“He’s back. What do we do? I forgot to ask you to bring a rifle.”
Noah leaned over the side of the bed. “I ran next door and grabbed it while you were sleeping.” He brought the rifle into view.
“Stay in bed. I’ll check it out.” He hopped up.
“Noah, be careful.” He darted out of the room, slipped into his boots and coat, then walked out the door.
My heart pounded in my throat as I scurried to the window. He scoured behind our houses. Where did the wolf go?
Noah appeared again. Maybe the wolf ran back into the forest. This weekend I felt it was time to hunt the beast. The front door slammed closed, and I jumped back on my side of the bed and dipped under the blanket.
“What happened?”
Noah strolled back into the room, lying the rifle beside the bed. “He was gone. Maybe he kept coming back because this is his territory. I think he likes our land.” Noah climbed under the blanket.
“And why do you think it’s ok to keep turning up in my bed?”
His head wallowed on the fluffy festive pillow case.
He threaded his fingers through his hair and exhaled. “I like being close to you. And I told you I’d keep you safe. Hope, I wouldn’t cross the line unless you and I were on the same page.”
The orange light in the room reflected off of his handsome face, showcasing his green eyes. I sank into my pillow beside him.
“I’m resting my head against your arm.”
“Perfect.”
Pressing my head against his soft green thermal Henley, I curled my fingers around his bicep.
“Do you have these shirts in every color?” I tugged at his sleeve.
“Just about,” he grumbled.
“Growing up, my mom bought my brothers and I one pair of white- or cream-colored thermals. Would you believe the first thing I bought once I turned a profit were thermals in as many colors as I could find? Black, navy, brown, gray, teal, and orange, but no cream or white.”
I gripped his arm tighter.
“Yes, I can. That’s understandable.”
Noah had a rough life. No wonder he was so guarded of his memories. It was hard to explain, but each time he shared a piece of himself, I felt closer to Noah. I didn’t know what we were doing, especially after only knowing one another for two days.
I didn’t get the impression either of us gave off ‘the I want a relationship’ vibe.
Why was it easy to be around him? And why did I long to see his face every day?