Page 41 of The Runaway and the Rugged
Damn near an expert at it now.
“This one hasn’t been stayed in for a while now. Been doin’ some minor renovations to the inside before we have anyone rent it out,” he explained while climbing the steps to the front door, all the while my eyes inspected the structure of the tinylittle cabin. Constructed of what appeared to be dark, weathered wood and a metal, gable roof, it was the perfect combination of rugged comfort and beauty.
Then with a quick movement of his hand, he skillfully balanced me in his hold and unlocked the door, revealing a darkened space with dust particles floating in the air.
It was more than apparent it hadn’t been stayed in for a while now. Even the blanket of darkness wasn’t enough to hide the quiet, forgotten atmosphere it clearly emanated. But what did he mean by “a while”? Was it days, weeks, months? Hesitant to go inside, Garth crossed the threshold of the door without a second thought and used his hand again to find the light switch on the wall. Moments later, we were engulfed in bright light that took time for my eyes to adjust to.
“It ain’t much to look at, but it’ll do for the night.”
Still blinking into focus, I was vaguely aware of the fact I was being carried farther into the space until finally my eyes snapped into clarity.
Oh.
It’s not… It wasn't as bad as I imagined. Not even close.
A large, stone fireplace dominated one wooden wall, while rustic, vintage tools complemented the dark furnishings. Even with a layer of dust coating everything, it was nothing a cloth couldn’t handle.
“Wow,” the words fell out on a breath, “this is… beautiful.” I tried to wiggle free from his hold, hoping he’d catch on that I wanted down on my feet. With a strong reluctance and a razor-sharp glance, he ultimately listened to my silent demand and lowered me carefully until my bare feet connected with cold, wood flooring.
The bottom of my feet burned, but I didn’t dare show just how uncomfortable I was from merely standing.
“Glad to hear you like it.” He watched me with careful intensity, like at any moment if he noticed any discomfort from me, he’d sweep me up into his arms again. “If you happen to come across any mice, let me know so I can set out traps.”
Busy taking in my surroundings, my gaze shot over to Garth.
“Mice?” I gasped audibly, picturing a small rodent scrambling over my legs in the middle of the night.
Any other animal I could handle, a barking dog, a mischievous cat, but a mouse? Absolutely not.
“Somethin’ ’bout the look on your face tells me you don’t like that.” The corner of his mouth lifted, along with his perfectly bushy mustache.
Of course I didn’t like that, but I was in no position to complain.
Blowing out a breath, I forced a smile. “I’m just not… well acquainted with mice.”
His brow went high as he shook his head with a laugh.
“Oh really? I wouldn't have guessed.”
He was teasing me. I couldn’t remember the last time a man did that, and not in a condescending fashion either.
It felt… nice.
“Think you’ll be all right here for the night?” He leaned his side against the wall, crossing those sculpted arms over his chest.
My throat? Instantly dry.
“Yeah.” I nodded, my tone off-key and uneven. “Yes—yes, I’ll be more than okay, thank you.” My cheeks went aflame as I twirled myself in the opposite direction to conceal my embarrassment.
This man had seen me at my lowest, bore witness to my anguish, and watched as I made a complete fool of myself, and even then, it was as if none of that mattered to him. He’d beenmore patient, more understanding, than Nathaniel had been in the entirety of our relationship. And that made all the difference.
He reassured me that I was making the right choice after all.
“Of course, if you need anything, let me know,” he said, as I made my way over the full-size bed in the corner of the room. “I’ll swing by in a little while with some clothes. I’ll knock and let you know that it’s me before you open the door.”
The added precaution to make me feel safe made my heart flutter.
“Okay.” I plopped down onto the bed, my eyes suddenly heavy to the point if I even closed them for a millisecond, I’d collapse. “Thank you again. For everything. For saving me.”
