Page 64 of Montana Rain

I slipped into fresh jeans and a T-shirt, making a note to shower when I came back to get the rest of the plane off me. Cole slipped an arm around my waist and put his chin on my shoulder. “They’re coming up to the door.”

How did we get here? The casual affection he showed felt right, yet just days ago, I’d resisted it so hard I’d been sure it would never happen.

Nerves tumbled in my gut.

The old fear surfaced and gripped me like a closing fist. It gave me the urge to push him away and tell him he shouldn’t be so close. But I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay here where it felt safe.

“I want to meet them,” Cole said. “When you’re ready for it.”

“I want to meet your family too.”

His arm around my waist squeezed me gently. “My parents passed a few years ago, and you know about my brother. It’s just me now.”

“I’m sorry.”

Cole kissed the side of my neck, that fire he always seemed to infuse into my veins spreading quickly. “I’m all right,” he said. “Now stop procrastinating. And be careful of your ankle.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

“I think you like it when I do.” His lips curved against my ear.

Stepping away from him, I made a face. “I think you’re trying to provoke me.”

“You’re right. Because now I can get you riled up and kiss you to calm you down, and it’s the best of both worlds.”

A knock sounded on the door, and I rolled my eyes. “Keep dreaming, Cole.”

“Only of you, princess.”

The agent didn’t say much, accompanying me to the car. It was the same driver we’d had on the way from the airport and between the field office and the hotel. All he needed to know was the address of my mom’s apartment.

I probably should have called or texted to let them know, but I wanted the surprise. Hopefully, it would be a good one.

“I won’t be too long,” I said.

“Take your time,” the agent said, turning and handing me a card. “I’m here for you, but I’m not going to sit out front in the car for obvious reasons. I’ll be around.”

Nodding, I put the card in my pocket. “Thanks.”

The short walk from the car to the door of the building gave me chills. Like someone had eyes on me, even though I knew better. How long would it feel like this? Looking over my shoulder for someone who wasn’t there? Especially now, while I was limping.

I knew the codes to the building and the apartment, so I let myself in the main door. But I knocked on their apartment door. Inside, I heard talking and then footsteps. “Coming!”

A few seconds later, my mom opened the door, her face going slack with shock. “Rayne?”

“Surprise.”

“What are you doing here?” She pulled me into a hug that was far more genuine than I’d hoped for.

“Mom, who is it?”

Mom stepped aside, revealing me. “Hey there.”

“Oh my god, what?”

I laughed. “I found myself in Chicago, and you know I couldn’t be here and not come see you.”

“You found yourself in Chicago?” my mom asked while I leaned down and hugged Ava.

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