by Ruby Madden
Charlene hopped inside and made her way into the sparse but clean space. The cabin was rustic but lovingly maintained, furnished exactly as one would come to expect for a cabin-home.
She threw herself on the sofa letting out a sigh of relief so big, he could hear it.
“That good, eh?” He teased.
“God yes. Who knew an old, beat-up sofa in a cabin that isn’t mine would make me so happy?” She said, her eyes twinkling at him.
“I’m glad, I think it will do fine for what you need it for. I’m sure you’re used to nicer accommodations?”
Charlene studied him, knowing that he was fishing for info. “Yes, actually. But nice surroundings are no longer nice when they come at a high price,” she said, near-whispering.
“Very true…”
Ryker set about getting their gear inside and then kneeled by Charlene’s side.
“How is your ankle doing?” He asked while he gingerly examined it again, looking again for any signs that it was broken, just to be sure.
“I think you’re right, just a sprain. A bad one, but not broken. The Vicodin you gave me really helped with the pain.”
Ryker looked at her and noted the warmth in her gaze. She was looking at him fondly, admiringly. It made him feel silly but good, at the same time. He liked tending to her. Caring for her. It struck him, at his core. That he genuinely cared for her well-being, even though they were virtual strangers. But a day like today had fast-forwarded their sense of familiarity with one another.
“Good, just let me know if you need more Vicodin?” He asked.
“If that’s okay? You don’t mind? I’ll make sure to find a doctor tomorrow. Tonight, I just want to rest.”
Ryker nodded in agreement and went to his waist-pack to find her another pain pill. As he rummaged, she shared that her Aunt had informed her that there was an old, beat-up Volvo that was in perfect working condition that Charlene could use while she stayed at the cabin. It was parked in the garage.
“Good. You’ll need a car to get around this area. Being so remote.”
“Agreed. I’m grateful. I feel so needy…” she shared, her voice trailing off.
“I’m glad you have a place to stay and people to help you.”
Charlene studied him, “Speaking of which, thank you for being my angel today.”
“My pleasure. I’m glad I was around when you needed help. Hate to think where you’d be right now if I hadn’t come along…”
He studied her face, noting that she was being very genuine. It made him feel good.
“You’re welcome to stay the evening, overnight – if you need,” Charlene said while attempting to stand up.
Ryker looked at her and laughed. “I think I will, if only to help you out. Being in a new place and all…” he motioned around him.
“I know, right? Help me get around… You’re a godsend. Will that get you in trouble?”
“Nawh, I’m off duty tomorrow as well. I requested some time off. I’m good,” he quipped, sharing so she wouldn’t worry. “Is it okay if I look around the place? See what there is in the kitchen and where we can sleep?”
“Help yourself. Thankfully, they were up not too long ago and were kind enough to leave some food. My aunt said she stocked up the kitchen for me.”
Ryker wandered into the kitchen and opened up the cupboards. Sure enough, there was plenty of food and it was well-stocked.
“Is it okay if I make us something to eat? You hungry?” He called out from the kitchen.
“By all means! Yes, I’m starving actually…” Charlene called back.
Ryker decided to make them some grilled cheese sandwiches and set about preparing their food. He managed to find what he needed with little ease and soon, he had a simple little meal for them.
He brought Charlene a plate and a glass of lemonade, along with some potato chips. “It’s not gourmet, but should hold ya over,” he said as he handed her meal to her.
“Thank you,” she said appreciatively, her eyes caressing his lean, muscular arm as he extended it to her with the plate of food.
Ryker felt her admiring gaze and paused. Once again, he felt a zing of intense attraction zip through his body. He’d never quite responded to anyone like this, so intensely and it was only confirming what he’d figured out earlier.
Charlene was his mate. He was sure of it…
He returned to the kitchen to get his plate and drink, then sat down in a large chair next to the sofa. They ate in silence, both very hungry from the long day and arduous hike.
