Page 38 of The Enemy Face Off

Long before I was old enough to read romance, I used to love YA, fantasy, and adventure books. I'm talking old-timey classics likeRobinson CrusoeandTreasure Island. Immersing myself in the lives of others, from far-off places and worlds so unlike my own, helped me cope with the constant moving and bullying.

When Dad left the military, we relocated here in my senior year of high school because Mom had always wanted to live in a picturesque small town. I knew right away that Comfort Bay was my soul home. It just felt right. I'd never had that feeling in any of the other places we lived.

When Mom and Dad moved up the mountain to Cedar Crest Hollow a few years later, I stayed behind. And I'm glad I did. I know my life isn't glamorous or exciting, but I get all the excitement my brain and heart can handle through books. I actually like the simple life I've carved out for myself.

Even if Mom thinks I should aim for more than working in a bookstore, I'm happy here. I have a close group of friends. I was able to buy a modest house thanks to Mom and Dad helping me out with a deposit. The early morning walks here are the best. And Comfort Bay is the first place where I feel like I belong.There's enough quirky folk in town that it makes my quirkiness not stand out all that much.

I let out a sigh and give the key another turn, hoping that whatever the issue is has miraculously fixed itself in the past sixty seconds, but nope, nothing.

I drop my head. Talk about bad timing.

Evie and Fraser's wedding starts in less than two hours. Since it's such a busy time of year, they've kept it simple—just a ceremony followed by a reception. That's it. No bachelor or bachelorette parties, and the wedding party only includes their siblings. It's a little disappointing since it would've been nice if the Fast-Talking-Five were more involved, but it's their wedding, and I totally respect that.

"Okay, okay what are my options here?" I say to myself.

I could call Dad. He'd drive down to have a look at what's wrong with my car. But there are two issues with that plan.

One, it would take him at least an hour to get here, assuming he could come over right away, and two, there's been some light snowfall up in the mountains these past few days, so I don't want him driving if he doesn't have to.

I take out my phone and scroll through my friend list.

I can't contact Evie since it's her wedding, and she's got enough on her plate.

Hannah and Culver had a huge, combined family Christmas in Starlight Cove and are driving up today, too, but they're taking Chester and Katie with them, so there'd be no room for me.

Summer and Amiel both left yesterday and are already up there.

So…great. I have no one to ask for a ride.

"Dadddyyyyyy!"

My ears prick.

I glance over at my next-door neighbor. Milo, his kids, and two elderly people, who I'm assuming are the grandparents, are on the front porch.

Milo is crouched down, and I can see Jonah clinging to him. Even from this distance, it's evident the little guy doesn't want to see his Daddy go.

Maybe I could ask Milo for a ride?

No.

I couldn't…

Could I?

I watch as Milo gives Josie and Jonah one more hug, and it makes my heart clench. It's amazing how much his life has changed these past few months and how well he seems to be handling it. He's taking to fatherhood so naturally.

"Stay focused, Beth," I remind myself, noticing the time on the dashboard clock.

I chew on my nail, desperately trying to come up with a solution that ignores the most obvious one directly across the lawn from me.

I mean, Miloisdriving to the same place I'm going. Asking him for a ride makes sense.

But no…I can't.

Sending friendly, slightly flirty texts back and forth for the past few months is fine.

Sending friendly, slightly flirty texts on Christmas morning to escape the Hallmarky sweetness of my family by reaching out to the grumpiest person I know in the hopes of basking in some of his grouchy glow, also fine.

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