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CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Olivia stared at the cave, her heart racing out of control.

All she could think of was that root cellar.

Wouldn’t the cave feel the same? The earthen scent, the dark spaces, the cool depths?

She’d rather face the lightning than experience that kind of confinement again.

“Olivia, we have to get out of the rain,” Tyson murmured. “It’s not safe out here in the storm.”

Tyson’s hand was gentle but insistent as he urged her toward the cave.

Against her better judgment, she allowed Tyson to lead her to the mouth of the cave. He checked it first for any creatures and then stretched his arm out, inviting her to take his hand. “Come on.”

As Olivia stood at the entrance, she felt her world slipping away.

Memories flashed back to her . . . memories of darkness and tight spaces. Of captivity. Of helplessness.

A gust of wind suddenly swept around her, sending rain into her eyes. She nearly lost her balance.

Tyson used the opportunity to pull her inside and into his arms.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “I’ve got you.”

She stood stiffly with her back to Tyson as uncontrollable shakes overcame her. The rain burst from the sky in curtains.

Though she faced the entry, she knew the darkness was behind her . . . just waiting to grab her. To pull her in deeper. To take her captive and never let her go.

Her lungs tightened until she couldn’t breathe. She had to get out of here.

“I can’t stay here,” she whispered, pushing against Tyson.

Tyson’s arms tightened around her. She struggled to get out, but Tyson held her firmly.

“Breathe, Olivia,” Tyson said into her ear. “I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen.”

His words didn’t stop her shakes. All she could think of was getting stuck in the cave, of the walls closing in.

Sweat broke out across her forehead.

“It’s okay.” Tyson rocked her back and forth, still holding her in his arms. “Take a deep breath.”

His words reached her this time.

She tried to suck in a deep breath and hold it. Her vision fixed on the opening of the cave, her way of escape if needed.

This wasn’t a root cellar.

And Tyson wasn’t The Admirer.

She could do this, Olivia told herself. She could do this.

* * *

Tyson felt Olivia begin to relax. “Good girl.”

Her shakes slowly faded as Tyson rocked her steadily back and forth.

The trembles finally ceased, and Olivia leaned into Tyson’s embrace.

“Thank you, Tyson.” She closed her eyes.

“Is it okay if I keep holding you?”

“Whatever you do, keep holding me. I feel safe with your arms around me.”

His heart lurched into his throat. “I want you to always feel safe. Let’s sit down while we wait out the storm, okay?”

Olivia agreed. They sat near the cave’s entrance—out of reach of the rain but not far enough inside to cause panic to set in again—listening to the steady rhythm of the rain as it poured down. Bright flashes of lightning were followed by rumbling thunder.

The storm had become a full tempest, the wind howling outside their shelter.

Tyson had made the right call when he suggested getting away from the storm. Staying out in it would have been dangerous. But this cave represented a different kind of danger to Olivia.

“Good thing you spotted this place.” Her voice sounded soft against the percussion of raindrops striking the forest floor outside.

“I used to know these woods like the back of my hand. I loved nothing more than exploring.”

“I can picture a young Tyson doing that.” She wiped some of the moisture from her face. “Thank you again for showing me this side of your life. I feel honored.”

His heart skipped several beats at her words.

Olivia was the one who’d shown him so much.

He’d been so caught up with work that he’d neglected everything else. But Olivia had reminded him what it was like to live—to truly live.

She’d also reminded him about the uncertainties of life. How in an instant, everything could change.

Agreeing to do this project with Olivia had been one of the best decisions he’d ever made.

Olivia wasn’t like Claire. She wasn’t the jealous type.

She understood his passion for this place.

And as Olivia turned around, her gaze meeting his, he realized that all he wanted to do was kiss her.

But was that really a risk he should take?