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We’ve talked on a daily basis and I know he’s just as excited to see me as I am him, and deep down I know he would never hurt me in that way. The biggest thing I should have noticed is the fact that Derek’s wallet, loose change, and watch hadn’t been on the dresser in the bedroom. He leaves them there every night, so he doesn’t forget them in the morning. I’m an idiot.
It’s impossible to see anything in the dark and I have no clue exactly whereabouts I am. There’s no light in the distance that would indicate Derek’s house, and I honestly hadn’t meant to lose track of time nor get disorientated. I’m scared, and I just want to feel Derek’s strong arms around me telling me I’m safe.
Sighing heavily, I glance up to the sky and see nothing. It’s dark and the lashing rain makes it impossible to see the stars, even the moon is hidden. Shivering, I rub my hands up and down my arms for warmth, not that it works much. I can’t decide whether to stay where I am, or to keep moving. At the moment my feet are carrying me toward the sound of gushing water, which confuses me.
On horseback it had taken a while to reach the creek, so I shouldn’t be hearing the sound of water, not yet. I frown wondering where it’s coming from because it’s loud and ominous. Swimming isn’t something I can do with confidence. I can splash around with the best of them, but actual swimming, not a hope. A shiver ripples down my spine when my feet hit a stream of water and my heart begins to race, knowing that if I keep going, something bad is going to happen. Not only that, I’m hoping like hell that there are no snakes taking a swim.
I shudder and finally get my feet to move me backwards, until I turn and run, hoping that whatever I’m running from is too far away to catch me. With the blood rushing around it takes me a few moments and I stop to catch my breath to realize that the sound isn’t as loud. That has to be good news.
Then I hear it—my name being shouted.
The sound becomes
louder, and then I hear another—feminine this time.
It has to be Olivia.
“Over here!” I shout, running toward their voices. “Keep shouting.”
They do and not five minutes later, I’m being wrapped up in Geary’s arms. “You fucking scared us,” he whispers, putting me away from him. “Are you hurt?”
“No. Just cold.”
Olivia wraps her arms around me and holds me close. “Don’t ever do that again.”
“I won’t.” My voice breaks, “Derek?”
“He’s out looking for you, but I’ll let him know to meet us back at the house.” Geary glances at Olivia as though he’s checking her over before wrapping a waterproof jacket around my shoulders.
I smile in thanks. At least it will keep me from getting anymore soaked although I’m not sure it will help at this point. I certainly become warmer with Geary rubbing warmth into my arms as we walk.
He holds me under one arm, offering me support and guidance, and I notice he holds Olivia’s hand with his other. If anything, tonight was worth it just to witness them both getting along so well.
Nothing more is said, but as we approach the house I see a flashlight moving toward us and realize it must be Derek. He hurries toward me and then he’s sweeping me up into his arms, his face nuzzling into my neck. “God.” He shudders. “Nothing is going on with Dee. I promise you.”
I place a finger over his lips. “Shush. I know. I was stupid and let her get to me, but then when I stopped to catch a breath it hit me. You would never betray me like that. Ever. I trust you Derek. I really do.” I bury my nose into his neck and whisper, “I really hate her.”
“Me too, honey. Me too.”
Geary clears his throat. “Although this is romantic, I think we should get inside. Madison needs warming up.” He looks directly at Olivia. “You do too.” He takes her hand, leading her away from the house.
“What?” I gasp. “What’s going on with them? Olivia is never, and I mean never, like, um, that with anyone.”
Derek chuckles. “I wouldn’t worry about her. Geary won’t hurt her.” He pauses, and I raise a brow. “He always said he’d know when he met the woman for him.” He smiles leading me toward the house. “I think he’s met her.”
I pause on the threshold, but Derek tugs me further inside. “She’s gone.” He sighs. “She showed up here earlier saying her power had gone out and she had nowhere else to go, so eventually I gave in and told her she could use a guest room for the night. Geary and I went over to her place to check, which is why we weren’t here when you arrived. She’d made the whole thing up. I’m only sorry that she hurt you before I could kick her out for lying.”
“That woman needs to be put in her place.”
“I did earlier.” He takes my hand and ushers me upstairs. “I’ll run you a bath while I change the bed, and then I’m going to hold you all night.” He shudders against me. “Whenever you leave in future, I’m coming with you.”
“You’ve no idea how much I love that idea.” I grin, trying not to shiver.
“Bath,” Derek mutters in response.
My fingers are numb and stiff as I try to remove my clothing and Derek noticing my predicament slowly helps peel them away. He’s already stripped down to only his jeans, so having him on display for my eyes only, warms my body in ways the bath can’t. As my eyes won’t leave him, I notice the large erection he’s trying to discreetly rearrange, and I smirk. “I think you should join me in the tub.”
He groans. “Don’t tempt me.”
