“Yeah. Later.”
Ryder put the phone back in its cradle and ruffled the top of Brutus’s head. “You wanna go outside?” Brutus barked and wagged his tail then dashed toward the front door. Ryder pulled on his boots and slipped his arm inside a jacket then closed the door behind him.
Cold slapped his naked face, squeezing tears from his eyes. It’s fucking freezing out here. He immediately thought about the woman and her son in their small camper. I wonder if they got enough heat. Why the fuck are they living in that damn thing? Breath rolled from him in short frosted puffs. Treading slowly through deep, soft snow as the thin rays of light filtered through the ice-laden tree branches, he whistled for Brutus, who bounded out from behind the evergreens and ran over to him.
“It’s too damn cold out here. Come on.” Ryder plodded over to the garage and opened the door. Brutus barked and ran in circles as Ryder took off one glove and fished in the pocket of his parka for his car keys. When he opened the jeep’s back door, the dog jumped in, then Ryder cranked up the heat and backed out.
The tires skidded on ice-slick snow as beams from the headlights danced on clusters of frosted firs lining the road. “Dammit,” he muttered as he gripped the steering wheel. The snow began falling again—harder and faster. It erased the car’s icy tracks on the road, and the trees that loomed in the distance vanished, swallowed up in white. The jeep’s wipers now moved frantically over the windshield as Ryder drove toward the trailer.
Brutus’s barks echoed eerily in the muted stillness as Ryder closed the car door. A thick quilt of snow surrounded the camper, and Ryder saw that there wasn’t as much light coming from the small windows as there was the day before. He pushed on, cursing under his breath at the pain shooting through his residual limb. He’d been too damn lazy to put the liner sleeve over it when he’d gotten up that morning, never thinking he’d be plodding through two feet of snow. While stopping to rub his upper thigh, the cold air seared his lungs as the rest of him sweated beneath the parka. Savannah was peering out the window and he motioned for her to open the door. She stayed at the window for a few seconds, making him think he’d have to break down the damn door, but then she disappeared, and a faint sliver of light fell on the white ground as she stood in the doorway.
Ignoring the pain, Ryder gritted his teeth and walked toward her with Brutus by his side. With a fuzzy blanket wrapped around her, she stood aside as he pushed himself up into the trailer. After a few seconds, his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting and spotted Timmy sitting at the table with what looked like a puzzle in front of him. The boy wore a jacket and had a blanket wrapped around his thin shoulders. He saw Savannah looking at him from the corner of his eye and craned his neck to meet her gaze. After a short pause, she cleared her throat and looked away as a slight pinkish flush swept across her cheeks.
“Why are you here? You can’t possibly think we can leave in this blizzard,” she said softly.
“I came by to check up on you and the boy.”
Timmy looked over and smiled, and Ryder’s lips twitched when he noticed the boy’s missing front tooth.
“Can I pet your Bluto now? He knows I’m okay,” Timmy said.
“His name’s Brutus, and if it’s all right with your mom, you can come over here and pet him.”
Timmy’s eyes shone as he looked at Savannah. “Can I, Mommy? Please?”
She wrung her hands over and over as if she were washing them, and then nodded. “Just wait and let Ryder tell you when it’s okay to pet his dog.”
She remembered my name, and she keeps sneaking peeks at me. Maybe she’s lonely for some male company.
Timmy padded over and Ryder could feel Brutus stiffen by his side. He hit the button in his prosthesis and his knee pushed out, making it easy for him to kneel down. The chaffing still hurt like hell, but he could deal with it. He put his arm around the German shepherd and leaned close to his ear. “Steady, boy.” Brutus relaxed and Ryder waved Timmy to come closer.
The boy looked at his mom as apprehension began to line his face. “Are you going to pet him too, Mommy?”
“Uh … I wasn’t planning on it.” Savannah darted her eyes between the dog, Ryder, and Timmy.
“I think you should show your boy it’s okay,” Ryder said in a low voice.
She lifted her chin and stared at him coolly. “I don’t need any suggestions from you on what I should do with my son.”
I hit a nerve, and she’s not as meek as I thought. “Whatever.” He reached out his hand, and Timmy placed his small one into it. Before he could encourage him to come closer, Savannah knelt down next to him, and a clean scent with a hint of floral hugged him. She smells damn good … and sexy. He glanced sideways at her, but she kept her focus on her son.
“Do you wanna pet Brutus?” he asked her.
“Okay,” she answered, but her tone said it was the last thing she wanted to do. She gasped when he grabbed her hand and guided it over to the dog’s damp fur. As cold as her hand was, the skin was soft and silky, which made him wonder if her whole body was just as satiny.
It’s just some chick’s hand. Focus, man. Without thinking, he squeezed her hand then ran his thumb over its softness.
“Aren’t I supposed to be petting the dog?” she asked.
