Page 9 of The Merriest Christmas

Arms crossed, frown pulling his lips down into a scowl, eyes flashing with a mix of what looked like irritation and…worry.

Was that for me?

Nah, I decided.He hadn't thought of me for years.And I shouldn't be thinking about him now.

Shaking my head, I focused on the road.

"What does he know anyway?" I muttered."I'm a good driver.Everything's going to be fine."

The rain/snow was really coming down now, so I turned up the windshield wipers.

"I'll just take it slow and—"

A shape darted out in front of me, and I gasped.I didn't know if it was a dog, rabbit, or something else, but I jerked the car to the side to avoid it.My tires lost traction.It all happened so fast and yet felt like everything was moving in slow motion.I lost control of the vehicle, but at least I knew better than to slam on the breaks.The car spun until suddenly it stopped.I was pitched forward slightly in my seat as I took stock.My heart was pounding; my hands hurt from gripping the steering wheel so hard; my neck and every muscle in my body was filled with tension; but otherwise, I was good.

My car, however, was not.

It refused to start.

The engine tried but wouldn't even turn over.

I opened the door, stepped out on shaky legs, took in the situation and frowned at what I saw.

My little Honda Fit was stuck.

In a ditch of all places.

Glancing back at the road, there was no trace of the animal I'd tried to avoid, but there in the middle of the lane was what looked like a large circle of ice.

Seaver was right.Damn him.And now, it looked like I'd be walking home.

Maybe it was shock, but the cold didn't register until that moment.

My teeth started chattering as I reached back inside to get the bags.I considered calling someone, but I didn't want Mom or Finn driving either.That could end just as badly or worse.My knees weren't all that steady as I turned to the road, but I shifted my shoulders back.With a deep breath, I took my first step towards home.

But I didn't get any farther than that.

Headlights suddenly appeared, heading my way.They blinded me momentarily.

It was odd.

Like I said, I hadn't seen many other vehicles on the way to or back from the store.

Still, I didn't think anything of it until the car pulled over to the side of the road, right next to me, rolled down the window, and I saw Seaver's face.He did not look happy.

"Get in," he said.

I opened my mouth to argue, the need to oppose him at every turn rising up inside me, but then he stunned me.

"Please."

He was still glaring.His mouth was tense.There was no hint of a smile anywhere.But that word from his lips and the worry I saw flash in his eyes had me getting into the car without protest.As soon as I closed my door, I expected him to start driving.

But instead, he sat there for several moments, still as a statue.

When I couldn't take it any longer, I said, "So, how are things at the house?"

"Are you okay?" he said.

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