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He chuckled. Chuckled! It was a melodious sound that washed over her. “Are you now? Why did you chuck it in the lake?”
He didn’t seem angry. Nice guy.
“I … I …” How to explain without sounding addled? “Phones can be tracked, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then.” That seemed to be all the explanation that was necessary. Not being tracked was a high priority.
He peered at her as if she were unstable. “Let’s get you inside and sitting down. Have you had breakfast?”
She grunted out a laugh. “You know, I can’t seem to remember.”
He chuckled at that too. “Sorry. I’m a bit forgetful myself this morning.” The tease in his voice eased the knot in her chest.
“I apologize. I can’t seem to relate.” She winked, and they both laughed. It felt really, really good to laugh.
They crossed the stretch of green grass and she glimpsed wildflowers lining the base of the wide front porch. Two rocking chairs sat side by side. She had a vision of her and Cade rocking in those chairs, holding hands, sipping cocoa, laughing and talking, telling stories about … what? She had no stories to tell. The only memories she had were a witch hurting a poor yet strong boy who she cared deeply for. Maybe her life was so horrible she’d blocked the memories out. That was disheartening.
Cade walked her up the porch steps. A two-car garage was to the left, the porch and large front windows of the cabin straight in front of them. He pushed open the wooden front door for her.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Walking inside, she took in a large open area with stairs that led to a second story and a balcony above. A multitude of large windows on each wall provided natural light to the space. The walls were light wood, maybe pine or maple? She didn’t know wood names. She didn’t know anything currently. That pricked at her with unease, but something about her cowboy and his beautiful valley and home calmed her.
To the direct right was a large living space with a couch, loveseat, two recliners, a pool table, and a television mounted between windows and a rock fireplace between more windows. Steps curved along the far wall to a loft and upstairs area. The left side was a dining area up front and a spacious kitchen in the rear. Kitchen cabinets lined the wall that should connect with the garage. It was the only spot besides the stair section without windows. An open door looked to be a laundry room and bath.
Cade swept his cowboy hat off and set it on a side table. He led her to the kitchen, filled a glass with ice water from a Viking fridge, and handed it to her. She thanked him and drank it in hungry gulps.
He pulled out a plastic sack from a drawer but turned back to her and held out his hand. “Let me refill that for you.”
“I’m not incapable, just empty, thank you very much.”
He grinned, ruffled his fingers through his dark hair, and nodded. “I’m sorry you’re empty.”
“I don’t believe I can blame you.” She winked at him and took great pleasure in the way his cheeks and eyes darkened.
Sauntering to the fridge, she refilled her water and drank more slowly.
Cade brushed close to her. His scent was a mixture of musk, leather, and sunshine. Intoxicating.
She startled.
“Apologies,” he murmured. “I need ice. For your head.”
“Thank you.” Her head was a dull ache, but with all the emptiness and fear, she hadn’t focused on it.
She eased back and rested her hip against the gray and white granite counter.
Cade filled the sack with ice, sealed it, and then covered it with a thin white towel. Then he turned, his green eyes focused on her. Lifting the bag, he gently pressed it against her sore forehead. His other palm pressed into the counter, his wrist brushing her hip.
She was frozen. For the moment, this handsome cowboy tenderly caring for her pushed any worries away. Who needed a name? The witch she feared was probably a hallucination. She and Cade could stay here in this remote valley somewhere in Montana for a very long time and nobody would hear her complaining.
“Does that feel all right?” His voice held a husky note that made her stomach quiver.
Did she have experience around handsome men like him? Did she have a boyfriend or a husband even? Nothing but the boy she worried about was ringing a bell, but she didn’t harbor any romantic feelings for that boy.
She definitely felt romantic feelings for this cowboy, and she didn’t even know him. Was that wrong? Who knew? If her life was an awful mess of a witch hunting her and a poor boy being abused, maybe she should rewrite her life story, starting with this enticing man standing in front of her.
