Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
M allory
Back-to-back snowstorms. Great.
Marjorie had called a little too late mentioning the ugly weather coming into the area. Granted, I hadn’t been paying any attention, listening to Disturbed on my iPad while finishing hanging pictures in the clinic. I wanted everything to be perfect when the doors were opened in a few days.
But I wasn’t going to allow a little snow to interrupt my giddiness. My father’s truck was a serious workhorse and would get me through anything. The hunk of metal had protected him for years.
And years.
And years.
I laughed as I spun around in the front door, whistling as if I’d won a national contest. With the money my father had left me and the funds I’d saved up for years, I’d managed to pull this off. Things would be a touch tight for the first year, but since I’d kept the practice including the clients on the roster, maybe I’d feel successful in a few months.
Sighing, I finally glanced at my watch. Shit. I’d been here for hours. It was well after nine. No wonder I was hungry. The brunch food, while delicious, hadn’t lasted very long in my tummy. The growl was tremendous.
I hated to say it, but I was also exhausted. Maybe I’d finally get a good night’s sleep.
For once.
After turning off the lights, I grabbed my coat, furious with myself for not tossing in a pair of my boots. I needed new ones. I’d gotten used to Virginia weather and while we had snow, it was nothing like what Vermont usually got every year. I made a mental note to go shopping.
When I had time.
Laughter bubbled to the surface.
Until I opened my front door and was hit with a blast of cold air and ice.
Shit. The first thing I did was look down at my shoes. As usual, I’d underestimated Vermont weather. I had been gone for a long time.
The drive was going to be a nightmare, but what choice did I have? Even my coat was too thin. I jerked both sides around me, gingerly heading down the slickened stairs toward the truck. My fingers were almost numb by the time I managed to slide the key into the lock and open the door. The snow was really coming down, ice mixed in.
Hopefully the highway department had already pretreated the roads. The only saving grace was that they were usually pretty good in anticipating bad weather events.
Thankfully, the engine roared to life and I hit the defroster button, blasting the freezing air into the cab of the truck.
After turning on the wipers, I sat for a couple of minutes allowing everything to heat up. By the time I shoved the gear into reverse, I could see a little better out the windshield. Hurray for small victories.
At least there weren’t that many people on the road. I took it nice and slow, heading through town while holding my breath. Thankfully, it appeared the main roads were not too treacherous and I made decent time considering the weather conditions.
Fifteen minutes later, I made the turn onto a less traveled road heading to my dad’s house. There were only three more miles to go. I was looking forward to snuggling under a blanket with a glass of wine in my hand.
After a few hundred feet, the truck sounded like it coughed. What the hell? I peered down at the gauges, but they were old enough they didn’t tell me much other than that I had plenty of gas.
When it sputtered again, I had a very bad feeling. Suddenly, the gauges started to dim.
I was no car expert, but it was either an old battery getting ready to give out or worse, the alternator. Either way, I was shit out of luck. Another sputter and the truck went dead. I did my best not to panic, but a trickle of fear was settling in. I hadn’t seen another vehicle on this road. Not one.
Thankfully, I didn’t skid or run off into a ditch, managing to steer it to the side of the road. The snow was coming down even harder, pellets of ice the only noise and it was already driving me crazy.
I dragged my purse closer, yanking out my phone. Maybe one of the girls could come and pick me up before the storm got too bad. I slid my finger across the screen and groaned. There were no bars, no reception whatsoever. Oh, this wasn’t good at all.
I had no blanket in the truck, no emergency stash including no flashers. With a light jacket and no boots, I could freeze to death before someone came along. What was wrong with me? I knew better. My father had always reminded me every winter to have an emergency bag.
But he wasn’t here this year.
A moment of sadness swept through me until I pulled myself together. I had to figure a way out of this. I blew on my hands, laughing bitterly. No gloves either. I was an idiot. You’d think I was a tourist. Even they dressed better, bundling up in snowsuits before going out.
Five minutes quickly passed. Maybe ten. The chill was turning into freezing cold. When I blew out, I could see my breath.
Damn it.
