Page 33 of Love in Overdrive

Chapter 11

“Why don’t we see what’s in the kitchen that might be edible?” Laney limped over to the cabinets.

She didn’t know what was going through Cade’s mind, but with the light in the cabin, she caught the flash of fear on his face. It didn’t match his upbeat tone, but it matched the dread constricting her chest.

Part of her, the gooey part, wanted to curl up in his muscular arms… to draw comfort from each other. But another part of her scowled. He ghosted you.

Looking at him now, with his rugged looks and a yummy day’s growth of beard, her cynical side was losing the battle.

She sighed. They were in this together. She should give him the benefit of the doubt. Turning back to the tiny kitchen, she opened the cupboard doors, all three of them, while Cade checked on top of the refrigerator.

“What do we have?”

“Tomato soup, baked beans, one can of tuna, and something that looks like it used to be bread.” Laney scrunched up her face. No way she was touching it to find out. “The expirations are only a few months out of date. The cans look okay, no bulging.”

“Good news. I found a can opener.” Cade cocked a half-smile. “Soup or tuna?”

“What? Don’t you like beans?” She bit back a smile.

“Sure. But I’m not sure it’s a good idea in these close quarters. If you know what I mean.”

Laney chuckled. “I’m starving. Let’s live dangerously. How about we have all three?”

Cade nodded and opened the cans. Finding pans in one of the cupboards, he went to work on heating the soup and beans over the fire.

As she washed some dishes to use, she watched him cook. The man confused her. Yes, this was the man who held her gently and kissed her passionately at the bar. He’d helped her through the woods when she hurt her leg. But he was also the guy who didn’t call after saying he would. And the gal at the rink? Well, she couldn’t blame him. She really didn’t know the story there.

“Cade?” Questions flooded her mind.

He faced her. His expression was open, waiting.

Nerves jumped in her belly. She bit her lip. “Never mind,” she muttered before turning back to the sink. She gave the well handle a couple of pumps, as much to work out her frustration as to make the water flow.

The hair on her arms danced. The electricity arcing between them signaled Cade was near. Large, warm hands rested on her shoulders.

“Laney.”

She glanced up at him.

He searched her gaze. His warm brown eyes filled with emotions.

She should move. This closeness was messing with her mind. She pulled back, putting a few precious inches of space between them.

Cade dropped his head to hers. His breath brushed her ear as he whispered, “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Why?” Well, crap. Her tone rang false, even to her own ears. So much for trying to play it casual.

“Let me explain. Please.” He stepped back, giving her room.

She dropped the dish towel in her hand, turned to face him, then crossed her arms.

His gaze drifted down her body, but only for a moment, then he cleared his throat. “It’s really a funny story.”

She tried for a casual pose, even if her brow shot up. Stay cool. Hear him out.

“I’m sure you think I’m a jerk for not calling you.”

“Why would I think that? Just because we kissed that night?” A harpy slipped into her tone. Shoot, so much for relaxed Laney.