“There’s ice cream in the freezer. Want some dessert?” Ryker asked, noticing that Charlene had polished off her sandwich in no time.
“Sure, that sounds great. What kind?”
“Rocky road and cookies-n-cream. I can do a scoop of each if you like?”
Charlene smiled at Ryker as if a man offering her ice cream was a rare occurrence. “I’d love that, my husband normally doesn’t allow me to eat sweets…” her voice trailed off as she realized what she said, revealing too much. “But that doesn’t matter now. He’s outta my life for good. Bring on the ice cream!”
True d’at! What an asshole…
Ryker picked up their plates to take back to the kitchen and placed them in the dishwasher. He pulled out a couple of bowls and got the ice cream out of the freezer. While he scooped them both ample-sized servings, he thought about Charlene’s predicament. Having her life completely controlled by a mean asshole who clearly didn’t appreciate her. It made his blood boil.
He returned, appreciating the big smile he got from Charlene when he handed her a bowl of ice cream. She literally looked like a kid who’d just been set loose in the candy store. Watching her as she dug in, his thoughts couldn’t help but circle around her predicament. He was genuinely worried for her safety.
Would she be safe up here alone in Emerald Lake?
Charlene took a big bite of ice cream, rolling her eyes upwards in approval. “God, after a day like today, this tastes like heaven…”
Ryker took a bite of his ice cream and nodded in agreement. “Very tasty… So, what are your plans now that you are safely in hiding?” He asked casually, hoping she didn’t mind his prying.
“Well, I started doing editing services about a year ago for a friend who’s a writer. I was always really good at English and composition. So, I needed work that I could earn, doing it anywhere. With a laptop, I can pretty much work from anywhere. So, I’m going to keep growing my editing business until I can afford to take care of myself and get my own place. I was thinking about getting a part-time job too. Not sure doing what exactly, but I’m not picky. I’ll take anything at this point.”
Ryker nodded, “That’s a good plan. I like it.”
“Thank you. I’m hoping to one day do some writing myself. Learn the trade, try my hand at publishing. I’ve got some story ideas.”
“I don’t have a creative bone in my body, so more power to you. I envy that. Wasn’t so good at English comp either. More of a math and sciences guy.”
“We all have our differing talents. What do you do in the military?”
“I work in a special forces unit,” Ryker answered, not at liberty to divulge too much more.
“Interesting! I imagine it keeps you on your toes?”
“Very.”
“Is it challenging?” Charlene asked, her curiosity piqued.
Ryker studied her face, wondering how he could get them off the topic of what he did in the military. He truly wasn’t able to reveal much about what he did. He had no choice but to keep things vague with those who were close to him in his life, let alone a woman he’d just barely known for a day.
“It is. I deal with some fairly intense stuff. But it seems I’m predisposed for it,” he said, then standing to gather up their empty ice cream bowls to put away in the dishwasher. It was the only way he could think to deter the conversation going any further about what he wasn’t at liberty to talk
about.
While in the kitchen, Ryker noticed the time and it was later than he’d realized. He knew he was tired, surely Charlene was too, especially with the Vicodin in her system. He returned to the living room and sat back down again.
“It’s been a long day… where would you like me to sleep?”
Charlene perked up and smiled warmly at him. “The den has a futon or you can take the sofa, wherever you think you’d be most comfortable,” she said, her eyes seeming to indicate an intimacy that he wondered if he was imagining.
Not that now would be the right time for it. He needed to get his mind out of the gutter, no matter how strong his attraction to her.
“I think I’ll check out the den then. See if there is a blanket. You need help getting to the bedroom?” He asked, nodding towards her injured ankle.
“Nawwh, I think I’ll be able to hop along okay down the hallway, thank you.”
“Anything you need me to get set up for you? Help you with?” He asked, wanting to make sure there wasn’t anything more that he could do for her.
“I’m good. Thank you again for all of your help today. I mean it, you’ve been my angel,” she said demurely.