Panic was really starting to take hold as my stomach contracted into several knots. However, I refused to cry. Someone would come along and I’d be fine.
Another five minutes passed and I was debating making the walk to the house while I still could. Suddenly, there were lights. I almost screamed from joy. The headlights were bright and beautiful, almost like a Christmas tree.
The vehicle slowed as it approached from in front of me. I could just make out through the frosted glass it was a truck of some kind. The cab was much taller than my dad’s old Ford, which indicated oversized tires. When the driver stopped with his or her driver’s window next to mine, the trickle of fear felt more intrusive. What if the person in the other vehicle meant me harm?
Great. Which option was best? Freezing to death or fighting off a stranger?
I left the question open and rubbed my elbows on the frosted window until I managed to peer out. The driver was making a gesture to roll down my window. Thankfully, given my car was so old, I was able to roll it down even though the electrical system wasn’t working.
He did as well and immediately a furry beast lunged toward me, almost managing to jump out of the truck driver’s window. I was shocked, but not scared. The pup was simply eager to meet a newcomer.
“Jax. Down, boy. It’s okay.” The man’s voice was deep, so much so a slight tremor rushed through me, velvety yet rough at the same time. With the snow falling between our vehicles, it was impossible to catch anything other than a slight silhouette of the man’s face. “What happened?”
“I don’t know, but thank you for stopping. The engine just died.”
“Could be your battery or the alternator.”
“That’s what I’m thinking. Do you by any chance have jumper cables?”
It took a few seconds for him to answer and more than a single chill shifted down my spine. I had to remind myself this wasn’t Richmond and I wasn’t in a bad part of town. Still, I was ready to reach for my can of mace.
“Yeah, I do. Why don’t you get in my truck while I see what I can do. At least you’ll be warm.”
The man had no accent, yet I was drawn to the rough tone. However, this was exactly the way horror movies started out. Still, his commanding voice was somewhat comforting and he had a point. “Um.”
“Jax will keep you company,” he said as if realizing why I was hesitating.
Woof!
“Um, okay. If you don’t mind helping.”
“You’ll die out here otherwise. They’re expecting several inches. Come on. I’ll park in front of you.”
A man of few and clipped words. Just fine by me.
My hands were shaking, but I managed to grab the can of mace, sliding it into the pocket of my jacket. I’d been a fool, but I was no idiot. I waited until he positioned his truck before climbing out. The road seemed more desolate than any time I’d traveled it before.
He was already out of the truck before I took a single step. I was careful as I made my way to his passenger door, but managed to slip, almost going face down.
Strong arms caught me, pulling me close to his broad chest. “Careful there. I got you.”
There was a tremendous crackle of electricity soaring in the air around us. Enough so my breath was suddenly taken. He was gentle with his actions as he guided me to his truck. The moment he opened the door, I was able to gather a better look of him.
The man from the hardware store.
The one who’d been watching me at the café.
He was even more gorgeous than I’d remembered, yet there was still a hardness to him that gave off dangerous vibes. He was dressed in all black including another leather jacket, wearing combat boots that I was envious of since my feet were freezing.
After easing me inside, he stood in the snow staring at me for a few seconds with his lips parted. My gaze was drawn to how full and rosy they were while mine were likely thin and white from the frigid temperatures.
“Are you okay?”
God, his voice was rich and husky, the deep tremor matching the way my heart was beating.
I felt a cold nose against my neck and laughed nervously. “I’m fine.”
“Take care of her, Jax. She’s your responsibility.” He closed the door and while Jax was sniffing away at all the smells I had on me, I was watching every move the huge man made.
I had to shift my attention to the side mirror as he headed to the trunk, reaching into the back. His strides were long and purposeful, passing by my window only a few seconds later.
“So, what’s his story, Jax? Huh? Are you going to tell on your master?”
Jax licked my face in reply, his tail thumping against the seat as he panted. I wrapped my arm around him instinctively and he all but melted into me. The warmth of his body was exactly what I needed. His owner headed to my truck, the headlights of his truck highlighting his features better than the afternoon sun had done the day before.
I was thrown by my attraction to him since I’d promised myself I wouldn’t bother looking at another man for a very long time. But he wasn’t just any man.
