Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
brENDA
I knew what I was doing when I built this raft, and I’ve prepared for most scenarios, so hopefully we’ll reach dry land.
I’ve been watching McKenzie from the windows as I prepare to save what I can before the water which is ankle-deep now and rising fast. He leans into his ute, which I know is his pride and joy, grabbing his phone. He answers with a “Yo, talk to me,” before listening to whoever is on the other end. His answers are short, but I can’t hear what’s being said. When he shoves his phone back into his pocket with purpose, I guess the call wasn’t a good one.
He told me he’s the head of the rescue crew, so I can only imagine how he feels being stuck here with a strange woman who lives in a broken-down farmhouse. He could have left any time, but he stayed. It’s something new to me.
But I can’t help wondering if he would’ve been so helpful if I told him the truth. Would he have stayed? I’d like to think he would. Blood rushes to my cheeks as I remember him helping me off the tailgate of the ute.
I trudge down the steps, my box of important papers under my arms.
McKenzie takes a snap of his car, and I feel bad that he’s probably going to lose his vehicle. The water is at my calf height now, just below the top of my gumboots, so It won’t be long before the raft starts floating.
A thought hits me, and I hope McKenzie thinks so too. “Hey, what if we put your car up on ramps?”
He had been staring down at his boots, which aren’t waterproof, so would already be wet, but he glances up at me, his eyes filled with curiosity.
“Just how are we going to do that?” his brows knit together in a frown.
“Behind the shed is a garage of some sort,” she replies. The former owner must have done his own repairs, so he built a garage to do it.
We wade around to where it is, and I show him the hoist. “If we can get the ute in here and raise the hoist as far as it will go, you might not lose it,” I proclaim.
“Won’t the water be in the generator by now?” McKenzie asks, hope evident on his face.
“They’re up, out of the water so far,” I state, feeling slightly better knowing he might not lose his pride and joy.
I press the down button and the hoist lowers. “Go. Get your ute. Hurry.” I urge him.
He doesn’t hesitate and it’s only minutes before I hear the motor rumbling closer. I guide him up the ramps, and when it's in position, McKenzie cuts the engine, climbs out, and shimmies down to the waterlogged floor, before hitting the key fob to lock it up. I press the button, and the vehicle hoist rises as far as I can get it to go.
Hopefully, it won’t go under. If it does, I’ll probably have no home to bring my animals back to.
“Ready to go?” He inquires as he slips his keys into his pocket.
I watch him, savouring the way he moves. Perhaps I’m a little jealous that he treats his car like he should treat a woman.
It breaks the spell, and I stop staring at him.
“Yep,” I blow out on a breath. Nope, I tell myself silently. I don’t know how I’m going to survive on a raft with you.
I don’t think I packed enough panties.