Page 29 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

Trevor's lips twitched into a small smile as he scooped me up. "I'd never let you fall, Amelia. You know that."

I held onto Hero's leash as Trevor carried me down the increasingly treacherous path. The rain intensified, making it harder for him to keep his footing. Halfway down, I realized I couldn't hold onto Hero much longer.

"Trevor," I called out over the downpour, "I can't keep hold of Hero!"

Without missing a beat, Trevor adjusted his grip, somehow managing to take Hero's leash while still carrying me. His strength and determination amazed me, but I could see the strain on his face.

Suddenly, he veered off the trail towards a large tree. "We need to make shelter," he explained, setting me down carefully. "It's not safe to continue in this weather."

I nodded, shivering as the cold rain soaked through my clothes. Trevor disappeared briefly, returning with armfuls of branches. I watched in awe as he quickly constructed a makeshift shelter using a tarp from his backpack.

Once it was complete, he helped me inside. It was cramped, but it kept the worst of the rain off. Hero curled up at our feet, whimpering softly.

"Guess we're stuck here for a while," I said, trying to keep my voice light despite the seriousness of our situation.

Trevor nodded, his expression grave. "At least until the storm passes. But don't worry, Amelia. I'll keep you safe. I promise."

There was no hint of teasing in his voice this time. I leaned my head against his shoulder, suddenly exhausted. "I know you will, Trevor. I trust you."

As the storm raged on, Trevor and I nibbled on the remaining sandwiches, trying to keep our strength up. The pounding rain and flickering lightning made it feel like we were in our own little world, cut off from everything else.

"You know," Trevor said, his voice low and thoughtful, "this reminds me of a mission back in Afghanistan. A sandstorm pinned us down, and we had to take shelter in a cave for two days."

I turned to look at him, surprised. Trevor rarely spoke about his military service. "That must have been intense. How did you manage?"

He nodded, his gaze distant. "It was tough. But you know what got me through? Knowing that I had a job and that people were counting on me. Same as now."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I knew he was talking about more than just keeping me safe from the storm.

Hero whined softly, wedging himself between us as if seeking comfort. I scratched behind his ears, feeling a surge of affection for the little dog.

The storm showed no signs of letting up as the night wore on. Trevor and I settled in as best we could, trying to find a comfortable position on the hard, damp ground.

"Here," Trevor said, shifting his arm around me. "Lean on me. It'll be warmer that way."

I hesitated momentarily, then slowly nestled into his side, resting my head on his chest. His arm tightened around me, holding me close.

Despite the discomfort of our surroundings, I'd never felt safer. Trevor's steady heartbeat beneath my ear was soothing, his solid presence a shield against the storm.

As my eyes drifted shut, I realized with startling clarity that I was completely, utterly in love with Trevor Phillips. It wasn't just attraction or friendship. It was the real deal—the kind of love that made me want to face every storm and challenge as long as he was by my side. Who knew it would take getting stranded in the woods to make me see what was right in front of me all along?

Chapter fourteen

Trevor

Iguided Amelia through her front door, wrestling with her crutches and the narrowness of the hallway. Each wince and pained hop sent a fresh stab of guilt through my chest. This was all my fault. If only I hadn't suggested that dang hike.

"Watch out for the--" Amelia started to warn me, but it was too late. The crutch caught on the edge of a side table, nearly sending us both sprawling. I tightened my grip on her waist, steadying her.

"Sorry, sorry," I muttered, my face heating. Some rescuer I was turning out to be. Finally, we made it to the living room couch. I arranged the pillows, gently helping Amelia elevate her swollen ankle. She sighed in relief as she sank back against the cushions.

"I'll make us some tea," I said, needing a moment to collect myself. Amelia nodded gratefully, reaching for her phone as I headed to the kitchen. I put the tea kettle on and waited for the water to boil.

It had been a long 24 hours. When the rain had let up, and it got light outside, I carried Amelia the rest of the way down the mountain. Susan picked Amelia up to drive her to the doctor. I rode my motorcycle home and got Amelia’s car so that I could meet them there and bring Amelia home. Thankfully, she just had a sprained ankle, and the doctor said to stay off of it for a few days and keep it iced.

The tea tray clattered slightly as I carried it back to the living room, setting it carefully on the coffee table. Amelia flashed me a smile as she ended the call.

"Emily says hi," she said teasingly. "And she wanted me to ask - what exactly are your intentions with her poor invalid sister-in-law?"

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