Page 3 of Mountain Protector

Well. Yes. It could hurt. But I don’t want to get into it with Kate, so I settle for something safer.

I really don’t think he is. And that’s okay. My only real neighbor is nice and helpful. I’m happy with that.

Not moments after I hit send, my phone chimes again. But this time, it’s not Kate.

Like I summoned him just by thinking about him, the message is from Knox.

Just wanted to check in. Looks like we’re going to get almost a foot tonight. I was thinking I could stop by in the morning to help clear the snow. I know you’ve got someone to plow the driveway, but I can do the path and check the roof. What do you think?

Oh.

He reallyisnice.

And while I’m more than capable of doing the shoveling on my own, I’m not offended by his offer. By now, I know he’s just the kind of guy who wants to help people. I saw it firsthand when he stopped by to introduce himself, only to find me struggling to unclog the downspout for one of my gutters. He didn’t hesitate to climb up the ladder and get himself dirty, not just unclogging that gutter, but all of them.

So of course, I had to make some cookies to bring over in thanks. It was only polite.

A pleased smile pulling at my lips, I type out several replies before settling on one.

If you’re sure you have the time. I don’t want to keep you from work.

Knox replies right away.

I definitely have the time. Do you think you’ll drive into Montpelier tomorrow? Or will you work from home?

Hmm. If a foot comes down, depending on when it stops, driving could be tricky. And I do have the option to work from home when I want, a perk of my new role as CFO of the company.

I’m not sure. But if I do, I’ll go in later. Let the plows get a chance to clear some of the roads.

Pausing, I hold a quick inner debate before sending another message.

Is it too much? But we’re friends, right? Friends share meals. Unless… he thinks it’s too pushy? But it’s morning, and he’s here…

Ugh.

Just ask him.

Do you want breakfast while you’re here? I could cook up some eggs and bacon.

On a held breath, I wait for his answer.

Yes. That would be great. Does seven work?

Remember. We’re just friends.

But my smile as I reply says otherwise.

Seven sounds great!

I guessit’s a good thing I’m going in to work late tomorrow.

Partly because of the snow that’s still falling steadily, and according to the weather reports, not predicted to stop until mid-morning. I already emailed my assistant to let her know I’ll be working remotely until at least noon, and depending on road conditions, possibly the rest of the day.

But the bigger reason is because of my own lack of willpower.

I blame my favorite author, really.

She really shouldn’t write books that are so hard to put down. There should be a break at some point—theI know you need to get some sleep so the intensity of the plot will ease up for a bitpart of the book.

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