Page 12 of Wrecked for Love
“You’re not wrong,” I admitted, staring at the empty plate in front of me. I didn’t even realize how fast I’d eaten. “It’s been a long couple of days.”
“Figured as much,” he said, tapping the rim of his cup thoughtfully.
“So, what do you call your farm?” I asked, hoping for a clue about which town I’d stumbled into.
“The Lazy Moose,” he replied.
“Cute. But I bet no farmers around here are lazy, right?”
“I’m as lazy as a bear in spring,” he said, stretching his arms like a grizzly waking from hibernation.
Lazy? Not a chance. He might be like a bear, but the kind that could take down a mountain, not nap through it.
I glanced his way, my eyes tracing how his snug sweatshirt framed those broad, muscular arms. I’d caught a glimpse of those pythons earlier when he’d peeled off his jacket at my command, headlights shining on him. Now, it felt like I was seeing the sequel to that moment. The sweatshirt was white, and I couldn’t tell if the fabric was actually thin enough to reveal his tanned skin and soft chest hair or if my imagination was just getting ahead of me.
“So, which town is this part of?” I asked, keeping my tone light despite the distraction.
He scoffed. “I thought you had a direction.”
“Come on, I practically crash-landed onto your property without even noticing. By now, you should know today’s been a mess for me.”
He leaned back, grinning. “Welcome to Buffaloberry Hill.”
Well, what do you know, my host was capable of real smiles after all. In fact, it was a killer smile!
“Buffaloberry Hill, eh?” I said, more to myself. “South Montana?”
His grin turned into something closer to pity. “Southwest. You’re smack in the heart of Bitterroot Valley.”
The town could be my next stop, depending on how tonight went and how the people here were. If they were as decent as my host, maybe I could stick around a little longer.
My plate was cleared. Not even a remnant of the mustard was left. Both our teacups sat empty on the table. He looked at me, his expression serious but not intense. “Look, I’m not some creep who kidnaps random passersby like inThe Hills Have Eyesor something.”
“Well, in my experience, the people who say they’re not creeps usually end up being the creeps.” I shot him a teasing smirk.
“There she is—Miss Chili Pepper’s back,” he said. “But really, what I’m trying to say is,” he gulped, “you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need to. Get back on your feet before you move on.”
“I just need tonight,” I said, the words hanging between us.
He didn’t push, didn’t ask for more. Just nodded slowly. “Fair enough. Everyone’s got their reasons. I’m not one to pry.”
I exhaled, letting the tension slip away as the storm raged on outside, hurling thunder and lightning across the sky. Koda stuck close to Elia, the collie’s calm demeanor surprising amid the noise.
“He’s not afraid of storms?” I asked.
“Not when I’m around,” Elia replied. “But if he’s alone, he gets a little spooked. Sometimes, I find him hiding behind the couch when I come home.”
“Good boy.” I raised my eyebrows in a praising gesture.
As I carried our cups and plates to the kitchen, Elia headed for the living room, setting up the couch.
I joined him. “Thanks,” I said, appreciating the gesture.
“Think that’s enough blankets?”
“Yeah.”
“If you want the fire going all night, there’s plenty of wood right here.” He patted the stack beside the hearth. “You know how to handle a fireplace without torching the place, right?”
