The Protector (Game of Chance, #1)(19)

“That’s something, at least. Okay, when the weather calms down, I’ll see what I can do to find it for you.”

“Oh, um, thanks.”

“It’s the least I can do after what you’ve done for Chappy. He’s really been out of it for three whole days?”

“Almost.”

“And you’ve taken care of him?”

“There wasn’t anyone else here to do it,” she reasoned.

“We’re all in your debt,” JJ said seriously.

“No, really. It’s okay.”

“You sayin’ no doesn’t make it not true. This storm isn’t over yet. They’re calling it the storm of the century, which is ridiculous because this is Maine and there’s bound to be another just like it in the not-too-distant future. But more importantly, the snow on the slopes isn’t stable. When the sun does come out, it’s going to make the situation a lot worse, so just stay hunkered down there.”

“Wait, what slopes? Are you talking about an avalanche?”

“You’re smack dab in the area surrounding the base of Baldpate Mountain. I’m not sayin’ it’ll happen, but the people who know about these things are saying the conditions are right. Chappy’s cabin is protected, it’s not in the danger zone for any avalanches, but a mile or so in any direction is another story. Just stay put. That’s all I’m tryin’ to say.”

“I wasn’t planning on going on a pleasure hike,” Carlise couldn’t help retorting.

JJ chuckled. “Right. Anyway, I’m gonna be a pain in Chappy’s ass and call every day. I’d appreciate it if you make sure he answers when I do.”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Carlise asked.

“Because he’s stubborn. And doesn’t like to be fussed over,” JJ said. “Thanks again, Carlise. And I’ll apologize again in person when I see you. Later.”

When he hung up, Carlise stared down at the phone in confusion. She didn’t want to look at Riggs, but she couldn’t stare at the phone forever, so she sucked it up and lifted her gaze.

His amber eyes were locked on her face, and he looked worried. “You okay?” he asked.

“I should be asking you that. How do you feel?”

“Awful. My muscles hurt, my throat is still scratchy, and I’m weak as hell. But I’m guessing, since JJ said it’s been three days since the storm hit, that I have you to thank for not feeling worse than I do right now.”

Uncomfortable with his attention and praise, Carlise shrugged.

They sat in silence for a moment, with Riggs’s hand still on her thigh, and neither of them moving.

Then, to Carlise’s surprise, his thumb moved in a soothing caress, just for a few seconds, before he dropped his hand.

“I’m sure you’re hungry. And thirsty. And you need some more Tylenol. I’ll get it for you. Just rest.” Carlise popped up off the bed, feeling weird about sitting near him for the first time in three days. She placed the phone on the mattress and headed to the kitchen.

Riggs didn’t say anything, but she could feel his gaze on her.

She didn’t know what to say either. Things felt awkward now, and she hated it. This was his home, and she felt like an interloper. Was he wondering how she knew where everything was in the kitchen? How she knew where the plates were? The paper towels? The silverware?

God. Of course he wasn’t. He wasn’t stupid. He knew she’d been there for three days while he was out of it with a fever. But it still felt wrong, going through his cupboards.

She heard blankets rustling and turned around, only to see him getting out of bed. “Where are you going?” she asked without thinking.

He gave her an amused smile from the side of the bed. “Not outside to run a few miles, I can assure you. Just to the bathroom.”

“Oh, right. Of course. Sorry.”

He gave her a look she couldn’t interpret before shuffling toward the door on the other side of the room. Carlise resisted the urge to go to his side to help him. To make sure he didn’t fall. It was one thing to assist when he was sick, but he was obviously on the mend and completely aware of his surroundings. He also seemed steady on his feet. He didn’t need her help anymore.

Why that thought made her sad, Carlise didn’t know. She tried to shrug it off. Things would change now, and she wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.

“Please don’t let him be an asshole,” she whispered before turning her attention back to the sandwich she was making. It would be better for him to have soup or something, but she wasn’t sure he’d like to eat it cold, and she wasn’t up to using the fireplace to heat anything just yet. Maybe when he felt better, he’d show her how to do it.

Though, it wasn’t like she was going to be there long enough to really master the art of fireplace cooking.

That thought made her sad all over again, but she pushed the emotion down. She was relieved Riggs was better. He’d scared her there for a while. All she had to do was wait for the snow to stop and she could be on her way.

She still didn’t know where she was going, ultimately, but she couldn’t hide out from Tommy forever. While she was here, she’d just enjoy the feeling of being safe for now.





Chapter Four