Page 12 of Christmas Wish
Chapter Five
“What the hellam I doing? I don’t even know this man,” Savannah muttered under her breath as she threw their clothes into the suitcase. This was by far the craziest thing she’d ever done in her life, and doubt began to settle into every inch of her body.
“Where are we going?” Timmy stammered, his teeth chattering.
“Oh … sweetie,” she said as she gathered him in her arms, cocooning him in the blanket. “Ryder has asked us to stay at his house until the snow stops. It’s too cold in here and tonight is going to be worse.”
Timmy tilted his head back and looked up at her. “Is Bluto going to be there too?”
Savannah tweaked his nose. “Yes.”I know it’ll be all right. I see compassion behind his anger.“Help me pack so we don’t keep him waiting.”
Soon, Savannah and Timmy were bumping against each other as they sat in the back of Ryder’s jeep. The blasting heat inside the vehicle curled around them, banishing Timmy’s chattering teeth and her body’s shivers.
“Let me get the suitcase,” Ryder said after they pulled into the garage. “The door’s open, so just go in.”
“I can bring in the suit—” His glare pierced her like a dart, and she slipped out of the car, holding Timmy’s hand then walked away.
The first thing she noticed when she walked into the mud room was how pristine it was. Sitting on the bench, she pulled off her boots, then Timmy’s, before hanging their coats on the large hooks.
Brutus rushed in then sat on his haunches, his gaze fixed at the doorway. Ryder came in and put the suitcase on the floor, then he grabbed a big green towel and wiped the dog down before taking off his boots and jacket. Savannah’s attention was captured by the way the well-defined muscles in his upper arm bunched and flexed beneath the slim fitted material of his flannel shirt. The sight made her feel hot and bothered in a way she hadn’t experienced in a very long time. Angry that it did, she turned away, not wanting Ryder to see her heated reaction to him.
Without saying a word to either of them, Ryder picked up the suitcase and walked out of the mudroom.
Timmy’s face looked like the blood had been drained out of it, and Savannah folded her arms around him and kissed his head. “It’s going to be okay, sweetie.”
“I think he’s mad at us.”
“No, he isn’t. He’s probably just not used to a lot of people in his house.” She ran her fingers over his soft cheeks. “Remember that he’s the one who invited us.”
“I know. Will he let me play my Mario game?”
“I can ask him.”
“What are you still doing in the mudroom?” Ryder’s gruff voice made them both jump. “Get in here.” He stood there staring at her.
“Let’s go,” she whispered to Timmy. The intensity of Ryder’s stare unnerved her.
The kitchen was spotless, and Savannah began to wonder if he had a girlfriend or a cleaning person who helped him out. The woodwork on the cabinets and crown molding was amazing.
“Do you want something to drink?” he asked.
“I’m good, thanks. What do you want, honey?”
“Do you have any orange juice? We finished ours this morning.”
Ryder lifted his chin up and took out a carton then poured the juice into a tall glass. “Here you go,” he said, sliding the glass over to Timmy.
“Thank you,” the boy replied.
Ryder grunted. “If you want more, it’s in the fridge.” He settled his penetrating stare back on Savannah. “Feel like this is your place. If you want food or something to drink, don’t ask me. If you do, it’s gonna get real annoying.”
“Okay. I’ll remember that.” She wanted to grab Timmy’s arm and pull him out of the room, but he was barely finished with his juice. There was something about Ryder’s brooding eyes that pulled her in, and she sensed he’d been deeply hurt and wondered if that was what intrigued her about him.
“I’ll show you your rooms.” Ryder picked up the suitcase and walked out of the kitchen.
“Do you want some, Mommy?” Timmy propped his elbows on the counter and leaned forward. “It’s too much,” he whispered.
Savannah smiled and picked up the glass, downing the contents in one large swallow. “Now let’s see our new home for a few days.” She rinsed the glass and put it in the dishwasher then grasped her son’s hand.
