Page 44

CHAPTER 5

And then it was over. Houston pulled in a deep breath. The building was still standing above them. He could still hear the wind. The rain. The harsh sounds of the two of them breathing. “We’re safe.”

“The lights…” her voice was so tight. She was still shaking. “When will the lights come back?”

“As long as our generator system wasn’t hit, we’ll be good in about two minutes.” He rolled to his side, getting off of her. “I didn’t crush you, did I, sweetheart?”

He wasn’t really thinking about what he was doing. Houston just did what felt right. He scooped her close in the dark. He honestly expected her to push him away. But she didn’t.

He made the decision then. They weren’t moving until the lights were on and he could see the woman’s face. He sat up, leaned against the wall. “Come here, honey. We’re good. It didn’t get us, I promise.”

He pulled her close, arranging her between his legs, her shoulder leaning into his chest. She was soft in all the places a man like him appreciated. His finger tangled in her hair.

One small, feminine hand wrapped around his forearm. “I’m sorry. I’m…being an idiot. It’s just…the dark brings back memories I’d far rather forget. The storm, too. It…was storming that night, too. Sometimes, I just can’t forget…”

Then, as if she’d realized what she said, she stiffened. “I’m sorry. How long do you think we’ll be stuck here?”

Her tone had changed into that confident, ‘I’m in charge’ Brooke Jacobs tone that drove him insane.

In that moment, Houston figured her out: it was all an act. Brooke hid the real her behind a mask. To protect herself.

“Until the lights come back on.” He made sure to keep his hands in safe territory—just like he’d want some man to do if he was trapped in the storm with Houston’s own sister—as he pulled her a little closer. “We’ll be ok. Now…it might be a good idea to tell me what’s going on with you and Hoby.”

She stiffened immediately. A shudder ran through her again. In an instant.

“Tell me why he scares you.”