but he was the only one who knew that. “No. I actually don’t sleep in my hat or my boots at home.”
“I didn’t think so.” She moved around on the mattress, bumping into him.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking off my sneakers. I can’t sleep in them another night.”
After a moment, she curled up next to him and it was a little too close for his comfort. But he was in control, he told himself again.
“Did you take your boots off?”
“No.” He wanted to be ready in case Izzy made an appearance. Egan wouldn’t tell her that, though.
Finally, the silence was wonderful as they gave in to the tiredness of their bodies.
“I’m really sorry for what you went through, Egan.”
“I know. Just go to sleep, and tomorrow you’ll be back with your family.”
“I’m excited and dreading it at the same time.”
“Just relax and everything will go smoothly.”
There was a long pause. “Can I see you before I go back to New York?”
He moved restlessly, not wanting to have this conversation. “I’d rather not.”
“I never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. I know you don’t want to hear that, but I’m just being honest.”
“Rachel...”
“I’m very aware you don’t want to be attracted to me.”
“You got it.”
“You don’t have to be cruel.”
“I’m not. I’m just being honest, as you said.” He flipped onto his side and waited for her to stop talking. They didn’t have anything else to talk about, and the less they said, the better it was for both of them.
“You’re very stubborn.”
“Mmm.”
Egan must’ve fallen asleep, because the next thing he knew, his back was warm and he was uncomfortable. A raspy sound came from Rachel. He leaned over and touched her forehead. Damn! Her skin was red-hot. She had a fever. He jumped from the bed and gently shook her.
“Rachel, wake up. We have to go.”
“Is it morning?” she asked sleepily. “My head hurts and I feel funny.”
“I must’ve missed one of the scratches because you’re burning up with fever. You need medical attention, so we have to leave now. Can you put on your sneakers?”
“What?”
“Put on your shoes. I’m going outside for water.” He grabbed his hat and slammed it onto his head.
When he came back, Rachel was slumped over on the bed, asleep. He shook her awake. “Come on. You have to wake up.” He held the canteen to her lips. “Drink this.”
“Oh, it tastes wonderful.”
He ripped her ruined top into strips and soaked them in water. As he secured the wet cloth around her neck, she drew back. “What’s that?”
“Something cool to bring down your fever.”
“It feels good.”
He searched for her sneakers on the floor. The lantern was a few feet away, but he didn’t have time to light it. They had to go. He’d never put shoes on a woman before and found it a chore. “Help me here, and stop scrunching up your toes.”
“I can put them on myself,” she complained.
But he had them on her in seconds and laced them up. He helped her to her feet. “We have to start walking.”
“Didn’t you say we couldn’t walk in the dark?”
“We don’t have any option now. You need a doctor.”
He fished his phone out of the duster and shoved it into a pocket of his jeans. Grabbing his rifle, he ushered her to the door. He didn’t take anything else; it would only slow them down. Once they were outside, he closed the door. They never locked it. There wasn’t a lock, even if he’d wanted to. This far back in the woods, if anyone wanted to break in they’d find a way. Besides, there was nothing valuable in the cabin but memories.
He filled the canteen one more time and looped the strap over his neck and shoulder. “Stay right behind me,” he told her as they started off.
She didn’t answer.
“Rachel?”
“I’m so hot.”
“I know. That’s why we’re walking.”
It had to be about 5:00 a.m. and it was slow going. He’d cut a trail to the cabin a long time ago, but there were still some low-hanging branches and overgrown yaupons. Rachel stayed close behind him and he made sure none of the branches hit her.
The morning was cool. Soon birds began to chirp, so daylight wasn’t far away. Suddenly, Rachel fell into him, and Egan turned quickly to catch her before she injured herself further.
“Uh-oh.”
“It’s okay,” he said, holding her up.
“I’m dizzy and feel sick to my stomach,” she mumbled.
He lifted her into his arms and began to walk at a faster pace. He had to get help soon. As they reached the ridge, the morning sun peeped over the treetops like a golden angel flapping her wings. He began to run. Since he could see clearly, he wasn’t afraid of falling. But after a mile or so he dropped to his knees, needing to rest.
Placing Rachel on the green grass, he took a couple deep breaths and then reached for the canteen. He soaked the cloth and her body with it.
“My leg hurts.”
Her right leg was swollen at the calf. Damn! With his knife, he slit her jeans to ease the pressure. He immediately saw the infected red scratch. He’d missed it. He said another cuss word under his breath.
“I’m floating, Egan. Don’t let me float away.”
He stroked her sweat-soaked hair away from her face. “I won’t. Just hold on, sweet lady. We’re getting close.” Leaning back, he pulled out his phone and checked for a signal. There still wasn’t one.
“I like that.”
“What?”
“Sweet lady.”
He hadn’t even realized he’d called her that. It had just slipped out.
“I
