The car pulled up directly in front of mine, the headlights shining into my dash. The rain was so thick I couldn't make out the car at all. Probably an ax murderer.
The driver got out of his car and came around to my passenger-side door. Even through the rain, I recognized the person. It was Ian, wearing his army-issue rain gear.
I leaned over and unlocked the door to let him in. The sound of the rain outside was intense as he threw himself into the chair.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. A thrill tangled up in my stomach. I wanted it to be him and I didn't want him to be here all at once.
“You didn't come home,” he said, sounding perfectly reasonable. “And you weren't answering your phone.”
I looked down at my cup-holder to see my phone had several missed calls. I hit the sound button and realized it was on silent. Oops.
“And so you just came out to get me?”
“Nah.” Ian shrugged. “I thought I'd just drive around in a tornado.”
A peal of thunder echoed down the road as if accenting his words.
“Thanks,” I said, feeling a warm glow come over me. No one had ever rescued me before.
“I was afraid you were trapped out on one of those trail
s, to be honest. Why are you just sitting here in the middle of the road?” Ian's eyes were dark with concern and it melted my heart. I instantly hated the idea that he had driven through the rain thinking I was lost and afraid, only to find me chilling in my car.
“My car's stuck in the mud,” I explained. “The wheels just keep spinning and I can't get any traction.”
He nodded. “Want a ride home?”
I almost said yes immediately. My rule of thumb was if Ian offered, take. But, that would mean leaving my car here and I had no idea how to get back in the morning. It would be just like him to leave me stranded with no way to get back here.
“I'll bring you back tomorrow morning when the roads are dried. Promise,” he quickly added. “Your car will be fine here for the night.”
Thunder rumbled, making my decision for me. “That'd be great. Thanks.” I bit my tongue. “My camera's under your legs. I don't want to leave it. The rest of the gear is fine, but the camera's important.”
“Oh, sure,” Ian replied, reaching down and grabbing it for me. I wished I could have put my hands between his legs to get it, but that would be out of character for me. Even with Ian. I wrapped the case up in a sweatshirt from the back of the car and looked out the window.
“Here,” Ian offered, handing me his raincoat. “For the camera. Ready?”
“Thanks,” I replied, feeling a little gooey at the sweet gesture. I wrapped the camera up and nodded.
***
Together we opened our doors and sprinted towards Ian's waiting jeep. Just stepping outside had me completely drenched and I was incredibly grateful to Ian for protecting my livelihood with his raincoat.
Blinding white light filled up my vision as lightning struck a tree just down the road from our cars. The sound of thunder was instant and deafening, leaving my eyes blurry from the light and my ears ringing.
I couldn't help it. I reached out for Ian, my fear overcoming every good sense in my head. It took me a moment of blinking to realize that Ian's arms were wrapped protectively around me. I pressed into him, trying to soak up his warmth and strength. The rain was freezing cold, but he was warm and comforting.
“Sorry,” I whispered, looking up at him through the rain.
Despite the rain and the lightning, in his arms, I felt safe. Wanted. Loved even.
He brushed a rain-soaked strand of hair from my face. My heart was pounding in my chest, which was suddenly too small to contain it. He was so close. So warm, So strong. And touching me. His blue eyes peered into mine like I was everything he'd ever wanted. If he kissed me now, I'd die of pure joy.
Thunder shattered the moment, reminding us that we were in the middle of a forest in a massive thunderstorm. Besides, I shouldn't feel like this about him. Not with him. Anyone but him.
Ian pushed gently on my shoulder, hurrying me to the jeep and keeping one hand on me until I was safely inside. I instantly felt bad about getting his seats wet, but there wasn't much I could do about it now.
“Don't worry about the water,” Ian said as if reading my mind as he settled into the driver's seat. The rain wasn't as loud in his car as it was in mine. I pulled my seat belt across my lap, trying to ignore the tingle on my shoulder where he had touched me. I wished I had another excuse for him to touch me again.