He immediately loosened his grip. “Of course, but your hand is so damn cold that I was trying to warm it up so Brutus wouldn’t freak out.” Her quizzical look confirmed what he already knew—a piss-poor excuse for his pathetic actions. There’s no question about it—the first chance I get, I’m going to hook up with Brandi. Before she could say anything, he put her hand on Brutus’s back then let go of it.
“Is he soft, Mommy?”
“Yes, he is, but he’s a little wet too.”
Ryder drew the boy closer, and soon his small hand stroked the black fur. “He likes it,” Timmy whispered.
“Once you both get to know each other better, you can rub his belly—he loves that.” Timmy’s eyes widened, and he heard Savannah make a sound like tsk-tsk. He turned to her and looked deep into her eyes. “What’s your problem?”
Scraping a hand through her hair, Savannah looked away. “Nothing. It’s just that we’ll be leaving once the storm dies down. I don’t like people promising things they can’t deliver.” She stood up and wrapped the blanket tighter around her.
Just hit another nerve. Someone broke a promise to you, didn’t they, darlin’? “The storm will be around for a couple more days at least, and then it’ll take time until the less traveled roads are cleared.”
“In any event, we won’t be here long.” She rubbed the back of her neck.
“I think he likes me, Mommy,” Timmy said, his face flushed.
Savannah’s smile held all the love a mother has for her child, and it warmed Ryder to the core. He pushed up then pulled Brutus back.
“He does like you. That’s enough for now because Brutus isn’t used to many kids.”
Nodding his head, Timmy drew his hand away and took a few steps backward.
“Go finish your puzzle, sweetie,” Savannah said, and the young boy walked back to the table and slid onto the cushioned seat.
“It’s in the single digits outside, and it’s gonna be below zero tonight.”
“Thanks for the weather update,” Savannah said.
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 c
old, 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’ve all got 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.
Chapter Five
“What the hell am 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.
When they turned down a hallway, Ryder stood in the doorway of a room tapping his foot.
“Timmy had to finish his juice,” she said softly. He jutted his chin and went into the room.
“This is your room,” he said to Timmy.
“Are those real arrows?” Timmy asked pointing at a framed collage of arrowheads.
“Yep.” Ryder went over to the window and opened the shutters then took the display off the wall. “Come over here and you can see them up close.”
As Timmy and Ryder talked about the Native American artifacts, Savannah glanced around, marveling at the exquisite craftsmanship and cozy feel of the room. Several beautiful quilts and afghans were either displayed on the walls, thrown over two plush chairs, or folded and stacked on top of a large chest at the foot of the bed. I wonder if he’s ever been married. I can’t see him going into a store and buying these. Someone made them for him.
“I’ll show you your room.” His gruff voice interrupted her thoughts, and she looked over at him and nodded.
Timmy was still fascinated by the arrowheads, so Savannah quietly followed Ryder to the room next door. A large four-poster bed with a stunning quilt spread over it was the first thing she noticed when she entered the bedroom. An overstuffed chair next to the window looked like the perfect place to curl up with a good book, and a we
ll-crafted rocking chair sat in a corner on the opposite side.
“You have such a beautiful home. I love all the details in the woodwork.” She walked over to the bed and ran her hand over the quilt. “This is exquisite. I always wished I could quilt, or even sew.”
“Yeah.”
“Did you buy it in Pinewood Springs?”
“No.”
Savannah put her fingers against her lips and watched him open the curtains and then put the suitcase on top of the mattress.
“There’s nothing in the closet, and you can use the first three drawers of the dresser.” His dark brown eyes burned into hers.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, unable to break contact.
Ryder’s stare washed over her, head to toe … dripping slowly, and the heat of his gaze burned holes right through her, sending shockwaves straight to her core. Savannah could feel her face flushing but couldn’t turn away; she just stood there rooted, feeling magnetically drawn toward him. A sexually charged silence sizzled between the two as desire sparked inside her.
“Your room’s big, Mommy.” Timmy’s voice snapped her out of whatever was happening between her and Ryder, and she was grateful for it.
Dragging her eyes away from his penetrating ones, she ran her fingers through Timmy’s thick hair and looked down at him. “It is large. Why don’t we unpack your things and get settled in.”
Timmy darted over to the suitcase and she followed hesitantly behind him. Ryder hadn’t moved an inch nor had he averted his eyes away from her. Savannah unzipped the case, trying to focus on what she was doing rather than on the simmering desire crackling between them.
“Where are we gonna put everything?” Timmy asked.
“Uh … in the closet and drawers, I guess.” Ryder’s scent tangled around her, making her dizzy. Stop it! Don’t you dare go there. She cleared her throat, threw back her shoulders, then began taking the clothes out of the bag.
“I’ll leave you two. Let me know if you need anything,” he said, fastening his hand lightly on her shoulder, his thumb sliding over the nape of her neck.
Christmas Wish Page 4