Buried. Elizabeth Goddard

we can’t.”

      “I can’t help you find the answers, Cade, if that’s what you’re thinking. My friend who inherited the place never said anything about the man who used to live here. I’m sure he...doesn’t know. But I’m sorry you lost your father. I’m sure he was very proud to have a son like you.”

      Her words were clearly meant to heal and reassure, but instead they scraped across his wound.

      “I don’t know.”

      Cade strived to live up to the kind of man his father was, but always felt as if he fell short. An awkward silence filled the cab again. He’d gotten too personal.

      She clutched the door handle, glancing back at Cade. “Thank you for saving me today and for bringing me here.”

      “Wait,” he said. “Are you sure you should stay here by yourself after the rough day you’ve had? Especially with the storm coming?”

      “I’ll be fine, I promise.” Something contrary to her words flashed in her eyes.

      Cade was skeptical, but what could he do? “I’ll come in and get the fire stoked.”

      He shoved on his door and the cold air blasted into the cab of the truck, swirling icy snowflakes around them.

      “No,” she said, the force of her words meant to convince. “No, Cade. Please, go home. You’ve done enough.”

      Cade nodded reluctantly, recognizing when he’d been dismissed. He shut the door as she opened hers and stepped out.

      Headlights illuminated the cabin while he continued to wait, thinking he’d watch her go safely inside. For the longest time, he’d been about saving people. She might have sent him away, but the anxiety lurking in the shadows of her blue-greens said she still needed his help.

      How could he turn his head now? As long as he could keep his heart in a safe place.

      Out of danger.