Page 11 of Christmas Wish
Ryder narrowed his dark eyes. “It’s already too cold in here, and you fucking know it.”
“What’s your point?” She lifted up her chin.
“You two are gonna get sick if you stay in this cold. I can see your battery is running down because you don’t have very many lights on.”
“I appreciate all your observations, but none of this is your business. We’ll be just fine.” Savannah leaned against the counter.
“You’re either fucking nuts or foolishly stubborn, but either way, you’re putting yourself and your boy in danger.”
“I’m neither. We can manage on our own.”
“Bullshit. You want your son to be cold, not to have lights? What the hell are you thinking, woman?”
“What am I supposed to do about it?” she asked, frowning. “We’re stuck. I’m doing the best I can.” Her voice quivered, and she turned away quickly.
Fuck.“I didn’t come here to judge you or make you feel bad,” he said, his voice softening.
“You could have fooled me,” she said.
“I came here to make sure you and your son were doing okay, and quite frankly, you’re not. It’s gonna get colder and snowier before the storm moves out. I got some room at my cabin where you can stay. I’ve also got a generator so there’re no worries about downed power lines.” Savannah’s forehead wrinkled as she tugged on her bottom lip. Ryder shrugged. “It’s up to you.” He saw her gaze fix on Timmy.
“Is your wife okay with having strangers in the home?”
He jerked his head back. “I don’t answer to anyone. Anyway, I don’t have a wife—it’s just me and Brutus.”
“Well … you’re not a psycho, are you?” She pulled back slightly.
“No … are you?”
“I’ve got issues but nothing psychotic.”
“We’veallgot issues. So are you taking me up on my offer?”
Savannah tilted her head from side to side as if weighing the pros and cons of the situation. Ryder watched her without saying another word. If she declined his offer, he’d leave and check on them again the following day. From the chill in the air, he didn’t think the heat would last more than twenty-four hours.
“I can’t believe I’m actually agreeing to this,” she said between nervous giggles.
“Look at it this way,” he said as he put his gloves on, “sometimes life makes you trust your gut. What’s it saying to you?”
“That it’s okay. You know, even if you don’t want to admit it, there’s a streak of kindness in you.” A bright smile curved her lips.
A faint spark flickered deep down inside him. “Don’t get all fucking mushy. I don’t want anyone to die on my property—that’s all.” He grasped the knob and pushed open the door. “I’ll wait in the jeep.” Ignoring her small gasp, he inhaled the cold air, satisfied that whatever shit he’d felt a few minutes before had been extinguished.
Ryder shut the door and made his way through the snow.
