Page 51 of Saved By the Boss

Finally, I nod. Despite everything that’s happened to me, I don’t think he’s dangerous. I’m sure I’ve seen him around before, once or twice, and Ron acts like he knows him, so he must not be a complete stranger. Plus, it’s nice to not have to overthink anddoubt every normal human person for once. Not to mention someone who looks as good as this stranger.

“All right. Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

He nods, his expression unreadable, and turns back to the counter to pay for his things. Tawny leans in close, her voice a low whisper. “Okay, who is that, and why does he look like he walked out of a lumberjack calendar?”

“I have no idea,” I whisper back, my heart pounding for reasons I can’t quite explain.

“Well, he’s hot,” she says, grinning. “It’s like a rom-com come to life.”

“Stop,” I hiss, but I can’t help smiling. Leave it to Tawny to turn a simple act of kindness into something ridiculous.

4

Declan

The snow is falling lightly as I step outside the hardware store. I adjust the collar of my coat and make a dash to my waiting truck. The groceries are inside a weatherproof bag, and it’s too cold for anything to go bad. I quickly load the generator into the back of the truck, satisfied that I finally have everything I need. With one slight complication.

I go back into the store to make firm plans with this woman I’ve ridiculously agreed to help. I don’t know why I did it. Usually, I try to avoid people as much as I can. My trips into town are short and infrequent, not long enough for anyone to get a foothold in my life. It’s easier that way.

It wasn’t that she seemed helpless or incapable, either. Her ramrod straight posture and guarded expression told me more than words ever could. She’s been through something, but she isn’t weak. Though I’ve seen her around before, today was the first time I really took notice of her, and suddenly I found myself wanting to know her more. The words were out of my mouth before I’d even registered I was saying them.

Inside the store, I find the two women again. One of them I know by name, but only from her diner nametag. Tawny. She’s hard to miss, always chatting up customers, always laughing. The other woman has dark hair, sharp eyes, a small yet curvy frame bundled in a coat that looks just a little too big for her.

She hesitates when she sees me approaching, her conversation trailing off. Her eyes dart to Tawny, then back to me, a flicker of recognition passing across her face.

“Hey,” Tawny greets me, her tone friendly, though I can see the curiosity in her eyes. “You’re not a serial killer, right?”

It’s all I can do not to burst out laughing, but I simply nod, meeting her gaze evenly.

“Right,” I confirm, trying to sound as sincere as possible.

Tawny elbows her friend lightly. “See, Jade? He’s not a serial killer. Just a Good Samaritan.”

Jade. So that’s her name. She still looks a bit wary and embarrassed from her friend’s brazenness, but she smiles weakly at me, a gesture of good faith.

“It’s very kind of you to offer,” she tells me. “But really, I can manage myself.”

“Your car is on the fritz,” Tawny butts in, clearly to Jade’s annoyance. The woman huffs and shoots her friend a significant look I can’t miss.

“It’s her first winter in her new place up on the mountain,” Tawny tells me, implicitly trusting me though she’s just met me. “We’re just making sure she has everything she needs to stay warm.”

“I can relate,” I answer, directing my remark toward Jade. We haven’t even officially been introduced, but I feel the need to put her at ease. I want her to know my intentions are completely pure.

She’s beautiful, anyone can see that, but I’m not doing this for any other reason than… well, come to think of it, I don’t know why I’m doing it. But I’ve already given my word and I’m not backing down now.

“Jade,” Ron says, meeting us at the counter as she begins to unload her things, “you’ve met Declan before, right? He’s our local hermit. He comes down off the mountain every few months to get some supplies and then scampers back up the way he came.”

I grimace slightly at this. Do they really think of me as a hermit? That’s not going to inspire much confidence in her.

“Of course,” Jade finally says, her apprehension shifting to slight recognition. “I knew you looked familiar. It’s nice to officially meet you, Declan, and thank you again for your offer. I’ll only accept it because I don’t think these two will let me rest until they’re sure I’m ready for this storm.”

“That’s right,” Ron confirms. “The wood will be here by seven a.m. sharp tomorrow. You both meet me here and I’ll get you loaded up.”

“I could help split the wood, if you need,” I offer, again realizing my mouth has run away from my brain. Suddenly I’ve turn into Santa’s little helper. I’ve been in this town for years and never offered anyone anything before. Maybe this was my brain’s way of saying I needed to socialize more. “No sense waiting ’til morning if the storm’s coming.”

Ron shakes his head, already waving me off. “The storm’s not supposed to hit for two days,” he says confidently, and I decide to trust him. He’s probably been through dozens of storms like this. “Plenty of time to get it sorted. Besides, my neighbor’s handling it for now.”

“I don’t mind,” I insist. “It’s not like I’ve got anything pressing to do.”

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