Page 52 of More Than Falling in Love

“Holler again.”I listen, then chase the sound when she calls out, “Over here.”

She’s huddled under the canopy of a tree.Not where we want to be during a lightning storm.If lightning hits that tree, we’re toast.

“Come on.We can’t stay here.”I clasp her hand.

Her grip gives away her fear.“I was trying to get out of the rain.I expected sprinkles, not this.”

“Welcome to Texas.”My mind is racing as I weigh my options.The red band of the storm is just about on top of us, and trying to make it back to the truck might not be smart.

Beau’s cabin isn’t far from here.Hopefully, he leaves it unlocked.

Lightning illuminates the clouds, which now look like a sooty gray wall hovering in the sky.Nearest shelter is the best option.

“We’re headed that way.To a cabin.”I break into a run, but it’s clear Poppy can’t match my pace.“Let me carry you.”

Bewilderment scrunches her features; then she nods.

I scoop her up and race through the high grass, praying I don’t find a rock or a hole.Turning an ankle now would be worse than when I toppled into the water with her.Both times.

She hugs my neck, her face buried against my jacket.

When the cabin comes into view, I breathe a little easier.On the porch, I set her on her feet.“You okay?”

“Yeah, just soaking wet.Again.This happens a lot when I’m with you.”

I try the door and smile as it swings open.“Beau didn’t lock it.”

But my smile fades when I see the interior.There is one chair in the living room and no other furniture.I’m not sure I want to even peek into the bedroom.

“They’ve gone all out in here.”Poppy walks toward the bedroom.“I guess no one uses this place.The bedroom is empty.”

I shoot off a text to Mad Dog.The poor man is probably panicked.

Me:Poppy and I are safe.Riding out the storm at the fishing cabin.

Mad Dog:Thanks.Mason is keeping us all entertained.

I shrug out of my coat and hang it on the hook.“Let me check the bathroom.Maybe I can find you some towels.”As I push open the door, a message pops up on my phone.

Beau:Lilith is redecorating my fishing cabin so there isn’t much there as far as furniture.Just the chair I refused to part with.But she might’ve left some clothes in the closet.And there are towels.Stay safe.

Beau:And watch out for scorpions.They like to get inside when it rains.

I send off a thumbs-up.Poppy and Lilith are close to the same size.Maybe.I don’t make a habit of checking out Lilith.

“Found towels.And check the closet.Lilith might’ve left some things here.”

Shivering, she walks out carrying a pair of leggings.“I can be half dry.”

My jeans are a bit damp, but my shirt was fully protected from the rain.“Here.”I yank off my shirt.“Wear this.”

She blinks, amusement playing on her lips as she takes the shirt.“I’m not sure what to say.”After walking into the bathroom, she pokes her head out.“But thanks.”

I cover the chair with a towel, then take a seat.Replaying my chivalrous move in my head, it seems a bit over the top.But seeing her shiver forced me to find a quick solution.

The radar map shows a red band in our area, and the storm isn’t moving fast.This will last for a while, but the tornado warnings for this area have been canceled.That’s good news.

Poppy steps out of the bathroom and with her arms out, spins around.My shirt is hanging on her.“It’s a bit big.But it’s dry.Thanks.That was really sweet.”

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