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Just then a wave hit them. She attempted to block the water with her body. He held onto her with all of his might. He refused to let her get swept away. Time slowed down as they clung to each other.
At last the water receded. He coughed, clearing the water from his mouth and nose. Jo didn’t move. He wiped the hair from her face.
“Jo, speak to me.”
“I’m okay.”
“No, you aren’t. You’re freezing.” Before he could demand she go back to the inn and warm up, there was a beam of light. At first it was off to the side, and then it was on them.
Jo sprang to her feet. She waved her hands over her head and screamed, “Here. We’re over here.”
When the light shined on her again, he didn’t focus on her wet, knotted hair going every which way, the dirt streaked over her face or her dirty clothes. Instead, he saw the woman that made him want to fight to live—to get out of this rock prison. She made him feel like he could do anything.
Jo was the most amazing woman he’d ever known. When the light remained constant on her, she sat back down on the rock. She leaned over and hugged him.
“They’re going to get you out of here. Just a little longer.”
Her words were cut off by another large wave. It washed over their heads, pushing him hard against the rock. His back scraped over the rough surface of the boulder. Through it all, they hung onto each other as though their lives depended on each other.
For the first time, he’d been able to rely on someone during a really bad time, and Jo had come through for him. He was no longer all alone in this world. She was his safe harbor.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Thiswasanightmare.
One she couldn’t awaken from.
Jo was relieved that help had arrived, but she knew they were still a long way from extracting Lane from the boulders. She was going to be by his side through this whole ordeal. There was nothing more important than making sure Lane was safe.
“Lane!” the voice of her brother called out.
“Kent, we’re over here!” Josie peered into the darkness.
Her father had stepped away from the fire department, but her brothers were all active firefighters, except for Grant, who was off becoming a doctor. Before she knew it, she was surrounded by three of the Turner brothers.
Kent flashed a light in her eyes, momentarily blinding her. “Sorry about that.” He lowered the light. “Josie, are you hurt?”
She shook her head. “It’s not me. It’s Lane. He’s stuck.”
Kent turned the light closer to Lane. “Can you move at all?”
“My upper body. My left foot is trapped.”
“Let’s go, Sis,” Kent said. “Mom and Dad are waiting for you up on the bluff.”
“What are they doing here?”
“As soon as the fire whistle blows, Dad has his scanner on. When they heard Lane’s name, they called you. When you didn’t answer, they knew they’d find you here. They’re really worried about you.”
“Tell them I’m fine.” She turned back to Lane.
“Tell them yourself. I’ll help you. The rocks are slick.” Her brother Liam grabbed for her arm.
She jerked away from him. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Josie, be reasonable,” her other brother Owen said. “We can’t get Lane out of there with you in the way.”
“He needs me.” She didn’t care how the words sounded or their implication. In that moment, the only thing she cared about was Lane and making sure he was okay. “I’m not leaving.”
