AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That was generous of her.”
It was, but not surprising. Mama B had a soft spot for stray humans—the same that Hazel had for stray dogs.
“Between her and my mom, hopefully I’ll do okay.” The tightness in Bennett’s voice gave away the real fear he felt about taking on this responsibility.
Once again Hazel wondered why he’d agreed. On one hand she understood—he felt responsible, though he had no real reason to, and he wanted better for his younger siblings than his dad had offered to him. But on the other hand, Bennett barely knew these kids—and they him. What made him think this could work?
By his comment just now, he wasn’t sure it could work at all.
His timidity about this reminded her of how he’d been after he’d hit his head last fall. Lost and utterly dependent on her. Not that he was lost or dependent on her now, but there was that hesitation in his expression. It drew compassion from a hidden well within and made her dare what she normally wouldn’t.
“You could bring them up to the cabin while you wait for the house papers to go through.” She swallowed, wondering even as she spoke how she’d adjust to having so many people invading her space when she’d lived alone all these years.
The kids appeared from the distance, making their way back.
“Thanks, but I’m not going to do that,” Bennett said. “We’ll be fine at the hotel.”
That remained to be seen. Hazel had seen Bennett’s jaw clenched when he’d checked into the Creekside Inn. The rooms left a whole lot to be desired for people used to a Super 8—or so she’d overhead a traveler say at Janie’s. She couldn’t imagine what the owner of luxury resorts, such as Bennett Crofton, thought of the dark space, dingy walls, old shag carpet, squeaky double beds, and cracked avocado-green sink.
Hand in hand, Bennett and Hazel walked toward the trailhead.
Actually, she could imagine Bennett’s impression of the inn. It was likely running the same vein as what he’d said about her place when he’d first arrived last year as a “client.”
“I mean to tell you that it’s disgusting to think about sleeping in the same space some mountain man strung out his dead animals.”
The replay of that conversation as they’d ridden up to the cabin made Hazel giggle.
“What are you laughing about?” Bennett asked.
“I was just remembering how you were when you found out the shack had been where Pops had hung his pelts.”
Bennett wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “For the record, that’s still disturbing. You shouldn’t make grown men sleep in something that small and awkward anyway. Adding the pelts layers a whole new level of horror to the experience.”
They came to the trailhead and stopped at the dirt parking lot where Bennett had parked his SUV. Hazel looked up at him. “How did I end up with such a squeamish man?”
“I’m normal, not squeamish.” He tapped her nose. “And I believe you told me that you chased a raccoon out of my sleeping quarters and fell in love with me.”
“No. I saidyoufell in love withme.”
“That’s right. I did.” He kissed her cheek and then winked. “And I’ll be fine at the hotel, don’t you worry. After all, I’ve survived worse.”
Hazel playfully pushed his chest even as she laughed. Bennett reached around her waist and tugged her close.
Gemma came jogging up the path and into view. She hesitated when she saw them standing so close, obviously worried she’d interrupted something private.
“Nothing to see here.” Bennett released his hold, brushing Hazel’s nose as she stepped back. “Is Nathan coming?”
“No.” Nathan’s snark came just loud enough to be heard. “Nathan fell into the river and is drowning.”
Gemma joined Hazel and Bennett at the parking lot just as Nathan came into view.
“That’s not funny, bud,” Bennett said.
“No one would care.”
Hazel’s heart pinched. Bennett reached to pat his shoulder, but Nathan ducked away.
“No touching.” Nathan rolled his shoulders, as if trying to shed the offense. “I’m not the touching kind of person, and we don’t have a touching kind of relationship. So hands off.”