“Good night then. Just holler out if you need anything. It’s no bother,” Ryker said, then stood up to make his way to the den.
“Good night, Ryker. Sweet dreams,” she said softly, her voice caressing his ears like a gentle kiss, causing him to shiver.
He’d have to push her out of his mind somehow, if he were to get any rest that night.
CHAPTER FOUR
[[ 4 ]]
CHARLENE
Charlene lay in bed, her mind spinning. When she’d woken up that day, never in a million years had she imagined that she’d be thinking about any other man besides her soon-to-be-ex spouse. Despite being very tired, exhausted even, her thoughts circled around all the events of the day.
Ryker.
Wow.
His commanding and in-charge personality was so hot. The way he’d gone the distance with her, not backing down at all. Wanting to do the honorable thing and help her. He’d said it was his civic duty, but Charlene knew it was more than just that.
She’d felt it. She’d seen it. The way his attraction to her flickered across his face, revealed itself in his eyes, sat on the surface of his skin.
That type of insta-chemistry couldn’t be denied.
She didn’t want to have to say goodbye to him the next day. When he needed to head back in and report for duty.
Was it crazy to have developed such a strong bond with someone, so quickly?
She sighed and rolled over, willing herself to go to sleep. Finally drifting off, she dreamt of a handsome stranger coming to her rescue.
* * *
Upon waking, Charlene immediately smelled coffee. As she stretched, her ankle reminded her that she was injured and she gasped. With the Vicodin having worn off through the night, there was no denying how badly sprained it was.
Carefully stepping out of bed, she winced as she hopped out into the hallway and into the bathroom. Slowly she made her way to the toilet and sat down to relieve her bladder. She wanted to take a shower, but wasn’t quite sure how she’d manage doing that just yet.
A good shower first thing in the morning always made her feel better about facing the day. She was thinking she’d have to bypass it today, give the swelling in her ankle a chance to calm down.
She washed her hands and face, brushed her teeth, pulled her hair back into a ponytail and prayed inwardly that her appearance wasn’t as horrible as she felt. The smell of coffee was luring her. Done with the bathroom, she made her way down the hallways slowly and into the kitchen. Ryker sat at the table, eating some eggs and drinking coffee.
“Good morning. How’d ya sleep?” He asked, standing to help her make her way to the table, pulling out a chair for her.
“Good. How about you?”
“That futon in the den was mighty comfortable. I passed right out,” Ryker shared.
Charlene smiled at him, she was glad to hear it.
“Would you like some eggs, toast and coffee?” Ryker asked, standing up and heading over to the stove.
“God, yes. To all of the above. Thank you.”
She could get used to this. A man selfless and thoughtful enough to consider her needs and not solely his own. She wasn’t used to it and didn’t take it for granted.
Most mornings had been a blur of her preparing everything for her soon-to-be ex, ensuring that he was fed, dressed properly and sent out into the working world. And no matter how hard she tried, he’d always found fault with something. Any little, petty thing to make her feel crappy first thing in the day. Demeaning her in whatever way he could imagine.
Over the years, she’d become numb then immune to his criticism and eventually, purposely began to slack on the morning routine, not caring any longer.
She watched as Ryker prepared her some breakfast, poured her a cup of coffee and set both before her on the table. He then brought over the creamer and sugar before sitting back down at his spot. She watched, her eyes riveted yet again to his lean, muscled forearms and elegant hands. His strength appealed to her.
She wanted to reach out and caress him…
“Thank you, Ryker. You’ve been incredibly kind. I want to return the favor, one of these days. Make a meal for you. Promise me you’ll come up and visit so I can do that for you. I’m a really good cook.”
“I’d like that, I would. Never been one to turn down a good home-cooked meal,” he said, not hesitating in the least, his eyes twinkling at her.
“Good, I’m looking forward to it,” she said, smiling shyly.
