Page 129 of Through the Storms

Riley grinned. “I’m afraid I can’t help with that.”

“I can.” Lana moved up next to Oakley and kissed her. “Even stuck in a hole, I still think you’re sexy.”

“Aww,” Riley said. “Someday I hope to find someone that talks to me like that.”

Lana smiled. “I think maybe you have.”

Riley dismissively waved her hand at Lana. “I’d hoped so, but I don’t think so anymore.”

Oakley cleared her throat. “Uh, do you think you guys can pull me out of here before we talk about Riley’s love life?”

“Oh, shit, yeah.” With little effort, Riley heaved Oakley to her feet.

Once on solid ground, Oakley brushed off her clothes. As if it would do any good. They’d been sifting through the rubble for hours; likely, her clothes would never come clean.

Riley turned to Lana. “I think it’s about time you take her home. It starts to get dangerous when people get tired.”

“I’m fine,” Oakley protested.

Lana put her arm through Oakley’s. “Riley’s right.” She glanced up at the clouds that nearly covered the moon. A light rain had been falling for hours, making everything damp and slippery. “I’m not sure what time it is, but it has to be getting late.”

“A little after midnight,” Riley said. “The sheriff told me the National Guard is on its way, so we’ll have plenty of help.”

“What about you?” Oakley asked. “Can we give you a lift?”

“You’re welcome to stay with us,” Lana added.

Riley smiled. “I’m gonna stick around for a couple more hours. We’re still finding people.”

Some alive, some not, but Oakley wasn’t going to say it. “That’s why we need to stick around.”

“No. We don’t need to add you to the list of injuries.” Riley’s jaw was firm as she spoke. “Lana, please, get her out of here.”

“I can rest in the car. Then you’ll have a ride when you’re done.” Oakley crossed her arms over her chest.

“I’m covered. The sheriff invited me to stay at his house. I’ll get a little rest, so I can be back out here in the morning at first light.”

“But we should stay.” Oakley stifled her yawn.

“You’re not trained for this, I am. The National Guard is.” Riley shot Lana a look.

“She’s right.” Lana pointed. “We’ve worked our way in a circle. My car is just over there.”

“You sure you’re gonna be okay to drive?” Riley asked. “Didn’t Chloe invite you to stay with her?”

“She did.” Lana smiled and patted Riley’s arm. “She invited all of us.”

Riley’s gaze dropped to the ground. “I know, but I’m gonna be in late and out early, so I don’t want to wake her or Mia. Speaking of, any more word?”

Lana nodded. “I talked to her around ten. Mia had finally fallen asleep, and I don’t think Chloe was going to be far behind. She sounded exhausted.”

“I’m just glad Mia escaped with only a broken ankle.” Riley shivered and then put a hand on Oakley’s shoulder. “It was your fast thinking that saved her when the tornado hit. She wouldn’t have known what to do or where to hide. It could have turned out much different.”

Lana held up her hand and shook her head. “I don’t think any of us want to think about that.”

A bone-weary wave of tiredness ran through Oakley, and she yawned again. “Okay, you guys win. I’m ready to go home.”

CHAPTER 48