He was like some statue of a god brought to life. When he opened my hood and bent over, I had to chastise myself for the filthy thoughts drifting through my mind. From what I could tell, he was in incredible physical shape, his dimensions perfect for his tremendous height.
Jax whined, but his tail was still thumping. I took a quick glance around the cab of his truck, which was a hell of a lot more modern than mine. I was hoping to gain some information about him. I wasn’t certain other than if I needed to call the police. Ha. I reminded myself my phone was effectively dead.
Since the stranger remained with his head under the truck’s hood, I couldn’t help myself and snooped. He had a backseat with what looked like two bags of groceries on the floor. I smiled when I noticed there was a dog’s bed and some dog’s toys on the backseat. I stole another glance before daring to open the console between the seats.
As soon as I peered inside, Jax decided that was the moment he wanted to climb onto my lap.
“Oh, buddy. You can’t do that.” I stroked the back of his neck several times, but he wasn’t interested in moving one inch. There was no way I could close the console lid. Oh, this wasn’t good.
I finally managed to budge the pup by a few inches so I could lean over and place my hand into the console. When my fingers wrapped around something cold and metal, I stiffened. Exhaling, I pulled what I was now holding into the limited light.
A gun.
Holy shit.
I could swear the man had radar in the back of his head. He rose to his full height, turning slightly so he could stare into the windshield, his eyes locking with mine. Even though the windshield wipers had a difficult time keeping up with the heavy snowfall, there was a strange and electrifying connection from the intensity of his stare. Inhaling, I slowly pulled my hand free of his console, even offering a waning smile.
Jax licked my face just then and I laughed. By the time I glanced out the windshield again, the cables were attached and the mystery man was headed toward my driver’s door. I said a silent prayer the engine would turn over. I made certain the console was completely closed and breathed a sigh of relief. The man’s vibe was very dark, completely controlling. I also sensed he was a loner.
When I could tell my dad’s old truck was brimming with some life again, I almost jumped for joy. The mystery man kept the cables attached and I watched as he scanned the darkened street inch by inch as if he was looking for something specific.
“Who is your daddy, Jax? Huh?”
The white pup licked my face again in response. I was still freezing to death and nuzzled closer to the huge dog, finally noticing he had a stunning collar, one with various shades of vibrant color. There was even a tag with Jax’s name on it. However, there was no phone number, no address, and no microchip number so if lost, the two could be reunited.
Maybe two minutes later, the stranger seemed satisfied, pulling the cables and folding them in his hand. He left my dad’s truck running and slowly walked around my side to return the cables where they’d been.
I opened the door, snow and ice immediately pinging my face. I shuddered as I carefully stepped out, waiting as the unknown man made his way back in my direction.
“It’s working. For now,” he said gruffly.
“What do I owe you?”
He slowly lifted his head, glaring at me as if I’d insulted him. “Not necessary.”
The man certainly wasn’t going to take any money. There was little I could offer until I thought about Jax. I’d placed a few business cards in my back pocket. With my hands shaking, it took a few seconds to pull one out. As I stretched my arm to hand him one, he took a seriously deep breath. Did he think I was offering him a bomb?
“It’s just my card. I have a clinic in town. You know, if you ever need something for that sweet little pup of yours. It’ll be on the house. Okay? That’s the least I can do for the help you gave me.”
He glanced down at my hand again before taking it. When our fingers touched, there was an instant collision of energy, the frigid air no longer existing. I gasped, immediately sucking in the very cold breath I’d been certain no longer existed only seconds before.
His expression never changed as he pulled the card free, shoving it into his jeans pocket.
“How old is your battery?” he asked.
“Knowing my father, several years. It’s his. I mean it was his.” Great. I was stumbling over my words like an idiot.
“I hope you’re close. Not much juice.”
“Not too far.”
“I’ll follow you to your place to make sure you get there. You won’t make it out in the morning.”
He didn’t give me time to object, merely walking around me to the front of his truck. He was certainly not a big talker and I had no intention of allowing him to know where I lived.
Even if maybe he saved my life.