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“Sis?” He folded his arms across his chest. Family first.
“Should I be looking for something in particular?” Sarah’s lips firmed to a line, her eyes searching his face.
“There are men looking for her.”
Grace was still in her seat, but she looked ready to bolt any second. Her pie was untouched, her hands clenched under the table.
“Men? You need to give me more than that.”
“Her ex sent them to find her, to bring her home. They were chasing her in Brodie wood. They were armed.”
Sarah’s hand froze mid-sip, her coffee cup hovering inches from her lips. Her forehead crinkled. “I don’t like armed strangers running around my town.”
“Me neither.” Caleb held her gaze.
“I’ll see what I can find out.” She pushed away from the counter.
Caleb grabbed her arm. “Low key.”
She glanced down at his restraining hand, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. “Baby brother, when have I ever been anything but?”
“Thanks.” Caleb released his grip.
“Right. I’ve got sheriffing to do. Catch you later.” Sarah flashed him a grin as she headed for the door.
Caleb turned his attention back to Grace, his mind already racing ahead to the next step. Her arm still needed an X-ray.
He’d agreed to no hospitals, but that was okay. He was creative.
16
No hospitals.
She’d insisted. Richard would have eyes and ears in all the hospitals in the area. But Caleb had been equally insistent. She would have an X-ray.
He pulled into a gravel parking lot behind a low sturdy building, a veil of sleet pattering against the windscreen. The building was roofed in dark metal, ridged sheets visible through occasional patches of melted snow, its pitch engineered to shed heavy blankets of snow.
This was his compromise. The local veterinary clinic. If only he knew.A shiver ran down Grace’s spine despite the warmth of the truck’s interior.
“You okay?” Caleb covered her hand with his, the rough pads on his palm tickling her skin. In the close confines of the truck, he was close enough that she caught his scent. A hint of musk and cut wood. Warmth bloomed in her chest. He didn’t need to do any of this. He barely knew her, and yet here he was, taking care of her.
“Yeah. I’m fine. The Advil is helping.” The pain in her wrist had dulled to a steady throb.
“We can trust Brad. I wouldn’t bring you here otherwise. He served with my dad.” He smiled and an unfamiliar ribbon of heat unfurled in her belly.
She dismissed the sensation. Caleb was a hot guy. She wasn’t blind. But that was as far as it could go. She couldn’t afford to like him, or anything else, despite the increasing way her body was becoming attuned to him.
“I’ll check it’s okay for us to head in.” Caleb climbed out of the truck, pressing his phone to his ear. She blew out a breath, glad of the space to collect herself. He was speaking on the phone, his voice an indistinct murmur.
I need to focus, not lose sight of my priorities.
Caleb rapped on the glass and then opened her door. Sleet glistened in his hair, on his collar, and she had the insane urge to brush it away. He thumbed his phone off and jerked his head toward the hunkering building. “We’re good. Let’s go in.”
He escorted her across the lot, his arm looped protectively through hers, holding her close to his body as he walked her across the space. He wasn’t taking any chances. Grace leaned into him, savoring the moment. Even though there could be nothing between them, it didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy the comfort of his care while she had the chance.
As they made their way toward the rear entrance, Grace’s gaze was drawn to a large glass picture window that offered a glimpse into the waiting room beyond. The warm glow of overhead lights spilled out onto the snow capped gravel. An older woman caught Grace’s eyes and smiled. A cat carrier rested on her lap. The snub-nosed face of a white Persian cat pressed against the mesh door, insolent yellow eyes unblinking.
“In here.” Caleb held open the emergency exit. His gaze skirted over her shoulder, searching the empty lot behind her, ever vigilant.
