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that? I’ll clean up.” He grabbed the dishes and escaped to the kitchen, shutting her down. Again.
    On her way to the laundry room, the cell phone on the coffee table vibrated. She didn’t remember leaving her phone out and grabbed it to answer. If Ryan called and she didn’t answer, he’d show up.
    “Hello.”
    “Umm…I’m calling Jordan. Do I have the wrong number?” A woman on the other end asked.
    “Umm.” She pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it. It wasn’t until she really looked at it. That she realized it wasn’t hers. It was the same phone, but hers had a jeweled cased that clipped onto the back. Shit! “If you hold a moment I can get him.”
    “Wait, who am I speaking with?”
    “Chloe, I own the bed and breakfast he stumbled upon.”
    “Stumbled upon?”
    “It’s a long story, but a snowstorm has him stuck here. He was heading to Idaho. To…umm…sorry I’m not sure the name of the person he’s visiting there.”
    “Megan O’Malley.” Sadness darkened her voice. “He feels it’s his duty.”
    Everything was clicking for her. “You’re…”
    “James’ wife. But I’m surprised he told you.”
    She would have never answered the phone if she realized it was his, but now that she had and someone was on the line that might be able to help him. She couldn’t let the opportunity pass.  She sat on the couch and let out a short laugh. “I wouldn’t say told me is the correct words. But yes I know.”
    “Then you know he blames himself?”
    “Yes. He thinks you blame him too.” It wasn’t her place, the woman was a widow…but her husband was dead and Jordan was here.
    “But I don’t. I tried to tell him that. No matter how many times I tried, he just doesn’t listen. It was war, things like this happen. There was nothing he could do.” Megan sounded desperate on the other end. Her tone said she wanted to help Jordan but didn’t know how. “He needs to forgive himself, or he’ll never be able to move on.”
    “I know.” It was all Chloe could say, but it wasn’t enough.
    “Have you known him long? You seem to care about him.”
    Before Chloe could answer, Jordan walked into the room. “Ahh.”
    “Is that my phone…?” He moved closer to her. “Who’s on the phone?” Jordan snatched the phone from her.
    She mumbled an apology and slipped away to deal with the laundry.
    * * *
    “Who’s this?” Jordan asked, as he watched Chloe slip out of the room. He should be angry with her instead he found his gaze lingering on her swaying hips as she rushed away. He fought the urge to call her back, to wrap his arms around her.
    “Jordan, it’s Megan. I was worried when you didn’t arrive, and this storm. I thought you might still be out in it.”
    “Megan.” The weight of the world landed on his shoulders with a hard thump. “I’m sorry. The car broke down and I’m stuck in Clearwater, Wyoming. I found a little bed and breakfast to wait out the storm.”
    “I’m glad you’re safe. I was worried about you. Jordan…”
    When she failed to continue and the silence dragged across his nerves, he asked, “What?”
    “Don’t mess this up. I can tell from her voice she cares for you.”
    Before he could tell her that she misunderstood the situation, and Chloe was the owner, she ended the call. Instead of calling her back, he stood by the fire wondering if Megan was right. Does Chloe really care or is she just being friendly?

Chapter Nine
     
    Chloe took her time in the laundry room. She folded the bedding and straightened things up, anything she could do to avoid facing Jordan. She didn’t know how to explain what happened without sounding intrusive and guilty. She wasn’t used to guest just leaving things lying about, especially something that closely resembled her own phone. She’d invaded his privacy and she barely knew him. She had no right to answer his phone, but at the same time she was glad she did. Knowing Megan O’Malley didn’t blame