Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
brENDA
I’ve been here for months, and no one has bothered me. That’s all I want. To be left alone. Now this cop wannabe is at my door telling me I have to leave.
“How did you get in here?” My gates are padlocked and chained. “You’re trespassing,” I hiss.
He dares to scowl at me as I keep the shotgun pointed at him. “Ma’am…Brenda, I have the authority to enter any premises if I believe someone is in danger,” he states.
“Well, you’ve done your duty, you’ve told me, and I’m not leaving. So you can take your fancy car and go,” I snark.
He’s driving the latest model dual cab utility. It would’ve cost him a fortune. The petrol and oil it consumes add to the ozone layer.
I wish he would leave.
His pocket buzzes for about the tenth time.
“Are you gonna get that? It’s probably someone who actually needs your help,” I snap irritably. Just go , I shout inside my head.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy looking at the man candy standing on my doorstep. He’s easy on the eyes. With his tall frame and wide shoulders, all packed into his orange overalls with reflector stripes. The dark leather Akubra hides the length of his hair, but dark curls poke out here and there, so I’m guessing he hasn’t had a trim for a while. His large black boots are scuffed and worn.
I don’t dare look at his face until he’s pulled his phone from his pocket.
“Yo,” he answers, “What’s goin’ on?”
As he listens intently to what’s being said at the other end, his face tightens, and he bites his luscious lower lip while screwing up his top lip. Whatever he’s hearing is not good news, by the sound of it.
“Fuck,” he breathes. “I’m at the old Salerno farm. Yeah, I came out to warn the tenant she’d have to evac. Guess it’s too late now. Yeah, we’ll have to ride it out. You know what to do, Matty. I trust you. No, you do what you gotta do. I’ll be fine. Come for me when you can. I’ll try to keep my phone charged.” His handsome face is a picture of concentration as he rattles off orders. But when he pulls his glasses from his face, propping them on the top of his head. I lose my breath as emerald green eyes flick up to mine and then away again.
He's gorgeous. Even if he is wearing a bright orange pair of overalls.
I wonder what he’s wearing underneath.
No . Don’t go there.
He says goodbye to the caller before tucking his phone back into one of the many pockets on his outfit.
McKenzie blows out a slow breath before he raises his eyes to me again. “Guess you better either shoot me or let me help you prep. The water’s on its way. The chance to leave has passed. It’s already over the bridge and heading this way fast.”