Eddie’s heart stuttered as she took in Liana’s beauty.
“Hey,” Liana said. She gave a little wave. She stepped out onto the back porch. She wrapped a scarf around her neck. “You’ve been out here for a while. Thought you might like some company.”
“There’s a lot to do before the next storm blows in.” Eddie wiped her glove against her forehead.
Her gaze didn’t leave Liana who stepped farther onto the porch. The boards creaked under her boots.
“It’s stunning out here.”
Eddie followed her gaze. There was anendless sea of white. The only color came from the dark firs and the faint shimmer of the creek in the distance.
“Yeah. When it’s not trying to kill you.”
That made Liana laugh. “You don’t sugarcoat anything, do you?”
“No. I believe in being up front and honest.”
Liana glanced over at her. There was a hesitation in her expression that caused Eddie to be curious as to what was running through her head.
“Eddie, I was just thinking. My phone is still in my car, and my bag. I probably need to go and check in on my car. I’m sure it’s snowed in, but my sister’s probably losing her mind right now.”
Eddie’s gut tightened. She’d been expecting Liana to bring up her car. She blew out a deep breath. She should have thought of asking Liana if there was anything in the car that she needed, but she had been rushing and trying to get her to safety.
“That road is probably covered under a good three feet of snow. You’re not getting near that car without a snowmobile, and I don’t have one with me.”
“I know,” Liana breathed. “I’m not saying I’llgo alone. But maybe later today? Can we try? It’s just…I need to at least try. I don’t want Jorrie calling in a search party because she hasn’t heard from me. Or Terri for that matter. I was supposed to be at her home and I didn’t show up.”
She wouldn’t want Liana’s sister and friend becoming worried. Liana was safe, but they wouldn’t know that. She glanced in the direction of the road and knew the only possible way of making it to the car would be in her bear form. Her beast would be much faster, and she would be able to handle the terrain.
“I’ll go. Once I’ve checked the rest of the property. You stay here where it’s warm.”
Liana’s mouth pressed into a stubborn line. A gust of wind blew, causing her hair to cover her face. She brushed it aside and shook her head. “I just hate sitting around not doing anything. I’ve cleaned the kitchen, straightened up the cabin, and I’m one step away from reorganizing your pantry. Let me help with something. I’ll go with you.”
“You can’t. Not with that ankle. You’d slow me down.”
“It’s fine. The wrap is holding. See?” Lianaraised her leg to show off the wrap that Eddie had redone before she’d come outside.
“Liana.” Eddie stepped closer, her voice dropping low. This woman needed to understand that she was trying to keep her safe. Why didn’t she get it? “You nearly froze to death. Twice. I’m not about to risk that again.”
Liana’s expression softened. She nodded after a moment.
“Okay, but only because you look like you’re about to throw me over your shoulder if I argue.”
“Don’t temp me.”
That earned a laugh from Liana. Eddie gripped the handle of the shovel tight. The fantasy of tossing her woman over her shoulder and carrying her into the house almost had her moving, but she fought to remain where she stood.
“Now go back inside where it is warm. I promise I won’t be out here much longer.”
Liana studied her before she gave a small smile. “Okay.”
She went back into the cabin. The door shut gently behind her. The porch felt emptier without her there. Eddie turned back to the yard.The snow glittered under the weak sunlight that peeked through the clouds. Every sound was magnified—the distant groan of tree limbs shifting under the burden of snow, the drip of melting water from the eaves.
And then beneath it all, a whisper.
Eddie’s entire body went still. She listened, and there it was again. She tilted her head back slightly and inhaled deep.
A scent.