Page 11 of Unlawful Seduction

I dragged my purse closer, yanking out my phone. Maybe one of the girls could come and pick me up before the storm got too bad. I slid my finger across the screen and groaned. There were no bars, no reception whatsoever. Oh, this wasn’t good at all.

I had no blanket in the truck, no emergency stash including no flashers. With a light jacket and no boots, I could freeze to death before someone came along. What was wrong with me? I knew better. My father had always reminded me every winter to have an emergency bag.

But he wasn’t here this year.

A moment of sadness swept through me until I pulled myself together. I had to figure a way out of this. I blew on my hands, laughing bitterly. No gloves either. I was an idiot. You’d think I was a tourist. Even they dressed better, bundling up in snowsuits before going out.

Five minutes quickly passed. Maybe ten. The chill was turning into freezing cold. When I blew out, I could see my breath.

Damn it.

Panic was really starting to take hold as my stomach contracted into several knots. However, I refused to cry. Someone would come along and I’d be fine.

Another five minutes passed and I was debating making the walk to the house while I still could. Suddenly, there were lights.I almost screamed from joy. The headlights were bright and beautiful, almost like a Christmas tree.

The vehicle slowed as it approached from in front of me. I could just make out through the frosted glass it was a truck of some kind. The cab was much taller than my dad’s old Ford, which indicated oversized tires. When the driver stopped with his or her driver’s window next to mine, the trickle of fear felt more intrusive. What if the person in the other vehicle meant me harm?

Great. Which option was best? Freezing to death or fighting off a stranger?

I left the question open and rubbed my elbows on the frosted window until I managed to peer out. The driver was making a gesture to roll down my window. Thankfully, given my car was so old, I was able to roll it down even though the electrical system wasn’t working.

He did as well and immediately a furry beast lunged toward me, almost managing to jump out of the truck driver’s window. I was shocked, but not scared. The pup was simply eager to meet a newcomer.

“Jax. Down, boy. It’s okay.” The man’s voice was deep, so much so a slight tremor rushed through me, velvety yet rough at the same time. With the snow falling between our vehicles, it was impossible to catch anything other than a slight silhouette of the man’s face. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, but thank you for stopping. The engine just died.”

“Could be your battery or the alternator.”

“That’s what I’m thinking. Do you by any chance have jumper cables?”

It took a few seconds for him to answer and more than a single chill shifted down my spine. I had to remind myself this wasn’t Richmond and I wasn’t in a bad part of town. Still, I was ready to reach for my can of mace.

“Yeah, I do. Why don’t you get in my truck while I see what I can do. At least you’ll be warm.”

The man had no accent, yet I was drawn to the rough tone. However, this was exactly the way horror movies started out. Still, his commanding voice was somewhat comforting and he had a point. “Um.”

“Jax will keep you company,” he said as if realizing why I was hesitating.

Woof!

“Um, okay. If you don’t mind helping.”

“You’ll die out here otherwise. They’re expecting several inches. Come on. I’ll park in front of you.”

A man of few and clipped words. Just fine by me.

My hands were shaking, but I managed to grab the can of mace, sliding it into the pocket of my jacket. I’d been a fool, but I was no idiot. I waited until he positioned his truck before climbing out. The road seemed more desolate than any time I’d traveled it before.

He was already out of the truck before I took a single step. I was careful as I made my way to his passenger door, but managed to slip, almost going face down.

Strong arms caught me, pulling me close to his broad chest. “Careful there. I got you.”

There was a tremendous crackle of electricity soaring in the air around us. Enough so my breath was suddenly taken. He was gentle with his actions as he guided me to his truck. The moment he opened the door, I was able to gather a better look of him.

The man from the hardware store.

The one who’d been watching me at the café.

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