Page 21 of Sheltering His Second Chance

Finally, she rolled the last bag into the foyer. Tendrils of hair stuck to her flushed cheeks like she’d run a marathon. He felt a tightness below his belt which surprised him.

After she left her bags on the planked floor she stepped over to scan the framed pictures. “Did Bonnie and Bill have children?”

“No.” He closed the door.

She swiveled on her heels. “Is it always this hot in Montana?”

“We’ve had an unusually hot summer.”

She reached into the boutique bag and dug out his shirt. “Thanks for letting me borrow this. I’ll wash it and make sure you get it back.”

“Sorry about Chow ruining yours. I hope it wasn’t a favorite.”

Some of the creases around her eyes softened. “It’s a shirt. By the looks of things, I won’t have much use for it around here anyway. I’m usually not so frazzled.”

“I know you probably think I’m making this up, but Chow’s usually well-mannered except for the occasional mishap of eating something he shouldn’t and turning into a big baby when it storms.” Raven patted the dog on the head. “Ain’t that right, boy?”

Chow licked Raven’s hand.

“I’ve never liked storms either. I’m willing to forget our calamity and start new. I’m Parker—Parker Manley.” She held out her hand and he noticed her neat, short pale pink fingernails.

He felt self-conscious shaking her soft hand but she didn’t seem to notice his calloused palms. “I’m Raven Ryder.”

A glint filled her eyes. “Nice to meet you, Raven.” They separated hands.

“I know you have a lot of questions for Bonnie, and I sure as hell don’t have a lot of answers, but I can do my best.”

“Could I get freshened up and maybe we can talk later?”

“Sure. You can stay in one of the guest rooms.”

One corner of her mouth played with a smile. “Right.”

They stood there staring at one another.

Then it came to him…

“You’ve never been here before. Bonnie’s bedroom is downstairs so the others are prime for picking.”

“Great.” She looked up the spiral staircase with a daunting sigh.

He grabbed the largest bag. “I’m part of the welcome committee and the bell boy.”

“I can—”

“Yeah I know,” he interrupted. “You can manage on your own. I know you’re capable, but this isn’t for you as much as it is for me. I’m equal parts feminism and gentleman, but if any one of my brothers knew I stood back and watched you carry your suitcases upstairs without offering to help they’d never let me live it down. You wouldn’t want that to happen, would you?”

Her expression softened, however, there was a lingering sadness in her eyes that told a story that made him curious.

“Sorry. I guess I’ve just gotten used to doing things myself. Thank you for helping.”

He started on the first step. “I’m not doing this all alone, am I?”

“No, I can get this one.” She took the smaller bag.

“Ladies first.” He allowed her to pass. His intention wasn’t to admire the firm sway of her bottom or the length of her legs as she climbed the stairs, but the view was hard to miss.

Upstairs, she stopped at the first door and opened it. “This will do.”

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