Into the Storm by Melanie Moreland Read Free Book Online

soon be over. Suddenly, I shook my head. I had a satellite radio in the house. I had never even thought to turn it on. Rabbit had totally taken over all my thoughts. Maybe there would be some news of a missing person on it and we could get some answers today.
    I made my way back to the house and entered via the mudroom. Both Bear and I shook ourselves off and I hung up my coat, leaving my clothes on. I would change after a hot shower. Entering the house, Bear padded his way over to Rabbit, who was standing by the stove again. I watched as she greeted him affectionately and grabbed a towel to help dry him off. I shook my head at how the sight of her in my kitchen, tending to my dog, looked so right. Stepping forward, I laughed. “Now someone is getting spoiled with all that attention.”
    She looked up shyly. “What does he normally do?”
    “ Lies by the fire.” I smiled as I went over to add some logs to the fireplace.
    “ Ah. I guess that makes sense.”
    “ Do I smell coffee?” I asked hopefully as I came closer to the kitchen again.
    Rabbit nodded and handed me a cup. I sat down at the table and took a deep drink of the hot liquid.
    “ Wow. This is delicious. Did you put something in it?”
    “ Um ... cinnamon.”
    I took another sip. “It’s great. I’m gonna have a quick shower and get out of these wet clothes."
    “ I’ll have breakfast ready when you’re done.”
    I stood up, shaking my head. “You don’t have to do that, Rabbit. I don’t want you pushing yourself.”
    “ I know. I want to. Please? I feel like I’m contributing. Not just being ... in the way.”
    Something in her voice made me stop. I looked at her, but she was looking anywhere but at me.
    I stood in front of her, hesitating, then lifted her chin, and looked at her. Her eyes, once again, told me exactly what she was thinking. I could see the worry and apprehension in them. The new plan went right out the window and I found myself wanting to take those feelings away. This time it was me that leaned down and gently pressed my lips to hers. “Not in the way, Rabbit,” I whispered quietly. “Not even remotely in the way.”
    I pulled away and made my way down the hall. Pausing, I turned around. She was sitting at the table with her fingers on her lips, staring at me. For a minute, we just stared. Then we both smiled and I went to have my shower, cursing my weakness when it came to her, yet remembering the softness of her lips on mine the whole time.

    Omelettes and toast were waiting when I went back to the kitchen. Sitting down, I smiled as I looked at my plate.
    “ I hope you like omelettes?”
    “ Absolutely. Mine never look quite like this though.”
    “ Sorry?”
    I laughed. “Mine tend to look more like scrambled eggs with lumps. Never quite figured out the turning and folding trick.”
    I dug in and smiled at her again. “They certainly never taste like this either.”
    “ What do they taste like?”
    “ Um ... well, scrambled eggs with lumps, I suppose,” I chuckled.
    She smiled and began eating. I was amazed at how comfortable it was to sit and share a meal with her. I was used to the silence surrounding me, and although I didn’t feel the need to fill the quiet with conversation, I did want to try and draw her out some more. I loved hearing the sweet timbre of her voice.
    Rabbit spoke up before I could think of anything to say. “Do you think the next time you go to the barn I could go with you?”
    I looked at her as I chewed another delicious mouthful. “Why?”
    “ I thought maybe if I saw the car, I might remember something.”
    I nodded. “That’s a good idea. We’ll go out later. I remembered I have a satellite radio in the cupboard. We’ll turn it on after breakfast and see if we can get the local station. See what’s happening out in the world.”
    “ Okay.”
    Nothing. There was nothing on the radio except warnings to stay off the roads and how extensive the storm was. It was expected to rage for