But he couldn’t do it. They lived in different states, and he was starting his new job at the end of the month. She deserved more than a kinky one-night stand. Even though he’d make it a night she’d never forget.
A cool, light rain fell as he reluctantly released his hold. “It’s my job to protect my guests.”
She moved beside him, giving him the same tight smile she’d given the insurance agents. “You did your job. They’re not going to bother me again. I’m sure you need to check on the other guests, and I want to enjoy this moment.” Her soulful brown eyes locked onto his, and he realized at once he’d made a colossal mistake. “Alone.”
He took a step closer, lifting his hand to touch her face before dropping it to his side. “Allie, if things were different—”
The rain went horizontal, and his blood ran cold.
The winds had shifted. The tornado was being pulled into the core.
“Get back in the minivan,” he said in a firm voice. She opened her mouth to speak, and he cut her off. “Now. We have to get out of here.” Obviously realizing the seriousness of the situation, her eyes widened, and she ran toward the vehicles.
Despite his urge to carry her off and take her somewhere safe, he had a job to do. Another sixteen lives depended on him, including his sister’s.
“I need everyone to return to the van,” he shouted over the roar of the winds. The distant tornado wasn’t distant anymore.
Cole quickly herded the panicked guests to the vehicles. They had a few precious minutes to outrun the twister.
A tug on his arm surprised him. Out of breath, Allie gazed up at him with worry. “I can’t find Taryn.”
“Maybe she’s already back in the van.”
She shook her head. “I checked all three of them. She’s not there and neither is—”
“Jack.” The last time Drake had seen Taryn she was yelling at his best friend. He scanned the fields and spotted a small structure. He could think of only one reason for Jack and Taryn to have gone inside, especially after witnessing in the past few days the heated way his friend had gazed at Taryn when he’d thought no one was looking. “Allie, tell Cole to get his van out of here and head west.” He fished out the extra keys from his pocket and handed them to her. “Get Mary and Eric, and you drive Jack’s vehicle. Follow Cole. I’ll find Taryn and Jack and meet up with you.”
She looked as if she wanted to say something, but she smartly ran for the minivans. He clenched his fists as he headed toward the shed. He’d better not find Jack fooling around with Taryn, because if the tornado didn’t kill Jack, he just might.
While Drake had honored their agreement not to get involved with the guests, Jack had to go and risk everyone’s life because he couldn’t keep it in his pants.
With Drake’s sister.
Gritting his teeth, he crossed the wheat field, the rain and wind battering him as he cursed under his breath. Out of nowhere, Allie appeared at his side, and his anger at his friend immediately morphed into fear. “I thought I told you to take the van and get out of here.” The rumble of the wind grew louder, and the ground shook as the tornado approached.
“Taryn is my best friend. I’m not leaving her behind,” she shouted over the noise. “Where is she?”
He pointed at the wooden structure located about a hundred feet ahead of them. “I’m guessing she and Jack are inside that shed.”
If they couldn’t get out in time, they’d have to take shelter there, but he wouldn’t trust it to withstand winds over seventy miles an hour. It was a gamble. One he didn’t want to take with Taryn and Allie’s lives.
He grabbed Allie’s hand, and they dashed the remaining distance to the building.
There was always a risk when chasing storms. He knew it and made certain the participants of the tour knew it. They signed three different waivers printed in bold. Yet despite the risks, he never thought he’d ever find himself or the participants in any real danger. He took all the necessary precautions, and in the years he’d chased tornadoes, they’d never come this close. He’d assumed science and technology would give him the ability to keep them safe. He never thought his obsession with storms would lead to injuries of the ones he cared about the most.
The guilt of placing his sister and Allie in the tornado’s path soured his stomach. When they got out of this alive—and there was no other option—he’d make it up to both of them. He’d do whatever it took to ensure Taryn’s happiness, even if it meant giving his blessing to date his best friend. As for Allie, if he had the chance, he’d hand her the world on a silver platter. She deserved happiness after everything she’d been through.