Page 24 of Knotting With A Stranger

“Clearly, he recognizes quality when he sees it.” There’s a smile in her voice. “But seriously, I can’t thank you enough for helping me out.”

“No thanks needed,” I say. “Some things you just don’t ignore.” Then I crank up the heater, trying not to be too obvious about watching her in my peripheral vision. The cold has brought color to her cheeks, and snowflakes melt in her dark curls. She’s beautiful, in an authentic way. Not polished or perfect, but alive and vibrant even while obviously scared.

“So,” she begins as Thor snuggles closer. “Where’s the closest town to get some help for my car?”

“Not in this weather.” I focus on keeping us steady as the truck slides slightly. “My cabin’s about twenty minutes up—assuming we don’t get blown off the mountain.” She arches an eyebrow, and I can’t help chuckling. “I promise I’m not a serial killer.”

“Exactly what a serial killer would say.” But she’s smiling, too. “Though I guess Thor’s a pretty good character reference.”

“He’s never steered me wrong.” I navigate around a fallen branch. “Once we’re there, you can try the landline. Cell service is usually spotty up here even without the storm.”

“You live here full time?”

“Nah, I’m in Cedar Hollow usually. Come up here in the mountains with friends to ski, climb, get away from civilization. To escape basically.” A particularly strong gust hits us broadside, and I tighten my grip on the wheel. “Though this storm came out of nowhere.”

“You’re telling me. The forecast said light snow, maybe some wind, which is why I’m here traveling to Pike Mill in Cedar Hollow to pick up supplies.” She scratches Thor’s head absently. “Shows what they know.”

“Weather up here has its own ideas.” I steal another glance at her. She’s still shivering slightly, so I edge the heat up higher. “You’re not from around the mountains?”

“Whispering Grove. Run a bakery with my sister. But I was on my way to pick up supplies.” Her tone warms talking about it. “Been there all my life, but apparently, that doesn’t make me any smarter about mountain weather.”

“Whispering Grove is about two hours south of our location now. We won’t make it back there in this weather.”

She nods, clearly understanding.

“Right now, it feels like another planet.” She peers through the windshield at the worsening conditions. “I don’t suppose you have a secret helicopter stashed somewhere?”

“Fresh out of helicopters. Though I do have hot chocolate at the cabin.”

“Bribing me with chocolate?” Her laugh carries a nervous edge this time.

I catch her eye briefly. “I know this isn’t ideal, but I’ll get you somewhere safe. Promise.”

She gives me a soft smile.

“So what did you need from Pike Mill?” I ask, genuinely curious about what would drive someone to brave these conditions.

“Specialty flour.” She says it so seriously, I almost laugh. “My sister needs it for a wedding cake. I volunteered to pick it up because, apparently, I’m an idiot who doesn’t check weather reports properly.”

“Brave,” I correct.

She smiles, and something in my chest tightens. “Though, usually, my terrible decisions don’t involve potentially freezing to death.”

“Sounds troublesome.” I work the steering wheel, fighting the blizzard that tries to pull us in every direction but straight.

She shrugs but is busy staring out the window, her hand clutching the door handle.

The truck slides again on a particularly bad curve, my stomach lurching, and her grip tightens.

“So, why a malamute?” she asks suddenly, still fussing over Thor, who seems determined to become one with her lap despite his size.

“He found me, actually.” I guide the truck around another treacherous bend, trying not to focus on how her Omega scent seems to be seeping into my upholstery. I’ll be smelling peppermint and mountain flowers for days. “Showed up at a rescue site two years ago. Lost, starving, freezing. Refused to leave.”

“Love at first sight?”

“More like stubborn determination. Reminded me of someone else who wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“Ex?”

---