Page 7 of Serious Cowboy

“Wreck your car or did it break down?” he asked her, getting right down to business. He registered the floral scent ofspring flowers which were utterly out of season right now. The fragrance must be coming from her.

“Got a flat, I think, and it made me lose control.”

She did look a bit… rattled. Callie wasn’t tearful or anything, but her usually pink lips were colorless. He frowned.

“You have a spare?”

“Yeah, it’s one of those little donuts I think.”

Of course, it was. That’s about all you could get these days unless you had a truck or SUV.

“That’s not going to be safe in these conditions.” Speaking of the conditions, several large flakes slid down his neck and behind his shirt collar. He yanked up his hood, even if he should’ve already. “Have you called anyone?”

“I was about to. It just happened.”

Her hands were shaking as she reached into her purse for her phone. The problem was that with her facing the wrong direction in the wrong lane, this tiny toy of a car could easily get smacked by a big pickup or SUV and wind up totaled. Maybe even left in pieces. That wouldn’t be good for the Miata or the other vehicle.

And she’d just been sitting there like that. Had she not recognized the danger she’d been in?

Through the blowing snow and the beam of his headlights, he spied a small pull off area up ahead next to a cattle gate. It was her best bet.

“See that spot?” He pointed. “Think you can get your car over there?”

If she could, she’d at least be off the road. It wasn’t the most optimal of solutions, but it was better than nothing. Then, in daylight when there weren’t snowy conditions hampering things, he could help get her into a tire shop.

“Maybe…”

He stepped back and observed her as she slowly maneuvered over to the point in question. Then, he approached and opened her door. She glanced up at him in confusion.

“Come on. You can’t stay out here all night.”

“Thank you,” she said, and while her voice was filled with relief, the blue illumination from her dashboard displayed her features to be edged with something else. Unless that was just how the shadows had feathered across her face.

“Are you hurt?” He should’ve asked that earlier.

“Oh, no. No, not at all.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

He held out an arm for her to take to guide her to his passenger side. Normally, he wouldn’t act as chivalrous as this, but she seemed unsteady on her feet. She might think she was uninjured, but Zeke didn’t feel as confident. People could sometimes have injuries or wounds they were unaware of.

“Want me to take you to your brother’s?” It was what Zeke felt compelled to do. Tim would know what to look for to make sure she was okay.

“Not necessary. I’m fine. I’d rather… If you would be so kind as to take me home, I can give you directions.”

Zeke hesitated, tightening his lips. He didn’t mind driving her wherever, but if she had a concussion or something, her being alone wasn’t a good idea. He looked her over. Zeke wasn’t a medical expert, but he knew some of the signs.

“Do you have a headache?”

“A headache? No.”

“Are you feeling nauseated?”

She blinked. “No.”

“No dizziness or disorientation?”

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