Page 5 of When It Snows

“Did you get hit too many times in the head by a surfboard? I told you I left the island the first chance I got.”

Wow. Someone does not like me. At all. Time to make an exit.

“Good seeing you again, Scarlett.” Pretty name for a pretty woman. Too bad she’s throwing daggers at me with her eyes.

“The pleasure was all yours.”

She tries to shut the door again but I stop her with my hand this time.

“Do you need help before I go? This house doesn’t have a generator and it’s awfully cold outside.”

She motions to the interior. “I have a fireplace. It would have been nice if the rental agency put some firewood in the house, but I’ve got this.”

“There’s firewood stacked up on the side of the house. Do you want me to gather some and help you get a fire going before I leave?”

“Thank you, but no. I’m perfectly capable of starting a fire on my own.”

I know when I’m not wanted. “Have a nice visit to the island.”

I wait until she shuts the door behind me before walking back to my patrol vehicle. Little Scarlett Harris. She grew up tobe mighty fine. Too bad she’s got a mouth on her. I prefer my women quiet unless they’re screaming out my name in ecstasy.

I get in my patrol vehicle and reverse out of the driveway. Time to get the hell out of here.

The rear wheels slip to the right and I correct by pulling the steering wheel to the right. The slip becomes a slide and I pump the brakes. But it’s too late. The patrol car careens off the driveway into a ditch.

Son of a bitch.

Chapter 3

‘Tis the season to be freezin’

Scarlett

As soon as the door is shut, I lean against it. I can’t believe I saw Weston Milton for the first time since high schoolandI called him out for his behavior back then. He didn’t remember me at first, but he’ll definitely remember me from now on.

My knees shake and I slam my palms against the door to steady myself. I blow out a breath and remind myself I’m not Scar the nerdy bookworm anymore. I’m Scarlett Harris. The most wanted Japanese translator in the United States.

Metal crunches and a car horn blares. What in the world? I rush to the window to look outside. The snow has slowed enough to allow me to see Weston’s patrol car in the ditch beside the driveway.

I debate leaving him to suffer by himself – he never went out of his way to help me after all. Oh, who am I kidding? I’d never leave anyone to suffer if I could possibly help.

I shove my feet into boots and throw on a jacket and mittens before rushing outside.

“Do you need help?” I shout.

When Weston doesn’t answer, I make my way to his car. He’s sitting in the driver’s seat speaking into a radio. I wait until he finishes before knocking on his window. He opens the door and steps out.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. But I need get my patrol vehicle out of the ditch.”

I study how the car is situated. The rear tires are in the ditch buried under a foot of snow. I don’t think it’s going to be easy to get the car moving without some help.

“What about a tow truck?”

“The island’s tow truck is currently on the mainland for repairs. It’ll be at least two days before it returns.”

“Bummer. How can I help?”

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