She took a bite of her eggs and then set about doctoring up her coffee, drinking a healthy slurp once done.
“How’s your ankle?” Ryker asked, a look of concern flashing across his face.
“It’s pretty sore and swollen. Badly sprained. I think I just need to keep off of it and ice pack it as much as I can tolerate. It’ll be okay, I’ve dealt with worse.”
Ryker’s face flinched at that confession and she saw a flash of anger run across it as well. Suddenly, she felt bad. She hadn’t mean it that way, but it was the truth. She’d suffered enough injuries in the last few years to last a lifetime. She’d gotten used to pain. She knew her tolerance level was high. Likely higher than it should be.
Maybe she did need to go to the doctor to have it checked out?
She pushed the worrisome thought aside, wanting to enjoy breakfast with Ryker. She knew he would need to leave at some point and she was already dreading his absence. She could get used to a man like him.
Ryker picked up his backpack and pulled out the first aid kit he’d used the day prior. He opened the pain medicine bottle and poured out some Vicodin pills next to her coffee cup. “This is for the pain, should tide you over until you get to the Doctor.”
“Thank you, I’ll definitely use them”
They sat, quietly eating their breakfast and drinking coffee, each waking up to the day. Charlene peered out the sliding backdoor and noticed that a doe and her fawn were grazing nearby.
“Oh my goodness! Take a look…” Charlene remarked, pointing behind Ryker and indicating for him to turn around. “Beautiful…”
When he turned around to look out the window, she noticed that his reaction was anything but pleasant. He seemed to be straining against some sort of internal reaction, as if he couldn’t control himself.
Was he in pain?
“Are you okay, Ryker?” She asked, puzzled and worried.
Ryker stood up, forcing a smile to his face and disappeared around the corner into the hallway. “Just need to use the bathroom. Be right back.”
Charlene was stumped. Why would he react so oddly to some wildlife in the backyard?
CHAPTER FIVE
[[ 5 ]]
RYKER
Ryker turned around in his chair and imm
ediately wished he hadn’t looked. His inner bear leaped inside of him, the predator instinct kicking in once it caught sight of the deer. He fought and struggled to remain composed, once again reprimanding himself again that he hadn’t shifted recently.
This was ridiculous!
Sitting there, visibly fighting for control over his inner bear, he knew that Charlene would notice. The only thing he could think to do was to get up and leave the room.
Quickly, he stood up and disappeared into the hallway, telling her he needed to use the bathroom. Stepping into the bathroom, he locked the door and sat down on the toilet, taking in deep breaths to calm himself and gain his composure.
Damn it Ryker! Pull it together…
It’s not like he was hungry or anything, just needed to let his primal animal out. He needed to get outside and make a shift deep in the forest. He hadn’t wanted to leave Charlene just yet, but it was looking like he’d have to unless she was okay with suddenly finding a black bear inside the house.
He focused hard on his human side, forcing his inner bear down. It took a lot of energy to suppress when it got bad like this. His head spun from the internal battle. Thankfully, after a few minutes, he was able to gain his composure back. He sat on the edge of the bathtub, breathing deeply to help balance himself. Eventually, he began to feel calmer. Collected.
Pulled together.
Finally, he made his way out of the bathroom and back to the kitchen table, he was grateful to see that the deer had left.
“You okay?” Charlene asked softly, a concerned look on her face.
“Yeah, just drank too much coffee too fast. Nothing to worry about,” he said, doing his best to maintain a calm and in control demeanor, for her sake.
“Okay, good,” she said, picking up her coffee cup and then taking a sip, peering at him curiously.
“Other than your step-aunt and uncle, do you know anyone up here?” Ryker asked.
“Nope, just them,” Charlene said, shaking her head back and forth. “But I’m looking forward to meeting new people, getting to know the local folk.”
“That’s good. It will help you to move forward, move on…” Ryker said, genuinely hoping that she could find a sense of community in her new hometown. “Have you spent much time up here?”
