Page 37 of Cozy Cabin for Two
“Oh, well, this sounds like something we should discuss another time,” I started, but then Ash got called away by Knox to deal with the bonfire issue.
“I need to go, but I’ll come find you both later.” He rushedoff.
As I watched his cute ass scoot away—thank you bright lights on the barn roof so I could see despite the moonless night—a thrill shot down my spine. If the day hadn’t been exciting enough, very soon I’d be in Ash’s arms on Rhodes Ridge, making love all night and claiming the start of our forever together.
Goosebumps travelled up my arms, but more likely because of the drop in temperature.
“Mom, come on. Dusty and Eli are waiting.” Ro tugged at my arm to follow her over to where they were waiting by the lemonade stand. I realized she wore a thin black t-shirt with the ODRR brand on it that Ivy had made for her, but with the chilly air descending upon us, I wouldn’t want her to catch a cold.
“Ro, I’m going to get you a jacket. I’ll be right back. Stay with Dusty.” I noticed Colt had just finished loading up the ATV with all the empty cookie trays. Ash had said we’d store them away in the shed for the next time we have a community event. From the sounds of things, Chris had suggested we do this every year.
“I can run those over to the cabin, Colt. I have to get jackets anyway,” I offered.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll go see if Ivy and her sisters need any help.” He nodded and was off. I chuckled. Such a sweet guy, and clearlyinfatuated with Ivy.
As I started out in the ATV, which Ash had given me a lesson in driving last week, I realized too late how dark it got the further away from the barn. Why didn’t I think earlier of turning some lights on in the cabin, and the porch lights too?
“Sure can get pitch black in the middle of Montana on a night like this,” I muttered to myself and tightened my grip on the steering wheel. It hit me that this may not have been the best idea, considering I thought I saw a bear last night. But Ash’s crew had kept watch all day, and reported not seeing any sign of one.
It probably wouldn’t hurt to be careful, though, out alone like this away from anyone else. A nervous laugh escaped my lips, picturing me trying to outrun a bear in this ATV. How fast would this sucker go if I floored it?
“Okay, city girl, you need to get tougher and get used to mountain living,” I admonished myself. I’d have to ask Ash if he could teach me how to be his mountain woman. I should probably learn some basic survival skills. The only survival skill drilled into me from living in California was to lock up everything.
Ro, too, could use some new rules for safety. She’d be our little mountain girl, and we’d be a family. We could be happy forever on this ranch.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I swung around to the front of the dark cabin, parking by the steps. Something out of place caught my eye at once. The passenger door of Ash’s truck sat open.
That was odd. But no sooner had I rounded the door to look inside and close it, when someone held a gun to my temple. I gasped and never even saw the man coming toward me until it was too late.
“Don’t scream or I’ll have to shoot, and you’re too pretty for that.” The man’s voice rasped.
I couldn’t find my voice at first, and when I did, it stuttered. “P-please. You can have the truck. Just don’t hurt me. I-I have a daughter who relies upon me.” I was not above using Ash’s truck as a bargaining chip.
“Well, isn’t that special? I have kids too. I’m trying to get home to them. Now get in.”
I strained my eyes to the side to get a better view of him. “Who are you?” Long dark hair and olive skin blurred with the gunmetal gray of the weapon.
“No one of consequence unless you do something you shouldn’t, like screaming. Then you’ll regret it.”
If I stalled long enough, maybe someone would find me. Poppy would be here soon to babysit for us. Ash would come looking, wouldn’t he?
Would I even make it to see another day with Ash?
“Get in, I said.” The man with the gun grabbed myarm and shoved me inside. He followed, pushing me to the driver’s side. I reached for the handle to launch myself out, but that darn gun was pointed at me. He cocked it ready to use.
I shrunk against the door and cowered with my arms up. That’s when I recognized him. Cold spread across my skin. He was the fugitive on the poster I saw at Ivy’s shop.
“Gary, is it? Wanted for murder?”
The man eyed me coldly. “Shut up and start it up.”
Of course, the keys were right where Ash had left them—in the ignition. Dammit. I didn’t see any other choice. The truck roared to life.
“Get out onto the main road. Head West,” the man snapped, keeping the muzzle of his gun trained at my side. “Try anything stupid, and you’ll regret it.”
I had to do something. Instincts kicked in that at some point my usefulness would expire. I’d end up the loser in this situation. It came down to whether it would happen here or further down the road.
As I approached the end of the driveway, I gunned the engine, tires spinning in the gravel as I turned onto the main road. I hoped someone would hear the noise and come looking for me.
