Coast Guard Sweetheart by Lisa Carter

her hands on her hips. “Unlike you, I don’t walk away and abandon what’s important. I need to move everything to the second floor. I’ve got a lot invested in this lodge. Not to mention it’s my home.” Her lips quivered momentarily.
    Sawyer hardened his heart. “It’s not worth your life.”
    Honey rolled her eyes. “Dramatic much, Kole?”
    Sawyer advanced. “That’s your department if I remember correctly.”
    Backpedaling, she folded her arms across her denim shirt. “I’ve lived through a dozen storms in my lifetime already. A real Shoreman isn’t scared of a little wind and rain.”
    â€œA real Shoreman ought to have enough sense to come out of the rain, especially hurricane-force rain. This storm isn’t like the others. Your father called. I’m here to take you to safety.”
    Honey actually snorted—as unladylike a gesture as he’d ever seen from the Hostess with the Mostest. “I’m not going anywhere with you. Being with you, I learned the hard way, doesn’t equal safety. Not by a long shot.”
    She hefted a crate of blue pottery and placed it on the stair landing. “But if you’re bound and determined to be useful, why don’t you grab Daddy’s armchair and hoist it up here.”
    â€œWe’re leaving, Beatrice. Now.”
    She descended the stairs and lifted another box full of checker pieces and beach rickrack.
    â€œYou can do this the easy way or the hard way, Beatrice. Your choice.”
    She spun, her boots making eddying swirls in the water. “When has anything with you been my choice?”
    He fought to keep his temper under control. “I don’t have time to hash this out with you right now. I’m trying to save your life!” The last part ended with a roar.
    She drew back. “I’m not leaving. And you can’t make me, Petty Officer Kole.” She tipped her chin in defiance.
    In two strides, he crossed the living room and plucked the box from her arms. “Watch me.” Setting it on the first stair, he grabbed hold of Honey.
    Seizing her waist, he slung her over his shoulder. She landed with a whoosh of air on her stomach. She pounded his back and sputtered indignant threats of reprisal. He clamped an arm around her dangling jean legs as she tried to squirm free.
    â€œLet go of me.” She pounded her fists on his shoulder blades.
    He winced but continued toward the entrance.
    â€œI hate you.”
    He slogged forward. “Old news, Beatrice.”
    She yelled at the top of her lungs.
    He ignored her. She grabbed hold of the doorframe and hung on. Water had breached the top of the porch.
    â€œLet go, Beatrice. Or I’m going to dump you on your fair derriere right into the Machipongo and let you dog paddle your way to my truck. But one way or the other, you and Max are leaving here.”
    She stilled. “Max? What are you talking about? He went with Dad and Amelia to the hospital hours ago.” She released her hold on the door.
    He allowed Honey to slide with a small splash toward the floor. His chest tightened. “Your father said Max stayed here with you. When’s the last time you saw him?”
    â€œMax was upset about Amelia being in pain. And about the baby coming. He went looking for the dogs and—” She clapped her hand over her mouth.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI haven’t seen Blackie and Ajax in hours, either.”
    â€œAnimals sense when these things are coming. They tend to burrow somewhere till the worst is over.”
    Her face went pale. “You don’t think he’s out there—” she choked off a sob “—searching for them?” She squeezed his arm. “Sawyer, what are we going to do?”
    We.
    His heart slammed against his rib cage. The first time since he’d returned she’d said his name.
    Max’s life was at stake. And he wouldn’t let her down.