Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)

“Okay,” I say, taking a deep breath. I watch in surprise as Fallon does the same, matching her breath to mine. “Check your valuables.”

“I don’t have any,” she says. “At least, nothing that can’t be replaced.”

“I hope you have renter’s insurance,” I reply. “Most of this furniture is a loss.”

“It’s not mine. This place came furnished. But, man, this sucks.”

“Big time,” I agree. “Do you have family you can stay with?”

“No.” She doesn’t elaborate.

“Well, I have a guest suite. You’re welcome to it.”

“You don’t think I can stay here?”

I stare at her, then look back at the gaping hole in the ceiling, the one still dripping water. The floor is soaked with at least three inches of standing water. “No. It’s not safe.”

She sighs. “You’re right. I can get a hotel.”

“I swear, you can use the guest suite,” I repeat firmly. “I’m not using it, and it’s relatively private. You’ll even have your own bathroom.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because that’s what we do here. We help each other.”

She shakes her head. “You wouldn’t last a week where I come from.”

“And where’s that?”

“Chicago.” I watch her thoughtfully as she sloshes over to gather her computer. “At least this didn’t get wet.”

“Does that mean you’ll come to my place?”

“For tonight,” she confirms with a nod. “Thanks for the offer. I’ll gather some things and follow you out there.”

“Let me help.”

“It’s just some clothes and toiletries,” she says. “It won’t take long. I’ll call Jenna from the car. You can go ahead and go. I’ll be right behind you.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?”

She smiles and nods bravely. “This is a piece of cake.”

“Then you’ve been eating the wrong cake,” I reply. “I’m going to swing by the store, and then I’ll be home.”

“Is yours the house by the sanctuary?” she asks.

“That’s the one.”

“I’ll meet you there,” she says.

I leave the way we came, through the back door, and rush to my truck. I swing into the grocery store to buy some staples, including pistachio ice cream. When I’m home, and the groceries are put away, I quickly survey the guest suite. The sheets are fresh and clean. I set out towels in the bathroom and make sure everything is sparkling.

It won’t do if Fallon shows up to anything less than comfortable.

While I’m waiting for her to arrive, I make a call to my assistant at the sanctuary, letting her know that I may be late in the morning and asking her to find someone to cover the feeding, and then I call my brother, Gray.

“You’re not usually up this late,” he says.

“It’s not even ten yet,” I reply.

“I’m just saying, you’re not a night owl. What’s up?”

“Fallon’s going to be staying with me for a few days.”

Gray’s silent for a moment, and I think the call dropped. “Hello?”

“Is this my brother, Noah, who doesn’t invite women to his house?”

“You’re funny,” I reply and quickly tell him about my date with Fallon and finding the ceiling caved in at her place. “So she’s going to stay here tonight or until it gets figured out.”

“Look at you, mister knight in shining armor.”

“It’s the right thing to do,” I insist.

“Sure.” He clears his throat. “So, the date must have gone well if you’re asking her to sleep over.”

“Why did I call you?” I ask aloud.

“I don’t know, why did you?”

I sigh. “Because I like her. I don’t know her well yet, but I really like her.”

“Then be a gentleman,” he says soberly.

“I’m not going to insist she share my bed.”

Even though I’d like to. Something tells me we’d be hot in bed together.

But he’s right. That’s not the way to start something with a woman, and I intend to start something.

“I’m also giving you the heads-up because Jenna will most likely call you to patch the ceiling.”

“Sounds good,” he says. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do. Thanks, Gray.”

Chapter Three

~Fallon~

“The ceiling caved in?” Jenna asks in my ear. I’m driving to Noah’s place, most of my clothes, toiletries, and electronics in the backseat.

I always travel lightly.

“It did,” I confirm. “I’m sorry, Jenna. I have no idea what happened, but I’m assuming it was a leak.”

“No, I’m sorry. Where are you going tonight?”

I bite my lip. “To Noah’s.”

Jenna’s quiet for a second. “Noah King?”

“Yes. We were on a date when we discovered the mess, and he offered me his guest suite.”

“Reeeeeally,” she says, her voice full of smiles. “Tell me more. How many dates have you been on?”

“Only one,” I say with a laugh. “But he seems nice. At least, I hope he doesn’t plan to murder death kill me in my sleep.”

“He’s the best,” she says with confidence. “He’s one of my brother’s best friends. You can trust him not to hurt you. But, honestly, I feel horrible, and I’d be happy to pay for a hotel if that would make you feel more comfortable.”