Page 75 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Chapter 25

“ARE YOU SURE about this?”

“Cull, you were the one who told me I needed to make a decision. I have,” Sally said to him from the passenger seat of the truck.

Cull had so much energy he wanted to punch something, but he remained calm. She looked different in the oversized clothing that looked like rags. Of course, she was still beautiful, but the sadness he saw in her eyes took away the sparkle.

She placed her hand on the door handle and looked back at him. “We better do this now before I lose my courage.”

He nodded. He’d agreed to go in with her. Hell, even if she hadn’t asked for him to join her he would have demanded that he stay.

Burke met them downstairs at the bed and breakfast. He seemed nervous when he saw Sally. That struck up Cull’s protective side and he automatically placed his hand on her back which brought her chin up and her eyes on him. He gave her a reassuring smile which she returned, but it didn’t reach her eyes. If only she knew how terrible he felt. How it took all his energy to bring her here when all he wanted to do was run away with her.

After Kiersten’s pep talk, he knew this was the only thing that was right.

“Sally. There you are.” Burke hurried across the worn carpet to stand before her. He looked her up and down and if he’d thought anything odd about her clothing he didn’t show any glitch in his relieved expression. Cull almost wanted to give the guy an award for wearing such a huge smile. He almost felt sorry for him.

“You’re Burke,” she said softly.

“You remember me?” There was an excitement to his tone that was bound to be fizzled.

She gave her head a shake. “A little. Cull told me about you…us. I don’t remember much.” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. That simple act shot through Cull.

“I understand. I’ve been looking all over for you, Sally. I worried…well, I thought maybe…” He lowered his gaze to the floor for ten seconds, then brought it back up. “I’ve found you. Thank God, I’ve found you.”

“Forgive me, but I don’t remember us living together.”

He nodded. “It’s okay. I’m sure when we get home around all your things it’ll trigger memories.” He seemed hopeful.

Cull’s chest tightened.

Sally’s frown grew. “Our home.”

“It’s a nice place. You decorated it.” He pointed to the table. “Come. Sit down. Let’s order you your favorite tea. Earl Gray with extra honey.” He looked around for someone to help, but the place was empty. He sighed. “This place isn’t good for service. I’ll go find someone.”

Cull got the distinctive feeling that Burke intentionally didn’t include Cull in the invite. He probably hoped he could be alone with Sally, but it was not happening, not until Cull was sure. Sure of what though? If he let her leave, he might never see her again. No, he’d make sure he visited her often, at least until he couldn’t take the pain any longer.

“He seems nice,” she said to Cull.

“Sure. He’s excited to see you.” They both seemed to skirt around anything serious.

Burke rushed back. “I thought we could make plans to get you back home. I’ve even taken the liberty of calling your doctor in Cheyenne. He can’t see you for a few more days, but I think we need to make sure you’re okay.”

Cull would give the man credit. It seemed like he was looking out for her best interest.

Burke looked Cull in the eye. “Thank you for taking care of my girl, Mr. Cade. She looks well, thanks to you, but I think it’s best that she gets back to her life. With me.”

Stuffing his fists into his front pockets, Cull had to control himself. If this man thought he could shoo Cull away with a few positive words, he needed a reality check.

Sally looked up at him. “It’s okay, Cull. I’ll be okay. This is for the best.”

He blinked. And now she was shooing him away too?

What the hell?

He searched for an excuse, any old excuse to stay, but then he realized he had to follow her cues. She’d explained to him that she needed to see her old life, yet neither of them had mentioned what they’d shared or what the future would hold.

Swallowing the cotton ball feeling in his throat, he managed a quick nod. “Okay, but what about your safety?”

---