t get freaked out over every little mystery sound I hear. Most of the time, I love this old house. But at night, noises seem to echo from all corners, strange sounds I can’t identify the source to and usually don’t go searching to find. I’ve learned to live with the odd settling noises and mostly manage to pretend I don’t hear them.
But tonight’s different. Tonight, I’m crouched by the downstairs bathroom, watching the backyard flood lights go on and off through the kitchen window. Whoever’s out there is persistent. And doesn’t seem to care if I know they’re on my porch.
Is this when I’m supposed to call the police? I’ve never had to call 911 before. What do I say? “I heard a spooky sound. Please send your biggest, bravest cops.”
The doorbell rings, and I gasp so hard, I think I dislocate a rib. A second later, my phone buzzes.
Reed: It’s me
Relief lifts me to my feet and carries me to the front door in a rush of adrenaline. I unlock and pull it open to find Reed standing on my front porch. I have never been so happy to see that frowning face.
“Hi. What are you doing here?”
“I’m going to take a look around. Keep the door locked until I get back.” He walks away, clicking on a giant black flashlight as he steps off the porch. He turns back when he gets to the bottom step and nods at me. “Lock it.”
The thread of command in his voice spurs me to action. I close myself in and turn the deadbolt. I’m tempted to return to my crouching spot, but knowing Reed’s out there has siphoned off some of the fear that’s been coursing through me. I’m still jumpy with fight-or-flight hormones, but I’m less concerned about my imminent demise now that he’s here.
I check our text thread while I wait for him to get back from scaring off bad guys. He didn’t send a message that he was coming over. That probably would have been unnecessary chit chat in his mind. Only six minutes separate my last text to him and his text he was here. That’s good time, even in Sunshine.
It’s not long before a hulking shadow climbs the front steps and knocks on my door.
“It’s me.”
That’s what any skilled intruder would say. But Reed’s voice is more accurate than a retinal scanner. It makes my stomach flip even when it’s muffled by the door. I open it, and he steps inside, locking us in. He stands in front of the door like he’s become one more layer of protection for the house. Forme.
“I didn’t see anyone. Something ran off when I opened the gate into the back yard, though. Could have been raccoons.They’re not easily deterred by motion detector lights like you’ve got out there.” His mouth takes on a tiny slant. “And they’re drawn to food humans might leave outside. I hear raccoons like chips and guacamole, too.”
I test my lungs with another huge gasp. “Oh my gosh. I’m such a dork. I was having a snack while I watched the sunset, and then I got sidetracked by a call and totally forgot about bringing in the food.”
“I put the trash in the can next to the house. There were teeth marks in the guacamole container, so I’m guessing they rated it five stars.”
I breathe a laugh, but it doesn’t do much for my racing heart. “At least they got a good dinner. Ugh, this is so dumb. It’s all my fault.”
I press my hands against my cheeks as if I can hide how they must be flaming right now. Not only can I not handle weird noises, but I’m the type of dummy who leaves food outside to attract wild animals into their yard. Thank goodness I didn’t call the police. They might have written me up for public stupidity. If that’s not a crime, it sure feels like one right now.
The punishment: getting humiliated in front of Reed.
His gaze is stuck on my hands, and his almost-smile disappears. He steps closer, gently pulling my hands from my face. “Hey. You’re trembling.”
He holds my hands in his much larger ones, closing tight around them to try to calm their shudders. Embarrassment floods my body like seed beads spilling across a wood floor. I want to stop its momentum, but the creeping sensation touches everything before I can even flinch.
“I’ve been really freaked out.” Tonight’s given my heart a better workout than any of the cardio routines I do on YouTube. My exhale is shaky, like it’s time for a cool down. “Mentally, I know I’m safe. But physically, I still feel like I should be hiding from predators.”
Teeny tiny predators who probably only eat bugs and larvae.And now, guac. But my caveman brain was busy imagining much worse creatures waiting for me outside in the darkness. Like ones on two legs who don’t take no for an answer.
“Come here.” He lightly pulls me closer, pausing halfway to give me the choice. I don’t think twice—I step right in, and he envelops me in his warm embrace.
I would not have expected this level of comfort from Reed, but there’s no hecking way I’m giving it up now that I’ve got it. I melt into him, my cheek cushioned against his chest, my arms locking around his back. He holds me tight, one hand soothing over my hair as I listen to his steady heartbeat.
