“I think someone else did.”
“But why?” My eyes moved from his brow down his nose and to his perfect firm lips. I watched them when he spoke.
“We have to figure that out before we leave this house.”
“And if we can’t?” I swallowed hard, wondering if he wanted to kiss me as much as I wanted to kiss him. I needed the friction of his mouth. The taste of his tongue. The bite. The blistering heat.
“Then protecting you is going to be a hell of a lot harder.”
Chapter Seven
AJ roamed from room to room. He checked the back door at the kitchen exit, along with the side door that led into a mudroom. I wasn’t sure he was convinced we were secure for the night. He walked into the living room.
“I think we should move the candles into the back bedroom, along with our bags.”
“Why?” Part of me was happy to get away from the map. I hated seeing it. It made me shiver.
“For one thing, I don’t like how this big oak tree leans toward the living room.” He pointed to the monster tree in the front yard. “If even one of those branches snaps off in this storm, we could be crushed under this part of the roof. And if we’re in the back corner, I can almost guarantee I’ll take out any target that walks through the bedroom door. The window is low enough we can climb out if we’re outnumbered.”
I cringed. “I hate all of this. The storm. The psycho. All of it.”
“I know you do, but we need to focus on what makes the most sense. It’s the most strategic spot in the house. And the safest with a hurricane on top of us. Come on. I’ll grab my bag too.” He reached low and hauled it over his shoulder.
We made a few trips to take the candles into the bedroom, then the other supplies and box of matches. We had used only two to light all the candles. I didn’t like the thought that we needed to preserve anything. I could stomach one night here, but that was it.
AJ looked around. “There was a bucket on the back porch wasn’t there?
A big silver one?”
“Maybe? Why?”
“I’ll be right back.” He hurried out of the room. I heard the kitchen door open. A few minutes later he returned with a full bucket of rain water. “For the bathroom,” he explained. “The toilet will still work as long as we add water to the bowl.”
“Oh, great,” I lied.
“I put a candle in there too. So, you know. Just umm…”
I giggled. “Now you’re acting shy around me?”
“Come on, I’m trying to—”
“To be a gentleman. I know. I appreciate it.” I smiled. “I guess I should be glad we’re not out camping in a tent or something.”
“You aren’t exactly the outdoorsy type,” he teased.
“I like my fancy hotels.” I pouted. What I wouldn’t give for one of those now. A soft bed of fine down. A mint on the pillow. Room service. A bottle of wine.
“It’s better than being out in a hurricane,” AJ added.
I finished laying the quilts in a makeshift bed. I wasn’t looking forward to sleeping on the floor, but I doubted either of us would sleep much anyway. How did we know if we were alone? What if someone came in the house? He could have a key or access we didn’t know about.
I unzipped my suitcase. “I guess I should put on dry clothes. I’m freezing.”
“It should warm up in here soon with the candles clustered together.” He shoved them in a circle. “Too bad there isn’t a fireplace in this room instead of out in that sitting room.”
“But there’s no wood.” I rummaged through my suitcase looking for something dry and warm to wear. I never under packed.
“True.” He smirked. “This house is unique, isn’t it?” He ran his hand along the doorframe.