Page 5 of Marked

“Right,” I managed, trying to ignore how my skin still hummed where he’d touched me. “Because that would be too civilized?”

Chapter 2

The road stretched ahead of us, dark trees looming on either side like silent spectators. I needed to fill the silence before my imagination ran wild with thoughts of exactly how many bodies could fit in the bed of this truck.

“So, do you often rescue stranded motorists, or am I just special?” I asked, aiming for casual and probably hitting somewhere around mildly unhinged.

Caleb’s lips twitched. “Only the ones with questionable grocery choices. Seriously, how many types of instant ramen did you buy?”

“Hey, don’t judge my survival strategy. Some of us can’t live off the land like…” I gestured vaguely at his entire… everything. “Whatever woodland deity you clearly are.”

He laughed, deep and genuine. “Woodland deity? That’s a new one.”

“Well, you appeared out of nowhere in the middle of nowhere, offering help like some kind of lumberjack guardian angel. What else am I supposed to think?”

“Just a local good Samaritan,” he said, still grinning.

“Please tell me there’s at least cell reception out here?” I held up my phone like a divining rod. “Because I have seriousconcerns about becoming the start of a horror movie. You know, city boy moves to creepy cottage, loses phone signal, never heard from again?”

“It comes and goes,” he said diplomatically.

“Goes more than comes, I’m guessing? Great. Do the local bears at least have Wi-Fi? Maybe I can negotiate some sort of interspecies data-sharing agreement.”

His laugh filled the cab again. “Bears might be the least of your worries out here.”

“Oh God, what’s worse than bears? Please don’t say wolves. Or axe murderers. Or axe-murdering wolves.” I paused. “Though I suppose that would require opposable thumbs…”

“You always this imaginative?” Caleb asked, looking far too amused.

“Only when I’m being driven to a remote cottage by a suspiciously helpful stranger who looks like he bench-presses trees for fun. Speaking of which, is that like, a requirement around here? The whole…” I waved my hand at him again. “…mountain man aesthetic?”

“Mountain man aesthetic?” Caleb repeated, clearly enjoying himself. “That’s just how people grow out here. Must be something in the water.”

“Mental note: stick to bottled water. I barely manage my current five-foot-six status. Any more growing and my entire wardrobe would revolt.” I squinted out the window at the passing shadows. “So what else should I know about this neck of the woods? Are there any local customs I should be aware of? Secret handshakes? Mandatory barn raising events?”

He chuckled. “You’ve been watching too many small-town movies.”

“Hey, my entire knowledge of rural life comes from Hallmark channels and horror films, and given the current situation, I’m leaning toward horror.” I ticked off points on my fingers.“Broken-down car? Check. Handsome stranger? Check. Creepy woods? Double check. I just need to trip while running and my horror movie bingo card will be complete.”

“Handsome stranger, huh?” His grin was audible.

“Oh please, you own a mirror. Unless that’s against the local customs too? Along with cell reception and probably pizza delivery?” The horror of that last thought hit me. “Wait. Please tell me there’s pizza delivery out here?”

“Well…”

“I’m going to die. Death by pizza deprivation. My tombstone will read ‘Here lies Kai Chen, who never knew DoorDash could dash away.’”

Caleb’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. “There’s a great diner in town.”

“A diner. Singular. As in one? One single establishment responsible for all my future food cravings?” I slumped in my seat. “Do they at least have decent coffee? Because I noticed a disturbing lack of Starbucks on my way through town.”

“Cedar Grove Diner has the best coffee in three counties,” he said with surprising conviction.

“That’s either really impressive or really concerning depending on the competition.” I straightened up as a thought hit me. “Oh God, please tell me there’s a grocery store closer than the one I just left. Because I’m pretty sure half my ramen supply is currently achieving escape velocity from my trunk.”

“There’s a general store about fifteen minutes from the cottage.”

“A general store. Like, with actual barrels of things? Do I need to learn to barter? Trade my city-slicker ways for a pound of coffee beans?”

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